eco

If I asked you the following question - visualize a group/organization or person who you see as an eco leader, could you identify an eco leader? Recently during a workshop, I solicited an answer to this question and received what I consider to be a disturbing response, an answer that should be a wake-up call to the Industry as a whole.

Solicited as a workshop instructor for National League of Cities conference held in DC, my topic was change/green America's landscape. As part of the 3-hour workshop, I presented individual, business and community eco commitment examples and tips/strategies. At the end of each section, attendees actively participated with opinion and input. In fact, there were representatives from the 'eco progressive' state of Oregon, California, mid-west states and east coast area, too. So, workshop attendees were a diverse array of representation.

Then, as a final exercise, I asked the group to 'pause' and visualize a group/organization or person who they saw as an eco leader. After reading a list of compiled eco leadership characteristics, I asked if my list matched their visualized person/group. But instead of initiating a chatty discussion, you could ‘hear a pin drop’. Finally, a representative from Texas spoke up and said when he 'paused to visualize' an eco leader, he could not visualize a person and/or group. His candid response opened the door for further discussion and the remaining nation-wide city/community leadership reps also stated their inability to identify a person and/or group considered to be eco leaders. So, my question is what are we doing as Industry participants to not be seen as eco leaders, people who green America's landscape?

Most of you are aware that in addition to being a person who 'digs in the dirt' and advocates others to join in, I participate as an Industry writer and communications advocate/instructor. In fact, a few years ago, a local Dean of Horticulture asked if I'd combine personal skills plus my 20 years of Corporate experience with 'living green' Industry requirements to create a college level communications course. As a result, I published a book - The ABCs of Green Industry Communications,
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-abcs-of-green-industry-communi..., provide ongoing workshops/speeches and publish articles and columns. Still,
I feel like I've made minimal Industry impact.

So, to enable a discussion of how to fix the issue of ‘not being seen as eco leaders’ I’m going to share ‘Sylvia’s opinion’. I think we need to first and foremost mandate communications education and include college level communications courses in both 2 and 4 year Industry programs. During every Industry educational event at least for the present, have a keynote focus as well as workshop on the topic of effective PR/marketing communications. Include in media publications a tips and strategies communications, marketing and/or PR column. Although at one time there was talk of organizing some type of combined Industry effort to improve consumer visibility but I'm not aware of an effort - are you? And, to be candid, I personally think the present issue is more of a lack of individual participant visibility than the Industry as a whole.

On the personal side, I plan to work with the sponsors of the 'all cities' educational conference to provide additional eco education workshops; and perhaps, through ongoing events enable a forum for eco leadership discussion. I also plan to create an e-book format of my communications book and perhaps, this format will help enable its availability, visibility and distribution. And, of course as an advocate for the Industry, I'll continue to write columns/blogs and do whatever I can to create consumer awareness of the Green Industry's value.

Why? To be candid during a future workshop when I ask the question 'who do you visualize as an eco leader’, I'd prefer to hear regional stories of eco-goodness - greening America's landscape instead of hearing - 'I can't visualize an eco leader.' What do you think we - as an Industry - need to do to be recognized individually and as a whole by our Nation's leadership as eco leaders?

To share comments, ideas or strategies related to this subject or other communication topics, contact me at Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com.

While almost all Americans can find themselves, their ancestors, or their community through archive research, in celebration of March as 'women in history' month, I urge you to take your research a step further, document heritage – cultural diversity – through identifying, recording and sharing family stories.

Although I'm presently three generations removed from a Quaker heritage, there is one central guideline - caretaker -that continues to influence my legacy. For, basically, the Quaker culture views itself as a caretaker, not owner of property - a role which implies providing for the present without sacrificing the future.

This role is more or less the present-day definition of our 21st century green revolution. Yet, in my family for generations, it has inspired women gardeners. In my book – A Path Worn Smooth, http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/a-path-worn-smooth/4200561 which is dedicated to the people of my community Laurel Historic District, I invite readers to walk on a path worn smooth by generational expectation. Savor nostalgia for the places that are near and dear to my heart, recall family traditions and more importantly, renew experiences. Challenging all to celebrate heritage because heritage is more than a possession, it is a gift: the birthright of our children. So, I want to share with you the story of a 'family project'.

As a 'hands-on' landscape gardener, I regularly test products and services for vendors. As a result, one spring project is to test the outcome of three levels of kitchen gardens - container, above ground box and traditional agri in-ground gardening. In the past, I've successfully used seeds supplied by Renee's Garden, www.reneesgarden.com; so, for 2011, I'm again using Renee's Garden seeds in all three levels of the garden space. For the above ground garden, I'm also using an awesome product kit supplied by Green Land Gardener, www.greenlandgardener.com. This product so far has worked-well for a number of reasons: easy to assemble, detailed novice instructions and a garden design which includes colorful illustrative landscape cloths.

Step by step, I've involved my grandchildren in this project. First, we planted seeds in starter trays and are patiently waiting for warmer soil to transplant the seedlings. We also installed the above ground box and filled it with garden soil. Perhaps, more importantly, at each step, I've not only shared with my grandchildren an explanation of the process but stories of experiences planting gardens with my mother, grandmothers and aunts - the legacy of eco women in my family.

For, as a child of the era ‘tell instead of read’ me a story, I understand the value of sharing family heritage through storytelling. In fact, in my e-book edition, http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-path-worn-smooth/10645451, I included research tips and strategies that enable identification as well as publication of family histories. To inspire others, during the month of March, I'm participating in a number of activities. On Saturday March 26th from 1 to 4 p.m. I've partnered with Simple Pleasures Books & Gifts, www.simplepleasuresbooksandgifts.com to host an event Celebrate ‘Women in History month, Our Strength is Our History’ and book signing at Ashland Tea & Coffee, www.ashlandcoffeeandtea.com , 100 N. Railroad Ave. Ashland, VA, Phone: 804-798-1702. And, to further encourage others to document their eco legacy, through my Sylvia Wright's Storefront - Lulu.com, I'm offering discounts sales of eco focus books.

In celebration of March as 'women in history', together let's highlight the legacy of eco 'women in history'. Join me in an effort to 'move from eco-weak to eco-chic - green life's garden, one scoop at a time!'

The term – sustainability – has definitely become a 21st century buzz word. Similar to the concept, green, I can barely pick up a newspaper, magazine or other form of media without seeing this word. Yet, is it clearly understood or through excessive use, rapidly become abused or confused?

Recently, when I quoted Ed Snodgrass of Knoll Farms (www.greenroofplants.com) as saying, “Sustainability means we don't take more out of the Earth than we are able to put back”, I created a flurry of email/blog response.

Scott Kyle of Full Scale Architecture (www.FullScaleArchitecture.com) says the best definition he has heard comes from the Native American perspective of ‘providing for the needs of the current generation without sacrificing the needs of future generations’. Still, “many folks and groups,” says Kyle, “appear to corrupt its meaning which is a shame, because the term should mean a product or service that is truly green.”

“Those of us in natural resource management fields,” says Ellen Powell a Conservation Education Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Forestry, “think of sustainability as the "truest" green. To us, it means balancing human consumption with ecological viability, so that the resource remains viable for all purposes. In today's world, it's unrealistic to think that people will simply stop using renewable resources, such as forests. For example, if we stopped using wood as a building material, our alternatives would be materials that require more energy to manufacture such as steel. And, most of these alternative products are from finite, nonrenewable sources; in other words, not very green! On the other hand, we can provide both forest products and ecosystem services. For, land conserved through sustainable forestry is land conserved for clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, recreation, carbon sequestration, and a host of other benefits.”

Similar to Ellen Powell’s perspective, Somphit Kham of Giving Sustainability (www.GivingSustainability.com) defines sustainability as a product and/or service that is eco-friendly and contributes to social responsibility. On the other hand, Patricia Stansbury, principal of Epic Gardens (www.EpicGardens.com), has found the definition to be more philosophical or spiritual. “I,” she says, “have been invited to speak at a number of venues including churches about environmental stewardship as a matter of faith, and schools about how choosing locally produced food and consumer goods produces a more sustainable economy.”

Anne Bedarf of GreenBlue Institute found it disturbing when Provost Tim Garson of University of VA described sustainability as ‘only about eco-efficiency’. She and her classmates forwarded a letter stating, “Sustainability is the ULTIMATE green; but it's not a thing; rather, sustainability is a process, or a framework, by which our economy, people and planet can move toward equity and be self-sustaining. My work (www.sustainablepackaging.org) is a sector in which industry, government and nonprofits work together to define sustainable packaging. So, I believe each sector of society should develop a definition of what sustainability means for them.”

And, there in, as Bedarf acknowledges, sustainability is more than ‘green’. It is a way of living in the world with an ethical outlook that recognizes the impact of where we live, how we commute to class or work, what we eat, and what we buy as it relates to impacting other cultures and ecosystems near and far.

So, what does the term sustainability mean in relation to your day-to-day activities? In my first of five steps to sustainable landscape topics, I challenged you to make an eco-green commitment. Did you comply or are you still too big for your eco-boots, www.conservation.org/ecofootprint? Next, as discussed in step-2, I challenged you to not limit effort to personal or neighborhood spaces, take it to work with you. Encourage employers to measure their eco-footprints, (www.carbonfootprint.com). Then, in step-3, I shared with you visiting an eco-city and described urban green, a result of the synergy of all - as one consistent presence. For when I walked this city, I saw the result of a community planning strategy, eco-city - http://alexandriava.gov/Eco-City.

Presently, in step-4, I’m questioning your definition of sustainability and shared with you the perspective of others. On October 23rd, I invite you to attend my speech Gardening Green: the sustainable landscape which occurs during the DC Green Festival. Nevertheless, regardless of whether you can or can not attend this Festival, I challenge you to work with civic and business communities to ensure your community’s urban/suburban green. Together, let’s ‘green’ our Communities: move America’s landscape from eco-weak to eco-chic, creating sustainability, a legacy of healthy green.

Author’s Note - In anticipation of the 2010 DC Green Festival, I’ve implemented a 5-step sustainable landscape program. All steps are posted on www.TheWrightScoop.com blog, twitter ID WrightScoop and facebook group The Wright Scoop. A final step invites all to the DC Green Festival Saturday, October 23, from 12:30 to 1:15pm held at the Organic Gardening and Urban Farming Pavilion located in the DC Convention Center to hear my speech Gardening Green: the sustainable landscape. A signing/sale of my book From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green is host by Washington Gardener magazine and held at their exhibit booth. For details, see Green Festivals http://www.greenfestivals.org/index.php?option=com_mtree2&task=viewlink&... .

It's been a while since I posted a blog on here. So Just to update everyone on our progress. Everything is moving along and we hope to be in our building by this fall. Everyone check out our new website at         http://www.celticquestcafe.com . There you will find links to our Facebook, Myspace and Youtube pages. Not only that but you can browse our menu, see pics of where our location will be and 3D images of what the interior of the cafe will look like. Sign up in our guest book and say hi, or to leave us comments and or suggestion. Sincerely, Chip Hartleroad Celtic Quest Cafe Bloomington's only Eco Friendly Irish Coffee Shop

SoyCrete

SoyCretetm is an acid-free, non toxic concrete stain alternative that is ideal for all interior and exterior porous surfaces such as: concrete, masonry, brick, stucco, fiber cement, rammed earth and natural stone surfaces. The soy dispersion technology replicates the permanent absorption results like motor oil, but with an unlimited array of natural variegated color effects. The advanced technology will provide you with more than double the spread rate (400-600 sq.ft. p/gal) compared to competitive products. You simply can't find a safer, more flexible or more affordable decorative concrete stain.

The Photovoltaic roof consists of a set of solar panels assembled to cover the surface of the roof of a house or a building. Don't confuse it with the pool solar heaters, they are used to hot water and not to generate electricity.

There are no moving parts, maintenance requirements are reduced to the minimum terms and consist, mostly in periodic checks of the accumulator battery.

The photovoltaic modules that make up the solar panels, transform the energy received from the sun into electricity used for domestic use in partial or total replacement of conventional supply.

This solar system is feasible even on complex already built but is considerably cheaper, obviously, if already part of the plan for a new building.

Of course, the main advantage of these systems is in the use of an inexhaustible energy source, free and clean. The energy produced by photovoltaic panels is included in the existing electrical system and connected to the supplier of electricity.

Therefore, a practical example is that when it produced more energy than required, the system can assign an energy surplus to the electricity distributor.

The market is increasing its penetration, the experts for the magazine "World Renewable Energy" have estimated a change of 1000 kW in 1990, 2000 in 1993, 7000 in 1996, 36,000 in 1999, 60 thousand in 2000, 800 thousand in 2010.

Is it Really Eco? Don't be Fooled!

Wood suppliers often make claims that their products come from "managed" or "sustainable" forests, but without independent certification, there is no way to really know. Increasingly, such claims are used as a marketing ploy to "greenwash" material that came from destructive forestry practices. That’s why it’s important to buy certified wood, BUT. . .

The fact that a wood product is "certified" does not mean that it comes from an ecologically-well managed forest. There are now various types of forest certification (see below), and most do not have meaningful environmental standards, enforcement mechanisms, or methods of tracking the wood through the supply chain to keep out illegally-logged material and prevent misrepresentation..

The only forest certification system that enjoys the support of environmental groups worldwide is that of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which is independent, non-profit, and has a mechanism for tracking wood from the forest to the consumer. The U.S. Green Building Council only recognizes FSC certification as evidence of the sustainability of a wood product. If you want verification that the wood you are purchasing came from a truly well-managed forest, demand FSC-certified material, and demand proper documentation.

PLEASE NOTE: the fact that a company has FSC certification does not mean that what is being sold is FSC-certified. Many companies that have FSC "Chain of Custody" (COC) certification, which gives them the right to buy and sell FSC-certified wood, don't sell much FSC-certified wood at all. This is particularly the case in the wood flooring industry.

Most FSC-certified wood products have on-product FSC labels. If you are purchasing what you believe is FSC-certified wood but there are no FSC logos on the product packaging, it most likely is not certified, no matter what the rest of the information provided by the manufacturer or supplier might indicate. Some companies will even use the FSC logo on product samples, but ship uncertified material to fill your order. To verify the FSC-certified status of a wood product that does not bare the FSC logo, demand not only the supplier's COC certificate, but also an invoice or receipt detailing the FSC-certified status of each product on an individual line-item basis. If the invoice's line-item doesn't say "FSC-certified," the material is not certified.

Examples of questionable certification systems include:
SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative - Sustainable Flooring)

• Funded and dominated by the timber industry
• Weak environmental protections
• Allows conversion of natural forests (including old-growth) into tree farms
• No credible Chain of Custody to keep out illegal wood

CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
• Allows large-scale clearing of old-growth
• Fails to protect First Nations

PEFC - Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
• Weak environmental standards
• No credible Chain of Custody
• Mutually recognizes virtually all forest certification systems, including SFI and CSA
• PEFC wood could come from almost any source

ISO (International Standards Organization)
• Standards address manufacturing practices, not forest management

IBAMA
• Program of the Brazilian government
• Low environmental standards, poorly enforced
• No Chain of Custody

None of the above forest certification systems enjoy the support of the environmental community. The FSC, on the other hand, is supported by major international conservation groups such as Greenpeace, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Rainforest Action Network, and many others.

Forest Certification Reports
These independent reports provide a basic overview of some of the issues surrounding forest certification and responsible wood purchasing.

MISSION STATEMENT

EcoTimber brings positive change to the way forest ecosystems are managed worldwide by offering wood products that only come from the highest standards of sustainable forest management. Also, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality, beautiful, and healthy products that are free from toxic materials.

EcoTimber will always remain on the cutting edge of environmental awareness and action. Our professionalism will demonstrate that highly ethical business practices can be sustained without sacrificing financial success; proving that integrity and passion can go hand in hand with profitability.
OUR PRACTICES

Since 1992, EcoTimber has promoted forest conservation worldwide by selling sustainably-harvested and reclaimed wood products. We back our products with a commitment to excellent quality, friendly service, and competitive pricing.

Our suppliers' forestry practices guarantee a perpetual yield of high-quality timber while maintaining or restoring healthy, self-regenerating forest ecosystems. EcoTimber specializes in wood products from forests that are certified well-managed according to the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), as well as wood alternatives such as Bamboo flooring. EcoTimber thoroughly researches our sources, maintaining the highest standards in choosing genuinely eco-friendly products.

When you buy from EcoTimber, you're not just buying the finest wood products available. You're casting a dollar vote for sustainable forestry, and helping conserve forests through responsible wood use.

OUR PRODUCTS

EcoTimber offers a wide range of gorgeous domestic and exotic hardwood and bamboo flooring, including prefinished engineered and floating floors. We provide many types of bamboo flooring and hardwood flooring products. All EcoTimber flooring is milled in standard formats that contractors feel comfortable with, and we offer warranties that match the best in the business. Purchasing eco-friendly wood products does not mean sacrificing beauty, durability, or ease of installation.

OUR SERVICES

EcoTimber provides full technical support, including but not limited to data sheets for our bamboo & hardwood flooring products, specification guidelines, samples, and installation instructions. We can ship almost anywhere via common carrier.

OUR CUSTOMERS

Our customers include well-known companies like Nike, Disney, Pottery Barn, Patagonia, and Whole Foods Market, as well as architects, designers, builders, developers, corporations, and countless home owners. Our list of satisfied customers grows every day.

The 'Sonoma House' is a gorgeous, barn-style, 1200sqft granny home with a modern interior that is healthier, more energy efficient, and better for the environement! Additional environmental products featured with the home are: reclaimed local wood installed for floors, PV solar system, rainwater catchment system, built in recycling system, ICF foundation forms, smart vents, cool metal roof (as seen in example photo), lime plaster, and more! In 2002, Nichoel Farris founded American Home Sales, a local prefab home design company specializing in factory built custom homes and cottages. Because of the lack of affordable green building options available to the average family, she worked with the EPA's Energy Star New Homes program to design and develop the first Green Manufactured Model Home. The Sonoma House will be open daily for tour at the Spring Auburn Home Show. May 16- - May 18 For more info or to tour the other Green Model Homes on display: American Home Sales 530.885.4555. Custom Home Design Services and Full Construction Available Serving California and some neighboring states.

Am I the only one who is getting sick of hearing about small, homegrown eco-brands being bought by big corporations and investment groups? By no means am I against the development of a just and planet-friendly company, but this is getting ridiculous. Is it impossible for a company to be profitable without "submitting" to the bigwigs who harvested the problems with our current marketplace?

Odwalla and Tom's of Maine are two of the most notable acquisitions in recent years. December 2006 brought the announcement of two more: Avalon being bought by Hain Celestial and Van's Foods being bought by Healthy Food Holdings. Thanks to the linked article, I was also informed that Naked Juice, Jason, and Zia have all been bought by these types of mega-groups; no wonder it is so easy to find them on store shelves!

While these changeovers do help to get natural and organic brands the attention they deserve, are the companies buying them doing it for the right reasons? The wording in the NFM article leads me to believe that they are way off base. The growing eco-market is one that should not be ignored in terms of profits, but there are reasons why it is so popular with consumers: safer, healthier, better for the planet ... etc. Making money is vital to a company's success, but these buyers need to remember why people started these businesses in the first place: to help make a difference for their families and mother Earth. As Avalon and Van's are marketed to stores and regions they wouldn't normally have been able to reach on their own, will their values suffer to help them fit in? Being different is what made them stand out in the first place.

In the last 2006 issue of VegNews, a great article was featured on this topic, though with a different spin. From a vegetarian (and concerned citizen) aspect, can you justifying buying items from these brands after they have been acquired? For example, Tom's of Maine was purchased by Colgate, which is known to do animal testing. As a forward-thinking, eco-concerned individual, would you continue to get your toothpaste and shave cream from Tom's, knowing that you are also funneling money to a company that does such cruel and needless actions? Or, in turn, how about Odwalla being bought by Coca Cola? Why buy healthy fruit drinks from a company that sells needless sugary beverages to kids and adults, adding to the obesity problem in this country?

Though a number of new opportunities to expand business present themselves upon being purchased by a larger company, the ethical and eco-market implications need to be studied as well. I think I'll stick to my Dr. Bronner's, Aubrey Organics, and Amy's dinners for now :)

(Image courtesy of Rob Lee)

[Reposted from Victoria-E.com]