Monday, September 17, 2012
Twitterers to Follow
I am brand new to this world of Twitter. I just opened my
account due to social media class assignment, but I really doubt if I will keep
my account for long. I selected to follow many influential people, educational
agencies, and public and social service community. I decided to follow Eduardo
Verastegui, Fr. George Mabura, and Pope Benedict XVI because they are people
who I admire for their faith in the Roman Catholic Church. As far a social community
I follow Televisa Deportes which is a sport television program from México. It
keeps me up date in the sports world. AISD, Arlington Police, and Lamar Vikings
are other companies/agencies that I decided to follow due to fact that they
have played a very special role in my life. Of course I also selected UTA Fort
Worth Center to keep up to date with class announcements, not announcements
Tweets ^_^
The Value of a LinkedIn Profile
Now, for me Linked in is not as appealing to my taste. I do
not have any LinkedIn account or belong to any group. However it does not mean
that later it can be a resource tool as far as to when finding employment. One featured LinkedIn is used for is to publish
data as experience, education, web pages and recommendations, as well as
allowing other members to contact a professionally focused specific. Which for
me it could be too much information and invades your privacy. But each user has
the chance to measure how much information is published. Privacy is one of the
biggest cons when it comes to any social media tool. Professional networking
sites I recommend will be to go directly to the interested company and go over
their website, usually upfront information upfront the main source is more
helpful.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Multi-Generation
Lidia Fierro is a native born Texan. She was born in 1963
which makes her part of the Younger Boomers. As she was growing up, there were
no cell phones only landlines. Most of the communication was thru hand written
letters, more face to face, and personal socialization. Technology was not as
much advance as today there was not used of internet or email. Now in this
generation internet and email is the hot spot for any social media communication
and is not going to go away any time. Work clock in was more analog (written time
cards) than now a day’s more digital (scan badge). The analog was more time
consuming and records could easily be manipulated. As a child, I do remember my
mom receiving only hand written letter from my dad who reside in USA. Fast food
register were not efficient and not as many quantities/efficient as today. Electric
type writers was the new and high technology, however Ms. Fierro was not
exposed to it until 1988. The first computer she works with was also in 1988
when she worked for food stamps office. Paperless reduction era has been pushed
since she began working; however she does not see as much progress. This point
of view is speaking from working for public government agencies, throughout her
entire work life. Currently working for
a governmental agency, I have to agree with Ms. Fierro; there have not been
many sustainable changes to work process in these agencies. Being able to adapt to social media changes is
very difficult and uncomforting, due to the fact that social media nowadays
from her point of view does not have any personalization. She refers to social
media as a “mess.” I differ from this point of view simply because just like it
is difficult for Ms. Fierro to adapt to new generation of social media it is
also difficult for new generation to adapt to her former ways of communication.
She does not have a twitter account;
however she does have a Facebook account and wants to communicate with old high
school classmates. I can see her generation trying to adapt to current social
media/technology it is difficult but what they are concern more is about
privacy. It was a pleasure interviewing Ms. Fierro; I got to learn many different
things about social media behaviors. During the city of Arlington's recent campaign to promote bike riding in Arlington, it used a mail/news paper ad
campaign with meetings and conferences to reach the
baby boomers because of their adaptation to that social media tool and they developed an app for mobile phones and you tube videos to reach Gen Y because of their current use of technology, which using those social media tools made generation Y more attractive and ejoyable. Social media tools have to be tailor fitted for different generations.
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| Career Edge Organization https://www.careeredge.ca/ceoblog/ |
Monday, August 27, 2012
Social Media Privacy
I believe that privacy is not guarantee at all when
you use social media. “A judge ruled earlier this year that users have no
privacy rights in their Twitter accounts. Twitter is challenging the rulings
and today made new arguments, including that individuals have a 4th Amendment
right in their Twitter account and that deleted tweets are not automatically
public.” http://gigaom.com/2012/08/27/twitter-files-appeal-in-major-social-media-case/
Each
individual creating a social online profile should have the mindset that
privacy will not be guarantee and be careful about the information that is been
posted.
We
should have the expectation of privacy and that is exactly what we have just an
expectation. The company’s privacy statement is too long to read and I
just click on agree to terms and conditions. Therefore I only have an
expectation of privacy from the company and it is up to me to do my best to
have privacy. First of all I only add people who I know to online profiles and
adjust privacy in account settings. Privacy with online profiles please, that
is a joke, want privacy? Do not have an online profile. Once is published in
the Internet it is there to stay and for the world to see. “2010 has been a
year of both growth and challenges for social media websites. Although more
people and companies are finding innovative ways to use these websites, their
successes have been marred by privacy concerns. In fact, as the popularity of
social media continues to grow, the focus on privacy protection becomes even
sharper among those who use these websites.”http://www.reputation.com/reputationwatch/articles/top-five-social-media-privacy-concerns-2012
Having
an online profile you have little or no privacy. Some profiles can be very
addictive. Having inappropriate comments or uploads can lead to harassment or
threats from opposite parties; also to not obtaining employment, emotional
discomfort. Online profiles are not for everybody, some people just do
not have a clear understanding of what is the intended purpose of the profile.
At the end each individual gives his or her own intended purpose.
What Can I Do? Social Networking Privacy: How to be
Safe, Secure and Social
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Body Politic Boutique
Company Visited: Body Politic Boutique
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: “ethical. sustainable. organic. welcome to body politic! Sustainable design, limitless style. It’s about choice, not sacrifice. Independent designers from Vancouver to New York are showcased at body politic. Our choices mean that you will find exceptional designs with an urban aesthetic, produced in North America, and created from the best natural and sustainable fabrics. Discover what the new “fashion-forward” means: sustainable design, limitless style!”
Final Thoughts: We met with Nicole Ritchie-Oseen. Sustainable Clothing? Yes! It that is how wonderful and diverse is the world of sustainability. This company design sustainable clothing. Although it is difficult to overcome competition the company actually retains its customers by educating their clients. Some of the profit for different products sold goes to a foundation where the clothing was made. It works with designer of clothing and accessories from USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and others. It opened 3 years ago and has mixed clients (mainly women mid 30’s) and now selling online. All of the customers care where clothing is made and what is made of. In the clothing you will see difference, quality, and value.
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: “ethical. sustainable. organic. welcome to body politic! Sustainable design, limitless style. It’s about choice, not sacrifice. Independent designers from Vancouver to New York are showcased at body politic. Our choices mean that you will find exceptional designs with an urban aesthetic, produced in North America, and created from the best natural and sustainable fabrics. Discover what the new “fashion-forward” means: sustainable design, limitless style!”
Final Thoughts: We met with Nicole Ritchie-Oseen. Sustainable Clothing? Yes! It that is how wonderful and diverse is the world of sustainability. This company design sustainable clothing. Although it is difficult to overcome competition the company actually retains its customers by educating their clients. Some of the profit for different products sold goes to a foundation where the clothing was made. It works with designer of clothing and accessories from USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and others. It opened 3 years ago and has mixed clients (mainly women mid 30’s) and now selling online. All of the customers care where clothing is made and what is made of. In the clothing you will see difference, quality, and value.
Greenworks Building Supply
Company Visited: Greenworks Building Supply
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: GreenWorks Building Supply Inc. was founded by Pete McGee and Alastair Moore. Born and raised in Vancouver, the two have witnessed their hometown grow into a world renowned city and one that prides itself on being green-at-heart. So it was a bit of a shock when Pete returned from business in the US and Alastair from teaching sustainable development in Europe to find that the city still didn’t have a source for green building materials. That was the summer of 2006 and soon after GreenWorks Building Supply Inc. opened to offer homeowners a one-stop shop for environmentally friendly building materials. Modeled after the green building centers that have sprouted up in the US over the last decade, GreenWorks’ goal is to provide its customers in Vancouver and across Canada the best options for creating healthy, beautiful spaces – both inside and outside the home.”
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: GreenWorks Building Supply Inc. was founded by Pete McGee and Alastair Moore. Born and raised in Vancouver, the two have witnessed their hometown grow into a world renowned city and one that prides itself on being green-at-heart. So it was a bit of a shock when Pete returned from business in the US and Alastair from teaching sustainable development in Europe to find that the city still didn’t have a source for green building materials. That was the summer of 2006 and soon after GreenWorks Building Supply Inc. opened to offer homeowners a one-stop shop for environmentally friendly building materials. Modeled after the green building centers that have sprouted up in the US over the last decade, GreenWorks’ goal is to provide its customers in Vancouver and across Canada the best options for creating healthy, beautiful spaces – both inside and outside the home.”
Final Thoughts: We met with Marya. They build well to live
well. Their main focus is on providing supplies that help health and are
sustainable. They provide international products such as alpaca wool carper
from Peru and portion of the benefit goes to local charities in Peru. Company
is not big on providing lumber, plywood, or other heavy material, but it is
certainly growing fast and most importantly always considering the environment before
purchasing products.
University of British Columbia
Company Visited: Center for Interactive Research of Sustainability
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://cirs.ubc.ca/
Mission per company’s website: "Develop applied technical solutions in building materials and design for commercialization by partners. Combine expert knowledge and public values and preferences in exploring pathways to a sustainable society. Collaborate with private, public and non-governmental organization sector partners to create superior policy and business decisions for sustainable urban development. Educate, train and demonstrate sustainable technologies and services and the practices of sustainable urban development."
Final Thoughts: some of the sustainable features that the CIRS building had was stir sticks made fine wood, solar panel windows, water cistern, wood floors from local wood, monitor showing energy savings. There were also some amazing housing and mix use development in the UBC campus. Townhomes, apartments, convenience stores, office space, etc. The 100 acre sustainable South Campus community has heart and soul in the urban village, where residents can live, work, study, and play.
Final Thoughts: some of the sustainable features that the CIRS building had was stir sticks made fine wood, solar panel windows, water cistern, wood floors from local wood, monitor showing energy savings. There were also some amazing housing and mix use development in the UBC campus. Townhomes, apartments, convenience stores, office space, etc. The 100 acre sustainable South Campus community has heart and soul in the urban village, where residents can live, work, study, and play.
BioTeq
Company Visited: BioTeq
Mission per company’s website: “BioteQ is a water treatment company that applies innovative technologies and operating expertise to solve challenging water treatment problems, converting wastewater into a useful resource.”
Final Thoughts: The person we met was Tanja McQueen. The company mainly focuses in the industrial part in mining. They remove contaminants from water. It became public in 2001. Main problem was acid mining drainage, which acid rain caused by mining. Metal recovery and contaminants removal and sulfate removal are some of the contaminants removed from contaminated water. Minerals extracted can be sold for profit. Company’s applications include mining, power generators, soil, and gas. The company has 16 water treatment plants and built all over 6 countries. The company has treated over 9.46 billion liter of water. Strategic partners are Newalta (Canada), Ecometales (Chile), and Lanxess. 10 million company and always striving for new technology. It is very impressive to find out how many ways we can be sustainable even in the mining business. The water before treatment is as black as coke and can be turned into pure crystal clear water. Basically, the company takes wasted from mining and turns it into something useful. Mining companies are very interested in sustainability. The bottom line of the company goal was to reduce waste integrates water treatment and a lower life cycle cost.
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: “BioteQ is a water treatment company that applies innovative technologies and operating expertise to solve challenging water treatment problems, converting wastewater into a useful resource.”
Final Thoughts: The person we met was Tanja McQueen. The company mainly focuses in the industrial part in mining. They remove contaminants from water. It became public in 2001. Main problem was acid mining drainage, which acid rain caused by mining. Metal recovery and contaminants removal and sulfate removal are some of the contaminants removed from contaminated water. Minerals extracted can be sold for profit. Company’s applications include mining, power generators, soil, and gas. The company has 16 water treatment plants and built all over 6 countries. The company has treated over 9.46 billion liter of water. Strategic partners are Newalta (Canada), Ecometales (Chile), and Lanxess. 10 million company and always striving for new technology. It is very impressive to find out how many ways we can be sustainable even in the mining business. The water before treatment is as black as coke and can be turned into pure crystal clear water. Basically, the company takes wasted from mining and turns it into something useful. Mining companies are very interested in sustainability. The bottom line of the company goal was to reduce waste integrates water treatment and a lower life cycle cost.
Fairmont
Company Visited: Green Roof
and Bee Keeping Fairmont
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: “Turning moments into memories for our guests”
Final Thoughts: We met with Dominic. He is the gym trainer from the Fairmont. This shows how interdisciplinary sustainability is, it takes of all people from different disciplines to move towards a common goal. The hotel has beehives and green roof. There are about 500,000 bees in 6 hives and they have been doing bee keeping for the last 4 years. The harvest is of about 600 pounds of honey per season. They vegetables, herbs, and honey are used by the chef in hotel’s restaurant. They also sell products from the garden and hive. Doing this saves about $50,000 a year.
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://www.fairmont.com/waterfront
Mission per company’s website: “Turning moments into memories for our guests”
Final Thoughts: We met with Dominic. He is the gym trainer from the Fairmont. This shows how interdisciplinary sustainability is, it takes of all people from different disciplines to move towards a common goal. The hotel has beehives and green roof. There are about 500,000 bees in 6 hives and they have been doing bee keeping for the last 4 years. The harvest is of about 600 pounds of honey per season. They vegetables, herbs, and honey are used by the chef in hotel’s restaurant. They also sell products from the garden and hive. Doing this saves about $50,000 a year.
City of Vancouver Convention Center
Company Visited: City of Vancouver
Convention Center
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: “To elevate Vancouver as the global leader and convention destination of choice, by creating inspiring and sustainable experiences for: Our clients, Our team, Our community”
Final Thoughts: We met with Kim and Jinny, Communication and Marketing managers. The convention center opened in April 2009, there was a need for city space for conferences and this building was built. It accommodates about 6,000 people and hold LEED Platinum Certification. Sustainability is not just a recognition is actually a part of the company’s culture. Most of the materials of which it was built are local for example in the walls, there is about 2 acres of local wood. It is a multi use space (wedding, conferences) 6 acres of green roof which also includes three bee hives. 4000 plants. Irrigation for the roof is used from gray and black water. Employees are encourage to walk along the park and bike riding. Digital signage is used to reduce paper usage. Artwork is used from local artist to decorate center and it also tells a story of the providence of BC. 40% of the building is in water.
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: “To elevate Vancouver as the global leader and convention destination of choice, by creating inspiring and sustainable experiences for: Our clients, Our team, Our community”
Final Thoughts: We met with Kim and Jinny, Communication and Marketing managers. The convention center opened in April 2009, there was a need for city space for conferences and this building was built. It accommodates about 6,000 people and hold LEED Platinum Certification. Sustainability is not just a recognition is actually a part of the company’s culture. Most of the materials of which it was built are local for example in the walls, there is about 2 acres of local wood. It is a multi use space (wedding, conferences) 6 acres of green roof which also includes three bee hives. 4000 plants. Irrigation for the roof is used from gray and black water. Employees are encourage to walk along the park and bike riding. Digital signage is used to reduce paper usage. Artwork is used from local artist to decorate center and it also tells a story of the providence of BC. 40% of the building is in water.
Loutet Farm
Company Visited: Loutet Farm
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Mission per company’s website: “increase access to fruits and vegetables
and to garden space for those most in need on the North Shore. Increase land
used for fruit and vegetable production on the North Shore. Increase knowledge
and skills relating to food gardening, thereby increasing community capacity to
grow and share locally grown fruits and vegetables. Advise on and support
policy development around urban agriculture.”
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Final Thoughts: We met with Heather
and Galvin. Loutet farm broke ground in February of 2011. This farm initiate as
a pilot farm later received approval from to city. It was made from a public
piece of property owned by the city. 400 yard of soil for beds, over 200
volunteers, and the first urban farm in north shore. The current living wage in
Vancouver is 19/hour, but a framer’s wage is 8.50/hour. It has 10 garden bed
and mostly supported by neighborhood volunteers, meaning that community
engagement is vital. Products are donated back to the community and also sold
in the market. Gardening workshops are provided to the community. The main goal
of the farm is to sustain itself. They are also in the process of getting another public property to start an urban farm.
Discovery Organics
Company Visited: Discovery
Organics
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://www.discoveryorganics.ca
Mission per company’s website: “We passionately
work to promote Certified Organic and Fair Trade by building relationships with
small scale farmers here at home, as well as abroad.”
Final Thoughts: We met with Miranda
and Andy. Andy is founder of this local food distributor company. The idea was after this small farmer decided
to go organic on all the food is currently grown and due to the misleading
advertisement of “organic.” The company works with transparency. The concepts
looked for in the company is fair trade and sustainable organics (which
includes paying decent salary to workers) The company buys products from
abroad, USA, and Canada because of the supply and demand. It compost and
donates food. They also deliver 24/7 and competition is pro-organics with
prices in the same range. Local commercial restaurants are the most attractive
costumers, but Choice’s Market is the biggest costumer. The company is focused
more on the social part of sustainability. 40 employees and they are also involved
in domestic fair trade.
EcoUrbia
Company Visited: EcoUrbia Network
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://www.ecourbia.org/
Mission per company’s website: “EcoUrbia is a not-for profit
organization, and a community-based sustainability portal.
We promote education and local action, and serve as a gateway for
community members to engage with each other on local and regional issues,
broaden public awareness, and offer opportunities for involvement and story
sharing. Sustainability is an urgent challenge, and there are many ways that we
can be-know-do more to support
ourselves and others.”
Final Thoughts: We met with Karen, Kevin, Julian,
& Tyler. Karen is the founder of EcoUrbia. Karen is founder the network. It
is a registered nonprofit society. The main foundation is food and waste. They
focus on advocacy, public outreach, and urban farms. It uses public land for
garden and legally they can advocate. The collaboration among local community
and eco-friendly advocators is very strong.
Kevin ideas is reconnecting people to food and about
returning back to the community by Doing
waste and food management and People
must have a connection of where food comes from.
The company wants to provide a portal to see real
sustainability progress and benefit.
Julian is a recent graduate student from the
University of British Columbia. He is the most recent member to the board of
the company. His main interest is on how science can communicate sustainability
to the public and how language needs to be structured to pass sustainability
initiatives. It is very interesting to see how EcoUrbia gives opportunities to
college students. Tyler has sustainability background and human culture and
food diversity is his interest. He wants to create self-financing for contemporary
art (from local artist).
Washington Green Schools
Company Visited: Washington Green Schools
Where: Seattle, Washington
Mission per company’s website: “Washington Green Schools challenges students and communities to create a sustainable region through educational experiences that transform school environments. Every school in Washington will teach, model, and practice environmental sustainability, serving as centers for change throughout the region.”
Final Thoughts: We met with this person Rebecca Meredith. It is a nonprofit organization that started back in 2005 as an agency funded by educators. The Department of Ecology was the one that helped with grants. It is composed of 3 members two co-directors and one staff. The funding mainly comes from Grants, corporations, and individual donors. The main concern that led to this company was the excessive amount of waste produced in schools. There is no cost to use services provided to the company. There are 2300 schools in Seattle but only 211 are participating in the program. The main concepts that school can improve will be Energy, Water, Transportation, or Healthy School Systems. These are the steps: 1. The school chooses the category they want to improve. 2. Set up green team. 3. Asestment of the school. 4. Behavioral change 5. Consider all other categories 6. Verify and Reflect 7. Share. The program covers a wide range of high and low income families. Schools in Texas need to implement sustainable initiatives. This way it will lead by example to improve our world. This is done by teaching sustainability to our children at a young age. In order for an initiative to be successful it does not just need to be implemented, but also needs a follow-up and review mainly by analysis of the data. Collaboration among different agencies is a plus when implementing sustainable changes.
Where: Seattle, Washington
Mission per company’s website: “Washington Green Schools challenges students and communities to create a sustainable region through educational experiences that transform school environments. Every school in Washington will teach, model, and practice environmental sustainability, serving as centers for change throughout the region.”
Final Thoughts: We met with this person Rebecca Meredith. It is a nonprofit organization that started back in 2005 as an agency funded by educators. The Department of Ecology was the one that helped with grants. It is composed of 3 members two co-directors and one staff. The funding mainly comes from Grants, corporations, and individual donors. The main concern that led to this company was the excessive amount of waste produced in schools. There is no cost to use services provided to the company. There are 2300 schools in Seattle but only 211 are participating in the program. The main concepts that school can improve will be Energy, Water, Transportation, or Healthy School Systems. These are the steps: 1. The school chooses the category they want to improve. 2. Set up green team. 3. Asestment of the school. 4. Behavioral change 5. Consider all other categories 6. Verify and Reflect 7. Share. The program covers a wide range of high and low income families. Schools in Texas need to implement sustainable initiatives. This way it will lead by example to improve our world. This is done by teaching sustainability to our children at a young age. In order for an initiative to be successful it does not just need to be implemented, but also needs a follow-up and review mainly by analysis of the data. Collaboration among different agencies is a plus when implementing sustainable changes.
McKinstry Innovation Center
Company Visited: McKinstry Innovation Center
Where: Seattle, Washington
Mission per company’s website:"Since we began over 50 years ago, McKinstry has continuously
looked for ways to innovate the business landscape. That's why we created the
Innovation Center: to give new and emerging companies a place where they could
come together under one roof to accelerate the advancement of new ideas, products
and technologies. We know that these companies play a big role in stimulating
innovation in our economy, creating jobs and ensuring our ability to compete
globally. The Center is an extension of our commitment to innovation and the
small businesses on the cutting-edge that are creating the breakthroughs of
tomorrow."
Final Thoughts: We met with this person Tony Stewart. It
is a 52-year-old private company. It’s revenues runs for about 500 million.
Provides space for start up companies. The company provides short-term leases
for star up companies; McKinstry does not own these companies. They are looking
for innovative sustainable ideas. Smart building lab that reviews energy
efficiency of all building owned. In order to enroll you must have business
plan and a fit financial background. The only fee charged is for when the
companies need grant writing.
Things Gained: There are companies that really care and help
in preserving and implementing sustainable products or services; and this is
one of the companies.
Group collaboration is needed to reach common goals. McKinstry rocks at providing assistance for
sustainability innovators. How to invest inside the company by providing an
umbrella to start a business and once they succeed the company is being
promoted.
IslandWood
Company Visited: Islandwood
Where: Bainbridge Island, Washington
Website: http://islandwood.org
Mission per company’s website: “To provide exceptional learning experiences and to inspire lifelong
environmental and community stewardship.”
Final Thoughts: We met with this person Judy. Previously owned by lumber company. The
company broke ground in 2000 but was not occupied until 2002. It has wetlands
and soil. The building is made with concrete (50% fly-ash) and wood from the
trees that were removed to construct the facility. However there is no natural
gas and are using propane. They offer a 4-day outdoor education program. Low-income
families can enroll and company let them borrow equipment. They have waterless
urinals and decomposing facility for the restrooms. Community is very involved
mainly thru volunteers. College professors and students can actively
participate in their programs too. Learning
sustainability at a young age really impacts the improvement of itself later
on. Sustainable and environmental saving techniques need to be taught at all
level of income people. College involvement plays a big part in the success of
sustainable initiatives. Islandwood is playing a big part in the change that is need to go towards sustainability.
YouTube Video
YouTube Video
Friday, May 25, 2012
Sustainable Seattle
Company Visited: Sustainable Seattle
Where: Seattle, Washington
Website: http://www.sustainableseattle.org
Mission per company’s website: “Sustainable Seattle's mission is to be a catalyst and resource for
positive change.”
Notes of Interest: We met with this person Terri Butler. Firs
community based organization in 1991. All started with a group of 20-25
concerned citizens. The concerned was the hogging of all natural resources. It
was also to investigate what makes more or less sustainable.
Things I gained:
To adapt and modify sustainable initiatives to fit local
needs
To start a sustainable company with low funding volunteers
and grants
Seattle is already at an advance level than level of
sustainable thinking than Texas.
Sustainable initiatives go beyond because there is a
gathering of business to share ideas and implement them.
YouTube Video
YouTube Video
EarthShare
Where: Seattle, Washington
Mission per company’s website: “EarthShare
Washington (ESW) plays a vital role in promoting environmental education,
volunteerism, and charitable giving by partnering with businesses across
Washington.”
Final Thoughts:The site visit was EarthShare an approach to sustainability. We met with
this person was Jeff Whiton. This is what was said the company is the
federation of other environmental nonprofit agencies. It focuses on employee
engagement and where they educate employees about environment. There are 21
local charities and 44 national/international charities. They offer sustainable
workbooks and software to promote sustainability within employees. The company
actually started a funding organization. There are no fees for services
provided. The things I gained were to see how much
education plays a big part in world of sustainability. The way funding is
developed thru donations. There are companies willing to charge no fees to
provide consultation to companies interested in improving the company’s
sustainability program or initiatives.
YouTube Video
YouTube Video
ecoEquity
Company Visited: ecoEquity
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://www.ecoequity.ca/about.asp
Mission per company’s website: “EcoEquity is working to address one of the greatest challenges facing
humanity – stemming global climate change. In Canada our work is focused on
creating green homes and sustainable communities. We are dedicated to making
energy efficiency an affordable, attractive and fulfilling part of people’s
lives.”
Final Thoughts: We met with Blair Wilson. The company
provides green financing to any company that owns a property or business. Any
type of environment ecofriendly project will be financed. The company focuses
on how finance can facilitate sustainability. A wrong tool to use is what is my
payback; instead stretch the loan to have less payment and equal energy and
water savings. Which makes cash flow positive for initial term of the loan. The
company currently charges 11.90 APR for interest in a loan, which is way better
than banks. They also finance the warranty and loan of the equipment/project. The main challenge to invest in an
ecofriendly project will be to educate costumer on cost benefit analysis and
how sustainability projects will have a long term and short-term return.
Putting correct words and showing numbers can ease the company to accept green
initiatives or projects. Vancouver has many green initiatives/companies/projects
that makes it easier to overcome some of the challenges we are currently facing
in the USA.
HiVE
Company Visited: HiVE
Where: Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://www.hivevancouver.com
Mission per company’s website: “A shared work space with a dynamic cafe-like studio culture, our
mission is to catalyze opportunities for collaboration and innovation
amongst a community of change-makers in an actively hosted, shared work and
event space.”
Final Thoughts: We met with Tera. A multi use space that
hold Gold LEED certification. Bike friendly environment where encourage bike to
work. The funding comes from $30,000 grant from city among other grants and
memberships. Two years ago the company had a vision of share space and company
is about to reach first anniversary. 70 organizations (IT, Biodiesel, Policy
Making, Architectures, Story Tellers) currently participate and the cost of hot
desk is fifty dollar for four hours. Participating companies’ brainstorms with
ideals and carry action forward for a solution. It consists of a very young
demographics and collaborates with 5 other network share spaces to improve
business. Help is provided little and big by other
organizations; for example Canadian post donated mailbox and Japanese consulate
donated lockers. This company represents how sustainability is a mixture of
many disciplines and the interaction among each other is crucial for the final
outcome. It is a good way to start a company when do not have enough capital to
begin with.
GotGreen
Company Visited: GotGreen
Where: Seattle, Washington
Website: http://gotgreenseattle.org
Mission per company’s website: “Got Green is a grassroots
group in the Seattle area led by young adults and people of color that promotes
the movement for an equitable, green economy as the best way to fight poverty
and global warming at the same time. Founded in 2008 under the fiscal
sponsorship of the White Center Community Development Association, Got Green
has quickly established itself as an authentic voice from communities of color
on economic, racial and gender justice issues within the framework of this new,
green economy.”
Final Thoughts: We met with Michael Woo. Company was
formed in 2008. Organized groups especially minority groups to created equity
and opportunity in jobs. Company got stimulus money for green jobs
capacitation, but no jobs available had to give money back. Women within
neighborhood opted to go with less healthy items for food, but the company
encourages people to grow their own food or buy food from local farmers. They
help seniors and low-income families to keep food stamps system that was threatened
to be remove by a local policy. The company
is also helping homeowners of the local government programs that help their homes
to be come more sustainable (weatherization). Leadership is a big part of sustainability
because it takes one person to lead others into informing and educating people
within surroundings about sustainable practices. Lets make our community aware
of the few local sustainable initiatives and make them full understand the
concept and the value of sustainability. That will lead to people being less
reluctant to change and will see the reward of sustainable products or
services.
Seattle Office of Sustainability
Company Visited: Office of Sustainability
Where: City of Seattle, Washington
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/environment
About Department: The
Office of Sustainability and Environment has been hard at work coordinating and
developing policies and initiatives to protect Seattle's environment for over 10
years”
Final Thoughts: We met with Jeannie Boawn. High-level policy led to initiatives in climate protection. It has been doing 40 years of environmental initiatives. It focuses on policy related to energy and climate. They are heading towards net zero carbon by 2050. The department of energy granted the community power works program. Which focus on preserve energy and retrofit buildings. Collaboration among other city departments is vital. They have electric vehicle infrastructure. Food system educational program informs citizens on healthy, affordable, local food. The city owns 7000 acres of land and only 2 properties available for farming all other land is not suitable. They city has mandatory recycling for residents. Waste 2020 is the vision of having 70% of the landfill waste reduced. They are currently at 50% reduce waste. Our local city should implement a coordinator of sustainability or an office of sustainability so that there is a better control and use of sustainable initiatives. Collaboration is needed among residential, commercial, community, etc it takes of all to make milestone changes. The local government needs to comply, create and implement policies that favor sustainability. Employee engagement is successful to increase green policies.
FutureWise
Company Visited: FutureWise
Where: Seattle, Washington
Website: http://futurewise.org
Mission per company’s website: “Futurewise is a statewide public interest group working to promote
healthy communities and cities while protecting farmland, forests and
shorelines today and for future generations.”
Final Thoughts: We met with this person April Putney. This
is what was said the company has been for about 20 years and it is a non-profit.
The main concern was fast growing Washington and changing landscaping this
scared people. The challenge was to protect natural legacy by the growth act.
Some of the main objectives they focus are public education, technical
assistance, policy appeals, and Advocacy.
They are not against growth they are against unnecessary growth without
using other alternatives such as vacant rural land. The funding comes from
foundation, donors, and memberships; the company consist of 11 employees
(lawyers, planners, and public engagement) the main event the company host is
the Feast with friends where local farmers and chefs prepare local food and
share it. She described in detailed what
a sustainable lobbyist did and how she still cannot get this bad perspective of
a lobbyist. She is a white hat lobbyist where she does not have any money to
work with. When an anti sustainable bill is created or
suggested we need to take action by opposing or just contacting people in
charge and share our concerns. Lobbyist has a very high impact on the
legislature part of the sustainable bills. I understood that growth is good,
but when the growth is excessive then there is a problem. Funding for most of
the companies is thru outside donors that have also a concern about the
environment and sustainable development.
I like the comment that she stated, “A community should be built for the
people not for the car” which really inspire me to think more of how materialistic
society has become.
NBIS (Network for Business Innovation and Sustainability)
Company Visited: NBIS (Network for Business Innovation and
Sustainability)
Where: Seattle, Washington
Website: http://nbis.org
Mission per company’s website: “NBIS provides Businesses and Professionals who are serious about
Profitable Sustainability with the connections, skills, tools, programs, and
resources that are vital for success in the Green Economy.”
Final Thoughts: We met with this person Karl. This is
what was said it is a 10-year-old company that had a concern to a planet for
his grandchildren. It helps business become sustainable by providing
workshops. They mentioned DM strategic
software SBP360 that has been out and takes date from other sources and use it
for sustainable matrix. The main goal is to accelerated profitable
sustainability. It relays on promotion and marketing to push their personal and
virtual consulting products. The scopes
will be 1. Fuel reduction 2. Energy buy utility 3. Everything else. They work
with McKinstry and collaborate between companies. Personal and family ideas to change the world are what make
me passionate to be a change agent for the world. Sustainability is also for
profit and not always a nonprofit. Not all sustainable makes profit and need to
find the niche where the profit can be taken. Marketing and promotion of an
idea or initiative is crucial for the success of an initiative. Employees need
to be rewarded for the work done. The scopes used by the company could be a
baseline for an intra-policy for any company. There is open range of options to
implement sustainable ideas or initiatives.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Trinity River Audubon Center
This place is located in Dallas, TX. Dana Wilson a volunteer
coordinator guided the tour. Audubon was a bird artist. The site previously was a Deep Woods Landfill,
legal Dallas landfill. In the 70’s city closed the landfill due to pollutants
from waste. There was 1.5 tons of waste. I was amazed how peaceful and
eco-friendly the building was. It currently holds Gold LEED certification and
has a bird shape design, with vegetative rooftop. East Texas bamboo floors, fly ash concrete walls,
recycled denim insulation, recycled tires/rubber floors, East Texas cypress
wood ceiling, Pecan veneer walls. They hay 9 ponds some natural and others
enhanced. It opened in October 2008 and has 6,000 acres of land, also have a
36,000-water cistern to irrigate perimeter of the building. Some of the
problems that the building faces are bird hitting in glass windows and Faral hogs. Some of the cool features I liked were that they are not connected to the
city sewer and knew their limitations as far as connecting solar panels. The
center does bird classes and community presentations, but their problem is that
very limited in staff most are volunteers. Some of the recommendations will be to
promote further discussion on sustainable use of biodiversity. I applauded their
use natural resources such as water and energy cautiously. TRINITY RIVER AUDUBON CENTER IS THE LARGES UBAN HARDWOOD FOREST IN NORTH AMERICA!
http://www.trinityriveraudubon.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Home
Texas Instruments Tour
The Texas Instruments tour was done by Paul Westbrook a sustainable development manager. He has been working for this company for 20 years and his degree is in mechanical engineering. The building was designed in 2004 and on 2010 the total revenue was 14.0 billion. The company uses 1 billion chips for calculator, iPad, phones, etc. It is located in 30 countries and has 80,000 clients worldwide. Some of the features include 92,000 acres, 1000 employees’ capacity. The outside pond is used for landscape irrigation, which is mown only twice a year. Employee transportation outreach includes vanpool, DART shuttle, and bicyclist covered parking. It was very surprising how each agency defines differently what sustainability means, for example this company’s definition was the balance of profit, people, and the planet. Paul stated that sustainability does not have a measuring device, which I agree sustainability has to be tailor made for each agency. The measuring device used by this company includes the following components Waste, Energy, CO2, Other Emissions, Water, and Sustainable Materials. According to Paul, sustainability is a good business if you know how to work it. One more thing that gave me a wakeup call was that people are abundant, natural resources are scare, and increase in productivity. The whole plant saves 4 million a year and reduces, 20% energy, 40% water use reduction, 50% emission reduction. This building is certified Gold LEED and in 2010 recycled worldwide 95% waste. The sustainable tour given and presented by Paul was a very informative and productive for the future career and personal life. The company should do more community outreach.
http://www.ti.com/
http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/csr/company/sustainability.shtml
http://www.ti.com/
http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/csr/company/sustainability.shtml
Plano Environmental Education Center
Autumn Dyllan guided
this center’s tour. This tour was very rushed and hard to follow-up. The
construction of this building was in April of 2010 and opened in December 2011.
Water, energy, and waste conservation are a priority in the center. It collects
rainwater, which is used for irrigation and restrooms. Solar panels and wind turbine are used
for to provide all energy for the building. They have a living rooftop, rain cistern,
enviroglass walls, cement and fly ash floors, cedar ceilings (planted and
harvested trees), and Chairs and tables from recycled materials. The total cost was 4.7 millions and its
Plano’s first LEED certified platinum building. I liked this site due to fact
that it does the education part in sustainability. They do lots of community outreach
(volunteers, sustainability classes, etc), which educates community about
current issues. I would loved for this tour to be more detailed and focused on sustainability
practices, for example more detail on the process.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
This presentation was done by Steve Chaney. The company is 150 years old and horticulture’s definition of sustainability from his point of view to be kind to the earth. Chaney is a horticulturist and one of his goals is to convince people that money is not everything and we need to worry about the future. EarthKind is a research proven technique to provide maximum garden and landscape; enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment. Due to severe drought in Texas, it is estimated that 20% of trees in Texas will be lost. It is also estimated 20-30% of tree loss in Dallas and about 50% in Houston. Some of the water issued include irrigation, natural drought, water quality (contamination due to runoffs), water conservation (is there enough), population growth, extended drought, and lakes filling with sediments. The environmental impact in regards to landscape is that lawn equipment uses 720millon gallons of gas per year, 85 million household has landscape, and 10,000 gallons of water are absorbed by landscape each year. Some of the solutions were to find adaptable and native plants, also design landscape that allows water capture (for example pond like lawn). According to Mr. Chaney Texas uses between 8 and 9 billion of gallons water per day. People must be preparing for long droughts by preparing soil, irrigation, mulch, plant selection, and harvest containers. He also mentioned the principles for sustainable lawn:
· Planning of Design
· Soil Analysis and Preparation
· Plant Selection
· Practical Turf Areas
· Efficient Irrigation
· Mulch
· Landscape Best Management Practices
· Planning of Design
· Soil Analysis and Preparation
· Plant Selection
· Practical Turf Areas
· Efficient Irrigation
· Mulch
· Landscape Best Management Practices
Friday, January 13, 2012
Improving Air Quality in North Texas
This information was presented by Mindy Mize and Wendy
Vandever. Both women work for the North Central Texas Council Government. The company
was established in 1966 with over 16 county regions and total of 240 member governments
(cities, counties, and special districts). Their main goal is to improve air
quality in north Texas. Other goals include plan communication needs, cooperating
for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. The air
quality is affected by pollutants caused by residential and commercial business.
The company identified six main pollutants in DFW area Carbon Monoxide (CO),
Lead (Pb), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx),
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Particular Matter (PM10 &
PM2.5). Ozone is one of the
highest in DFW area and its formation is made from stationary sources, miscellaneous
sources, on-road vehicles, no road engines. To reduce these pollutants, there
is a measurement system and currently DFW had in 2011 a 90 ozone level and the nonattainment
goal is 75 ozone level. Heat and pollution increased in last year meaning that points
increased due to that reason. What can I do? I can communicate with public and
business to improve local air quality. I can start by knowing the Air Quality
Code (See Graph Below). Some of the simple practices to improve air quality are
use mass transit, observe speed limits, bike riding, walking, bring lunch to
work, maintenance vehicle, combine trips, carpool, buy energy star appliances, and
use fluorescent lights. The company has lots of programs but one that I liked
to most was the Regional Smoking. It is a vehicle program where a citizen can report
an environmental contaminating vehicle, then NCTCG will send letter to owner,
and owner repairs vehicle. What I can
best use of what I learned from this presentation is to let myself become more self-concern
about the air and how I have been polluting it. Also to teach my relatives and
friends on how the air is polluted by general day to day activities that we do,
by telling them the alternatives. The insight I gained that might assist me in
my future studies and career is no to take natural resources for granted and
learned to find sustainable alternatives to preserve them.
Picture from http://www.nctcog.org/trans/air/ozone/current.asp
Air Quality Code
|
|
Green
|
Good
|
Yellow
|
Moderate
|
Orange
|
Unhealthy
for Sensity Groups
|
Red
|
Unhealthy
|
Purple
|
Very
Unhealthy
|
More information for Vehicle Program.
North Central Texas Council of Government
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