Teacups of Sustainability

Your Holiday is Over, Get Back to Work!

2012-01-11T18:04:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, Saturnalia, and every other winter solstice celebration!

We hope you had a fantastic time with family, friends, and college bowl games. Don't you wish it could last longer? But now the year is back in full swing.

And what a busy year it has shaped up to be. I don't know about you, but I've done more in the past 10 days than the last month, and that's not saying December was a sleeper, either! So we're all back from break, ready for action, and there's more to get done than ever before.

How does that align with those great resolutions we all made while still under the stupor of eggnog, food comas, and cheap champagne? It would seem a reckoning is at hand.

My suggestion? Simplify and organize. Sure, now you're really overwhelmed, but you're going to need to take a few moments and figure out what is truly important, then how to proceed to achieve your obligations and goals most effectively. Just like you have made your business operation more environmentally responsible and streamlined (you did, didn't you?), get yourself in line!

Here's how:

Cut the complexity and regain focus (It's tempting to want to tell the whole story of your latest project, but a quick summary gets the idea across better for the majority. If someone wants more information, they'll ask.).

Manage your time (Do your activities help your business, your family? If not, then it's time to reconsider.).

Look inwards (What's most important? Is that getting your deserved attention?).

I know, they seem so oft-repeated and ridiculous, but they do work, for both yourself and business strategy.

Your Goodbye Is Your Customer's Hello

2011-12-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

It's been a long road getting here. Product development, testing, market research, production, scalability analysis...it never seemed to end. But now you've made it. You have a product ready for your customers (and hopefully the world) to enjoy.

Now the real work begins.

Sure, you're certain the formulation is safe, cost-effective, consistent, not subject to temperature swings, and countless other factors, but what have you done to ensure an ideal first experience?

A few days ago (I'm not joking), I strayed from my usual lunches and had one of those single-serve Greek yogurts. The first thing I noticed when I peeled the top was how the yogurt had been drizzled in an intricate pattern. It was classy and enticing, and I couldn't help but smile (and eat!).

Their goodbye was my hello.

They could have easily left out that pattern. No doubt, it added valuable pennies and seconds to the production line. Margins would be higher, yields as well. So why do something to your product that couldn't possibly even help sell it on the shelf?

My hello.

Go back to my description of opening the container. Notice anything important? I was smiling about their product before even tasting it!

Before. Even. Tasting.

What can we all learn from their example? That perceptions, obviously, matter, but not only the ones you slave over for days, weeks, months, maybe even years. You cannot forget the little things, those that "seal the deal" for your customer's satisfaction.

Would I have eaten the yogurt if it had just been poured into the container? Sure, but it wouldn't have been as memorable. Which brand will I get next time I'm at the market? I think you can guess.

Once again, the Beatles said it best, "You say goodbye and I say hello."

Sales Without Selling - Part 2 - The Right Passion, ahem, Person

2011-10-26T01:00:00.001-04:00

Let's review what was covered before going further. The previous entry covered how the best sales is done without the customer ever knowing they were being sold. "Smell this perfume", "taste this appetizer", "try this cleaner": All ways to sell (if done properly) without selling. Bonus points if you can do it with nothing ever being said.

But how in the world do you get a team of people who can do that on a regular basis?

With a lot of patience, practice, research, and, yeah, time. Not to say that you'll be sailing the glistening seas of sales nirvana immediately following, but it will get you on the right path.

Hiring is a pretty complex process. Here I thought you read a resume, discussed it, interviewed, and either hired or passed on that person. Sure, now add lots of other steps in-between.

When we thought of how we wanted our Connection Development Agents to approach community businesses, we quickly realized that we talk about our offerings not as sales people, but as passionate citizens. So anyone working for us has to have the passion too.

And that, you cannot train.

So, is the resume check sufficient? Nope. For now, let's skip over the skills and qualifications assessment (which we perform differently as well) to what we can call step one:

Do they have the vision, the passion?
Are they open to learning about sustainability and community improvement?
How does that passion appear when talking to someone they just met?

Yes, that is step one. We are a social enterprise, and everyone involved must truly care for it to succeed. A sales person visiting a retail establishment is not what we want, nor can ever use.

A passionate member of the community aiming to help another resident in building a more sustainable world isn't selling. They're making a difference.

And that's not easy to explain in a "Help Wanted" ad.

"GREEN" Is The New Black

2011-10-20T13:08:00.000-04:00

This is a guest post by one of our Gold Certification Level members, Organic Catering & Events.

We love to throw a party! There is the food, the cocktails, the friends, the music, and décor. So much fun. The one thing we don’t like is the waste. As a caterer and event planner in South Florida, I became more concerned with that waste.

As we enter into the season of entertaining, the good news is that with a bit of creativity and a little know-how, you can have a fun festive affair, without it taking a toll on the environment.

Some tips for this season:

Supplies: Think like Grandma- Use the Good Stuff- break out the china, crystal and linens. If the event requires disposables look into the new lines of bamboo and plant starch plates, cups, utensils and napkins, they are biodegradable from a continual renewable supply with little negative impact on the environment.
Food: Leave behind your global thinking this time and think local. Shipping ingredients from other parts of the world requires a tremendous amount of fuel. Look to your local farmers market or CSA- Community Supported Agriculture. The food will be fresher, taste better and generally more cost effective.
Décor: Be resourceful. Use things you already have in a new and different way. Use a potted plant orchid or fresh herb, wrap the pot in a cloth napkin and display on a glass block or cake stand for the center of each table. Afterwards, plant in garden and reap the rewards.
Drinks: Simplify here and take advantage of local or seasonal ingredients by serving a signature cocktail and just some select wines and sparkling waters for your event. My favorite this year is our “Florida Snowball Martini” a mix of coconut waters, vodka a triple sec. Fun, Festive and Memorable. Keeping it stylish and unique without the waste.

For more info on how to have a green party or event and other eco-friendly food, drinks and entertaining tips call or email www.OrganicCateringandEvents.com or 954-568-2383

Always in Good Taste,

Chef Marci Boland

How Will You Change the World (Steve Jobs, in memoriam)

2011-10-06T00:07:00.002-04:00

Yesterday evening, we learned incredibly sad news...Steve Jobs has passed away. He fought gallantly with pancreatic cancer and thrived on borrowed time for many years, bringing joy and his unmatched passion to his family and the world.

The story of his life will be told, and retold, in every media outlet, each aiming for a unique way to honor his life and accomplishments. For they are wide-ranging. Under his leadership, the world developed a relationship with digital music players, phones that acted more like science fiction, and slabs of glass that expanded on this idea exponentially. But that’s not doing his contributions justice any more than saying that Einstein came up with an equation. For entirely different reasons, the world is notably better following their presence.

He saw the world differently, in some ways, how it should be, others, how it could be. He changed not only how people interact with technology, but developed it in such a way that those intimidated could approach it with confidence. Art and engineering, together. Complexity encircled by simplicity.

He’s been called the greatest CEO of all time, and it’s surely a valid statement, considering Apple is the most valuable company on the planet. It’s certainly one of the most influential. So what can we learn from his legacy?

That one idea can make a difference. That boundless passion can shape an industry. That putting your heart and soul into what you believe can change the world. "Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

Many years ago, Apple released a new marketing campaign entitled “Here’s to the Crazy Ones”. It struck such a chord with people everywhere that it can still be found on every Mac. Take a close look at that letter being written on the icon for TextEdit and you’ll see. Art and form, together.

Here’s to the crazy ones.

The misfits.

The rebels.

The troublemakers.

The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently.

They’re not fond of rules.

And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.

About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.

Because they change things.

They push the human race forward.

And while some see them as the crazy ones,

We see genius.

Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world,

Are the ones who do.

So, how will you change the world?

A Redesign & New Name!

2011-09-05T16:46:00.005-04:00

Well, the redesign has been completed! If you happen to be reading this post through Facebook, I'd strongly recommend you visit our blog at blog.greenprofitsolutions.com. It has been re-styled and formatted to greatly enhance usability, provide a more welcoming experience, and give you the information you want quickly and effectively.

Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Sharing: At the end of each post, there is a row of sharing buttons to quickly share with your network.

But now, on to the question you are most definitely asking: What in the world are Teacups of Sustainability?

Excellent question.

I am a tea person. Tins of loose-leaf tea kind of tea person. At home, it's the only thing I drink. Cold, hot, as long as it is decaf after 3, all is great.

For the coffee drinkers in the audience, think about how tea is served. Very often, it is in one large pot, with each person partaking in the experience using a small cup, call it a teacup. This allows the tea you're drinking to stay warm (not too much in each cup), while the larger teapot remains hot. Each pour is as wonderful as the last, since no sips are inappropriately tepid.

So a Teacup of Sustainability is the same idea. Think of each post as a teacup. Hot, fresh, and informative. Every new post provides a few more insights into the large teapot of sustainability. And you are welcome to partake in as much or as little of the conversation as you'd like.

Thank you for reading and I look forward to keeping the conversation fresh!

One final question: Do you think the address of the blog should be changed to teacupsofsustainability.blogspot?

A Sale Without Selling

2011-08-31T17:04:00.001-04:00

Don't think about a sales person.

What was the first thing that naturally came to mind? Of course, someone trying to sell you something. Car salesperson, perhaps? Maybe phone service...I can save you a ton of money on your cell phone bill.

In reality, the best selling is done without you ever realizing you were being sold. It isn't meant to sound nefarious or "sneaky"; that's just the way it happens. Remember that nice restaurant you were at last week, the one with the great waitress? Going in, neither of you considered an appetizer or their daily drink special, but half an hour later, there you are, sipping away on a wonderful concoction and fighting for the last of the incredible dip.

Did you enjoy the meal more with those perks? The empty plates and glasses speak volumes.

So, were you swindled? Of course not. Most likely, the waitress sold you without selling. Maybe she mentioned what the chef was featuring that night, or even explained her favorite items on the menu.

This is how sales should be handled in every industry. Unintrusive and catering to their desires and needs, showing how the product fits the customer, not trying to shape the customer to the product.

Turns out, this is a rare skill. Lesson learned for our own team.

But, oh, such a shame...our time is up for today! More on how we have worked to overcome this issue and let our clients and potential customers learn how our products and services can help them next time.

A (Big!) Month of Updating

2011-08-10T16:55:00.004-04:00

Wow, it's already been over a month since the last update to the blog! Amazing how time went by so quickly, with the soft launch of the Greater Good Alliance (finally!) and the bringing on of two wonderful Connection Development Agents, one of whom is just celebrating her engagement!

Good thing I missed the debt ceiling debate because it sure seems like everyone else had something to say about it. Strange, considering it was a non-issue through all of America's recent history. It's as if certain people are determined to put non-issues in the way of getting real things done.

I can tell you with certainty that we are not those people. In this time, we have launched the ever-evolving website for the Greater Good Alliance, enhanced the Business/Non-profit site, and designed a mobile-signup system for our Connection Development Agents to use while at a business. That's not including the multiple sales and informational presentations, ROI spreadsheet, marketing slicks, and other digital and print items. Or the fact that we now have a full-slate of launch non-profits to help, with many more on a waiting list (Interested? Sign up at business.greatergoodalliance.com and we'll get back to you very soon!).

Our social media presence has also continually been active on Twitter, Facebook, and even LinkedIn (one of our executives moderates the largest Green CPA group on LinkedIn), with regular growth and rising interest.

Alright, alright. You aren't reading this to have me market to you. But remember, most of the world is that way today. You aren't a person, you're a consumer. Organizations and companies who remember that there is a person behind the wallet are generally much more successful. So approach everything with a grain of salt, be prepared to ask questions, and remember to do your homework before agreeing to something or making a purchase.

And if you are offering a product or service, market to the person, not the consumer.

I'll leave you with one of my e-mail signatures: Make a difference in the world...give back!

I'm Busy...Got Words to Write?

2011-07-08T15:17:00.002-04:00

This blog is mainly operated by two of our company executives, and it is unfortunately a difficult thing to keep current with all else we are working to achieve. From the continuing development of the Greater Good Alliance to sustainability projects under GreenProfit Solutions, we're a busy bunch!

So first, some updates. What in the heck have we been doing? Well, we're making progress with website development for the Greater Good Alliance and have more details to share:

For consumers (remember the $5 credit upon launch!): www.greatergoodalliance.com

For businesses/non-profits: business.greatergoodalliance.com

Daily Connection Sample Site: www.greatergoodalliance.com/demo

Internally, we are also finalizing welcome kits, implementation programs, and other materials specially for our member non-profits and businesses.

And now...on to the real purpose of the post!

We want your words! Intelligent, well-versed, and passionate words, but your voice nonetheless. We would love to offer guest writers a venue for spreading a message of community empowerment, environmental responsibility, and business development. If you have something to say, please contact us to discuss publishing! Our mission incorporates helping the community, both private and public, and this will simply be another area in which to do so.

Once more, contact us for information on becoming a guest writer on our blogs. Or, let us know if you would like our own written material...we have a well-stocked library of topics already covered, available for your publications.

Throw it "out", take the trash "away", garbage "pick-up"

2011-06-24T12:44:00.003-04:00

Notice a trend in "trash-talk"? Nearly every way of saying trash (and recycling) disposal involves a form of "getting it away from here". So what?

When something is constantly "in your face" or readily apparent: trash on the street, graffiti on the walls, a messy room, it's a top priority to deal with it. We relish organization and cleanliness, so naturally, getting rid of these disturbances is highly valued. But, unfortunately, our satisfaction is achieved when it is no longer in our perception. Sure, the graffiti may be gone, literally, but the trash on the street, well, it was just taken somewhere else...away.

NIMBY: Not In My Backyard is a common refrain when speaking of things that are desired by society, but only if they can be kept out of our awareness. Cell towers, wind turbines (though I personally think they are awesome), and nuclear power plants all fall under NIMBY.

"You want it?"
"Sure!"
"What if we have to put it here?"
"Hmm...maybe not so much then."

This same principle is how we treat waste. As long as it is taken away, most people don't give it a second thought. Twice a week, the trash truck comes by and hauls the contents of the waste bin...well, somewhere...somewhere else. That's good enough for most, until we realize that on our joint planet Earth, there is no true "away". Away for one is "here" for another.

Back to the point. By thinking about undesirable things being taken "out" or "away", we lose the importance of their conservation. Take this extreme example: If the local landfill was situated directly across the street from your home, would you make a stronger effort to reduce your waste production, and encourage others to do the same? Sure, because it is IMBY, "in my backyard". Add the N, "Not", and suddenly, we cannot valuate it as clearly.

Apply this to all aspects of your life. From water pollution and conservation to waste/recycling, to consumer spending, there is no away, and a negative taken from your sight is now within someone else's.

Remember that the next time you "take the trash out".

The True Cost of “Deals”

2011-06-13T20:42:00.001-04:00

Being of the Baby Boomer generation, I remember when America was the uncontested economic beacon of opportunity and power in the world. Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, good jobs were plentiful and companies proudly toted their “Made in the USA” tags. Millions of independent farmers provided Americans and the world with an abundant source of healthy food, and small businesses played a key role in driving that economic engine. Unemployment was very low, our good health was almost taken for granted, and even immigration was welcomed. Yes, life was good.

So what happened? Why have we now become a second rate economy? Could it be all about the “deal”?

Sure, we can lay blame upon the rise of the fast food industry, which saw the corn incentives promoted by the government during WW2 and thanks to their lobbyists, still subsidized to this day. They created a factory system controlled by a select group of companies which eventually swallowed up almost every independent farmer, and ensured a never ending flow of cheap foods filled with fats, sugar and calories. A fast food burger is much cheaper than broccoli.

Or we can point our fingers at Walmart, the mega retailer who took on the giants Sears and K-Mart and whose favorite slogan in the 1980’s was “made with pride in the USA”. When Deng Xiao Peng opened the door to foreign investment and a market economy in the Peoples Republic of China, Walmart jumped in and started a massive exodus among American business seeking cheap labor. Millions of jobs were lost to China, (where our trade deficit now surpasses $270 billion), and the trends towards outsourcing spread to many other developing nations which were eager to provide the jobs at a quarter of the cost.

And of course, if we’re pointing fingers, we can’t forget about our own government. Supporting trade agreements which help multi-national companies keep their profits and stockholders happy, while forcing millions of field workers in Mexico and other Latin American countries out of work, seeking jobs outside of their home countries or in illicit activities.

Yes, there have been many stories of corporate greed and influence which have negatively impacted our country since those glory days, and correspondingly, even our environment and social systems have suffered. However, when we take a closer look, who is truly to blame?

Look in the mirror. Yes, it’s us. Unless we were born with the proverbial "silver spoon", from the time we were little, we have been trained to search out the “best deal”. Competition is generally good, but we now have built a mentality that paying “full price” is a fool’s game. Think about it. Deals pervade our media. Whether on TV, newspapers, websites, social media, text messaging, or whatever new technology comes along. There’s even a sense of pride and competitiveness among shoppers (and we are all shoppers) to find it “cheaper”.

The demand for cheap goods has created economic havoc here in the US, which is now a “service economy”. Most people have little idea what that actually means. Suffice it to say, that our once fully independent economic model is now almost totally dependent on products produced in other countries. Combine this dependence with new technologies constantly being developed and implemented, the trend is for fewer job opportunities. Not quite the American dream envisioned by our forefathers.

Unseen by American consumers seeking a deal, are the social, health and environmental costs. Here in the U.S., millions are still unemployed. Due to this persistent unemployment crisis, tax revenues are dramatically down, which has elicited a cascading effect of budgetary cuts, causing even more layoffs, and more people, many without health insurance, eating cheaper fast foods. Our health system, while perhaps the world’s most technologically advanced, is now rated 38th in the world by the World Health Organization, behind Ethiopia. Obesity and other health issues related to poor diet continue to increase dramatically.

These negative effects extend far beyond our borders. In order to meet our demand for cheap goods, millions of children, some as young as 4, are now working in factories around the world. Forests and land areas are being “clear-cut” by multi-national companies, such as the palm oil industry, which has created unsustainable mono-cultures by eliminating all native flora and fauna while usurping lands of indigenous peoples. Giant factory fishing fleets, led by the Japanese, travel the world’s oceans, sucking up every living organism in their paths, whether edible or not, leaving nothing behind. Due to the environmental degradation, entire villages of people have lost their means to support their families, and many have turned to criminal activities. Witness the rise of the infamous Somali pirates which started out as a group of fishermen whose source of food had been decimated by these foreign fleets.

Our obsession with the deal has fueled the world’s fastest growing company, Groupon. Growing from a modest 32 employees in 2008 to over 8,000 today, this company has built an extremely successful business formula on encouraging and offering deep discounts from merchants. Great revenues for Groupon, and great deals for consumers. But not always so for the merchants who are just trying to survive.

I guess that’s the point. In every great deal, there’s someone paying well more than full price. Hey, as long as it's not us...oh, wait.

Author:
Keith Winn - Chief Visionary Officer
Greater Good Alliance

Goals, Deadlines, and Waving As They Go By

2011-06-05T11:47:00.002-04:00

If you haven't noticed, we're really excited about launching the Greater Good Alliance. With all these "daily deals" sites popping up, it's thrilling to know we have something based on that premise (ease of understanding by populace), but with a significant ace up our sleeve.

Make that a pair of aces.

Just to refresh your memory, we are aiming to create greater communities, ones that are more intertwined, environmentally-aware, and socially dedicated. Businesses will be directly connected to local non-profits. Citizens will have easy opportunities to frequent those places of business and volunteer for the organizations. And every purchase (to be called a "connection") goes directly back to the local community.

Yeah, it's pretty awesome.

But those are our goals, and not our deadlines. While we are 100% committed to meeting or exceeding deadlines set for work with our clients, we made the mistake internally of not following our own advice. Our milestones were not rigorously followed, and if one slips by, another is likely soon to follow.

We are learning from that mistake.

I feel obligated to pass along what we've gained so you don't make the same slip-up in your organization or business. First, be excited about anything you're doing. That happiness shows through any marketing materials, event announcements, and even standard customer interactions; it is contagious. Contrived "excitement" is seen immediately by your clientele, and it leaves a very poor taste. Second, make internal deadlines just as important as one you would set for a customer. Hey, if it's missed, you can't deliver your product or service properly, so it still affects them! Third, know the difference between your goals and deadlines. They are not the same. Goals are what you hope to get done by a certain time. Deadlines are what you will get done.

Finally, you will miss some goals. Don't sweat it!

Lucky for you, you met your deadlines, so your customers were never affected in any way. In case you were wondering, this also connects directly with sustainability programs as well. Make reasonable benchmarks and work hard as a team to achieve them, but don't get discouraged if something takes longer than expected. Like any other business strategy, you may have unexpected setbacks. That's good. It means you are trying something new.

And what better way to differentiate than to do something no one else is doing?

Mutual help comes from mutual assistance

2011-05-24T16:19:00.002-04:00

I want to help promote awesome non-profits. Can I do a ton? Maybe not...yet. But it's something. You know, like the old starfish on the beach story. "Made a difference for that one."

So let me help you! For a while now, our outreach has included calls for the social media information to local non-profits. Are we looking to spam them, solicit them to "buy our stuff", or otherwise harass the administrators of those systems? Of course not!

We are working to build a movement rooted in passion. Those non-profits are where the peoples' passions lie. So let us help connect them with what they likely don't even know exists in their own backyard!

The response has been...ok. Not great, but not dismal. However, I know there are many more great organizations in the Broward and South Florida region not represented! Our research identified over 2,000 of them in Broward County alone. Non-profits: We need your help to begin to help expose you to more people.

Why do we want social media information for non-profits? To feature them, what they are doing in our community, and to tell their story to those who may be interested in listening. Not to solicit donations, but to build the passion, so donations and volunteer time come naturally.

So if you know of great causes that are not represented by us, leave their information in a comment, or post on any of our social media pages (GreenProfit Solutions or Greater Good Alliance, on Facebook or Twitter).

You've got the passion. Help us help you spread it far and wide.

It feels a bit like a (shuttle) launch

2011-05-17T14:49:00.003-04:00

You got me. It's been too long since my last post. Do I have an awesome excuse? Sure, I was battling reanimated dinosaurs on a remote island and just finally was able to escape. Good thing no one ever made a book, film, or theme park with that premise. Otherwise, no one would ever believe me!

In truth, we have been hard at work getting set for the soft launch of the Greater Good Alliance. What? Never heard of it? Time for you to get following and Join the GGA Movement! We offer Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for your status update addiction. Be among the first to sign up (it's free, really) and we'll give you $5 to use upon launch towards a discount or straight as a donation to a participating non-profit. Help a worthwhile cause with only your e-mail.

Anyway, that's what we have all been up to here at GreenProfit Solutions. One piece at a time. Like a shuttle. Millions of individual systems that not only need to work properly themselves, but also must work together with each other equally so. Yesterday, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on her final journey into orbit. But it wasn't without delays and challenges. This time, an important power unit that helps keep hydraulic fluid from freezing while in orbit broke. Can't fly safely without those in good shape! So, the team made sure all was well before wishing the crew 'bon voyage'. While you can see the shuttle pass over you while in orbit, the Greater Good Alliance will be landing in South Florida in just a few weeks!

The message in all this? Make sure all the operations and strategies in your business or non-profit work properly. Then, ensure they work properly together. Silo thinking can be dangerous for the Shuttle. It can be costly for you.

Learning from Strange Places

2011-05-04T15:02:00.002-04:00

Obviously, if you're reading this, then you have heard about the largest story on the planet. No, not the royal wedding, or that two Girl Scouts are appealing to stop the use of environmentally-destructive palm oil in their cookies, or even that a meteor shower (from Halley's Comet trail!) is coming this Friday.

You know what I'm talking about. Osama. Usama. However you spell it in your culture.

But the spelling is not the important part. Nor was his death, in a sense.

It was the way various parts of the world reacted to that news. In Washington, DC, there were thousands of people celebrating in the streets. Other areas were more muted in their acceptance of the information. Nearly as fast, blogs and other writers began commenting on the morality of celebrating a death, even if that person were responsible for the death and suffering of so many.

But that morality question is not the point of this post.

It all comes down to the fact that different people, from a variety of cultures, respond to the same information in sometimes completely opposite ways.

And we sometimes forget that in the environmental field.

"A big, bad company is destroying an important place! You should care and do something about it!" we say. Who responds? Only those we already had "on our side". So how do we generate the response we want (action, activism, passion) in a group that is not receptive to the general message as written?

Make it fit them. Learn what drives these varying groups of people. What are their concerns? When we can scale and frame an issue into the world view they possess, then support will simply follow. It is suddenly in their best interest to speak out.

One size message does not fit all. For some, that previous example is all you need. Another community may respond better with, "Jobs, health impacts likely from specific damaging action. Work with others in your town hall to send a message supporting your children's future."

Dancing in the streets. A solemn, candlelit talk. Two ways of expressing the same emotion.

An Earth Day Message

2011-04-21T21:38:00.001-04:00

On behalf of everyone here at GreenProfit Solutions and the Greater Good Alliance, I'd like to wish you a Happy Earth Day. It may be an oft-repeated suggestion, but we encourage you to make every day Earth Day. How? Make those little steps towards minimizing your impacts. You know what they are: reusable bags, consolidate driving trips, minimize energy and water use. But also, tell your friends and family. Help them do these little things as well.

And give. Of your time, your skills, your contributions, or your knowledge. It doesn't matter. But every bit you give back is a little more someone (or something) else would not have had if it were not for your generosity.

Earth Day isn't just about seeing green everywhere. It's about your relationship with the planet and everything (and everyone) on it.

Today, and any other day for that matter, ask us how you can help. We'll do our best to connect you with a cause that truly connects in your heart. No charge, no catch, and no strings attached. If you can help make your world a better place through our connection, then we've done our job.

But it is never done. Have a Happy Earth Day.

Sustainable Weddings, or, Marriage Without the Impacts

2011-04-19T00:02:00.002-04:00

Oh, how irony can stick out its head at the oddest times. For this entry, I was aiming to address sustainable wedding advice. Considering this summer has three weddings I'll be attending, it's been a topic of discussion as of late. So what can be done? Weddings are notoriously expensive and resource-intensive celebrations, but that does not mean all hope is lost.

Of course, this is where the irony steps in. Yesterday, a business friend asked me this precise question. At the exact same time, I was reading a message from one of my to-be-married friends about how she will be making her wedding as sustainable as possible. So, I organized the steps she will be taking, along with a bit of explanation on each item. Turns out, the e-mail message was printed in the business associate's blog word for word.

Seems silly to reprint it all again here, so for some amazing sustainable wedding steps (all of which will save money), please continue on to Sustainable Wedding Advice (blog by Nila Do, Editor with Gulfstream Media Group).

Have a great week!

Go to the Event, Especially If You Don't Care

2011-04-05T22:09:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, the Kids Ecology Corps. put on their annual People and Planet Day event. Held at a new location, Esplanade Park, they were privileged to be situated on one of downtown Ft. Lauderdale's prime pieces of real estate. The event accommodated a wide range of businesses, from local organic vegetables to personal health and wellness. Organizations participating covered the usual sectors: helping kids become more healthy and environmentally responsible, growing your business with the help of a "green" network group, as well as a variety of others. Food at the event was provided by a team of very passionate, talented, and entertaining organic chefs.

Needless to say, coupled with the beautiful weather typical of South Florida's spring, it was a great way to spend a Saturday.

So why weren't there tens of thousands of people passing through the event?

Because it was a "green" event. I'm not saying that as a bad thing, hey, we were there, and it's what we do 150%, so I am completely supportive of their mission, however, that actually took away from the participation.

Say there is an event for video games. Who do you think will attend? Gamers, developers, manufacturers of computers and game consoles, most likely. Those who don't play video games won't be there. Even if the topic of the event is bringing gaming to a new audience.

Same goes for a "green" or eco-friendly event. The mayor was there, a major grocer had a booth, but the vast majority of attendees were those already "in the know". So how do you overcome such a challenge?

Solve that, and you'll be the world's greatest event promoter.

One solution is to branch out from just your core audience. Include things that, going back to the gaming example, a gamer would scoff at. Similarly, appeal not to your supporters (they'll attend anyway most likely), but to the general public. Have games (yes, even outside the gaming event...people love a competition), challenges, and mainstream entertainment. The prizes don't really even matter. Just keep in mind ways to tie all that back into your primary theme. That way, attendees who may not have cared at all for the general theme can leave with some new insights, possibly even gained unconsciously.

But the most basic requirement of an event...it has to be a whole lot of fun. And this past People and Planet Day hit that mark.

April Fool's! PlantChat - An Environmentally-Friendly Communication Medium

2011-04-01T12:31:00.003-04:00

You've heard of IM, phone, VoIP, and text messaging, but do you know about the latest innovation in communication? We call it PlantChat, and are confident it will change the way you call in to work sick or arrange to meet up with friends that afternoon (You aren't really sick, are you?).

So how does it work?

All of our existing communication strategies have environmental impacts, from the energy used to power computers throughout the system, to the potato chips consumed during a late-night IM conversation. PlantChat eliminates all of those negative effects, and replaces them with a unique, natural system.

When you want to get in touch with someone else through our proprietary PlantChat network, you simply plant the appropriate seed. Huh? Yes, seeds! In just a few short months, they will grow into the flowering beauties that will carry your pollinating message through the skies. Want to say, "what's up"? Go for the basil. "See you in the summer!" Dandelions are definitely your best bet.

The message can be read by simply looking at the full-grown plant in a profile view...each leaf forms a representation of the word you want to say. Trust us, it can't be easier!

All communication is performed 100% through solar power, and transit times can be as low as a few weeks for the fast-growing weed varieties ("Sup, yo?" and other nonsensical expressions only. Proper grammar requires more time to produce mature seeds).

Weeks, months? My IM is instantaneous! Why use this and wait?

As mentioned, those systems have environmental impacts that we simply have been unable to avoid. Here, you will be contributing to oxygen production, better soil quality, and even the spread of beneficial plant life to a new region (Weed-based expressions excluded).

Where can I get these PlantChat systems?

We are confident you'll be able to find all the message species you need in your own backyard, but, for additional language packs and accents, our online store representatives will be happy to provide your exact combination. From London to Long Island, Miami to Milan, we've got you covered.

Let PlantChat become a part of your daily routine! Contact us today for more information.

So sorry, this entire program was only available on April 1st, 2011!

The Value of Discussion

2011-03-31T13:36:00.003-04:00

We just had our first advisory board meeting to discuss the new Greater Good Alliance initiative last night. Let me first thank all those in attendance for your incredible insights and contributions. What seems so clear-cut to someone building a system may be completely unintelligible to anyone else not involved in its creation. We plan to take many of your contributions to heart as we continue to build the model and get closer to a formal launch. (Hey, you can pre-register now to stay in the loop!)

It does bring up a great point, however. Do we communicate enough? And, if so, are we communicating the right information? The reason many great ideas fail to transpire is due to poor planning. I'll be the first to admit we have made some silly mistakes in this company's growth that could likely have been avoided by seriously talking with others. Namely, those who have already made that mistake! I'm fine with making a mistake no one has encountered before, but to commit a common "oops"? That's just a waste of all of our time, and can potentially affect our bottom line, our clients, and the overall success of a program.

If you're looking to a new business strategy, or even a new business, make sure to communicate. Discuss your hopes, worries, and goals with trusted business and personal companions. You might be surprised by what they have to contribute! Don't be afraid to receive criticism, in fact, encourage others to dish it! Keep one "downer" in the group, and I don't mean a boring person, but rather, the one who is so down to earth that they are looking for the potential cracks or failures in your plan.

Doing this will save you enormous amounts of time and money later on. It very well could accelerate your success, and allow you to help those your plan originally intended!

Hope for the Many

2011-03-21T12:22:00.002-04:00

Feel as if you are the only person working for the benefit of the planet or community? It's ok. You're not alone. This past weekend, I found some time to get a bit of reading done. Part of it was incredibly depressing (though immensely informative) - Silent Spring by Rachel Carson.

If you haven't had an opportunity to read this book, please do. Considered by many to be the impetus for the modern environmental movement, it blasted apart perceptions on the use of insecticides, pesticides, and other chemical forms of "shaping" Nature to our preferred design. The sad part is that very little has changed today, 50 years later. What happens from now on is partially up to you.

That, as I mentioned, was only part of my reading. Other materials were focused on societal and environmental solutions, some on the horizon, some even being implemented as we speak. At universities, among non-profits, in businesses, even in certain governments, great ideas are being shared. Unique approaches going far beyond lightbulbs and recycling change how we will look at efficiency, society, and going green.

So in a world perpetuating the idea of doom and gloom, know there are others like you, who want to make things better. Please don't get discouraged, and contact me if you are looking to connect with, well, whomever your ideas require.

Take Account of Your Efforts

2011-03-15T17:31:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, while in a meeting with a financial advisor, a thought came to mind: "When dealing with cash, future outlay, retirement savings, and other issues, we develop a detailed plan, with visible steps along the way. But is that often done when implementing a sustainability program?"

Perhaps due to how it has evolved, "green", or as we like to approach it, "sustainability" (Green is normally just environmental, while sustainability considers a societal and financial aspect as well), is often seen as a side-project. It's something supported by a number of employees or volunteers, but usually stays on the outside.

Would you structure your 401(k)s or customer relations programs as, "a nice addition"?

No way! They are essential to your personal and professional well-being. Well, so is your sustainability program.

Think about it: What are the goals of "going green"? Sure, reducing your environmental footprint, educating others within and outside the company, and being better community stewards are all good results. But the goals are different. You're aiming to measurably reduce expenses, improve your marketing image, and decrease risk by having a comprehensive plan for any potential issues.

All members of our Approved Green Business Program (soon to be members of our Greater Good Alliance, but more about that later) receive a Sustainability Plan in which to implement within their own business. Separated into three phases - Planning, Action, Marketing, it allows a company to make their time count when implementing their environmental policies. Each item within has a timeframe to seek its completion, so they can stay on track.

Some examples:
Phase I:

Build a Green Team
Audit existing stock
Collect utility bills

Phase II:

Assess supply chain (Purchasing & Production)
Employee habits

Phase III:

Press releases
Company dispatch
Ongoing consultation

So, next time you look to make your business more sustainable, be sure to have a plan! Questions and comments can be directed to Joseph Winn at GreenProfit Solutions.

We're Back!

2011-03-14T12:43:00.002-04:00

Wow. Looking at the history, and it has been a year and a half since the last update!

During that time, we have evolved significantly as a company, and, modified slightly how we approach the online media outlets. As you may know, we have an active Twitter feed @greenprofitsol as well as a Facebook Page - you're encouraged to follow and Like us today!

Much of our communication has been directed through these outlets, given the propensity of the online public to be focused on quick posts, short stories, and "catchy" statements in under 140 characters. However, we recognize that there is also a large population eager to read full blog posts, and who are we to disappoint!

Our blog will return, but in a slightly different form. First, most previous posts were articles we had posted elsewhere on our network. Now that our primary website is fully capable of hosting these stories, we will be forgoing the duplicity. This blog will take on a more laid-back attitude.

This is where company executives will be able to talk about what is on their mind, reactions to stories in the news (not just links to the articles), and suggestions on how you can help make your business, non-profit, home, or community more sustainable.

Importantly, this blog may contain opinions expressed by posters that are not those of GreenProfit Solutions or its partner companies.

All of us are looking forward to this new avenue of communication!

So, now that we're back: What should we discuss?

New SEC Guidance on Climate Change Risk Disclosure – Part 3

2010-07-19T19:00:00.007-04:00

In our last article, we examined the details and requirements of the new SEC guidance. In this article we will discuss the steps to assess and measure risk, potential benefits of a certification program, and also how climate change disclosures can be applicable to non-public companies.

Practical Steps to Assess and Measure Environmental Risk

What steps should a public issuer take to assess and measure its environmental compliance risk?

Some companies approach environmental compliance in an overly simplified manner: do what the law requires and nothing more. While this is not a bad starting place, it is not a complete answer and it does little to help public companies assess their risks for disclosure purposes.

In the same way that public companies adopted risk assessment methods for the assessment of control risks when making their certifications of internal control adequacy for Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, public companies should also adopt risk assessment methods for environmental risks. (While the assessment method may be the same as that adopted for Section 404 purposes, it does not necessarily have to be the same.)

An assessment method will identify the universe of compliance risks and, for each risk, assess its immediacy, its potential impact, and methods for controlling that risk. A rigorous control protocol will also track the design and implementation of controls for material risks and include a testing or audit regime to test both the design and the efficacy of those controls.

The COSO methodology adopted by most public companies for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 controls provides a convenient approach for developing environmental risk assessments and controls. In addition, an alternative environmental management system such as ISO 14001:2004 (International Standards Organization) may also apply.

ISO 14001:2004

The ISO 14001:2004 system was referenced in Executive Order 13423, which directed federal agencies to adopt systems for improving environmental compliance, reducing the consumption of natural resources and reducing air, water and waste emissions and improving overall environmental stewardship. As applied to federal agencies through subsequent government announcements, it requires federal agencies to implement plans to:

• Educate employees on environmental and sustainability issues;
• Implement procurement practices to reduce energy usage and improve sustainability;
• Reduce water consumption;
• Shift power consumption from fossil-intensive methods to green or renewable methods of power production;
• Reduce environmental impacts by shifting to more efficient buildings, production systems and transportation systems; and
• Reduce the environmental impact of the disposal of electronic devices by improving disposal methods and encouraging the use of electronic devices with minimal environmental impact upon disposal.

Through its rigorous method of identifying, assessing, controlling and managing risk, the ISO: 14001:2004 method (or equivalent) has been adopted by federal agencies for their compliance with Executive Order 13423. Likewise, public issuers might also adopt that same method.

An environmental assessment and management system under ISO 14001:2004 embraces the concept of Plan, Do Check and Act (PDCA), a system made popular by Dr. W. Edwards Deming, considered by many to be the father of modern quality control. Once Objectives, Roles, Resources, and Procedures are put in place, a GAP analysis is performed to identify areas of non-conformity or non-compliance. An Implementation phase is initiated, followed by monitoring and review to identify areas of opportunity for improvement. The system also calls for the establishment of a continuous improvement process.

ISO 14001 – Good for the Banking Industry?

ISO 14001:2004 is not industry specific and therefore lends itself for use by a myriad of industries and organizations, including banking. In 1999, UBS was the first international bank to obtain ISO 14001 certification for its worldwide environmental management system. Even local banks have seen the value in ISO 14001. Alpine Banks of Colorado has earned and re-certified in the ISO 14001 standard since 2006, and has won many awards for its sustainability initiatives, including the Green Leaf Award from Bank News. The time frame for the entire process, from start through certification can vary dramatically based upon a variety of factors including organization size, number and locations of branch operations, type of industry, management buy-in, and staff training. Organizations which currently have an established management system, such as ISO 9001:2008, already have an existing framework and understanding to more easily and quickly implement an ISO 14001:2004.

Typically, an organization should be ready to allocate at least 5 months and sometimes up to one year to reach certification status. Organizations have several options for implementation. The traditional method is to utilize the services of professional consultant/trainers. Additionally, with the growth of ISO 14001:2004, there are now a number of software programs which have been primarily developed to assist organizations in streamlining their record keeping and reporting responsibilities. Worldwide, as of 2007, over 154,000 certificates have been issued to organizations in 148 countries.

Measuring Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As GHGe (Green House Gas Emissions) have become the accepted unit of measurement for reporting and regulatory purposes, ISO has incorporated these measurement and reporting tools within the ISO 14001 family. ISO 14064 parts 1, 2 and 3 are international greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and verification standards which provide a set of clear and verifiable requirements to support organizations and proponents of GHG emission reduction projects. ISO 14065 complements ISO 14064 by specifying requirements to accredit or recognize organizational bodies that undertake GHG validation or verification using ISO 14064 or other relevant standards or specifications.

It would follow therefore, that properly initiated, an environmental management system would include all conceivable steps in assessing, measuring and mitigating risk. Reverting our focus back to the various disclosure requirements which were enumerated in part 2 of this series, now armed with real data, measurements and impact reduction objectives, an issuer could conceivably translate that to a more positive disclosure report.

Private Companies

While this series has focused on the SEC Guidance and its effect on public companies, there have been some regulatory actions proposed and adopted that could affect private companies. The EPA recently issued reporting requirements for 10,000 facilities in the U.S. At present, those reporting requirements are mostly applicable to mining, minerals production, wastewater treatment and carbon dioxide sequestration facilities, but the EPA has suggested that it intends to broaden the scope of its GHGe reporting requirements over time. The most recently adopted provisions, announced in late June 2010, will begin taking effect in 2011.
On the legislative front, the proposed Kerry-Lieberman Bill (American Power Act) sets up a framework for cap and trade: the buying and selling of carbon credits. Other bills have also proposed cap and trade arrangements. While there can be no guarantee legislation of this type will be adopted in the U.S., the European adoption of cap and trade following the Kyoto Climate Change Protocol, indicates that the cap and trade framework is one that will be on the horizon for some time to come if it is not adopted in 2010.

Regardless of whether environmental reporting is legally mandatory, companies that wish to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship can do so through their approach to reporting. By assessing, measuring, and controlling environmental impacts, and reporting on the results of those efforts, companies are able to lead in this effort by their own example.

About the authors:

Keith Winn is vice president of marketing and chief operating officer of GreenProfit Solutions Inc., a Ft. Lauderdale based sustainability consulting, certification and contracting firm. You may contact him at 800-358-2901 or kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

Jonathan B. Wilson is a corporate and securities attorney at the Atlanta law firm of Taylor English Duma LLP. Mr. Wilson is also the founding chair of the Renewable Energy Committee of the American Bar Association’s Public Utility Section. You may contact him at 678-336-7185 or jwilson@taylorenglish.com.

Sustainability Accounting

2010-07-07T13:54:00.006-04:00

Climate Change has and is continuing to bring about substantial changes in how all business is operated and how it’s impacts are reported. Beyond altruism and transparency, international and national legislation and regulations to cap and reduce the emissions of GreenHouse Gases will play an ever increasing role within the emerging field of Sustainability Accounting.

What does this mean for professional accountants? A large opportunity. Accountants and accounting firms which take the time and the effort to become educated in this still evolving field, will also be positioning themselves as sustainability leaders and opening up new branding and marketing opportunities.

In order to fully understand the implications of Sustainability Accounting and the opportunities it presents, it is important to understand some of the more recent history of the environmental movement and how various regulatory issues have evolved worldwide. This article will discuss current and proposed legislation and new requirements for auditing and reporting plus techniques for the integration of sustainability into 'mainstream' reporting, both to management and external stakeholders. Specific focus will also be addressed for public companies, companies doing business outside the US, and governmental entities.

What is it?

In it’s broadest sense, Sustainability Accounting, is an environmental footprint measurement and reporting system for any business, Non-governmental organization (NGO), charitable or government organization. It is important to state that Sustainability Accounting here in the U.S., is today, with a few exceptions, mostly performed on a voluntary basis. It is based upon the theory that organizations are responsible for more than just financial profit and loss, but also the organization’s overall effect upon the environment, specific interest groups, stakeholders and communities. Organizations such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Prince’s Accounting for Sustainability Project are currently developing valuation methodology to take into account community indicators, human rights indicators, and content and materiality.

Using a more narrow definition, Sustainability Accounting is utilized to measure and report an organization’s impact, in units (tons) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in compliance with various carbon trading systems and regulations. Accounting methods employed for this purpose are compatible with internationally accepted GHG measurement and reporting plans (schemes).

Accounting for Climate Change
Officially, the concept of required sustainability accounting began with the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol: a treaty to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aimed at fighting global warming. It was initially adopted in December 1997, and entered in force in February 2005, with 187 countries signing and ratifying the protocol. Under the protocol, 37 industrialized nations (known as Annex I countries) committed to a 5.2% reduction from 1990 levels in Greenhouse Gas (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride) and two other groups of gas emissions (hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons) , with the remaining countries giving general commitments. The United States, a party to the UNFCC, did not sign nor ratify, although it is responsible for over 36% of 1990 emissions of all Annex I countries. However, American companies doing business in those countries which are parties to the Protocol are required to be in full compliance.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, formed in 1988, is the leading body for the assessment of climate change, established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic consequences. In 1995, the IPCC issued it’s second assessment report which included providing values for global warming potential. These were the first units of measurement for converting various greenhouse gas emissions into comparable CO2 equivalents – the start and basis of this new emissions reporting, which is required under the Kyoto Protocol. For the first time in history, emissions could now be valued, inventoried, and traded, utilizing cap and trade strategies through financial exchanges. Each country is responsible to create a national authority to manage its greenhouse gas inventory and with it, provide accurate reports to the governing protocol authority.

The GHG Protocol Initiative was organized by the World Resources Institute (an environmental think-tank that goes beyond research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives) & World Business Council for Sustainable Development (a coalition of 200 international companies)in order to create a general accounting framework for inventorying and reporting of emissions. The GHG Protocol further categorizes these direct and indirect emissions into three broad scopes:

• Scope 1: All direct GHG emissions.
• Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam.
• Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, such as the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport-related activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting entity, electricity-related activities (e.g. T&D losses) not covered in Scope 2, outsourced activities, waste disposal, etc.
Accounting and Reporting Principles

The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard 2004, which is currently used by hundreds of organizations including auto manufacturers, cement companies, consumer goods manufacturers and dozens of other industries, provides the accounting and reporting principles that underpin and guide GHG accounting and reporting for scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The five accounting and reporting principles described in the table below are further elaborated in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard.

Relevance: Ensure the GHG inventory appropriately reflects the GHG emissions of the company and serves the decision-making needs of users – both internal and external to the company.

Completeness: Account for and report on all GHG emission sources and activities within the chosen inventory boundary. Disclose and justify any specific exclusions.

Consistency: Use consistent methodologies to allow for meaningful comparisons of emissions over time. Transparently document any changes to the data, inventory boundary, methods, or any other relevant factors in the time series.

Transparency: Address all relevant issues in a factual and coherent manner, based on a clear audit trail. Disclose any relevant assumptions and make appropriate references to the accounting and calculation methodologies and data sources used.

Accuracy: Ensure that the quantification of GHG emissions is systematically neither over nor under actual emissions, as far as can be judged, and that uncertainties are reduced as far as practicable. Achieve sufficient accuracy to enable users to make decisions with reasonable assurance as to the integrity of the reported information.

On the Home Field

Although the U.S. is not part of the Kyoto Protocol, there have been significant regulations, guidance and even Executive Orders issued by two US Presidents as a means to begin tracking and reducing our country’s emissions. Various states have for years, required reporting from their largest emitters. This past November, the EPA published a list of 10,000 facilities of large emitting entities which are now required to publicly report or potentially be subjected to fines. With pressure from various large investment groups, the SEC published new “guidance” for 10-K and 10-Q reporters on disclosure of risks due to climate change. President Obama signed Executive Order 13514 essentially activating Executive Order 13423 (President Bush 2007) on establishing GHG reduction goals and strategies for all federal agencies. In the senate, the Kerry-Lieberman Bill proposes the start of a cap and trade system wherein large emitters are penalized, and low emitters are rewarded.

On the corporate side, large companies such as Walmart, have analyzed their GHG impacts, and have not only begun reduction initiatives, but have also started to encourage and soon perhaps, require their 160,000 suppliers worldwide to also reduce their GHG emissions through their ambitious Sustainability Index project. In response to pending and current legislation, as well as initiatives such as Walmart’s, many of the Fortune 500 companies have hired or appointed those with backgrounds in both environmental matters and accounting as Chief Sustainability Officers to manage and oversee their GHG initiatives.

The trickle-down effect to mid-size companies, NGO’s, and other organizations is accelerating. Perhaps fueled by the Gulf Oil leak, interest in the environment is again peaking and many companies are seeking to effectively position themselves as leaders in sustainability. As the Enron scandal provided the impetus for Sarbanes-Oxley, and the Banking collapse of 2008 has fostered in the consideration of a triple bottom line (people, planet and profit) business philosophy, it appears that the concept and establishment of more sustainable business practices combined with consistent reporting is on firm ground.

With an ever increasing consumer and regulatory demand for transparency, organizations of all sizes in virtually every industry will soon need professional sustainability reporting and validation services from a “Green Accountant”.

Keith Winn is vice president of marketing and chief operating officer of GreenProfit Solutions Inc., a Ft. Lauderdale based sustainability consulting, certification and contracting firm. You may visit their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or contact him directly at 800-358-2901 or kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

What You Can't See...

2010-05-24T12:22:00.003-04:00

The Deepwater Horizon sinking and subsequent Gulf oil leak. A terrible tragedy, resulting in the loss of 11 lives. British Petroleum estimates that 5,000 gallons of oil is leaking into the Gulf of Mexico daily. However, independent scientists, viewing video and remote sensing data of the leak, estimate there could be nearly 20 times that leaking out each day. No matter what value is believed, most agree it is in dire need of being stopped.

So who is at fault? Transocean, owner of the Deepwater Horizon rig? BP, manager of the operation? Or could it be Halliburton, the company overseeing a cement-laying process just prior to the explosion?

Blame will be decided after armies of attorneys have their days, weeks, months and most likely, years in the court. Meanwhile, people are angry and frustrated: Miles of sludge on the coastal water, satellite images of huge brown areas of the Gulf, tarballs on the beaches, fishing fleets stuck in port, and those indelible images of marine life covered in the blackish brown ooze. The combination of economic, environmental, and social impacts cause a widespread concern by otherwise complacent people.

It’s images like these that fuel some of the latest “bursts” of environmental activism. Back in the 1960’s, highly public environmental disasters such as the Cayuhoga River fire in 1969 (actually the sixth on the river, caused by combustion of dissolved chemical loads) and daily smog in major cities, drove the populace to demand change, eventually producing historic legislation still in use today, including the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Oil leaks and the immediate damage they cause are easy to see, and most of us do not care who is at fault, just clean it up and make it go away. Billions will eventually be paid out by the above companies (and perhaps others as yet unnamed) in efforts to clean up, mediate, and compensate damages incurred. Thousands, perhaps, even hundreds of thousands of individuals, people like you and me, will be involved in actions in attempts to restore this body of water and all of its natural treasures.

Today, all eyes are on the Gulf, but what about the issues of Climate Change? Certainly, whether the public believes humans are contributing to climate change or not, most understand that greenhouse gases have the potential to cause damage on a planetary scale. Whole populations of both people and animal life can (and are) lose their lands and drinking water. Invasive pests, normally killed off by cold winters, are living through now milder climates and wreaking environmental and economic damage on huge areas of virgin forests. Coral reefs, the rain forests of the sea, are in a serious state of decline. So why is there little public outcry about this?

Imagery and emotion. There’s no sinister blackish sludge, and the now-overused photos of a polar bear on a small ice flow, or villagers in some faraway country pointing to a dry lake bed carry little feeling. Climate change is caused by a build-up of invisible gases, primarily CO2. You can’t see the threat: no immediate business interruption, no oil covered birds, nor can most people understand why CO2 would even be a problem. After all, we were all taught in school, that people exhale CO2, and trees utilize that CO2 to create Oxygen (O2). Plus, it’s a completely natural gas. Of course, this is not to mention society’s confusion. Our company performed an unofficial study amongst a sample group and over 40% stated that greenhouse gases were causing the breakdown of the earth’s ozone layer. So education is another hurdle.

We should all be angry about the situation in the Gulf and should press our political leaders to take actions, not only to ensure the rehabilitation of affected areas and compensate those directly impacted, but also to take steps to minimize the risk of this ever occurring again. Simultaneously, with the global eye, can a national (and international) focus on our planet’s health, similar to the environmental push and resultant legislation of the 1970’s, again be brought to the forefront, igniting change and introducing solutions to a system bogged down in political and economic quagmires?

History has taught us that, unlike the expression, what we can’t see CAN hurt us. Perhaps, in the vein of events from the 1960’s, this terrible tragedy will leave a legacy of positive change for our planet.

Joseph Winn is the President of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. a sustainability consulting, certifying and contracting firm. For more information, please contact Joseph at 1-800-358-2901 or email jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

New SEC Guidance on Climate Change Risk Disclosure – Part 2

2010-05-15T15:09:00.005-04:00

In our last article, we spent some time on the steps and actions leading up to the new SEC Climate Change Risk Disclosure guidance (hereinafter, the “Guidance”). In this article, we will examine the details and requirements of the new SEC guidance. In a following article we will discuss the potential benefits of a certification program, and also measure the relevance this action has on non-public companies.

What the Climate Change Guidance Really Means

The most important thing to realize about the Guidance is that it is not law, it is merely guidance. The requirements of public company disclosures, as set out in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) and Regulation S-K have not changed. The Guidance merely provides some gloss on how the SEC might interpret a disclosure issue if one arose. In addition, to the extent SEC staff provides comments on a public issuer’s financial report discloses, SEC staff are likely to refer to the Guidance when commenting.

The 1934 Act requires quarterly and annual financial reports (with quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K) for companies with registered securities (defined in the regulations as “registrants”). The public disclosure requirements of the 1934 Act apply to all publicly-traded companies (i.e., those whose shares are traded on public exchanges like the NYSE and the NASDAQ) and those few companies who have so many shareholders that the public reporting requirements apply to them.

Attorneys, accountants and business people accustomed to working on financial reports under the 1934 Act are familiar with the touchstone of disclosure in those reports: the company must disclose those material elements of its business that a reasonable investor would consider to be material. Nearly all of the other regulations and guidance concerning financial reports spring from this basic principle. Information is considered “material” for disclosure purposes if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it relevant in deciding how to vote or make an investment decision.

Item 101 of Regulation S-K requires that the registrant disclose the material effects of compliance with any laws that might apply to the registrant. The Guidance states what should be obvious, that Item 101 “requires disclosure of the material effects that compliance with environmental laws may have on capital expenditures, earnings or the competitive position of a company”.

So, by way of example, if a registrant operates facilities with significant air or water emissions, the registrant should disclose in its financial reports its cost of complying with the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws and the potential financial impacts of non-compliance. In contrast, a public company with no material air or water emissions would not have a duty to disclose its hypothetical liability where there is not reasonable likelihood of that liability coming to pass.

With respect to climate change, the general rule of disclosure under Item 101 means that the registrant must also disclose its actual costs of legal compliance and the potential costs of non-compliance. For example, if legislation imposed a system of emissions cap and trade, companies whose emissions exceed the stated caps, will be forced to buy “credits” and perhaps pay fines. Conversely, companies with emissions under a stated level, will be able to “sell” their credits and potentially improve their financial position. In addition, countries around the globe have and are continuing to assess fines to companies they believe are inflicting environmental damage to their nations.

Importantly, a registrant is not required (and is, in fact, prohibited) from making disclosures that are speculative. Unless and until emissions cap and trade legislation becomes law, a disclosure about the potential benefits of a cap and trade system would generally be ill-advised. In the same way that the benefits of prospective legislation are too speculative to disclose, the cost and expense of potential future legislation would also be too speculative to disclose.
Public reporting companies disclose in their quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and their annual reports on Form 10-K pending legal proceedings. Item 103 of Regulation S-K contains specific requirements about the extent to which particular items of litigation must be disclosed. Again, in general, materiality is the touchstone of disclosure.

The Guidance states that litigation disclosures under Item 103 must include any environmental enforcement actions and orders material to the registrant. As the Guidance notes, there already have been enforcement actions (notably in the State of New York) with respect to the accuracy of environmental disclosures in financial reports. There are also several lawsuits pending in which private litigants have sued companies over alleged climate change resulting from the emissions of those companies. Public companies who are defendants to such suits would be required to disclose them, applying the same materiality standards applied to any other kind of litigation.

If national climate change legislation, including a cap and trade system, became law, disclosures of potential or hypothetical litigation might be appropriate under Item 103. Until such potential legislation becomes law, however, disclosures of hypothetical or potential contingencies under Item 103 are premature. Disclosures must include “such further material information, if any, as may be necessary to make the required statements, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.” See 17 CFR 230.408 and 17 CFR 240.12b-20.

In quarterly and annual reports, public issuers provide a discussion of the issuer’s financial results and future prospects called “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” (or “MD&A”). Item 303 of Regulation S-K requires an issuer “to disclose known trends, events, obligations or uncertainties that will, or are reasonably likely to, materially affect the company’s liquidity, capital, resources or operations”. In addition, companies are also required to disclose any other information the company believes is necessary to an understanding of its financial conditions, changes in financial condition and results of operations.

Discussing “known trends, events, obligations or uncertainties” is a potential bottomless pit. While management will be aware of immediate and obvious trends (such as increasing or decreasing sales, or increasing or decreasing costs of goods sold) there is an infinite list of potential contingencies that might impact the issuer’s financial performance. In the MD&A, however, the issuer is not required to identify every possible contingency, but rather only those “known trends, events, obligations or uncertainties” that are “material” to a reasonable investor’s decision to invest or vote securities.

Item 503(c) of Regulation S-K helps issuers draw the line between “known trends” and mere speculation by providing that the issuer must disclose "the most significant factors that make the offering speculative or risky" (emphasis added).

By way of example, an actual lawsuit that is pending is more significant than a threatened lawsuit that has not been filed. A threatened lawsuit is more significant than the risk of a possible future lawsuit that has not yet been threatened.

Put into this context, the disclosure of climate change impacts should be ranked against the issuers other known trends and contingencies. If the issuer reasonably believes that certain environmental or climate change impacts are more significant than other contingencies, that belief should guide its disclosure.

By way of example, if an issuer had facilities in low-lying coastal areas that might be threatened by an increase in sea level brought about by an increase in global temperatures, that might be a contingency with the potential to impact the issuer’s financial statements. Whether that risk is one that should be disclosed in a financial report, however, will depend on the relative immediacy and potential impact of that risk in comparison to other risks that the issuer faces. Ultimately, while the Guidance discusses these types of disclosures and provides some color on how issuers should consider them the Guidance does not change the law regarding disclosures and does not necessarily require issuers to disclose new or different kinds of risks.

The practical impact of the Guidance, however, is to raise the awareness of public issuers regarding environmental and climate change risks and costs. In light of the Guidance, public issuers should not reasonably be able to claim surprise if future enforcement actions challenge the adequacy of disclosures of these kinds of risks.
Because the disclosure of contingencies, however, requires a weighing of immediacy and impact against other potential risks, a well-advised issuer will adopt a consistent theoretical construct for considering and weighing the immediacy and impact of risks for disclosure purposes. Part of that theoretical construct, many issuers may conclude, is a process for assessing and measuring the potential impact of environmental and climate change risk. It is to this end that we will address some practical steps issuers may take to perhaps mitigate their environmental and climate change risks in Part 3 of this article series.

About the authors:
Keith Winn is vice president of marketing and chief operating officer of GreenProfit Solutions Inc., a Ft. Lauderdale based sustainability consulting, certification and contracting firm. You may contact him at 800-358-2901 or kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

Jonathan B. Wilson is a corporate and securities attorney at the Atlanta law firm of Taylor English Duma LLP. Mr. Wilson is also the founding chair of the Renewable Energy Committee of the American Bar Association’s Public Utility Section. You may contact him at 678-336-7185 or jwilson@taylorenglish.com.

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T01:04:00.004-04:00

Happy 40th Anniversary! It was 40 years ago today that United States Senator Gaylord Nelson held an environmental "teach-in", an event which evolved into an international idea of planetary sustainability.

So join in, and take a step back, look at what can be done for the planet and each other. Don't worry, there's no need to buy a card (but feel free to put your creativity to the test and make an Earth Gift using only things you'd otherwise throw away)!

Sure, the mantra is repeated around the world this time of the year: "Earth Day Every Day" But what does that mean? Don't drive for the day? Recycle extra well on April 22nd?

Here at GreenProfit Solutions, we try to make that oft-repeated statement ring true. How? We consider the potential environmental impacts from nearly every activity we engage in.

As an example: From minimizing driving distances through combining stops to being as fuel-efficient as possible by avoiding rapid starts and stops as well as maintaining all vehicles, we seek to reduce our transportation footprint.

We seek to educate others about new progress made in sustainable projects around the world, and how to apply them here.
In fact, our Facebook fan page has over 50 links already speaking about exactly that.
The efforts don't end there, but, if interested, simply Contact Us for more details.

Interested in doing something exciting for Earth Day/Week? The Federal Government is hosting a number of discussions, roundtables, and various activities around the country. If you're in DC, take a moment to visit the NASA Earth Day area at the National Mall. Unable to make it to the nation's capital? Check out the Earth Day Network and search out events in your area.

Of course, more importantly than attending events is remembering the meaning of Earth Day. The first year was to point out glaring environmental ills: illegal dumping, polluted waterways, and toxic power plants. While these types of things continue to occur, there is more awareness and monitoring (from companies, the public, and EPA); it's in a company's best interest to be as environmentally-responsible as possible. Today, Earth Day should be looked at as a way to bring people together, independent of the dividing forces, in a joint effort to make the world we live a better place. Sustainability is a continually-evolving goal; why not approach it together?

So what are you doing for Earth Day?

Joseph Winn is the President of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. a sustainability consulting, certifying and contracting firm. For more information, please contact Joseph at 1-800-358-2901 or email jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

Clothing - The Forgotten Piece of a Business' Sustainability Program

2010-04-19T17:27:00.004-04:00

You have it, I have it, but do we know that much about it? Sure, we deal with it every day, and it’s with you nearly all the time. I’m talking about clothing of course. So common, it often becomes the overlooked item in sustainability initiatives. Recycled content, chlorine free, certified paper? Check. Energy efficient lighting (with recycling program for spent fluorescents)? Implemented years ago. Company uniforms? Well, yes. What about them?

Clothing has a variety of impacts, depending on the type, content, and cleaning style. The material may be produced using large amounts of pesticides, chemicals, and even unsustainable forestry activities. Shoes using leather, suede, or rubber, as a start, can also be sites of concern. Even the traditional “dry cleaning” operation emits enormous concentrations of pollutants, while some of the chemicals may remain within the garment. So are there alternatives?

In fact, there are many ways to reduce the environmental and social impacts of a wardrobe.

Cotton

Let’s start with cotton. A wonderful, soft material that has been the staple of many regions for over a century. Today, the vast majority of cotton in clothing comes from conventionally grown crops; these can be sprayed with any number of pesticides and fertilizers. This promotes a monoculture, or single-crop, situation. The natural properties of the land are rarely attended to, so more fertilizer and soil will constantly be required, thus entering a continuous cycle. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic cotton is “grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.” Currently, nearly 1% of global cotton production is organic, but it is growing fast. Sales in some product categories are increasing nearly 50% annually. Consider organic cotton for the next set of company clothing runs and make a difference!

Small addition: In personal experience, organic cotton is often softer than the conventional equivalent, but seems to shrink more on the first wash. Plan size orders accordingly.

Bamboo

It’s not just for floors! The latest trend in sustainable fashions, bamboo clothing has a lot going for it. The plant is one of the fastest growing on the planet, doesn’t require large amounts of pesticide or fertilizer, and can be grown organically. However, is it really as “green” as retailers would have customers believe?

In the effort to climb aboard a growing fad, bamboo plantations are showing up around southeast Asia. Some of these plots were previously productive forest, home to countless species of plants and animals.

Sustainable and deforestation don’t go well together.

The process of converting the fibers of bamboo into soft clothing requires using strong chemical solvents. These may end up in emissions, wastewater, and even in the final product (Yes, what you’re wearing). Unfortunately, don’t expect a unique approach to the process, as all bamboo clothing is produced at only one facility in China.

Sustainable and water/air pollution also are unwelcome bedfellows.

In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), bamboo fabrics are nothing of the sort. In August 2009, they issued a Consumer Alert regarding the sale of bamboo. Here’s a small segment: “The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that the soft ‘bamboo’ fabrics on the market today are rayon. They are made using toxic chemicals in a process that releases pollutants into the air. Extracting bamboo fibers is expensive and time-consuming, and textiles made just from bamboo fiber don’t feel silky smooth. There’s also no evidence that rayon made from bamboo retains the antimicrobial properties of the bamboo plant, as some sellers and manufacturers claim. Even when bamboo is the ‘plant source’ used to create rayon, no traits of the original plant are left in the finished product.”

The Verdict

So, while the use of bamboo in furnishings can be a sustainable endeavor (with the use of low-VOC adhesives and varnishes), it would appear that, for now at least, bamboo just isn’t the bright green clothing item we would all love it to be. However, it is also not the worst, as the benefits on the plant growth side cannot be ignored. Examine the material options available for your needs and budget, then see, if, despite the negatives, bamboo really is your best environmental option.

Look for the second part of sustainability in clothing for information on dry cleaning, shoes, and other common clothing concerns.

References
Organic Trade Association - Organic Cotton Facts
FTC - Have You Been Bamboozled by Bamboo Fabrics?

Joseph Winn is the President of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. a sustainability consulting, certifying and contracting firm. For more information, please contact Joseph at 1-800-358-2901 or email jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

Cutting Costs with "Green" Tax Incentives - Part 1

2010-04-16T16:00:00.003-04:00

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) is one of the most comprehensive and sweeping energy legislation packages ever passed. Signed into law by President George W. Bush on August 8th, 2005, the bill authorized massive tax benefits, reductions and deductions, plus loan guarantees in an effort to spur action on a new energy policy.

Buried among these voluminous new initiatives now part of the IRS Tax Code, was the new Deduction of Energy Efficient Buildings granted under Title 26, now known simply as Section 179D. Specifically, Section 179D offers substantial tax benefits to commercial property owners to upgrade their buildings and make them more energy efficient. The legislation was targeted to expire in 2008, however, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 extended the benefits of this bill through 2013. Perhaps due to the enormity of the legislative package, or a lack of understanding, the IRS reports that less than 2% of all commercial property owners have taken advantage of this tax saving opportunity.

There are special rules for government owned buildings, wherein the tax benefits may be transferred to a project manager or architect, but for purposes of this article, we will focus on how banks, as building owners and leaseholders, can leverage these benefits.

About the Actual Deduction

Under Section 179D, deductions are based on areas of energy savings and total square footage of a building. The regulation provides commercial building owners and leaseholders with a deduction for implementing energy-efficient commercial building property in their buildings between December 31, 2005, and January 1, 2013. The deduction is available whether the respective space is new construction or already existing and applies to the year in which the energy-saving property was made ready for its intended use. It is divided into three categories:

Lighting
HVAC & hot water
Building Envelope

The maximum deduction of $1.80 per square foot requires a 50% reduction in total annual energy and power costs (compared to a reference building that meets the minimum requirements of American Standard of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-2001), not to exceed the amount equal to the cost of energy efficient commercial property placed in service during the taxable year. A partial deduction of $.60 per square foot requires a 16 2/3% reduction in energy consumption, and can be achieved through improvements in one of the previous 3 categories (Lighting, HVAC, Building Envelope). With recent technological advances in lighting, as well as the generally lower costs compared to the other categories, this deduction is considered the “lowest hanging fruit”. A partial deduction for Interim Lighting affords the bank a deduction between $.30 - .60 per square foot and requires a 25 – 40% reduction in lighting power density (50% in the case of warehouses). As many banks have multiple branches, and this is a per building incentive, the deductions can be quite substantial.

To summarize:

Improvements can be made in three categories

Lighting
HVAC
Building Envelope
Each can achieve a $0.60 deduction per sq. ft.
Lighting is considered the “low hanging fruit” due to rapid ROI and lower upfront costs

Three Year “LookBack”

What about banks which may have already made significant investments in energy upgrades? Fortunately, the IRS rules allow banks to take deductions on qualified upgrades completed during the 3 prior tax years. For qualifying institutions, this is simply found money.

Certification of Qualified Property

To insure receipt of expected credits, the taxpaying entity must certify the property meets all energy-conservation claims, and establish the total annual energy savings required for obtaining a partial deduction. The guidelines provide information about the software programs that must be used in calculating these power and energy expenditures.

Additionally, the property must be certified as an energy-efficient commercial building property by a qualified individual. These individuals may not be related to the taxpayer and must be an engineer or contractor properly licensed in the jurisdiction where the building(s) is/are located. The certification need not be attached to the tax return, but Section 1.6001-1(a) of the IRS regulations state that taxpayers are required to maintain books and records that would satisfy investigation into the applicability of the deduction.

Note: The preceding article is not legal nor accounting advice and should not be relied upon without the advice and guidance of a professional Tax Advisor familiar with all relevant facts. It is always highly recommended that you consult with your own attorney and accountant regarding any IRS Tax Code issues.

Joseph Winn is the President of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. a sustainability consulting, certifying and contracting firm. For more information, please contact Joseph at 1-800-358-2901 or email jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

New SEC Guidance on Climate Change Risk Disclosure - Part 1

2010-04-14T15:58:00.009-04:00

What does the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have to do with sustainability? On January 27th, 2010 the SEC published guidance for public companies on the reporting of impacts potentially contributing towards climate change. Additionally, they disclose the effects climate change may and can have on a company’s profitability. While some public and corporate officials are stating that the risks cannot as yet be properly assessed and the requirements are premature, most major investors, which have been supporting the new guidelines, are pleased. Why has the SEC taken this action and is this information really pertinent to an investor?

Let’s take a look at what has been occurring over the past decade. Many states and local governments have enacted their own legislation resulting in greater regulation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). GHG legislation on climate change is currently pending in Congress after the House of Representatives approved a bill, later amended in 2009 by the Senate, to limit a company’s emissions of greenhouse gases through a system of “Cap and Trade”. Even the EPA has begun to require large emitters to disclose and report their data.

Since the 1990’s, 186 countries have supported the efforts of the Kyoto Protocol, and the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) which is the mechanism that controls the Cap and Trade system of allowances and credits for carbon and other greenhouse gases. While the U.S. has never ratified this treaty, U.S. companies doing business in those countries are required to comply.

Climate change risk has not gone unnoticed by the insurance industry. In their 2008 report, major investment firm Ernst & Young stated that climate change was the top strategic risk. They explain it as being, “long-term, far-reaching, and with significant impact on the industry” (Climate Change Greatest Strategic Risk to Insurance Industry). It remained on the top 10 for 2009 (Top 10 Risks Most Likely to Affect the Insurance Sector During 2009). Partially as a result of these reports, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created an industry standard of mandatory disclosure. Designed for state regulators, it highlights potential financial risks due to climate change as well as actions taken to mitigate them. New actuarial models are in development along with new products specifically designed to cover these new risks.

So what are the risks to a public company? Legislation and new regulations can certainly have a significant effect on capital expenditures. Cap and trade allowances could also force a high emitter to buy credits, creating a negative effect on cash flow. Even companies not subject to new regulations could be affected if their own supplies and services are suddenly only available at a higher cost. As with any challenge, there will be companies well-positioned to benefit from current and proposed legislation. For example, those with “credits” (businesses emitting below their quota) may be able to sell them as investment instruments to improve their own capital position.

Let’s not forget the potential physical effects of climate change. Sea level rise, melting of permafrost, availability of clean water, greater temperature extremes, and increase in storm intensity can all have deleterious effects on a company’s operation and even demand for their products. For example, warmer winters may reduce seasonal demand for heating supplies, while a burst of extreme cold can overwhelm distribution infrastructures; banks holding significant debt in coastal properties could be at higher risk; drought or flooding could negatively impact agricultural firms.

According to the SEC, the new disclosure guidance is simply an extension of regulations pertaining to environmental issues implemented in the early 1970’s. Focused primarily on disclosure guidelines, the original rules sought to monitor compliance regarding material discharge and environmental protection, for use in potential litigation. The current standards have evolved to “provide that information is material if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in deciding how to vote or make an investment decision, or, put another way, if the information would alter the total mix of available information.” (SEC Release #33-9106 (PDF))

To the CFO, properly assessing risk can be a complex issue, especially when considering the effect climate change may have on future company operations. Granted, there is a delicate balance in disclosure between compliance and stock valuation and demand. Currently, companies who are making some efforts on disclosing climate change risks are simply “burying” them in their 10-K form. It appears this practice is no longer acceptable with the new guidance requirements.
Are there any actions a company facing climate change risks may employ to comply with the full disclosure requirements and still show the company in a positive light? One method suggested is certification, primarily through an internationally recognized program and certification body. The International Standards Organization (ISO) has developed their ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System to assist companies in developing or transitioning to more sustainable systems and practices. Their newly developed standards ISO 14064 and 14065 provide an internationally accepted framework for measuring GHG emissions and verifying claims.

In our next article, we will examine the details and requirements of the new SEC guidance, discuss the potential benefits of a certification program, and also measure the relevance this action has on non-public companies.

Keith Winn is the VP Marketing/COO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. a sustainability consulting, certification, and contracting firm. You may contact Keith at 1-800-358-2901 or email kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com.

*April Fools 2010** - Important Announcement

2010-04-01T11:52:00.004-04:00

The past year has been full of promise, achievement, and wonder for my company, GreenProfit Solutions. We have assisted numerous businesses in becoming more effective stewards of the global environment and their community. Additionally, the entire structure changed when a new partner was brought aboard. I stubbornly relinquished the title of CEO, and am now relegated to simply, President. However, (massively important) titles aside, our efforts have been impressive. Once a simple “green business” program, the offerings now range from comprehensive sustainability assessment services, product retrofits, ISO consulting/certification, and employee teambuilding exercises.

Not too shabby for a new business.

Of course, nothing can remain the same for long, and as the times change, so will we. No longer is it worth “sticking to our morals” for a single cause, even if it may be one which will guide the future of our planet. Hot off the heels of the President’s recent announcement of offshore drilling expansion and Google’s name change to Topeka, we, too, will be making some changes. Dismayed with the progress of “sustainability” and “green” in society, GreenProfit Solutions has decided to “follow the dollar” and make a shift in industry: Coal and petroleum extraction systems.

“Pump, baby, pump” will be the new slogan for the company. Or “dig, you, dig”, really, whatever gets the uninsured and underpaid employees to pull that energy-rich fuel out of the earth.

Solar, wind, geothermal, you ask? Solar is just some light, and why harness light when you can create it with wonderful incandescent bulbs! Psh, can you hold a pound of wind? What about geothermal? No, because you’d burn your hand on the molten lava (which we do not cover our employees against, so don’t do it). The future is in the oldest stuff we can find, because, to be honest, it’s cheap for us, and we can charge whatever we want for you, our forever customer!

So to better reflect our commitment towards this end, we will be changing our name to Fool’s Gold Power, at least for today. Because, since we’ve completely abandoned our morals and beliefs, we may do something entirely different in the future.

Don’t be surprised if we’re GreenProfit Solutions again tomorrow.

KPMG Survey Suggests Green Shift in Car Buying

2010-01-08T11:30:00.006-05:00

It appears the Auto industry is finally starting to focus on more fuel efficient vehicles. This according to a new global survey of 200 auto executives recently published by KPMG. Could it be they are finally listening to the public?

Hybrid vehicles placed at the very top of their list of alternative fuel technologies for the next five years, followed by battery electric, fuel cell electric and bio-diesel respectively.

Biodiesel technology is low on the list of priorities for auto industry research, according to the survey that was released Thursday.

When asked to rate which were the most important alternative fuel technologies to the auto industry over the next five years, hybrid systems were ranked first followed by battery electric power, fuel cell electric power, and biodiesel, respectively.

In the past, styling was ranked as major feature. No more though. The feature auto executives believed makes the biggest impact on customers' purchasing decisions is fuel efficiency, which was ranked the highest, while the "environmental friendliness" of a vehicle ranked second, followed by safety innovation in third. Styling did not even make it into the survey results.

"Automotive manufacturers are in the challenging position of being asked to compete on both technology and cost. With global consumers still feeling the pinch of the recession, those OEMs who can deliver on this equation will be in the driver's seat," Gary Silberg, national automotive industry leader for KPMG, said in a statement.The survey was conducted September through November 2009.

Now, let's see how they can make those large suv's and trucks truly more fuel efficient. A listing of fuel efficiency and emissions and interactive chart can be found at the EPA's Green Vehicles website.

The survey was conducted September through November 2009.

Keith Winn is the VP Marketing/COO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Keith at kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

New Year's Resolution

2010-01-02T13:58:00.005-05:00

Traditionally, at the start of a new year, resolutions are tossed about promising exercise or eating habit modifications. There’s nothing wrong with these, but, honestly, how many are forgotten by January 3rd? This year, why not make a resolution that’s truly achievable, and can also benefit yourself, your community, and the planet?

My New Year’s resolution is to engage in a variety of sustainable practices throughout the year.

Ok, so what does that mean? Sure, I’ll recycle what I can, compost foodstuffs, and work to save energy, paper, and other resources, but is that really what the resolution is aiming to achieve? Sustainability is about more than just saving energy or recycling; it’s a state of mind. Now before you run off thinking this writer is off his rocker, take a moment to think about that claim. As a company, our efforts to help businesses become more sustainable encompasses office conservation practices, yes, but it also envelops a comprehensive strategy including business development, marketing, hiring, and nearly every other department within the enterprise. Only by incorporating a “triple bottom line” (People, Planet, Profit) mindset into the core decisions of a company can they aim to become truly sustainable members of society.

How can this concept be transposed into a New Year’s resolution? Simply engage in the same activities you’re used to (at home, in the office, out with friends, namely, wherever you may be), only now, consider how each affects society (both as individuals and a group), financial stability (locally and abroad), and the environment. Remember the phrase, “You can have it good, fast, or cheap, but you can only pick two”? Well, the triple bottom line seeks to provide all three of its pillars simultaneously. While good, fast, and cheap are traditionally difficult to combine, sustainable approaches benefiting society, the financial well-being of all producers/sellers, and the environment from production site to sales location are achievable.

Consider a company’s sustainability policies when making a purchase: Do they support fair wages and social programs throughout the production chain? Are their environmental impacts documented and in the process of being minimized? Does their profit in one location damage the community in another? Questions along this line can give consumers a strong idea of how a company views true sustainability.

Along with a quality product/service, a company with a strong commitment towards sustainability is likely to thrive.

For the new year, take these ideas to heart, spread them to your friends and family, and help create a world where the principles of sustainability are automatically considered in all aspects of life. Now that’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping. Sure beats that exercise machine you (be honest) won’t use again!

At least until January 2nd, 2011.

Is Your Lawn Truly Green? Think Again...

2009-12-30T16:38:00.006-05:00

Who would have thought that grass isn’t green? That’s a statement most people would never have heard a few years back. But it’s true. That beautiful thick green lawn which all suburbanites covet and pay dearly to have, is a huge producer of carbon dioxide.

Educated individuals would say that’s simply not true, and that all green plants absorb carbon dioxide and, in turn, they emit life giving oxygen. And they would be correct. But they have not considered all of the indirect effects of growing and maintaining that lush outdoor carpet which negates any oxygen giving benefits many times over.

First, lawns require water. Lots of it. In fact, in most areas, much more water than is supplied by natural climatic conditions. Water used for irrigation is generally from the same source as tap water, meaning it has been processed through a water treatment facility. Various chemicals have been added (which may leach through the ground) and energy is used, usually oil or coal generated, to process the water.

Second, lawns require regular fertilization, herbicides and pesticides. Their runoff is responsible for much of the pollution in our waterways, including the giant “dead zone” spreading out for over 8,000 square miles into the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River delta. It takes 20 pounds of raw materials to manufacture one pound of fertilizer which also requires energy and exhausts 19 lbs of waste product. Not to mention the auto exhaust used for trips back and forth to the yard care store or having a lawn care company drive to your home.

Next, grass grows fast. This requires regular mowing. During the warm months, most lawns are mowed every week. In warmer regions, lawns are mowed throughout the year. Since lawnmowers lack catalytic converters, the EPA estimates that they spew from 5-35 times more emissions per hour than cars.

The same rationale applies to landscape plantings of shrubs, trees and ground cover. While many exotic plants are widely available in all areas, a well thought out native plantscape will substantially reduce maintenance, need for water, fertilizers and pesticides, and provide a home for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Isn’t that a greener choice?

Keith Winn is the VP Marketing/COO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Keith at kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Shifting Baselines: The Danger of Changing Perceptions

2009-12-18T18:14:00.003-05:00

Ever visit someplace from childhood and wonder, “wow, I remember it being much more expansive”? Now, go back a few more times and, before long, it will all appear normal. While not entirely the same concept, this is a worthwhile starting point for the worrisome idea of Shifting Baselines. Wait, come back! It may be a complicated-sounding term, but there’s no science lesson here today. Shifting Baselines essentially represents a change in what is perceived as normal. It is most often applied to environmental degradation, specifically in the oceans. So why is a change in perceptions an issue? Well, say a fisherman spent their entire life working the sea, never changing fishing grounds. If any aspect of the catch changed during their life, they’d be able to recall days of better (or worse) results. For them, the baseline is constant. A “big” fish is the same size their entire career, as is a “good” catch. Now, take the perspective of a fisherman new to the area. They have no idea what the conditions were in years past, therefore, their “baseline” is set to when they start.

Still unsure as to the dangers of a shifting baseline? Here’s some specifics to paint a clearer picture:

Fisherman 1 (lifelong resident) considers a “big fish” 150 lbs. and a “good” catch 1,000 lbs.
Fisherman 2 (new resident) has no previous experience, so a “big fish” for them is 50 lbs. and a subsequently “good” catch nets (forgive the pun) 400 lbs.

Due to this principle, modern onlookers have “shifted” their “baselines” (perception of normal) and don’t realize the massive decreases in both fish size and numbers. Conservation measures from that point on will strive to preserve what they believe is a healthy population, unaware of the losses already incurred.

So what can be done to avoid shifting our baselines? While I may have said there was no science lesson, there were no promises made regarding history! “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” - George Santayana. When written, it is likely there was little consideration for coral reefs, forests, or global fisheries given, however, the principle is the same. By educating on the past, there is a better chance of saving the future.

As an avid diver, snorkeler, and recreational fisher, I have seen a marked change in the marine habitats frequented. Coral reefs once rich with life are, to me, comparatively barren wastelands, a result of direct (overfishing, boat groundings, careless tourists) and indirect (increased fertilizer runoff, inadequate sewage treatment systems, decreased freshwater flow from the Everglades) impacts. Of course, new visitors see the still-colorful and fish-laden reef and perceive it as beautiful and unspoiled. My baseline, while not one of an “unspoiled” environment either, would be inconceivably stunning to those onlookers.

So now, with a newfound understanding of the troubles facing continually shifting perceptions, I want your opinion! What can be done to stem the continuing change in baselines, no matter the field? Also, have you experienced a Shifting Baseline, where others applauded what was once considered subpar? Tell us about it! Send your story to support@greenprofitsolutions.com. A particularly-inspiring recollection, with your permission, will be reprinted on our blog and website.

Learn more:
Shifting Baselines (A Non-Profit Project)
Shifting Baselines from Ocean Conservancy (PDF)

How Lights Put a Business in the Black

2009-12-09T17:55:00.003-05:00

Analyzing a business, what is the one item that simply “needs to work”? Sure, in the summer, the response is likely A/C, and it definitely could be a serious detriment to productivity, but there’s an even more base requirement. No, it’s not that Blackberry or iPhone, rather, it is lighting. A dark environment makes doing business nearly impossible. Yet, it is the very equipment which allows a company to continue operating effectively that is seen as simply another consumable. In recent years, more attention has been brought to illumination as a means of “going green” through the use of CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights) and, on a smaller scale, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The efforts are laudable, and much improvement has been made, however, lights are still seen as an end in and of themselves, not as a means to improving the business’s bottom line.

What could this possibly mean? Surely lights have two levels of benefits: longer life and lower energy consumption, but is it surprising to hear that they actually have many more effects? Take an office environment, for example. A comprehensive lighting audit should result in lower operating costs and reduced maintenance, but, if done properly, should also improve the quality of light, reducing eye strain (a cause of headaches), increasing productivity, and, reducing absenteeism!

Right, and the company is on the Fortune 500 in 3-month’s time. Sarcasm aside, these are all true (well, maybe not the Fortune 500, yet). Think about the last visit to a jewelry store. Were their lights a dull yellow, with areas of bluish hue, and the corners tending to hold a strong glare? No! Everything was presented in crisp, clean light approaching the tones of daylight, and why might that be? A jewelry store’s interest is in making their product look stunning, and they embrace proper lighting to emphasize that goal. The same, in effect, is true in any other business. When the lighting is at its best, employees, customers, and the actions each take are as well. This translates into a variety of benefits for the company. In healthcare, a clean light allows medical practitioners to diagnose and treat patients most effectively. On the manufacturing floor, proper lighting improves safety through a reduction in accidents and can provide a boost to quality control standards. Even in the classroom, a well-illuminated environment has been linked to an improvement in test scores and student behavior.

So, for those who passed on perusing The Article No One Will Read, here is the necessary summary:

Proper lighting is less common than it should be, but not troublesome to resolve
Well-lit environments allow everyone and everything to operate at their best
Beneficial light and cost savings can go hand-in-hand
Including a lighting audit within a company’s sustainability initiative can pay large dividends

Going Green,
Brightening the office,
Reducing the energy bill,
and replacing fewer lights

are all a singular goal!

The Article No One Will Read

2009-09-02T17:57:00.002-04:00

Wow. I just had a wake up call, maybe even an epiphany. While this may not be a completely green topic, it does refer to email, so unless you are printing your emails (and why would you do that?), I guess we can consider this a sustainable article.

Maybe I am the loner, but when I receive an email, and decide to open it, I generally read the whole message. These are from friends, family and known business associates. I do the same when I receive an email newsletter. After all, these are publications I subscribed to, so most of the content would be of interest to me. After sending out an important email to my friends and family, I found out that I am most definitely in the minority.

I sent out an email to about 60 people close to me, explaining an important topic, and asking their help in performing a 2 minute task. I ....wait a minute, are you still there? OK - I had to resend it 3 times so far, each time, re-explaining in different ways, as dozens of otherwise intelligent and computer savvy people were hopelessly lost. I finally had to build and send an instructional video.

Most writers of emails and newsletters track by Open rate. That’s totally irrelevant, because statistics and research tell me that MOST PEOPLE WON’T EVEN READ THIS. That’s right. And it’s because of a newly diagnosed syndrome, called Email Attention Deficit Disorder (EADD).

Due to information overload, it is estimated that there are over 2 billion people with this syndrome. Symptoms are:

• Simply scanning the first word or two of each sentence or paragraph;
• If the first word does not catch their attention, they skip to the next paragraph;
• If the paragraph has more than a few lines, they don’t even bother scanning;
• The average EADD sufferer spends less than 51 seconds scanning an email.

What does catch their attention?

• Highlighted important words – in red
• Bulleted topics
• Short, easy to manage paragraphs
• Videos – it’s easier than reading

What are the consequences of EADD?

• Sufferers generally miss the important points of the story
• If there is a task required in the email, ironically, they spend more time trying to perform it
• Very little knowledge is gained
• Increases confusion on topic

DO YOU HAVE EADD? If you are still reading, then you’re probably OK.

Pharmaceutical companies are ramping up research on this affliction and I’m sure we’ll soon see TV commercials to “Ask Your Doctor” for the latest and greatest new drugs…I don’t suppose they will have an email campaign.

OK, OK..my friend the Doctor just called. EADD is not an “official” syndrome….I just made that up. But the statistics and “symptoms” are real. Keep these in mind when writing your emails and newsletters and you will get more Opens and even more importantly, more people understanding your content.

Keith Winn is the VP Marketing/COO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Keith at kwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Help Us Plant 1000 Trees

2009-08-11T11:48:00.009-04:00

As you are probably aware, through our company, GreenProfit Solutions, we are quite involved in the efforts to curb climate change. According to most scientists, South Florida is the #1 “At Risk” region on the planet, so we do have a sense of urgency. We are trying to educate companies, governments and individuals through our speaking engagements, webinars, and participation serving on the Advisory Boards of the Eco Chamber, Port of Miami Propeller Club, Riverwalk Trust Sustainability Committee, Broward County Climate Change Task Force, Smart Growth Partnership, Living Green Fair, Emerge Broward, Lauderdale Air and Beach Festival, as well as Chairing and serving on the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber Diplomat & Concierge Committees, Chairperson of the New Member Committee, South Florida Chamber of Commerce as well as Sustainability Advisors for various non-profit organizations. As you can see, we take our mission seriously.

Our company is seeking people with a similar passion so we can geometrically increase our effect. We are offering a very affordable Business Opportunity model to those who wish to work with small and medium size companies in building their own part or full time business…and we need your help.

We have an advertising budget, and we could just place business opportunity ads or hire an advertising firm. But we want our dollars for this campaign to do more and that’s where you come in.

We all know someone who is looking for a way to supplement their income, or someone with a green passion, or someone seeking to follow their dream and start their own business. And, the people we know, also know other people with similar situations and similar passions.

We have built a complete informational system on our Opportunity, and for every 10 people who complete our online form and join our No Cost, No Obligation mailing list, we will have a tree planted in a vital region of the world. Trees are nature’s way of offsetting climate change. It is our goal through this campaign to plant a minimum of a 1000 trees, which means we need to have 10,000 people to subscribe.

We all have seen and some of us have forwarded those silly emails which promise “good luck”. Now, there is no luck required. By forwarding the email below, you are already helping to save the planet.

Thank you in advance for your help and participation.
---------------------------

PLEASE HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE - PLANT 1000 TREES – NO COST!

Our friends at GreenProfit Solutions, Inc., a socially and environmentally responsible company, are offering to pay to have 1,000 trees planted. The company is seeking to get the word out on their Green Business Opportunity and your No-Obligation subscription to receive information is all it takes. GreenProfit Solutions will have 1 tree planted for every ten subscriptions, with a goal of planting 1000 trees.

All subscribers receive a Free Business Report and the knowledge that they have helped do their part in the fight against Climate Change. Click to subscribe at their special web page.

Let’s help GreenProfit reach their goal. Please forward this email to every adult on your e-mail list.

Follow their progress on Twitter.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Is Your Seafood Sustainable?

2009-07-22T15:31:00.004-04:00

Fishing practices worldwide are damaging our oceans, depleting fish populations, destroying habitats and polluting the water. Informed consumers can help turn the tide. However, before finding a solution, we must discover the problems facing marine ecosystems. The following three issues can be solved through the same strategy, consumer choice. So what are these global challenges facing fisheries?

Overfishing
With an ever-growing world population to feed, fisheries worldwide are strained to their limits, in a state of decline, or, in worst case scenarios, have already collapsed. In the western Atlantic, cod were once so plentiful that fishing trawlers had a hard time just pushing through them. Today, they are almost nonexistent. When a fishery collapses, thousands of people are forced out of work and the fish species itself becomes in danger of extinction. Worldwide, fishing fleets are taking fish out of the oceans faster than they can reproduce. It is important to know which fish are most vulnerable to overfishing. Generally long-lived and slow growing species, including the Chilean Sea Bass (formerly known as the Patagonian Toothfish), living at least 40 years, and the Orange Roughy (Slimehead family), known to survive for over a century, tend to mature late and have low reproduction rates. Effectively, even relatively minor fishing pressures can have devastating impacts on such fisheries.

Habitat Destruction
Another major issue facing global fisheries is habitat destruction. Some trawling techniques employ an extremely efficient method of dragging nets along the ocean's bottom, scooping up nearly every fish in its path. While it results in large catch rates, it also has the unfortunate result of destroying any life on the ocean floor as large rollers are used to weigh the nets down. This leaves a flattened seascape, unable to recruit new life in the now-barren habitat.

Bycatch
This is another serious problem in global fisheries. Most prevalent in the previously-described trawling style of fishing, it is the unwanted or unintentional catch of non-target species. Worldwide, it is estimated that fisheries dispose of 25% of their catch for this reason, resulting in a nearly 100% mortality for those unfortunate enough to be caught. For example, it is estimated that for each pound of shrimp caught in a trawl net, an average of two to ten pounds of other marine life is caught and discarded overboard as bycatch. In addition, dolphins, whales, turtles, and sharks are frequently caught in trawlers’ nets and long-line operations, often severely affecting their populations.

Solutions
So how can you help? Well, in the simplest and most effective way any consumer can: with their wallet. Patronize establishments which support sustainable fisheries while making an effort to educate those who have yet to understand the issues. Certain grocery stores have committed to stocking sustainably harvested fish as well. How can you tell? Look for the Marine Stewardship Council seal on produce counters or in restaurants. But what about fish which aren't under the MSC guidelines? The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch has compiled and published a series of Regional Guides which you may download free of charge. These handy pocket guides show you which fish to avoid, good seafood alternatives, and best choices for both health and sustainability. Prefer a paperless alternative? A free iPhone app (opens in iTunes), complete with all regions and their respective seafood recommendations, is available, making sustainable seafood choices accessible anywhere your iPhone or iPod Touch travels.

Photo credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Water

2009-06-05T16:52:00.003-04:00

Being based in South Florida, water is a regular part of our lives. On the west, we are bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, while the Atlantic Ocean graces our eastern shore. The southwest region of the state is entirely dominated by the Everglades, a region of enormous biodiversity and importance. This completely notwithstanding the Florida Keys, the only living barrier reef system in the continental United States. For us, water isn’t just a drink or the recipe for a fun weekend; it is our livelihood. As the top tourist destination on the planet, we entertained over 76 million visitors in 2004, providing a $57 billion effect on our economy . Much of this is due to our shores and underwater treasures. From airboat tours to SCUBA diving trips, our natural resources are invaluable economically and environmentally.

So how can we balance their environmental preservation with our own social growth? The draining of the Everglades has been covered nationally as one of the most ambitious land reclamation projects ever conceived. Looking back, was it a bad idea? Absolutely, it disrupted the natural flow of freshwater from the Lake Okeechobee region into the Everglades and subsequently, the Florida Bay. We’re now spending billions of dollars and countless work hours in an attempt to return the system to some semblance of the original design. However, by drying up a large part of the historical Everglades in the early 20th century, it accomplished the original intent of the Army Corps of Engineers. Massive population centers in South Florida would not exist as we know them had the region not been dried and water flows redirected into canal systems. Permanent building was impossible due to the constant variation in water levels before the canals. Much of the reclaimed wetlands was initially used for farming, a natural fit due to the rich swampy “muck”. Our economy grew from those farmers, fast-forwarding to Flagler’s Railroad and the first tourists. Some of those visitors constructed winter homes in the area, slowly converting the region from the next agricultural frontier (which it remains to this day in some regions) to the must-visit destination of the U.S.

Of course, even then, tourists came here not for the mosquitoes, humidity, or sunburns (well, maybe the tanning), but for the water. Since the water they craved was ocean, there was need for another source of water to drink. Underneath the southern part of the state lies the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of our water supply. While other regions have large, well-filtered aquifers buried thousands of feet below the ground, the Biscayne Aquifer is essentially our water table. It fluctuates with rainfall and is directly accessible from the surface. While it makes extraction very simple, it presents a number of significant issues. Fertilizers and other toxins readily make their way into our water supply. Additionally, when over-pumping or periods of drought occur, saltwater intrusion becomes a serious problem. Ironic that the state which receives more rainfall than nearly anywhere else in the continental United States is most at risk for water shortages.

“Thanks for the history lesson”, the reader might say, “but what’s it to us?” Especially here, where the environment is so closely linked with our economic well-being, the need to consider sustainability along with growth is essential. The advice for Floridians is valid anywhere. Nutrient overload is causing damage to our nearshore water quality, reef health, and wetland viability. This originates from agricultural facilities, yes, but also from the average family’s green lawn. How can you make a difference? Take care to avoid fertilizers and pesticides unless necessary, then using only the natural varieties. Time-release formulas can positively affect our water supply as they only use what is needed at the moment, minimizing runoff. It may not be apparent, but no matter where you are, every chemical you pour into your soil eventually makes its way to a waterway. Native plants require fewer, if any, fertilizers. A growing trend nationally is xeriscaping, or planting native flora. My home county has a NatureScape Broward program which highlights homes and businesses who have met a xeriscaping goal. These yards require less care and watering, thereby lowering their total cost of upkeep.

Reducing total water consumption also helps to preserve the natural environment. In a way, it is unfortunate that, for most users, water is so cheap as to render a financial savings extremely minimal. At a rate of ~$2 per 1,000 gallons, even massive reductions will not result in significant savings. However, there is another reason to save water — it’s a limited resource. Though we may not have a direct eye into our own supply, know that the less each of us use, the better off all us will fare.

A number of technologies, both old and new, are available to help reduce our depletion of valuable aquifers. Low-flow toilets, shower-heads, and faucets can more than halve indoor usage. Atmospheric water generators allow drinking water to be produced straight from the humidity in the air, purified for instant enjoyment. For irrigation purposes, cisterns connected to building gutters can retain the water necessary to keep the plants green through the hot summer or dry spring seasons.

Whether it be flowing down a plain in the Everglades, surrounding a healthy coral reef, or sitting in an ice-filled glass, water is an essential resource. Please treat it as such.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Greening Your Paper

2009-05-01T18:56:00.004-04:00

Paper. It comes in countless forms, be it for magazines (shiny), newspaper (thin), or office printers. The material is used for more than just traditional sheets; there are sticky notes, mailing envelopes, and packaging that embrace its varied purposes. Of course, all paper, at its base, is the same, right? The conventional wisdom reads: paper = tree, with the primary variations being in what quality level is desired. Unfortunately, this isn’t entirely true. There are many aspects to consider, from recycled content (and is it pre- or post-consumer?) and certification level, to chlorine content. Let’s go through in that order.

Recycled paper products have been available for many years, and are perhaps the most widely used of the “green” office supplies. The premise is that the paper is produced from other paper as opposed to new trees. It can originate through pre- or post-consumer material, but what is the difference? Pre-consumer content may have been paper, but for a variety of reasons (off-cuts, misprints, poor quality, etc.) failed to be released from the production process. Much of this is immediately recycled, therefore explaining the high prevalence of pre-consumer content in recycled products. Post-consumer content originates from the paper you place in your office recycle bin. The percentage seen on the recycled paper packaging at the store is the sum of both these paper formats.

So, now you’re wondering why all paper isn’t simply 100% recycled (with varying pre- and post-consumer content)? Well, different compositions are better suited for differing purposes. Beyond 35% post-consumer content, the pulp is unreliable for commercial printing, but is normally fine for personal and office use. Paperboard, cardboard, and other packaging materials do not require a high quality, and are therefore often 100% recycled. All of these forms can be recycled approximately seven times, at which point the fibers are too short for reuse.

With no defined standard on what makes paper “recycled”, it is up to the consumer to know what they are purchasing. Seek the highest percentage of post-consumer content in the quality you need, but remember, you will likely be unable to find more than 35% due to the limitations explained previously. As new experts on recycled paper, there’s a large question that is not addressed by the recycling process: any takers? It deals with how the virgin wood pulp is harvested, thus leading the discussion to certified paper.

Certified paper is the exact same paper you’re used to, however, it originated from forests managed in a standardized way with consideration for a variety of environmental and social factors. The process is third-party monitored from tree to paper by one (or more) of three primary certification agencies: Forest Stewardship Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. FSC is the largest and was set up by the United Nations, while SFI was put together by the paper industry in North America, and PEFC by the same groups in France and Europe. Each operate similarly, and a producer may seek multiple certifications. This paper may also contain recycled content, however, since its production results in minimal to no net tree (or biodiversity) loss, it makes paper a more renewable and sustainable resource.

Finally, chlorine usage in the paper production process can result in large chemical effluent from the facility. To minimize this pollution, chlorine-free paper is now in production. According to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, however, there are three different labels one might see : TCF (Totally Chlorine Free), PCF (Processed Chlorine Free), and ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free). TCF means both the virgin and recycled content are chlorine free, while PCF only provides assurance the virgin fibers are free of chlorine (recycled content may contain chlorine). ECF only refers to the type of chlorine used, has no bearing on the chlorine in the paper, and therefore does not avoid the production of dioxins in the effluent.

In review, recycled or certified paper is good, certified paper with high recycled content is better, while certified recycled paper rated TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) is best. Of course, the standard practices of reducing and reusing still apply.

Enjoy your newfound paper wisdom, and print wisely!

References:
Forest Stewardship Council: www.fsc.org
Sustainable Forestry Initiative: www.sfiprogram.org
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification: www.pefc.org
Natural Resources Council of Maine: www.nrcm.org/chlorinefreepaper.asp

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Driving and Stopping Smarter

2009-04-01T16:50:00.004-04:00

Who loves driving in stop-and-go traffic, only to break through and be stuck at the next 7 straight red lights? Even if there is abnormally fantastic music playing, that scenario is quite far from the quintessential "relaxing evening". What might surprise you is that the environment agrees; from a "green" standpoint, maximizing efficiency produces the least impacts, in this case, a smooth drive home.

The difference in a vehicle's city and highway mileage is directly related to the increased acceleration and braking experienced in typical city driving. On highways, the engine is able to settle into an ideal pattern, generating the proper energy for the speed you desire, more so if the speed is kept in all car's optimal range (55-60). When city driving, much of the distance covered is while the car is speeding up from a standstill, a process which consumes far more fuel (and produces more emissions) than driving steadily at one speed.

As mentioned in a previous article, my car has a real time fuel consumption computer which I've referenced for other statistics. In strictly stop-and-go urban driving, the car usually manages about 22-25 MPG. While accelerating, however, that number falls to 10 or below! Consider this: the first light turns green, and the traffic flow begins moving towards the next set of lights, which promptly turns red. At this point, the momentum the car generated is wasted in braking for the next intersection. Therefore, for this area of travel, the vehicle's mileage was likely less than half even the EPA rating!

There is another aspect to consider: idling. As much (or as little) as a non-hybrid vehicle sips fuel when driving, they all get 0 MPG when idling. According to the Canadian Office of Energy Efficiency, the average engine consumes between ¼ to ¾ of a gallon for every hour it is left idling. Considering the average Canadian (American drivers are likely quite similar) leaves their engine idling for 5-10 minutes daily, assuming $2.00/gallon, the car generates about 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide and directly costs the owner 5-10¢...daily. A good methodology to follow is to turn off the engine if it will be idling for more than about 30 seconds. Modern engines use less gas to restart than they do to operate for 15 seconds. Contrary to popular belief, it is no longer necessary to leave the vehicle idling when cold; it warms up more effectively when being lightly driven.

So it's been established that idling wastes fuel (and generates more CO2), while consistent red lights decrease gas mileage, both contributing to increased costs of vehicle ownership (and increased emissions), but how do they relate?

While the American Federal government is attempting to take a leadership role in reducing emissions and maximizing efficiency, without any detraction to those efforts, it is likely they will be slow to implement. However, development of climate change task forces by local community and county governments have great potential for effecting immediate and substantial change. While traffic elimination is a pipe dream (but something that both "green" and "non-green" citizens would welcome!), one issue that is rarely discussed is traffic light timing.

In most urban and sub-urban regions, nearly all traffic lights on major roads are networked on a central timing system, affected normally by time of day, individual car sensors, and emergency vehicles. The goal of such a system is to promote a smooth flow of traffic in all directions, while maximizing safety in your commute. Additionally, most have a "magic speed" configured, in which, assuming no traffic, one could hit every green light the entire road through. Unfortunately, in many regions, there are certain lights that always seem to be red. It isn't a coincidence, though it might be an accident.

How can you help? Encourage your local climate change task forces (if you have) as well as your city and county commissioners to push for traffic light timing programs. This is probably the first place you've seen it written, but nevertheless: Go green with traffic light timing! By decreasing stop-and-go driving patterns as well as reducing idle time of commuters, localities can make a substantial affect on their own emissions, thereby taking a worthwhile step in their green efforts.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Alternative Disposables

2009-03-27T17:23:00.004-04:00

Yes, I know. Before all of you start yelling Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, please understand there are times when disposable items are the only practical option. For example, how about when you ask for that doggie bag at your favorite restaurant? Suppose your folks are over for a summer BBQ? Or your company is planning an event or conference?

Most restaurants today provide Styrofoam® to package your take out foods. In the United States, the word styrofoam® is often used as a generic term for expanded polystyrene foam, such as disposable coffee cups, coolers, or packaging material. These goods are typically white and constructed of expanded polystyrene beads, a petroleum product. Unrecycled polystyrene, which does not biodegrade, is often abundant in the outdoor environment, particularly along shores and waterways, and contributes to solid waste pollution. According to the Wikipedia, polystyrene can be recycled, a “6” under the familiar plastics numbering system.

Now, here’s the kicker. Even though polystyrene carries a #6 recycling symbol, the actual process required to recycle the material is often more costly than initial manufacturing. So what does that mean? Even if you carefully place all recyclable Styrofoam® into the appropriate recycling bins, it will likely still end up in a landfill…for thousands of years. When it does finally break down into its lowest basic form, it remains a major pollutant for wildlife and water supplies. Is it any wonder some cities are attempting to eliminate it? Seattle is leading the charge by becoming the first US city on record to completely ban Styrofoam® products.

What about typical clear plastic cups, utensils, or even paper goods? The clear plastic cups and utensils are still made from petroleum. Even though some of these items can be recycled, “contamination” by food products excludes them from the process and diverts them to the landfills anyway! Additionally, we are still supporting a non-sustainable industry…of which 80% is controlled by non-domestic companies. Paper goods are made from trees, a renewable resource, and they will eventually biodegrade without leaving toxic remnants. This potentially could be a sustainable industry, however, the Forest Stewardship Council reports that less than 10% of the paper used worldwide is from sustainable forests.

One of the newest sustainable alternatives are items manufactured from Polylactic Acid (PLA), a polymer derived from corn, also known as “corn plastic”. This material mimics clear plastic, yet does not biodegrade in a natural or landfill environment, but instead requires commercial composting, a service not available in many areas. Other items, including packing materials, are made from corn- or potato-starch. These begin degrading immediately upon contact with water.

Another alternative is Bagasse. This byproduct of sugar production resembles the appearance and properties of Styrofoam®. As with PLA, bagasse also biodegrades quickly in a commercial composting facility yet also breaks down in a landfill environment within a reasonable time frame. However, this presents its own set of problems. Landfills are not designed for their contents to rapidly break down, and waste management managers are concerned about such products creating “holes” in their fills after exactly that occurs.

So what’s the answer? Right now, there is no one solution. We will need to approach the sustainable disposables issue from a variety of paths. Perhaps one can embrace bagasse for utensils and coffee cups, PLA for clear plates and uninsulated glasses, and recycled/certified paper containers for take out purposes (Advantage: Cardboard containers don’t dissolve in the microwave!). While this remains non-ideal due to the shortage of composting facilities and valid concerns with corn products raising food prices, it is in everyone’s interest to start the transition away from the damaging disposables so prevalent in our lives today.

*Styrofoam is a registered trademark of Dow Chemical Company

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Greenwashing – The Dark Side of the Green Movement

2009-03-09T10:31:00.003-04:00

For every positive action in nature, there is an equal negative reaction. Yin and Yang. And so it has been since history began. The Green Movement is no different.

Now that a growing number of consumers are becoming educated on the environmental issues facing us all and wanting to do their part to protect the health of their families, employees, communities and planet, a new evil comes lurking out of the shadows. This evil is not easily recognized as it is dressed in friendly green garb, and comes with promises of purity and environmental benefits.

It’s known as “greenwashing”. The watchdog and testing agency, Terra Choice Environmental Marketing/Eco-Logo defines greenwashing as: “the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.” With the amount of money being spent each on year on green products and services increasing at a rapid pace, it’s no wonder individuals and companies who prior, had little concern for the environment, are rushing to portray themselves and their products as green.

What is the extent of this practice? In an effort to describe, understand, and quantify the growth of greenwashing, TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc. conducted a survey of six category-leading big box stores. Through these surveys, they identified 1,018 consumer products bearing 1,753 environmental claims. Of the 1,018 products examined, all but one made claims that are demonstrably false or that risk misleading intended audiences.

Each of these greenwashing claims fell into one of six categories, labeled by TerraChoice as the “Six Sins of Greenwashing”. The categories included:

1. Sin of the Hidden Trade-Off – a product is claimed “green” for a single attribute
2. Sin of No Proof - A “green” claim that cannot be substantiated.
3. Sin of Vagueness – Claim is either too broad or ill defined and easily misunderstood by consumer.
4. Sin of Irrelevance – Claim may be truthful, but unimportant in making a decision on that product.
5. Sin of Fibbing – Making environmental claims that are simply false.
6. Sin of Lesser of Two Evils - These are “green” claims that may be true within the product category, but that risk distracting the consumer from the greater environmental impacts of the category as a whole.

The Green Movement is still in its infancy and is just starting to build trust among people now concerned about the environment. These are people who, in many cases, are now willing to pay more for a green product. Should that product not be green or live up to its promises, many new green consumers will lose faith in the movement as a whole.

It’s easy for companies to tout their own horn on how green they are. When possible, consumers should look for product certifications from governments and standard setting bodies such as EcoLogo and Green Seal. However, not all small and medium size companies can afford the fees required for testing by these agencies. Companies in this category, and those in the service industry, should review their own company practices, set a plan for their own green initiatives, and strive for professional third party recognition of their efforts. With all that is at stake, no company can afford to be on the “dark side” and lose the confidence of the new green consumer.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Green Building – LEEDing the Way

2009-03-09T10:22:00.004-04:00

Going Green today encompasses much more than just recycling and changing to CFL bulbs. With a global energy crisis, combined with climate change, companies are just now beginning to look into a relatively new concept: Green Buildings. The online Wikipedia defines a Green Building as “the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building's lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.”

Green Building is based upon the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification standard developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. In the commercial arena, LEED buildings are typically healthier work environments and have lower operational costs than conventionally designed buildings. LEED incorporates a scoring system to achieve various levels of certification which are: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These are based upon the following criteria:

• Sustainable sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and atmosphere
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality
• Innovation and design process

Since LEED’s inception in 1996, there are now more than 14,000 projects in 30 countries. CitiBank began its LEED building program back in 2006 and has so far opened several new LEED Gold facilities in Irving, Texas, Queens, NY and in Germany. The company has committed $10 billion in green real estate initiatives over the next 20 years. On a smaller scale, Navy Federal Credit Union completed their new LEED Gold Call Center in Pensacola, FL which currently houses 300 employees. This is the first stage of a four building corporate campus which will eventually house over 3,000 employees. Their studies show a 25-40% reduction in energy usage and their employee turnover rate was reduced from 60% to only 17%.

Typical costs for new LEED building average only 2% above conventional building. However, other factors such as availability of sustainable materials and unfamiliarity of LEED processes may cause delays which could affect the costs. However, when averaged over a building’s 40 year life span, the benefits clearly outweigh the costs.

While the new construction makes the news, LEED construction is also making headway in the refurbishing and renovation of existing buildings. Due to original construction limitations, LEED renovated buildings rarely receive a rating of higher than “Certified”, although based upon how thorough and extensive the renovation, a rating of Silver is possible.

You can find complete information on LEED at www.usgbc.org.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Corporate Social Responsibility - Is it Good for Business?

2009-03-09T10:10:00.005-04:00

Going Green today is more than just setting up a recycling program or using e-statements. While many businesses are familiar with the old concept of social responsibility, wherein companies, on a voluntary basis, reached out to assist their customers and communities, the definition now has been greatly expanded. Possibly due to the growing environmental issues facing our communities and planet, a new concept is being applied.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that organizations and mostly companies, have an obligation to consider the interests of customers, employees, shareholders, communities, and ecological considerations in all aspects of their operations. Just like the old definition of social responsibility, this obligation is seen to extend beyond their statutory obligation to comply with legislation.
This concept applies to all businesses in all industries. Regardless of whether the company is a white collar office based service organization or a blue collar based manufacturing facility, there are steps that must be considered and taken to alleviate the impact of the company’s activities on the environment. While a factory belching smoke has obvious environmental impacts, other industries impacts may not be as apparent. Consider the nice clean white collar office building. How much energy is it using? How much paper? Ink? Water? All of these factors , and many more, while unseen, have an deleterious impact on the environment.

How? Let’s just consider water for now. For every gallon used, the water must be cleaned, processed and re-purified. This is an energy intensive procedure and requires substantial use of electricity, most of which is produced today from fossil fuels. Processing paper from wood pulp typically requires enormous amounts of water usage, not to mention the trees destroyed and chemical emissions released into our atmosphere and sometimes, waterways. And it’s not just the factories using water. Think of it this way: each time you flush the toilet, you are indirectly releasing additional CO2 into the atmosphere, speeding global warming.

Of course, we are not advocating that you send your employees into the woods whenever nature calls, but an overall policy of CSR should include a systematic program on water usage reduction. Most importantly, your CSR policy should consider not only local effects of your business activities, but also the far reaching effects.

Besides the rewards of “doing the right thing”, there are monetary rewards for CSR: recent surveys indicate a growing number of your prospects and customers now take a company’s environmental policies into consideration before doing business. Companies that truly Go Green enhance their marketability, improve their employee relations, and reduce their energy costs. As they used to say, it’s a win-win-win for everyone.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

photo credit: Swisscan on Flickr

Saving Money, Saving Fuel: Is the Hybrid Worth It?

2009-02-27T07:08:00.004-05:00

Car buying - you cringe just at the thought of it. The tedious search for safety testing results and drivability reviews is at hand, not to mention the new set of payments that will go along with this vehicle. This is the point at which to decide to go new or used. Both have their benefits and downsides, and their balance varies depending on the situation. Of course, those tasks exclude the other decisions inherent in the process: Style of vehicle (sedan, SUV, crossover), engine size (the 4-cylinder is efficient, but the 6-cylinder has a great kick), color, and packages (GPS and audio system or just the audio, but what about the moonroof?). Recently, a new option is under consideration by the average car buyer: hybrid or conventional? At first glance, the appeal of a hybrid is overwhelming; the improved fuel economy, partial silent operation, and green appearance all make it a difficult treat to resist. However, with all the hoopla around hybrids, seeing through the marketing spectacle is important to make an informed decision on whether they are a beneficial option for you. Indeed, the impact on your wallet may actually be higher if you purchase a hybrid!

Let’s get a few things out of the way. First, hybrids don’t automatically mean amazing gas mileage. Yes, they will be better, often significantly so, than their equivalent conventional model, but all too commonly, the difference is not nearly large enough to expect to pay less in the long run. I recently purchased a new vehicle, and was torn between two sedans, one was a hybrid, and the other was a normal 4-cylinder. With the hybrid, research found that I should expect an average of 35 MPG for my driving style (40% city, 60% highway). On the other hand, the conventional vehicle (which I drive now) has demonstrated an average of slightly above 28 MPG, based upon the on-board computer. Now, I’m all for reducing our usage of oil, but was the hybrid worth it? Looking into the costs, I discovered quite a sticker shock - the hybrid was nearly $8,000 more! Assuming I drive 10,000 miles a year, at 28 MPG, the conventional engine burns 357 gallons of gasoline. At $2.00 a gallon, the annual fuel cost is $714. With the hybrid, getting 35 MPG, I’d have used 285 gallons, resulting in an annual fuel cost of $571. Therefore, the hybrid would only save me $143 annually in fuel costs. At this rate, to pay off the $8,000 premium, I’d have to drive for 55 years (or hope fuel prices rise substantially)! Ignoring the 10-year lifetime of the batteries, the payoff simply was not there.

In my case, the decision was simple. The costs were simply too high. To partially offset the diminished mileage between my vehicle and the hybrid, I practice the standard efficient driving techniques, driving under 70 on the highways, accelerating and braking at moderate speeds, and coasting, instead of driving, towards red lights, just to name a few. Only a few days ago, I found myself on a local road with a posted speed limit of 50 MPH. Setting the cruise control to 53 MPH, I took a look at the real-time fuel consumption meter, and then did a double-take. The car was consistently getting over 39 MPG! This non-hybrid vehicle was performing better than the hybrid equivalent, and all it took was careful and intelligent driving.

The point to drive home (pun intended) here is not that hybrids are bad or a poor financial decision, rather, their usefulness is extremely dependent on your normal driving patterns. Consider a hybrid when the price variance is less than a few thousand, you tend to drive mostly in the city (hybrid mileage is opposite conventional cars, the city range tends to be higher), and the difference in mileage is significant. Also, this entire situation assumes a new car purchase with no leasing.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

New or Used Car - Which is Greener?

2009-02-04T17:47:00.003-05:00

As much as you try, bicycling and public transportation just won’t cut it. Perhaps your home is far from a transit hub, or you simply live in a region where public transportation is ineffective. Bicycles are out of the question for any length of trip because your bike lanes are approximately 12 inch strips on the right side of the road (welcome to my city). Even carpooling, while beneficial for certain destinations, cannot always assist in getting groceries and other necessities. So, as green as you strive to be, there’s no way around having a car.

Do not despair! There are many options available that can help minimize your impacts. The first decision should go without saying, but with marketing messages coming from all angles, rational thought can be swayed by its influence. Most simply, buy the largest vehicle you need, yet the smallest you can manage. While that new 7-seater with half-ton pickup bed seems like a great idea for transporting landscaping supplies concurrently with the soccer team, you have to ask yourself; will the majority of this vehicle’s use be embracing its many features? If not, you can likely look to a smaller, more efficient, and cheaper mode of transportation.

Now that you have identified the class of vehicle, it’s time to decide between new versus pre-owned. Unfortunately, from an environmental standpoint, there is little agreement amongst researchers on which is the “greener” choice. While an older, inefficient vehicle is obviously less desired than a new and extremely efficient hybrid or compact car, further questions arise on the fate of the original one and energy/resources used for the construction of the new vehicle. Without delving into conjecture and independent statistics, leave it at this: If you absolutely need a car, pursue the best value for the dollar over its lifetime, including both new and used in your consideration.

Use the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide to learn about the overall emissions and fuel usage from a variety of vehicles, including your own to use as a baseline. While you may not see a direct impact on your wallet from reduced emission levels, you are making a choice that benefits everyone, at no additional cost to yourself. As an example, an EPA SmartWay or higher rated vehicle is so clean, it would have to be driven many thousands of miles to equal the air pollution generated by running a lawn mower for one hour (Of course, this raises many valid questions about the lawn mower). In addition, residents of certain states may purchase vehicles with a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) rating, nearly the same standard hybrids such as the Civic and Prius are required to meet. The tailpipe emissions of these cars are often cleaner than the ambient air in your own city! Don’t take that as an endorsement to breathe through your car’s exhaust, but understand the improvements being made on vehicle emissions.

One final note: In 2008, the EPA changed their MPG reporting standards. This means that vehicles of model year 2008 or later are using the new numbers, however, 2007 and earlier models are based on a separate calculation. When shopping for used cars, it may appear that an older model achieves substantially better fuel economy than the new model, but this difference is more than likely attributed to the changed reporting. Why was this done? To confuse the consumers in an already stressful situation? No, rather, the new fuel economy standards should better reflect the normal usage of a vehicle (A/C on more often, driving at faster highway speeds, etc.). What does this all mean to you, the consumer? Finally, the numbers you see on the sticker are likely what you will see when driving. On the Green Vehicle Guide mentioned earlier, the EPA has posted adjusted MPG numbers for some older model year vehicles for appropriate comparison.

Now if only they would help decide between the hardtop and convertible...

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Junk Mail – How Can It Be Stopped?

2009-01-12T16:50:00.005-05:00

Some companies seem to get it… By reducing your paper use, you can also dramatically reduce greenhouse gases. By promoting services like e-statements and online bill pay, your company can also save money. For those of us who do not understand the correlation between paper and climate change, here are a few facts:

It takes trees to make paper…lots of them. Trees are the planet’s “filters”. A tree takes in carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and produces live-giving oxygen. According to Conservatree, just 1 carton (10 reams) of 100% virgin copier paper uses .6 trees, and 1 tree makes 16.67 reams of copy paper or 8,333.3 sheets. Now, let’s factor in pulp processing. Besides the tremendous energy usage to operate these paper mills (that’s more greenhouse gases), the converting of pulp to paper takes a tremendous amount of water which also has to be reprocessed and re-filtered…again, more energy and greenhouse gases. And last, the inks. Most printing is still performed with petroleum and solvent based inks. Not only does that keep our country dependent on oil, but these inks contain toxins which can eventually end up leeching into public water supplies through old landfills.

So, let’s get back to how you can rid your company of the most common annoyance and help the cause: junk mail. Nobody wants it, you did not ask for it, yet it continues to show up in your mailroom, desks,or PO boxes day after day. In fact, the organization 41pounds.org estimates that weight to be the amount of junk mail every American receives in just one year. If your organization is diligent, then you might try to sort through those items which can be recycled, but for the majority, this so far is not the case. Most junk mail gets thrown out with the trash, and ends up in landfills. Here is just some of the impact:

• More than 100 million trees are destroyed each year to produce junk mail. 42% of timber harvested nationwide becomes pulpwood for paper.
• The world’s temperate forests absorb 2 billion tons of carbon annually. Creating and shipping junk mail produces more greenhouse gas emissions than 9 million cars.
• About 28 billion gallons of water are wasted to produce and recycle junk mail each year.
There is an easy solution: Catalog Choice offers a free service wherein you can use their website to unsubscribe from various mailings. As mentioned earlier, www.41pounds.org , also offers, for a nominal fee, a comprehensive unsubscription program to help your company in stopping that annoying flow of unwanted catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, and just about anything else you do not wish to see in your mailbox.

You can do your organization a favor and help your community and planet in the process. Now, can someone tell me how I can stop that endless flow of junk e-mail?

Photo courtesy of TELportfolio on Flickr.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

A National Recycling Standard

2008-12-20T15:50:00.001-05:00

I recycle, at least, I try to. Lifelong dedication to the environment, and I still wonder whether that envelope I’m holding is accepted in our paper recycling program. Are the plastic windowed ones allowed? If so, does the window have to be under a certain size? What about shiny paper? Usually it is excluded, however, junk mail is specifically mentioned as accepted. Of course, that doesn’t cover the plastics. Bypassing the issue of the numbers, a separate discussion altogether, take the example of plastic shopping bags. These items must be deposited elsewhere for recycling (the thin bags get trapped in the machinery and clog it), even though they are tagged with otherwise-included numbers. Did I mention that if otherwise excluded items wind up in the recycling pile, the entire batch is considered contaminated and subsequently thrown away? No pressure. Move to another city and the accepted items are likely completely different. With such a convoluted system, what hope does the average person trying to do their part have?

Recent news reports from USA Today, claim that the incoming Obama administration will be appointing former EPA administrator Carol Browner as energy “czar” to “coordinate energy issues across the federal government” . An entirely new position in the United States, surely her responsibilities will solidify as she grows into her role. Coordination is a wonderful idea; by keeping a unified focus in all federal activities, real progress can be made in energy policy. Energy, however, is not nearly as closed a field as implied. To make substantive impact on the global environment, they will need to focus on all aspects of energy use, and guarantee that we are using our energy efficiently and intelligently.

This is where the stories converge.

Recycling, at its very core, is intended to reduce the need to expend resources in making something new when an already-produced equivalent exists. If one were to ask a person why they might use recycled paper, a logical answer may include the following: “So we don’t have to cut down more trees”. The same goes for bottled water or a can of soda - why go through the effort of producing more virgin plastic when a recycled bottle already sequestered the necessary energy? In essence, recycling is the act of being more intelligent with our energy (and resource) use.

Suddenly, recycling sounds like a topic upon which the administration will wish to focus, but how to do so? Waste services are privately owned enterprises operating independently or on contract with municipalities, not the federal government. It is doubtful they would be open to nationalization, nor is that necessarily a good idea, but what about some standards? Is there anything else the federal government has a hand in regulating by allowing its operation by the private sector? Bingo, organic foods. Currently, the USDA provides standards for independent certifying bodies to inspect operations for compliance. If approved, they are permitted to use the USDA Organic seal on their product, providing standardization and ease-of-use for consumers.

I propose a similar system for recycling. Instead of the current labyrinth of policies, simply have a universally-recognizable logo printed on all products meeting the federal government’s recycling standard. The EPA (presumably the lead agency on the issue) will then go about assisting and approving existing waste disposal/recycling companies. Upon certification, they will be capable of processing a given criteria of materials, for example, plastics coded 1-6, clear and green glass, aluminum, and specific forms of paper, for all of their existing customers. The difference now is that on the disposal end, we do away with the traditional recycling logo and affiliated marks, and replace them with a custom EPA Recycle logo, in the same vein as the USDA Organic logo. For citizens living/working within a service area of an EPA-approved waste disposal company, they can rest assured that if they place an EPA Recycle labelled product in their recycle bin, it will be properly recycled. Market forces will push waste operators to achieve the EPA distinction to accommodate the demands of their clientele, as well as product manufacturers adopting its use on appropriate products.

Such a system eliminates the consideration of plastic code numbers (many people don’t even know they exist), cardboard versus paperboard recycling, or any number of other issues that can and do arise daily. Reference the success of the USDA Organic seal. Average citizens regularly seek out organic options, a change partially brought about simply by the addition of a standardized logo.

We have a golden opportunity ahead of us as we welcome a new administration strongly committed to the environment. A national recycling standard will help bridge the gap between the U.S. and, according to Swiss Recycling News, Switzerland, the global leader, standing at 76% . As of 2007, the EPA reports the United States had a recycling rate of approximately 33%, a value needlessly diminished by confusion, contamination, and general ignorance of the current situation . Americans want to recycle, but when presented with a hodgepodge of policies nationwide, it can make even the most green of people simply throw it away.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Greening Your Holidays

2008-12-01T17:56:00.003-05:00

With the Holiday season fast approaching, our thoughts here at GreenProfit Solutions, as everyone else, are turning to plans for celebration with good friends and family. We started wondering how we could combine the Holiday festivities with Going Green. After doing some research, we came up with a few ideas:
The results of our research estimated that in America alone, over 2 billion holiday cards will be printed and mailed, over 38,000 miles of ribbon will be used, and more than 50,000 square miles of wrapping paper will decorate all of those presents Santa will deliver to all of the good boys and girls. (Hmmm...I wonder if reindeer powered sleighs are eco-friendly?) And what about the traditional Christmas tree? Millions of those will be left on curbs, and hundreds of thousands of artificial trees will find their way to landfills. So how can we all enjoy our Holidays and be still green conscious?

Here are a few tips:

No Plastic Bags - we didn't mention those in the above estimates but Americans send over 350 million tons of plastic bags to landfills each year! (The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between 500 billion and a trillion plastic grocery bags are consumed worldwide each year). Plastic bags are petroleum based, the inks used may contain lead, and are not recyclable through residential or most commercial recycling programs. Many end up as litter, negatively affecting our wildlife on land and in our waters. Why not keep a supply of reusable fabric bags in your car, and use them when you shop for gifts? Then after the holidays, they make heavy duty carriers for your food shopping, at the home improvement store, and everyday use.

No Artificial Trees - these are also made from petroleum products and are not recyclable. If you can, buy a live tree and plant it in your yard after the holiday. You may also be able to donate the tree to your community or city. What about a cut tree? Unfortunately, most conventional tree farms use large amounts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. A better option, if it is available in your area, is to buy an organically grown cut tree. Green Promise has compiled a list of organic growers. Regardless of which cut tree you buy, many municipalities now collect these and turn them into mulch.

Go e-Cards - Traditional paper cards not only take a toll on our trees, but also add huge amounts of carbon to our atmosphere to process the pulp into paper. Most of the inks used are solvent based and contain toxins which can find their way into water supplies. There are so many great interactive e-cards you can buy online, or better yet, create your own with family photos, music and even videos. Try creating one free at Save A Tree Cards or 123Greetings. Save trees, save paper and with no postage required, save money!

Go Real for Tableware - Use real plates and silverware, especially if you have an Energy Star efficient dishwasher. If you must use disposable items, make sure they are recyclable. Check the number in the triangular recycle logo. If it is a 3 or less, chances are it can be recycled IF you make sure it is not "contaminated" with food. Avoid buying Styrofoam, as this normally cannot be recycled and is also a petroleum based product.

Wrap it Up - Have any magazines, decorative paper bags or old posters around the house? Here's your chance to reduce your clutter and put it to use as wrapping paper. If you must have traditional wrapping paper, you can purchase recycled paper and cotton ribbons (some are also made with non-toxic soy based inks) online at Fishlips Paper and Paper Source.

Let It Shine - With the popularity of LED's, you can now purchase strings of lights and even decorative ornaments made with these ultra low power Light Emitting Diodes. These use much less power than traditional bulbs, (about 60-80% less), thereby not only reducing your Holiday "carbon footprint", but also reducing your energy costs. You may also want to consider purchasing a timer to save even more!

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Green Your Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T09:06:00.004-05:00

As the Holiday Season approaches, we all tend to resort to our own family traditions, which may not include any thought of sustainability. One possibility? Start some new Green traditions. Here are a few ideas for a Green Thanksgiving from Lynn Colwell, and her daughter, Corey Colwell-Lipson, authors of the book: "Celebrate Green":

Decorations:
— It's easy to make Thanksgiving decorations green because so many of them are edible. Colwell likes to decorate with gourds and berries. "It looks beautiful, it's colorful, it's enjoyed first and then consumed," she said. These items could also be composted.

— For place settings and wreaths, gather natural materials you can easily find in your own yard - branches, pinecones, beautiful autumn leaves. Not only will it create less waste, but you'll also have fewer items to store, since everything is disposable. It's fun for kids, and better yet, it's free. For daily green decorating tips with a natural feel, check out decorator Danny Seo's blog.

—Find new uses for things you already have. "We were setting a Thanksgiving dinner for a talk we gave, and we didn't put too much planning into what we would do. We did a hunt around the house," said Colwell-Lipson. "We had a fun time opening cupboards and putting things together, and came up with 90 percent of what we needed there. We found a glass bowl, and had idea that if we filled bowl with leaves, pinecones, berries, and put a glass plate on top, it became a seasonal centerpiece. We found some table cloth that wasn't so fancy - it was my grandmothers. It's not something you would have picked up at the store, but with everything else it worked."

Place Settings:
—"Many people don't have enough glassware and they buy disposable items," said Colwell-Lipson. "It's not good for the planet. So, to bring meaning into the place setting, you could ask each guest to bring their own, and tell the story behind it. It could be their grandmother's, or it could be from a thrift store. People laugh and learn and reduce their footprint."

— You could also try a thrift store for place settings, tablecloths and flatware. Mix and match to add character to your table.

Giving Thanks:
— Colwell's idea for a new tradition: Ask each guest to bring an item that represents something they're thankful for. "Put the items in a glass bowl or spread it down your table, and ask everyone why they brought each thing," she said. "You create a tradition, start a conversation, and ask a question that many people never ask on Thanksgiving."

— If you need to cut back a little this Thanksgiving, whether you're doing so in a green way or not, "look at it as an opportunity and not as a punishment," said Colwell. "When you were a child, you were creative. Talk to your family about how to make it fun and spend less money on food. Get neighbors together for a potluck. There are wonderful ways to do it."

— Look to the past. Ask grandparents how they celebrated with less, and how they brought together the family. "We've been convinced that we need more than we do, and we need to spend money to be happy," said Colwell. "We don't believe that's true."

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Differentiating by Going Green

2008-11-22T15:07:00.004-05:00

As any experienced marketer knows, differentiating your business from your competitors is a primary key to attracting new prospects and customers and retaining them once they decide to become your customers. But will the same “hook” that attracted them to become your customer be enough to maintain their loyalty? Let’s examine a few strategies:

Low Price: As people are always price conscience, especially in this slow economy, this can be an excellent method to attract new customers. However, unless your company plans on being a “discount house” operation, you will need to evolve a different strategy to retain those customers, otherwise they will simply seek out the next big discount elsewhere.

Great Products: Every business advertises great products. Why is your product better than your competitor? Provide your prospects with a reason to walk in your door. Then make sure your products are updated and tweaked regularly to ensure a competitive edge.

Great Service: This strategy typically does not attract new customers, unless you detail how your service will exceed your competitors. On the surface, there is nothing to differentiate your company from your competitors. Of course, great service is a major key to customer retention.

There are many other innovative marketing strategies being employed in the marketplace which are based upon surveys. These studies can give you an understanding of your target market’s concerns as well as focus on the latest trends. One such trend which every major survey (Harris, Nielsen, Mintel, Intellitrends) has been following is Going Green. With unstable fuel prices, new energy tax credits, and the promise of an upcoming New Green Economy, there has never been a better time to incorporate Green into your company’s business practices and products.

Will Going Green help attract new customers or members? According to Intellitrends, nearly 35% of those surveyed considered a company’s environmental policies before purchasing. Monster Trak reported that, for college graduates, this number was above 80% and 92% of these “Gen Y’s” were seeking to work for a company with a solid environmental and corporate social responsibility policy.

Even with all of the news and surveys on Going Green, business journals have estimated that less than 2% of all small and medium sized companies in the U.S. have begun any green initiatives at all. Pity. According to the Makovsky Green Gap survey, people are looking for businesses to take the lead in improving the environment. That could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to differentiate and really make a difference.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

How is Your Company's Indoor Air Quality?

2008-11-13T13:57:00.008-05:00

Sounds like a simple question, with a simple answer. But based on several recent studies which showed various levels of contaminants in many company facilities, it may be time to take a serious look at what the air quality is at your place of business. Going Green does include minimizing or eliminating any inherent health hazard.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): "In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors."

Over the past 20 years, many states, such as Florida, Pennsylvania, NY, California and others have passed legislation creating their own Indoor Clean Air Acts. These acts referred primarily to tobacco smoking and the proven harmful effects of second hand smoke. Decades prior, federal legislation banned the use of asbestos in building products and lead in paints. Based upon their health endangerment, these factors were of course, the most obvious. But there still remains other less obvious factors that can affect air quality.

Many of us are aware of mold, which has serious health implications, and can normally be controlled by adjusting temperature and humidity. However, even the smallest unnoticed water leak can eventually cause mold to multiply. Also, emissions from your building's HVAC source must be consistently monitored. While the EPA encourages proper ventilation, this method simply shifts the emissions to our atmosphere. A healthy green strategy would be to eliminate or drastically reduce all emissions.

Indoor air quality is also greatly affected by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are gases emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. Little testing has been done on the health effects of these gases, and virtually no testing on the effects of combinations of these gases, which is evident in most business facilities. The best advice is to seek out and use products with No or Low VOCs.

A green facility or business can not only create a healthier workplace, but also reduce employee sick days and turnover adding to more financial benefits for your company.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Photo credit: Dboo - Flicker

Funding the New Green Economy

2008-11-01T16:43:00.002-04:00

We have heard lots of talk and seen lots of news on the so-called “New Green Economy”. It has become a central theme in the U.S. Presidential debate, where some candidates estimate it will bring 5 million new, high paying jobs over the next ten years. With fuel prices hurting consumers at the pumps and, with winter coming, many northern people looking at paying out close to $1,000 USD per month to heat their homes, combined with the feeling that outside influences are controlling these costs, the concept of energy independence will certainly fuel this budding industry.

But where will the needed billions in investments to start us on the road to new, clean energy come from? Here in the U.S. it has already started, and from an unlikely source. The banking crisis. Unbeknownest to most people, not all of the monies will go towards bailing out the banks and fat cats who created this mess. The same $700 billion bailout of the banks, which is officially named the Emergency Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (EESA 2008), has officially started the green ball rolling. EESA includes billions of dollars in energy tax credits for consumers and businesses, as well as companies engaged in the development of these technologies. These include credits for solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and other alternative energy producing devices. Looking towards the future, the Act also provides tax credits for purchasers of plug-in electric vehicles. Upgrading to more energy efficient appliances is not forgotten and also receives tax credits. In fact, there are 32 sections of the 442 page Act, which refer specifically to energy tax credits. There is even a section on tax credits for bicycle commuters!

Many of these credits are extensions and enhancements of federal programs which were due to expire in December 2008. And these could not come at a better time. Even with the downturn in the overall economy, surveys from bizJournals Green, still show the green industry as “the one bright spot”. However, as with any good news, there is bad. With the recent credit crunch, according to American Public Media, start up companies are finding it more difficult to get the funding they require. Those with solid funding acquired prior to the Wall Street fiasco will have a green light to take advantage of consumer and business purchases through the tax incentives.

It will still take some time before companies realize the opportunities and develop marketing strategies of their products to take advantage of EESA. And it will also take some time to reduce the overall public fear in the economy in general and move consumers back into consuming.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Photo credit: Steve Wampler on Flickr

Is Your Company a "Grey" Business?

2008-10-28T13:00:00.004-04:00

During the past year, news outlets have been littered (forgive the pun) with stories highlighting Fortune 1000 companies investing in new green initiatives. Throughout 2008, numerous surveys released by Harris Interactive, Intellitrends, Bentley, and Mintel indicate an increasing consumer awareness in going green. Similarly, a growing consumer segment now assesses a company’s environmental policies before making the decision to purchase a good or service. This trend has not gone unnoticed by professional marketers. “Grey” companies, those publicly displaying a cursory interest in environmental sustainability, are surely receiving briefs involving these surveys. In response, many are scrambling to repaint their products and corporate images to match the expectations of a Green business. World-renowned names including CitiBank, Bank of America, Wal-Mart, and Clorox each have allotted billions of dollars into various ecocentric technologies and strategies. Industry experts see this transition of capital funds not as a simple fad, rather, a long-term trend in the way business will be conducted beginning now and stretching far into the future.

Companies engaged in a restructuring of their sustainability policies are reaping the benefits by virtue of an increasing sales volume, a decreasing employee turnover rate, and, of course, diminishing energy costs.

So what exactly is a Grey business? In the past, the terminology “grey to green” referenced initiatives for river cleanup efforts stemming the negative effects of storm water runoff. As with many words and phrases over time, the modern meaning is shifting; it now relates best with environmental sustainability. In the growing “green” diction, a Grey company may either represent one which is not sustainably producing environmentally friendly products (and may be engaging in greenwashing), or simply a conventional business that has yet to adopt more sustainable operating practices. A continuously updated Green language dictionary may be found on this Community Portal.

Too often, media attention gravitates towards either large Grey companies announcing enormous green investments, or on new environmentally focused startups. Left out of the spotlight (and the green movement) are existing small and medium sized companies, representing 90% of the nation’s enterprises. Currently, most are simply weathering the economic slowdown, and few, if any, possess the assets to duplicate the initiatives of certain Fortune 1000 examples. However, if expert claims and public surveys are correct in predicting the continued growth of environmental sustainability from a growing trend to a human necessity, companies not adopting sustainable practices may suffer.

Fortunately, modifying a company’s environmental policies and practices does not necessarily require any large investments. Likewise, once a company has adopted a series of guidelines, their marketing efforts can be modified accordingly to take advantage of these changes. Businesses seeking advice and assistance may smooth the process by taking advantage of packaged programs including the Approved Green Business offered by GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. According to Keith Winn, COO/VP Marketing, small and medium size companies in nearly any industry can simply and affordably move from Grey to Green by utilizing their affordable stepwise program. Included within an Approved Green Business Program is assistance for marketing services as well as green benefits for employees, customers, and members, if applicable, to best promote and educate on a variety of green concepts.

With both national and international attention now firmly set on efforts to mitigate and reduce climate change, increase sustainability in all regions, and create energy independence, going from Grey to Green is a strategy every business should consider.

Photo credit: motoed on Flickr

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

The New Green Language

2008-10-18T17:43:00.006-04:00

Embracing new, environmentally sustainable ideas is often confusing. New terms like “Greenhouse Gases”, “Carbon Footprint”, "Greenwashing”, and even the “Three R’s” (nope, not what you learned in school) are tossed about by a new generation of green techies but for most of us, they may as well be speaking in Latin. Before a company can truly become green, the principals must understand the dynamics, procedures, and the corresponding terminologies.

Let’s start with Recycle. Sounds easy. Most of us are familiar with recycling glass bottles, plastics, and newspapers. The confusion starts with plastic coding, that little number inside the recycling logo on the product. All recyclable plastics are now coded with a numerical value between 1 and 7, representing the type of material used to produce them. However, in most parts of the country, only plastics coded 1-3 are generally being recycled. The others end up in a landfill for the next eon or so. So, instead of simply recycling, we now use the 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Carefully consider the waste before purchasing an item; try to purchase an item that can be reused at least several times; and, of course, continue to recycle what you know can be recycled.

Greenhouse gases refers to all gases in our atmosphere, but generally refers to the elevated amount of carbon dioxide (CO2 ), a major contributor to global warming. A carbon footprint is a measure of human activity on the environment in terms of greenhouse gases produced, in units of pounds of carbon dioxide. Just about everything we do, from washing our clothes to driving a car to lighting an office building, increases our impact or carbon footprint. The major environmental goal in Going Green is to become as close to carbon neutral as possible.

Greenwashing is the intentional or unintentional misleading of consumers into believing their product or service is environmentally sustainable and comparable or more effective than it’s conventional counterparts. Companies must take extreme care to not overstate, and make sure to back its claims, or consumers may lose faith in green purchasing, setting back the entire movement.

These are just a few examples of the new green jargon. A more complete listing can be found at the online GreenProfit Community portal. Learning the new green language can not only make you green savvy, but can also help you to develop a healthier and greener business environment.

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .

Environmental Responsibility vs ROI: Is There a Balance?

2008-10-18T13:34:00.003-04:00

Green is truly the new black on the American business balance sheet. We read almost daily announcements citing Fortune 500 companies and small, but well funded, start-ups engaging in new green initiatives, all speaking of exciting technologies and strategies rapidly becoming a part of daily life. Fueled by the ever-increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, companies are seeking to couple environmental and social responsibility with an enhanced bottom line. Recent surveys by Intellitrends, LOHAS, Bentley College, and even Sun Microsystems share the consensus that going green is not a fad, but a new trend in business.

While it may seem everyone is going green, the truth is only a fraction of small and medium size companies are actually participating. The question is, with all the survey evidence and news coverage, why wouldn’t a company just jump in and go green?

The answer is two-fold: Cost and Education. While we all read about industry giants including GE, CitiBank, and Clorox investing billions in major projects and initiatives, the same numbers are simply far out of the reach of even the most well established small to medium size businesses. Such extreme proposed investments are also made more difficult during a slow economy. Watching the industry giants build new LEED certified buildings, construct wind farm installations, or invest in Bio-Fuel research and technologies, while impressive, creates an uninspiring mood for smaller entrepreneurs, and helps to widen the gap between “the big boys and the little boys”. As a result, a huge market segment is becoming rapidly excluded from the going green efforts. This group, arguably the most important in the US, composing over 90% of active business entities and, according to the US Census Bureau’s 2005 data, employing over 58 million people, is mistakenly being led to believe that Green requires green.

What these companies do not realize is that they can initiate small-scale and far less expensive changes to their own business practices, while still realizing financial savings and increased profits through becoming community leaders in environmental sustainability. We have all read how a homeowner can make a simple change from incandescent to CFL bulbs that will save thousands of watt/hours per household, and provide a long term savings return on the initial investment. Such an example of a transitional change also has indirect benefits: the CO2 reductions due to lower power requirements as well as a waste stream reduction (CFLs last 5-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs). Now imagine this homeowner passing on that knowledge to their friends and family. Small investment = large returns.

In coming issues we will provide ideas that small to medium size companies may embrace to affordably journey towards becoming models of environmental leadership. Readers can expect to learn about various strategies covering methods of capitalizing on the emerging green marketplace. We will also examine the “dark side” of the new green industry, now called “greenwashing”, and some tips on how to recognize the specter of false promises and keep your company’s image truly green.

Photo credit: HaMeD!caL on Flickr

Joseph Winn is the President/CEO of GreenProfit Solutions, Inc. which assists businesses in becoming environmentally responsible. You may view their website at www.greenprofitsolutions.com or e-mail Joseph at jwinn@greenprofitsolutions.com .