Saving Grace

We’ve been talking about water, a lot… and considering it coming down upon our heads in abundance this month, it’s a timely topic… most of what we’ve addressed is ways to capture it, why we need to do this,... even when it seems we have plenty. What are the local and state issues around water, but also what’s happening on a national level…. Where are we in the grand scheme of things… what’s going on in the international level? Is there enough usable water for 6.5 billion people and what about global water pollution?

Is desalination our saving grace?

Intentional Communities

Does it ever feel as though you have nothing in common with the people you live with and around? You’re concerned about the environment and everyone else is shopping til they drop. You just don’t relate to them… in fact maybe you’re even a little afraid of the people in your community. Is popular culture separating us from our most basic human cravings; belonging, understanding, non violence and security. Have you ever wanted to live in a way that you and your neighbors actually cooperated and shared living skills so you could be more open to explore your passions, to live closer to your highest ideals, and share your experiences with others?

Well, it’s possible... and many people have found a way to live this way…
It's called Cooperative Living... check it out ....www.ic.org.

What are your thoughts?
deb

Are we doomed to Historical Repitition?

Ours is not the first civilization to face self created water crisis.... could we please learn from our past so we don't have to repeat it!!

Two articles in the Monterey Herald this morning, both of them on water…. One talks of Northern California farmers selling their water rites to Southern California and letting their fields go fallow, because they can make three times the amount of money by not growing, but selling the water.

Second, talks about the snow pack this year and how we’re getting water, but not in the form of snow…. Big deal to skiers, but bigger deal to anyone who happens to drink water in California.

The question is, how are these two stories related and what can we do about it.

Running a Presidential campaign as we all can imagine must be a very difficult and tiring job simply keeping up with a fast paced schedule and constantly being in the public eye. On top of which, if you’re not getting the press you need to express your views, views that include Peace as a resolution to war, and Action as a solution to climate change, the campaign must feel like an insurmountable task. Presidential hopeful, Congressman Dennis Kucinich from Ohio has been barred from debating with other candidates and yet, his positions on everything from Health care to corporate funding to emissions control is what America really needs right now to get our County back on track…


Check out his site: dennis4president.com to hear more about this amazing man...

I especially like his Works Green Administration idea.

"This is at the heart of his proposed Works Green Administration (WGA) which would couple a new WPA program to the EPA and NASA in restoring America's infrastructure and providing sustainable energy at the same time. No longer will the Environmental Protection Agency be known as Every Polluter's Ally."

Cheers,
deb

“Greenwashing” isn’t for your Business.

It seems the idea of being “green” is on many people’s minds these days and it’s tempting to align yourself with this image to attract customers. “Greenwashing” is a term used to describe businesses that pose as friends of the environment while still using social and environmentally destructive practices. The origins of the term come from “white washing”, as a way to cover up the truth.

While it may seem easy to use Greenwashing as a way to expand your client base, to differentiate yourself from your competitors, to attract staff, and find potential investors, I highly recommend you avoid falling into this trap. Sooner or later your actions would be revealed, and the consequences for your business would be dire. As you know, Monterey County is a small and well connected community.

These are some important tips to begin a real environmentally friendly campaign in your business.

1. Be transparent with your efforts; ask your clients for input and report on your actions.
2. Be specific with investors; if someone were to follow your money trail, where would it lead? ExxonMobil or the Solar Living Institute?
3. Spend your money on green products; office supplies, building materials, carbon offsets (purchasing “credits” to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions), and investments.
4. Avoid misleading language when talking of your products; “100% natural ingredients” can include hazardous substances…do the research so you know what you offer and then be sincere with your wording.

Remember going Green is a process, no one expects you to become completely Green overnight… begin an honest inventory of your life, your habits and your business practices to see where you can make small but significant changes. If you need help, call me.

Business Success in 2008

According to the Lifestyle of the Healthy and Sustainable (LOHAS) Weekly Newsletter, 53 percent of the American public is concerned with global warming and the environment. "Bright Green" individuals are those who are willing and able to pay more for products and services that save energy or come from a company that is environmentally responsible. This demographic accounts for at least 12 % of the American population; translate that into Monterey County, and you're looking at 50,000 folks who would stream through your doors with their green cash in their pockets ready to do business.

For 2008 consider becoming a Green Certified Business with the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. At no cost to you, they are willing to assist businesses operate in an environmentally friendly manner, and will recognize your efforts with a Board of Supervisors, on their website, and in their widely circulated Green Business Guide.

The initial paper work can be daunting, but sticking with the program means financial savings for your company. Your energy bill will decrease while your exciting new “green” image will grow from the knowledge that you’re doing what needs to be done to ensure a healthy and sustainable future on the Monterey Peninsula.

As with all business decisions, it is important that your green marketing makeover be done with sincerity and integrity, otherwise your customers will know you’re “Green Washing”… which we’ll talk about next month.

Happy Green and Super Successful 2008!

Being Green for the Holidays

Going Green this holiday season can be tricky if you don't know where to start.
Sustainable holidays literally translate to

1. lowering your ecological foot print
2. supporting social justice issues
3. having fun.

You can enjoy the holidays, no need to be a grinch... just learn how to make best choices while shopping to step lightly on the Planet.

Use the acronym "TIPTOES".

• T = Territory or region. Buy things in local area first, then move out from there. Look to see if the item you want is produced in your County, State and then the Nation
• I = In season.... when buying food go for the in season produce. Buy what's at your farmers market, this lowers fossil fuels spent on transport and lowers the ole foot print.
• P = Plastic and packaging free.... it's as easy as that.
• T= Talent... or artist... support your tradespeople and keep the arts alive.
• O = Organic and Outdoors. Toxin free would be a better way to think of this... keep petrochemicals off your shopping list. And anything that gets yourself or your giftee out doors is good.... the only way to protect the environment is to appreciate it.
• E = Endowment, or charity... give gifts that support causes and organizations.
• S= Simple, savings and self sufficient. Like the old adage, live simply so others may simply live... it applies now more then ever. Savings.... make sure you have some at the end of the holidays... stay out of debt. And self-sufficient.... gifts that move your giftee to a place of self sufficiency is doing them a huge favor.
  

Let me know how this works for you and write if you have any comments on the TIPTOES idea.