22nd Episode of GreenNews4U

Welcome to the 22nd episode of GreenNews4U! We all have a part to play in the eco system. Everything we do affects the environment around us. From logging, strip mining, deforestation, water pollution, population expansion, the list goes on. All these things affect the wildlife and in turn affect the population, that's human population and the wildlife population. We all know capturing the perfect picture can communicate more than words. In this episode I will be talking with Sebastian about wildlife conservation. Sebastian grew up in Munich, Germany and moved to the United States when he was ten years old. His fascination with wildlife began in Europe and only increased once he saw the wilderness that America has to offer. Wildlife became his passion and he studied Behavioral Ecology at the University of California at Santa Cruz to further his knowledge about animals. His current mission is to showcase the beauty and intricacies of nature while highlighting the critical need for more conservation efforts through his images. He loves to photograph and experience the animals he sees and wants to share these stories through his images. This, he hopes, will inspire others to help fight for the conservation of these amazing creatures.

To view his web page and blog please go here and support this mans projects to help bring awareness to endangered species.

Melvin Wylie

UNSEEN TEARS: THE IMPACT OF NATIVE AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL BOARDING SCHOOLS IN WESTERN NEW YORK

UNSEEN TEARS: THE IMPACT OF NATIVE AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL BOARDING SCHOOLS IN WESTERN NEW YORK (30:35) by Ron Douglas from Squeaky Wheel on Vimeo. Produced by Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc. Funded by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Native American families in Western New York continue to feel the impact of the Thomas Indian School and the Mohawk Institute. Survivors speak of traumatic separation from their families, abuse, and a systematic assault on their language and culture. Western New York Native American communities are presently attempting to heal the wounds and break the cycle inter-generational trauma resulting from the boarding school experience. Unseen Tears documents testimonies of boarding school survivors, their families, and social service providers.  

Melvin Wylie

Drought Conditions in East Africa Remain Dire

BALTIMORE, Sept. 27, 2011 - By the thousands, hungry, weary and desperate people continue to arrive at the gates of the Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya, seeking refuge from the drought and food crisis that has driven more than 13 million people across East Africa to the brink of starvation. Fatumah Muhammed Abdi fled to Dadaab with five unaccompanied children from her village, for whom she is still caring. "When we had nothing else to live for there, we decided to come all the way from Somalia to Kenya," she says. Amina Bulle, 18, traveled 20 days on foot with her infant son to reach the camps. "We had no food in Somalia," she says. "My people were herders but the livestock are all dead so I have fled to Kenya." In response to this crisis, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is working with its partner, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), to meet the immediate and long-term needs of communities suffering the effects of drought. LWF manages the Dadaab camps and reports that while they were originally built to host 90,000 refugees, they are now hosting over 400,000 people with 1,200 new arrivals each day. By the end of 2011, the camp population will likely exceed 500,000 people in need of immediate and long-term humanitarian assistance. LWR and LWF have been working to provide water, baby care supplies and psychological support to new arrivals, an extension of the work LWR and LWF have done in Dadaab since 2008, through a grant from the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM), linking vulnerable refugees to social services, providing shelter and promoting security within the camps. BPRM recently awarded LWR a $440,000 grant to continue this work with LWF. In addition, LWR and LWF are supplying water to people waiting outside the camps and to communities surrounding the Dadaab complex. "It's important to remember the host communities in Dadaab," says McCully. "Reaching out to them with assistance promotes peace and fosters their long-term recovery as well." In Ethiopia, LWR and LWF are working to reach underserved rural communities, distributing food as well as training farmers to improve natural resource management and agriculture and providing tools and other supplies to begin replanting. "Relief is only the first step," stresses McCully. "To move past this crisis and help rural communities stand up to future droughts, we must make a long-term investment in agricultural livelihoods." Long-term plans should seek to ensure that farmers have access to water, supplies and technical training to successfully grow crops and raise livestock. Efforts to promote soil conservation, improve agricultural infrastructure and increase access to local markets will help smallholder farmers become more resilient to future droughts. LWR has seen success with this type of agricultural approach in other drought-affected communities in East Africa and hopes to carry out similar work in response to this crisis.

Melvin Wylie

World's Greenest Museum Gets Second LEED Platinum Award

Awarded for its sustainable operations and maintenance, the California Academy of Sciences is now the world's largest "Double Platinum" building SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27, 2011 - On September 27, 2008, the California Academy of Sciences unveiled the world's greenest museum—an eco-friendly new home featuring a hilly living roof, recycled denim insulation, and many other green innovations. Three years and more than five million visitors later, the museum celebrates another symbolic color: platinum. Today, the U.S. Green Building Council presented the Academy with its second LEED Platinum award, making the California Academy of Sciences the world's first "Double Platinum" museum and the world's largest Double Platinum building. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the Academy building houses an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and education programs under one living roof, standing as an embodiment of its 158-year-old mission to explore, explain, and protect the natural world. The new award bolsters San Francisco's efforts to maintain its designation as the greenest city in the country. "We couldn't be more proud of the California Academy of Sciences for its commitment to high levels of environmental performance, and for setting the example as a leader in the San Francisco green building community and around the world," said San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee. "Their Double Platinum rating is truly a remarkable achievement for our City." The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is a consensus-based standard for evaluating high-performance, sustainable buildings, and the Platinum rating is its highest award. In October 2008, the Academy received its first LEED Platinum rating under the "New Construction" category, which focused on the building's design and construction process. Today, the Academy received its second LEED Platinum award under the "Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance" category, which certifies that its day-to-day operations and business practices also meet the highest standards of sustainability. The Academy's operations and maintenance practices were evaluated and earned points across six different categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process. Based on a wide range of green practices and performance metrics, including staff transportation, purchasing decisions, and high recycling and composting rates, it was awarded a total of 82 points, exceeding the threshold for a Platinum certification (80 points). Founded in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences is one of the world's preeminent natural history museums and is an international leader in scientific research about the natural world. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake damaged the Academy's original home in Golden Gate Park, but also provided a silver lining: the opportunity to reinvent the facility from the ground up. After nearly a decade of planning and the largest cultural fundraising effort in San Francisco history, the new Academy opened to the public in 2008. This major new initiative built on the Academy's distinguished history and deepened its commitment to advancing scientific literacy, engaging the public, and documenting and conserving Earth's natural resources. "Our LEED Platinum building is a marvelous example of sustainable architecture that has wowed millions of visitors since we opened three years ago," said Dr. Gregory Farrington, Executive Director of the Academy. "However, it is more than just a building. It is also a stage—one that has allowed us to host a wide variety of programs and exhibits about the history and future of life on Earth. Delivering these programs as sustainably as possible helps us inspire our visitors to make sustainable choices in their own lives."

Melvin Wylie

World Vegetarian Day - October 1: Give Vegetarianism a Try and Win Up to $1,000

DOLGEVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 27, 2011 - Vegetarians and interested individuals from around the globe will be joining the North American Vegetarian Society on October 1st, 2011, for the annual celebration of World Vegetarian Day. Since its inception in 1977, the event has commemorated the health-supporting and life-affirming benefits of vegetarianism. World Vegetarian Day is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month. There are many reasons people choose a vegetarian diet. It has proven health benefits, saves animals' lives and helps to preserve the Earth. To encourage non-vegetarians to give meatless eating a try, the North American Vegetarian Society has developed a prize-winning contest. Non-vegetarians who pledge to abstain from all meat, fish and fowl during Vegetarian Awareness Month (October) will be entered in a random drawing for cash prizes. The top winner will get $1,000 in cash. One winner will be chosen in each of the following three categories: One day - $250; One week - $500; One month - $1,000. People can enter the "Give Vegetarianism a Try" contest at http://www.worldvegetarianday.org Join us to make the world a better place and we are all winners! Vegetarian Diets:

• Reduce the risk of major killers such as heart disease, stroke and cancer while cutting exposure to foodborne pathogens
• Provide a viable answer to feeding the world's hungry through more efficient use of grains and other crops
• Save animals from suffering in factory-farm conditions and from the pain and terror of slaughter
• Conserve vital but limited freshwater, fertile topsoil and other precious resources
• Preserve irreplaceable ecosystems such as rainforests and other wildlife habitats
• Decrease greenhouse gases that are accelerating global warming
• Mitigate the ever-expanding environmental pollution of animal agriculture

Melvin Wylie

University of Kansas Becomes More Energy Efficient

LAWRENCE, KS — The University Center for Sustainability has teamed up with with Energy Solutions Professionals to replace energy-consuming light bulbs around The University of Kansas, according to the Daily Kansan. Jeff Servin, director of the center for sustainability, hopes to complete the project by the end of October. "Today, we're trying to get about 150 bulbs out. They've identified about 3,000 lamps on campus that we might be able to change out, so I know their goal is at least a couple thousand bulbs". The new bulbs will also help the university contribute to the Take Charge Challenge, a competition of energy conservation among cities in Kansas. Savings from the new light bulbs looks to be the equivalent of saving more than 9,000 gallons of gasoline each year. Click here to read the complete article.

Melvin Wylie

UNC Petitions to get rid of Assistant Director of Housekeeping

CHAPEL HILL, NC — A petition is circulating urging the removal of University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill assistant director of housekeeping, according to The Charlotte Post. George James, a UNC housekeeper, has said the history of "authoritarian" leadership and a culture of sexual harassment that permeated the department before the appointment of Tonya Sell, has only become worse. The community, students and faculty have rallied to support the housekeepers' petition to change a "repressive work environment, egregious and discriminatory management practices," and to remove Sell. "For too long, UNC-Chapel Hill housekeepers have struggled to obtain decent working conditions and respect they have earned as workers who assure that UNC students have clean dorms, cafeterias, libraries and athletic department areas. But 'sexual harassment, health and safety violations, favoritism and unfair disciplinary practices are continuing,' with fear of retaliation for speaking out," the petition added. Click here to read the complete article.

Melvin Wylie

School Custodians Chared with Selling Cocaine to Students

HAMILTON, GA — According to The Chronicle, Two men who cleaned a Harris County school were arrested after the sheriff received a tip about the janitors possibly selling cocaine to students. Victor Lamar Hutchinson, 33, and Lontario Jerome Howe, 36, were arrested after the pair attempted to sell drugs to an undercover officer. Sheriff Mike Jolley suspected the men, both employed by Southern Management, had been selling drugs to students on school property. Both are being held in the Harris County jail on charges of possession with the intent to sell, the article noted. Click here to read the complete article.

Melvin Wylie

Akridge Named to List of DC's Healthiest Workplaces

Washington Business Journal Recognizes Akridge for Employee Wellness Programs and Policies WASHINGTON, D.C.  Sept. 23, 2011 - Commercial real estate services firm Akridge was recognized as one of Washington's Healthiest Places to Work yesterday by the Washington Business Journal. In the publication's inaugural awards, Akridge rated second in the region among businesses with between 100 and 499 employees. More than 100 area companies, representing a total of three million employees, submitted applications for the honor. "We are committed to the wellness of Akridge employees." said company president Matthew J. Klein. "We have implemented a comprehensive program and strive to maintain an atmosphere that fosters healthy practices because these efforts benefit our people and our company. " The Business Journal contracted with Healthiest Employers, LLC to survey and evaluate companies competing for healthy workplace honors. A Healthiest Employer Index (HEI) score was determined for each entrant based on responses to 75 questions, which generated a maximum of 236 points in six categories. These scores were the sole basis for company rankings.

Melvin Wylie

SeaWorld Uses Ingenuity to Save Rescued Marine Animals

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23, 2011 - Winter, the flippered star of the new movie "Dolphin Tale," will bring much-deserved attention this weekend to wildlife rescue efforts on behalf of marine mammal facilities around the world. The SeaWorld Rescue Team – which also helped with the initial rescue transport of Winter – is currently caring for an array of ill, injured and orphaned wild marine animals, each with its own against-all-odds story. Like those passionate individuals who helped Winter, this team uses their expertise and creativity every day to devise new ways to rescue, treat and return to nature these extraordinary animals. No rescue, no case is ever the same. Few are aware that SeaWorld operates one of the world's most respected wildlife rescue programs and has treated more than 18,000 animals over the last four decades. The goal for every rescue is to be able to successfully return the animal. The team has created nutritional formulas and custom bottles to hand-feed orphaned animals; imaginative ways to help save sea turtles with cracked shells; prosthetic beaks for injured birds; and even an "animal wetsuit" to help an injured manatee stay afloat. Examples of this ingenuity at work include:

• Currently, a team of animal experts at SeaWorld Orlando is performing hands-on physical therapy on a once-stranded pilot whale. The whale has scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, that developed approximately five weeks after her early-May rescue and has created a sharp angle in her spine that prevents her from swimming normally. The physical therapy, performed three times a day, includes stretching the whale's muscles and working her tail fluke up and down. It's hoped the therapy sessions will allow her to regain proper and more normal use of her tail.

• SeaWorld animal experts were the first to bottle raise an orphaned manatee and have also developed "baby formulas" for rescued whales, sea lions and seals.

• Sometimes the innovation comes not in the equipment, but in the training. When a severely injured loggerhead sea turtle arrived at SeaWorld Orlando missing its lower jaw and suffering from starvation, park turtle experts taught the emaciated animal a new way to eat with only its upper jaw. The process took months, and the turtle gradually progressed from hand-feedings to independent eating skills.

• The innovative care also extends to the park's animal population. SeaWorld veterinarians went to extraordinary lengths to preserve the life of Dottie, one of the park's Atlantic bottle nose dolphins. Dottie went into kidney failure due to complications from kidney stones, but by working with "human" doctors from UC San Diego Medical Center, her life was saved through medical procedures never before performed on a dolphin including dialysis.

A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment extends to animals around the world: The company has contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship initiatives and has supported efforts on every continent, as well as operating its own well-respected wildlife rescue program. The SeaWorld Rescue Team is on call 24/7 to help animals in need.

Melvin Wylie

21st Episode of GreenNews4U

In this Episode I interview Janice Whitehead with ZerH20. We talk about sanitation and waste disposal, among many other things that are needed in this world. The ZerH2O Waterless Toilet is ideal for rural homes where pit latrines are traditionally used. It can be built into a current home; or a new home can be built around it. Personal and Environmental benefits include: Dignity; Safety; Hygiene; Protection of ground water supply; no chemicals required. Saving for municipalities: No need for water lines and pipes; no need for waste water plants; quick and cost-effective installation (no big excavations). Benefit for the home owner: The unit can be moved when you move; easy to install; hygienic, easy cleaning. To find out more information on this product you can go here

Melvin Wylie

In Nicaragua Women Lead The Fight Against Climate Change

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2011 - Women are leading the fight against climate change and other urgent environmental issues that confront the planet, according to Dr. Sarah Otterstrom, Executive Director of Paso Pacifico, at the Clinton Global Initiative. In Nicaragua, women are leading reforestation efforts and have planted over 100,000 native trees. Their work has offset more than 150,000 tons of greenhouse gases and help protect watersheds that are crucial to the health of their communities. Paso Pacifico provides job training in entrepreneurship and forestry which enable women to build businesses and become leaders in their communities. "They are strengthened by our program," Otterstrom says, "but ultimately they are the ones who are making Paso Pacifico projects a success." Paso Pacifico also uses this training model to help women protect their beaches from turtle egg poachers. Local campesinas learn about the endangered turtle species and are trained to patrol their local beaches. For each hatchling successfully protected they receive an incentive payment. Their monthly income equals a rural laborer's salary, but the job is flexible because women can coordinate their schedules. More than 10,000 turtles have been hatched due to the efforts of these women over the past two years. For the first time in 25 years ,endangered turtle eggs are hatching along the beaches in Southern Nicaragua. As women in Nicaragua find their traditional roles expanding, they embrace new ideas and technologies to support themselves. For example, when the Portable Light Project and Paso Pacifico brought solar lamps to the communities, the women started to use the lights to patrol beaches, help their children with homework at night and cook for their families in predawn hours. "One woman told me how excited she was the first time she got up to feed her baby and make tortillas at four a.m." Otterstrom said. "She could do so in light instead of darkness. Something so inexpensive improves their lives dramatically." Having caught the entrepreneurial bug, women are now opening their own businesses with Paso Pacifico's support. In one coastal community, women have opened a sea kayaking business, in another an eco-tourism guiding company and in a third an eco-lodge. All of these endeavors are successfully bringing tourism dollars into their local communities. "This is what happens when you invest in women," says Dr. Otterstrom. "They are smart. We teach them how to use their skills to run a business and care for their natural resources, just as they care for their families and neighbors. Only now, they are earning money, empowering themselves, improving their community and helping the environment. It is win, win, win and we want to do more of it."

Melvin Wylie

Japanese Families Call for Protection & Evacuation of Fukushima Children

Japanese Families and Activists Call for Proper Protection - and Evacuation - of Fukushima Children and a Global End to Nuclear Power

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2011 - Two organic farmers from Japan, their children and fellow Japanese anti-nuclear campaigners made a plea for the safety of Fukushima's children at a press conference in Washington, D.C. today. "Our hearts have been torn apart in the Fukushima community because of the nuclear disaster," said Sachiko Sato, a natural farmer from Fukushima Prefecture, who evacuated four of her six children two days after the March 11, 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor catastrophe began. "The community is split among those who evacuated and those who stayed, creating a chasm between former neighbors. This is the first health effect of this catastrophe." Mrs. Sato described how, not trusting official figures, she herself measured radiation levels at local schools, finding that 75% of schools should be considered radiation control areas and therefore dangerous for children. Meanwhile, the government raised the allowable radiation dose rate by 20 times to 20 microsieverts per year including for children. "Do they imagine that people can suddenly withstand doses of radiation 20 times greater than were previously allowed?" she asked. Many people cannot evacuate as they would leave behind aging, frail parents, Sato said. "Or they don't want to lose their job or tear their children away from everything they know. Families have been ripped apart." She also described how the government misled communities about safety. "Some were evacuated from Fukushima to places where the radiation levels were even higher, but they were not told," she said. Yukiko Anzai, an organic farmer from Hokkaido 603km away from the Fukushima-Daiichi accident, saw her honey business destroyed and her family's livelihood wiped out by the multiple reactor meltdowns. "We stopped using the word 'safe' for our vegetables," she said. My husband said that if we find the chicken feed is radioactive, we will have to stop farming altogether." Sato's farm also shut down although many around her have continued to farm. Both women began farming traditionally without using chemicals to mirror "the old ways." But, with their land laced with radioactivity, their dreams - and farming livelihoods – are destroyed. "On March 11 our lives changed completely," Anzai said. "Yet the government continues to ignore the truth and expects us to continue farming like nothing happened." Sato's two children, Mina, 13 and Yuuki, 17, described how their lives were changed after March 11, 2011, leaving their home, their friends and everything they knew after being evacuated far from danger. "If only those nuclear power plants hadn't existed," Mina Sato said. "Things wouldn't have turned out this way." Aileen Mioko Smith, executive director of Green Action, and Kaori Izumi, director of Shut Tomari (the first reactor to re-start after the Fukushima-Daiichi meltdowns), both called for a global ban on nuclear power as the only rational lesson to be learned from Fukushima. "Otherwise this will happen again, in Japan, at Indian Point or anywhere," Izumi said. "This is not Japan's problem, it's the world's problem. The radiation from Fukushima is everywhere. We cannot afford another Fukushima." Smith has submitted a petition to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for the rights of children of Fukushima to evacuate. Only families living within the 12.4 mile official evacuation zone are supported financially if they evacuate. Those living beyond that range who choose to evacuate must do so at their own expense, which many cannot afford, Smith explained. "What the children of Fukushima need is safe food, a safe place to live, and somewhere where they can safely play outdoors," she said. Speaking on behalf of hosting organization Beyond Nuclear, Kevin Kamps reminded the audience that the Fermi 2 reactor in Michigan, the same GE Mark I Boiling Water Reactor design as those at Fukushima-Daiichi, "is the biggest of that design in the world, and stores more than 500 tons of radioactive waste in its fuel pool – far more than all four Fukushima-Daiichi reactors put together. The consequences downwind of a fuel pool fire at Fermi 2 would be multiple times worse than at Fukushima," he said. "What I learned about nuclear power," said Sato's son Yuuko, "is that protecting nuclear power plants is seemingly more important than protecting our lives." The group will travel to New York City on September 21, 2011 for public presentations and a 5 pm demonstration on September 22, 2011 at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza outside the United Nations building.

Melvin Wylie

AQUAMANTRA interviews ENSO

A great interview talking about the ENSO bottle:

Melvin Wylie

Global Cleanup Day Targets Trash Headed to Ocean, Waterways

Volunteers Worldwide Mobilize for Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2011 - Today, Ocean Conservancy and hundreds of thousands of volunteers around the world are hitting their local beaches, lakes, rivers, and waterways for the 26th Annual International Coastal Cleanup – the largest volunteer effort of its kind. Over the past 25 years, more than eight and a half million volunteers have removed 145 million pounds of trash in over 150 countries. Participants will spend the morning removing trash from coastlines and rivers all while keeping track of every item they find. Ocean Conservancy uses that data to produce the world's only annual country-by-country, state-by-state index of ocean trash. The report is shared with the public, industry, and government officials as we work together to find solutions to this serious problem. "Trash littering our beaches and choking our ecosystems is a threat to wildlife, our coastal economies, and ultimately to the ability of the ocean to sustain us," said Vikki Spruill, Ocean Conservancy's President and CEO. "You name it, it has been found on the beach. The eight million pounds of trash collected during last year's Cleanup would cover about 170 football fields a foot deep. "Ocean Conservancy's vision is for trash free seas. This problem is entirely preventable, and keeping our ocean free from trash is one of the easiest ways we can make the ocean more resilient." said Spruill. "The Cleanup gives everyone a chance to work in their community and be part of this global movement to protect our ocean. People from Nebraska to India to South Africa and Indonesia join the Cleanup because they are passionate about our ocean and want to make a difference. Companies organize employees for service days to help their communities. The Cleanup is the gateway for people from all walks of life to exercise their commitment to conservation." Armed with knowledge about the most prevalent components of marine trash, officials can make informed policy decisions, community leaders can tailor and expand recycling and other trash-reduction programs, corporate decision makers can improve technology and reduce packaging, and individuals can recycle, reuse, or properly dispose of trash to keep these items out of the ocean in the first place.

TRASH ITEM		25 Year Total
Cigarettes/Cigarette Filters		52,907,756 - 32%
Food Wrapper/Containers		14,766,533 - 9%
Caps/Lids		13,585,425 - 8%
Cups, Plates, Forks, Knives, Spoons		10,112,038 - 6%
Beverage Bottles (plastic)		9,549,156 - 6%
Bags (plastic)		7,825,319 - 5%
Beverage Bottles (glass)		7,062,199 - 4%
Beverage Cans		6,753,260 - 4%
Straw/Stirrers		6,263,453 - 4%
Rope		3,251,948 - 2%

Visit www.oceanconservancy.org/cleanup for additional information and to view our latest report on ocean trash - Tracking Trash - view our top ten list of actions everyone can take to fight ocean trash. The Coca-Cola Company has supported Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup for the past 16 years. Last year, Coca-Cola activated a global employee engagement campaign around the Cleanup called "Pick it Up, Clean it Up, Sea Change!" Nearly 26,000 Coca-Cola system associates, their friends and families in 175 locations across 40 countries participated in the Cleanup, contributing more than 200,000 hours of volunteer time. As part of its commitment to address global climate change, Bank of America has supported the Cleanup for the past several years, with thousands of employees participating in Cleanup events in the United States and around the world. Other national sponsors include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Altria Group, Inc, The Walt Disney Company, Landshark Lager, Brunswick Public Foundation, and The Dow Chemical Company. Ocean Conservancy is the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. Through science-based advocacy, research, and public education, we inform, inspire and empower people to speak and act for the ocean. Ocean Conservancy is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has offices in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific, with support from more than half a million members and volunteers. To learn more about Ocean Conservancy visit www.oceanconservancy.org.

Melvin Wylie

Sawfish Study Underway

Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Supports Sawfish Studies in Florida Bay, Florida Keys, Tortugas and Indian River Lagoon

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Also known as the Carpenter Shark, Sawfish are a family of rays, characterized by a long, toothy nose extension. Several species can grow to approximately 7 meters or 23 feet. The family as a whole is largely unknown and little studied, until now. In October 2010, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Hell's Bay Boatworks donated a custom boat and trailer, valued at more than $50,000, to the Florida Program for Shark Research. FPSR Director and world-renowned shark expert George Burgess recently filed this report detailing the ongoing sawfish studies he is conducting in the waters around South Florida: During the spring sampling season, three ongoing projects of the Florida Program for Shark Research at UF''s Florida Museum of Natural History, one in collaboration with researchers from Florida State University (FSU), focused on the distribution and movements of adult and sub adult sawfishes in the southern portion of its Florida range. We produced a survey of the waters surrounding U.S. Navy properties in the Key West region in order to determine the current status of sawfishes in those areas for the U.S. Navy/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Because of obvious security constraints, we were the first fish biologists to sample in these waters in decades. Concurrently, in conjunction with Dean Grubbs and fellow FSU scientists and the John Carlson of the National Marine Fisheries Service, we sampled the middle and lower Keys and Tortugas region and Florida Bay, catching and satellite tagging eleven sawfishes.  Satellite tags give long time and distance of movement information and we hope our tagging will help us better understand seasonal horizontal (up and down the coast) and vertical (depth) movements of the critters. We also caught and multiple tagged two large adults in Florida Bay, the tags being  raditional  spaghetti,  satellite, and active acoustic models.  The last allowed us to manually track the minute-to-minute movements using a receiver held under the boat.  Our first saw was lost within the first hour or so as it gave us the slip by scooting over a shallow bank, then boogying before we could detect its signal.  Having learned our lesson, on our second capture we got in 38 hours of tracking over three days, including day-night comparisons. The sawfish moved about in deeper channels by day, and then moved onto shallow, seagrass beds by night.  It chose the same shallow grassy area on successive nights, demonstrating some short-term site fidelity.  Next spring we plan to initiate placement of underwater listening stations on the bottom and tag the sawfishes with passive acoustic tags. These tags will leave a unique bleep on any receiver as the sawfish swims near, allowing us to track localized movements over longer periods and larger areas. We also will continue to satellite tag these and other sawfishes. While sampling for sawfishes we also caught many sharks and rays.  All of these animals also were measured, sexed, sampled (tissue for DNA) and tagged as part of ongoing studies of their biology and movement patterns.  We also continued our work in Indian River Lagoon (IRL), where we began tagging young bull sharks with spaghetti and passive acoustic tags in a ³new² region for us, the St. Lucie River estuary.  This work is being done with our colleague, David Snyder, of Continental Shelf Associates.  We also continue to download data from our underwater array of receivers in Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and the northern IRL, where tagged bull sharks and rays still roam. During this time period we put 5000 miles in land travel on the Guy Harvey adorned Hell's Bay and God only knows how many sea miles on our faithful vessel!

Melvin Wylie

When Farmers Meet Designers: True Eco Fashion

  Città della Pieve, Italy - Is the perception of beauty man-made or is there such a thing as natural beauty? To ?nd out, an Italian designer and an organic farmer came up with the idea of growing shirts, having nature design fashion. After a two year period of growths in the hills of Umbria, near the Tuscan border in Italy, the ?rst harvest is ready for the catwalk.

When Francesco Mugnaini, a 31 year old designer who had previously been working in the busy city of Milan, met Sebastian Runde, a 41 year old Scottish farmer running an organic farm in Umbria, Italy, they merged their different backgrounds and experiences to come up with a rather unusual fashion project: let's grow shirts. The unpredictability of nature was the seed for the idea, to plant and harvest shirts. The garments were exposed to nature's forces by planting them into the ground and give nature time to do her unpredictable design process. The result is stunning and every single design unique.

 

The T-shirt was considered ideal, as it is one of the most simple garments existing, there could be no better for the project. It is unpretentious, simple, like an empty canvas on which nature can create its designs. Francesco designed a shirt which truly complements the body, idealises it even. "We aimed for a focus on the aesthetics created by nature, to offer a perception of beauty man would never be able to create. We produce beautiful shirts, but it is nature who makes them truly unique» says Francesco Mugnaini.

 

The materials used had to be of a kind which would react with the soil, the water or sunlight. Naturally no synthetic yarns could be used, as not to create a thread of pollution. After many tests, a high quality organic silk proved best and gave the most interesting results.

 

The silk shirts are produced by local craftsmen with great expertise. Sebastian Runde, as an organic farmer, is very passionate about his concern for the environment: "Producing the T-shirts abroad in a country with low labour costs was out of question. We looked for local recourses and were very lucky, indeed. We manage to produce a garment, which is 100% made in Italy. The yarns are coming from northern Italy, the shirts are produced locally in Città della Pieve."

 

The ?rst collection of RIGHT AS RAIN™ is harvested and up for sale on www.right-as-rain.com. An array of utterly different silk shirts for men and woman. 100% designed by nature.

 

Melvin Wylie

Not All Incandescent Light Bulbs will be Banned Next Year

MOONACHIE, N.J., Sept. 16, 2011 - As many consumers are beginning to suffer from "light bulb anxiety" and are confused about replacement options for their traditional incandescent bulbs, Bulbrite introduces their Eco-Friendly Halogen A19 lamp. Bulbrite is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative, energy-efficient light source solutions and the premier educational resource for lamping technology. Bulbrite's Eco-Friendly Halogen A19 complies with the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), which takes effect January 1, 2012 and requires general service light bulbs to operate up to 30% more efficiently than current standards require. Consumers will gain the benefits of higher efficiency and superior lighting quality, giving them an alternative to CFLs (compact fluorescents) and LEDs (light emitting diodes). The Halogen A19, a recent winner of the Platinum Award for Design Excellence (ADEX), is fully dimmable and can last up to 1,000 hours. In comparison to its incandescent replacements, Bulbrite's Eco-Friendly Halogen A19 significantly reduces energy consumption without sacrificing light output, as shown below.

• 29-watt Halogen A19 equals 40-watt incandescent
• 43-watt Halogen A19 equals 60-watt incandescent
• 53-watt Halogen A19 equals 75-watt incandescent
• 72-watt Halogen A19 equals 100-watt incandescent

  This unique lamp is available in four different wattages with both clear and soft white finishes. The most common uses include chandeliers, outdoor and security lights, ceiling pendants, recessed downlights, portable table and floor lamps, and wall sconces. Bulbrite is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative, energy-efficient light source solutions. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, Bulbrite is a family owned business renowned for its commitment to innovation, education and outstanding service. Most recently Bulbrite President Cathy Choi received the 2010 Residential Lighting Industry Leadership Award and the Bulbrite Swytch LED Desk Lamp received the 2010 Home Furnishing News Award of Excellence. The company has introduced many innovative and design award-winning products, including its exclusive KX-2000®, Dark Sky, Purify 02, and Halogen R111 GU10, as well as ADEX award-winning GU24 Twist & Lock lamps, the 2012 EISA-compliant Halogen A19 and TURBO LEDs. Bulbrite offers an extensive line of light bulbs and lamping options including LEDs, HID, Compact Fluorescents, Fluorescents, Halogens, Krypton/Xenon, Incandescents, and a broad range of specialty lamps.

Melvin Wylie

Nestle Waters North America Recieves LEED Gold

STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 15, 2011 - Nestle Waters North America, the third largest beverage company in the U.S., today announced its headquarters in Stamford, Conn. has received the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) Gold certification, verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. This marks the company's 10th LEED-certified building. To date, Nestle Waters has the most LEED-certified facilities of any U.S. food and beverage manufacturer, with more than 3.7 million square feet designed and built to meet LEED standards. In 2003, the company became the first food and beverage manufacturer in the U.S. to receive LEED certification for its Stanwood, Mich. plant—one of the first-ever industrial facilities to earn the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) sustainability standard. In its 2008 Corporate Citizenship Report, Nestle Waters pledged to have all newly constructed buildings meet LEED certification. "Nestle is to be commended for earning LEED Gold for its own headquarters—the 10th LEED-certified project in the company," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. "Given the prominence of the Nestle brand, the Stamford headquarters will be a showcase for high-performance, energy-efficient, healthy buildings, and an inspiration for others. Congratulations!" More than 500 people employed at Nestle Waters' Stamford headquarters moved to this facility in October 2010. Two Stamford-based firms led the renovation of the building located at 900 Long Ridge Road. CPG Architects did the re-design and Pavarini led the construction effort. The building incorporates many "green" features, as well as attributes that encourage greater employee collaboration, including:

• A white roof to reduce use of heating and air conditioning
• Low energy/high efficiency lighting system and low-flow water fixtures in bathrooms
• Convenient recycling in logical locations, such as kitchens and coffee bars
• The first Cradle-to-Cradle-certified office chairs
• An employee shuttle from the Stamford train station to encourage use of public transportation
• Preferred parking spaces for low-emission vehicles
• Cubicles built with low partitions and ample seating areas for co-workers to discuss ideas
• High recycled content on furniture, fabrics, countertops, carpet and ceiling tiles

  "We feel good coming to work every day, being part of and showing visitors the innovative, green features of our office building," said Kim Jeffery, president and CEO of Nestle Waters North America. "We had a goal to achieve LEED when we took on a complete renovation for our new headquarters. As with our bottling plants, we created a facility that supports the environment, the employees who work here, and the surrounding community, and earning LEED Gold heightens that commitment." Beyond LEED-certified buildings, the company also works to reduce its environmental footprint by advocating for improved bottle recycling and preserving more than 14,000 acres of land near its spring water sites. To learn more about the company's sustainability initiatives in the areas of packaging, production, transportation, water use and recycling, click here. Since 2003, Nestle Waters' additional LEED-certified facilities have helped the company reduce energy use by 1.5 million kWh, carbon emissions by 2.1 million pounds, and water use by nine million gallons:

• Dallas, Texas (Silver, 2009)
• Kingfield, Maine (Gold, 2009)
• Breinigsville, Pa. (Gold, 2009)
• Hollis, Maine (Silver rating, 2009)
• Madison County, Fla. (Silver rating, 2006)
• Red Boiling Springs, Tenn. (Silver rating, 2005)
• Cabazon, Calif. (Silver rating, 2004) – first food manufacturing facility to earn a silver rating
• Hawkins, Texas (Silver rating, 2004)
• Stanwood, Mich. (LEED Certified 2003) – first food and beverage manufacturing facility to earn LEED certification

Melvin Wylie

Samsung Evergreen Raises the Bar by Earning Platinum Certification From UL Environment

DALLAS, Sept. 14, 2011 - Key Facts

• Samsung Evergreen™ earns platinum certification from UL Environment, a leading global science company, for meeting UL Environment's high Sustainable Product Certification standard.
• First Samsung device from AT&T* to receive sustainable industry certification.
• In 2010, as part of AT&T's handset sustainability efforts, it collected more than 3.7 million cell phones for reuse and recycling and over 1.8 million pounds of cell phone batteries and accessories.

  Customer Benefits Environmentally conscious AT&T customers will be pleased to learn that the Samsung Evergreen received platinum certification from UL Environment, a business unit of UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Evergreen is the first Samsung product from AT&T to achieve the highest level of environmental performance recognized by new sustainable requirements established by UL Environment. Over past year, AT&T has been an active participant with UL Environment and other sustainability stakeholders in working towards the development of requirements to identify leadership mobile phones from an environmental and human health perspective. The UL Environment requirements set minimum requirements for "environmentally preferable" mobile devices by measuring environmentally sensitive materials, energy management, manufacturing and operations, impact to health and environment, product performance, packaging and product stewardship. Samsung Evergreen Launched in Fall 2010, the Samsung Evergreen is a quick messaging device constructed with 70 percent recycled post-consumer plastics and packaging that utilizes 80 percent recycled post-consumer paper. The device boasts eco-oriented wallpaper/ringtones not to mention a sleek, 2.4" display, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 2.0 megapixel camera, video camcorder, AT&T Navigator and stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology v2.1. Evergreen also features dual-band 3G connectivity and quad-band GSM technology, which allows AT&T customers to make calls in more than 220 countries and download data in more than 195 countries. In addition to the UL Environment platinum certification, the Evergreen already meets strict RoHS standards (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive)(1), including being free of PVC(2), BFR(3) and Beryllium and powered by an Energy Star Version 2.0 qualified energy efficient charger (level V) with standby power loss less than 0.03W and an energy efficiency of less than 75 percent. Since launch, Samsung has donated $1 for every Samsung Evergreen device sold, with a maximum donation of $100,000, to the non-profit organization Cell Phones for Soldiers®. AT&T's Environmental Sustainability Initiatives and Offerings In 2010, AT&T collected more than 3.7 million cell phones for reuse and recycling and over 1.8 million pounds of cell phone batteries and accessories. Last year, AT&T launched the ZERO Charger which automatically senses when a mobile device is not plugged in to the charger and cuts the power supply from the wall socket. The company also challenged customers to make the switch to paperless billing through its One Million Mobile Eco Challenge. Recently, AT&T was included on the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America for the second year in a row. AT&T currently offers customers simple, convenient ways to donate old cell phones and accessories: drop-off bins in more than 2,000 company-owned retail stores; free, prepaid mailing envelopes available in the stores; and postage-paid mailing labels available via our web site at AT&T Reuse & Recycle. For more information regarding AT&T's overall sustainability initiatives, please visit www.att.com/csr. Quotes "We're honored to receive global recognition for the environmental performance of the Samsung Evergreen," said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "This platinum certification from UL Environment is truly a testament to AT&T's ongoing efforts to provide effective, sustainable solutions for our customers." "We know the vast majority of consumers are looking for greener products in several categories(4) and we are excited that AT&T will now be offering the Platinum-certified Samsung Evergreen cell phone at their stores to help meeting this growing demand," said Steve Wenc, president of UL Environment. "We further congratulate AT&T and Samsung on demonstrating their commitment to sustainability with this superb device." (1) Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, 2002/95/EC as amended. (2) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). (3) Brominated flame retardants (BFR). (4) According to 2011 EcoPulse Report, Shelton Group. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Melvin Wylie

Empire State Building Achieves LEED Gold

Empire State Building Company, Jones Lang LaSalle and U.S. Green Building Council announce milestone achievement for World's Most Famous Office Building

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2011 - The Empire State Building has been awarded a LEED® Gold for Existing Buildings certification as further recognition from the $550 million Empire State ReBuilding program. The Empire State Building is the tallest and most well known building in the U.S. to receive LEED certification. The 2.85 million-square-foot building is celebrating its 80th anniversary while nearing completion of its renewal and repurposing to meet the needs of 21st Century businesses. It is one of a small number of National Historic Landmarks to earn the designation, which was established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The announcement was made jointly by Anthony Malkin, Empire State Building Company; Dana Robbins Schneider, vice president of Jones Lang LaSalle, program manager of the energy retrofit, LEED feasibility assessment and application process; and Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC. The LEED Gold certification follows the ground-breaking creation and implementation of a new replicable, transparent, quantifiable process for economically justified energy efficient retrofits in the existing built environment created a team of the Clinton Climate Initiative, Johnson Controls, Jones Lang LaSalle and the Rocky Mountain Institute. The game-changing analytical model is non-proprietary and open-source and is being replicated at other properties around the world. There is a new focus by government and the real estate industry on investment and return in energy efficiency retrofits driven from the well-documented success of the Empire State Building. The retrofit conducted by Johnson Controls and Jones Lang LaSalle is guaranteed to reduce the building's energy consumption by more than 38 percent and should save $4.4 million in energy costs annually, representing an approximate three-year payback of the cost of implementation. The building gained ENERGY STAR certification in 2010 and has maintained ENERGY STAR certification in 2011. For more on the analytical model, visit www.esbsustainability.com. The improvements also reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 105,000 metric tons over 15 years. In January 2011, Malkin agreed to buy carbon offsets totalling 55 million kilowatt hours per year of renewable energy, making the Empire State Building carbon-neutral. "When it was built, the Empire State Building instantly became an icon of its era. Now, due to this remarkable investment in energy efficiency, the Empire State Building will be an icon of the 21st century as well, leading our current era in the retrofitting and upgrading of existing buildings to meet modern energy conditions," said David Bragdon, Director of the Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning & Sustainability. "LEED Gold certification is another win for us following our ground-breaking energy efficiency retrofit work. It is my hope that all future LEED certifications for existing building projects will require demonstrable, quantifiable improvements in energy efficiency, delivering economic returns for building owners, tenants, and the communities in which they are located," Malkin said. "I thank Dana Schneider, our Empire State Building team, and the professionals at the U.S. Green Building Council for their hard work in this huge undertaking. I hope USGBC will be incorporating documented energy efficiency improvements into LEED 2012, which is now in public comment." "LEED certification is one of the top criteria for many tenants today, and it reinforces the strong business case we have made for a cost-effective energy retrofit that lowers tenant occupancy costs," Schneider said. "We have continued our work with building ownership with LEED-level new tenant installations and tenant-based energy efficiency programs, which are now being documented in a new program with the Center for Market Innovation of the Natural Resources Defense Council, funded by a grant from the Goldman Sachs Foundation." "By earning LEED Gold, the Empire State Building has sent a powerful message that green buildings don't have to be new – even the most iconic, historic buildings, as grand in scale as in reputation, can be among the most high-performing, energy-efficient, green buildings," Fedrizzi said. "The leadership exhibited by Tony Malkin, and everyone involved in this project is monumental and should be applauded." The USGBC will also recognize Malkin with its 2011 Leadership Award, bestowed on "organizations and individuals who signify vision, leadership and commitment to the evolution of green building design and construction." Malkin is recognized for this prestigious award based on his commitment and guidance to the team throughout the retrofit process, his promotion of the replicable model and his strong advocacy of energy efficiency before Congress, with U.S. mayors and other government and business leaders. The energy retrofit and other actions leading to LEED certification also helped New York's economy by creating jobs for 250 people, Schneider noted. The Empire State Building ownership directed that sustainable practices be at the center of new operations and upgrades as part of the Empire State ReBuilding program. Low environmental impact operations procedures were put in place immediately following the transition of the day-to-day operations of the building from Helmsley-Spear to Malkin Holdings, supervisor of building owner Empire State Building Company. After the energy efficiency retrofit program was developed and its implementation was underway, Jones Lang LaSalle led a separate study of the feasibility of LEED certification. This feasibility study showed that LEED Gold certification was within reach at an incremental cost of about $0.25 per square foot. Beyond energy efficiency, activities at the Empire State Building which helped achieve LEED Gold certification include:

• Installation of ultra low-flow fixtures in the building's restrooms
• Use of green cleaning supplies and pest control products
• Recycling of tenant waste and construction debris
• Use of recycled paper products
• Use of recycled content carpets, low off-gassing wall coverings, paints, and adhesives
• A program of tenant engagement, including submetering, a newly created Tenant Energy Management System, and mandatory green requirements in lease agreements.

In addition to the Empire State Building receiving LEED Gold certification, the USGBC has notified Empire State Building Company and Jones Lang LaSalle that a 3,500-square-foot pre-built space on the 42nd floor has been certified Platinum under the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system. Jones Lang LaSalle built out the space in accordance with the building's interior design guidelines in order to demonstrate the cost and energy savings to tenants and prospects. The northward-facing space with views to the east and west is a key stop on leasing tours of the building, and is also available for lease to a tenant with immediate move-in needs.

Melvin Wylie

Legal Sea Foods Stirs Sustainability Debate With New Ad Campaign

Restaurant Launches TV and Print Ads That Focus On the Hot-Button Issue BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2011 - A series of new television and print ads debuting next week from the famed Boston-based restaurant Legal Sea Foods may not sit well initially with some marine conservationists, as the humorous spots unconvincingly take both sides of the sustainability debate. But the intention of the new ad campaign is to encourage the public to better understand the complexity of the situation and make more informed decisions on what we should and should not eat. The ad campaign, created by the New York advertising agency DeVito/Verdi, focuses on three types of fish – salmon, trout and crab – that enjoy ample stocks. The print ads and television commercials mirror each other, with each one focusing on a specific fish and the need to "save" the species. In one, we see a majestic salmon flying through the air as it makes its way upstream. The voiceover and copy state: "Save the salmon. Save it so our children can witness the grace and beauty of this noble fish. Or, just save it so we can saute it with our fabulous lemon chive butter sauce." Legal Sea Foods has long taken an active role in the sustainability debate, making strong arguments for the protection of both endangered fish and commercial fishermen. Roger Berkowitz, president and CEO of Legal Sea Foods, stated that the objective of the ad campaign is to encourage a discussion on the topic and to open everyone's eyes to the nuances of the issue. "We're passionate about sustainability, but we also feel the issue has been clouded by outdated and faulty data, and a reliance on simplistic dictums from groups that help turn the public against certain species of fish. This campaign will hopefully facilitate an open dialogue and better understanding that seafood sustainability is not such a black and white issue," said Berkowitz. The ad campaign focuses on three types of fish – salmon, trout and crab – that enjoy ample stocks. The print ad and commercial for the crab begins with a shot of a lone crab walking along the seashore. The solemn copy reads: "Save the crab. Save it to show that every creature is sacred, no matter how small. Or, just save it so we can chop it up into tasty little crab cakes." "Sure, people may jump to the conclusion that we're being flip about the topic, but it's quite the opposite. This is a debate we need to have. We need to constantly question where fish comes from and how it was caught and, moreover, demand more from those tasked with protecting the fish supply," said Berkowitz.

Melvin Wylie

The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Joins Jonathan Bird's Blue World as an Underwriting Sponsor

      DAVIE, FL - Winner of three 2011 Emmy Awards, Jonathan Bird's Blue World TV series has welcomed aboard celebrated marine artist, scientist and conservationist Guy Harvey for the show's upcoming 3rd Season as an underwriting sponsor.   The sponsorship comes through The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF), www.GuyHarveyOceanFoundation.org, which funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. There will be a 15 second underwriter's credit at the beginning and ending of each episode.   Season 3 will begin airing in some markets this month and to ultimately air in 22% of the U.S. and in 16 states with half of the broadcasts on weekends and 24% in prime time.   Jonathan Bird's Blue World takes viewers on an adventurous exploration of the world's oceans in a series the whole family will enjoy, explains Harvey. The series is also a valuable tool for science education. Because it is entertaining and educational, many teachers find it valuable to incorporate Blue World into their science curriculum. I'm pleased to support those efforts.   Season three features the heartwarming story of Sully the Pilot Whale, the magical moment when coral spawns, surprise diving lessons and a Caribbean adventure for a 13 year old Blue World fan. Viewers will meet Sea Lions, Humpback whales, bottom-dwelling sharks, blind cavefish, dolphins in Curaçao, sea snakes, sailfish and the Potato Cod. They will swim with Jonathan in the world¹s largest Aquarium tank, and meet the always entertaining Diver Ed, who takes everyone diving in Maine without getting wet.   Jonathan Bird's Blue World has aired continuously on public television stations in the United States since May 2008. Co-produced by Jonathan Bird Productions and Oceanic Research Group, the series has been shown over 8,500 times in 33 states to over 160 million potential viewers. Season 3 of the series is scheduled for release in August 2011. Seasons 1 and 2 are available on DVD. Individual segments and educational materials for teachers are available at www.blueworldtv.com.

Melvin Wylie

How Green Is Your Workplace?

HOUSTON, Sept. 12, 2011 - American homeowners know how to "Think Green." Whether choosing Energy Star appliances or selecting more energy efficient lighting, millions of people are incorporating energy efficiency into their personal habits and purchasing decisions. Now a leading energy company is encouraging its customers to take those same "green" principles and apply them to their business life as well. MXenergy, a Constellation Company and a leader in the sustainability movement, strives to educate and inform customers about energy efficiency as part of the company's continuing commitment to energy conservation. "All across America we see people working to improve their home energy efficiency," says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy managing director of marketing. "Yet, we are not necessarily seeing those same strides on the corporate front. There are so many relatively simple changes which can have such a dramatic impact on office energy usage." MXenergy "Green Office" Tips Power Down: Check to make sure you are maximizing your computer's energy efficiency settings. Turn off the computer at night or when not in use for long periods of time. Encourage your office to convert to more energy efficient lighting and to turn off lights when not in use. Quit Pushing Paper: When at all possible, "go digital." Eliminate as much printed paper as possible. When it is necessary to print a hard copy, print double-sided and make sure your office is recycling ink and toner cartridges as well as purchasing recycled paper and remanufactured ink and toner. Take A Break: The company break room can be an excellent starting point for a green campaign. If not already in place, ask for recycling containers to be made available. Switch to Fair Trade organic coffee and recyclable or reusable utensils and cups. Encourage the use of non-toxic cleaning supplies. Rather than heading out to lunch or ordering in, bring lunch from home in reusable containers. This not only reduces energy consumption but packaging waste as well. Cut the Travel: Telecommuting, carpooling and video-conferencing are all excellent ways to reduce individual and corporate carbon footprints. According to Treehugger.com, over $8 billion in gas could be saved annually if every car in the U.S. simply added one additional passenger to its commute. "Creating a more eco-friendly work environment doesn't have to be costly or time-intensive," says Kass. "Something as simple as adding a desk plant to improve air quality or choosing to host a meeting via video-conferencing rather than paying for plane travel can make a difference. It isn't about the size of the change, it is simply about making the decision to start the process that is so important."

Melvin Wylie

Penn State's Public Broadcasting Team Joins Expedition Chesapeake

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 12, 2011 - Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts has selected Penn State Public Broadcasting to develop a made-for-television documentary focused on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed as part of the Center's $10 million Expedition Chesapeake initiative. Penn State Public Broadcasting will produce a broadcast documentary as part of Expedition Chesapeake, a multi-media, educational and entertainment experience anchored by a 42-minute giant screen film featuring Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin. The sweeping initiative also includes an online curriculum and travelling, 4-D science exhibit. "Penn State brings a wealth of talent and experience to this effort. We're very excited that the leadership at Penn State Public Broadcasting recognizes the importance of Expedition Chesapeake. The documentary we will produce is a critical element of our goal to engage and educate the 17 million residents of the Bay watershed," said Dr. Michael L. Hanes, President & CEO of Whitaker Center. "This is a welcome addition to our initiative." Penn State Public Broadcasting joins a growing production and development team for the project, led by Emmy winner Jeff Corwin. Corwin hosts two television shows on Animal Planet and has developed a worldwide television audience. He has been described as the world's best-known biologist. "Expedition Chesapeake is a wonderful project and an important one. The goal is to entertain and educate all of the Bay watershed's residents and we're very excited to join this initiative," said Tom Keiter, Director of Creative Development for Penn State Public Broadcasting. "This fits our mission of public service media – looking at issues important to society and using media to engage people in a creative and informative way." The Chesapeake Bay watershed is the largest estuary in the United States and covers 64,000 square miles in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and Washington, D.C. The educational tools are designed to inform, engage and challenge all citizens in a comfortable and interactive conversation. "The goal is to produce media that promotes an understanding of the importance this watershed has to everyday life, and the impact people have on the Bay watershed each and every day," Keiter said. "We want to educate and inspire people to become more aware of this watershed and the documentary series will be an important part of the overall initiative." Hanes added that Expedition Chesapeake will serve as a model for watersheds around the nation. "We're going to develop a comprehensive, multi-media package of tools designed to both entertain and educate people. Each element of the initiative, from the giant screen film to the travelling science exhibit and documentary project, is designed to help people become more aware of how they can help preserve this vital resource," Hanes said. "It's a great and exciting challenge and Penn State Public Broadcasting is going to play a major role."

Melvin Wylie

20th Episode of GreenNews4u

Welcome to the 20th Episode of GreenNews4U! In this episode I interview Ric Ten with The Tafari Brand. We talk about Organic Clothing, all natural products, what it means to be a Itealist, the meaning of Tafari and much, much more. The Tafari is a casual luxury lifestyle brand which offers products that epitomize an environmentally friendly and universally conscious way of life. Our basis and inspiration is natural creativity which we utilize for spiritual and divine purposes. Our goal is to provide a wide range of high quality garments and products that are representative of natural life and its origins. A complete collection, with authenticity and craftsmanship evident in each item. We are promoting Creation in all of its splendor and glory. And ultimately, the Creator, TAFARI! View their web page here. http://www.archive.org/download/20thEpisodeOfGreennews4u/20thEpisodeOfGreennews4u.mp3

Melvin Wylie

19th Episode of GreenNews4U

Welcome to the 19th Episode of GreenNews4U! In this episode I interview Donna Morton with First Power. We had a great discussion on the Unreasonable Institute, First Power and the First Nations Indian Tribes, Renewables, and much, more. Donna Morton is the CEO and co-founderof First Power she builds the social and economic aspects of projects and builds our diverse partnerships. In 2003 Donna was awarded an Ashoka fellowship and the Women and Spirit of the Crane award for business leadership through her work with the Centre for Integral Economics. She has a more than 20 year track record developing projects, communications and consulting with numerous First Nations and First Nation organizations, large and small businesses, governments and NGO's. Donna is very experienced keynote speaker in Canada and internationally. She was featured as 1 of 30 global leaders who use the power of the market to deliver on the environment in the international TV series - Act for the Planet. View their web page here

Melvin Wylie

Sierra Magazine Announces Top 20 Schools 2011

University programs celebrated for green efforts, sustainable initiatives, and immersive environmental education SAN FRANCISCO - Sierra magazine announces the fifth annual ranking of the nation's "Coolest Schools," a salute to the efforts of U.S. colleges that help solve climate issues and operate sustainably. The cover feature spotlights the schools that are making a difference for the planet, from UC Irvine's energy-efficiency standards to Stanford's commitment to maintaining undeveloped open space to Green Mountain College sourcing nearly half of its energy from, yes, cow manure. "When students take what they've learned in the classroom and proceed to get their hands dirty in the real world, they realize the potential they have to make a difference," said Bob Sipchen, Sierra magazine's editor-in-chief. "We're thrilled to highlight these forward-thinking schools for emphasizing environmental responsibility, and for teaching, inspiring, and empowering students to affect real change." This year's top schools prove that schools of all sizes – the University of Washington has 40,000 students, while College of the Atlantic has 321 – are taking dramatic action to help preserve the planet and its resources. Sierra Magazine's top 20 schools of 2011 are: University of Washington (Seattle, WA) Green Mountain College (Poultney, VT) University of California, San Diego (San Diego, CA) Warren Wilson College (Asheville, NC) Stanford University (Stanford, CA) University of California, Irvine (Irvine, CA) University of California, Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA) University of California, Davis (Davis, CA) Evergreen State College (Olympia, WA) Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT) University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH) Appalachian State University (Boone, NC) Colby College (Waterville, ME) Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA) University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) Clark University (Worcester, MA) Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME) University of Maryland (College Park, MD) The University of Washington, in particular, has shown a true commitment to greening its campus and providing students and faculty with departments and programs that focus on environmental responsibility, including the Center for Sustainable Forestry at Pack Forest, the Alaska Salmon Program, and the Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health. In addition, UW's campus gets 90% of its energy from hydropower. Sierra also featured the stories of educators and students who are committed to immersive learning, and who take their lessons outside the confines of the classroom and into the real world, to places like Bali in Indonesia, New York's Adirondack Mountains, and Utah's Navajo Nation. According to a 2010 Princeton Review report, 64% of prospective college students take a university's commitment to environmental issues into consideration when deciding where to apply and enroll. Students care deeply about green issues and are attracted to institutions that are working hard to solve environmental problems. The complete rankings, with comprehensive descriptions of each school's environmental efforts, are available online atwww.sierraclub.org/coolschools.

Melvin Wylie

USDA Praised for $100 Million in Wetlands Restoration Funding for Everglades

WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's commitment today to invest $100 million through the Wetlands Reserve Program to acquire permanent easements from eligible landowners and assist with wetland restoration on nearly 24,000 acres of agricultural land in the Northern Everglades Watershed is a smart ecological and economic investment, according to a leading conservation group. Environmental Defense Fund also says it demonstrates why maintaining funding for the Wetlands Reserve Program and other USDA conservation programs is critical. . "Involving private landowners in these kinds of landscape-scale efforts is exactly what we need to do if we're going to be effective in accomplishing our most important conservation goals, including healthy ecosystems that provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and other public benefits," said Sara Hopper, agricultural policy director for Environmental Defense Fund and a former staff member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "But we cannot effectively engage private landowners in big initiatives like this one without continued, robust funding for voluntary, incentive-based programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program. It's imperative that Congress not cut funding for these programs in the coming months, as members of the House and Senate continue to look for ways to reduce the federal budget deficit." In June, despite the opposition of more than 50 agricultural and conservation groups, the U.S. House of Representatives approved nearly $1 billion in cuts to USDA conservation programs, including the Wetlands Reserve Program, in the agriculture appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012. The Senate is expected to develop its version of the appropriations bill this fall, and conservation groups are urging it to reject the House cuts. In addition, the special committee Congress is convening to negotiate a package of longer-term deficit reduction measures could propose additional cuts to USDA's voluntary conservation incentives programs, particularly if members of the committee cannot reach agreement on ways to increase revenue.

Melvin Wylie

New Goodyear Innovation Could Make Tire Pumps Obsolete

Government Grants to Help Quicken Development AKRON, Ohio - The days of manually adding air to under-inflated tires could be a distant memory thanks to a new innovation under development in laboratories at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT). Keeping tires properly inflated doesn't just eliminate the practice of checking a tire's air pressure and finding a tire pump and gauge that works. It also can mean real savings at the fuel pump. Whether you drive a passenger vehicle or a commercial truck, underinflated tires result in between a 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent decrease in fuel mileage, according to government and industry research. At today's prices, that translates to about 12 cents per gallon at the pump. Properly inflated tires also result in lower emissions, longer tire life, enhanced safety and improved vehicle performance. Goodyear's Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) will enable tires to remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for any external pumps or electronics. All components of the AMT system, including the miniaturized pump, will be fully contained within the tire. "While the technology is complex, the idea behind the AMT system is relatively simple and powered by the tire itself as it rolls down the road," said Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technical officer. "A tire that can maintain its own inflation is something drivers have wanted for many years. Goodyear has taken on this challenge and the progress we have made is very encouraging," said Kihn. "This will become the kind of technological breakthrough that people will wonder how they ever lived without." Goodyear did not provide an estimate as to when this technology would be available at tire retailers, but said the timetable would be accelerated due to recent government research grants in United States and European Union. The United States Department of Energy's Office of Vehicle Technology Wednesday announced it has awarded a $1.5 million grant for research, development and demonstration of the AMT system for commercial truck tires. The grant will be administered by the National Energy Technology Laboratory and work will be conducted at Goodyear's Innovation Center in Akron, Ohio. In July, Goodyear successfully applied for a grant from the Luxemburg government for research and development of an AMT system for consumer tires. That work will be conducted at Goodyear's Innovation Center in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg. "While similar in concept, there are significant differences in AMT systems for consumer and commercial tires," said Kihn. "The tangible support from both the U.S. and Luxembourg governments underscores the value of these projects and the many positive benefits they can provide drivers around the world." In addition, The DOE's Office of Vehicle Technology today also announced that it will award a $1.5 million grant for a joint project between PPG Industries and Goodyear to improve the rolling resistance and fuel efficiency of tires. The project's objective is to increase average fuel efficiency of passenger vehicle fleets through use of new tread and inner liner technologies. "Advanced technologies that are invisible to the human eye – like those we are working on with PPG – will help to dramatically improve fuel efficiency of tires while maintaining other important qualities such as traction and tread-life," said Kihn.

Melvin Wylie