Go Green with Red

United Green

2009-05-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I gave the keynote speech at the United Green Symposium. The event was geared towards educating the public about how to go green at work, at home, and in life. The event was the first annual and while they had several attendees, I know next year should be even better. If you are interested in my speech "What Does Going Green Really Mean?" contact me at info@red-dotpr.com.

Earth Day 2009-Hampton Roads

2009-05-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well one day and counting the hours until Earth Day 2009 in Hampton Roads. The Earth Day which is held the first Sunday in May at Mt. Trashmore park (the first landfill to park in Hampton Roads), is anticipating over 40,000 attendees this year. Slated as this being the largest event ever, we have over 93 exhibitors, 27 sponsors, 3 large events (including my personal push of plastic bag recycling), and tons of giveaways, music, fun and food. If you haven't checked out the website...it is full of activities and events - www.earthdayvb.com. Additionally, we will be hosting Congressman Nye, Del. Bouchard, and Mayor Sessoms. It should be a fun event. Hope you all come out and check out my booth - it will have the huge Go Green with Red signage.

Earth Day 2009

2009-03-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hey all...I don't know if you know this, but we are a major sponsor/supporter of the Earth Day 2009 at Mt. Trashmore (not to mention that our fearless leader, Ms. Kimberly Pepper, is on the Board and is Chairwoman for Promotions & Marketing and Sponsorships). Check out the website at www.earthdayvb.com.

Green Speech

2009-03-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, March 24th, I was invited to give a speech to a number of women executives and business owners about going green. The group called HRNEW (Hampton Roads Network of Executive Women) was started by a couple of wonderful women at Troutman Sanders (an international law firm with offices all over the world). The topic of the speech was Going Green - What does it Mean to be Green. It was very well received and well attended. I love these types of programs because it gives us a chance to really educate folks on what it means to go green, tips to utilize in everyday life, and why it is important. If you want more information, please contact us at info@red-dotpr.com.

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm - 9:30pm....cities around the world turned off their lights in an attempt to show unity and a stance on global warming issues. For 1-hour, those lights remained off. The goal was show government officials around the world that there is a pressing need to take action against global warming and come to an agreement that would replace the Kyoto Protocol Act of 2002/03. Major structures around the world such as the pyramids in Egypt, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Colosseum in Rome, the billboard in Times Square-NY, etc. turned their lights off for 1-hour. Check out some of the pictures at
http://www.earthhour.org/home/. So what did you do for Earth Hour?

Will Virginia Be a Green State?

2009-03-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a couple of press releases come out of the Governor's office talking about the Renew Virginia initiative (www.governor.virginia.gov/renewvirginia). However, out of the six releases, there seems to be a common theme - the Governor discussing strategies to attract "green companies" to relocate here and wanting Virginia to be a leader in alternative energy. My issue is that there is a lot of talking being done, but not a lot of action taking place. The most current release was a "meeting of the minds" between the Governor and the UK Ambassador to the US, Sir Nigel Sheinwald where they signed a bilateral "Climate Change Action Agreement." While I think this is great to "recommit" to combating the effects of climate change and developing a more climate-friendly economy - however, my criticism is that there is an action agreement that has already been circulating called the Climate Protection Act. This Act embodies the elements of the original Kyoto Act of 2001/02 and was established by City of Seattle's Mayor Greg Nichols challenging Mayors across the U.S. to sign, commit, and implement these principals into to their regions. So my questions to the Governor are - Do you know about this program? And why hasn’t Virginia be actively involved with this Act? (rather than reinvent a wheel that is already establish) And lastly - Why not push those Cities that have already signed the Act to get on the ball and implement true sustainable programs? It seems like common sense, right?

Additionally, it might behoove the Governor to start implementing green collar jobs right here in Virginia by expanding the DEQ team implementing the Virginia Green program beyond the current structure of one person. Also, expand the Virginia Green certification program beyond the tourism industry and the Governor may discover that there are several companies in Virginia that are already creating "green" collar jobs. Hence, develop meaningful stimulus programs that help sustain these companies and their growth potential while still attracting new companies. What a concept, aye?

Is Hampton Roads Environmentally-Friendly?

2009-03-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

I've been contemplating this question for quite some time now. Being a power networker, I have been in one meeting after the next, and the overall theme of these "green" meetings seems to be – everyone wants to be involved, but to put some action in place and aggressively push this agenda is severely lagging behind. This might sound a little on the severe side, however, coming from the West Coast where actions were turned into words and things like recycling, use of reusable grocery sacks, and the support of good quality mass transit is common sense and common place – hence, my patience for folks that speak the words, but lack of actions has grown very thin. And these “folks” that I’m talking about are government entities and municipalities. Now granted, there are a small handful of cities that have taken going green very seriously such as Charlottesville...but other cities - especially the ones that have signed the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Act – four of which are in Hampton Roads alone – have done nothing in the two years that they originally signed the Act. Having been involved with a couple “sustainability teams” these entities seem to be more focused on trying to “fudge” numbers to win points on the Virginia Municipal League’s Green Challenge awards program, than developing and implementing programs that will actually make a difference in their communities. I know this may sound a little jaded, but you must understand that the Climate Protection Act was enacted in response to the U.S.' lack of signing the Kyoto Act back in 2001/02; in which the City of Seattle’s Mayor, Greg Nichols, took it upon himself to challenge other mayors around the U.S. to enact and implement a Climate Protection Act that has the same principles of the Kyoto Act, but more on a local/regional level. In response, Mayors who sign this Climate Protection Act attest to their seriousness to uphold the principles of the Kyoto Act and initiate programs that not only help the environment, but better their communities and their constituents’ lives. Nine cities in the Commonwealth signed this act - four of which are in the Hampton Roads area – however, not one of those four have actually started implementing a serious program. My question to them – why?

Welcome to a new year and new beginnings

2009-01-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

I just got done watching President Obama's inaugural speech - watched it live on Facebook (CNN.com) and on TV (ABC) - and I couldn’t help the intense feeling of awe and pride at this historical event taking place in front of my very eyes. In all my years, I don’t think I have ever witnessed such a positive event where people from around the world stopped what they were doing and casted their eyes to the TV and the US. Watching the pre-coverage on CNN.com through Facebook was an awesome sight to see - the sea of Americans huddled together in the crisp (very cold) D.C. weather, the wave of arms and American flags stretching from the Lincoln Memorial throughout the Mall and down to the Washington Monument, and having real-time conversations through Twitter and Facebook with friends and colleagues around the world was inspiring. How far we have come and what still lies ahead. There is much work to be done. And much things to transpire. But, I’m excited about what the future holds and how we, as Americans, will grow and advance. Let the journey begin.

Sign Company Goes Green

2008-12-02T04:37:00.000-08:00

Working with our client, Signs By Tomorrow-Chesapeake - I have been impressed at how gung-ho they have been to go green. From the start, I was really taken with this husband and wife team, Lacy and Jason Kuller. They epitomize how the millennial generation understands the impact of making environmental changes for the better and crossing this belief into their business culture. Recently, they decided to expand their operations into a larger space. As a part of this expansion, they wanted to conduct a build-out that was environmentally conscious and exemplifies their eco-practices. Researching and understanding that they could save on their build-out by installing features on their own, they started retrofitting this new space with all types of eco-friendly products. From installing 100% recycled rubber tire flooring in their back space (and quite cushy on the feet, if I might say so myself) to laying bamboo hardware floors for their front lobby and office areas. (Bamboo can be harvested in three years vs. Oak in 120 years). On the walls, they used beautiful red (our favorite color, of course) and eggshell paints that had low to zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC – an emission of gas/chemical odor). They installed T8 lighting as well as motion sensors in order to reduce their energy consumption. Additionally, they opened some areas in order to capture natural outdoor lighting to be emitted during the daytime.

While putting toilet dams into their restrooms to conserve water seems like a no-brainer, they also installed a reverse osmosis water filtration system to provide clean drinking water for their customers and employees – eliminating the use of water bottles and extra refuse. And talking about refuse, Lacy and Jason led the way by leasing a single-stream recycling container for the whole shopping center complex – a very neighborly deed. Avid indoor recyclers as well, Lacy and Jason go out of their way to recycle or reuse as much of their scrap materials as much as possible. But that is not it…going one step further, Signs By Tomorrow-Chesapeake just purchased the newest large format latex ink printer from HP. While this might not seem exciting from the get-go; being one of the first companies in the world to install this printer, Signs By Tomorrow will be able to produce large format prints that are odorless and emit extremely low levels of VOCs. Hence reducing ozone emissions inside and out, allowing no hazardous air pollutants or sensitizers to be emitted, and requiring no special ventilation – hence, ensuring the safety of their employees and customers. And if you think they are done, you don’t know Lacy and Jason; they are constantly looking at ways to reduce their impact on the environment. Always searching for new ways to do things, reduce, reuse or recycle – you can bet that Lacy and Jason will be making a huge impact on their community and the environment. Job well done.

Oh…and by the way, we decided to have a Green Grand Opening on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 in order to show the world (or at least Hampton Roads) what going green can really look like. To see the build out in our video check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2hCWIEiK7I and check out our feature in Forbes Magazine http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/04/small-business-green-ent-manage-cx_ml_1204gogreencheap_slide_9.html?partner=email

A new green world? Perhaps

2008-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Well the elections are over and we have a new president-elect, Barack Obama - a very historical event indeed. With his inauguration coming up in the next couple of months, it will be interesting to see if the ideas and plans he so carefully communicated during his campaign will come to pass. Obviously, the first order of business is the economy...and with that, green jobs? For many of you who have had the pleasure to hear me go on and on about everything green - I have been predicting that green jobs are the next wave of economic growth. Very similar to the economic growth we saw in the 1990s with the advancement of the technology industry, the '90s provided the U.S. and other countries an economic boom with the explosive growth of top-notch and high paying jobs. And while the technology industry has weathered many ups and downs with the subsequent Internet bust in 1999/2000 and several layoffs years later, the technology industry has remained somewhat a stronghold throughout this recent recession. And as with any business, it forced many to diversify their offerings as a way to keep business running and solid - the U.S. economy is not any different - we must diversify our economic opportunities and look at the future offerings to a new economic boom - this wave would be green jobs.

Consequently, I don't seem to be alone in this view either. In a recent Bloomberg article, John Wasik, commented on a study conducted by Worldwatch Institute, an institution that analyzes critical global issues to generate insights and ideas that empower decision makers to build an ecologically sustainable society, about creating "green" jobs. The article and the study state that green jobs will impact every industry, hence giving everyone an opportunity to prosper from this new economic boom. The study detailed that renewable-energies and energy-conservation industries alone employ some 2.3 million people worldwide and are continuing to grow. However, "[g]reen jobs are not only about renewable energy employment..." it will impact almost every industry. From building and construction, to the commodities industries, agriculture, and to the service industry. This economic boom not only will bolster employment and the economy, but will reduce our carbon footprint. A win-win situation for all. So imagine a green, green world. Are you ready?

Make Your Vote Count

2008-11-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is a big day - regardless of the outcome, it will be a historic. Recently I was interviewed by the CW’s Here and Now host about being green. During my interview I was asked how important are the environmental issues in this election in which I replied, “very important.” I explained that both candidates have outlined their environmental programs on their websites as well as touched upon it during the many debates they have had. And while each candidate has an energy plan to declare independence from foreign oil, the candidates do differ on how that will happen and what the environmental impact will be for that energy independence. While I will not give my political affiliation or how I will vote, what I will say is that Obama seems to have a very well thought out and detailed plan to increase climate change awareness, reduce our environmental impact, the use of alternative energy, develop green jobs, and give specific timelines to reach various eco-impact goals. Whereas, McCain’s program is a little more general. What McCain does give is a timeline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the next 40 years. His plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to below 1990 levels. Will this be enough? Many countries around the world started becoming very worried about our greenhouse emission and global warming only after major shifts in the climate were being seen in the 1990s. As far as McCain’s strategy for energy independence though, he made a very smart move by putting Sarah Palin on the ticket. For several years, 500,000 acres of protected land in Alaska was preserved for wildlife by the federal government in order to lessen the environmental impact. The Bush Administration had tried several times to overturn this protection in order to allow drilling to occur to gain domestic oil surplus and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Around 2005, the persistence succeeded and it was declared that some of this land would be available to start drilling. With the election of Sarah Palin as governor in 2006, this goal was solidified. As one of her main priorities of energy development, drilling for oil to lessen our dependence on foreign oil has continued into her current campaign as VP. While Palin was an unknown for many, this move to bring her on the ticket was a little more thought through than many give McCain credit for. In ending, it is up to you to decide what issues are important and how they will affect you. Check out my interview on http://cw27.com - go to the video section and hit Free 2B Green videos…there you will see mine and many others on green and environmental issues.

Speech at Portsmouth's Clean Commission Dinner

2008-10-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

The other night I had the honor to attend and give the keynote speech at the Portsmouth’s Clean Communities Commission dinner. While I wasn't exactly sure who all would be attending (e.g. city leaders, commissioners, etc.), I developed a speech that talked about what going green means, why people should care, entertain the guests with a couple of stories, and give tips on how simple and cost effective going green really is. Anticipating that some would have the knowledge that Portsmouth has already signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Act, I was surprised to learn that many did not know that this act had already been signed. This prompted a great response of a readiness to learn more about the act and what they can do to help. It was at this point that things really solidified for me that we are on the right path with our Go Green with Red program. I had talked to numerous folks before we developed this practice and knew we had a great opportunity to bring the green movement to the Southeast, but this speech sets the future tone – we are on the right path and we have a lot of awareness to start building. There are a couple groups out there right now working on various things, but this movement is really ready to take-off in the Hampton Roads area. We have our work cut-out for us, but it is going to be one heck of a fun ride. As corporate social responsibility communication practitioners, we have the greatest opportunity to build awareness about what going green really means, assist companies and people to get on the right path to do more for the environment, for their health, and for future generations. With that, I know that my team is committed to really make a difference - regardless of whether we gain clients from this or not. Of course, we definitely want to encourage more clients to go green, but if are able to educate and assist in moving this green program ahead…we feel we all win in the end. For if we are able to lead by example and share our knowledge and expertise, we know that we will gain so much more – breathable air, beautiful green spaces, cleaner water, protection and safety from future natural disasters, and so on.

SC Johnson

2008-10-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

Here I go again with a TV ad - last night I saw a very interesting TV advertisement from SC Johnson. In their ad the Chairman/CEO talked about how they power their factories in the US and abroad using various types of renewable energies: one using wind power, another using the methane gas collected from a near-by landfill, and their Indonesia plant using left-over palm-shell waste from the palm oil industry. At the end of the ad, Mr. Johnson states (and I'm paraphrasing here) that the company is committed to a greener community, and so when consumers go to the store to pick-up SC Johnson products, they can feel better about their purchase choices, etc. This made me want to look more into their green promise more closely; did they have a green business plan? Were they making their products more "green" and eco-friendly? What is their corporate social responsibility mission? etc. So I set out to do more research...I went to their website....and what I found, I was pleasantly surprised. Majority of their website encompassed social responsibility and environmentally-friendly mission statements. Eager to peruse the site, I found more information about their plants and the use of renewable energies. For example, by using just two wind turbines at their largest, 2.2 million sq. ft. facility, they have been able to generate enough base electricity to keep their steam operations rolling, remove approximately 52,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually, but...the biggest kicker..it has saved them millions of dollars in energy bills. Additional stats they give about another wind-powered plant they have in Michigan states that by using wind energy, 29,500 tons of CO2 is eliminated and the energy saved per year is equivalent to a reduction of 3,000 cars (enough energy to supply electricity to 1,800 homes). Continuing on, I look through other items on their site about their products, etc. They had quite a bit about ensuring their list measures up to their patented process of Greenlist - a measurement tool the company imposes on themselves to ensure that their products are utilizing eco-friendly raw materials without losing its performance strength and having a health impact. While I'm sure people will still be a little skeptical about this portion of their site touting their eco-friendliness or even the health benefits of their products, we do, however, need to give them credit for building a green practice into their corporate culture and credit them for doing something to make a better impact in their community. We don't always have to agree on how or which items should be eco-friendly, the point of the matter is that they have strived to make a difference to be more socially responsible, reduce costs, and be a good steward in their communities. I think it is up to consumers and their business leaders to continue to look at ways for the company to become more eco-friendly and push to design more health- and eco-conscious products for the future...but this first step is a good step. What do you think?

Can an auto dealership be green?

2008-10-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a TV ad on a local Hampton Roads (Southeastern Virginia) auto dealership in which they stated they were "green." Their reasons were stated as two points -they sold fuel-efficient cars as well as hybrids - and that was it. I was a little dumbfounded to say the least. Don't most dealerships sell fuel-efficient cars? Why was this so unique? I don't think fuel-efficient cars really address carbon off-sets or can really be deemed as a "green" qualifier. And while Hybrids are a great idea for consumers to become more eco-conscious, does this really qualify a dealership to be green? And my last point, what was the response of their advertising agency to their client in developing this "green" ad? While we cannot completely know what happen in the client/ad agency conversation, this does set-up a good example of how important it is for marketers to really understand the principles of green marketing, the standards in environmental claims, and the subsequent ramifications of such marketing techniques. What do you think?

Welcome

2008-10-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our newest blog - Go Green With Red. The purpose of this blog is start a dialogue to discuss eco-friendly practices of businesses and institutions, give how-to tips and ideas to go green, instill the desire of companies and institutions to start adding green business principles to their corporate culture, and general green business discussions