Blueprints Aren't Leaving A Green Footprint

I was recently contacted by Houston Neal of SoftwareAdvice.com. He wanted to share with me, one of his heartfelt environmental concerns. This involves the production and printing of over 37 million, hard-copy blueprints, every year.

Until, I read Houston's article on this subject, I didn't have a clue regarding this topic. It excited me to think just how many more ways there are, to take positive steps, in reducing our carbon footprint.

It also saddened me a bit. This being, because it shows how much abundance this planet has had available to it, and the misuses that have been facilitated by it. We, as a society, come by most things pretty darn easily. But, the resources to create those things are dwindling away more rapidly, than they can be restored.

Houston's article on the Construction Blog, talks about the huge amount of paper usage every year, just due to printing off blueprints. Then, it looks at the digital alternative, which means zero waste, and a green footprint for blueprints.

I really appreciate Houston Neal sharing this information with me. I hope that it raises an awareness in many of you, to look at other areas where your activities may be adversely affecting the environment. I know that it certainly has, for me.

Building Trust For Climate Change Means Action

I was the voice of many last Saturday night in Boise, when we stood in front of the Idaho State Capital, and voiced our passion for a Real Deal in Copenhagen. Now, a week later, I sit and ponder if our voices were even heard.

Honestly, I don't know the answers. But, I'm not naive enough, not to know, that there's a lot of 'special interest' involved in these discussions and decisions, (or lack thereof). In the meantime, I have to choose to believe that COP 15 was a launching pad for accelerating efforts and achievements, in dealing with global warming issues.

President Obama stated that there needs to be, "The building of trust between between developed and developing countries." That 'trust' cannot just be bought. It must also be demonstrated by action.

Rhetoric has to be replaced with action. And those actions, are necessary by everyone on this planet, as well as each and every country. Whether those citizens be from a developing or developed country, action is key.

A quote from an associate of mine, Antonio Bettencourt, in a recent LinkedIn discussion, voices my sentiments quite well:

"I suspect that the more aggressive actions we take, the more "moral authority" we will have in the world and the better we will be able to pressure other countries to step up to their obligations."

Also, as Gandhi said, "be the change you wish to see in the world". Another way to personalize this is: The more I change, the more I see I can do.

What will you do?

Climate Leaders Announced by EPA

It's not a secret that I am a Shaklee Distributor. It's also not a secret that a lot of folks turn their noses up to Shaklee and MLM's in general, based on past experiences and a lot of heresay.

So, for those that consider themselves environmentally conscious members of society and would choose to continue to be closed-minded about Shaklee and the notion that companies and people can't change, then please don't bother reading any futher. But, to those environmentally conscious members of society that believe in progress, change and the idea that ANYONE can catch the vision; I'd like to brag about Shaklee's latest environmental achievement.

On December 2nd, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that eight businesses achieved goals set by the EPA, thus recognizing these companies as EPA Climate Leaders in 2009. Shaklee achieved its initial goal by maintaining net zero U.S. GHG emissions from 2006 to 2009, using a 2004 base year.

As stated on the EPA's website: "The EPA works with companies to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. Partner companies commit to reducing their impact on the global environment by completing a corporate-wide inventory of their greenhouse gas emissions based on a quality management system, setting aggressive reduction goals, and annually reporting their progress to EPA. Through program participation, companies create a credible record of their accomplishments and receive EPA recognition as corporate environmental leaders."

This is not the first time that Shaklee received this honor. In 2006, they were recognized as a Climate Leader by the EPA. Actually, for over 50 years, Shaklee has quietly led the way in environmental stewardship and support of social causes.

In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral™ certification and totally offset its CO2 emissions. There is more information on their achieivements and causes on the Shaklee website.

Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share about Shaklee receiving the EPA Climate Leader Award. I am very proud of Shaklee and continue to strive, just as they do, to make positive changes for the sustainability of planet Earth.