What qualifies you to have an opinion on sustainability - 7990 possible points

10 points if you work in the sustainability industry


10 points if you have read 3 books on climate change

20 points if you have read 2 books that are skeptical on environmentalism

20 points if you know at least 3 people working in “green” jobs

40 points if you have attended a summit on climate change

40 points if you have attended at least 5 lectures delivered by a university on sustainability

50 points if you can list 3 websites with sustainability focus

50 points if you have personally reviewed a LEED certification project

75 points if you regularly discuss sustainability with other sustainability professionals

75 points if you belong to 10 or more sustainability groups

100 points if you have reviewed the Kyoto accord

100 points if you get daily news from prominent sustainability feeds

200 points if you can list 5 leading scientists on climate change

200 points if you can articulate the message of 5 or more sustainability documentaries

500 points if you have a degree in social science

500 points if you have written a paper for a University regarding sustainability

1000 points if you have a degree in environmentalism

1000 points if you are active in a community sustainability project

2000 points if you have worked with at least 3 large enterprises on their sustainability projects

2000 points if you have helped a business improve its profitability by at least 5% via sustainability

10 signs you may be a sustainabiliy geek

You’ve learnt that when you take care of things you get rewarded – a lot.


You’d like to take shoes into the cobbler mostly to see how his family is coming along.

You think reupholstering your sofa is like seeing a old friend with a new hair cut that looks great.

You think that a community garden is a great place to meet new friends

You would rather talk about locally grown food than what was on TV last night

You like transit because you can people watch instead of bumper watch

You’ve seen what happens to people that don’t walk enough and it scares you

You like less because it means more time for you

You don’t understand the concept of garbage

You go to see your doctor yearly because there’s nothing wrong but want to make sure

How to Fix America

visit http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/video/first-look-how-to-fix-america/5846/ to post your idea.  Here is what I wrote there:

One way that I would fix America is to put more focus on sustainability.   “An early study into how companies are coping with the financial crisis by A.T. Kearney showed that companies focused on sustainability outperformed their peers by 15%.” - http://www.theicpm.com/blogs/non-specific-pm-topics/3257  What America really needs is a rally point.  Something to be proud of again.  In the past America has been great at so many things so being the most Sustainable country in the world is what should be central now because everyone can participate.  No policy or hand out will do. We must capture the hearts and minds of every American around all that is good.  The best way to fix American is to provide something to fight for and believe in that impacts the health and welfare of each and every American.  It is through belief that battles are won and success is achieved.  There is proof now that companies perform better when they focus on sustainability.   So why not apply that nationally? Hope is the way to fix America.  Hope that Americans can gain life liberty and the pursuit of happiness by fighting to keep American “green” and raise the bar for the rest of the world that America is the greenest and most sustainable country in the world.  The challenge is what everyone needs, not a hand-out or voucher or subsidy.  Are you ready to improve by 15%?

The future of sustainability is a game

The future of sustainability is a game.  I tripped across a prominent vendor’s ad for a sustainability game -  that has real world implications.  The game is so cool and fantastic that I don’t even want to tell you which company has put it out because they are kind of a competitor to me.  Still I was drawn into the format and realized that it is the future of sustainability and maybe all business reporting and analytics, - OK not maybe....  My mind went racing ahead to a time of global online interaction where the success and consequences of decisions and actions are visually reflected.  It all seems so natural and normal and scalable – and immediately usable.  In fact, back in 2000 I was laughed out of an elevator at another larger Enterprise - that I won’t name -  for saying that the future of  business software was in gaming.   Vindication is so sweet sometimes.  Nonetheless, the sustainability game is here and right on the heels of a massive generation raised on sophisticated online gaming.  This sort of approach to mixing gaming with real world implications is long overdue and I believe it is the “game changer” and “blue Ocean” that will lead us into the next millennium of planetary management and business reporting and analytics.  Though I am not part of the organization that produced the sustainability game I have to acknowledge it as a real winner.   For all you out there that have played SimCity – it is like that and here now to help us actually manage the planet.  The only review I have to search for now is how the foundations of the data – inputs, implementation and beyond actually measure up.  The concept is great – I just hope when the rubber hits the road – so to speak – that this works – it just seems so easy and fun.  Easy and Fun is what we need  now as we face down the doom and gloom of climate change and the like. I find it especially fantastic that TRON is re-released this weekend.  Wow, I am actually a geek…..how did that happen?

The Underground Forest

Among the oldest living things in the world is the Underground Forest  located in Pretoria, South Africa – 13000 years Old.  Just When I think I’ve seen it all this one caught my eye and freshly amazed me.  This forest actually relocated itself under ground to survive the fires of the area. Only it’s leaves show on the ground.  This way when a fire blazes by its just like if you or I burnt our hair.  The adaptation on this level is breathtaking and awe inspiring.  It also shows us to what lengths we may have to go to be sustainable ourselves.  Radical change may be the only way to survive.  Perhaps instead of our focus on the three “R”’s we should be dreaming up our new future and then perhaps we can survive like this forest did.

The last kilometer - sustainability

Admittedly it’s known as “the last mile” but I’m Canadian so there you go.  I like this phrase because it holds so much promise – You’re almost there - finally we can realize the full potential – or at last… it’s over.  What happens when we apply this phrase to sustainability?  I think it would fit into the final chapter of companies finding the opportunities and resolving the risks across the silos’ of organization that touch all that is social, environmental and ecological.    So what does that look like?  For the most part this is the reorganization  and consolidation of data sitting out there in minds, spreadsheets, data bases and email.  All of which has not been safely assembled for intelligent discovery because running sustainability data on an excel spread  sheet is messy and not – well – sustainable.  Sustainability on Excel puts an organization closer to green washing than any audit team should be happy with.   So what is the last kilometer regarding sustainability? The answer is  adoption of professional reporting and analytics solutions that are rated by prominent ranking agencies.  Check out the Enterprise Carbon Accounting  report from Groom Energy.  It rates the top providers any discerning organization should pick from to make it across the finish line and win the prize.  That’s the last kilometer.

Last minute sustainability gift Ideas

Searching for something to get that hard to find gift for? Why not a “green” Christmas decoration. Or for those of you more PC – a “green” holiday decoration. A decoration gift will bring fond memories of you year after year. There are so many out there so why not get something from the sustainability shelf – to differentiate your gift and give it historical reference. Nothing says I love you - and the planet more than that. Here is an excerpt from http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/25/sustainable-christmas-tree-decorations.html


• Stay away from tinsel and disposable ornaments to cut down on waste.

• Make your own decorations. Your best bet is to choose projects that allow you to use items you already own so you don't have to buy anything.

• When shopping for ornaments, buy the best quality that you afford, take good care of them, and pass them down to your kids.

• There are also several ornaments that make sustainability claims. Look for those that are made from reused, recycled, or reclaimed materials, or are Fair Trade Certified. Some more options worth checking out: Tin Can Angels, Everest Ornament, and Circuitboard Tree Ornament. WorldofGoods.com by eBay has hundreds to choose from.

• Buy vintage or, better yet, ask your grandmother to pass along ornaments she's no longer using.

Happy gift giving!

When Santa Turned Green

Definitely the best green Christmas present for your little ones is the book – “When Santa Turned Green” – by Victoria Perla.   Since so many adults don’t get the message I think this type of indoctrination is a good thing.  If you visit the website they also recommend toys that are eco friendly to help live the message all year long.  I knew I should have gotten into soy production…  I hope this book will find it’s way under “green” trees everywhere and sponsor a whole new generation that has stewardship as part of  its DNA.  I for one am going to retire my red Santa suite for a green one which should make me cool and maybe more recognizable to kids everywhere.  I wonder if there are any progressive malls out there sporting a green Santa.  If anyone has any other green kids book suggestions please post them here.  It’s up to us to make the change and starting with our kids is a good place if not anywhere else.    Find the book at: http://www.mygreensanta.com/about

The cost of agreement

The debate over climate change has been raging for some time now.  Has anyone considered the actual  spent to date on meetings, reports and the like?  Considering that the electorate of the Fraser Valley in BC, Canada has calculated their spend of $100k on just one issue around a garbage incinerator we’ve got to be in the trillions globally by now for the overall climate change discussion.  I guess we could start with the actual summits held annually around the world.  By the way, I’d love to know the stats on all three scope emissions just to fly climate leaders around.  What’s your guess on what we’ve collectively spent?  Have we gotten anywhere with our investment?  Maybe we need to focus more around enablement rather than gaining agreement.  Like how to get software for sustainability reporting and analytics.   What’s the money really going to?  Are we just spending the most of it on convincing the masses of the problem – does anyone have an analysis or pie chart of where all the money has gone – or how much we’ve spent and what we’ve achieved for it?   As usual when all is said and done a lot more is said than done.

EPA fines or software?

Tacoma-based Pacific Functional Fluids fined over $21k for failing to report.  The EPA states that: “According to documents, the company failed to file inventory forms, as required by law, with state and local emergency response entities.”   I don’t get how this could happen.  Did they just forget?  Maybe for them $21k is not a lot of money or maybe if they submitted the information it would hurt them more than $21K.  Maybe the company just needs better reporting software.  I wonder if they now have that on their radar or even know that they may have been able to save money and time through reporting and analytics soluiton.  Good job there are so many options out there to help them.  It would be so cool if along with fines they would have to install reporting software that with audit features.  Hey – how about instead of a fine they just have to install software and provide transparency to the agencies that require it for a few years.  Now - that is calling a corporation into environmental responsibility.   Also, it would create jobs and stimulate the economy.  Not to mention bring positive attention to the company and – well – may make them better at what they do thereby impressing their stakeholders and impacting their valuation.  It seems everyone could win over a software play versus just a fine.

Shortage of GHG Professionals

Tilde Herrara posted an article today called: “The current shortage of GHG professionals likely to get worse”.  It is a great article backed up by survey and research that should inform the up and coming workforce where to put their focus.  The field is not a fade and will not diminish – that is unless the law of supply and demand can be broken – more people putting demand on limited resources – namely the planet.  We are creatures that have rule over the planet – rule as in “ruler – as in “measurement”.  What gets measured gets managed.  It is time to mature collectively and become responsible, just as we all need to become fiscally responsible or face an uncertain future.   It is will take some discipline but in time it wil become routine which will give way to custom and then tradition.   Where attention goes energy flows and so we enter into the morning of earth, air and water -  as value points that pay salaries and raise families.  The shortage in these roles is testament that our values have shifted and our investment has been made.  Now, we just have to continue the focus and celebrate the rewards.  Thank you Tilde for a great article! - http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/12/06/current-shortage-ghg-professionals-likely-get-worse

Extreme weather and Atheism

I heard a news brief this morning on the rise of extreme weather and then saw an article in the Metro Newspaper that an Atheist ad was approved for the sides of buses.  I immediately thought of the flood story in Genesis and the meaning of boundaries.  I get that we like to press boundaries – heck it’s kind of fun some times.  There are a great many out there that have hear me say “hey you’all – watch this!”.  My point is that some boundaries are meant for pressing and some we really need – like the boundaries between land and sea.  My recollection of Genesis Flood story is of a population gone wild with loosened boundaries.  The great “I AM” than replies with a removal of boundaries – namely the shoreline.  So here we are pressing our boundaries again.  How does Atheism help that?   You’d better hope that bus floats. I kind of like the stories of old – they help us remember that boundaries are – well – a good thing.  Maybe belief in a higher power could help us maintain those boundaries. 

Get lean on stuff not people

The old statement that money makes the world go round has it’s place but with so many lights shining on decision makers a good many people can pass judgment quickly and limit a career or opportunity very fast.  Thanks to twitter and the array of social media our thinking is on each other.  I can’t remember who said it first but a company’s best assets leave each day to go home – namely – it’s people.   Any time a company decides to get rid of people they are more likely to be scrutinized – we become so aware of how many ways an organization can get lean on stuff before they get lean on people.  I agree with Andrew Winston’s blog on this subject and handy reference to the book Green to Gold.   Further to that software that deals with eco efficiency is now mainstream large enterprise thinking.  We have started to think of the environment in term of financial information.  Maybe it’s the last mile of the like of “lean manufacturing” and more.  I’ll look forward to more stories abounding of how environmental focus has saved companies money – or better yet made them money.   If a company is struggling out there their best bet is to get lean on stuff before they get lean on people.

Top 10 books on Sustainability

1) The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals - by Michael Pollan


2) Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life (P.S.) - by Barbara Kingsolver, Camille Kingsolver, Steven L. Hopp


3) Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things - by William McDonough, Michael Braungart


4) Thinking in Systems: A Primer - by Donella H. Meadows


5) When Technology Fails (Revised & Expanded): A Manual for Self-Reliance, Susta... - by Matthew Stein


6) The Post Carbon Reader: Managing the 21st Century's Sustainability Crises


7) Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution - by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, L. Hunter Lovins


8) The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice, and Sustainability - by Lierre Keith


9) Good Meat: The Complete Guide to Sourcing and Cooking Sustainable Meat - by Deborah Krasner


10) Material World: A Global Family Portrait - by Peter Menzel, Charles C. Mann

Do investors really care about sustainability?

According to Peter Lacy of Bloomberg Business week – they don’t. Good article found at http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/nov2010/ca2010118_925615.htm but I think it misses the point. He’s right that investors don’t really care – that is until something goes wrong and there is a massive recall of product or a shipment is denied at Christmas because it is not “REACH” compliant. I think we are entering the age of verification and assurance of sustainability information. Investors just want to know their money is safe. Sure there are a few out there that actually care about the planet and will go to great lengths to only support companies that align with their values but most don’t really care. KPMG, Deloitte and others are now offering “stamps” on sustainability areas for companies. It’s kind of like saying “my dad looked into this and It’s OK”. Investors care about loosing their money – and oh – making money. Turns out sustainability initiatives make money. Finding efficiencies in energy and production are tried and true areas for improving margin, it’s just the last mile of that plan. Find the cash and reduce the risk – that will keep them investing. Sustainability software can help with that.

Fracking Haynesville

It is up to the EPA and State agencies to enforce the law. Get active and put pressure on the local politicians!


You will always have damage to the environment in these type of drilling and mining operations. However, the damage can be mitigated by proper containment and treatment of resulting drilling muds, tailings and waste water. There are also more modern methods of solids separation and membrane filtration for the waste fracking fluid solutions. It is worth the extra $$ from the resulting profit bonanza to protect our precious water supply. The proximity of the East Coast Mega-opolis demands it.

http://www.calscience.com/PDF/Hazardous_Waste_Regulatory_Limits.pdf

Top 10 green Christmas

1) Use recycled cloth or material where ever possible to wrap presents – secure using ribbon


2) Gift an experience for someone instead of an object

3) Use LED Christmas lights and lighten up – go easy on the use of them

4) Master the art of re-gifting - its okay - really - just not  back to the person who gave it...

5) Get some green gift ideas from http://www.treehugger.com/giftguide/

6) Make your Christmas dinner all local food

7) Drink organic wine – you will feel better and help the planet

8) Use recycled cards for Christmas cards – or make them - put your kids to work - they'll love being creative

9) Give to a green charity at the office

10) Wear a green Santa Suit – why not

Could Tie Dye save our planet?

Somehow it is comforting to think that law will save us from our environmental and energy collapse.  The bad guys have got to answer to a higher more powerful force like a father dealing with a school yard bully.  The problem is there is just too many bad guys now.  Namely all of us.  Regulation can't be our last best hope to sort out the mess of pollution and energy crises - We'd have to arrest ourselves.  So what is the answer?  Who or what do we turn to for redemption?  I say that brewing in the fabric of our society are the seeds of a green rebellion.  History could repeat itself with a grand stand 60's revival if anti environmental power takes seat in the political arena and the natural world is scarified further in the name of greed.  While they may choose an axe the youth now making loving study of the natural world may choose song, dance and peaceful resistance to any coming establishment that truly threatens their Green DNA.  Perhaps whole sale adoption of sustainable life instead of it being forced on us by law will gain the most ground.  Maybe we need to fall down politically thereby making the battle less about the unseen and more a rally point for mother nature.  I wonder if tie dye would come back?

Reality Television

Recently my cable provider issued me free TV which has given me a chance to watch some of the productions for the "unwashed masses".   It seems little has changed in the reality TV shows since I last checked in somewhere around 911.  After taking a sample of a few I can see the value of exposing right behaviour and bad behavior and all the drama along with it.  One program that caught my interest last night was the Trump one - "you fired".  I think he just like saying that.  They did an bit on advertising for some big telcom which is all well and good but it struck me that it would be so interesting is one of these shows factores in sustainability issues.  How about Dragon's den for green business or Trump turns green.  Wow, how about survior based on energy, waste and air usage - not saying - just saying...

Fear Not

I'm always completely awe struck with people having children these days.  Children are such a blessing but it's got to be hard with so many messages out there about a bleak future for our environment.  In listening to Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill on his talk entitled, Fear Not, it highlighted the tension that surrounds the human experience.  That said, fear does drive action and really has been the sole reason we have collectively addressed a response to climate change in step wtih actual global changes.  Dispute over connections  between clmate change and actual events and situations rages so it will remain a careful balance of healthy fear and optimisim

The future of energy

Beyond the lightswitch - recomended by SWF

"This two-part, two-hour documentary series thoughtfully considers the trade offs of carbon capture and storage, hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, a nuclear renaissance, the costs of solar power, the sprawl of wind power and the feasibility of a super grid.
Comprehensive and timely, Beyond the Light Switch will add a much needed balanced perspective to a national energy debate that will surely become more heated and more critical than anything since health care."

Great general commentary.  As we address these issues in the future we should agree on some sort of framework to assess energy types.  I'd suggest the 6 capital points of sustainable community.  Ohters can be used but we should start thinking about methodology.

Abstract
Rising levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) secondary to ozone depletion are an issue of concern for public health. Skin cancers and intraepidermal dysplasia are increasingly observed in individuals that undergo chronic or excessive sun exposure. Such alterations of skin integrity and function are well established for humans and laboratory animals, but remain unexplored for mammalian wildlife. However, effects are unlikely to be negligible, particularly for species such as whales, whose anatomical or life-history traits force them to experience continuous sun exposure. We conducted photographic and histological surveys of three seasonally sympatric whale species to investigate sunburn and photoprotection. We find that lesions commonly associated with acute severe sun damage in humans are widespread and that individuals with fewer melanocytes have more lesions and less apoptotic cells. This suggests that the pathways used to limit and resolve UVR-induced damage in humans are shared by whales and that darker pigmentation is advantageous to them. Furthermore, lesions increased significantly in time, as would be expected under increasing UV irradiance. Apoptosis and melanocyte proliferation mirror this trend, suggesting that whales are capable of quick photoprotective responses. We conclude that the thinning ozone layer may pose a risk to the health of whales and other vulnerable wildlife.
apoptosis
ozone depletion
photoprotection
pigmentation
skin lesions
whales
Received September 3, 2010.
Accepted October 18, 2010.
This Journal is © 2010 The Royal Society