Exploring the Pharos Research Process

Where does the data on building products in the Pharos Building Product Library come from?  How are products chosen for inclusion?  What steps are taken to engage with manufacturers, or ensure the accuracy of product information?  

Participants will get a thorough walk-through of the research process that underpins the Pharos Project, including answers to these key questions.

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/186181753

Note: Beginning with this webinar, participants will have the option of connecting to the audio using their computer microphone and speakers in addition to the telephone option.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

 

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000

 

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

 

More Upcoming Webinars (Details and Registration Coming Soon):

• Wednesday, July 21 @ 2:00p ET – Engaging the Pharos Product Queue

• Wednesday, August 4 @ 2:00p ET – Using the Pharos User Home

• Wednesday, August 11 @ 2:00p ET – Employing Pharos at Every Stage of Your Project

Practice yoga with a “Conserving Conscience”: Tips from Waylon Lewis | 3BL Media

It’s that time of year again. The time where we all set intentions to do “more” or “less” of something in the new year. One of my new year’s intention is to do more yoga for 2010. Yoga has been a great thing for me. It quiets my mind, exercises both my body and my mind and helps me build inner strength. With any and all activities I look for ways to think about conserving and re-using per that activity and yoga is no exception. Greenopolis TV and I revisit my talk with Waylon Lewis, Yogi and Founder of Elephant journal on ways to think about conserving resources and reusing when it comes to practicing yoga. Some great tips from Waylon are:

Walk to your yoga studio or practice at home! Waylon really wants everyone to know that a “fancy” studio that you have to drive to is no more beneficial than a quiet practice by yourself or a walk to your “local” joint. He suggest walking more and driving less. (I’m not sure if Waylon drives at all, he rode is bike to meet me from North Hollywood to Venice Beach, taking the 405 Freeway!) Walking and riding your bike also encourages community engagement as well as the obvious, cuts down on emissions and air pollution.

Choose your mat wisely – Waylon suggests that the mat can be eco-conscious and in fact you don’t really even need a mat at all. Yes, I had a nice no PVC mat because I had just learned that Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated as PVC, is the third most widely used thermoplastic polymer in the world. It is commonly made softer with the addition of plasticizers, the most widely-used being phthalates. In this form, PVC is used in thousands of different products, from yoga mats, to clothing and upholstery, to children’s toys. Unfortunately, there are numerous health risks associated with the use of PVC, most of which we have had to find out the hard way. It is commonly believed that harmful toxins, known as dioxins, are a byproduct of the manufacturing of many PVC products. Dioxins are a global health threat because they persist in the environment and can travel long distances. Even at very low levels, near those to which the general population is exposed, dioxins have been linked to immune system suppression, reproductive disorders, a variety of cancers, and endometriosis. Or Waylon suggest no mat! – how about a towel that you already have, or a nice thick blanket. I found these “yoga paws” on-line – a great alternative to the yoga mat …check them out.

Yoga Lifestyle – Waylon suggest that yoga and a yogi life style is one of awareness. He believes that practicing yoga will help with growing your awareness and it is important to think about some lifestyle choices now that you are a “yogi”. Clothing for yoga can just be a loose comfy item you already have in your closet, no need for the “sporty” brand new outfit. But if you do purchase look for “organically grown cotton” outfits. Carry a re-usable tote to and from yoga and think about your diet as one from organically grown foods. Be sure to recycle and again walk to your class, grocery stores and errands in your town so you can begin to engage in your community, focusing on local.

These tips from Waylon are a holistic approach to a “conserving conscience” when applied to yoga – or any activity – thanks Waylon!

For more information on Waylon please check out his website

Greenopolis.com is dedicated to our users. We focus our attention on changing the world through recycling, waste-to-energy and conservation. We reward our users for their sustainable behaviors on our website, through our Greenopolis Tracking Stations and with curbside recycling programs.

GREENOP3975

CSR Partnerships: The Non Profit Perspective | 3BL Media

What’s the best way to maximize partnerships with non-profit organizations? It starts with understanding how NGOs operate and how they approach building relationships with corporations.

Part 1

Part 2

Paul Klein of Impakt, discusses the opportunities and challenges related to building partnerships with corporations with Mary Alberti, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario and Anna Kennedy, Executive Director of Lymphovenous Association of Ontario

CSR Minute: Coca-Cola Enterprises’ Green Award; KOM Networks + Dell Work with Feed the Children

Corporate Social Responsibility News: Coca-Cola Enterprises’ Green Award; KOM Networks + Dell Work with Feed the Children

CSR Minute:12/11/09 – Dawn’s Wildlife Charity; Larry’s Beans’ Organic Growth

Corporate Social Responsibility News: Dawn’s Wildlife Charity; Larry’s Beans’ Organic Growth

REI Foundation Establishes the Mary Anderson Legacy Grant to Celebrate Co-Founder’s 100th Birthday | 3BL Media

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) SEATTLE, WA - December 9, 2009 – The REI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI, has established the Mary Anderson Legacy Grant in celebration of the company co-founder’s 100th birthday.  The annual grant will recognize the contributions that Anderson made in the lives of young people during her years as a teacher, over her years of working at REI and through her life-long love of the outdoors.

 
The Foundation will award the first $50,000 Mary Anderson Legacy Grant in 2010 in support of efforts that actively engage young people in learning about nature through hands-on engagement and exploration of the outdoors. The Mary Anderson Legacy Grant will be presented annually by the REI Foundation.
 
“We are forever grateful to Mary for her passion to introduce people to the wonders of nature. At 100 years young, Mary is an inspiration to me, REI employees and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere,” said Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO. “From her career as an educator to helping operate the co-op from the attic of her Seattle home, Mary’s selfless energy and involvement will be recognized for years to come through the REI Foundation.”
 
On Dec. 7, 1909, Mary (Gaiser) Anderson was born in Washington’s Yakima Valley, where her family enjoyed regular walks and hikes together. As a teacher in Seattle during the 1930s, Mary used nature as an extension of her classroom to enrich the lives and learning of her students. For more than 30 years, she continued to connect people to nature through her work at REI.
 
REI was founded as a co-op in 1938 by Mary and her husband, Lloyd Anderson, and 21 mountaineering friends in Seattle. Today, the co-op is an active community partner with 110 stores, nearly 10,000 employees and more than 3.7 million active members.
 
In honor of Mary’s centennial birthday, Governor Christine Gregoire and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels each proclaimed, Dec. 7, as “Mary Anderson Day” across the State of Washington and City of Seattle.
 
REI celebrated Mary and her legacy at its headquarters on Dec. 8 at an event that included past company presidents and retired employees who worked with Mary in REI’s early years. The celebration also featured the co-op’s annual Anderson Awards. Since its inception in 2002, the Anderson Awards are presented annually to employees who exemplify the values of Lloyd and Mary and the co-op’s purpose and core values. 
 
The co-op continues the Andersons’ legacy by helping millions of enthusiasts enjoy the outdoors, engaging more people in discovering beautiful, natural places and promoting the benefits of a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle. Across the country, REI partners with local non-profit outdoor and conservation organizations through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
 
About the REI Foundation
The REI Foundation was founded and supported by Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) in 1993. The Foundation’s mission is to help ensure that tomorrow’s outdoor enthusiasts and conservation stewards reflect the diversity of America. Recognizing that most people with a love of the outdoors discover the natural world early in their life, the Foundation’s primary efforts are in encouraging active outdoor participation by young people and their families. The REI Foundation has provided grants to organizations stemming from recommendations and collaboration with the National Forum on Children and Nature, including EarthTeam Environmental Network in San Francisco, National Audubon Society in New York and New York Green Stops Partnership, a coalition of nonprofits including New York Restoration Project, Solar One, Sustainable South Bronx, and Mount Sinai Center for Children’s Environmental Health in New York.

CONTACT:
Megan Behrbaum, REI Public Affairs
253-437-7736
mbehrba@rei.com

Two Mission-Driven Food Businesses Collaborate To Beat The Recession | 3BL Media

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) Boston, MA – December 7, 2009―Two award-winning socially responsible enterprises, Dancing Deer, the women-led natural baking company and Equal Exchange, the worker-owned Fair Trade pioneer have joined forces to solve your gifting andholiday party needs–all while supporting some great causes.  The “Taste of New England Gift Baskets” feature the award-winning Molasses Clove Cookies and other tasty treats from Dancing Deer complemented by some of Equal Exchange’s most popular organic, Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolates. The gift baskets also include two other local, independent enterprises; locally produced honey from Reseska Apiaries ofHolliston and trail mix from Fastachi ofWatertown.

The CEO’s of Dancing Deer and Equal Exchange, Trish Karter and Rob Everts, have been professional friends for years and often noodled the challenge of how to work together and help each other build their businesses which have so many parallel values.  Both companies have won manyawards for their socially responsible business practices and have been lauded for having two of the most democratically organized workplaces. Both are members of Boston’s Sustainable Business Network, and Trish and Rob have shared in a CEO roundtable with other local mission-driven entrepreneurs. So when Dancing Deer decided to bring out a gift basket line, the opportunity to collaborate was obvious.

It’s been a tough year in the food business and particularly in the world of gifts as consumers and corporations have ratcheted back on spending. However Dancing Deer and Equal Exchange appeal on two levels―great product and a commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice.  This might be considered good marketing and strategy, which it is, but this double bottom line approach is driven by the convictions of the founders and employees of these organizations.   Equal Exchange supports small-scale organic farmers around the world through its Fair Trade program.  Dancing Deer dedicates one of its product lines (the Sweet Home Project) to funding scholarships for homeless mothers by donating 35% of the retail price on those gifts in addition to its broader double bottom line mission.

Rob Everts said about the collaboration: “Given all the values our companies share in common plus Dancing Deer’s hard-won reputation for both delicious food and serving the community, we’re really pleased to finally work together and have our products alongside theirs.”

Trish Karter returned the compliment by adding: “Equal Exchange has done some really important work in the Fair Trade movement, their products are terrific and I love their broader mission and values”.

About Dancing Deer
Dancing Deer is a company of people who are passionate about food, nature, aesthetics and community. Known for yummy, all-natural cakes, cookies, brownies and baking mixes, the company has won many national awards and accolades for its distinctive products and innovative business practices. All employees are stakeholders in this women-led enterprise. Sold in gourmet, natural food and conventional grocerystores nationwide, the company also ships directly to consumers (www.dancingdeer.com 1-888-699-DEER) and offers creative marketing programs to corporate customers. When people are happy it shows in the food!

About Equal Exchange
A pioneer and U.S. market leader in Fair Trade since 1986, Equal Exchange is a full service provider of high quality, organic coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, healthy snacks and bananas. Major customers include Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Ten Thousand Villages, schools and places of worship nationwide. 100% of Equal Exchange products are fairly traded, benefiting more than 40 small farmer co-operatives in 22 countries around the world.  In keeping with its Fair Trade mission and belief in economic democracy Equal Exchange is a worker co-operative, owned and governed by its approximately 110 employees. http://Shop.EqualExchange.com.

via 3blmedia.com

CSR Minute Special Report: McKesson’s Carrie Varoquiers on CSR

CSR Minute Special Report: McKesson’s Carrie Varoquiers on CSR

CSR Minute: 11/27/2009 – Timberland’s Help Haiti’s Climate Campaign; American Cancer Society Award

Corporate Social Responsibility News: Timberland’s Climate and Haiti Help Campaigns; American Cancer Society’s Corporate Impact Awards

McKesson Releases Corporate Citizenship Report and Announces McKesson Foundation Focus on Chronic Disease Management | 3BL Media

McKesson Corporation, the nation’s oldest and largest healthcare services and IT company, today announced the release of its 2008-2009 Corporate Citizenship Report and launched the McKesson Foundation’s new strategic focus on chronic disease management. Designed to minimize paper and energy usage, the Company’s new online-only interactive report tells McKesson’s corporate citizenship story through the voices of McKesson employees and stakeholders. McKesson’s Corporate Citizenship Report is available at www.mckesson.com/citizenshipreport.

McKesson’s 2008-2009 Corporate Citizenship Report
McKesson’s 2008-2009 Corporate Citizenship Report highlights the Company’s high levels of employee engagement, commitment to environmental sustainability, culture of diversity and inclusion, and industry leading efforts to improve the safety, quality, and cost of healthcare. Corporate social responsibility principles are embedded within McKesson’s mission and focused goal of helping its customers improve patients’ lives. For example, in the last year nearly half of McKesson’s 32,000 employees participated in the Company’s annual Community Days volunteer event. At hundreds of sites worldwide McKesson Community Days volunteers created more than 16,000 care packages for hospitalized veterans at VA medical centers.

McKesson’s environmental sustainability journey, while still in its initial stages, has already yielded rewards for the planet and the Company, including a better understanding of McKesson’s greenhouse gas emissions, cost savings and employee participation. In 2008 McKesson established an executive-level Environmental Council and then launched a network of 12 employee-led Environmental Councils at McKesson sites around the world. After only eight months, McKesson Environmental Councils were responsible for projects that not only reduced the Company’s environmental impact but also resulted in nearly $100,000 in cost savings. In August McKesson also unveiled it’s first LEED-certified pharmaceutical distribution center located in the Chicago, Ill. area.

“At McKesson our belief is that a commitment to good corporate citizenship is a fundamental part of creating sustained value for both society and the company,” said Carrie Varoquiers, vice president of corporate citizenship and president of the McKesson Foundation. “McKesson’s corporate citizenship work complements the Company’s goal of helping our customers improve patients’ lives.”

Information within McKesson’s 2008-2009 Corporate Citizenship Report is framed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 Guidelines, internationally recognized sustainability and social responsibility reporting standards. McKesson self-declares this Report to GRI application level C. A full list of GRI indicators and McKesson’s reporting on these indicators is available in the Corporate Citizenship Report’s GRI Index. McKesson publishes its Corporate Citizenship Report biennially and released its last report in fall 2007.

McKesson Foundation Strategic Focus on Chronic Disease Management
In conjunction with the Company’s Corporate Citizenship Report release, the McKesson Foundation announced a new strategy to focus on chronic disease management. By combining the Foundation’s cash donations with McKesson Corporation’s deep institutional health care services and IT expertise, the program seeks to further the social impact that can be achieved. The Foundation’s near-term commitment is to fund innovative diabetes management projects.

During this challenging economic environment the Foundation has also expanded its matching gift program for employees and opened it up to all eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. For more information about the McKesson Foundation visit www.mckesson.com/foundation.

via 3blmedia.com