Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. shares plunge

Many company are feeling the pinch when it comes to the economic and their share prices. For example Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. shares took a huge drop by 45% to $7.79. Apparently investors fell that they may be unable to raise enough capital in the future.

Lehman Brothers, is the forth largest security firm in the United States and needs the extra cash to survive the credit crunch. They are looking for a major investor to help out, but if now is around they may have to start selling some assets a current prices to raise money. Mores stories can be found by visiting palonek.biz

Going Green in the Office Just Got Easier

Smead Receives Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI®) Certification

We're able to deliver the same quality with our environmentally friendly products that office workers nationwide have come to expect

Hastings, MN (PRWEB) April 22, 2008 -- According to recent national survey commissioned by Smead, 77% of office workers said buying paper office products made from trees grown and harvested in a sustainable manner was important to them. To meet the growing consumer demand for "green" filing products, Smead is pleased to announce that it has been certified as a member of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) 'Certified Sourcing' Program. The SFI Program provides rigorous environmental standards and performance measures that integrate the protection of our environment with the perpetual, sustainable growing and harvesting of trees.

Smead is the only manufacturer of filing products to have received this certification, which guarantees that the paper used to make Smead products comes from forests that are grown and harvested in an environmentally sustainable manner. "Our customers increasingly value environmental stewardship and sustainability," said Sharon Avent, Smead President and CEO. "We take great care to implement practices and procedures that are right for the environment and right for our customers." Smead's participation in the SFI program is a new component of its environmental stewardship initiative, which started in 1989 with the introduction of post-consumer waste into its paper products and has evolved over the past 20 years to include a line of 100% recycled products as well numerous internal initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle in every aspect of its business.

Individuals are Driving Green in the Office
While environmental considerations do play a significant role in corporate purchasing decisions and many companies large and small are adopting green initiatives, the interest in green-at-the-office appears largely driven by the individual. Among those surveyed from large employers (500+ employees), 42% say their companies have green corporate guidelines yet a third more (69%) switched brands to get greener products. And among those surveyed at small companies (under 500 employees), only 26% said their companies had green guidelines, yet more than twice as many (54%) had switched brands to obtain greener products.

The survey also found that 66% of office workers agreed that they could be more green in the workplace, and 73% indicated that they planned to increase their purchases of green products in the coming year. Additionally, nearly 80% of those surveyed make a point to recycle paper at their workplace and 40% of respondents said they purchased an office product because it was made from recycled material.

Look for the Label
Smead's SFI certification has earned it the right to label qualifying products with the distinctive green leaf and tree logo mark. Every Smead-branded paper product contains at least 10% post consumer recycled material, and hundreds of Smead products meet or exceed progressive requirements used by corporations and government agencies when choosing earth-friendly office supplies. Smead's 100% recycled product line includes top tab, end tab and hanging folder products as well as jackets, pockets, expanding files and wallets.

"We're able to deliver the same quality with our environmentally friendly products that office workers nationwide have come to expect," continued Avent. "With Smead's 100% recycled products, we're conserving forest resources while lessening the demands on our nation's landfills." From the mills and suppliers of raw materials to the distribution of finished products, Smead and their partners practice industry leading environmental standards.

"Our work is not done," commented Avent. "Smead will continue to lead our industry to ensure our practices and products meet and exceed not only the latest environmental guidelines but meet our customers' desire to become greener in the office."

About SFI: (www.sfiprogram.org)
First established in 1994, the main objective of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative is to ensure conservation of forest resources by soil conservation, timely reforestation, and other measures while maximizing long term forest productivity. This is accomplished by establishing principals and objectives set by environmental and industry experts and then measuring the performance of participating companies through certification audits. In over a decade, SFI has evolved from establishing best practices for the U.S. forestry industry to being a world leader in certification and sustainable forestry advocacy.

About Smead: (www.smead.com)
Smead is a worldwide leader in office filing products and records management systems. For more than 100 years, Smead has brought a spirit of innovation and integrity to keeping businesses and home offices organized. Headquartered in Hastings, Minnesota, Smead is a privately held, woman-owned business offering thousands of organizational products with more than 2,400 employees across North America and Europe.

Editors' Note: Images and logos are available at smead.com.

Top U.S. Environmentalist Says China is 'Going Green'

Jill Buck, founder and executive director of the world's largest environmental education program, the Go Green Initiative (www.gogreeninitiative.org), reports positive news regarding China's progress toward sustainability, after her December 2007 visit to Beijing, Shanghai, and other parts of southern China.

I also believe that the Chinese business community is keenly aware that in order to keep their economy strong both now, and in the future, China will need a healthy workforce, ample natural resources, and reliable/sustainable energy sources.

(PRWEB) January 7, 2008 -- Jill Buck, founder and executive director of the world's largest environmental education program, the Go Green Initiative (www.gogreeninitiative.org), reports positive news regarding China's progress toward sustainability, after her December 2007 visit to Beijing, Shanghai, and other parts of southern China.

Jill Buck, Founder and Executive Director, Go Green Initiative

"I couldn't help noticing that Chinese businesses, government and private citizens are eagerly striving to protect their beautiful homeland," said Buck, the only woman and American invited to join the Beijing-based think tank, Downons Enterprise Institute (DEI). "The evidence of environmentally responsible efforts were literally everywhere I looked; some were large and expensive efforts, and some were simple and inexpensive, but what I saw convinced me that these strides to "go green" are being woven into the daily lives of the Chinese culture like the finest silk threads."

Buck sites clean, emissions-free nuclear power plants as one example of the measures China is taking to reduce air pollution. Though coal is abundant and inexpensive in China, it contributes to poor air quality when used to create electricity. More nuclear power plants will create a clean energy source that will fuel China's growing economy without depleting natural resources. Among examples of energy efficiency and consumption reduction, Buck observed billboards encouraging consumers to use compact fluorescent light bulbs; solar panels on nearly every residential roof throughout many cities in southern China; clear evidence that investment in mass transit infrastructure is a top priority; hotels requiring insertion of a key card into a special holder in order to access electricity in each room; and even escalators in a variety of buildings and shopping centers that are motion-sensor activated.

"There are many environmentalists worldwide who seek to save the planet from human beings, but like the underlying foundation of the Go Green Initiative, the Chinese seem much more intent on saving the planet for human beings. That one word difference is making all the difference, and is engaging all sectors of the Chinese population," says Buck. "I also believe that the Chinese business community is keenly aware that in order to keep their economy strong both now, and in the future, China will need a healthy workforce, ample natural resources, and reliable/sustainable energy sources." To read Buck's full report on China, Click this link.

About Jill Buck: In 2002, Jill wrote the Go Green Initiative, which is now the largest and fastest growing comprehensive environmental education program in the world, operating in 46 U.S. states, 10 countries and on 4 continents. The program has been endorsed by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), National Recycling Coalition, 8 State PTA's, California Integrated Waste Management Board, California Resource Recovery Association, and many more. Jill is a featured speaker at public policy, political, environmental, and PTA conventions across the country, and has been featured in such publications as U.S. Mayor, NSBA newsletter, Working Mother Magazine, Women's Health Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Diablo Magazine's "Women to Watch". Jill owns her own business, Buck Consulting (www.jillbuckconsulting.com), which helps businesses "go green." Buck is one of the nation's leading advocates for free market solutions for environmental protection issues.

Independent Energy Systems Helps Baker To Vegas Relay Run Green

The Emergency Services Division of San Bernardino County has partnered with Energy Acumen, Corp.'s Independent Energy Systems division (IES) to power equipment used for the 24th annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay 2008, April 19 -20.

The fact that this it is a mobile solar generator would enable us to use it in remote locations without having to worry about fuel and this unit would provide superior power for sensitive communication equipment, it would reduce noise and wear on our equipment, and our mobile command centers

Anaheim Hills, CA (PRWEB) April 18, 2008 -- The Emergency Services Division of San Bernardino County has partnered with Energy Acumen, Corp.'s Independent Energy Systems division (IES) to power equipment used for the 24th annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay 2008, April 19 -20. Baker to Vegas is a grueling 120-mile foot competition through the Mojave Desert exclusively for Law Enforcement teams. Anaheim Hills-based Independent Energy Systems is an environmental resource company that manufactures portable solar power stations. Power supplied by IES Solar Generators range from 500 watts to 4000 watts. Energy Acumen builds turnkey energy systems that range from 4000 watts to 50,000 watts.

Power Wagon

"The fact that this it is a mobile solar generator would enable us to use it in remote locations without having to worry about fuel and this unit would provide superior power for sensitive communication equipment, it would reduce noise and wear on our equipment, and our mobile command centers," said San Bernardino County Fire Emergency Services Chief Communication Officer Zack Mullennix.

IES has partnered with various emergency communications & response teams during the Los Angeles County Fair and the National Solar Tours.

These solar powered generators are clean, reliable solutions for today's energy dependent households, businesses and government. IES is the only solar powered energy generating system in the U.S. that can be customized for specific uses or mass-produced. Its hybrid design, capable of using both solar and LP or gasoline powered generators gives it a level of reliability that is superior to any other system currently on the market.

Independent Energy Systems currently has three portable generators that fit a wide range of energy needs.

The Powerwagon XL - a compact generating station that 500 watts of solar power, twelve deep cycle batteries, a power tracking controller, a 3000 watt inverter and a generator and can be towed with a pick-up

The Powerhouse 1000 - has a mono pitch roof that is optimized for maximum solar electric production. The roof of the P-1000 can accommodate up to 8 solar panels. A front mounted 7kw propane generator starts automatically when the batteries are low if there is no sun to recharge. This unit provides enough power to satisfy most household or commercial uses.

The Powerhouse 2000 - twice the power of the P-1000, and can be used to run a central air conditioning when equipped with a larger sized generator.

Independent Energy Systems is a subsidiary of Energy Acumen. For detailed information on any of IES solar generators, visit Green Power or Renewable Energy or call (866) 569-7922.

Rags Consignments Helps Customers Go Green and Give Back

Consignment shop gives opportunities to give back and go green

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) February 27, 2008 -- 2008 is about taking care of the world around you. Rags Consignments of Boulder, Colorado is giving fashionistas the opportunity to get in some good deeds while still treating themselves.

Rags Consignments has made it easy to be green--and stay gorgeous while you're at it. One of 2008's biggest trends is trying to avoid buying new; groups like The Compact are holding themselves to a strict resolution for 2008 to borrow, barter, or buy used. They're hoping to make a statement about the fact that going the gently used route helps lower production expenses, the use of natural resources, and general consumerism.

Rags Consignments is proof that you don't have to forgo high fashion and hip clothing to make a difference. The store showcases a massive rotating inventory of couture clothing and unique accessories come from the closets of Boulder's most fashion-forward femmes. Items that don't sell--and don't go back to the original owners--are donated to charity.

An added bonus? Rags Consignments is making it easier to give back throughout the year. On the first Friday of every month, the store will be giving 5 percent of total sales to a charitable organization. These include a number of Colorado groups: Emergency Family Assistance Association, Global Greengrants Fund, Carriage House Homeless Community Center, Amigos H.S. Exchange Program, Autism Society of Boulder County, Dairy Center for the Arts, Hospice of Boulder County, Humane Society of Boulder, the Thorne Ecological Institute, WOW Museum, and the Brain Injury Association of Colorado.

Rags was founded by Margaret Miner, a mother, a trendspotter, and a savvy businesswoman. The Austin, Texas native was inspired by the concept of upscale resale. This seemingly simple idea has taken Rags Consignments from a one-room, one-woman operation to a buy-and-sell boutique with 25 employees catering to more than 10,000 regular consignors.

Rags Consignments is located at 3129 28th Street in Boulder, Colorado and offers hundreds of new items daily. Log onto www.iloverags.com for more information.

To set up an interview with Margaret Miner, founder of Rags Consignments, please contact Alexis Walsko at Lola Red PR at alexis@lolaredpr.com or 612.333.1723.

Green Building Consultant Documents Proliferation of Local Government Green Building Incentives

Jerry Yudelson, author, editor and leading green building consultant authors study detailing how local government are providing incentives to real estate developers for green building development.

Tucson, AZ (PRWEB) January 10, 2008 -- Jerry Yudelson, principal at Yudelson Associates, a leading green building consulting firm, announced the release of his new study, "Green Building Incentives That Work: A Look at How Local Governments Are Incentivizing Green Development."

NAIOP Report Cover - small size

We are in momentous times

"We found that nearly a hundred local and state governments are offering green building incentives to private developers," said Yudelson. "This study brings together all of those incentives in one place and shows local governments who want to offer green building incentive programs examples of leaders."

"We are in momentous times," said Yudelson, "when everyone wants to enact programs that will help their cities and states to reduce their 'carbon footprint.' Many studies have shown that green buildings offer the most cost-effective way to carry out these public policy goals. The remaining question is how these programs should be structured. My study points the way for government action that works together with the private sector, to achieve mutually beneficial goals."

As a leading green building consultant, Yudelson intends the study to be a "manual" for developers who want to work with local governments on green building incentives. "Most developers prefer the carrot to the stick," said Yudelson, "and I wanted to show them how to 'sell' green building programs to local governments." The study reveals that the most popular incentives local and state government can offer to real estate developers are faster permit processing and limited property tax abatements, followed by "density bonuses" and faster development plan review.

Prepared for the NAIOP Research Foundation, this study uncovered the scope of green building incentives being offered across state and local governments in the U.S. as of August 2007 and assesses what optimal mix of economic and procedural incentives may further green building goals in other municipalities, while assisting developers who want to "build green." The report also contains an extensive appendix of local government programs, policies and incentives, organized by state and city, as well as by type of program.

"Green Building Incentives that Work: A Look at How Local Governments are Incentivizing Green Development," is available by free download from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties web site, at: http://www.naiop.org/foundation/greenincentives.pdf.

About Jerry Yudelson
Jerry Yudelson, is a leading green building consultant and national authority on green buildings and corporate sustainability, with six major green building books and more than three dozen green building articles to his credit during the past three years. He is also the senior editor of the web site, http://www.igreenbuild.com , where he writes a monthly column. Mr. Yudelson is a former Board Member of the U.S. Green Building Council, a national nonprofit with some 12,500 corporate, agency and institutional members. He has trained more than 3,500 people in the LEED green building assessment framework since 2001, and he served on two national committees developing the next generation of green building standards. He was named a "National Peer Professional" in 2006 by the U.S. General Services Administration.

About the Green Building Consulting firm, Yudelson Associates
Yudelson Associates, Tucson, AZ, http://www.greenbuildconsult.com , is a green building consulting company dedicated to "growing the business of green building" and facilitating sustainability initiatives in higher education and the corporate world. Yudelson Associates offers project-specific green building consulting services, green building marketing consulting, workshops, keynote speeches, and sustainability planning for corporate and institutional clients.

Ed Begley, Jr. Joins the ‘Going Green Challenge’ for Teens as a Celebrity Judge

With a $10,000 Grand Prize, BKFK’s Going Green Challenge Seeks New Eco Ideas from America’s Teens to Save the Planet.

Stamford, CT (PRWEB) March 3, 2008 -- By Kids for Kids Co. (BKFK) today announced that actor, author and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. has signed on as a celebrity judge in the Going Green Challenge for teens. The ‘Going Green Challenge’ seeks to stimulate ideas from America’s most creative teenagers to help solve our environmental problems. With an unprecedented $10,000 grand prize, the “Going Green Challenges” tackles some of our most pressing environmental issues, including global warming, drought, famine and flooding.

The Going Green Challenge, sponsored by The Weather Channel, officially runs until March 31, 2008. All youth under the age of 19 are eligible to participate. Participants may invent new methods to improve air quality, alternative energy, forest reclamation, irrigation, land preservation, recycling systems, water purity and more. It is free to enter. All entries must be received via the BKFK website, www.bkfk.com.

Ed is a wonderful example of what it means to walk the talk about going green. We look forward to his participation in this contest and to seeing what America’s green teens dream up.

In addition to the $10,000 Grand Prize, the winning teen will also receive a meaningful “connection to reality,” in connection with Leonardo DiCaprio’s eco movie, “11th Hour.” The winning teen will have an opportunity to spend a day “shadowing” one of the environmental experts from the 11th Hour Action website. The movie’s website, http://www.11thhouraction.com/, is also providing a powerful platform for the winner of this competition to be heard; they will be announced on and have the ability to blog on the movie’s website.

"I am thrilled to be a judge in BKFK’s Going Green Challenge for Teens!" commented Ed Begley, Jr. "I encourage all of America’s teens to consider deeply what could improve our environment and submit your ideas now."

"We are very proud that Ed Begley, Jr. has joined the Going Green Challenge for teens as a celebrity judge," commented BKFK Founder and CEO Norman Goldstein. "Ed is a wonderful example of what it means to walk the talk about going green. We look forward to his participation in this contest and to seeing what America’s green teens dream up."

In addition to the Going Green Challenge, BKFK has three other creativity challenges in progress. The Digital Arts Challenge seeks new expressions in digital storytelling, The Sports Evolution Challenge seeks new ideas for fitness and sporting goods, and the Signature Style Challenge seeks hot new fashion design ideas. Each of the four BKFK competitions now in play offers a $10,000 Grand Prize and all officially close on March 31, 2008.

About By Kids For Kids Co.:
By Kids For Kids Co. (BKFK) is the leading global marketing, branding and licensing representative of teen-created product ideas. The closely held Stamford, CT-based corporation has been dedicated to making teens' ideas a reality since 2003. Their mission is to inspire, motivate and stimulate the innovative spirit within young people. In addition to providing free support and educational resources to the world's youth, BKFK provides entrepreneurial experiences for young inventors and supports the entire ideation process – from conception through commercialization. Having produced numerous successful invention competitions, BKFK is finely attuned to what teens want. More information about the company and its successes helping teen inventors is available online at http://www.bkfk.com.

Contact:
John Forrester
(323) 702-3684
media @ bkfk.com

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Online Video And Going Green: Streaming Media magazine and Ignite Technologies Partner to Give Away a Vespa at This Year's NAB Conference

Online Video And Going Green: Streaming Media magazine and Ignite Technologies Partner to Give Away a Vespa at This Year's NAB Conference

Streaming Media magazine and Ignite Technologies partner to give away a Vespa at this year's NAB Conference.

Medford, NJ (PRWEB) March 27, 2008 -- Streaming Media magazine has partnered with Ignite Technologies to "go green" and give away a Vespa to one winner at this year's NAB Conference, April 14-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Entries to the contest are being accepted at www.streamingmedia.com/vespa/ and onsite at either the Ignite Technologies (#C1548) or Streaming Media magazine (#SL14510) booths.

"Vespa proved itself to be a market leader when it combined two of today's most significant trends--user-generated video and the green movement--in its recent 'Go Green Vespa Video Challenge,'" said Streaming Media magazine editor Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen. "So, now new and existing subscribers have the chance to win a prize that's not only very cool, but in its own small way will help them combat climate change every time they ride it instead of using a car."

Full contest details are available at http://www.streamingmedia.com/vespa/

About Ignite Technologies
Ignite Technologies, provides the industry's most secure and scalable Content Delivery Solution enabling customers to efficiently publish, deliver and manage digital assets-from rich media content for communications and training to software patches and virus updates-to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Ignite's patented Content Delivery Solution overcomes network and connectivity constraints that have limited the ability to reach online audiences with the highest quality, secure rich media. Ignite's Solution has been deployed across hundreds of thousands of users around the globe at companies like Accenture, BearingPoint, Sabre, and Procter & Gamble. For more information, visit www.ignitetech.com.

About Streaming Media magazine
Streaming Media magazine is a bi-monthly resource for executives and technology managers who use online video and audio for both business communication and delivery of consumer content. Each issue of Streaming Media magazine will focus on a special theme, but every issue offers must-read features, commentary, and reviews for readers in all markets. For subscription information, go to streamingmedia.com/magazine. Subscriptions are free for qualified U.S. residents. A free digital magazine version is also available for international subscribers.

Going green can help grow new jobs

BY DOUG ROTHWELL and RICHARD E. BLOUSE • March 23, 2008

The many "green" initiatives that are springing up within the business community and government are more than just a fad or public relations gimmick. For southeast Michigan, the robust emphasis on going green holds a lot of potential for the region to grow jobs and diversify its economy.

In particular, the Detroit region's deep history of research and development as the brain center of the global automotive industry puts it in a prime spot to capitalize on the push to develop cleaner alternative energy sources. This area has a wealth of talent, education institutions and businesses that are ready and willing to create the next generation of clean energy.

Making the Detroit region a major hub of the alternative energy industry will take strong public and private partnerships. Michigan U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow clearly understands this; she recently introduced a $3.5-billion Green Collar Jobs Initiative that, if enacted, will provide federal funding for energy efficiency and conservation, advanced battery production, retooling older manufacturing plants, biofuel production and employment training.

The initiative can be a critical funding source for southeast Michigan to reconstitute existing manufacturing facilities, spur research and development, and commercialize technologies that will produce the next generation of clean fuels. The Detroit region has always been the home of the automobile, and this proposal will make crucial investments in an industry that is racing to create more alternative energy vehicles. Such an investment in the budding green industry will create thousands of local jobs.

Stabenow is taking the right approach by providing incentives for the private sector to develop and utilize cleaner energy sources, rather than imposing mandates on businesses that will result in job losses and put the nation at a competitive disadvantage with other countries. These types of innovative solutions and policies are unfortunately more the exception to the rule than a standard operating procedure for government.

The Green Collar Jobs Initiative is a good example of aligning sound public policy with smart economic development strategies. It will help leverage our assets as the global automotive center so the region can capitalize on the emerging green industry. The result will be more jobs and greater economic diversification for southeast Michigan.

DOUG ROTHWELL is president of Detroit Renaissance and RICHARD E. BLOUSE is president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Write to them in care of the Free Press Editorial Page, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226 or at oped@freepress.com.

John Davies of AMR Research to Host "Going Green" Strategy Webcast

Press release from: HydroPoint Data Systems
John Davies of AMR Research to Host "Going Green" Strategy Webcast
How to Identify Sustainability Strategies That Deliver: Plucking Low-hanging Fruit Green Initiatives
(CSRwire) PETALUMA, CA - March 24, 2008 - HydroPoint Data Systems, Inc., provider of the market-leading WeatherTRAK smart water management solution, today announced that John Davies, vice president, Sustainability Peer Forum, AMR Research, and HydroPoint President and CEO Chris Spain will co-host a webcast on Thursday, April 17, 2008 entitled, "How to Identify Sustainability Strategies That Deliver: Plucking Low-hanging Fruit Green Initiatives."The webcast will address a pressing matter facing today's business leaders. In light of rapidly dwindling natural resources and the threat of global warming, a growing number of executives seeks to "go green" to meet sustainability and cost-saving objectives. But frequently deluged with information about available solutions for achieving sustainable resource management, these executives are challenged to select strategies that can garner environmental and financial benefits within a one-to-two-year period.Mr. Davies will explore a rapidly emergent sustainability strategy employed by executives at Coca-Cola, Google and other leading companies: smart water management. They've identified smart water management as a particularly appealing conservation strategy because it leverages existing technology infrastructure and delivers a powerful "green multiplier effect" - saving both water and energy, reducing carbon emissions and protecting local ecosystems. Further, these executives have discovered that the advantages to smart water management extend well beyond reduced water bills to lower operating costs and liability avoidance."It's essential that business leaders identify and implement low-risk, quick-win green programs to avoid skepticism about the validity and feasibility of going green," said Mr. Davies. He explained, "That's because sustainability practices will enjoy mainstream adoption only when they are proven to fulfill their promises."Webcast Details:"How to Identify Sustainability Strategies That Deliver: Plucking Low-hanging Fruit Green Initiatives," presented live from the headquarters of AMR Research and HydroPoint in Boston, MA and Petaluma, CA, respectively.Thursday, April 17, 2008, 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ET)Presenters:John Davies, vice president, Sustainability Peer Forum, AMR ResearchChris Spain, president and CEO, HydroPoint Data Systems, Inc.Complimentary registration:Visit www.weathertrak.com/webcastCall 800.362.8774 , ext. 145.About WeatherTRAKWeatherTRAK smart water management from HydroPoint Data Systems, Inc. is the proven green initiative that enables 13,000 subscribers to protect and improve property valuation by continuously optimizing irrigation and eliminating water-related property destruction and liabilities. Twenty-three independent studies prove that the WeatherTRAK network maximizes water conservation and improves landscape health. A California EPA-funded study proves WeatherTRAK's ability to reduce runoff pollution by 71 percent. Additionally, the WeatherTRAK product line received perfect scores across the board on the Smart Water Application Technology(TM) protocol, developed by a consortium of public agencies to objectively measure smart controller performance. WeatherTRAK solutions are eligible for all public agency rebate programs and meet the highest U.S. standards for irrigation equipment, the State of California's. Headquartered in Petaluma, California, HydroPoint is privately owned and operated. For more information, visit www.weathertrak.com.

For more information please contact:
Rebecca GellerRockpoint Public Relations 415-963-4409 415-341-6544 www.RockpointPR.com
Caroline Brosio, Sr. Marketing DirectorWeatherTRAK 707-285-3243 800-362-8774 www.WeatherTRAK.com
http://www.weatherTRAK.com

NAFA to Recognize Those Who Are Going Green

NAFA Fleet Management Association announces The Green Fleet Awards - an honor for those who have implemented or pioneered innovative and creative programs to help with their company's overall "going green" initiative.

(PRWEB) March 20, 2008 -- In the words of Kermit the Frog, "it's not easy being green." NAFA realizes that although it may not be easy, it's necessary in today's eco-conscious world. Continuing with their own initiative to go green, NAFA has established a new annual award, the Green Fleet Awards. Inspirational and cutting-edge, this Award will recognize outstanding achievement to reduce energy consumption, vehicle emissions and increase overall fleet efficiency.

The Green Fleet Awards, the first-ever for NAFA, will honor individuals who have implemented pioneering, innovative and creative programs to help with their company's overall "going green" initiative. While many companies are introducing eco-friendly programs, fuels and vehicles into their fleets, this new Award couldn't have come at a better time.

"This is a crucial turning point in the fleet world," said Doug Weichman, CAFM, Director, Fleet Management Division, Palm Beach County. "This obligation to our environment, combined with government legislation such as EPACT 2005, is making fleet professionals implement more creative and exciting programs to increase fleet efficacy while reducing energy consumption and vehicle emissions."

The Award will be presented to a fleet manager and his/her employer who exemplifies the best of going green. Two awards will be presented; one for a car/light truck fleet and one for a truck/equipment fleet. The Green Fleet Awards differ in other NAFA Awards because not only can you nominate yourself, but you can nominate other individuals as well. This year's winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of six judges representing the fleet industry. These judges will include representatives from the OEMs; fleet service providers; automotive publishers; and car, truck and equipment fleet managers.

The criteria for judging will be based on several things including: originality and innovativeness; success of the program and overall fleet efficiency; and accomplishment of reducing energy consumption. Judges will be looking for fleet managers who best epitomize the green concept in a creative way.

The Award winners will be notified and invited to receive their awards at NAFA's 2008 Institute & Expo in Salt Lake City on May 5, 2008. The winners will be honored and presented their awards in the Green Zone, a section of the Expo that showcases green products and services to attendees.

"NAFA realizes the importance of going green and how crucial the concept is to our Members and Affiliates," said Phillip E. Russo, CAE, NAFA's Executive Director. "We also recognize that it's not easy to do so and feel the need to distinguish those who are determined the go that extra mile."

For more information and entry form, please visit www.nafa.org/greenfleetawards or call NAFA headquarters at 609.720.0882.

NAFA Fleet Management Association, formerly known as the National Association of Fleet Administrators, Inc. (NAFA), is a not-for-profit, individual membership professional society serving the needs of Members who manage fleets of automobiles, vans, medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and a range of specialized mobile equipment for organizations in the United States and Canada. NAFA Members are responsible for the yearly specification, acquisition, maintenance and disposal of more than 3.5 million vehicles. NAFA Affiliates include automotive OEMs, fleet management service companies, suppliers, and others involved in automotive industry.

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Precious Nuptials and Destinations is Going Green with Its Operations

Precious Nuptials and Destinations is Going Green with Its Operations

Precious Nuptials and Destinations, a Houston owned and operated, local and destination wedding and event planning company takes its operations to an eco-friendly level.

Houston, TX, March 17, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Precious Nuptials and Destinations is geared up to do its part in saving the environment. Effective immediately, with full rotation scheduled for June of this year, Precious Nuptials and Destinations’ has rolled out an environmentally friendly wedding and event planning operation. In addition to helping clients plan fabulously green events, Precious Nuptials and Destinations’ will house an environmentally friendly operation. “We feel that our direct efforts to help the environment are of extreme importance in the day to day operation of our company,” says Precious Richardson owner since 2006. “We took an in depth look at the many things we could change operationally. Realizing that if each, company and/or organization would do the same, collectively we could make a huge impact,” she continued.

Clients can expect the same attention to detail, but with a greater virtual approach and less waste. Clients requiring ongoing consultations will be supplied with collaborative planning software as well as a virtual office for consultations and communications. Clients who value the personable feel that Precious Nuptials is known for will also be supplied with a web cam to complete the feel of the normal face to face meeting. “Although in person consultations will still be necessary, eliminating some of the brainstorming consultations will create a win-win situation. Not only will we be doing our part to help save the environment, but also easing the scheduling stress for today’s busy clients,” Richardson points out. Persons wishing to find out more information on doing their part in saving the environment while maintaining an aesthetically beautiful event may contact Precious Nuptials and Destinations for additional information.

Precious Nuptials and Destinations is a full service local and destination event planning company which opened its doors to the public in 2006 as Precious Nuptials and Events. The company continues to make great strides in growth and has plans to offer a firm of fully trained and diverse event planners in 2009. They are able to meet the needs of its destination clients with its full
service travel department.

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For information about Precious Nuptials and Destinations, visit www.PreciousNuptials.com. To schedule an interview, please
call Precious Richardson at (409) 939-6074.

Going Green Continues to Grow

NEW YORK, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- MS -- As "going green" has quickly become a worldwide mantra in just a few years, it seems that many other people are realizing what early environmental pioneers already knew: that the earth is a resource worth sustaining. Long before there were hybrid cars or ethanol fuel, there was a concept at the forefront of the green movement. It simply involved planting trees to benefit the earth and the people and animals that inhabit it. Today, planting trees and replenishing the greenery on the planet remains a viable way to improve air quality, reduce carbon footprints, improve animal habitats and wildlife preserves, change your landscape for the better, and produce many other positive results. Aside from going out and planting a tree yourself, you can also support the companies and organizations that also give back to the earth.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080318/NYTUFNS1 )

Plant for the Planet

When Yves Rocher was first established in 1959, the company was a pioneer in the way it viewed sustainable resources, plants and active botanical ingredients that went into its beauty and grooming lines. Preserving nature has always been Yves Rocher's mandate, and nearly 50 years later they're still a trailblazer when it comes to thinking green. The company's newest objective as part of conservation observances is a commitment to plant one million trees across the globe over the next three years in an initiative started by the United Nations Environment Programme called Plant for the Planet. One way that consumers can help the company do so is by purchasing the popular Inositol Vegetal line, which includes Inositol Vegetal Day, Night and Total Radiance treatment. The peel renew action of the Inositol treatments involves a unique combination of botanical active ingredients for a gradual resurfacing of the skin. The skin is gradually freed of all imperfections, producing a smooth surface, which reflects maximum light. When it's time to replenish your Inositol supply, simply purchase a Inositol Vegetal Day, Night and Total Radiance refill, to save on product and packaging waste. With each refill purchase, one tree will be planted as part of the Plant for the Planet campaign.

To learn more about Yves Rocher and where to purchase visit www.yvesrocherusa.com.

Make an Impact

There are many other ways you can help the environment and preserve nature's countless resources.

    -- Educate children about conservation and respecting the planet. Children
      are the next generation of individuals who will be responsible for
      protecting the earth. Mold and instruct these youngsters so
      environmentalism will be second nature.
   -- It's one thing for a company to state that they're environmentally
      friendly. Research companies before you become a consumer and find out
      if these companies really stand behind their green messages.
   -- Think about what goes into making a product and what waste can be
      avoided. Choose products that are moderately packaged and include
      recyclable or renewable materials in their makeup.
   -- Some of the best "remedies," "cosmetic breakthroughs," and
      health/beauty items are all derived from natural concepts. Think about
      ways to use natural products instead of chemical-laden items throughout
      your everyday life. Examples include vinegar for cleaning windows,
      lemon for cutting through greasy foods, baking soda for deodorizing,
      plant botanicals for improving skin appearance and texture, etc.
   -- Small changes add up. By taking several small steps toward a healthier
      planet, everyone can make a difference.

Website: http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/

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