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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