21 Mart 2013 Perşembe

Matthew Tejada, Director, EPA Office of Environmental Justice

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Matthew Tejada
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is turning to Matthew Tejada, a Houston activist, to lead the EPA's Office of Environmental Justice. As executive director of the Air Alliance Houston for almost six years (2007-2013), Tejada fought against pollution in poor neighborhoods surrounding Gulf Coast ports. Tejada is expected to begin his new role in early March.

University of Oxford, PhD, History,  2004 – 2006
 University of Oxford, MPhil, Russian and East European Studies, 2002 – 2004 The University of Texas at Austin, BA, English, 1997 – 2000

17 Mart 2013 Pazar

GE Lighting Lights Up Watsons Storefronts Across China with Energy-Efficient LED Signage System

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GE Press Release:


GE Lighting Lights Up Watsons Storefronts Across China with Energy-Efficient LED Signage System

DownloadsMarch 14, 2013China — March 14, 2013 — (NYSE:GE) — Watsons, a Hong Kong-based health and beauty retailer, has upgraded its store signage lighting at 400 locations with GE Lighting LED Tetra® Max sign lighting. This new lighting solution provides Watsons storefronts with an inviting environment and a 67 percent savings on maintenance and energy costs.Gabby Xiang, sales engineer from GE Lighting comments, “Watsons has very high standards of requirements for its storefront signage boxes – especially in terms of product lifetime and quality of illumination. They were looking to retrofit the current system with one that would be more energy efficient and provide reduced maintenance. Other key considerations included good after-sales warranty and the performance and quality of the proposed new solution. We are more than happy to be selected for this retrofit project and look forward to be of service to the Watsons chain of stores across the country.”Watsons recognized that storefronts are the direct interfaces to customers and understood that great importance should be placed on the quality of the illumination of storefronts. Watsons explored various solutions in the market. Taking the proven performance of GE LED signage system and the strong after-sales support into consideration, Watsons was pleased with GE Lighting’s relatively fuss-free solution in terms of maintenance, which will translate into higher operational efficiency for its stores.Distinctive Signage Illumination with Long LifespanThe GE LED Tetra signage system was selected as Watson’s signage lighting solution for a variety of reasons, including quality luminance, ease of maintenance and good cost performance. For the Watsons storefronts, the products specified are the Tetra® Max. Available in a wide range of colors including white, red, blue and green, Tetra Max creates an outstanding uniformity. With an over-molded design, the components are protected from moisture, and installation is also made simple with pre-drilled mounting holes and industrial-grade mounting tape.Enjoy Energy Savings and Reduced Environmental ImpactThe new GE LED Tetra sign lighting has a lifespan 5 times that of the previous system. GE will also provide a no replacement limited warranty of 5 years. With the new system, Watsons will see energy consumption reduced by about 67 percent and a payback period of 1.3 years.From the environmental perspective, the energy savings is equivalent to eliminating approximately 674,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year or creating 83.6 acres of new trees.To learn more about illuminating storefronts and other spaces with GE signage lighting, visitwww.gelighting.com. To learn more about GE’s commitment to innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges while driving economic growth, visit www.ecomagination.com.About WatsonsSince entering the China market in 2009, Watsons has grown to become the country’s leading health and beauty retail giant with around 1,000 stores in more than 100 cities.About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 15,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the Reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination® and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

25 Şubat 2013 Pazartesi

KCFC's Melissa Howell Inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame

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Photo of Melissa Howell
The Clean Cities Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions to the Clean Cities mission of reducing petroleum use in U.S. transportation. Inductees are ambassadors for alternative fuels and champions for fuel economy. Their exemplary dedication and leadership are paving the way for a new transportation future.

Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition Executive Director Melissa Howell was inducted in 2011, the Hall of Fame's inaugural year.

Melissa Howell is a cornerstone of Clean Cities. She has been with the program since its beginning in 1993, when she helped found Kentucky's Commonwealth Clean Cities Partnership. Ever the consummate professional, Howell's dedication to reducing petroleum use in transportation has weathered all manner of political and economic conditions. Howell is known for her persistence in inspiring fleets to action, and she brought several high-profile stakeholders to the alternative-fuel table, including Mammoth Cave National Park, Fort Knox military base, UPS, and the World Equestrian Games. And thanks to Howell's leadership, thousands of children across the state of Kentucky ride to school on hybrid electric and biodiesel buses.

Howell is the original Clean Cities mentor, having coached new coordinators to success long before a formal mentorship program was established. She is always willing to share her vast experience and knowledge with other coalitions to reinvigorate stalled projects and instill confidence in rising leaders. Howell's impressive body of work with Clean Cities makes her the example other coordinators seek to follow.

In 2008, Howell was named Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year, and in 2005, she received the Southeast Region Award.

See all of the Clean Cities Hall of Fame inductees - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/hall_of_fame.html

Meet Kentucky's Greenest Fleets

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 The Pioneer Fleets of the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program were announced December 7 at the KCFC Winter Meeting. Each are working to improve the environmental performance of their vehicle fleets by reducing petroleum fuel use:


Breathitt County Board of Education
Jefferson County Public Schools
Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection
Kentucky Division of Fleet Management
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mercer Transportation Company
Murray State University
Transit Authority of River City
UPS
Waste Management of Kentucky
Learn more about each Pioneer Fleet Member's fleet greening efforts and the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program

The Pioneer Green Fleets members proudly display their certificates.
View photos from the awards ceremony on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kycleanfuels

America's Natural Gas Highway Coming to Kentucky Thanks to Clean Energy

To contact us Click HERE
Clean Energy will be building a public LNG/CNG refueling site in Walton, Ky. (Flying J's) as part of America’s Natural Gas Highway. They expect to complete the project this summer. The station will feature the latest state-of-the-art technology for natural gas vehicle fueling. They will initially deploy LNG at the station to service big rig heavy-duty trucks. They may add CNG to the station at any time when needed by the market.
Read more about the Clean Energy program - http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/resources/naturalgashighway.pdf.

Welcome to Ithaca's Food Web! (again)

To contact us Click HERE

Welcome and thanks for reading Ithaca's Food Web. Whether you've been visiting for five years or five minutes, thank you for reading!

Ithaca's Food Web is different from other sources of food info. Why? Because we:
-champion transparency in the food system (we don't promote any one particular ideology)
-specialize in food news from all corners of the food system (from academics to activists, from farmers to foodies, and everyone in between)
-are based here in Ithaca (and we're not controlled by some far-off corporation)
-are all ears (feedback, announcements, and guest posts are welcome)

With our latest 2013 design changes, we've made the site even easier to navigate. You'll find:
-tabs at the top of the page for the most commonly requested information
-a concise listing of local food resources
-an improved calendar of events
-more intuitive navigation of "topics" on the right sidebar
-and more content, with reader polls, answers to reader questions, and more news-you-can-use.

This site is dedicated to bringing you useful and fun information about food, right here in our own backyard. How are we doing?

Want to learn more about CSA's in Ithaca?

To contact us Click HERE
Press Release from CCE-TC:
Photo Courtesy of CCE

Tompkins County, NY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County will host a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair on Saturday, March 2nd from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Boynton Middle School Cafeteria, 1601 North Cayuga Street in Ithaca. Over 25 CSA farmers serving Tompkins, Seneca, Cayuga, Tioga, Chemung, Chenango, Yates, and Schuyler counties will be on hand to talk with consumers about their farms and CSA programs. In addition to the traditional vegetable CSA, attendees will find fruits, baked goods, meat, eggs, cheese, wine, herbs and herbal products, and even fiber.  All participants will be entered in a drawing for a variety of door prizes donated by the farms.CSA provides members with a weekly selection of just-harvested food and farmers with an established market prior to the growing season. There are differences between CSA programs such as share size, products offered, pick-up locations, u-pick options and on-farm work opportunities. Attend the CSA Fair to learn about the many benefits of CSA, meet and talk with farmers, and find out which CSA program might be perfect for you. There will be quiet activities to occupy children while parents circulate and table space to sit and review material you gather. CSA programs fill up quickly so don't miss out this season.             The CSA Fair is free and open to the public. For more information, call Avi Miner at CCE-Tompkins, 607-272-2292 or email agm32@cornell.edu.
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/341186959327501/?fref=ts
Event link:  http://ccetompkins.org/agriculture/events/csa-fair


24 Şubat 2013 Pazar

Meet Kentucky's Greenest Fleets

To contact us Click HERE
 The Pioneer Fleets of the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program were announced December 7 at the KCFC Winter Meeting. Each are working to improve the environmental performance of their vehicle fleets by reducing petroleum fuel use:


Breathitt County Board of Education
Jefferson County Public Schools
Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection
Kentucky Division of Fleet Management
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mercer Transportation Company
Murray State University
Transit Authority of River City
UPS
Waste Management of Kentucky
Learn more about each Pioneer Fleet Member's fleet greening efforts and the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program

The Pioneer Green Fleets members proudly display their certificates.
View photos from the awards ceremony on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kycleanfuels

America's Natural Gas Highway Coming to Kentucky Thanks to Clean Energy

To contact us Click HERE
Clean Energy will be building a public LNG/CNG refueling site in Walton, Ky. (Flying J's) as part of America’s Natural Gas Highway. They expect to complete the project this summer. The station will feature the latest state-of-the-art technology for natural gas vehicle fueling. They will initially deploy LNG at the station to service big rig heavy-duty trucks. They may add CNG to the station at any time when needed by the market.
Read more about the Clean Energy program - http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/resources/naturalgashighway.pdf.

Upcoming Food, Farming, and Cooking Events in Ithaca, Tompkins County, and the Finger Lakes (Winter-Spring 2013)

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Upcoming Food, Farming, and Cooking Events in Ithaca, Tompkins County, and the Finger Lakes (Winter-Spring 2013)

Know of something that should be added? Email ithacasfoodweb@gmail.com. For more agriculture events, see the Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming calendar.


***
Ongoing Farmers Markets 2013

SATURDAY

Ithaca Farmers Market at The Space@Greenstar from 11am to 2pm (runs from January 12 until March 30) http://www.ithacamarket.com/


***
Ithaca Children's Garden Winter Sprouts at Mama Goose, Monday January 14, 10:30 AM -11:30 AM, Join the Ithaca Children's Garden for stories of plants, gardens, and nature plus hands-on activities for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. FREE! For more information or to RSVP: Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, Education Coordinator 272-2292 x186. Repeats Mondays in January and February.

Whisk(e)y 101 at Stella's in Collegetown. January 15. Every Tuesday, we taste and talk our way through four whiskies that we’ve found to be especially compelling together. Come explore the dynamic world of whiskey!

IthaCan Seed Catalog Tea on January 20 from 2pm to 4pm. The holidays are over and the quiet of January mixes with the promise of a new year. The unsorted mail is full of seed catalogs with those glossy veggie photos and voluptuous descriptions calling to you like a 17 year old male spying the Victoria Secret catalog. Whelp, share the joy and come to the first annual IthaCan Seed Catalog Tea. We'll compare catalogs, exchange faves and have tea. Maybe even combine orders, if it seems like a good fit. RSVP through IthaCan.

Gardens 4 Humanity Gardeners Networking Meeting, Wednesday January 23, 5:30 PM -7:30 PM, Josh Dolan of Gardens 4 Humanity will give a short presentation on garden planning followed by general discussion and break-out groups. G4H also will release its 3rd "Resource Guide for Community and School Gardeners".

NOFA-NY Conference (Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY): Organic Farming and Gardening Conference in Saratoga, NY from January 25-27.

ABC Café for a Day, Saturday January 26, 12:00 PM -8:00 PM, The former ABC Café, an iconic vegetarian restaurant and music venue in Collegetown, closed in June 2009. It's back - for one day only, as a "pop-up" cafe at the Brooktondale Community Center (524 Valley Road, Brooktondale, NY 14817) to raise funds for the Gardens 4 Humanity program! Former ABC Café staff will be on hand to help reunite your palate with some of your favorite meals.

Master Composter Volunteer Training, Monday January 28, 5:00 PM, Master Composters are trained volunteers who promote responsible composting in Tompkins County! Training involves 20 hours of class time covering composting in depth, and 20 hours of "practical internship". After training, Master Composters give back to the community in a variety of outreach activities. For more information on the program, click here.
Nice Buns: A dissertation on the erotics of bread Tuesday, January 29th, 7pm, 2013. Staff of life? Or fermenting change by reclaiming our food systems and the sensuality of locally-produced grains? Join artisan baker-local foods promoter-anthropologist Stefan Senders to learn about the art and science (and perhaps politics) behind the phenomenal baked goods he creates at Mecklenburg’s Wide Awake Bakery at Lot 10 Bar and Lounge| 112 S Cayuga St | FREE

IthaCan Myer Farm Distillery visit. For more information, see IthaCan's announcement.
Community Seed Swap, Sunday February 24, 11:00 AM -3:00 PM, Join us for the first ever Seedy Sunday in Ithaca! Bring your extra seeds to swap and share with others - they can be home-saved seeds or purchased seeds that you have in surplus. Plus talks and workshops on seed saving and community seed libraries. Free event!

Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening, Thursday February 28, 6:30 PM -8:30 PM, This class for the beginning vegetable gardener will be offered twice this year! Learn where to site your garden, how to prepare the soil, how to start seeds, how to plant, when to mulch, which easy veggies to try first, and so on. Patricia Curran, Horticulture Educator, will also discuss favorite varieties, container gardening, and harvesting tips. Please call to pre-register so we can make sufficient handouts. Call (607) 272-2292 to sign up!

IthaCan Book Discussion: Omnivore's Dilemma on March 8 from 7 until 8:30 in Ithaca. See IthaCan for more info.

Cayuga Wine Trail: Say Cheeese! March 9 and 10. Savor the spectacular tastes of local artisan cheeses and fine wines along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Receive a wine glass, a wine charm from each winery and recipe cards as you travel along the trail experiencing perfect wine and cheese pairings.

Winter Worm Composting Class, Saturday March 9, 10:00 AM -12:00 PM, No backyard is needed - learn all you need to know to set up and maintain an indoor worm composting bin in this workshop. Every household leaves with a starter bin and worms. Children are welcome with an accompanying adult. Fee: $10 includes starter bin & worms. Register early at (607) 272-2292. Space is limited! Contact Adam Michaelides at acm1@cornell.edu with questions.
Veggie Gardening Beyond the Basics, Thursday March 14, 6:30 PM -8:30 PM, Learn about less common veggies, maximizing your crop, seedstarting tricks, which seeds to start when, techniques to extend the season, and more. Fee: $5/person, please call (607) 272-2292 to pre-register so we can be sure to make sufficient hand-outs.

ServSafe® Food Safety Basics, Friday March 15, 8:30 AM -12:30 PM, This 4-hour class is designed for food service employees, job seekers, volunteers, and anyone involved in food preparation outside the home. It is based on the ServSafe program of the National Restaurant Association, and will cover: the basics of foodborne illness; purchasing, receiving, and storing food; preparing, cooking, and serving; cleaning, and sanitizing. Participants receive a certificate upon completing this workshop. Fee: $40 per person, includes book and all printed materials.

Grow Your Own Spuds! Wednesday March 20, 6:00 PM -8:00 PM, Everything you always wanted to know about potatoes! Potatoes are one of the most productive and easiest garden crops for anyone to grow. We will dig an Irish 'lazy bed' - this is a great way to break new ground for next year's veggie garden. We'll also cover information on common diseases and pests of potatoes and how to manage them organically.

Fruits for the Home Gardener, Thursday March 28, 6:30 PM -8:30 PM, Find out which small fruits and tree fruits are easiest to grow in a home garden. Using microclimates, picking the hardiest varieties for a cold site, selecting disease-resistant varieties, and preparing the soil are the keys to success. Pre-registration recommended; call (607) 272-2292 to sign up. Fee: $5.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course, Tuesday April 9, 8:30 AM -5:30 PM, This course offers nationally-recognized certification in food safety. It is administered through the National Restaurant Association and offered at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County by a certified ServSafe instructor who is also a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator. The course conforms to the New York State Food Handler certification requirements and uses the most recent FDA Food Code updates/standards.
Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening, Tuesday April 16, 6:30 PM -8:30 PM, This class for the beginning vegetable gardener will be offered twice this year! Learn where to site your garden, how to prepare the soil, how to start seeds, how to plant, when to mulch, which easy veggies to try first, and so on. Patricia Curran, Horticulture Educator, will also discuss favorite varieties, container gardening, and harvesting tips. Please call to pre-register so we can make sufficient handouts. Call (607) 272-2292 to sign up!

Welcome to Ithaca's Food Web! (again)

To contact us Click HERE

Welcome and thanks for reading Ithaca's Food Web. Whether you've been visiting for five years or five minutes, thank you for reading!

Ithaca's Food Web is different from other sources of food info. Why? Because we:
-champion transparency in the food system (we don't promote any one particular ideology)
-specialize in food news from all corners of the food system (from academics to activists, from farmers to foodies, and everyone in between)
-are based here in Ithaca (and we're not controlled by some far-off corporation)
-are all ears (feedback, announcements, and guest posts are welcome)

With our latest 2013 design changes, we've made the site even easier to navigate. You'll find:
-tabs at the top of the page for the most commonly requested information
-a concise listing of local food resources
-an improved calendar of events
-more intuitive navigation of "topics" on the right sidebar
-and more content, with reader polls, answers to reader questions, and more news-you-can-use.

This site is dedicated to bringing you useful and fun information about food, right here in our own backyard. How are we doing?

A new service to make home cooking easier

To contact us Click HERE
Everyone knows it's important to cook healthy meals from scratch, but sometimes it's tough. You've got to plan ahead. You have to shop for the right ingredients. You have to find the time to cook.

"Healthy Dinners" is a program at Southside Community Center to help making cooking from scratch easier. Here's how it works: First, you choose any or all of the available menu items, such as shepherd's pie or stuffed mushrooms. Then, you attend the event (this one is on March 2) where the ingredients are provided -- all you have to do is follow the directions provided, along with other participants. At home, you can either freeze your meal for a later date or cook and enjoy it the same day. You can prepare more than one meal at the event -- in other words, you can prepare a week's worth of dinners all at once.

Healthy DinnersThe NEW Fast Food1. Order online 2. Assemble at a fun event3. Freeze, heat and enjoy!You can make dinners for the whole week in one hour!Next Monthly Event: Saturday, March 2nd 2-6 PM Southside Community Center305 S Plain St, IthacaClick here for the Menu. ORDER TODAY!  Orders Due Monday, February 25. We can only make 100 Dinners per event. Order soon.
Healthy Dinners is a project of the Village at Ithaca with the support of the Robert Smith Award and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. All funds raised support the BJM Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program and Ithaca Community Harvest.
Contact Megan at ffv.bjm@gmail.com for more info
Specials:If you refer a friend, your friend gets 1/2 off their first dinner. If you refer 10 dinner sales, your next dinner is free.

23 Şubat 2013 Cumartesi

Gorham, New Hampshire Wastewater Treatment Plant Recognized for Excellence

To contact us Click HERE
EPA News Release:


News Release
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
New England Regional Office
February 20, 2013
 Contact: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

Gorham, New Hampshire Wastewater Treatment Plant Recognized for Excellence
(Boston, Mass.—February 20, 2013) The Gorham, N.H. Wastewater Treatment Plant was recently selected by EPA for a 2012 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award. The Gorham Wastewater Treatment Plant staff, led by Kurt Johnson, Chief Operator, and Dave Patry, Superintendent, was recognized by EPA's New England Office for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant.  The plant was among five specific facilities in New England acknowledged for exemplary performance during 2012. 
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services was instrumental in nominating this facility.  In addition, the plant has been provided with outstanding support from the Town of Gorham over the years. 
“The professionals operating these wastewater treatment plants, as well as the municipalities and the state environmental agencies that support them, are essential to keeping our environment healthy by protecting water quality. I am proud to give them the credit they deserve,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office.
      
The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for its commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance.   More often than not, and particularly with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.

The Gorham, New Hampshire Wastewater Treatment Plant staff was acknowledged for its outstanding work on January 30th at the annual New England Water Environment Association Conference in Boston. 

For more information: http://www.epa.gov/ne/topics/water/wwater.html and http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/intnet.htm
#  #  #

Cornyn Requests Extension on Decision to List Lesser Prairie chicken as Threatened Species

To contact us Click HERE
Senator John Cornyn News Release:


Feb 21 2013

DALLAS – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and five Senators sent a letter to the Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Daniel Ashe requesting a 60-day extension of the comment solicitation period and a six-month extension of any final decisions on the proposal by FWS to list the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a threatened species. Senators on the letter include Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).“The outcome of this listing proposal is vitally important to many sectors in the local economies of our states, including agriculture; oil and gas development; ranching; transportation; and wind energy,” wrote Sen. Cornyn.“Listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act would negatively impact these sectors for many years to come. With this in mind, and knowing that conservation efforts are ongoing and that the science evaluating the status of the species is still developing, it is imperative to provide sufficient time to evaluate the true health of the species rather than simply hold fast to arbitrary court-mandated deadlines that do not account for ongoing species recovery developments.”The letter acknowledges that the wild life agencies in five states home to the Lesser Prairie Chicken, including Texas, are working hard to finalize and submit a conservation plan by mid-March, the same time as the comment period is scheduled to end. The 60-day extension would allow state agencies time to incorporate comments to the Service’s proposal as well as allow the states to complete this spring’s aerial population survey, which is conducted in the month of April.

Related Files:

  • Cornyn Lesser Prairie Chicken Letter - Cornyn Lesser Prairie Chicken Letter.pdf (501.8 KBs)

RobecoSAM rates Johnson Controls as 'Bronze Class Sustainability Leader'

To contact us Click HERE
Johnson Controls News Release:


RobecoSAM rates Johnson Controls as 'Bronze Class Sustainability Leader'Only U.S. company in its sector to achieve recognition
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, a global diversified company in the building and automotive industries, today announced that RobecoSAM, a sustainability investment firm, has recognized the company as a 2013 Bronze Class Sustainability Leader in its annual Sustainability Yearbook.  In collaboration with KPMG, an audit, tax, and advisory firm, RobecoSAM annually rates companies based on their sustainability performance.
Johnson Controls was one of two companies recognized with RobecoSAM's Bronze Class sustainability rating and one of four companies recognized as a sustainability leader in the Auto Parts & Tires sector. Companies receiving a score within a range of 5 percent to 10 percent of the Sector Leader receive the RobecoSAM Bronze Class distinction. The company has received Gold Class ratings in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and a Silver Class rating in 2012. Johnson Controls is the only North American firm among the sustainability leaders in its sector.
"We are honored to be recognized again by RobecoSAM," said Charles A. Harvey, vice president of Diversity and Public affairs at Johnson Controls. "Our longstanding commitment to sustainability is driven by our vision and values and is an integral part of Johnson Controls' businesses and is embraced by our 170,000 employees around the world." 
Each year, the world's largest 3,000 companies, as reflected in the Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index, are invited to participate in SAM's Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Only the top-scoring 15 percent of the companies in each of the 58 sectors assessed are eligible for inclusion in The Sustainability Yearbook. The RobecoSAM results provide the basis for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.
The sector-specific environmental criteria used for the Auto Parts & Tires ranking include climate strategy, emission products, environmental policy/management system, and CO2 from logistics.  The ranking also include human capital development, stakeholder engagement, standards for suppliers and talent attraction and retention.
For details about the Sustainability Yearbook visithttp://www.robecosam.com/en/sustainability-insights/library/the-sustainability-yearbook.jsp.     
About Johnson ControlsJohnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2012, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #5 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.
About RobecoSAM RobecoSAM is an investment specialist focused exclusively on Sustainability Investing. Its offerings comprise asset management, indices, private equity, engagement, impact analysis and sustainability assessments as well as benchmarking services. Together with S&P Dow Jones Indices, RobecoSAM publishes the globally recognized Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI). RobecoSAM was founded in 1995 out of the conviction that a commitment to corporate sustainability enhances a company's capacity to prosper, ultimately creating competitive advantages and stakeholder value. Headquartered in Zurich, RobecoSAM employs over 100 professionals. As of December 31, 2012, RobecoSAM's assets under management, advice and license amounted to a total of USD 11.4 billion.
CONTACT:Fraser Engerman
(414) 524-2733
fraser.engerman@jci.com



SOURCE Johnson Controls, Inc.

Webinar on EPA's Environmental Job Training Program

To contact us Click HERE

You are cordially invited to join

Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator of the Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

for a

Webinar & Conversation on EPA's Environmental Job Training Program Friday, September 21st,  3:00 p.m. EDT

The webinar will highlight EPA’s Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant Program that provides funding to recruit, train, and place unemployed individuals residing in waste-impacted communities with the skills needed to secure employment in the environmental field. In addition to the Assistant Administrator, participants will learn about the program from previous grantee and program leaders.

If you are able to attend, please register by 3pm, Wednesday, September 19th. Upon receipt of your rsvp, you will receive a confirmation email with more details.

*****************

Note: Prospective applicants include government entities, states, tribes, nonprofit organizations, community colleges and workforce investment boards. For more information on EPA’s Environmental Workforce Development & Job Training Grant Program, please visit www.epa.gov/brownfields/job.htm


Liebert Environmental Justice Content Alerts

To contact us Click HERE
current journal cover

Environmental Justice

Table of Contents Alert

Volume: 6, Number: 1, February 2013

View this Issue Online
 

Special Section: Empowered Partnerships, Part OneChristopher Bacon, Guest EditorArticles


Introduction to Empowered Partnerships: Community-Based Participatory Action Research for Environmental Justice
 
Christopher Bacon, Saneta deVuono-Powell, Mary Louise Frampton, Tony LoPresti, and Camille Pannu
 
Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 1, February 2013: 1-8.
Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (198 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (139 KB)
The Three Rs: How Community-Based Participatory Research Strengthens the Rigor, Relevance, and Reach of Science

Carolina L. Balazs and Rachel Morello-Frosch
Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 1, February 2013: 9-16.
Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (226 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (166 KB)
THE (Trade, Health, Environment) Impact Project: A Community-Based Participatory Research Environmental Justice Case Study

Analilia P. Garcia, Nina Wallerstein, Andrea Hricko, Jesse N. Marquez, Angelo Logan, Elina Green Nasser, and Meredith Minkler
Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 1, February 2013: 17-26.
Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (172 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (173 KB)
Where Is the “Public” in Public Universities?

Malo A. Hutson
Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 1, February 2013: 27-31.
Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (92 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (93 KB)

Book Review

Book Review of Beth Rose Middleton's Trust in the Land: New Directions in Tribal Conservation

Scott W. Williams
Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 1, February 2013: 32-33.
Citation | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (44 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (45 KB)

Additional Original Article

Embedding Issues of Environmental Justice in the Mainstream Curriculum

Marjorie M. Nussbaum
Environmental Justice, Vol. 6, No. 1, February 2013: 34-40.
Abstract | Full Text HTML | Full Text PDF (145 KB) | Full Text PDF with Links (146 KB)

22 Şubat 2013 Cuma

P&C Fresh expands local food offerings

To contact us Click HERE
A prominent display of local grains, beans, and flour from Cayuga Pure Organics, with a handwritten sign, caught my eye first. Later, I saw a huge freezer full of organic beef from Genoa, NY.

When I noticed that my neighborhood grocery store in East Hill Plaza started carrying more local products, I called up the owner to ask him about it.

A few years ago, P&C was part of a big corporate chain that went bankrupt. Today, it's co-owned by Ithaca resident Myles da Cunha (a former VP of the previous company) and a business partner.

Under new ownership, the name was changed to P&C Fresh. To my eyes, as a consumer, the store and the weekly circular still looked pretty much the same. That is, until more and more local products edged their way into the store. What's going on? I wondered.

Previously, says Myles, the store carried a lot of regional products, like potatoes from Syracuse. But today, Myles says they're interested in sourcing products even closer to home. Myles said that, after they bought the business, he and his partner went down to the Ithaca Farmers Market to get to know them, and they connected with Cornell Cooperative Extension to find out what local vendors might have products that P&C Fresh customers would like.

"I live in Ithaca, so that gives us an advantage over our corporate competitors," he says. Now he stocks Finger Lakes Granola, PrOats, and local yogurt, cheese, honey, grains, beans, beer, and beef.

After I noticed the big freezer of beef, I later saw that the display had been moved to smaller freezer off on the side. Uh oh, I thought, maybe it isn't selling as well as they thought it might?

"It's just the opposite," says Myles. "I had no idea how much we would sell at first, so I bought a whole steer to see how we'd do." It sold well, and now the farm, Berry Farms, is trying to catch up with the demand.

Of course, the vast majority of products at the store are still major brand-name items. But Myles says they're flexible and open to working with local vendors, as long as they have insurance coverage. "It's simple. We give them an opportunity to sell, and if it works out, great," he says. "If not, we shake hands and part ways."

Myles has been in the grocery business for 40 years, since he was 16. He says when he wears his P&C sweatshirt around town, people ask if he works there. "People are surprised to learn that we're not a corporate store. We're a family-owned business."

Science Cabaret Event: Nice buns: a dissertation on the erotics of bread

To contact us Click HERE
Announcement:

Nice buns: a dissertation on the erotics of bread

Staff of life? Or fermenting change by reclaiming our food systems and the sensuality of locally-produced grains?

Join artisan baker-local foods promoter-anthropologist Stefan Senders to learn about the art and science (and perhaps politics) behind the phenomenal baked goods he creates at Mecklenburg's Wide Awake Bakery.

When: 7 PM, Tuesday, January 29th, 2013
Where: Lot 10 Lounge, 112 S. Cayuga Street
FREE!!

With Stefan Senders, Wide Awake Bakery

For more information, visit http://www.sciencecabaret.org/.

Science Cabaret is made possible through a partnership with the Light In Winter Festival of Science and the Arts

Master Composter training - application deadline: Monday, 1/28/13

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2013 Master Composter Volunteer Training
Application deadline: Monday, January 28
Training is Wednesdays, Feb. 13 - May 1
at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY
Help promote responsible composting in Tompkins County as a Master Composter Volunteer! Free training involves 20 hours of class time covering composting in depth, and 20 hours of "practical internship." Application required; available online at http://ccetompkins.org/garden/composting/become-master-composter. After training, Master Composters give back to the community in a variety of outreach activities. 2013 training sessions will be held from 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesdays, February 13 - May 1. Contact Adam Michaelides at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County at 272-2292 or acm1@cornell.edu for more information.