Archive for April 2011

Earth Day and Good Friday

by Nora DePalma on April 22nd, 2011

This year, Earth Day falls on Good Friday, one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar.   As a Christian, both mean something to me.

When I first actually read the Bible, it was striking how early and often we are commanded to be careful and reverent with God’s creation. Right up there in Genesis 2.15, God is telling Adam to take care of this cool Garden thing he’s got going on.  And he wasn’t just talking bad apples.

Even earlier, in Genesis 1.26, God gives humans dominion over nature. Which makes sense because He gave us the capacity for great wisdom and great compassion not found in other beings. When it came to being smart enough to save the planet, it makes sense that it should fall to us humans.

Except that He also gave us capacity for great inhumanity, as well as willful ignorance.

Which brings us to Ann Coulter.

And a whole bunch of like-minded conservatives who have a completely different view of “dominion over nature.”

In this telling, dominion over nature is meant to be an absolute monarchy where it’s good to be the king (See Koch Brothers). It’s this mindset calling for billions to be spent to get at oil and gas that will run out in less than 100 years (100 years ago, my dad was 9. Life comes at you fast.)  It’s the same mindset that fishes and harvests and builds and wastes until it’s all gone.

Sorry, Ann, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense a king to kill all his subjects. I’m pretty sure that’s not what God intended.  There’s a big difference between using natural resources and abusing them.

Today and this weekend, those of us in the Christian faith celebrate the ultimate defeat of evil and the triumph of compassion and love.  We may not be there yet, Mother Earth, but we’re trying.


Posted in Green Policy
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Grammar of Green™ Communications: The Right Words for Your Champions

by Nancy Rogers on April 7th, 2011

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” — Mark Twain

Precise and consistent language is critical for effective communications. A significant challenge within the green and seeking to be green community is creating a compelling message that differentiates products, services and practices from the competition.

In developing a message for external audiences, internal stakeholders are often forgotten. Whether your workforce is ten or tens of thousands, experiences and attitudes are being shared with formal and informal networks. With the right words, these individuals have the tools to become authentic champions on green issues. A recent study of workplace values found that American workers seek employment (63 percent) and value (71 percent) a commitment to the environment. Harris Interactive National Quorum conducted the survey on behalf of Interface, Inc.

Without the right words, they may stumble. In creating your messages, the Grammar of Green is a four point checklist to vet statements for: clarity, credibility, consistency and compliance. These principles are helpful guides to maintain and build your reputation using triple bottom line values.

  • Clarity. Vague references, unsubstantiated claims and statements muddled by unnecessary explanation will not advance your message. The more you say, the less you convey. A notice on my bulletin board reminds me that memorable quotes are short and now tweetable, while federal regulations on the sale of cabbage at 26,911words are not. Is the message one that the entire workforce can easily share?
  • Credibility. Boasts of green features and behaviors hold no sway without substantiation. Words must match actions. Transparency backed by third-party certification, actions and measured success enhance your reputation. Authentic accomplishment deserves recognition. Is the message one that the workforce believes and can deliver with confidence?
  • Consistency. Repetition should strengthen your point and make it memorable. If your internal stakeholders use words from the same songbook, you will have a powerful and authentic chorus. Can you say iPhone without revolutionary?
  • Compliance. Avoid misrepresentation and deception that draw regulatory red flags and backlash. Industry jargon and gigabytes of information will not shield you from regulators or independent watchdogs.
What are your favorite examples of organizations that enable workforce evangelists as champions? 


Posted in Grammar of Green, green communications
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