Archive for the ‘Green Business’ Category

Green Earth PR in PR Tactics Magazine

by Nancy Rogers on July 7th, 2010

Amy Jacques, Public Relations Tactics news editor, sought comments on CSR best practices from Green Earth PR Network consultants along with communication pros from Ben and Jerry’s, Eastman Kodak and Microsoft.

The industry trade publication “interviewed communications leaders at a variety of companies to find out why CSR is more important now than ever and how they are conveying their socially conscious mindset to their clients and to the community at large.” GEPR responses addressed our values as well as tools and tactics including social media. Please join the conversation and add your comments at
http://www.prsa.org/Intelligence/Tactics/Articles/view/8700/1017/Socially_conscious_Companies_share_CSR_best_practi.

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Adding humor to Grammar of Green

by Nancy Rogers on June 25th, 2010

Earlier this month Green Unplugged in London attracted participants from the Green Communicators LinkedIn.com global community. For me, the value of humor over “thou shalt nots” to motivate and connect was reinforced as a conference take-away.

While serious subjects require serious attention, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report and more recently @BPGlobalPR demonstrate that humor is an effective communications tool for Grammar of Green.

Humor and passion for the environment seemed less siloed to the Commonwealth and European audience members. Maybe the lingering remnants of our Puritan heritage require that we separate doing good from having fun. I hope these examples provide examples for change in that regard.

Changing habbits. Habbits are humanoid forms with body parts distorted relative to the environmental impact of common activities. Each body part is assigned to one impact and are grown where an individual’s impact is higher. Habbits has been adopted by staff at the Greater London Authority and Canon Europe committed to reducing their personal carbon footprint. This program is delivered by London Leader Rob Holdway and Giraffe Innovation, in association with the London Sustainable Development Commission’s 2009 London Leaders. Holdway spoke at Green Unplugged. www.changinghabbits.co.uk

Green Thing. Supported by people from 205 countries, Green Thing is a public service using a squid-headed character to inspire greener lives, focusing on seven things you can do and enjoy doing. Green Thing co-founder Andy Hobsbawn also covered the Buy Nothing™ campaign. www.dothegreenthing.com/amazero

Wombats. This 2005 message from The Foundation for Global Community shared by Dave Hampton is short and memorable. It’s hard to ignore the dancing wombat’s case for avoiding doom by recognizing we are all connected on one planet. www.globalcommunity.org/flash/wombat.shtml

What are your effective Grammar of Green humor examples?

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Observing Earth Day

by Nancy Rogers on April 21st, 2010

Those who work even in the periphery of sustainability are inundated from Earth Hour to Earth Day and beyond with pointers on living green, saving energy and planting trees. However, if we step out of our green circle, it is surprising that many business associates are not aware of water, solar and planet holidays.

As with New Year’s there is a lot of hype to use this benchmark for improvement. Instead of weight loss and financial stability, the focus is on reducing footprints and considering the next generation. For me deadlines are always helpful. Earth Day is a reminder to reflect on what else I can do and how I can be a better change agent.

Like the holiday cards from my insurance agent, I try to ignore the avalanche of corporate boasts and be pleased that the occasion was noted. Like adding 15 more minutes of exercise, a percentage may think about modifying behavior for the environment. In Atlanta and around the globe, community activities for individuals and business abound: tree planting; socials and challenges to celebrate this 40th observation. The options let you choose what matters to you among flora, fauna, water, air, energy, and future generations.

Did someone you know become a supporter this year? Did you gather with friends who remember their first Earth Day? Let the day launch another year of considering the planet.


Posted in Green Business, Green Policy
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Earth Hour is March 27 at 8:30 pm, local time

by Nancy Rogers on March 26th, 2010

Earth Hour is not just about 1 hour. Here are my thoughts from Atlanta posted at http://www.likethedew.com and more from HuffingtonPost: http://huff.to/aa5MNW.
Please pledge at www.earthhour.org.

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PRSA San Diego

by Nancy Rogers on November 7th, 2009

San Diego is host to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 2009 International Conference. As a member of the Environmental Section Executive Committee, I look forward to meeting current members and gathering ideas to make it more relevant to more people. After all, who is not communicating about green topics?

 

“Green” now encompasses business practices and operations, product impacts, community service and employee well-being for starters. If you are attending the conference, please take note of these Environmental Section activities below. If not, consider joining to expand your green communication skills and network. Transparency and clarity should be basics in establishing a clear voice for green.

 

*Sections Lounge Schedule:

Sunday, November 8: 2-5:30 pm

Monday, November 9: 9-11:30 am and 2-5 pm

Tuesday, November 10: 9:30 am-1 pm

 

*Environmental Section lunch, Asti Ristorante, Monday, November 9, 11:45 am-1:45 pm

 

*Professional development workshop, Creating a Clear Voice for Green Communications,

Judith Webb, APR – Green Earth PR Network

Monday, November 9, 3:45-5 pm

 

* All Section Soiree, Monday, November 9, 5:30-6:30 pm

 


Posted in Grammar of Green, Green Business
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Go Gobs…Green Jobs!

by Amanda Wardell on May 15th, 2009

The newest sustainable event you might be missing features two of this year’s hottest topics – Green Utilities and Jobs.

CONNECT brings you this exclusive what, where, when and why plus more than 100 other green events and speaking opportunities you and your clients need to know about. We’re constantly updating our information, so you can leverage green events to the fullest.

What: California Utilities Diversity Council’s Advancing Diversity in the New Green Energy Economy Summit
Where: Long Beach Convention Center
When: May 29, 2009
Why: Learn how the new clean energy economy and federal stimulus will bring investment, business, and job opportunities to California’s diverse marketplace.
http://www.cudcsummit.com/index.html
Registration is only $99!

Want more? Visit CONNECT.


Posted in Green Business, GreenEarth PR Products
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Older than Earth Day

by Nancy Rogers on April 20th, 2009

Being older than Earth Day, I truly appreciate this global celebration as a planetary new year.  Although not part of my school curriculum, stewardship was an integral part of my daily life. Growing up we exchanged produce and plants from various networks—citrus and caladiums from aunts in Florida; peaches, melons, beans, tomatoes, squash and corn when in season on family farms; fish from local ponds; beef and pork raised by an uncle. With this background of weeding, picking, and preserving, I am perplexed about the “discovery” of gardening.

Today, much of my reading and all my work centers on sustainability, so I’m surprised when a dinner companion asks if I think business has any interest in “all this green stuff.” Equally disturbing reminders are claims of being greenest in the world that echo across social networks. Fortunately these boasts do not go unchallenged, the Grammar of Green monitors are at work detecting greenwashing.

Earth Day offers an annual benchmark to reflect on what can be accomplished through our conscious choices and how we influence others.  Being aware and making an effort are steps worth taking toward becoming better stewards. Take action this Earth Day and make the next year one of accomplishments worth noting in 2010.

“When you’ve finished washing and dressing each morning, you must tend your planet.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, 1943

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The Greening of Ireland

by Louise Mulherin on March 17th, 2009

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day let’s give kudos to Ireland for progressive environmental thinking. Perhaps the necessities brought by living on a small island have been the mother of invention and innovation. While the country still faces eco-challenges seen worldwide, they are making strides that could serve as an example here in the US.

Ireland has been charging a tax on shopping bags since 2002. Reduction in use was noted immediately. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/31/europe/bags.php The idea is gaining traction across the US, though it likely will not become a national tax issue as it is in Ireland. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/us/24bags.html?_r=2&th&emc=th

For more information on how Ireland is going greener, and resources the country provides to small and medium-sized business, click on http://www.envirocentre.ie/.

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Communicating with Grammar of Green

by Nancy Rogers on March 16th, 2009

Having a clear voice in green conversations requires attention to sustainable terminology, industry lexicon, and government regulations. Grammar of GreenSM sums up these principles for responsible communication as we are bombarded by claims of green excellence and achievement.

In sustainable exchanges, you cannot isolate comments without considering the consequences from the total organization—actions and impact are linked. Starting small is OK, announce with a whisper, not a shout. To shine rather than stumble, follow our Grammar of Green checklist of clarity, credibility, consistency and compliance. While not unique to green communications, vigilance will prevent charges of green washing and reputation damage control.

  • Clarity. Vague references, unsubstantiated claims and statements muddled by unnecessary explanation will not advance your cause or client on the well-worn sustainable roadmap. Your audience does not have the option of pressing ONE to reduce confusion. They will just click away.
  • Credibility. Boasts of being greenest hold no sway without substantiation. Words must be accountable. Transparency backed by third-party certification, actions and measured success enhance your reputation. Authentic accomplishment deserves recognition.
  • Consistency. Each industry functions with its own argot that is gobbledygook to the uninitiated. Don’t use jargon to waffle. Build your story with facts—invigorate repetitions to make them memorable.
  • Compliance. Steer clear of misrepresentation and deception to avoid regulatory red flags. You will be caught, if not by government regulators, by independent watchdogs.

To keep the conversation going, please post your favorites Grammar of Green Do’s to inspire and the Don’ts as a caution.

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Martin Melaver » Bleeding Green in a State of Red

by Nora DePalma on March 4th, 2009

Martin Melaver » Blog Archive » Bleeding Green in a State of Red

When a green pro lives in a red state.  Can the sustainability discussion move forward where a regressive old-boy network plys its business-as-usual trade?   Especially at a time when most businesses are more worried about being in the black than being green?  One man’s journey through BSD: Business Schizophrenia Disorder.

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