Greenbuild and Green Neighborhoods come to LA

Greenbuild 2007 in Los Angeles

Greenbuild will be held at the LA Convention Center from October 17-19, 2007.

Plan to join 12,000 other people who agree that green building is good idea and good for business at the 2007 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Los Angeles.

At Greenbuild 2007 we'll explore "Accelerating Green Communities" with outstanding educational sessions, exciting speakers, special events and tours, and our largest exhibit hall ever.

Los Angeles was chosen to host Greenbuild 2007 because of its involvement in green building, the strong USGBC chapter presence, and the city's overall commitment to sustainability. The local government has passed several initiatives to promote sustainability and the construction of green buildings citywide. In April 2002, the Los Angeles City Council voted to require LEED certification for all public works construction projects larger than 7,500 gross square feet. In July 2003, the city extended this requirement to all building projects funded by the city. In addition, in March 2002 LEED certification of new construction projects was approved as part of the $1.6 billion bond proposition funding building projects on the nine campuses of the LA Community College District.

ALSO: the USGBC’s LEED® green building rating system for Neighborhood Development will be pilot launched next month as the green building industry focuses on developing entire green communities over the single green building approach.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

UC SAREP is a statewide program of University of California

UC Davis Agricultural Sustainability Institute
CAES Ag Sustainability Reports
UC Davis Student Farm
SAFS Project
LTRAS Project

CONTACT:
UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
DANR Building, Hopkins Road
University of California
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616

Tel: (530) 752-7556
Fax: (530) 754-8550
Email: sarep@ucdavis.edu

Greener Chemicals Award: Greenlist by S.C. Johnson ranks raw materials

Green Chemistry Award by EPA - 2006

Greenlist(TM) process, a system that rates the environmental footprint of the ingredients in its products. Through Greenlist, SCJ chemists and product formulators around the globe have instant access to environmental ratings of potential product ingredients.

Starting in 2001, SCJ developed Greenlist according to the rigorous standards of scientific best practices. Greenlist uses four to seven specific criteria to rate ingredients within 17 functional categories.

SCJ enlisted the help of suppliers, university scientists, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure that the rating criteria were meaningful, objective, and valid. These criteria include vapor pressure, octanol/water coefficient, biodegradability, aquatic toxicity, human toxicity, European Union Classification, source/supply, and others, as appropriate. The Greenlist process assigns an environmental classification (EC) score to each ingredient by averaging its scores for the criteria in its category. EC scores range from Best (3) to Restricted Use Material (0).

SCJ lowers the EC score for chemicals with other significant concerns including PBT (persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity), endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity.

Today, Greenlist provides ratings for more than 90 percent of the raw materials SCJ uses, including solvents, surfactants, inorganic acids and bases, chelants, propellants, preservatives, insecticides, fragrances, waxes, resins, nonwoven fabrics, and packaging.

Company scientists have also developed criteria for dyes, colorants, and thickeners and are working on additional categories as well.

In recent years, SCJ has used Greenlist to reformulate multiple products to make them safer and more environmentally responsible. In one example, SCJ used Greenlist to replace polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) with polyethylene in Saran Wrap(R). In another example, SCJ used Greenlist to remove a particular volatile organic compound (VOC) from Windex(R). They developed a novel new formula containing amphoteric and anionic surfactants, a solvent system with fewer than 4 percent VOCs, and a polymer for superior wetting. Their formula cleans 30 percent better and eliminates over 1.8 million pounds of VOCs per year.

(All respective brand names are trademarked or copyrighted by S.C. Johnson or their respective companies)

Chinese Tourists for LA

Let's be a green host to the coming stream of Chinese visitors... How can we mobilize our hospitality to exchange green information and solutions with these influential guests?

Looking for the Chinese tourist

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau has opened the first city-level tourism office in Beijing. The city is home to America's second largest population of Chinese Americans.

Of 1.3 million people in China, and estimated 176 million have the resources to travel abroad. Last year 86,000 Chinese visited Los Angeles, making it the fastest-growing market segment for Los Angeles tourism.

Los Angeles is the only city in America served by all three Chinese national carriers, Air China, China Southern and China Eastern, and has 19 weekly nonstops from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The vast majority of outbound China tourists travel to nations adjacent to their home province.

Los Angeles - Pollution Prevention Funding for "Community to Biz" (NP - due Dec. 28)

Links to application info

Funding for Pollution Prevention Programs

RFP Announcement: For more information and the full RFP contact Karin Christie at

(213) 978-0875 or George Payba at (213) 978-0884.

The City of Los Angeles Environmental Affairs Department is inviting Proposals from local, non-profit community organizations and educational institutions in response to the Community to Business Pollution Prevention Funding Program (CBP2). Now in its second term, the CBP2 Funding Program was initiated to support community-based projects that raise local businesses’ awareness, understanding, and implementation of pollution prevention policies and practices, with a particular focus on stormwater and wastewater pollution.

Projects that address air pollution from mobile sources also are eligible. Any non-profit community/environmental organization or educational institution within the City of Los Angeles can apply for CBP2 funding.

The CBP2 Program will fund Proposals aimed at businesses within the City of Los Angeles and can include such projects as training workshops, roundtables, survey maps, pollutant profiles, videos, brochures, and collection programs. The CBP2 Program is designed to encourage the development of unique pollution prevention partnerships among many diverse groups and will give funding priority to collaborative efforts that best address pollution prevention and reduction of hazardous and toxic materials at local businesses. The CBP2 Program is particularly interested in projects that promote pollution prevention on a community-wide basis through team-based policy and planning. Proposed projects must be completed within one year of contract date.

Deadline for proposals is December 28, 2006 no later than 4 p.m. An informational meeting will be held on November 16, 2006 (call for details).

The right is reserved to waive informalities in proposals received and to reject any or all such proposals. The provisions of Division 10, Section 10.8 through 10.13 and Section 10.31 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code requiring non-discrimination and Affirmative Action in hiring persons will be part of any contract awarded pursuant to this notice. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.

You Must Contact Karin Christie at (213) 978-0875 or George Payba at (213) 978-0884 for the

*Full RFP Prior to Submitting Your Proposal.
*Click Here to Download the necessary attachments regarding City Contracts
*Click Here to Download the RFP Application and Checklist for Submitting Materials

Green Energy challenge by EPA - CAL company participaton

EPA Green Power Challenge

Dec. 7, 2006 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking Fortune 500 companies double their current level of green power purchasing.

The goal of the green power challenge is to exceed 5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of green power purchases among participating companies. Five billion kilowatt hours could power more than 400,000 average American homes or avoid the equivalent CO2 emissions associated with more than 680,000 passenger cars each year.

EPA is challenging Fortune 500 companies to roughly double their current level of green power purchasing. The goal will be to exceed 5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of green power purchasing among participating companies by the end of 2007, which would be enough electricity to power more than 400,000 average American homes annually. Achieving this goal will avoid the equivalent CO2 emissions associated with more than 680,000 passenger cars each year. This Challenge will raise awareness of green power options and stimulate the construction of new domestic green power resources.

For additional information on how your company can participate in EPA’s Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge download the Fortune 500 Fact Sheet

Alternative energy sources include:

Wind, Biomass, Geothermal, Small-hydro, Passive Solar, Biogas, Landfill gas, Solar Photovoltaic

Some California participants

Green Power Partners in CA

Wells Fargo & Company - San Francisco
Staples (2 distribution centers in CA)
Cisco Systems - San Jose
Safeway - Pleasanton, CA
FedEx Kinko's - various branches
Hewlett-Packard - Palo Alto, CA
Lowe's Home Centers: generates green power from solar photovoltaic systems at four stores in California.
Apple Computer -
Oracle Corp. - Redwood Shores, CA
Applied Materials - Santa Clara, CA
Roche - Palo Alto
Lockheed Martin - Palo Alto Facilities
Agilent Technologies - Santa Clara location
FedEx Express - Oakland Hub Facility
Yahoo - Santa Clara
United Parcel Service - 4 CA Facilities


Power Companies in CA

3 Phases Energy
Sempra Energy - San Diego
Sterling Planet


Interesting tidbits:

Mohawk Paper Mills, located near Albany, New York, manufactures fine printing papers. It uses wind power for 21 percent of its electric energy requirements.

Staples is a leader in its communication efforts related to their green power purchasing, including educating customers and the general public through their website, with in-store signage and through press releases.

Should we eat more insects?!#$@

My mother was a "mother's helper" to more than two dozen new mothers and infants. After rearing six of her own children she observed a wide variety of behaviors in children and a few of her observations left an indelible impression on me because they were so unusual in my modern worldview.

One: Children who eat dirt need those minerals...
Two: We can be TOO clean...

I've watched over the years as we learn intriguing secrets of living in harmony with nature. Things like: animals self-medicate when they are sick with herbs and unusual foods. Most wild (and healthy) animals eat a variety of raw foods. etc.

Today as I read the following science research report, it occurred to me that maybe our food supply is TOO pure. We have developed a cultural revulsion to eating insects...but maybe nature's not-so-pure food supply is part of a healthy way of living close to nature. Can we reclaim nature's system of human health rather than something we pick apart one tiny sliver at a time?

How would we reclaim our natural heritage of eating and self-care? What steps should we take? Hmmm....


Insect Protein Effective for Treating Heart Ailments Identified

November 21, 2006

Compounds known to play an important role in how insects develop from larvae to adults have been shown in mice to be effective in preventing and reducing cardiac cell overgrowth and irregular heart rhythms, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis.

Cardiologist and cell biologist Nipavan Chiamvimonvat and entomology professor Bruce Hammock led a 16-member team that identified epoxide hydrolase inhibitors as novel and powerful chemical compounds that block an immune system protein known to play a role in cardiac cell overgrowth and arrhythmias. The findings are published this week in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A.

The work is important because it could lead to important new medications for treating enlargement of the heart and heart arrhythmias -- conditions that have few treatment options and ultimately progress to heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

Pest Information for California Gardeners

IPM Pest Database for Gardeners

Gardeners can find latest information on University of California Web site

Hundreds of new pests have been added to the Pests in Homes, Gardens, Landscapes, and Turf section of the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program Web site. For the first time, users can find pest management information specific to a host plant.

Find the latest information on managing pests of vegetable, fruit tree, and ornamental plants, or household pests.

Electronic Ecolabel Certification Programs - Global

STANDARDS/CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Ecolabels define a product as adhering to pre-defined criteria. When consumers see ecolabels such as Energy Star® they know the product meets a certain energy efficiency that is deemed to be acceptable by the US EPA. Many types of organizations including governments, nonprofit and for profit organizations and companies producing consumer items have their own ecolabels. If a consumer decides to rely on ecolabels to guide purchasing decisions, they should scrutinize the criteria to be sure it reflects their concerns.

The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Database includes standards and guidelines for environmentally-preferable products and services, written by national government agencies and independent third-party organizations from around the world.

There are currently 523 standards in the EPP Database, covering more than 600 product and service categories.

Many types products from paint to paper to computers are evaluated by ecolabeling organizations worldwide. Many countries have ecolabeling schemes that include both desktop and portable computers in their labeled products. The following are the most popular ecolabels and are members of the Global Ecolabeling Network .

Canada, Environmental Choice Program
Products and services certified by the Environmental Choice Program are proven to have less of an impact on the environment because of how they are manufactured, consumed or disposed of. Certification of products and services is based on compliance with stringent environmental criteria that are established in consultation with industry, environmental groups, and independent experts and are based on research into the life-cycle impacts of a product or service.

European Union
The European Union Eco-label Programme is a Europe-wide program that awards eco-labels to products with a reduced environmental impact, in an effort to contribute to sustainable development

Germany "Blue Angel"
The Blue Angel program is a voluntary labeling program. For two decades, the Blue Angel label has signified products with positive environmental features

Norway "Nordic Swan"
The Nordic environmental label is the official ecolabel in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. The Nordic environmental label is a neutral, independent label which guarantees a certain environmental standard. Only products which satisfy strict environmental requirements on the basis of objective assessments are allowed to display the environmental product label.

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition did a comparison between the various eco-labels

EPA's Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services

A searchable database of product-specific information (e.g., environmental standards and guidelines or contract language) developed by government programs, both domestic and international, as well as third parties.

Agriculture and Natural Resources center

California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Excellent news portal at www.ucanr.org

Some topics:

Mindful disposal of Christmas trees will help stem the spread of pitch canker

Space Efficient Fruit Orchards - Fresno Master Gardeners

UC researchers lead USDA-funded study of farm-to-institution programs

IPM Integrated Pest Management incentive program

UC IPM Online

November 17 , 2006
Growers can make money if they use UC integrated pest management year-round program for crops.

The California Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering $125 per acre to growers to use the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program’s year-round IPM programs for their crops.

To be eligible for NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a crop must have a complete year-round program available on UC IPM’s Web site. Under How to Manage Pests, click on agriculture and floriculture and choose your crop. Currently, programs are available for almonds, cotton, grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, and prunes. Alfalfa, avocados, pears, and tomatoes will be available by early 2007, in time for the next growing season. The year-round IPM programs identify major activities growers need to do at each crop growing stage to implement a comprehensive IPM program.

Call Alan Forkey, program manager at (530) 792-5653, or Mark Parson, EQIP program specialist, (530) 792-5660.

Use less paper -- cut the largest waste component down to size

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2005 “Facts and Figures” on municipal solid waste management in the United States, the amount of trash generated by Americans declined between 2004 and 2005 - from 247.3 million tons to 245.7 million tons.

The agency says the decline is due in part to a dip in individual waste generation to about 4.5 lbs/person/day, a 1.5 percent decrease since 2004. At the same time, EPA claims the U.S. recycled 32 percent of its waste in 2005, a two percent increase from 2004 (and equivalent to 1.5 lbs/person/day). Excluding composting, the amount of MSW recycled increased to 58.4 million tons, an increase of 1.2 million tons from 2004.

Tons recovered for composting rose slightly to 20.6 million tons in 2005, up from 20.5 million tons in 2004. Container and packaging recycling increased to 40 percent; nearly 62 percent of yard waste was composted; and about 42 million tons of paper (50 percent) were recycled.

Of the 246 millions tons of MSW generated in 2005, paper and paperboard made up the largest component (34 percent); yard trimmings were the second largest, at 13 percent. Food scraps accounted for 11.9 percent, and wood was 5.7 percent. The recovery rate for food scraps as a percent of generation was 2.4 percent (that includes recovery of other MSW organics for composting); the recovery rate for wood as a percent of generation was 9.4 percent.

The USEPA's data, extrapolated from manufacturing and consumption trends, contrasts sharply with BioCycle's State of Garbage In America survey data (see April 2006 report, which reflects 2004 data). The BioCycle survey, done in collaboration with Columbia University's Earth Engineering Center, utilizes tonnage data reported by the states. BioCycle/EEC reported an estimated 387.9 million tons of MSW were generated in 2004. Of that, 110 million tons (28.5 percent) were recycled and composted. Waste Age Wire, an on-line bulletin, appeared skeptical of the data as well.

Citing EPA's claim that waste volumes are down by two percent, Waste Age Wire notes: “This despite a growing population and economy, and as far as most can tell, an ever more disposable consumer product marketplace. Never mind that most waste firms have reported both strong pricing and volume improvement as contributing to solid financial results.”

An Executive Summary of EPA's 2005 Facts and Figures can be downloaded at: www.epa.gov/msw/msw99.htm.

A couple quotes

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction.

---Albert Einstein

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is fullof educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the race.

---Calvin Coolidge

Making Seawater Drinkable

U of California at Los Angeles

Researchers at University of California at Los Angeles have come up with a membrane that can filter salt and impurities out of seawater more efficiently and for less money than current systems, which potentially could help with the world’s looming water problems.

The membrane, developed by Eric Hoek, consists of a matrix of porous polymer sheets embedded with specially designed nanoparticles. The nanoparticles attract water molecules and repel other particles. In reverse osmosis, seawater passes through porous membranes. The pores allow water to pass, but are too small for salt and other particles, thereby purifying the water.

The nanoparticles, because they attract water and repel other substances through their inherent chemical properties, cut in half the amount of energy required to pump the water through the membrane. That in turn could cut the cost of turning seawater into drinking water by around 25 percent.

Conventional reverse osmosis membranes also become fouled over time by the particles they filter out. Hoek's membrane doesn't need to be cleaned as often. Lower cost and easier maintenance could make desalination more attractive. It costs about 50 cents per cubic meter to desalinate water, according to industry estimates.

Several scientists believe that the world will face significant water problems in the relatively near future. Water consumption exploded in the last century with the growth in global population. Lining up for water has become a common practice in some neighborhoods in New Delhi. Lack of adequate water supplies could cause the spread of diseases, impede economic growth and cause crop yields to shrink, according to some researchers.

UCLA is one of the world's academic centers for water research. Professors and engineers there in the 1960s and '70s performed the first large-scale tests of reverse osmosis.

"We, as a nation, thought we had enough water, so a decision was made in the 1970s to stop funding desalination research," Hoek said in a prepared statement. "Now, 30 years later, there is renewed interest because we realize that not only are we running out of fresh water, but the current technology is limited."

Making Seawater Drinkable

U of California at Los Angeles

Researchers at University of California at Los Angeles have come up with a membrane that can filter salt and impurities out of seawater more efficiently and for less money than current systems, which potentially could help with the world’s looming water problems.

The membrane, developed by Eric Hoek, consists of a matrix of porous polymer sheets embedded with specially designed nanoparticles. The nanoparticles attract water molecules and repel other particles. In reverse osmosis, seawater passes through porous membranes. The pores allow water to pass, but are too small for salt and other particles, thereby purifying the water.

The nanoparticles, because they attract water and repel other substances through their inherent chemical properties, cut in half the amount of energy required to pump the water through the membrane. That in turn could cut the cost of turning seawater into drinking water by around 25 percent.

Conventional reverse osmosis membranes also become fouled over time by the particles they filter out. Hoek's membrane doesn't need to be cleaned as often. Lower cost and easier maintenance could make desalination more attractive. It costs about 50 cents per cubic meter to desalinate water, according to industry estimates.

Several scientists believe that the world will face significant water problems in the relatively near future. Water consumption exploded in the last century with the growth in global population. Lining up for water has become a common practice in some neighborhoods in New Delhi. Lack of adequate water supplies could cause the spread of diseases, impede economic growth and cause crop yields to shrink, according to some researchers.

UCLA is one of the world's academic centers for water research. Professors and engineers there in the 1960s and '70s performed the first large-scale tests of reverse osmosis.

"We, as a nation, thought we had enough water, so a decision was made in the 1970s to stop funding desalination research," Hoek said in a prepared statement. "Now, 30 years later, there is renewed interest because we realize that not only are we running out of fresh water, but the current technology is limited."

Animals eat fruit from the tree

The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation

Igrew up on an organic farm. I never thought much about animals eating the apples and persimmons and peaches from our fruit trees. But this website refreshed my memories:

FTPF’s “Orchards for Animals” program improves lives for rescued animals on sanctuaries by providing fruit trees for shade, shelter, enrichment, and healthy diets. When the trees mature, animals are able to enjoy delicious fruits and foraging opportunities. During times of extreme heat or precipitation, animals can seek shade and shelter under the trees without being away from their food source. Fruit trees allow for the most natural diet available to animals, plucked fresh off the tree with no chemicals or pesticides.

... of course! Animals eat a balanced diet -- we just forget about their natural inclinations when we start relying on packaged feeds for them. Including dogs. Did you know that dogs will walk down the row of garden peas and strip them from the vines? At least our dog did. They also eat grass when they are sick.

Planting fruit trees for animals makes good sense -- they need their vitamins, too!

Commuting rising -- car miles falling!!!

Is the car culture slipping?

Public transit hitting records as drivers tap on brakes

In the Bay Area as well as the nation, commuters' eyes are wandering in the direction of transit and other alternatives to the automobile, and for the first time in a generation people are driving a bit less than they used to.

And last week an energy analysis company announced that for the first time in a quarter-century, the number of miles Americans had driven was no longer growing, and had, in fact, dropped slightly.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2005, motorists drove a mere 530 billion miles on California's highways, about 400 million fewer than in 2004. Individually, Americans drove an average of 12,084 miles in 2005 -- 116 fewer than in 2004.

Factors leading to the softening of Americans' love of the single-passenger vehicle are more complex than just disgust with gasoline prices, Pisarski said. There are demographic factors that will continue to alter the transportation landscape even in the unlikely scenario that gasoline prices stay below $2.50 a gallon.

Baby Boomers born in the two decades after World War II are aging, and older people tend to drive less, he explained.

"People over 55, even if they're not retired, their typical day of traveling is less than those in their forties," Pisarski said. Younger folk, in the 25-45 age range, tend to be on the road more, but there are fewer of them than there are Baby Boomers.

While that graying population bubble is being replaced by a growing number of younger immigrants from other countries, the new arrivals are more likely to use transit, bicycles and their own two feet to get to work, he added.

On Caltrain, which runs from Gilroy to San Francisco via San Jose and San Mateo County, average weekday ridership increased 9.5 percent to 36,217 in September, the most recent month for which statistics were available.

Offroad construction equipment pollution is health hazard

Reuters reports: Calif. construction pollution killed 1,100 in '05

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Pollution from the construction industry led to the deaths of more than 1,100 people in California in 2005, a report released on Tuesday by the Union of Concerned Scientists said.

The report, "Digging up Trouble," uses statistical analysis of state data on construction, causes of death, and pollution to link mortality with construction activity in the state.

It claims to be first to analyze the health and economic impact of pollution from construction equipment in California.

The average lifespan of a bulldozer is 29 years. The report said if modified, older engines can cut emissions by as much as 90 percent.

About 70 percent of the heavy construction equipment used in California in 2005 was old enough not to have to face any emissions control regulations, said Don Anair, vehicles engineer at the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists.

California's construction industry contributed $68 billion to the economy in 2005, according to the state.

The industry for the past two years has worked with state officials to make "practical and realistic" regulations, said John Hakel, vice president of government relations for the Associated General Contractors of California.

Networking the channels...

Davis connections

Follow the money... it's interesting to discover the channels and connections:

Campus Community Book Project, featuring UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism professor Michael Pollan, whose new book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, is the 2006 Davis campus-community book.

Davis Farmers Market

Davis Farmers Market Foundation

Davis public schools including a "Food Fair" at Davis High and a farmers market gift pack to be used for school fundraising (vs. candy or wrapping paper),

Davis Farm-to-School Connection

UC Davis-based statewide Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP)

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service


USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service administers the grants program, which is designed to expand direct-to-consumer marketing.

Agricultural Issues Center - Univ of California

Agricultural Issues Center - Univ of California

Research Areas

Agricultural Personnel and Hired Farm Labor
Agricultural Policy
Commodities and Markets
Economics of Agriculture in China
Exotic Pests and Diseases
Food Security
International Trade
Land Use and Farmland Conversion
National Assessment of Ag Easement Programs
Natural Resources and the Environment
Organic Agriculture
Risk Management
Science and Technology

IPM News for California

IPM News for California

Integrated Pest Management Program...news archive.

Process sustainability = quality customer service

SOURCE: E Source

Top Ways to Improve Customer Service Satisfaction

E Source recently completed a comprehensive review of the utility-customer relationship for 15 utilities and determined the best ways for utilities to improve customer satisfaction. The summary report for this project offers more than 20 specific recommendations.

We also show that, for utilities, 34 percent of overall customer satisfaction is determined by the quality of customer service operations.

There's a perception that customer satisfaction is something that requires specific outlays and investments, but numerous utilities have cut costs, streamlined processes, and energized employees, while increasing customer satisfaction.

Customer service plays a pivotal role in influencing overall electric and gas utility customer satisfaction.

Among the top ways utilities can improve the customer’s overall experience:

Communication with customers during crisis events and power outages

Access to a number of convenient billing and payment options

Collaboration vs. Confrontation and Competition

Turning Conflict Into Cooperation
by Peter Asmus, Hank Cauley, & Katherine Maroney
Fall 2006 - Stanford Social Innovation Review, Graduate School of Business)

Ten years ago, top executives at three Mitsubishi companies were suddenly faced with a consumer boycott by Rainforest Action Network (RAN), an activist NGO that was willing to wage a protracted war against the corporation’s brand in order to get it to change its business practices. Instead of fighting RAN, the companies did exactly the opposite of what most of its lawyers, public relations experts, and crisis professionals advised them at the time: They sat down and engaged in a dialogue with
the group’s leaders.

After many fits and starts, the dialogue between RAN and Mitsubishi resulted in several significant achievements.
It created a precedent-setting agreement that helped drive sustainable forestry practices at some 400 companies,
a new system for measuring corporate environmental and social impacts, and some close personal friendships between former foes, which continue to this day. No laws were enacted in the process, no regulations promulgated, and no lawsuits filed. Yet the impacts of that early engagement continue to multiply
even today.

The tactics that RAN employed – dubbed "stakeholder engagement" and "market campaigns" – have become standard operating practice at many NGOs. Instead of trying to get governments to enact laws, these NGOs target companies that they believe have negative social and environmental impacts
with public campaigns that place the company’s brand at risk.

Collaboration vs. confrontation is a hard process to initiate in our competitive society. Even among nonprofit organizations I see tremendous resistance to collaboration when resources are scarce -- and we all know what happens when animals are starving....

It's regrettable that we can't work together for mutual survival during the toughest times -- which are the times when the potential benefits from cooperation and collaboration is greatest.

"What's green ... when it comes to plastic? "

The View from the Plastics Industry brings an interesting discussion about plastics...and their function in our economy...and life support system.

"Today there's a growing trend in many plastics end markets for what people are touting as "green" products. The question is, what's green?

Is degradability the answer? Or recycled content? Or a more complicated appraisal that factors in carbon dioxide, energy, solid waste and the difficult-to-define sustainability factor?

Initially, plastics processors and their suppliers will try to define it, and marketers will try to win points with whatever they're handed. Ultimately, the public will decide." Dan De Grassi

Key issues include:

Will biodegradable REALLY biodegrade in landfills? They didn't last time around...

Will compostable materials survive the recycling dilemma? (PET recyclers are struggling with PLA bottles in the recycled waste stream)

Will bioresins put strains on the world's food sources (mainly corn) that compete with energy applications (that are more lucrative)

Is the real problem a human behavioral problem of littering?

While recycled content reduces one generation of solid waste...what happens the next time around? Are recycled materials endlessly recyclable?

What about the energy conversion loss that comes from turning natural materials into highly processed materials? Would use of natural materials be a better energy saving process?


There are no easy answers when we stray very far from the natural cycle of regeneration.