1 out 3 US Counties…Is Yours One Of Them?
A report conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that 1 out of every 3 Counties in the United States are at high risk of water shortages due to…climate change.
Most At Risk States:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Using data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the analysis looked at water supply, accessibility, and demand. This is 14 times the last water shortage estimates conducted. Whoa!
You can look at the County and State-Specific maps from the report:
Learn more about water saving tips via these Pays to Live Green Quick Tips:
- Shower Water & Energy Use Calculator
- Delta Water Amplifying Showerhead
- Short Showers – Do the Math!
- 10 Ways to Use Less Water Everyday
Photo Credit: Get Milked.
The Value-Added Graduate School: Proceed with Caution
MBAs are starting to become a dime a dozen in the United States. And with the job market’s continual downfall, how can you be sure that investing in graduate education will provide you with an stepping stone into outstanding workplaces? Let’s take a look at what is happening, rankings that can help you find the right match, and why ‘the creatives’ are the rise.
Graduate School Isn’t For Everyone
Now this first question is critical before considering going back to school. Do you really want to go? First, do you have the drive and determination to do homework again (if you take your work home with you…this may not be so different). Second, do you have adequate experience in the field to bring a working perspective to the classroom and your learning? Now this is something that is underrated in many graduate programs, but knowing your field, the players, and how it presently works can help you get a lot more out of school than if you are fresh out of…well, school. Lastly, will having your graduate degree position you to get jobs that you really want? Masters are typically for people who still want to work with other people, but require a specialized knowledge in a particular field. PhDs will typically place you in more Siloed environments that depend largely on knowledge and academics (not in all cases of course). Now some graduate degrees will overqualify you for positions, others will prepare you for them, so knowing the level, not necessarily the position, that you want to work at and grow from can help you decide.
Now those words of caution out of the way, graduate school can be a phenomenal learning adventure for people of all ages, and help propel you into your career and life goals.
Graduate School Rankings for MBAs, The Social Way
So who is really doing what? How do I pick a good school? What if I want the University’s values system to match my own? Well, if you are looking into MBAs then check out the Aspen Institutes Rankings titled “Beyond Grey Pinstripes“. They rank schools by relevant courses, student exposure, for-profit impact, and faculty research. So you can get a glimpse into the more “social responsibility” aspects of the schools and know what they are noted for with a few clicks of a button (and lots of search features). This is one of the few social rankings developed for graduate schools, so MBA perspectives should definitely give this the once over. There are other rankings available for other disciplines through various bodies, but this was the only site that focused on lifelong learning to prepare students for their whole career.
MBAs are Good, MFAs are Good, and M.#$@s are Good Too
In Daniel Pink’s Book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, he stated that MBAs were a thing of the past and MFAs and other Masters Degrees are just as valuable at today’s top organizations. So don’t feel like an MBA is your only option if you are more creatively inclined. This book speaks about the transitions that our society has undergone over the course of civilization. Our latest phase ruled by the Knowledge Worker (think IT development and the like) is now being shipped overseas and can be replicated by computers and the life, so it is pushing us into a new phase ruled by the Conceptual Worker. These workers are more artistic, intuitive, and creative with skills that cannot be exported or replicated. So follow your instincts, not the market if you are considering going back to school.
There are also a great deal of certificate programs, executive education programs, and other untraditional graduate-level learning courses available that are worth looking into if the ‘piece of paper’ isn’t the main thing you are after.
Why all this talk about school?
Because today’s economic climate has resulted in a huge spike in returning students with no where else to turn. With such high rates of unemployment, many people are seeking the X Factor skills, the skills that will make them invaluable and in-disposable within an organization. Yet being sure that your skills, your passion, and your gut instinct are all aligned for this major decision is important, otherwise you could become just another MBA graduate who is overqualified for entry-level work, underqualified as a mid-career professional, and perfectly qualified for Knowledge Worker ‘work’ that has already been shipped overseas.
So proceed with caution, passion, and a whole lot of instinct. Best of luck to all currently in graduate school, those considering going, and those who have made it through! And remember that social values, environmental justice, and economic equity are not so far off for some ‘business’ schools out there, so take time to find just the right match to lead you toward your goals.
Get Ionizied for Cleaning
Meet the Ionator. With one spray, your average tap water becomes a charged cleaning agent ready to take on lotion, grease, and bacteria anywhere in your home or office.
Simply fill the bottom with tap water, click it into place and you are ready for some heavy duty cleaning! You shoot the water out like a spray gun, then rub down the surface with a microfiber cloth (preferably) and Viola! Clean as a whistle. So how does it work? When you shoot the spray it runs through an area that electrically charges the water. Next, it is “ionized” meaning it goes through an ion exchange membrane that results in positively and negatively charged nanobubbles. Then once the water squirts out, it lifts dirt up (a la ions…kind of) just like a positive and negative magnet. Then your towel enters the picture, wipes away the water that has attracted all the dirt to keep those surfaces looking and actually being clean. Now what about those icky germs? This ionized water kills 99.9% of harmful germs when applied correctly. How about that? No chemicals that are harsh on us and our environment, just plan old ionized water to the rescue.
Don’t Believe Me? Ask Bill Nye, The Science Guy.
Now the ins and outs of nanobubbles, ionization, and dirt and water being mangnetically attracted to one another may be a stretch for most of us. So let Bill Nye, The Science Guy, help de-mystify how it works. He made an excellent video that goes into perfect scientific detail (for grade school students…smart grade school students that is) on just how this contraption works. Its so cool, you may find yourself watching the whole video just to learn more!
What’ll it Cost Me?
Well, take two major things into account. First, this will replace almost all of your other household cleaners for about 5 years. Second, this is new technology so just like the first iPod, it will cost you a little bit more. One Ionator runs for under $200 in the U.S. with most retailers coming in around $170. Now think off the variety of toxic products you buy to clean your house. The ones that claim to “Kill 99.9% of All Bacteria”, now take out these toxic products and replace them with this single machine that can do all of their jobs without threatening your respiratory health. If you have kids or pets at home, this green product can help keep everyone safe, especially during fragile developmental stages.
All in all this is a really unique product. I have witnessed its cleaning magic and tested it to the max: note that it does not remove 20 year old adhesives or mysterious carpet stains; also note that the water tastes delicious, and was even able to clean up thick body lotion. A Minnesota-based eco-retail store, Moss Envy, uses this throughout their entire store to clean shelves, products, clean up messes left behind by the little ones, and remove grease from stainless steel. So get activated, get ionated, and find out what this product can do for you!
You Down With OCA?
Ever feel lost with the information-mania about organics, ethical consumption, and social issues? With so many ‘think tanks’, NGOs, NPOs, and businesses cashing in on the environmental revolution of the 21st Century, it can be hard to differentiate solid information from one-sided propaganda. One organization that can help you sift through the info-polluted soil is the Organic Consumers Association (OCA). It is a non-profit organization that campaigns for health, justice, and sustainability.
Number 1 reason to visit? Solid information.
The OCA was formed in 1998 amidst the organic standards debate that seemed to favor industrial organic-types and cut corners in the eyes of veteran organic farmers. From that day forward, the OCA has organized many campaigns, collected and conducted research in the field of sustainability that includes ecological and social issues, and successfully fought legislation and companies aiming to diminish or downgrade organic standards and in many cases the standard of living in the U.S., where it is based, as well as abroad.
So I welcome you to dig-in to their site on food issues especially to learn what the organic take is on growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), raw milk, and to demystify the meaning of ‘biodynamic’.
Happy Reading!
U.S.: Epic Fail?
This past week marked a sad day on the calendar for the United States. For those individuals focuses on sustainable living and making a difference, kudos to you for pursueing this despite a lack of national leadership. The United States failed to pass Climate Legislation, the most favored was a cap-and-trade system, this year. After Copenhagen’s Climate Summit left emotions reeling, there are a few trends to note. First, the business portion of the Summit was bombarded with signatures and declarations. Second, there was a distinct difference in the way Kyoto signers and Non-Kyoto Signers approached the conversation. Lastly, there is now a lasting sentiment of disappointment and in some cases international disdain for the United States’ lack of nation-wide action onClimate Change on a Federal level.
Is the U.S. A Climate Villain?
Yes and No. The United States is responsible for 25% of thegreenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis. This past month marked the first time China has surpassed the U.S. in energy usage, of course they also have a population that would morph the U.S. so it doesn’t keep them off the hook. The most proactive forces in the U.S. on Climate Change outside of advocacy groups have been state and local governments who inividually passed the Kyoto protocol and created the Chicago Climate Exchange as well as Government Agencies who are working to address the issue with or without legislative action. For instance the weatherization of homes that is being undertaken is going to significantly reduce energy usage nationwide, and since building inefficiencies are the single largest contributor to the U.S.’s emissions, this is important.
The real villain’s in this case are the politicians themselves.
With little to no discussion about climate issues, and more uncivilized cattiness surrounding the “debate” or lack there of, the true leaders had quite a road ahead of them. The fact that a few bills were formed is impressive given the concerted effort to continue to deny climate change’s anthropogenic source and to be accountable and responsible for the piece of the pie the U.S. makes up. No piece of U.S. legislation is perfect. It is touched by so many hands, special interests, and ‘deals’ that are irrelevant to the real legislation that the water-downed and battered version of a bill is at times utterly disgusting. Politicians who are supposed to be Civil Servants seem to have completely evaded that responsibility to pursue personal interests and gains.
The unfortunate part about this is two-fold.
First, the United States has once again failed to be a leader in the Climate Change arena, despite being its biggest negative contributor. Second, the United States will not feel, understand, nor suffer the consequences of climate change to the same extent as third world nations who minimally contribute to anthropogenic sourced climate change.
What we do know is that each of us through our personal actions, our professional life, and our political decisions can help guide better and more ethical decision-making into the future. Hopefully the disagreement next legislative term won’t be “if” something should be done on a national-scale, but instead “how” and “how soon”. If those questions come from a more honest place of understanding what sustainable living truly means and what being part of a global society really requires, then there is all the hope in the World to be had.
If not, then we better each use our individual voices and decisions to help create that world and environment if those representing us haven’t the sense, ethics, nor respect for all life on Earth to do so.
Photo Credit: Chris Madden.
Consumer Purchases are Getting Tracked Down…at Home?
Beam me up Scottie, Track me Down, and Scan me in. Let’s take a look at new devices that companies are using to track their inventory and possibly their customers. This week Wal-Mart released their intent to use the newest take on RFIDtags for tracking purposes.
RFIDs of the Past?
In case you missed the first privacy outrage over RFIDs, here is the low down. They are essentially tracking devices used on products, animals, and people that use radio waves to transmit locations, also know as Radio-Frequency IDenitification (RFID). Stores starting using these to help with supply chain management as well as to study consumer behaviors in stores. Simply put the item in your cart and your movements can be tracked throughout an RFID-enabled store. So if Mom puts dish soap in her cart, they may find the most common thing after that is laundry detergent and so and so forth.
When RFIDs hit the market, there were a great deal of privacy concerns for consumers. Shoppers felt like guinea pigs in an experiment they didn’t volunteer to participate in all in the name of business. Supply chain management in terms of ordering, shipping, and transporting the goods didn’t run into too many privacy issues. So many companies overrode consumer concern and proceeded with RFID tags that would not be disabled once consumers made their purchase. Once the consumer is out of range, the RFID tag is meaningless, so they claimed there was no future harm for the customer.
Electronic Tags of the Future.
Enter Wal-Mart. The anomaly of a company has now jumped on the RFID tag wagon with a newer electronic version. First it is inserted during manufacturing on removable labels, then the items are scanned in to provide an inventory of sizes, colors, and other relevant information. Within the store, the rows of product are scannable, making it easy to keep track of inventory and when supplies are low. Then when a customer purchases the item and brings it home, they throw out the tag with the electronic chip. Viola!
My Risks as a Consumer
First and foremost, there are major privacy concerns again. In the extreme case, the Wall Street Journal found that there was concern over unethical marketers and criminals would scan consumer’s garbage to understand their consumer choices. Do you really want the company to come home with you? From an ethical consumption standpoint, the issue of waste arises as well. Can we really ethically say that creating an excessive amount of waste just to better manage our supply chains and reduce employee theft is fair? Especially when the creators of the waste don’t typically manage or deal with that waste?
Large retail businesses and technology firms are touting this product as a must, and once Wal-Mart buys in, the price will be reduced to nearly nothing at all. But is the non-monetary price worth it? More mining for parts, increased labor in regions where there are little to no standards enforced, and an excessive amount of ewaste that they suggest be put in the landfill when it is borderline e-waste. Perhaps privacy shouldn’t be our only concern…
For more information, read the article in the Wall Street Journal.
Can a Swooner Create a Sustainable Brand?
Who has donated nearly $300 million dollars to charities since 1982 with a foolproof eco-investment? The same gentleman who stunned us in The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke and The Color of Money. That’s right Paul Newman, Founder of Newman’s Own. This movie star from Shaker Heights, Ohio truly believed in investing in people and making a difference. Not wowed by the consumerism across Hollywood, Newman created Newman’s Own food company along with the Newman’s Own Foundation. Since 1982, he has donated every cent of post-tax profit and royalties to charity, now that’s social entrepreneurship and investment at its best!
The company is truly one in a million when it comes to this type of success and philanthropy. Newman’s philosophy was all his own, with disregard for market and economic conventions. His original vision was to create some salad dressings in antique wine bottles with handmade labels and see what happened. Expecting a loss in financials but a rise in creativity, Newman dug in, and so did the American consumer. Shocked by their success, they stayed true to their mission of ‘good food’ leaving the additives and fillers out of their dressings and food products.
Then in 1993, Newman’s daughter, Nell, created Newman’s Own Organics with the slogan “Great Tasting Products That Happen to Be Organic.” But don’t let this casual motto underplay their dedication and great work in the field of organic food. Branching into its own company in 2000, Newman’s Own Organics is certified by Oregon Tilth and the majority of products are kosher. Their products have expanded from food, dressings, and snack foods to also include their own line of pet food.
Similar to the Slow Money Movement, Newman’s Own is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit can raise up again and again to create a more simple and just system for business economics. Monetary profits are the only thing that make a difference in the success of a business, and for Newman’s Own their donation of all post-tax profits are exactly what keep them in business.
So next time you slop on Newman’s Own dressing, know that you are helping support charities and an ethical business model simply by eating good food. Not such a bad deal, eh?
