Volume 3 Issue 9 - September 2007
Welcome to DestinationGreen!
Hello from Beijing!
In this issue, DestinationGreen reflects on the famous Margaret Mead quote: “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world...” This line has never meant quite as much to me as it does now, as
I am in China as part of an IFMA Facility Management delegation trying to lay the foundation for Green Cleaning in China.
China is filled with amazing business opportunities evidenced by the extraordinary amount of construction underway. But the unintended consequences resulting from overlooking the potential negative health and environmental impacts of that growth can not only limit their growth, but have global impacts that will affect people around the globe.
While our efforts are obviously international, we still acknowledge the importance of those small groups of citizens across the United States that we feel are indeed changing the world. Improving the health of our population by implementing Green Cleaning practices is connected directly to the well-being of our society. We can see this evidence quite clearly while visiting a country that is being challenged to do so. But, we are more focused with the opportunities to help China change business-as-usual and embrace the Green Movement.
So as I enjoy this fascinating trip, filled with promise for China's future, we want to salute you all back in the States, that are doing what you can - in your own small groups - to make the world a better place.
As always, we encourage you to share your personal and professional strategies for “Going Green” with us for future columns. Submit them to editor@destinationgreen.com.
Green Selling Tip: Conducting Green Cleaning Educational Seminars (Part 2 of 3)
This is the second installment of a 3 part series of articles on marketing your company (and yourself) by conducting an educational seminar on Green Cleaning. In this series we’ll cover the key topics for a successful event including developing invitee lists (which include the real decision-makers), selecting speakers, co-sponsorships, supplier participation, greening the event, and more. To read Part II, click here.
Expert Insight: Darrell Rogers, Director of Facility Services, San Diego Community College District
A lot of you reading DestinationGreen may have yet to begin your Green Cleaning program, or perhaps have potential clients that are contemplating starting a green cleaning program. This month's interview with Darrell Rogers, Director of Facility Services for the San Diego Community College District, may shed some light for those considering beginning a program, and ease the fears of your potential customers. Rogers and the SDCCD recently began their program, and have
good news to share.
How to Easily GREEN Your Stay
During the Upcoming Conference Season
While you are attending conferences - please keep these green practices in mind!
A simple list of simple things to do - that if we all can make a habit of, will do a world of good.
Ashkin Group News: Steve Ashkin's candidacy has been approved for the Board of Directors of the USGBC!
To get a rep from the cleaning industry on the US Green Building Council Board of Directors, we encourage you to cast a vote for Steve Ashkin!
Ashkin has also been appointed to the Commission on Sustainability for the City of Bloomington, Indiana. We encourage all of you in the cleaning industry to get involved locally, as we all have so much to bring to the table.
Green News Roundup: This Month's Top Headlines
More Companies Want Outsource Vendors to Green Operations: Survey Thinking of Going Green and offering Green Products? This recent study says it has become not only a socially-conscious, "good idea" - but an excellent way to position yourself above the others in the marketplace. Read more here.
|
Businesses Embracing Green Procurement, Survey Finds ...and in this survey from EyeForProcurement, half of U.S. companies are now greening their supply chain, and nearly unanimous that this procurement will continue to steadily increase. Great news for all of us involved with Green Cleaning from the sales side as well as the end user. Read More Here
|
The Doctor Is In: Sustainability Reporting for Corporate Health U.S. companies are now improving thier "social and environmental health" to not only "do the right thing" - but also to please stockholders - as they turn out to be green purchasers as well!
Read more. |
Don't Bite the Dust
House dust appears to be the biggest source of hormone-perturbing agents known as PBDEs, and effective cleaning could be part of the solution. This Science News article tells how both children and adults - as well as pets - are unknowingly ingesting substantial amounts of these harmful chemicals.
Read more. |
Getting the Goods on Green Celebs We will conclude our news links with a fun, interesting article on the Lifestyles of the Rich, Famous, and Green. Admit it, we all like to talk about celebrities! So, indulge yourself with this LA Times article.
Read the entire article here.
|
Green Group of the Month: 2007 Campus Sustainability Leadership Award Winners
For the month of September, we would like to salute the 2007 Campus Sustainability Leadership Award recipients from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
Yes, we are selecting all four as our "Green Group of the Month" as we feel they all demonstrate the ingenuity and drive we seek to spotlight.
The Ashkin Group Calendar of Events
Click below for The Ashkin Group's schedule of upcoming events and presentations.
