http://greenbusinesschamber.com The Green Business Chamber of Commerce is a service provided by many Chambers throughout the country. In order to join you simply need to fill out THIS FORM and a participating Chamber that is located closest to you will contact you with information about membership. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:34:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/28/worlds-first-all-electric-locomotive-has-over-1000-batteries-runs-24-hours-on-a-single-charge http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/28/worlds-first-all-electric-locomotive-has-over-1000-batteries-runs-24-hours-on-a-single-charge Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:34:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/28/worlds-first-all-electric-locomotive-has-over-1000-batteries-runs-24-hours-on-a-single-charge Norfolk Southern NS 999 Electric Locomotive Norfolk Southern [...]]]>
Norfolk Southern NS 999 Electric Locomotive Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern is the latest company to push a piece of heavy industrial machinery into green territory with their 100% electric NS 999 locomotive. The zero-emissions train makes use of 1,080 12-volt batteries that allows it to run for 24 hours on a single charge--all while carrying the same load as a conventional locomotive.

CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/26/wal-mart-an-example-of-an-environmentally-conscious-business http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/26/wal-mart-an-example-of-an-environmentally-conscious-business Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:13:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/26/wal-mart-an-example-of-an-environmentally-conscious-business
But for the practical shopper, Wal-Mart is a good bet. This company is [...]]]>
But for the practical shopper, Wal-Mart is a good bet. This company is also on the forefront of environmental awareness and has implemented programs to move aggressively in a green direction. There are lessons to be learned from the Wal-Mart business model and the green goals that they define very precisely.
Wal-Mart has three goals, which were initially established in 2005:

Goal #1 – Be supplied 100% by renewable energy

Goal #2 – Create zero waste

Goal #3 – Sell products that sustain people and the environment

Regarding the company’s ambitious green program, Michael Duke, President and Chief Executive Officer states, “’Sustainability 360’ is what we call the approach that has guided the expansion of our efforts. It’s a company-wide emphasis on integrating sustainability into our business by engaging the Wal-Mart’s associates, suppliers, communities and customers. Together, our goal is to make an even bigger difference in people’s lives, in our businesses, and in the communities that we touch around the world.”
This is not a stand-alone issue that is separate from or unrelated to the business of Wal-Mart and it’s not an abstract or philanthropic program either. The company doesn’t view this as a corporate social responsibility, which is interesting, but Wal-Mart builds sustainability into their business, because it is actually good for their business.

The Green Business Chamber website has stated that green business programs can be good for business and, based on its recent “Sustainability Report”, Wal-Mart is proving that to be very true.

For example, by using more renewable energy, reducing waste and selling sustainable products Wal-Mart has managed to take costs out of their system. This translates into lower costs to customers, which then translates into more customers.
The company has invested heavily in solar and wind energy in Mexico, Canada and the U.S. toward the goal of being supplied 100% by renewable energy.

The company goal of zero waste has already resulted in a 57% reduction in waste, which would normally go to landfill.

Sustainability, in the words of Sam Walton, has really helped “our people make the difference” in their own lives and in their communities. Whether it’s compact fluorescent light bulbs or organic milk, the company has helped make sustainability affordable and accessible to its customers and members. These products which contribute to sustainability should not be out of reach cost-wise to customers, so the company strives to level the field in this regard.

Despite the fact that we are going through tough times and most companies are cutting back, Wal-Mart has remained committed to their sustainability program and is actually expanding their efforts worldwide. This is a green business program on a grand scale and it is proving beneficial to Wal-Mart as a business and to their customers in cost savings.

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/24/mariott-unveils-a-prototype-green-hotel http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/24/mariott-unveils-a-prototype-green-hotel Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:26:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/07/24/mariott-unveils-a-prototype-green-hotel
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a voluntary rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). [...]]]>
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a voluntary rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED-certified buildings are designed to meet environmental goals including reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy and water and lowering operating costs.

Read the entire TECHCRUCH story here.

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/06/11/is-green-business-an-oxymoron http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/06/11/is-green-business-an-oxymoron Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:35:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/06/11/is-green-business-an-oxymoron
More recently scientists have discovered a floating island of trash in the Pacific Ocean estimated to be somewhere in size between Texas and the continental United States. This mass of trash consists primarily of plastic, which doesn’t biodegrade. It photo degrades and does break down into smaller particles, but it never actually goes away. Plastic kills sea life and even when broken down into small particles passes through various forms of sea life and eventually to fish that we eat. Evidence indicates that there may be a connection to various health problems in humans as a result.

Despite our “throw-away” culture, it’s childish to think that what we throw away will simply cease to exist. Some people and some industries are like a kid who sticks his chewing gum under his desk. Out of sight, out of mind. There is no excuse for this kind of irresponsibility. It’s our job to take care of the earth without resorting to counterproductive and foolish extremes.

But there are extremes in every movement. A famous female entertainer recently claimed on TV to use only one square of toilet paper in order to save the environment. (Don’t dwell on that one.) A well-intentioned scientist changed the diet of test cows to cut down on bovine flatulence (gas), which some think is destroying the planet. He could have used that methane gas productively by hooking his cow to an outdoor barbeque. What a waste of a natural resource.

The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland reversed all the environmental benefits of riding a bike to work, feeding cows Beano, and saving toilet paper. In fact, all of our efforts in cutting down on greenhouse gases were destroyed in one volcanic blast. But look at Mt. St. Helens today. It’s recovered. The earth has bounced back from volcanic destruction centuries before college kids discovered trees.

Some are overly concerned about carbon dioxide - the gas that we exhale. You can easily spot these folks. They tend to be blue. They’re blue because they’re holding their breath to avoid producing carbon dioxide and a rise in sea levels. They’ve forgotten that plants and trees feed on carbon dioxide. They might actually help the environment if they went outside and exhaled on a Geranium.

Then we have the geniuses who want to use corn as fuel, which encourages people in third world countries to clear-cut rain forests in order to grow corn and make a quick buck. Ironically, the forest soil left after the land has been cleared can’t support corn crops and is rapidly washed away by the tropical rains. So now the world has lost a valuable natural resource and a source for much of our medicine while attempting to produce fuel to drive cars to a mall where fertile farmland has been covered in concrete. Pogo once said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

We need to be aware of the motivations of those who stoke the fires of the global warming and the man-made climate change hysteria in an effort to alter the world’s economic environment under a green banner. Does any thinking person believe that the cap and trade program is actually intended to save the environment rather than a program designed to transfer wealth on a global scale? Isn’t it obvious that the environmental movement has evolved into a religion that is anti-capitalist; anti-business and maybe even anti-human?

So the question is this: Can a business owner support aspects of the “green agenda” without being sucked into full-blown radical environmentalism? The answer is “yes”.

It is possible to be environmentally responsible without the hubris to think man has more power than solar activity in effecting climate change. It may be a slippery slope and somewhat tricky in today’s politically correct culture, but it is possible to be conscientious about the environment without trading brains for tofu. And it can actually be good for your business and decrease the actual cost of doing business, but discernment is critical.

The Green Business Chamber supports responsible business practices that contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. We think this is eminently important. Applied intelligently, these practices can also contribute to a healthier bottom line for your business. So join us onboard the Green Business Chamber.


]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/04/14/the-amish-a-true-green-lifestyle http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/04/14/the-amish-a-true-green-lifestyle Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:54:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/04/14/the-amish-a-true-green-lifestyle
Here’s the scene: A small caravan of buggies pulls into a [...]]]>
Here’s the scene: A small caravan of buggies pulls into a town filled with tourists and the Amish are met with taunts from some young thugs, who relish the fact that the Amish won’t retaliate. Although he is dressed as an Amish farmer, Ford isn’t Amish, and he losses his cool, redefining the perception of the Amish in the eyes of the tourists in the immediate vicinity and blessing one loud mouth with a bloody nose.

You may also picture a barn raising project with men all working in coordination to build a barn in one day, while the women in long dresses prepare meals outside on long wooden tables. There is something very appealing about their lifestyle, their value system and their morality. It also seems to be the ultimate green lifestyle.

The Amish are basically hard working farmers with an exceptionally strong sense of community. But they also build their own furniture and today their hand-crafted products are available on the retail market. They are exceptional craftsmen with a belief in perfection in their work.

Their furniture, for example, is made from solid hardwood. They don’t use veneers, plywood or filler wood. Their furniture is built to be sturdy and durable; not extravagant or flimsy. The Amish primarily use solid maple, oak, and cherry wood with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.

The wood they use comes from protected forest with strict limitations on the amount allowed to be cut. This is to insure that there will always be enough wood and that the forests will be protected from deforestation.

This is a very brief glimpse into the Amish and their craftsmanship, but it also paints a picture of a group of people who live close to the earth; who depend on the earth and its regenerative powers for their sustenance, while in the process carefully preserving these valuable resources for themselves and their children.

Theirs is truly a green culture and a great example of a green business model.


by Ralph Higgins
ralphhiggins.com
jralphhiggins@gmail.com



]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/04/14/ruminations-april-2010 http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/04/14/ruminations-april-2010 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:50:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/04/14/ruminations-april-2010
We need clean water, breathable air and [...]]]>
We need clean water, breathable air and safe food. We are supposed to be stewards of the earth, but we haven’t done a very good job. Unfortunately our attempts at cleaning up the environment have been counterproductive in many cases. In a strange way there is humor in some of the techniques put in practice by our “best and brightest” scientists. Let's get to the cows.

The Telegraph from the U. K. had a series of interesting articles on the study of cows and their production of methane gas. Methane gas is considered a potent greenhouse gas said to be 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide, although methane gas tends to get less attention.

Cows have a unique system of four stomachs and their cud is called “rumen”, hence the term “rumination”. A cow’s slow digestive system makes the bovine a key producer of methane gas. The latest from the scientific community is an interesting and perhaps even ridiculous experiment. Scientists connect plastic tanks, almost as large as the cow itself, to the back of cows in order to collect methane gas. Forget how they hook it up, but aside from looking ridiculous, this huge tank on top of a cow could present a danger to smokers in the vicinity. I wouldn’t be surprised if each farm involved in this experiment would be required to have a fire marshal on the premises.

Argentine researchers claim that the methane from cows contributes 30% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Since Argentina is one of the largest beef producers in the world with more than a few cows grazing contently on pampas grasslands, this could be an explosive situation.

Some scientists are putting cows on a diet of clover and alfalfa instead of grain. This is said to reduce methane emissions by 25%. Other scientists are breeding cows that burp less to reduce greenhouse gas and global warming. So far no one has thought to put Beano in the feed bins.

If cows are this bad for the environment, perhaps we have the answer to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Dinosaurs are huge. Methane gas is explosive. One lightening strike would do it. But it may not be all bad news when it comes to the hapless cow. Chinese scientists say that livestock may be good for the environment, because cows grazing on grass lands may reduce nitrous oxide, which is another greenhouse gas. This gas is produced in grasslands where happy cows graze.

You may be familiar with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas used by dentists. I remember sharing this stuff with my dentist friend. We were both laughing until he drilled the wrong tooth. And could it be that Laughing Cow cheese comes from those giggling cows exposed to nitrous oxide? I’m getting carried away here…

Obviously more research is required on the subject of methane gas. In the meantime enjoy your burger, but spit out the lettuce.


by Ralph Higgins
ralphhiggins.com
jralphhiggins@gmail.com

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/03/11/new-member-tools-coming-soon http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/03/11/new-member-tools-coming-soon Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:57:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/03/11/new-member-tools-coming-soon CONTACT US.

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/03/11/baker-county-florida-chamber-of-commerce http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/03/11/baker-county-florida-chamber-of-commerce Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:53:00 +0000 GBC http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/03/11/baker-county-florida-chamber-of-commerce

Soon you will see participating members showcased right here through the Green Business Chamber of Commerce.


]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/01/12/walnut-creek-chamber-of-commerce-launches-going-green-program-for-members http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/01/12/walnut-creek-chamber-of-commerce-launches-going-green-program-for-members Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:58:00 +0000 http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2010/01/12/walnut-creek-chamber-of-commerce-launches-going-green-program-for-members
If you have any questions or would like to join the program please contact:

Patty Lugton
Walnut Creek Chamber
(925) 934-2007


The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce which is located in Contra Costa County, California has launched a formal Going Green program for their members.

If you have any questions or would like to join the program please contact:

Patty Lugton
Walnut Creek Chamber
(925) 934-2007

plugton@walnut-creek.com
www.Walnut-Creek.com

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/21/the-feather-river-college-sife-team-has-joined-the-effort-of-the-green-business-chamber http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/21/the-feather-river-college-sife-team-has-joined-the-effort-of-the-green-business-chamber Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:08:00 +0000 http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/21/the-feather-river-college-sife-team-has-joined-the-effort-of-the-green-business-chamber What We Do For Donors

The Feather River College (FRC) SIFE program provides students with an array of business development skills that are used to improve commerce for our member businesses and increase the awareness of the importance of being wise custodians of our planets resources.

We support business enterprise and [...]]]>
What We Do For Donors

The Feather River College (FRC) SIFE program provides students with an array of business development skills that are used to improve commerce for our member businesses and increase the awareness of the importance of being wise custodians of our planets resources.

We support business enterprise and offer our business supporters with a great deal of benefits.

These benefits include our Going Green Program that helps our participating businesses message their services professionally through the Internet and promote their commitment to going green with a full plane designed to save money through energy conservation and recycling programs.


Who We Are

Feather River College Club students leverage their classroom experience, the expertise of their faculty advisor and business advisory board, and the resources of their university to develop projects that empower people to live better lives.

Their projects address a variety of topics, such as market economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, personal success skills, environmental sustainability and business ethics. Rather than mandating a uniform set of projects, teams are encouraged to work within the framework of these topics while adapting their approach to the diverse needs of people in different communities. They help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success, equip the unemployed with skills to find productive employment, teach families how to gain financial security, and bring economic development to struggling neighborhoods.

The result is a program that is global in scope and purpose with the flexibility and responsiveness of a community-based organization.

The culmination of the Club program is an annual series of competitions that provide a forum for teams to present the results of their projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. Teams compete first at the regional and national levels, then at the international level when the national champion teams from each country meet at the Club World Cup.

When all is said and done, Club teams' projects benefit the students as much as communities they serve, and a healthy spirit of competition helps focus students’ talents and builds a culture of excellence.

Leadership and Careers

Our leadership and career initiatives are designed to foster an environment for personal and professional development among the participants as the placement of students and alumni with companies that support Club.

Career Connections

The Club program prepares university students for the real world by challenging them to address real world problems today. As Club students go about the process of organizing their team, developing community outreach projects and participating in a series of competitive events, they develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills that set them apart from the average university student. It’s the reason so many top companies have identified Club as a leading source of effective, responsible business talent.

Our career connections initiatives are intended to enhance the connection between Club students and alumni and Club donor companies. These initiatives are typically organized at the national level, and depending on the country, involve a variety of activities such as career fairs held in conjunction with Club events, online job postings, career publications and other exclusive content and resources.

Leadership Connections

Club activities and events take place all over the world and provide ideal opportunities for the students, faculty and executives that participate in Club to interact. Our leadership programs are developed to further improve upon this connectivity and provide even greater opportunities for Club participants to connect, collaborate and learn from one another. One of the most popular of these programs has been the Top-to-Top and Top-to-Future-Top series. The Top-to-Top Forum allows corporate leaders to participate in roundtable discussions about relevant business topics while the Top-to-Future-Top Forum extends the format by including student leaders in the discussion.

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/02/add-your-chamber-to-the-network http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/02/add-your-chamber-to-the-network Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:04:00 +0000 Richard Scully http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/02/add-your-chamber-to-the-network
Please CLICK HERE to learn more. [...]]]>
Please CLICK HERE to learn more.

]]> http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/01/green-business-chamber-launches-national-network-of-chambers-of-commerce http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/01/green-business-chamber-launches-national-network-of-chambers-of-commerce Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:33:00 +0000 http://greenbusinesschamber.com/blog/2009/12/01/green-business-chamber-launches-national-network-of-chambers-of-commerce
Going Green is not only a big deal for most businesses, but to be able to promote their position locally through their own Chamber of Commerce... then without extra effort promote themselves [...]]]>
Going Green is not only a big deal for most businesses, but to be able to promote their position locally through their own Chamber of Commerce... then without extra effort promote themselves on a national basis through the Green Business Chamber solves a lot of complex marketing issues.

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