Concord Monitor: Green Up Your Act

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 28, 2007

Your girlfriend’s driving a hybrid, your grandmother’s doing yoga and your neighbor keeps giving you sad looks when you bring those clinking bags of trash to the curb. You’re starting to think you’d like to join the Earth love-fest, but you’re not even sure what you’d bring in trade for those “Fair Trade” bags of coffee at the grocery store. Here are some ideas to start you down the road to ecological dexterity.

CHEAT SHEET:

Organic: According to the Organic Trade Association, the term organic describes a system of farming that “maintains and replenishes soil fertility” without using toxic pesticides and fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering or other forbidden practices. Organic foods are also “minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.”

Carbon neutral: An ideal state in which your habits net no damage to the climate. To achieve carbon neutrality, a person calculates his or her carbon emissions (there are numerous websites to help in this endeavor), then “offsets” them with practices like planting trees and donating to green organizations.

SRI: Socially Responsible Investing. Selecting financial investments based on social, environmental and/or ethical criteria.

Fair Trade: A movement that aims to ensure fair wages for small farmers (mainly coffee producers in developing countries) who, in turn, agree to grow their crops with respect to the environment.

Closing the Loop: According to the website earth911.org, this is “a term used to describe the last and most important step in the recycling process. It refers to the point when a consumer buys a recycled product after it has been put into a recycling program and reprocessed into a new item.”

Global Warming: The warming of the near surface temperature of the Earth due to increased emissions of greenhouse gases.

REQUIRED SKIMMING:

Conspicuous Consumption by Thorstein Veblen

Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson

Ecotopia: The Notebooks and Reports of William Weston, by Ernest Callenbach

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau

The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss

TO-DO LIST

Put a bin beside your desk for paper that’s printed on only one side. Reuse it for phone messages, memos and those origami masterpieces you make during company meetings.

Tune up the old bicycle and ride it to work once a week. Laugh at the poor shlubs heading to the gym at the end of the day.

Start a book or magazine exchange among co-workers, friends or whomever might enjoy your recycled issues of Ferrets Monthly.

Treat yourself to a hip cookbook such as Fresh Choices: Easy Recipes for Pure Food When You Can’t Buy 100% Organic, and throw an impressive dinner party.

Yeah, um, you gotta start recycling.

Do a home energy audit and make a game out of cutting back your consumption (think candlelight dinners).

Join a volunteer organization such as the Audubon Society or the Sierra Club, see if your town or church has an environmental committee you can serve on or just go pick up some stinkin’ litter.

ECO EATS

The organic food trend can be overwhelming - not to mention expensive. But you can navigate the “crunchy” section of the grocery store with confidence if you have a plan.

Buy only sale items, for instance, or look for items that serve double or triple duty, such as fair trade hot chocolate: it’s organic, helps poor farmers and tastes way better than the cheap stuff (even if it doesn’t have mini marshmallows).

If you need more guidance, check out consumerreport.org’s analysis of all things organic or hang out in the health-food aisle until a cute hippie comes along.

Try going meatless one or two days a week. Whip up a homey batch of baked beans or indulge in a gooey pb&j sandwich.

Think of food prep as a hobby instead of a chore. Block out a leisurely time slot for the Farmer’s Market, while away a Sunday afternoon pureeing and freezing squash and spend winter evenings plotting next year’s veggie garden.

LOOK THE PART:

Now that green has gone mainstream, you don’t have to wear dreadlocks and Birkenstocks to show your love for Mama Earth. Browse ecomall.com for everything from bamboo tank tops to hemp shoes or snag products like Burt’s Bees lotions and lip balms at your local drugstore. Better yet, hit the thrift shop for offbeat, recycled fashion.

Cloth shopping bags are all the rage, and they can (almost) make grocery shopping fun.

Try inventing your own body spritz by playing with various combinations of essential oils, available at natural food stores and some grocery and drug stores.

The Green Guide: Repair or Replace?

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 25, 2007

By Amanda MacMillan

As long as you’ve got electronics and appliances in your home, you’re inevitably going to be faced with a choice: Something breaks. Now what?

According to a 2005 Consumer Reports survey, Americans are repairing 16 percent fewer products—including high-cost items like television sets and refrigerators—than in 1997. The number of appliance-repairs shops has declined roughly 37 percent in 15 years while the number of electronics-repair shops has plummeted by 64 percent. So-called “e-waste”—computer monitors, televisions and other electronic waste—is the fastest growing portion of the U.S. waste stream. In 2005, electronics accounted for 2.63 million tons of waste—only 12.5 percent of which was recycled.

If you’re lucky enough to find a repair shop, it may seem that the best environmental option would be to hang on to old appliances and electronics for as long as possible. Along with the environmental impact of new-product production, there’s another concern: Many electronics contain heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), flame retardants and other toxic chemicals that can wash into waterways and pollute groundwater if sent to a landfill. But older products can be a big drain of household energy. “You need to consider buying a new product—which must be manufactured—or fixing your existing product, which may not be up to the latest energy standards,” says Greg Keoleian, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan.

From a price perspective, if the cost to repair a household appliance is more than half the price of a new product, advances in energy efficiency will generally make buying a newer model the cheaper choice. Based on these numbers and considering today’s more environmentally friendly technologies, here’s a guide to when you should repair or replace.

Washers

When Keoleian and his colleagues compared the average lifecycle of a washing machine (14 years) with the amount of water and emissions that could be saved by a newer model, they determined that even replacing a 2005 machine could have water-saving benefits. The reason: Water- and energy-saving technology continues to evolve as companies push beyond standards. It’s most important to replace top loaders with Energy Star-labeled new front loaders as soon as possible; although they’re generally more expensive, these models circulate clothes in a shallower pool of water, using less water and heat, and saving money in the long run. (Getting rid of a pre-1994 washer, for example, can save a family $110 a year on utility bills.) For models, see our Washing Machine Product Report.

Clothes Dryer

As long as your dryer has a moisture sensor (nearly all models in operation today should), it functions at about the same efficiency as current models, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. A dryer’s average life cycle is about 13 years, so if it’s possible to fix it during this time, try that first. When it is time to buy a new dryer, look for one with the sensor in the drum, as opposed to in the exhaust vent; it will shut off a little sooner and save slightly more energy. However, since dryers consume large amounts of energy, line drying or hanging your clothes on a rack is a better option. For dryers and drying racks, see Virtuous Cycles.

Refrigerators

New refrigerators consume 75 percent less energy than those produced in the late 1970s, and are even more efficient than models just six years old, Keoleian’s research has found. The newest federal standards went into effect in 2001—so if you need to make repairs on an older fridge, it’s worth getting a new one instead. When replacing your refrigerator, opt for a top-freezer configuration rather than a side-by-side, and make sure it’s Energy Star-certified. A new refrigerator should then last you about 14 years. And resist the urge to hold on to your old fridge or give it away, since inefficient old models can cost over $100 a year to run. Most communities have specific requirements for disposing of refrigerators and other large appliances; visit www.earth911.org for information in your area. For models, see our Refrigerator Product Report.

Dishwasher

Newer, more efficient dishwashers use less hot water, have energy-efficient motors and use sensors to determine the length of the wash cycle—making Energy Star models 25 percent more efficient than the minimum federal standards. This can mean a savings of $25 a year if you replace a pre-1994 machine. When shopping for a new dishwasher, choose one with a “light wash” or “energy saving” cycle—and expect to hang onto it for about 9 years, suggests the National Association of Home Builders. And remember that handwashing dishes is an inefficient alternative, generally wasting more water than dishwashers. For models, see our Dishwasher Product Report.

Air conditioners

Upgrading your window units to a more efficient model can cut energy bills by an average of $14 a year, estimates the Energy Star program. The most efficient room air conditioners have higher-efficiency compressors, fan motors and heat-transfer surfaces than previous models. Central ACs are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)—for which most 1992 to 2005 models score about a 10; older ACs have ratings of only 6 or 7. New minimum standards set in 2006 require current central-air units to have a SEER of at least 13. Because of the coolants used, old room-AC units need to be disposed of in hazardous waste facilities; old central units are usually disposed of by the contractor hired to install the new unit, but always ask ahead of time to ensure proper disposal.

Before you buy, however, consider alternatives such as ceiling fans, evaporative coolers (if you live in a dry climate), whole-house fans and landscaping or decorating changes, all of which can keep your home comfortable for a fraction of the cost (see Keep Your Cool With Less AC). For models, see our Air Conditioner Product Report.

Water heaters

If you have an electric heating system, you can achieve a 50 percent energy savings used by switching to a high-efficiency gas model. Gas heating systems can last for about 25 years but will operate for years at very low efficiency before they finally fail [but do they operate at low efficiency because of something that can be repaired?] ; if yours is more than 10 years old, it probably operates at less than 50 percent efficiency and deserves to be replaced. Consider a “demand,” or tankless, system, in which water is circulated through a large coil and heated only when needed. Although EnergyStar doesn’t certify these models, the government estimates that they can save between 45 and 60 percent of water heating energy and up to $1,800 a year when compared to standard, minimum-efficiency heaters.

Computers

“The manufacture of brand new computer models uses more than four times the energy and resources it would take to extend the life of an older machine for another few years, says Sheila Davis, executive director of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition—so it’s best to always repair it yours if possible. Memory can be added to slow computers (1-gig will run about $100 and you can install it yourself). But it’s important to consider the repair process, says Davis: Name brand computers often have proprietary parts and need to be shipped back to the manufacturer—or sometimes even overseas—to be fixed. “White box” computers, that is, generic models without name brand parts, can easily be upgraded at local computer stores, but warranties for them can be tricky. They come without software, and finding technical support may be difficult. White box models are available online or at large computer chains.

If you prefer a name-brand item, choose one with a strong takeback program that will guarantee your computer won’t end up in a landfill. Dell takes back all branded products for free; others accept new models or charge a small fee. Visit www.computertakeback.com/docUploads/Using_takeback_programsv7a.pdf for a comparison of most popular brands. As far as desktops versus laptops, it’s a toss-up: “Even though laptops are smaller, they often have just as many chemicals to dispose of,” says Davis. If you still have a large cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor, replace it with a flat-panel liquid crystal display: A 15-inch LCD screen uses about 18 watts of energy, as opposed to about 200 for CRT’s. For models, see our Computers Product Report.

Smaller electronics

It’s probably not financially practical to repair electronics such as printers, televisions, and digital cameras, but it’s best to keep them out of landfills. Before ditching them, always consult the instruction manual and consider contacting the manufacturer; sometimes they’ll provide repairs for a small fee. When they do need to be disposed of, visit www.greenerchoices.org for recycling options that won’t put toxic chemicals back into the environment. Cell phones, for example, are often reprogrammed and donated to women facing domestic violence (as a 911 lifeline), and chains such as Best Buy and Staples often sponsor collection drives for other broken electronics (see also www.eco-cell.org). Apple will take back iPods (as well as cellphones), offering a 10 percent discount towards your next purchase.

Resources

To recycle appliances, check with your local sanitation department or visit www.Earth911.org.

Repair Clinic: www.repairclinic.com

Point and Click Appliance Repair: www.pcappliancerepair.com

Philadelphia Weekly: Emerald City

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 25, 2007

The following is an excerpt from the “Waste” section of the article. 

Philly is famous for its waste. Famous internationally, in fact. Remember the barge of our incinerator ash we dumped illegally on a Haitian beach back in the ’80s? It took us more than a decade to finally take some responsibility for it. But we still have a waste problem at home.

Philadelphians don’t recycle. It’s just not in our DNA. At least not these days.

Ironically, around the time we hauled our ash to Haiti, Philly was at the forefront of what was then a new recycling movement. Wilson Goode, the mayor now best known for dropping a bomb on his own city, was the first to embrace recycling in Philly—or in any major U.S. city, says Maurice Sampson, Philly’s first recycling coordinator and a current recycling consultant.

Later administrations didn’t share Goode’s enthusiasm. And here we are two decades later, lagging behind almost every other city with a shameful recycling rate of less than 10 percent.

But all that’s gonna change, says Sampson, who’s been working with likely next mayor Michael Nutter on a plan to make the city a recycling leader again. Which is not to say we’ve made no progress over the last few years. The recent move to single-stream recycling gives Sampson some hope. But we’re still a long way from where we should be.

We’ve got a state-of-the-art recycling plant on Grays Ferry Avenue, Sampson says, so we have the capability to recycle about half of our collective waste stream. But the city’s not interested in maximizing that potential, he says, because the current administration thinks it’s too expensive.

The good news is Nutter doesn’t. “I’m optimistic,” says Sampson of our next mayor’s commitment to recycling.

Meantime, what, when and how to recycle remains a mystery to many Philadelphians, despite the city’s flashy new mailings attempting to answer these very questions. Since the way recycling is done still varies by neighborhood and sometimes even by block—and the city isn’t yet accepting plastic or cardboard—you might be better off hauling your recyclables to a neighborhood pickup spot.

This way, you can help out a deserving organization (which most likely gets paid for the recyclables it turns in) while helping save the environment. For a full list of where in your community you can dispose of everything from electronics to automotive fluids to fluorescent bulbs (as well as all seven different types of plastic bottles), go to earth911.org.

Or, if you’re a DIY type, you can take the saving-the-earth thing one step further by composting your kitchen and yard waste. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) offers ample resources for giving new life to your old garbage. You don’t need a yard or any special equipment to compost, says PHS’ Laura Beitman. All you need is a trash can with holes punched in the bottom, set inside another one with a lid. Compostable items include fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, grass and leaves (but no animal products, cooked foods or oils).

Beitman says, “The ratio of brown materials to green should be 30 parts of brown (carbon-rich) materials, to one part green (nitrogen-rich) materials. Browns include leaves, straw, wood chips and small twigs. Greens include grass and kitchen scraps.”

The keys to good composting, Beitman says, are air (“turn the pile once a day and let it breathe”), temperature (try to keep it between 90 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit) and moisture (40 to 60 percent moisture content is ideal). For more information, call PHS’ “Ask a Gardener” hotline at 215.988.8777 or go to www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org. (S.K.)

KLTV7: Animal Control Changes Ahead

Filed under: Pets 911 - September 25, 2007

9/25/2007
Animal Control Changes Ahead

We told you last night about the city of Tyler’s plan to move stray animals to a shelter in Cherokee County, ending their relationship with the Humane Society of Smith County. The city’s new partnership starts in less than a week, and plans are already in place to make finding your lost pets a lot easier.

“As it stands right now we are making trips for each animal we take,” said Shawn Markmann, Tyler Animal Control field supervisor.

Starting Monday Shawn and the other Tyler Animal Control Officers have a new destination for all 4400 animals they’ve picked up.

“If someone picks up on one side of town and someone else picks one up on the other side of town, we will put both those animals on the same truck and run them in one run,” said Shawn. “We are going to be making a couple rounds a day to the pound there.”

They are taking them to Klein Animal Shelter in Jacksonville.

Shelter supervisor Angela Wallace says it’s a temporary arrangement to get the City Of Tyler through this transitional phase.

“It’s going to be a big undertaking for us,” said Angela. “Every animal picked up in the city of Tyler comes here. We are going to take photographs and biographies of all those animals coming in from Tyler, as well as all of our current strays, and actually post those on the website so anybody can access those.”

On the adoption portal site, called “Pets 911“, people can look for pets lost in their area, or find a possible future pet.

“What this does is actually put these animals on our adoptive sites. They will post things within 10 minutes of us uploading them,” said Angela. “We will be doing those on a daily basis.”

“Those animals that are not adoptable through our programs, we have an very extensive transfer program and a breed specific rescue program that we are going to continue to develop,” said Angela.

However, the shelter does acknowledge that some of the animals won’t find new homes. Last year, the Humane Society said almost 75% of the animals brought in by Tyler Animal Control had to be put down. But Angela said they have ways to make sure that percentage does not go any higher.

“We are also hoping that the added foot traffic and added animal intake will increase our adoptions for people coming to try and find animals for their friends and families,” said Angela.

With this partnership still in it’s infancy, both Shawn and Angela say there will be much trial and error to work out. But in the end, they are ready. Tyler Animal Control also said since they will probably only make about two trips to Jacksonville, they are looking into temporary cages in Tyler to keep the animals before transferring them.

Danielle Capper, Reporting. dcapper@kltv.com

CSRwire: Cox Enterprises Launches CoxConserves.com

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 25, 2007

Corporate Social Responsibility Press Release

Provided by CSRwire
09/25/2007: Press Release from Cox Enterprises

(CSRwire) ATLANTA, GA September 25, 2007 — Cox Enterprises today announced the launch of CoxConserves.com, a website detailing the company’s environmental initiatives and offering tips on how anyone can become more environmentally friendly. Cox Conserves is a national corporate program that includes the company’s six major subsidiaries. The program enables and encourages Cox’s 80,000 employees and families to engage in eco-friendly practices that reduce energy use and promote sustainability.

Since 2000, Cox Enterprises has reduced its energy consumption by 10 percent while growing at nearly 12 percent a year. Building on this success, the goal of Cox Conserves is to reduce its energy consumption by an additional 20 percent by 2017.

“I’m really proud that our employees have responded so enthusiastically to Cox Conserves,” said Jim Kennedy, chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises. “Thanks to their commitment, we’ve developed some innovative solutions toward this goal. And now, with CoxConserves.com, we have a place to share these stories with our partners and customers. The site also has a lot of information and tips that remind us all that it’s the little steps we take to conserve the environment that together, can add up to a big difference.”

CoxConserves.com

The website highlights Cox’s environmental initiatives throughout the company and offers case studies on high-profile projects. Some of the information listed on the site includes:

98 percent of Cox’s fleet of 15,000-plus vehicles throughout the company are Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) or better. Cox has 300 E85 flex-fuel and 2,500 vehicles capable of running on BioDiesel in its fleet.

Cox’s largest automotive subsidiary, Manheim, recently opened a new state-of-the-art auto reconditioning center. During daily vehicle cleanings, the facility removes enough contaminants from the process water to allow the company to re-use almost 60 percent of the water. Manheim also exclusively uses waterborne basecoat painting at numerous locations to reduce air pollutants by 40 percent.

SP Newsprint Co., a general partnership equally owned by Cox Enterprises, McClatchy and Media General, recently completed $6.7 million in energy efficiency upgrades to its Clackamas paper recycling plant and Newberg newsprint plant in Oregon. This will reduce the company’s energy consumption by 57 million kilowatt hours annually, equivalent to the total amount of electricity used by nearly 5,800 homes each year.

Cox Radio is replacing disposable cups with reusable mugs in various locations. This keeps between 10,000 and 15,000 cups out of landfills in Long Island alone.

Cox Communications has created a teleworking program in Arizona that reduces the number of cars on the road. Currently, 225 employees participate in the program.

Cox Newspapers uses recycled newsprint for its 45 publications.

Cox Television’s WPXI reclaimed and revitalized a site that was a dump for construction debris decades earlier and constructed a green-friendly building for its main studio.

Cox Auto Trader connects consumers with cars that receive 30 miles per gallon or more through Auto Trader Green, the first classifieds publication focusing exclusively on fuel-efficient vehicles.

Cox offers a commuter program at its headquarters that includes discounted public transportation passes, shuttle services and hybrid vehicles that are available for checkout to eligible employees during the workday.

CoxConserves.com serves as a gateway to the many websites powered by Cox Newspapers and Cox Television that educate, inform and engage viewers and readers. The portals provide information on local environmental issues and initiatives.

The company is also exploring other initiatives that harness solar and wind power to further reduce its carbon footprint.

Along with offering eco-friendly tips for the home, office and travel, the site provides links to Cox’s environmental partners, such as The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Earth 911, Sierra Club, Trust for Public Land, Earth Share, Ducks Unlimited, PATH Foundation, World Wildlife Fund and The Conservation Fund, among others.

For more information about Cox Conserves, please visit www.coxconserves.com.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is one of the nation’s leading media companies and providers of automotive services with 2006 revenues of $13 billion and more than 80,000 employees. Major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, other advanced broadband services and Travel Channel); Cox Newspapers, Inc. (newspapers, local and national direct mail advertising including Valpak and customized newsletters); Cox Television (broadcast television stations, interactive website and television sales rep firms); Cox Radio, Inc. ([NYSE: CXR] broadcast radio stations and interactive websites); Manheim (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products) and Cox Auto Trader (automotive publications and majority ownership of AutoTrader.com).

North County Times: Residents Advised of Rip Currents, Urban Runoff

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 24, 2007

Strong rip currents and higher than normal surf are expected along North County beaches today, and beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water because of potential contamination after recent rain, authorities said.

The rip currents, brought on by south swell, will continue on local beaches through Sunday, the National Weather Service reported.

Meanwhile, the county health officials have issued advisories along the coast between San Clemente and the international border because rain may have washed urban runoff from sources such as animal waste, soil and decomposing vegetation into the surf, increasing the level of bacteria. Such advisories generally stay in place for 72 hours after rainfall.

For more information on water quality, call (619) 338-2073 or visit www.earth911.org.

Pets 911 and Apartments.com Partner to Showcase Pet-Friendly Rentals

Filed under: Pets 911, Press Releases - September 24, 2007

Scottsdale, AZ – The three scariest words for pet-loving apartment seekers are “No Pets Allowed,” however a new partnership between Pets 911 and Apartments.com can now help potential renters with pets easily find pet-friendly rental communities in their area.

Pets 911 is the national lost and found database for pets and is also one of the top pet adoption portals. Pets911.com is a national website that currently provides valuable information to pet owners, including locations of emergency clinics, veterinarians and shelters along with helpful advice on training, behavior and pet health. Its “Pet Friendly Living” section, through the partnership with Apartments.com, will provide a database of thousands of pet-friendly rental communities from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Recently, an Apartments.com survey to current renters indicated that more than 84 percent own a pet and more than 34 percent stated that it was very difficult to find an apartment that allowed their pet. Because of this, one of the top reasons pets are surrendered to shelters is due to owner relocation. The partnership between Pets 911 and Apartments.com hopes to reduce the number of pets surrendered to shelters by matching renters with pet friendly properties through an easy-to-use database organized by zip-code.

“There are millions of pet owners and millions of apartment-seekers in the U.S., so it makes sense to develop a service that serves both parties,” said Pets 911 CEO Jeffrey Rassás. “Pets 911 and Apartments.com will redefine the way that pet lovers look for their next apartment.”

“Apartments.com is dedicated to assisting renters in all aspects of their apartment search,” said Colleen Sloan, consumer marketing manager at Apartments.com. “Through this partnership, more renters will be able to find apartments that meet their specific, pet-friendly, search criteria.”

About Pets 911
The mission of Pets911.com is to provide a public service that will one day create an America where all pets are valued companions that have lifelong, loving homes. Since 1998, Pets 911 has brought together the nation’s premiere animal welfare organizations, local government animal control agencies, and animal service providers to create the most comprehensive resource for pet health and well-being on the web.

At any given time, Pets 911 includes listings for more than 30,000 adoptable pets at nearly 8,000 animal shelters, contact information for more than 6,000 veterinarians, and postings of more than 8,000 lost or found pets. For more information, go to Pets911.com.

About Global Alerts

Pets 911 is a division of the cause media company Global Alerts. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Global Alerts has been the leading Cause Media company since 1991.

Global Alerts creates and delivers a world-class Mass Notification System (MNS) platform and compelling websites and communities. Its highly popular Cause Media web portals include www.Amberalert.com, www.Earth911.org, www.Pets911.com, and www.1800Cleanup.org. Patent-pending technology and award-winning content from Global Alerts enable everyone to “Know Now, Act Fast and Make a Difference.”

About Apartments.com

Apartments.com is the most visited national apartment Internet listing subscription service with more than 50,000 unique addresses representing more than three million rental units from managed properties, newspaper classifieds and for-rent-by-owner properties. With personalized searches, highly visual ads featuring 360-degree virtual tours, professional photography, and comprehensive community listings, Apartments.com makes it possible for renters to access apartment rental inventory from across town or across the country. Leads from highly qualified, ready-to-rent prospects are delivered to Apartments.com customers, increasing closure rates and decreasing the average cost of leasing an apartment. The site’s foundation of solid partnerships with the local newspaper and television station Web sites of more than 10,000 newspaper affiliate and strategic partners across the country include Yahoo! Real Estate, the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. Apartments.com is a division of Chicago-based Classified Ventures, LLC.

Parade.com and Pets 911 to Partner on National Pet Content

Filed under: Pets 911, Press Releases - September 24, 2007

New York, — The next time your dog brings in the Sunday newspaper, there could be some information in there of interest to him and all his furry, four-legged friends. Parade.com, the companion site to PARADE Magazine, and Pets 911 are proud to announce a new partnership that will provide valuable pet editorial and adoption information online at www.parade.com/pets.

Parade.com’s new Pet Section is officially announced in this Sunday’s issue of PARADE. The site features new and archived pet-related editorial and searchable databases provided by Pets 911, which include listings for lost and adoptable pets, pet fostering opportunities, and an “adoptable pet of the week.”

Parade.com readers can type in their zip-code on the pet section to access Pets 911’s database of more than 30,000 adoptable pets and 8,000 lost and found pets. The listings include information on everything from a pet’s breed and age to special breed characteristics, such as his/her ability to cope with children and other pets.

“Experience has taught us that pet people are engaged, responsive, and dedicated,” says Allison Werder, SVP/Parade.com. “Our recent pet photo contest was one of the most popular and highly-trafficked sections of our Web site. So we are delighted about partnering with Pets 911 to give our readers more of the tools and information they want and need to keep their pets happy and healthy!”

“This is a great partnership because PARADE already has so much valuable content that a pet section is a natural addition,” said Pets 911 CEO Jeffrey Rassás. “Combining Pets 911 and PARADE’s large national audiences should help reduce the amount of pets that are in need of a loving home.”

The inaugural Parade.com Pet Section features articles on traveling with your pet, a photo gallery where readers can share pet photos, and a touching story about a psychic poodle named Buddy.

About Parade

PARADE, the largest circulation magazine in the U.S., is distributed in more than 400 of the nation’s top newspapers, including The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Post and The Washington Post. Started in 1941, PARADE has a circulation of 32 million and a readership of 71 million. Each Sunday in PARADE and each day at Parade.com we emotionally connect with Americans about the issues they care most about and move them to action. For more information, visit http://parade.com.

About Pets 911
The mission of Pets911.com is to provide a public service that will one day create an America where all pets are valued companions that have lifelong, loving homes. Since 1998, Pets 911 has brought together the nation’s premiere animal welfare organizations, local government animal control agencies, and animal service providers to create the most comprehensive resource for pet health and well-being on the web.

At any given time, Pets 911 includes listings for more than 30,000 adoptable pets at nearly 8,000 animal shelters, contact information for more than 6,000 veterinarians, and postings of more than 8,000 lost or found pets. Pets 911 is a division of the cause media company Global Alerts. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Global Alerts has been the leading cause media company since 1991. For more information, go to http://Pets911.com.

San Luis Obispo.com: Thousands of canvas lunch bags distributed by state recalled after some test positive for lead

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 20, 2007

September 20, 2007

California’s top health official issued a warning Thursday to stop using canvas lunch bags issued by the state Department of Public Health because testing found three lunch boxes had elevated lead levels.

About 56,000 of the canvas lunch boxes that say “EAT FRUITS & VEGETABLES AND BE ACTIVE” have been distributed throughout the state as nutrition education items at health fairs and other events, officials said.

No known cases of lead poisoning have resulted from use of the lunch boxes.

The state health department will no longer use the lunch boxes until it knows every one is safe, said state Health Officer Mark Horton.

“In addition to lunch boxes, we are assessing all of our health promotion items to ensure that they are safe,” Horton said. “We are urging Californians to not use these lunch boxes and keep them away from infants and young children.”

The lunch boxes that tested positive for lead were obtained through a manufacturer, TA Creations, which has factories in Canton, China.

People who have these lunch boxes should return them to where they got them or take them to a local household hazardous waste collection facility for disposal. Such facilities can be found at one of the following Web sites: www.earth911.com, www.ciwmb.ca.gov.

-Sarah Arnquist

Pets 911 and UrineOff Partner to Prevent “Accidents”

Filed under: Pets 911, Press Releases - September 18, 2007

Scottsdale, AZ – One of the most difficult aspects of owning a pet is cleaning up any messes left behind on furniture or carpets. Through a new partnership with Bio-Research, LLC, owner of UrineOff, Pets 911 will promote the quick and easy removal of stains and smells to dissuade pet owners from taking their pets to animal shelters.

Pet “accidents” is one of the leading reasons that pet owners will surrender their animal to a shelter. Even utilizing litter boxes and walks outside can’t fully guarantee the prevention of urine stains and smells, and as the leading portal on pet adoption Pets911.com is always concerned with reasons that owners might want to get rid of pets.

UrineOff launched in 2003 as a product that both eliminates stains caused by pet urine as well as lingering smells. As a Pets 911 partner, UrineOff will be providing educational content for the Pets 911 website and newsletter on issues including reasons why a pet may be having accidents.

As part of the partnership, UrineOff will donate 15% of all purchase proceeds from participating venues to Pets 911. Pets 911 is the national pet lost and found database and provides valuable information to pet owners, including locations of emergency clinics, veterinarians and shelters along with helpful advice on training, behavior and pet health. All of these services are provided free of charge for visitors to Pets911.com.

“Pets 911 is interested in generating actionable content for pet lovers and pet owners, and UrineOff has been studying pet accidents for years,” said Pets 911 CEO Jeffrey Rassás. “This partnership will provide information and solutions for owners all over the U.S. and help reduce the number of animals living in shelters.”

“Not only is pet abandonment due to accidents a huge problem, but it is also our business,” stated Rich Kaplan, President of UrineOff. “After looking around, we identified Pets 911 as a major organization that could not only help us get the message out, but at the same time educate pet owners that there are effective ways to treat this problem, namely UrineOff.”

About Pets 911
The mission of Pets911.com is to provide a public service that will one day create an America where all pets are valued companions that have lifelong, loving homes. Since 1998, Pets 911 has brought together the nation’s premiere animal welfare organizations, local government animal control agencies, and animal service providers to create the most comprehensive resource for pet health and well-being on the web.

At any given time, Pets 911 includes listings for more than 30,000 adoptable pets at nearly 8,000 animal shelters, contact information for more than 6,000 veterinarians, and postings of more than 8,000 lost or found pets. For more information, go to Pets911.com.

About Global Alerts
Pets 911 is a division of the cause media company Global Alerts. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Global Alerts has been the leading Cause Media company since 1991.

Global Alerts creates and delivers a world-class Mass Notification System (MNS) platform and compelling websites and communities. Its highly popular Cause Media web portals include www.Amberalert.com, www.Earth911.org, www.Pets911.com and www.1800Cleanup.org. Patent-pending technology and award-winning content from Global Alerts enable everyone to “Know Now, Act Fast and Make a Difference.”

About Urine Off
Bio-Pro Research, LLC of Sarasota, Florida, launched UrineOff in 2003 after more than two years of research. UrineOff is the number one veterinarian recommended method for solving pet stain and odor problems. To find out more about UrineOff, visit us at www.Urine-Off.com.

Global Alerts Appoints John S. Shegerian to Board of Advisors

Filed under: Earth 911, Press Releases - September 18, 2007

Scottsdale, AZ – Global Alerts LLC, the nation’s leading cause media company and alerting platform, announces the appointment of John Shegerian, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Recyclers, Inc., to its Board of Advisors. Shegerian will team up with Global Alerts to promote the proper disposal of electronic equipment through Global Alerts’ Earth 911 portal.

Shegerian started Electronic Recyclers, which is an electronic waste collector and recycler specializing in the environmentally-safe and socially responsible dismantling of electronic items such as computers, televisions and monitors, in 2002. The company is now recognized as the number one electronic waste recycler in the state of California and one of the largest in North America.

Shegerian will work closely with the Global Alerts-controlled environmental portal Earth 911 (http://earth911.org). Founded in 1991, Earth 911 is the only national database for recycling facilities and location-specific, actionable content on recycling, reduction and reuse, including the disposal of electronic waste.

E-waste is becoming more and more prominent in the public mindset, as retailers including Staples and the Apple Store have begun accepting these items for a fee. Earth 911 will work with Shegerian and Electronic Recyclers to educate on why e-waste is harmful to the environment, and what people can do to safely dispose of their products.

“E-waste is becoming a huge issue as more people are buying new laptops, cell phones, TVs and other electronic equipment,” says Global Alerts and Earth 911 CEO Jeffrey Rassás. “Earth 911 is always at the forefront of initiatives on recycling, and with John’s help we are going to educate the public so that all of this used equipment doesn’t end up in landfills.”

“It’s a great honor to have been asked to join Global Alerts prestigious Board of Advisors,” said Shegerian. “Electronic waste is a growing problem that affects the environment and human health across the globe. Properly disposing of electronic waste and the hazards it presents represents a great challenge for all of us. I applaud Earth 911 and Global Alerts and their attempts to shed light on these issues while proactively empowering individuals to take action.”

About Earth 911
Earth 911 delivers actionable local information on the environment that empowers people to act locally, live responsibly and contribute to sustainability.

By simply entering a location or zip-code at the www.Earth911.org environmental portal or 1-800-CLEANUP, users can access the leading comprehensive resource for community-specific “actionable” information about:

These resources are provided at no cost to the user or taxpayer. Earth 911 centralizes information and resources into single user-friendly, neutral and non-governmental network. This Public and Private Sector Partnership combines the strength and action of America’s marketplace with local, current, and high quality information to achieve economies of scale and scope and contribute significantly to sustainability through public service.

As Americans become increasingly engaged in environmental causes and responsible lifestyle, it is critical that local information empowering awareness, education, and action be made easily accessible and widely available. Earth 911 delivers these resources and in doing so, establishes a proactive and unparalleled solution to today’s environmental challenges.

Earth 911 Factoids

About Global Alerts
Global Alerts has been the leading Cause Media company based in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1991. It creates and delivers a world-class Mass Notification System (MNS) platform and compelling websites and communities. Its highly popular Cause Media web portals include www.AmberAlert.com, www.Earth911.org, www.Pets911.com and www.1800Cleanup.org. Patent-pending technology and award-winning content from Global Alerts enable everyone to “Know Now, Act Fast and Make a Difference.”

About Electronic Recyclers
Electronic Recyclers, Inc. (ERI) is the number one covered electronic waste recycler in The State of California. ERI specializes in the environmentally safe and socially responsible dismantling of electronics such as computers, monitors, televisions and other unwanted electronics. With the recent addition of its Massachusetts facility, ERI is now capable of processing in excess of 100 million pounds of electronic waste per year. For more information about e-waste recycling and Electronic Recyclers, call 1-800-884-8466 or visit http://www.electronicrecyclers.com.

Americus Times-Recorder: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Mercury

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 15, 2007

The Cooperative Extension Housing and Environment programs shared this information on compact fluorescent light bulbs and mercury with me, and my goal is to extend as much educational material to you covering various topics as possible. This information covers ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs.

Why should people use CFLs? Switching from traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, accessible change every American can make right now to reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. Energy Star qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front and provide a quick return on investment.

If every home in American replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than three million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars.

Do CFLs contain mercury and what is mercury? Mercury is an element (Hg on the periodic table) found naturally in the environment. Mercury emissions in the air can come from both natural and man-made sources. Coal-fired power plants are the largest man-made source because mercury that naturally exists in coal is released into the air when coal is burned to make electricity. Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40 percent of the mercury emissions in the U.S.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing policies to reduce airborne mercury emissions. Under regulations EPA issued in 2005, mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants will drop by nearly 70 percent by 2018.

The use of CFLs reduced power demand, which helps reduce mercury emissions from power plants. CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing — an average of five milligrams — about the amount that would cover the top of a ball-point pen. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.

Mercury currently is an essential component of CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. In fact, the average amount of mercury in a CFL is anticipated to drop by the end of 2007, thanks to technology advances and a commitment from members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

What precautions should I take when using CFLs in my home? CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up recommendations below. Used CFLs should be disposed of properly (see below).

What should I do with a CFL when it burns out? EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to epa.gov/bulbrecycling or earth911.org to identify local recycling options. If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it into the outside trash, or other protected outside location, for the next normal trash collection.

How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?

Save money; make the right energy investment for your needs!

Global Alerts Appoints Howard A. Schmidt to Board of Advisors

Filed under: Press Releases - September 6, 2007

Scottsdale, AZ – Global Alerts LLC, the nation’s leading cause media company and alerting platform, announces the appointment of Howard A. Schmidt, President & CEO of R & H Security Consulting LLC, to its Board of Advisors. Schmidt will help Global Alerts continue to grow its brand as the premier resource for internet alerting and the proper disposal of electronics.

Schmidt has served as a cyber-security advisor for the U.S. White House, as well as Chief Security Officer for companies including Microsoft and eBay. Along with R & H Security Consulting, he is now working to promote cyber-security to the public through regular appearances on networks including CNBC, CNN and FOX.

Schmidt will play a pivotal role in educating on the proper way to format electronics before disposal to prevent identity theft. Global Alerts controls the environmental portal Earth 911, home of the only national database for recycling facilities and location-specific, actionable content on recycling, reduction and reuse.

He will also be involved in upgrading security for the Amber Alert Portal, another Global Alerts cause media channel. AmberAlert.com sends out AMBER Alerts for all 50 states to law enforcement and enrolled citizens via email and text messages, helping secure the return of abducted children.

“We are very excited to have Howard as part of our growing team, especially given both his private and public sector experience,” says Global Alerts CEO Jeffrey Rassás. “Global Alerts is constantly developing new programs and partnerships involving both the private and public sectors, and Howard with be pivotal in our future efforts.”

About Global Alerts
Global Alerts has been the leading Cause Media company based in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1991. It creates and delivers a world-class Mass Notification System (MNS) platform and compelling websites and communities. Its highly popular Cause Media web portals include www.AmberAlert.com, www.Earth911.org, www.Pets911.com, and www.1800Cleanup.org. Patent-pending technology and award-winning content from Global Alerts enable everyone to “Know Now, Act Fast and Make a Difference.”

WSLS NewsChannel 10: Bright Energy Savers

Filed under: Earth 911 - September 6, 2007

September 6, 2007

Consumer Reports

If you’re trying to get your electric bill down or reduce your carbon footprint, no doubt you’ve considered using compact fluorescent lights. Consumer Reports, with the assistance of an outside lab, just tested hundreds of compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs.

CFLs have improved dramatically in the last 5 to 10 years. First of all, they’ve come down in price. And the color that they give is much better. They turn on faster, and they don’t hum or flicker or buzz anymore. All the CFLs performed well in the tests. And results show the intensity and color of these lights are now pretty close to what you’ll get from a standard incandescent bulb.

As for price, long gone are the days when some CFLs could cost as much as $20. Now they go for somewhere around $2 to $3. Consumer Reports says shop by price, and always get CFLs that are Energy Star-qualified. Worth noting, CFLs should be used in fixtures that stay on for at least 15 minutes at a time, or else you’ll shorten the life of the bulb and reduce the energy saving benefits.

As for savings, Consumer Reports says for every CFL you use, you can cut your electric bill by about $5 a year.

Consumer Reports says be aware that compact fluorescent lights contain mercury, so they have to be disposed of properly. You can find the closest location at: epa.gov/bulbrecycling or http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=ls&cat=9&serviceid=192&type=-1.

Switching to fluorescent lights is the first of Consumer Reports’ 10 tips for saving energy. You can find nine more free at http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/resource-center/saving-on-energy-costs-10-07/overview/energy-ov.htm.

Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.