Green is The Word/ Act XXXVII

Gooooood Friday fellow Timbers and Disciples!

With summer in full swing, the travel season in full gear and the
ozone layer choking us out, here are some tips to lessen the amount
of ground-level ozone.

~ Drive less during the day AND peak traffic periods.
You shouldn’t be driving during the day anyways-
you should be at work.

~ Avoid revving or idling your engine.
Revving? What are you trying to prove?!

~Idling to enable your vehicle to warm up? If you’re waking up in
zero degree weather and driving a clunker, maybe so.
Otherwise, any more than 30 seconds and you’re wasting fuel and
your money. A friend told me that her vehicle got better gas mileage
when it was warmed up. I asked her what kind of gas mileage
she was getting while idling and parked.....

~ Park your car and go inside instead of waiting in drive-through
lines. Consider it your five minute workout for the day.....

~ Fill your gas tank during cooler evening hours to minimize
evaporation. Gasoline evaporates faster when it’s warm.

~ Maintain your vehicle by properly inflating and aligning your tires,
repairing any leaks and replacing your vehicle’s air filter
and oil regularly.
If you can fill your gas tank, you should be able to inflate your own
tires.
If you don’t know how to fill your gas tank, don’t bother-
sell your vehicle.
If you’re not sure how to change your air filter, check your
owner’s manual. It’s not that hard.
If you don’t know where your owner’s manual is or don’t have one,
don’t bother- sell your vehicle.

Oh, and check out THESE filters, too!
http://www.knfilters.com/
They’re washable, reusable, and allow you to do it alot less often.

As for changing your motor oil and oil filter, the general
recommendation is every 3000 miles.
But if it’s dirty at 2K, it needs to be changed. Remember, the motor
oil is the life blood of your vehicle.
If you've never changed the oil, don't bother- SELL YOUR VEHICLE.

Lastly, slow it down. It’s not only safer but statistics show that
every mile per hour over 55 mph cost about 1 percent in fuel
economy.
Hey- it could be worse. You could be driving a diesel Volkswagen
Westfalia which screams of “life in the slow lane”.
0-60? Maybe never.


Praise be to the Almighty scenery!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word/ Act XXXVI

Mighty Good Friday! 
(Or as some say, "thank God it's Friday!")

Starting next month, Utah state employees will be
exclaiming "thank God it's Thursday". In a yearlong
experiment, Utah is about to become the first state to
switch to a four-day work week for thousands of
government employees. The aim is to reduce energy
costs and gasoline expenses.

Select employees will put in 10-hour days and get paid
the same. Of course, this will affect those who need
to use state services and find certain offices closed
on Fridays. Additionally, some parents may have to
rearrange their childcare to accommodate the longer
hours. Bus and commuter train schedules might have to
be adjusted.

It's been estimated that by turning off the lights,
the heat, and the air conditioning on Fridays will
save about $3 million a year out of a state budget of
$11 billion. Employees should save about $300,000 in
gas expenses.

"We feel like we can reduce the CO2 or the ozone by
around 3000 metric tons, as well as have an impact on
our air pollution," said Kim Hood, executive director
of the Department of Administrative Services.

Many Utah state offices will extend their hours and
stay open from 7am to 6pm so people can use government
services before or after work. Residents are also
being encouraged to use the Internet for hundreds of
ordinary services, such as automobile registration 
renewals.


"The heights by great men reached and kept, were not
attained by sudden flight. But they, while their
companions slept, were toiling upward in the night."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


Praise be to the Almighty "end of the work week",
whichever day it is!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word/ Act XXXV

It's Good Friday!

So what could possibly be eco AND patriotic?
The earth-friendly Patriot tapes from Philmo!

Designed to be the first earth-friendly option to
conventional duct tape, this product is made from
Regresa oxo-biodegradeable film that actually degrades
100% back into organic material within approximately
fifteen years from completed life cycle. It's also
made with a cloth that possesses 38% polyester fibers
made from recycled material such as discarded plastic
bottles. The core that the tape is wound on is made
from 100% recycled paper, ensuring that no trees are
used in order to produce this product.

This eco-tape will work for one year before starting
to break down. This is similar to any duct tape that
is exposed to the elements. The company offers
contractor's duct tape, utility duct tape, and extreme
utility duct tape- for those.......extreme jobs.

And finally, Philmo has established a "plant a tree" 
program and uses 5% of the proceeds generated by their
eco-tapes towards planting trees.

http://www.patriottapes.com/eco.html

So do as your politicians suggest and buy some duct
tape. Then stick it.


"Ask not what the world can do for YOU, but what YOU
can do for the world."
~ (to paraphrase a certain President)

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word/ Act XXXIV

Goooood Fridaaaaay! 
(screamed at the top of my bloody lungs)

Since we’ve “covered” what goes over your eyes, this
week will be for what goes on your feet.

The product that needs reviewed for the hot summertime
is the almighty flip-flop/sandal. There are a number
of companies doing good things for your feet, but He
who pretends to know best has His recommendation.
Chaco, residing in Paonia, Colorado, not only makes an
extremely comfortable sandal but also does alot for
the environment.

The High Priest has worn His Chaco’s for awhile now,
to the point that they sorely needed to be re-soled.
Not only did they re-sole His sandals, but the
turnaround time was quicker than expected and He
didn’t lose a step in His priestly ways. They
practically looked brand new!  It did cost Him about
$39, but it sure beats the ol’ fashioned “throw-away”...

Chaco also pays their employees to bike to work,
volunteer their time, and advance their education.
In 2006, they were given the Community Award by the
Western Slope Environmental Resource Council and were
recognized by the North Fork River Improvement
Association for work in removing the Chipeta Dam.
And this year, Chaco purchased 400-megawatt hours of
windpowered Green Certificates to match 100 percent of
their yearly electrical usage. By doing this, they
reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 572,000
pounds!  In addition, they donate ten percent of
after-tax profits to organizations dedicated to caring
for people and the planet, including Southern Utah
Wilderness Alliance, American Whitewater, and The
Conservation Alliance.

Last but not least, they just announced this week that
they’re teaming up with the Green Living Project this
summer to help promote its lecture series taking place
at various retail locations across North America, like
REI. The lecture will revolve around an expedition
that documented sustainability projects across Africa
in March 2008. Other eco-topics will be discussed too.

So if you’re gonna tread on this earth, tread lightly
with Chaco.

And if you’ve got something to say, SCREAM IT!


Praise be to the Almighty summertime sandal!

Curtis 
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word/ Act XXXIII

Bravo!!
GL

Green is The Word/ Act XXXIII

Good Friday and a happy summer solstice!

(one quick note- check out the blog for additional
information provided by Brothers Dan and Lewis
regarding green burials.)

As this is the first week for EcoTimber in it's new
home AND the first day of summer AND the thirty-third
Act, the High Priest thinks it might be High time for
the Act of the week to be thou beloved Trinity-
a triple dose of greenery!
Soooooo, off we go.....

As the folks here at "Central" know, we had our
EcoTimber BBQ to celebrate the move. The idea of
having organic food products came to Him and through
one email, it was manifested. As Margaret Mead said,
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's
the only thing that ever does."

Of course, we didn't change the world and not every
food product was organic, but the effort was there and
the thought planted for now and the future. After all,
organic food is to conventional food what the FSC is
to the alternative. Many praises to Brothers Lewis and
Michael for not only the BBQ, but for putting the
money where the mouth, beliefs, and purpose are!

With the first official day of summer coming tomorrow,
the time is overdue for sliding on your favorite pair
of sunglasses. Since the High Priest lost his recently
during a hike through the woods (what were you doing
wearing shades in the woods?), He was forced to wear
His backup pair, which as it turns out, are not in the
best of shape.
So the search was on for the eco-groovy kind!

The featured company is iWood ecodesign. They make a
pair of wooden-framed sunglasses, using the highest
quality, eco-sustainable, exotic wood veneer. The
temples are fully adjustable and precisely fitted into
each pair. The lenses are optical quality with 100%
UVA/UVB protection. All aspects, from the finish to
the temples, are hypoallergenic. And since only a
limited number are produced each year, you would most
likely be the only one on your block to be seen in
them! That is, unless I stole them from you.....but
don't worry, they're only for women!

http://www.iwoodecodesign.com/iWood_content.html

Now if only I had an extra few hundred dollars....

"Expect sunglasses made of recycled materials to be
available soon as the next environmentally friendly
option for nature lovers", says Sunglass Association
of America President Dave Bibbey.
Yes, the Sunglass Association of America.....
As for the men, you're out of luck. (do I smell a good
business opportunity?)

Last, but not least, the High Priest is taking His own
advice on cleaning products and applying it to
EcoTimber Central. In the coming days and weeks, He
will be creating the green cleaning products which
will be used around the office and warehouse. It's a
dirty job, but someone has to do it. And when it comes
to dirty, it doesn't get any dirtier than Him.
(don't get me started...)


Praise BE to the Almighty TRINITY!!!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word/ Act XXXII

The biggest environmental problem with burials is not
the caskets or concrete, but the human bodies. We are
so polluted that when we biodegrade, we release toxins
into the soil and pollute local groundwater. New
cemeteries are now required to install a moisture
barrier 10' beneath the soil so that our rotting
carcasses don't poison the fish.
DH

At the old ET lumber yard, I once helped an old man
pick out some FSC lumber for his wife's casket.
I kept getting teary-eyed.
BVU

I have never seen a green man in the dark. Jolly Green
Darkman!! Hope the move goes well.
GL

Nice subject!? Can't give it a rest for one Friday -
even on moving day! (LOL)
JW

And then there is the freeze drying and ultrasound
fragmentation method .....
LB

Green is The Word/ Act XXXII

AHHHHH-HAAAAA!

And you thought that because the main office was
closed today that the High Priest was out of
commission!  Guess again, sucker.

It’s midnight AND Good Friday!

For the superstitious ones, being the 13th doesn’t
help. So in keeping with such a dark day, the time is
ripe for another dark subject.

Death.

But more precisely, what to do with that hunk of
worthless flesh?

An obvious choice would be to donate to a university
medical lab just as my great old man did and a very
honorable thing indeed. Another alternative is
cremation though there are some negative environmental
effects. The burning of a human body puts pollutants 
into the air such as nitrous oxide, hydrogen chloride,
sulfer dioxide, carbon monoxide, and even mercury from
our teeth fillings.

But there is a new trend and it’s called- what else-
green burial.

It’s created on the simple idea that we’re born as
part of the earth and therefore should naturally
become a part of it as we pass. First off, the big
expensive casket is out in favor of a cloth wrap
(preferably organic, of COURSE), which will biodegrade 
much easier. Secondly, no more concrete vaults.  Who
needs them? And last but not least, the third rule-
which as you know by now is called “The Trinity”- no
more gravemarkers. Use a TREE, bush, or a rock(s) as a
sign of where to find you if we need you.

As you might have guessed, green burials haven’t
exactly taken off in the US. (We’re SO invincible!).
There are about 15 green cemetaries in the country at
this point.
http://www.greenburials.org/index.htm

Praise be to the Almighty dream of “fertilizing
dandelions”!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word/ Act XXXI

LOVE IT!!!
BR

You just had to throw in the bit about the mirror on
the ceiling, didn't you? Pretty funny. Keep up the
dirty work.
DH

I thought it was great!
SK

You're on a roll today. Guess last week's message gave
you some......er let's just say guts!
JW

Good form!
CJ

Green is The Word/ Act XXXI

And once again, a happy High Noon and Good Friday to
all!

Are you still with me?

After the rapturous fallout from last week’s bohemoth,
the High Priest has decided to “clean it up” a bit.
Being one who believes that the “homegrown”......is
always better, I’ve got a few ideas for making your
own at home. And I’m not talking about movies here,
though it would make for a much more interesting date
than watching them.....anyways...

Mix a little sea salt, peppermint extract, 
baking soda, and water. Viola!  Your very own
toothpaste!  I thought this was a grand idea when I
came up with it many years ago until my
girlfriend-at-the-time asked me,
“ Is it tartar-control?”  Damn it.
Well, it still works most of the time. It might even
help those stains caused by smoking the.....anyways...

Pour 1 cup of (cooled) strong black tea with 3
tablespoons of vinegar in a spray bottle and use as
you would any glass cleaner. Sophie might even be
willing to brew the tea. This works especially well on
mirrors...you know, the ones on your ceiling.....
anyways..

This recipe is useful for jobs where you require an
abrasive. Put 3 tablespoons of sea salt and 1/2 cup of
cold water in a bowl. Saturate a sponge with the
mixture, making sure it is coated with salt, and wipe
the surface clean. Rinse thoroughly. This could help
clean that glass-covered apparatus sitting in the
corner of your kitchen, or your living room, or your
bedroom....wherever you keep your glass-covered
apparatus.....

Anyways...


Praise be to the Almighty “homegrown”!

(they don’t call me the)
“High” Priest of “Green”
(for nothing)

Re: Green is The Word/ Act XXX!!!

LOL.
a sweet act.
LB

It's about time, I have been waiting for this all day.
GL

Green is The Word, Act XXX!!!

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Green is The Word, Act XXIX

Mighty Good Friday!

Can’t cha smell that smell?!

With the intoxicating scent of jasmine wafting through
our neighborhood this spring, the High Priest has been
wishing for the same in an eco kind of way for His
notoriously favorite room- the restroom.

For those who leave their “scent” in His sanctuary,
EcoTimber is now featuring a spray that offers some
ecological benefit, as well as comfort for the next
visitor.

The manufacturer, SC Johnson, was one of the first
manufacturers in Michigan to use wind power,
approximately 31.5 million kilowatt hours annually.
This is enough energy to power 46 percent of the
company’s Bay City operations. To get a better
perspective, the energy saved is comparable to the
energy needed to supply 1800 average homes a year,
and the CO2 reduction is equivalent to taking almost
3000 cars off of the road annually.

They’ve also developed the Greenlist process to help
their scientists

in choosing raw materials that are more biodegradeable
and have a better environmental or health profile.
Reformulating Windex glass cleaner with Greenlist
removed 1.8 million pounds of VOC’s AND increased the
cleaning power by 30 percent!

And within the United States, they recycle 93% of all
solid waste from manufacturing including paper,
corrugate, plastic, glass and steel materials.

Last, but not least, a recent addition became one of
the first LEED-registered new construction buildings
in Wisconsin.


Praise be to the Almighty.......stinker.

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XXVIII

nice!
LB

Very nice!
DF

Green is The Word, Act XXVIII

It’s Good Friday!

The U.S. military is the single largest consumer of
energy in the world. To put this in perspective,
Nigeria, with a population of more than 140 million,
consumes as much energy as the U.S. military.

Anyways, speaking of waste.....

"Made from waste, packaged from waste."

This is how the High Priest would describe the
company, TerraCycle, from Trenton, New Jersey. The
company’s flagship product, TerraCycle Plant Food, is
an all-natural, all- organic, “goof-proof” liquid
plant food made from worm poop and packaged in reused
soda bottles!

They’ve also partnered with OfficeMax, bringing a new
line of green office products to OfficeMax customers,
including pencil cases made from discarded containers
of Capri Sun juice pouches.

Another program they offer involves finding uses for
objects that used to be considered waste. Having
teamed up with companies like Nabisco, Clif Bar, and
Stonyfield Farm, TerraCycle enables almost any
organization to collect specific “waste” products such
as cookie wrappers, energy bar wrappers, yogurt cups,
and bottles. After signing up, they mail out prepaid
boxes to be filled with a specific number of the
specified product. For each unit received,a donation
is made to the charity of your choice.

So support TerraCycle and get wasted!

Oh, and don’t forget to celebrate Armed Forces Day
tomorrow!


Praise be to the Almighty arms that hug!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word, Act XXVII

Good Friday, Good Friday!

This past winter with a big winter storm system headed
towards Cincinnati, we asked our mother if she had any
food stocked in case she couldn’t get to the store.
Her reply?

“I’ve got chocolate and chicken soup.”

She may not have the memory she used to have, but she
knows what she likes.  And she put chocolate BEFORE
the chicken soup!

The High Priest, having been brought up on........
chocolate.........has some green advice and abundant 
experience on the subject.

Forced and child labor remain problems on both
chocolate and sugar plantations, but three brands—
Ithaca Fine Chocolate's Art Bar, Sweet Earth Organics
and Theo Chocolate—combine fair-trade certified cocoa
AND sugar in their organic chocolates.
Even America's favorite chocolate brand, Hershey's,
has added sustainable chocolate to their product line
with the recent acquisition of Dagoba, which uses
fair-trade certified cacao and coffee beans.

http://ithacafinechocolates.stores.yahoo.net/
http://www.sweetearthchocolates.com/
http://www.theochocolate.com/
http://www.dagobachocolate.com/

So stock up now, before the next storm hits!
And don’t forget about your mother this Sunday,
even if she forgot....


Praise be to the Almighty and stockpiled cacao bean!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XXVI

nice one!! more of these - great practical idea for
re-using (always better then recycling).
well done O Priest!
LB

For anyone that has kids....Go into the woods and find
some really cool leaves (this was especially nice back
east after the fall leaves changed beautiful colors).
Press them in between the wax paper, cover with a
paper towel and iron. You now have a beautiful piece
of art for your walls/fridge forever.
MS

Re: Green is The Word, Act XXV

Amen!
BR

...fyi... All plates and plastic utensils were
recycled. The "clear" plastic wine and water glasses
were washed and will be used again. Consider that
next time you drink from plastic at my home...
Look for the lipstick traces.
MS

I stand corrected. But I do wonder if the plates and
plastic utensils can be recycled if they have food
particles on them. Usually that's a "no-no" with the
recyclers.
I'll be sure not to wear my lipstick next time.
Thanks for the correction.
High Priest

I've also heard that the 'biodegradable' utensils
actually take a long, long time to biodegrade in a
landfill.
DH

Depends on what you consider a long time. In a
commercial composting facility, it may take
approximately 1 year. In a home composting system,
you can double that. That seems like a long time, but
compared to plastic utensils........ not bad.
High Priest

Composting facilities are different than land fills
though. Landfills are often anaerobic and nothing
even rots in there ...Not that we shouldn't use
biodegradable utensils anyway.
LB

Green is The Word, Act XXVI

It’s another happy Good Friday!

And it happens to be my sister’s birthday!
So to honor the lovely Barbara Joanne, I’m going to
share a little tip she shared with me.

Any cereal lovers out there? 
What do you do with that bag inside the box?
Here’s what...

Save it and cut it up to use instead of buying new wax
paper. Or as the High Priest does, don’t bother
cutting it up and use it for packing your over-sized
lunchtime sandwich. Sure, it’s not like the zip
lock-style, but it gets the job done and it’s free.
And free is better!!

And of course, the bag can be re-used many times.

Praise be to the Almighty big sister!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XXV

Nice!
Keep em comin'

LB

Green is The Word, Act XXV

Good Friday AND Arbor Day everyone!

Here's the scenario:  You've got a big birthday coming
up, let's say.....50.
You've invited a bunch of people over for drinks and
delicious food, let's say.....crepes.
Of course, you don't have enough silverware/plates/cups
to dispense to 25 people and who would?

What to do.....

The High Priest has an answer for you.

The next best thing to reusable "kitchen ware" are
ones which are biodegradeable and compostable. These
are made from a non-GMO corn resin (utensils), and
sugar cane fiber (plates and cups) and can handle hot
foods and liquids up to 190 degrees. Heck, even the
packaging is biodegradeable. And the company, World
Centric, is locally-based in Palo Alto, CA.
Now it doesn't get much better than that!

http://www.worldcentric.org/store/cutlery.htm

So for your NEXT birthday party, bring in the green.
And bring back that crepe guy!

Praise be to the Almighty crepe!


Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XXIV

O High Priest!
In this holy day and age it is indeed divine to blog.
This is good to spread thy word.
Well done!
Kermit (LB)

YES! You did it! Nice work and thank you very much for
the shout-out. You rock!
BR

Green is The Word, Act XXIV

Thank God it's Good Friday!

And coming up this Sunday, we can give thanks and
celebrate our planet with our greenest holiday- 
Earth Day!

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 by about 20
million Americans. Earth Day 2007 was one of the
largest Earth Days to date, with an estimated one
billion people in thousands of places around the world.

So to celebrate our holiday, the High Priest has
decided to go cyber.

You heard right- Green is The Word is now a blog!
Check it out!!

http://greenistheword.blogspot.com/

I've posted every Act from the beginning, selected
commentary from my Disciples, links to the different
products/services/events that have been mentioned, and
of course a link to EcoTimber.

Every future Act will be posted, along with commentary
the High Priest Himself finds appropriate and any
necessary links. To protect the guilty, I've decided to
only post the initials of those who comment- this would
be you- and allowing only myself to post. It seems The
Word mustn't be messed with by many. I'm also open to
suggestions anyone might have, though I'm feeling
rather stubborn and controlling at the moment...

BIG shout-out to Brother Bryan who suggested this idea.
For his inspiration, he is being rewarded with the
special 30th anniversary  edition of the Solar Living
Source Book from Real Goods in Hopland, CA. This is
argubly the "Bible" of renewable energy technologies
and sustainable living. Praise be to Brother Bryan!

I've also decided to reward another one of my Disciples
with LAST YEARS edition of the Source Book (hey- funds
are short.), based on the "best" response I've
received. There have been alot of them and it's so hard
to choose, but one word said it all and it came from
Sister Shawn in the very beginning...

"Word."

And last but not least, a HUGE thank you to the rest of
my Disciples for making this possible. Without you and
your participation, it would be worthless.

Praise be to the Almighty EcoTimber!
And remember, EVERY day is Earth Day.


Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word, Act XXIII

Whadayaknow?
It's Good Friday already!

Living out in the remote part of Marin County known as
Woodacre, in what I affectionately call "the shack",
I've encountered my share of "wildlife".  A little
(and I must admit, cute) gardener snake making its way
across the room and the spiders (my GOD, the
spiders....), I've grown accustomed to having roommates
who are actually easy to get along with, though not
very socialable or welcome.
But when the ants decided to crash the party, I had to
put my foot down.

The ant control product I'm recommending is Terro Ant
Killer. It consists of a sweet liquid containing borax.
Borax occurs naturally in deposits produced by the
repeated evaporation of seasonal lakes. It's commonly
used for disinfecting, deodorizing, and inhibiting mold
growth. And unlike the "Devil's products", it's not
flammable, won't burst when exposed to high
temperatures, and there aren't any first aid
instructions.

It's as simple as throwing a party, inviting the ants
(LOTS of them will show up), providing party favors
which they'll share with the rest of the colony, and
then........no more party.

Ants are amazing creatures, but much more appreciated
outside.


Praise be to the Almighty OUTDOOR ant!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XXII

Nice one Curtis.  I'm starting to look forward to your
weekly observations.
DF

(Thank you, Brother Doug.
Starting to?!!  This should be the highlight of your
work week, waiting at your laptop every Friday at High
Noon, something you're bringing to the dinner table to
share with your beautiful wife every Friday night,
something you're reciting in the rental car as you
drive to Burley's, something you're......
Thanks again. I sooooo look forward to the responses
I receive from my Disciples! -HP)

Green is The Word, Act XXII

Good Friday to everyone!

With my Mom's 80th birthday coming up in a couple of
days, I thought it would be nice to dedicate this one
to her. When I tell her about EcoTimber and what we do,
she always goes on this rant about how she was the
"original recycler" in the family, recycling this,
recycling that. I've only heard the story a few dozen
times.

But the "original recycler" can't compete with the one
known as the  "High Priest". I think the name says it
all. However, I'll honor her by bringing up the topic
of recycling your telephone books properly.

Although telephone books can be reycled, they shouldn't
be mingled with other paper bound for the mill. The
paper used to make them is thin and manufactured from
very short fibers which aren't easily repurposed at
conventional recycling plants. Call your phone company
or municipal government to find local drop-off points
that will transport the books to their reincarnation-
as phone books. For those who have AT&T, their number
is (800) 288-2020.
So what are you waiting for?  Call them. Now.

And while you're at it, call your mother too.


"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future
for man if he spent less time proving that he can
outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and
respecting her seniority."
                         -E.B. White

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word, Act XXI

Play ball!

Arguably this country's oldest and most influential
national pastime, baseball's Opening Day for the
upcoming season was recently held, in of all places-
Tokyo, Japan. Interesting, because it used to ALWAYS be
held in Cincinnati, Ohio as a tribute to the oldest
team in the sport. Anyways, enough on globalization....

It turns out that Major League Baseball, in
collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense
Council (NRDC), is implementing a program called the
Team Greening Program. More than two years in
development, some of the advice being offered concerns
such topics as energy use, purchasing, concession
operations, water use, recycling, and transportation.
An advisor with the NRDC will be working with each
individual club in adopting an official environmental
policy.

And it seems as though some teams have already started.
San Francisco and Oakland were cited as having already
engaged in environmental programs for quite some time.
Seattle, Cleveland, and Cincinnati (yea!) are also
deeply involved.

Topping the list, however, belongs to the Washington
Nationals- whose new ballpark is LEED-certified- as
will be the new ballpark in Minnesota. Miami will also
be obtaining some LEED certification.

And last but not least, Major League Baseball and the
NRDC will be providing materials throughout the
league's ballparks, encouraging fans to make
environmental changes in their homes and businesses.
Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about.

Too bad they don't play on hardwood flooring....


GO "BIG RED MACHINE" OF CINCINNATI!

Curtis
High Priest of Green/ Big Fan of the Reds

Green is The Word, Act XX

Thou Holiest of Days is upon us.......(no, not Easter!)
Today is the REAL Good Friday!

So good in fact that I believe it's time, once again,
for EcoTimber to continue doing its own good. So to
"relieve" ourselves of the bad, I'm once again, going
to the restroom....

(uh oh, here we go again....)

It's time to switch our paper towels to something more
compatible with what a green company would do. I've
requested we switch to a paper towel made from
recycled content. This transformation will take place
as soon as I source the right product for our
dispenser. If I can't find one that fits, then I'll
just pick one that works just as well until the
legendary move to good ol' sunny Richmond.

That's it.
Now wasn't that easy?

And I didn't even have to use the word "ass"!


Yours for keepin' it clean AND green,
Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word, Act XIX

Ever heard of Eco-Palms?
I hadn�t either.

But as the High Priest of Green, getting prepared for
Palm Sunday is a must and being Green is of utmost
importance, so the Eco-Palm fit in perfectly.

A new program is underway in Mexico and Guatemala
where environmental groups have trained palm cutters
to cut good fronds while allowing the palm plants to
survive. That keeps the income in the pockets of the
people who cut them and maintains the habitats of
birds and other species, thus helping preserve the
forest.

Harvesters are usually paid on how many palm leaves
they cut, resulting in up to 50% or more of the palms
being discarded because of poor quality. Under the new
program, they are paid only for the quality fronds
they deliver, with the waste accounting for only 5-7%.

Approximately 300 million palm fronds are consumed in
the United States annually, with 10% going to churches
and the remainder going to florists who use them in
arrangements for weddings and funerals.

I should point out that one source claims the Eco-Palm
is "slightly more expensive" than the average palm,
whereas another source says the cost is
"more than double"....
Regardless, it seems like the Eco-Palm is doing well.

http://www.pcusa.org/palms/index.htm


Enjoy your Sunday, with a palm or not!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

RE: Green is The Word, Act XVIII

You make me laugh!
I checked out the website- Thanks for sharing!
CC

Green is The Word, Act XVIII

And on the 7th day of March, God said,
"Let there be Friday."
And so it was.
And it was Gooooooooooood.....

With Daylight Savings Time kicking in this weekend,
it's time to spring those clocks forward. And what
better way to do it than with the Juice Clock!

This clock is created from reclaimed and recycled
detergent bottles and is available in lemon, orange,
or grapefruit. Keep in mind, these are the colors
available- not the flavors...

http://www.beanproducts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc
(search "Juice Clock")

"Time WAS is past- thou canst it not recall-
   Time IS thou hast- employ thy portion small.
      Time FUTURE is not, and may never be.
         Time PRESENT is the only time for thee!"
                                                             

              - inscription on an ancient sun dial


Carpe da Juice Clock!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XVII

I like your style!  I always did the stovetop thing
out of laziness.  I didn't even realize I was being
energy efficient...
PS

Good advice!
CC

Green is The Word, Act XVII

Friiiiiiiiiiiiiday, Good Friday!!!

Anyone out there enjoy cooking for themselves?
MICHAEL?! HA! Well, for those culinary types amongst
us, here is some info to help green your way through
the process.

When you're cooking on the stovetop, observe three
simple rules of thumb to improve energy efficiency.
First, use the smallest pot or pan you can. There's no
need to use the largest frying pan you own when only
scrambling one egg.

Second, keep those flames to a minimum if not needed.
If the circumference of the flames is greater than
that of your pan, you're leaking unused heat into the
air.

And third (ah, that beloved Trinity again!), don't be
burner-happy. For example, if cooking ravioli, wait
for the ravioli to finish. When it's done, take it off
the stove to drain and replace that pan with the pan
containing the sauce. This way you're only using one
burner and not wasting energy heating up another one.
If possible, you could even use the pan which
previously held the ravioli to heat the sauce,
thereby eliminating one more pan to wash.

Get it? Got it? Gooooooood Friday!!!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XVI

Most excellent O High Priest!
I like this one.
LB

Super cool!
SK

I am a worthy disciple.
Don't take my lack of huzzah for a lack of enthusiasm
for the creed.
LB, after his "green" faith was questioned by the HP.

This is great! Spreading the word is a great thing!
CC

Green is The Word, Act XVI

Goooooooood Friday!

The High Priest is once again focusing inward,
meditating, on the next step in the "deep-greening"
transformation of EcoTimber. And this involves taking
what has been trash and making it usable.

We are now going to start re-using the packaging
materials that, up to this point, have been heading to
the landfill. This includes any styrofoam peanuts or
air bags that come our way (Air heads are included).
So if any of you come across some packaging material,
please give it to either me or Patrick and we'll give
it new life! "Born-again" packaging!! 
Ahhh, the High Priest likes it....

But what will our customers think if they see this
"dirty" packaging? The first thing they'll see is a
sticker on the outside of the box stating, "Please
reuse these packaging materials- WE DID! ". And maybe
they'll get the idea and start doing it themselves.
And then somebody else will be inspired and then
somebody else and then somebody else and then.....
                                                                   

                     ...a revolution?


"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, one finds
it attached to the rest of the world."  
~John Muir


Spread the packaging!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word, Act XV

Goody Good Friday!

Laughter, Acrobatics, Emotion. Just a few words to
describe the famous traveling circus,
Cirque du Soleil. Known for their lavishness, the
billion-dollar entertainment outfit is now pushing the
envelope with eco-friendly changes.

The company's first green step was placing recycling
bins at their Montreal headquarters. Five years later,
two touring shows have recycling bins, one of which is
Kooza.

For costumes, they use scrap materials which, after
being used, are placed daintly in a glass holiday
ornament and sold. This also includes the huge circus
tent, which is sliced and diced into messenger bags.

Cirque has experimented with running one of their
eight touring shows on biodiesel and is looking at
other methods of sustainable transport.

The company recently completed a headquarters
expansion that is nearly 100 percent sustainable. Its
main achievement is the complete recovery water
system, which uses reclaimed rainfall for all of the
building's sanitary, cleaning and irrigation needs.

So you want to know what Kooza is?
Well, find out for yourself!
It just so happens to be the one currently playing
under the Grand Chapiteau at Taylor Street Bridge in
San Jose until March 16!

For only one more month!

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueduSoleil/en/showstickets/kooza/
tickets/sanjose.htm

Now get on it!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XIV

OK, dude. The toilet paper one was pretty edgy.
Now you're taking it to another level. I like it.
DH

Thanks, Curtis! It was so nice to meet you. Let me
know if there's anything I can do to help promote your
green business! This was really nice of you!
Jennifer, Pleasures of the Heart

You didn't find out if the lingerie comes in a
Carbonized form or does the steaming comes naturally
and some of the "toys" wouldn't be a good seller in
some of ET's territories -  ie: Northwest ....too
cloudy!
You let the cat out of the bag!
JW

Wow, you f'ing rock man!
BR

Green is The Word, Act XIV

Happy Good Friday!

Just when you think it's gone too far...........

The holiday for lovers is right around the corner and
the High Priest is going to shower you with.............
green ideas.

Of course, the obvious. Flowers and chocolate will
always bring a smile to your partner's face. But why
not try for a much BIGGER and fulfilling smile...

Introducing locally-based (as in 3 blocks away), the
elegant erotica shop, Pleasures of the Heart.
I noticed their ad in the Pacific Sun, stating
"earth friendly adult toys and accessories", so I
followed my............heart.

After meeting Jennifer Islas, the "Proprietress", and
asking about the green stuff, I was quickly introduced
to the Green Flogger...The tongue of it is made from
either used intertubes or blue jeans, the handles from
various reclaimed materials, and made by a local man
who uses public transit to "deliver the goods".
I failed to ask for a demonstration.

They also carry lingerie made from our old dear friend
bamboo.

But the one that caught my attention was the world's
first solar-powered strap-on and vibrator, Solar
Sensations' Micro Kitty! The hand controller folds out
to reveal a small solar panel. Fully powered, it will
last for up to two and a half-hours.

Are you PURRING yet?
Already worn out?!
READY FOR A NAP??!!

Jennifer also pointed out that she often judges what
products to carry based on the amount of packaging
involved and that her and her daughter, who works
there as well, go the extra mile by walking about a
mile and a half to work.

And to think that as of last night, this ENTIRE email
was prepared to be about flowers and chocolate.......
(http://www.pleasuresoftheheart.com/)


Spread the love!

Curtis
High Priest of Green

RE: Green is The Word, Act XIII

This is very interesting! Thank you for this!
I think I have told you- I look forward to your Friday
messages.
CC

Green is The Word, Act XIII

Good Friday!

Tis the season to go skiing and Green Acres is the
place to ski!

According to the National Ski Areas Association, 61
resorts in 18 states are purchasing renewable energy
to offset their energy consumption, and 28 of those
are offsetting 100 percent- keeping 427 million pounds
of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

California's Mammoth Mountain is the first U.S. resort
to experiment with geothermal heating and this season,
Jiminy Peak, in Hancock, Mass. became the first ski
resort to install a 253-foot wind turbine and begin
creating its own electricity. Vail Resorts has
purchased wind power to offset 100 percent of the
electricity use at all five of its resorts.

Leading the charge, however, is Aspen Skiing Company,
which oversees Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands,
Snowmass and Buttermilk. In addition to being the
first resort to be 100 percent wind-powered, ASC also
uses solar and hydroelectric power, and the snowcats
at all four mountains are run exclusively on
biodiesel.
An excellent example of diversity!

For those skiers and snowboarders in the Bay Area, the
resort that tops the High Priest's recommendation is
the one closest to his heart and beliefs.......
Heavenly, of course...at Lake Tahoe!

http://www.skiheavenly.com/mountain/environment/

Nobody gets, too much heaven no more....

Curtis
High Priest of Green

RE: Green is The Word, Act XII

This is your best one yet!
DF

This is great stuff!! NO SHIT!!!
GL

Too Much! - butt maybe good selling points to our
customers. You could've put on a show at ET's booth
in Vegas! (maybe next year)
JW

I think you have a future in comedy my friend!!!!!!!!!
Jeff "Jethro" Bray, friend from high school

i like the style on this one.so many double entendres!
PS

Love it!
BR

Green is The Word, Act XII

It's Almighty Good Friday!

The High Priest has a dirty confession to make.
He LOVES using the restroom. Oh what a relief it is!
But now, it's even more enjoyable.

EcoTimber is again offering toilet paper made from
recycled content. No shit!

There are a few employees who desire the kindler,
gentler, "might-as-well-be-a-baby-blanket" toilet
paper and that's fine. Our sympathies to the softies!
We will continue stocking this brand for anyone in
need.

But for those who like it rough........
AND want to make a difference in the world by simply
wiping their ass can choose to use the green stuff.

It's one more step that EcoTimber is making to show
that being a green company isn't just the product you
sell. It's the ENTIRE process. It's walking the talk.
And it's FUN!

And don't let the butt stop here!  Apply the same idea
at home and tell your friends and family about your
clean green butt!

Hey- lighten up. I could be asking you to REUSE your
toilet paper......
(holy crap- he's right!!!)


Holy......yes.


Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act XI

Do I sense the need for a High Priest of Green blog..?
I like it!
www.blogger.com
Do it!
BR

(you sensed correctly, BR...little did I know...)

Green is The Word, Act XI

Glorious Good Friday!

If you're not into wearing your eco-raingear, perhaps
you might be into HOLDING it.....

Introducing the world's first 100% biodegradeable
umbrella! The handle is made from that
all-too-familiar bamboo and the netting from a
revolutionary bio-plastic.
http://www.thebrelli.com/

This bio-plastic is biodegradable and upon reaching
the landfill and starting to degrade will release a
gas, methane, which in turn is transformed into
electricity. The Brelli will last until you throw it
away, wherever "away" is....It will not start to
degrade until it is at a landfill site.

Another possible option is the eco-umbrella from
Wright Choice Promotions, but unless you need 36 of
them (the minimum order), it may not be the "right
choice"....
But perfect for gift giving!

http://wrightchoicepromotions.com/home.html

(then click "other eco-items", then half way down)

The handle is composed of 35% polypropylene
(scientific name for plastic) and 65% shredded wood.
All the shredded wood in the handle will decompose
within 2-3 weeks after placing it into the soil. The
netting is made from recycled plastic bottles.


"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy
of this period of social transition was not the
strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling
silence of the good people."

~ (in honor of) Martin Luther King Jr., from his
Mountaintop speech, given one day before his
assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.


Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word, Act X

Good Friday once again!

I'll start with what I consider the comment of the
week, for enlightenment purposes only...
"I always wondered what the little triangles
(recyclable symbols) meant on those containers."
The answer~ They're signs from God- you know, the
Trinity? The Father, the Son, and the Green Ghost, or
something like that.........

And to the one who stated, "glad that your back in
black and green", the High Priest is rewarding you for
your patronage with a sacrament of organic chocolate
with espresso from none other than Green & Black's.
Thanks for playing!

After the thorough drenching we received this past
week, I wondered what would be considered one of the
greenest pieces of raingear available and I think I've
found it.

The Eco Rain Shell Jacket by Patagonia. It's made for
both men and women. Check it out~ type in item #27060.
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?

And here is some info on its ecological footprint.
http://www.patagonia.com/usa/footprint/index.jsp?id=27060

From the words of one reviewer, "Those of you who dig
the sunshine will be praying for rain once you buy
this jacket."
The High Priest always appreciates those who pray...

Rain away, pray all day~ or something like that.........

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Green is The Word, Act IX

Green New Year to everyone!

The High Priest is back in black and ready to worship
all that is green, whether it's work related or not.
There are many things outside of our work environment
which deserve our attention as far as green awareness
goes. Of course, EcoTimber will continue to tranform
into "deep green", but The Word will spread out to
inform of the latest and greatest...

But based on what I'm seeing, I believe we need a
refresher on the recycling in our office, so I'll give
a brief review.

Everyone has easy access to a ROUND garbage can and a
RECTANGULAR recyling bin. Each bin is labeled to avoid
confusion.

The ONLY items that go in the recycling bin are PAPER
products. This doesn't include the plastic lid found
on those DEVIL-WORSHIPPING coffee cups that have
infiltrated our office. Those lids go into the "out of
sight, out of mind" garbage can. Any other recyclable
items, such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, or
plastic containers with a #1 or #2 triangular
recycling symbol, go to the recycling bin in the
kitchen area. Of course, this means that ONLY
recyclable items go into this bin, not garbage. Also,
when recycling an item which previously contained a
liquid or food product, it helps to rinse out the
item before disposing of it, eliminating the
possibility of leakage and smell.

If you are unsure about a specific item, please see
me. My counseling is free...


"I've been too long, I'm glad to be back"...

Curtis
High Priest of Green

Re: Green is The Word, Act VIII

If you catch me doing it again, call me on it, OK?
Thanks for keeping us true.
DH


And on making His debut in EcoTimber's December
newsletter...

Congrats on achieving official priest status.
Jason, Amicus Green Building Center/MD

Keep on Greening the World, Curtis!
Todd, Environmental Home Store/PA

Green is The Word, Act VIII

Good Friday fellow Timbers!

"Does anybody really know what time it is?"
~ Robert Lamm, Chicago

A gentle reminder~
Though the High Priest is up to his neck (or should I
say clerical collar?),  in re-usable paper, He still
notices alot of paper being shredded or recycled that
could be re-used. Remember that any paper He or His
Disciples collects stays in-house. If anyone is in
doubt regarding this, please discuss with Him.

The Green Tip of the week~
So many of us here at the office are buying coffee or
beverages up the street, yet we don't use our own
cups/ mugs. Granted, in certain situations, this may
not be feasible or convenient, but in the long run, it
makes an INCREDIBLE difference.

According to EcoCupInfo.com:
"Every year, Americans drink more than 100 billion
cups of coffee. Of those, 14.4 billion are served in
disposable paper cups, enough to wrap the earth 55
times if placed end-to-end! Those paper cups contain a
plastic lining made from a petrochemical that would
produce enough energy to heat 8,300 homes."

I'm willing to bet that if they were called
PETROCHEMICAL cups instead of PAPER cups, a lot more
people would bring their own travel mugs. If you
aren't interested in washing your mug every day, have
several mugs available and wash them together. As an
added bonus, some coffee shops offer a small discount
for using your own mug, usually five cents.

I'll end today's sermon with a quote from a distant
cousin of mine and yours, Mr. Charles Darwin.....
"It is not the strongest of the species that survives,
nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive
to change."

Change we must, to live again~

Curtis
High Priest of Reusing, Reducing, and Recycling

Green is The Word, Act VII

Good Friday fellow Timbers,

The High Priest has been on a Sabbath sabbatical, but
is now back for more green.

An idea was brought to my attention to further reduce
the amount of staples we use. A STAPLE-LESS STAPLER!
Here is the link.
http://www.gadgetgoodies.com/Stapless-Stapler_p_12-31.html

There may be others on the market, but this is the one
I found. Something about the passionate red got me. It
crimps the paper in a way similar to being stapled,
but without the staple.

The advantages: uses less staples which saves money
and resources. The disadvantages: probably has limits
to the amount of sheets which can be attached, costs
money, takes up desk space though it's not very big.

Rather than order these for everyone, I would like to
ask who feels like they want/ need one?
So let me know, y'all. I'll be back to work on
Thursday, September 6.

Have a labor-less Labor Day weekend!

Curtis
High Priest of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

Re: Green is The Word/ Praise to be heard!

If everyone does a little something, it makes a big
difference!
Nice work!
BR

You da man my Green God Guru. 
In Curtis' name we recycle.
ZB

LOL... and good stuff...
LB

By the way, I like your title.
Lisa, Green Foundations

Green is The Word/ Praise to be heard!

Good Friday fellow Timbers!

It's High Noon and high time to recognize one of our
own.

This week, Danna, our beloved bookkeeper, placed an
order with Office Depot and in the process of
ordering, found letter-sized paper that was
FSC-certified, and paper mailers, hanging folders and
a few other items made from recycled materials and
recyclable!!
If you get the chance, thank her for being extra
diligent in our quest for ecological ecstasy. One
person CAN make a difference.
Way to go, Danna, WAY TO GO (clap clap)!!!

The High Priest found correction tape made with
recycled plastic as well. He's also trying to
"reduce" the amount of mistakes he makes.....

That's it for this week.
Praise be to our Almighty bookkeeper!

Curtis
High Priest of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

Green is The Word, Act VI

Good Friday fellow Timbers,

It's High Noon and high time to announce the winner.
He came fast and furious. Within five minutes, BRAD,
the Minister of Marketing, had the correct answer.
PREACHER'S KID!   (redeem your beverage when you
like......and don't forget the promo code.....:-)
I've certainly heard that term more often than
"product knowledge", but not last week....
Anyways, thanks to all who played!   (At least I
know who's reading and who's not! )

A short reminder- ANY paper products being recycled
should go into your rectangular bins. Likewise, the
only items going into the multi-recycling bin in the
back should be glass, plastic, tin, and aluminum. And
don't forget to rinse out any items that need it.

The topic this week is PAPERCLIPS vs. STAPLES!
I'm wondering if we could cut down on our usage of
staples. I've seen some orders go through Customer
Service absolutely butchered with staples. If orders
were kept together with a paperclip, for as long as
possible, we would save a ton of staples. Once the
order is invoiced, Danna can then staple it and file
it. Perhaps the Finance Department and others have
some ideas that would work in similiar fashion for
their departments. I hope everyone can raise their
awareness just a little on this issue.
Again, once the habit is broken, it's easy.

CLIP IT, DON'T STICK IT!

Praise be to the Almighty Green!

Curtis
High Priest of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

Bruce is The Word, Act V

Good Friday, once again, at High Noon nonetheless!

I hope everyone doesn't mind and perhaps enjoys the
religious/spiritual overtones given to The Word.
I do have a confession to make.....
My father was a United Methodist minister in Ohio for
40 years. Needless to say, I've been to church more
times than I can remember, can still recite a few
Biblical verses, but no longer a follower of the
religion.(not that there's anything wrong with it! )

Since he passed away in February, it only seemed
natural that I take up the priesthood!  :-)
I'm sure he would be proud.
(maybe AMUSED is the right word?! )

Anyways, back to the sermon of the week......dedicated
to him, remembering the last of many postcards he sent
to me over the years, asking me if I remember the
penny postcard.......(sorry dad, can't say that I do)
.....:-)

I noticed a while back that the postage meter labels
are extremely long, so long in fact that you can
actually cut them in half across the width, thereby
DOUBLING the number of labels used. Instead of two
labels, we get FOUR! Starting today, ALL of our
postage meter labels will be pre-cut in half by
"yours truly", for your convenience. We'll be
REDUCING our usage in HALF! 
How exciting is that???!!!

Well, I'M excited...

Praise be to the Almighty GREEN!!!

Curtis
High Priest  of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

ps- Who can tell me what the initials "PK" stand
for? The first person to reply with the correct
answer wins a FREE beverage, on me,  from Shaky
Grounds down the street! The answer will be given
next week.

Re: Green is The Word, Act IV- BUSTED!

Great stuff.
Thanks for making this a regular reminder.
I love it.
LB

Thanks for keeping an east coaster in the loop.
DG

Thank you for the inspiration from a far. I will work
on the same principals in my office as well!
CC

Green is The Word, Act IV

Good Friday fellow Timbers,

I'd like to thank Dan and Brad for their huge
contribution of re-usable paper. The customer service
printer is now stocked up COMPLETELY  on reclaimed
paper, so if anyone needs to use this printer, make
sure you're printing a document that doesn't need a
clean backside. Thanks to all who are helping make
this happen!

It's also occurred to me that paper normally headed
for the shredder could also be re-used, PROVIDED that
it DOES NOT leave the office. Virtually everything
getting printed in CS doesn't leave the office-
standard order checklists, pull orders, sample
requests, etc.-  so I don't see this as a problem.
However, it's up to each of you who use the CS printer
to make sure that nothing vital leaves the office.
It's OUR business!

So to summarize the re-usable paper situation- ANY
letter-size paper in decent condition with a clean
backside can be put into the mailbox above the
Laserjet printer, labeled for your convenience "PAPER
TO BE RE-USED", or on the top shelf of my paper-filing 
cabinet, which sits to the right of my laptop. This,
too, is labeled "PAPER TO BE RE-USED". If a sheet of
paper is filled on both sides, make SURE it doesn't
contain ANY pricing, vendor info, etc. If it does, it
goes to the shredder. If it doesn't, it can then be
recycled.

If there's anything I can do to make this easier on
any of you, such as a different place for you to store
your re-usable paper, please let me know. I'm here to
help. WE CAN DO THIS!!

The next focus-of-the-week in our green ESCALATION is
doing away with the "post-it" notes. They're expensive
and probably not a good candidate for being recycled.
The alternative is to take a sheet of paper from one
of the "PAPER TO BE RE-USED" spots, cutting the paper
into sizes that are appropriate for you, and holding
them together with a paperclip or even binder clip.
The clips can also be used when leaving your note for
someone. I know that not everyone uses post-it notes,
but for those that do, go ahead and use what you have
and then GO GREEN!

Until the next Good Friday,

Curtis
High Priest of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

Re: Green is The Word, Act III- BUSTED!

Nice work Curtis!
Whoo whoo, its the sound of the green police!
BR

Green is The Word, Act III - BUSTED!

Greetings Fellow Timbers!

GOOD NEWS FIRST!
I'm proud to announce that all the standard order
checklists coming from Customer Service are being
printed on reclaimed/reused paper!

YEAH!
And it's Friday!! YEEEEAAAAH!!!

Now for the bad news.......(that was quick...)

It has come to my attention that not all Timbers
are following The Word, as suggested by the High
Priest. The last installment of The Word discussed the
re-using of our waste office paper. However, the High
Priest and His disciples have been on the dirty
low-down and discovered that AT LEAST six of the
eleven Timbers taking up space at 1611 4th Street in
San Rafael are not setting aside paper that could be
re-used.
I won't name names........this time around........
But be aware that the High Priest is watching you like
a hawk......uh.......I mean High Priest.
You know who you are- I know where you sit.

So perhaps I need to go over again exactly what can be
re-used. Examples include duplicate order checklists,
fax cover sheets that don't contain any pertinent
information, pull orders that are not needed, receiver
sheets, TOTALLY UNUSED employee expense reports,
TOTALLY UNUSED resale tax exempt information sheets
(note these last two items could have been used as
intended), news articles that have been printed,
outdated clearance price lists, used employee expense
reports. the advertisements that get sent to us via
fax- from pharmaceutical companies to mortgage
companies, inventory management reports, crazy
vacation getaway offers, get-rich-quick offers, and
the like.

Actually, it seems to me that even paper to be
shredded could be used. After all, the paper being
re-used goes directly to the CS printer, which doesn't
usually print anything that's leaving the office. It's
just getting filed somewhere. Any thoughts on this?

I realize that setting aside paper to be re-used is
something not everyone is used to doing and will take
time to make a habit. But we CAN do this!  Perhaps we
need to have the drop-off locations in the office more
convenient?? Let me know if you have suggestions.

I should also point out that ONLY PAPER goes into the
rectangular paper recycling bins. Not gum, not gum
wrappers, not plastic, or anything other than paper
products. Likewise, nothing should go into the "GLASS,
PLASTIC, TIN, ALUMINUM" bin in the kitchen, other than
what it states.

Anyways, no need to confess your sins. Just don't let
it happen again....:-)


Shiver me Timbers- IT'S FRIDAY THE 13TH!

Curtis
High Priest of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

Re: Green is The Word, Act II

Well done O Green One.
LB


Too cool...word.
DF


Word.
SK


I dig your tag line...
Todd, Environmental Home Store

Green is The Word, Act II

Greetings fellow Timbers!

So far, our recycling efforts are going well. The
container in the kitchen is now labeled, " glass,
plastic, tin, aluminum", to remind those who might
forget what goes into it. (Actually, the next time
Sierra empties that container, the plastic bag will no
longer be and the label will be visible). And don't
forget to rinse out those cans, bottles, etc.

Additionally,  the shredder will be labeled  with what
exactly should be going there- anything with our
prices, banking info of our customers, etc.- and
nothing else. It costs more money to shred than to
recycle, and it seems that some items are being
shredded that don't need to be.

Now for the next installment of The Word!
I would like to start reusing some of the paper that we
currently recycle. Sample requests, fax call reports,
fax activity logs are the ones that come to mind.
Actually, anything that doesn't go into the shredder
AND is in good enough condition (no tear marks, etc.)
would work. As for a place to store such paper,  those
in the front of the office can simply place them on the
top of my  black filing shelf to the right of my desk
(it's labeled in CAPITALS). For those in the rest of
the office, you can place them in the slot above and
left of the fax machine, labeled "PAPER TO BE RE-USED".
This paper will in turn be used in the CS printer,
which doesn't generate much in the way of any printing
that needs a clean backside.

If there are any other suggestions for which paper
could be used this way, let me know and we'll add it
to The Word.


Your Savior for all things Green,

Curtis
High Priest of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling

The Word is Green/ June 22, 2007

Hello to all,
Most of you have both a circular garbage can and a
rectangular paper recycling can near your work area.
For those who don't.....don't worry, be happy.....
you will.
The recycling can will only take paper recycling.
This includes coffee cups and other food
containers, but they must be rinsed out before
disposing.

As for other recyclable items such as glass,
plastic bottles, and aluminum, these will go into
a different can located in the back room near the
refrigerator.

Once I locate some blue tape, I'll apply it to the
rim of all of our recyclable containers, for those
who desire it, in order to more easily identify
which is which. If you need writing on the can, I
can arrange for that.

This is the first of many emails you'll be
receiving in the near future, in an effort to
"walk our talk".
We're an eco-friendly business, looking to be even
MORE eco-friendly, and hoping to set an example
within the
eco-community.

Yours for "saving" the earth,
Curtis
aka High Priest of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling