Saturday, February 8, 2014

First Green Bank


For an upcoming show on RN


The First GREEN Bank Story

As one of the first banks in the United States which has an environmental and social mission, First Green Bank was founded in 2009 by a team of experienced and successful local bankers after being given the last bank charter in the state of Florida.  Headquartered in Mount Dora, Florida, with branches currently also located in Winter Park (Coming Soon), Orlando, Clermont and Ormond Beach, Florida, First Green Bank is a customer-driven community bank providing personalized service, localized decision-making and proven technology while promoting a positive environmental and social example to its community.  As “a local bank with a global mission,” First Green Bank adheres to a values-based business model which endeavors to do the right thing for: the environment, its people, its community, and its shareholders.  In recognition of these continued efforts, First Green Bank was granted membership to the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) in May of 2012, and it is a founding member of the North American Chapter of the GABV.

In honor of Presidents' Day, we are closed on

Monday, February 17th




Try our Online Mortgage Application TODAY!
Online Banking can be EASIER
Check out our newest demo:
Flash Content

First GREEN Bank is based in Mt. Dora, Florida, with offices in Clermont, Ormond Beach and Orlando. It is the first bank of its kind to promote positive environmental and social responsibility while operating as a traditional community bank. Our bank staff invite you to visit and explore how we can assist you with your banking needs.
Green Factoid 
25% of all clean water that enters the home is used to flush toilets.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Fascinating changes in cars.

Some we've been reporting on and other changes are simply flying onto the radar.  Here's a good site for keeping up on the auto industry and a sampling of some of the articles you will see:  http://green.autoblog.com/

"BMW has shown its commitment to the development of hybrid and electric powertrains in recent years, with vehicles in its ActiveHybrid range, electrics like its BMW ActiveE and range-extended EVs like the i3 and i8. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles are clearly top-of-mind for the German automaker. We saw spy shots of the PHEV BMW X5 eDrive prototypes about a year ago, and now our shooters have come through with a 3 Series-bodied version of the technology, as well.

In addition to the obvious "Hybrid Test Vehicle" designation you see on the bodysides of this 3er, we also note that a second 'fuel cap' – presumably hiding the electric charge point – is in evidence. It's a fairly safe assumption that this 3 Series is making use of the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor configuration that the X5 eDrive used. In the case of the X5, that meant a top electric-only speed of 75 miles per hour, with a range of just under 20 miles, and 0-62 mph in under 7 seconds. With considerably lighter, compact sedan bodywork clothing the PHEV drivetrain, we'd guess that the 3 Series eDrive could improve on each of those numbers"
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"Toyota's Bob Carter has been talking about green cars for years, but it's only been recently that his comments have really caught widespread attention thanks to his disparagingremarks about electric vehicle supporters like Elon Musk and Carlos Ghosn and optimism about hydrogen. Speaking at the opening of the Chicago Auto Show this morning, Carter said that Toyota has claimed the "pole position on CAFE," thanks to its deep hybrid bench. The company's green car cred will continue to grow because of its upcoming hydrogen fuel cell car, due out next year. Carter is relentlessly optimistic: "I truly believe fuel cells will fundamentally change how we feel about transportation," he said."
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"Earlier this week, we got our first glimpse of the 2015 Kia Soul EV out on the road, completely uncovered. And even before then, executive editor Chris Paukert had the opportunity to drive a camouflaged electric Soul prototype on Kia's home turf in Korea. But now, finally, officially, the electron-happy Soul makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show.

Powering the Soul EV is an 81-kilowatt electric motor that sends 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. That's not immensely powerful, with Kia quoting a 0-60 time of "fewer than 12 seconds," but we're big fans of the instant torque thrust that EVs like the Soul provide. Top speed is electronically limited to approximately 90 miles per hour.

Kia says the Soul EV is good for roughly 80 to 100 miles of driving range.
The Soul's battery source is a 27-kWh, air-cooled unit that the automaker says can provide roughly 80 to 100 miles of range. (Your mileage may vary, of course.) As for the all-important charging times, Kia states a full charge can take as long as 24 hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 120-volt outlet, or as quickly as under five hours when hooked up to a 240-volt outlet. Kia even says that an 80-percent charge "can be achieved in as little as 33 minutes with a 50-kW-output [CHAdeMo] charger." Kia is partnering with three charger providers – Bosch, Leviton and AeroVironment – to offer customers a wide range of home charging solutions."




Wednesday, February 5, 2014

For a show we recorded today/Harte Research Institute

Which will broadcast in the next month or two.  Greg Stanz was great.  Make sure you tune on WARL 1320 AM, on its stream, or on our main site:  renewablenow.biz




GUESTS:  

Job title: Endowed Chair for Fisheries and Ocean Health
Professor of Marine Biology

Education: Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University (1999)
M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University (1995)
B.S. in Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio (1990)

Expertise: Dr. Stunz joined Harte Research Institute in September 2007. With his experience in the classroom as a Professor of Marine Biology, he understands the importance of leveraging real world data with the academic experience.

He focuses on where the fish are, how they interact with their habitats, and the vital role of the estuaries and near-shore waters. He brings an understanding of the consequences of natural and man-made behaviors to these vital resources.

Because healthy oceans are critical for human health, Dr. Stunz conducts extensive field research. Whether getting "hands-on" with sharks at the Padre Island National Seashore or examining the effects of oxygen-depleted waters created by human-induced nutrients or gathering data to develop sound sport fishing regulations, Dr. Stunz's research provides an objective foundation to build sound policy.

Our Mission


HRI'S Vision: A Gulf of Mexico that is ecologically and economically sustainable

Our Mission: To lead the way to a healthy and productive Gulf of Mexico

How will HRI accomplish its mission?

The Harte Research Institute, an endowed research component of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is dedicated to advancing the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. To make this vision reality, HRI will:
  • sustain an environment to conduct meaningful and successful programs in research and education with highly qualified faculty, staff, and students;
  • promote excellence and innovation in interdisciplinary scientific research, public policy initiatives, and education of the public concerning the Gulf of Mexico;
  • encourage a tri-national responsibility and approach to understanding the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, involving the United States, Mexico, and Cuba;
  • partner with other organizations that are dedicated to addressing issues related to the Gulf of Mexico, in order to achieve common goals; and,
  • freely disseminate research results to the scientific community, management agencies, the general public, and policy makers, in order to foster wise and appropriate use of the Gulf of Mexico.
HRI’s Goals and Objectives:

It is the goal of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies to be a research center of excellence providing international leadership in generating and disseminating knowledge about the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and its critical role in the economies of the North American region. It is our further goal, to actively engage in efforts to both realize our vision and further our mission. Our objectives include:
  1. sustaining a commitment to high-quality, innovative research on the Gulf of Mexico;
  2. leading efforts in synthesizing, integrating, and communicating Gulf of Mexico research;
  3. developing and using the Harte Model as a means of applying the best available science in the development of policies to further our vision of the Gulf of Mexico;
  4. committing to undertake Gulf Summits on a periodic basis and assess the health of the Gulf of Mexico and to uncover gaps in existing knowledge and to create initiatives to fill those gaps;
  5. cooperating with state and federal resource management agencies by providing scientifically-based knowledge for sound policy and management of the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding region;
  6. establishing partnerships and alliances with educational, governmental, nongovernmental, and private sector organizations interested in long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico;
  7. developing a role in supporting public policy programs, using diverse approaches including:
    o A Gulf of Mexico website of research institutes, research personnel, research projects, and other information about the Gulf of Mexico.
    o Conferences on Gulf of Mexico scientific and policy issues.
  8. developing a Gulf-wide Geographic Information System;
  9. fostering tri-national cooperation and collaboration in science and management of the Gulf of Mexico;
  10. developing and supporting outreach and education activities that promote the development of critical thinking skills;
  11. advancing conservation biology and biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico; and,
  12. promoting the concept of the Gulf of Mexico as a large marine ecosystem, influenced by the Caribbean Sea and surrounding watersheds, requiring monitoring, modeling, and management.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Launching Organic Wine Line - See more at: http://renewablenow.biz/eating-green.html#sthash.c6ooutcH.dpuf

Also on our front page this week:   http://renewablenow.biz/eating-green.html

Good to see their investment in growing this side of the wine market:



"Power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are expanding their empire by dabbling in the wine business. According to PEOPLE, The Jolie-Pitt’s are in the midst of launching an organic wine line for this year.

The first wine will be called Miraval, named after their 1,000-acre vineyard estate in Southwestern France that’s located in a wine-growing valley. Organic farming is popular on the land, especially with 75 plus acres growing Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

The debut wine is said to be a 2012 vintage pink rosé that comes in an elegant bottle.

Later this year, additional organic white and reds will be released with help from French winegrower Marc Perrin.

“They [Jolie-Pitt's] are very demanding in seeking excellence in the quality and character of their wine,” Perrin told French business magazine Challenges.

The three first met last summer on the estate, where they talked about putting their product into distribution, and the design.

The wine is set to be released in the U.S. on March 15. Look for the label, which will read “Bottled by Jolie-Pitt and Perrin.”

- See more at: http://renewablenow.biz/eating-green.html#sthash.c6ooutcH.dpuf

Exclusive NISSAN CPO Interview

http://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/WARL
Did you know that the Nissan leaf was the number #1 selling car in Norway? Were you aware that Nissan is positioning itself to become one of the world's dominant producers of EVs?

Well there is so much more to this car manufacturer that you may not know, all very exciting  and very innovative. ReNewable Now caught up with Nissan's Executive Vice President, Chief Planning Officer, Andy Palmer who gave us a rare inside look at this company and what they are doing when it comes to growing with the Green Economy.

You can listen to our interview with Andy Palmer LIVE on Wednesday, February 5th at 2:00 PM EST-US, by clicking here..

Monday, February 3, 2014

It was not much of a game but...

Good to see the care and concern for the environment the NFL showed at Met Life Stadium:

Seahawks vs. Broncos: Sustainability Highlights for the Teams and Super Bowl XLVIII

From: Allison Winter, ENN 
Published January 29, 2014 09:18 AM


As for this year's Super Bowl, MetLife Stadium boasts that it is the first stadium in the world to earn the title of "Certified Green Restaurant" stadium from the Green Restaurant Association (GRA).
The GRA worked with MetLife Stadium to implement 61 sustainability measures this year. Highlights include:
-All waste kitchen oil is being converted to biodiesel fuel
-Composting all kitchen scraps
-Donating all leftover food
-Recycling cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum and paper
-Use of ENERGY STAR equipment
-Installation of waterless urinals, touchless sensor faucets, 1/2-gallon faucet aerators, and low water landscaping
-Eliminating all polystyrene foam containers
As for the two opponents, the main accomplishments of the Seahawk's sustainability efforts from the past decade at CenturyLink Field include:
Waste Reduction
   -94 percent of waste from CenturyLink Field is diverted from landfills, up from 47 percent four years ago
   -Five million gallons of biodiesel were produced in 2012 from recycling cooking oil
   -100 percent of food containers are compostable
Water Conservation
   -CenturyLink Field reduced its water use by 15 percent in 2012
   -Low-flow water fixtures save 1.3 million gallons annually
   -Cleaning processes are low-chemical and all cleaners and soaps are certified by Green Seal
Energy Efficiency
   -Energy consumption was reduced by 12 percent in 2012
   -CenturyLink Event Center is topped with solar panels that meet 30 percent of the facility’s energy needs
   -Arch lighting has been converted to programmable, efficient LEDs
As for the Broncos and their sustainability efforts at Mile High Stadium, they too have impressive accomplishments. Highlights from the past decade include:
Windpower Offset
   -The Broncos have purchased renewable energy through Xcel Energy's Windsource Program to offset 100% of the electricity used to power all home games for the 2011 season.
Single Stream Recycling
   -In August of 2007 Sports Authority Field implemented a stadium wide recycling program.
Cardboard Recycling
   -In February of 2008 the stadium purchased a cardboard baler and began recycling cardboard.
Composting
   -Composting began in November of 2008 in the main kitchens.
Energy Management
   -The stadium has instituted an Energy Management Program, and due to this program the stadium has seen an 11% reduction in it's energy usage.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Way Beyond Greenwashing: Have Corporations Captured Big Conservation?

This is a long article, we will not run the whole, but it is very interesting, thought provoking and, as usual, shows there's no easy answers, lots of compromises, in moving all entities, including the business world, into a sustainable future.

Always, in our view, the sides need to come together to strike the right balance between preserving the economy and defending the environment.  We applaud the environmental non-profits for coming to the table and negotiating some early steps to bring water stewardship and conservation to farming. 

See what you think.  Here's the link: http://www.independentsciencenews.org/environment/way-beyond-greenwashing-have-multinationals-captured-big-conservation/

Part of the story:



Jonathan Latham (Photo Credit: auspices)
"Imagine an international mega-deal. The global organic food industry agrees to support international agribusiness in clearing as much tropical rainforest as they want for farming. In return, agribusiness agrees to farm the now-deforested land using organic methods, and the organic industry encourages its supporters to buy the resulting timber and food under the newly devised “Rainforest Plus” label. There would surely be an international outcry.
Virtually unnoticed, however, even by their own memberships, the world’s biggest wildlife conservation groups have agreed exactly to such a scenario, only in reverse. Led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), many of the biggest conservation nonprofits including Conservation International and the Nature Conservancy have already agreed to a series of global bargains with international agribusiness. In exchange for vague promises of habitat protection, sustainability and social justice, these conservation groups are offering to greenwash industrial commodity agriculture.
The big conservation nonprofits don’t see it that way of course.According to WWF ‘Vice President for Market Transformation’ Jason Clay, the new conservation strategy arose from two fundamental realizations.
The first was that agriculture and food production are the key drivers of almost every environmental concern. From issues as diverse as habitat destruction to over-use of water, from climate change to ocean dead zones, agriculture and food production are globally the primary culprits. To take one example, 80-90% of all fresh water abstracted by humans is for agriculture (e.g. FAO’s State of the World’s Land and Water report ).
This point was emphasized once again in a recent analysis published in the scientific journal Nature. The lead author of this study was Professor Jonathan Foley (Foley et al 2011). Not only is Foley the director of the University of Minnesota-based Institute on the Environment, but he is also a science board member of the Nature Conservancy.
he second crucial realization for WWF was that forest destroyers typically are not peasants with machetes but national and international agribusinesses with bulldozers. It is the latter who deforest tens of thousands of acres at a time. Land clearance on this scale is an ecological disaster, but Claire Robinson of Earth Open Source points out it is also “incredibly socially destructive”, as peasants are driven off their land and communities are destroyed. According to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 60 million people worldwide risk losing their land and means of subsistence from palm plantations.
By about 2004, WWF had come to appreciate the true impacts of industrial agriculture. Instead of informing their membership and initiating protests and boycotts, however, they embarked on a partnership strategy they call ‘market transformation’.
Market Transformation
With WWF leading the way, the conservation nonprofits have negotiated approval schemes for “Responsible” and “Sustainable” farmed commodity crops. According to Clay, the plan is to have agribusinesses sign up to reduce the 4-6 most serious negative impacts of each commodity crop by 70-80%. And if enough growers and suppliers sign up, then the Indonesian rainforests or the Brazilian Cerrado will be saved..."