November 11, 2008
The Mic Is On: We’re Talking About Saving the World at Work
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 6:59 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Co-host Mark Carter, Social Media Manager
What Are We Doing to Save the World? Tim Sander’s new book, Saving the World at Work, is about how individuals and businesess can do things to help the planet while still making a profit. He calls this change in our thinking, the Responsibility Revolution. We’ll be talking about responsible business citizenship and what that means. We’ll be talking about what we can do.
- Does a company’s practices with the environment change whether you would buy their products do business with them?
- Would you spend more for a product from a company that believes in Corporate Citizenship?
- Do you see companies and individuals giving up dependence on paper and turning to digital forms of communication for more than email correspondence?
- How can we help green up our companies, our communities, and our homes?
- What part can individuals play in saving the world at work?
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links about your ideas.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: sxc.hu
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194 Comments to “The Mic Is On: We’re Talking About Saving the World at Work”
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Delaney Kirk said
Hi Liz! Hi Mark!
Delaney Kirk said
Oh goody! I was first at the party!
ME Liz Strauss said
Heya!
Yes indeed you’re the first at the party! How are you?!
Becky McCray said
Liz! Howdy!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Mark’s coming over in a minute!
Delaney Kirk said
I’m great. You must have been reading my mind re tonight’s topic. Check out my blogpost today: http://tinyurl.com/69krc9
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Becky!
Thanks for coming over.
Delaney Kirk said
Liz, Do you know Patti Digh? I had hired her several years ago to do a workshop for the local business community while I was still at Drake. She is a national consultant on diversity training. I think you two would like each other!
Joe said
Hey Liz,
Sving the world could be difficult when so many i-net jobs as well as brick and mortar jobs are being lost.
Just today, I read 6 of 7 articles online about the internet work force being cut.
Sad.
ME Liz Strauss said
No, Delaney,
I don’t know her, but I sure like the title of her new book — the one you mention in your blogpost today!!
Mark Carter said
Hello everyone…
Delaney Kirk said
Hi Becky.
I love your brag basket idea!
Christa said
I am here… not sure how much I can contribute as my only knowledge is from reading “Healthy Child Healthy World” and editing articles by architects on green building practices, but I will try!
Solo Business Marketing said
I’d definitely do more business with a company that practices green responsibility.
I’m an office of one and am very diligent about my solo mission. I shred and recycle absolutely everything possible, from plant water to paper.
Energy is heavily conserved by turning down the heat and unplugging anything that’s not in use.
Wow, I never thought about this until now.
Looking forward to learning about other practices.
Shirley
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Mark!
Glad you found us!
Everyone Mark’s the expert!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Christa!
Welcome. I’m sure you’ll fit right in!
Mark Carter said
re: 13–hello Christa–”Saving The World At Work” also includes mentoring, networking, etc as well as the green practices (those just tend to take the lead more)
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Shirley!
I think you should make your practices part of your promotion!
Trisha said
hello everyone!
Rick Cockrum said
Hi everyone.
I wish electronic communications would mean a decrease in the use of paper, but it seems to be more used than ever.
The company I work for has started taking some steps of responsibility. They’ve installed low flush toilets in all apartments, front-loading washers in all buildings, and compact flourescent lighting all public interior areas.
Delaney Kirk said
Liz, it’s a great book of inspirational stories. I asked her to come speak to my MBA class at Univ. of South Floirda in Sarasota. She lives in Asheville, NC, so I arranged the three booksignings to help get her expenses paid. While talking to Barnes & Noble, we decided to make this a way to help the poor and homeless. Amazing how it all fell together and became a win-win situation!
ME Liz Strauss said
Mark,
What are some of Tim Sanders’ initiatives?
Mark Carter said
Anyone involved with causes right now? What are you passionate about?
Donna Jackson said
can we give up paper I dont know, I’m still clinging onto all mine.
What if my desktop crashes, what if my laptop explodes from overheating, what if my back up doesnt back up. OMG what if I lose my last tax payment receipt and cant print another one.
Will my passport be printed on palm fronds or hemp leaves. Will my newpaper no longer arrive to exite the dog. Will my home library librate.
Will loo roll become more expensive than designer bags. Oh no a paperless world!!!!
Trisha said
My idea is not probably one many people would probably think of - but if you know me it shouldn’t surprise you.
Becky McCray said
Thanks, Delaney. I love letting people share their successes (and failures).
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Hello everyone! I’m in an online board meeting tonight so will be going back and forth here.
Hi Mark– my cause is raising deaf and hard of hearing kids–I’d like to get rid of the communication wars that have been around for 200 years.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Donna,
We gotta get you a thumb drive. Would that help a little?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Trisha,
Looking forward to hearing your idea.
Trisha said
For b and m businesses - if you have any land around your building, even small spaces - people could plant plants there that are native to your area and are beneficial to wildlife.
Solo Business Marketing said
Thanks for the nudge, Liz!
Mark, my passion/cause is explaining real-world business to elementary and high school students so that they see themselves as “fitting in” before they enter the work world.
I also encourage them to become entrepreneurs. In general, be productive whichever way you go.
Shirley
Christa said
Mark, my cause is helping public safety personnel connect with the communities they serve.
And to answer one of your above questions, I absolutely buy more from corporate citizens!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
Do those changes at your company change how you feel about working there?
Trisha said
I see so many businesses with either all grass or all non-natives planted around their buildings. It makes me sad, especially places that have a lot of space.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Liz et al! Great timing for this topic. I’m working on something with the goal of giving back to the community. Not quite ready to give too many details, hopefully this weekend. A BHAG is involved though!
ME Liz Strauss said
#9
Hi Joe,
Yeah, what can we do to save the world by helping those people?
Trisha said
Even just a few plants that butterflies use as host plants would give them more places to lay eggs.
Mark Carter said
Hello Shirley–
re: post 31: We have some very common interests–would like to learn more about those projects and possibly talk about some things we’ll be doing with http://www.SavingTheWorld.net
Trisha said
Or plants that birds can make use of - flowers with nectar that hummingbirds can use or purple cone flowers that finches like to eat the seeds from.
Becky McCray said
You know, I think this group may be one of the most aware, and active, groups I have ever participated in.
Jonathan Fields said
Hey Liz,
My thoughts - All things being equal, I’d definitely lean toward supporting a company with a more conscious or green approach. But, the catch is in the “all things being equal.”
If the product or service was not on the save level as the one offered by a less socially conscious company, that’s where the dilemma comes in for me. Still working on how to resolve this, and, as always, constantly listening and learning.
Mark Carter said
Hello Christa–what programs are you working on/looking to work on with public safety personnel and communities?
Mark Carter said
Trisha–
Great ideas and I love that planting plants is actionable and people can do it sooner than later (if their business/corporation allows them to)…
Rick Cockrum said
Liz - It makes me like working better there, yes. Using more resources than one needs to is economically and environmentally destructive.
Solo Business Marketing said
Mark,
I look forward to connecting with you after reviewing the site.
We can Email, Skype, etc. later this week or early next week.
Shirley
Becky McCray said
Trisha, can I count the weeds growing behind my store?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Glenda!
Looking forward to when you reveal your Big Hairy Audacious Goal!
Trisha said
The National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program I believe has a special thing for businesses too.
Christa said
Mark, one of the organizations I want to work with needs funding from corporate sponsors, as their gov’t grants have run out, to train investigators. I want to help them attract big firms, but also help them help their trainees connect with small local businesses and community groups who can come up with cash to send them to training (or bring training to them).
Also thinking about doing some case studies of how individual agencies have already used social media to connect with community members.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Jonathan,
I know what you mean about a dilemma. I feel strongly that we need to support excellence in workmanship as well. So choosing between the two that you mention in #41 can be a problem.
I’ll admit I usually go for the performance.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Liz, hopefully this weekend - need to put the pieces together. That little voice gets me in so much trouble.
Rick Cockrum said
Weeds are better than grass.
Jonathan - a lot of us face this dilemma. All to often we end up looking at the out of pocket costs rather than the long term outcomes of those decisions. Until we can be convinced that we will benefit personally, both financially and in other ways, by being socially or environmentally aware, the short term ‘benefit’ will win in many cases.
Christa said
The other thing related to #41 that I have learned from the architects I work with is that green building practices are not always cost-effective for the building owner - so it’s another aspect of corporate responsibility.
Mark Carter said
Christa–(re:49)Could you send me more information about the organizations you’re looking to help?
We want to do case studies for SavingTheWorld.net too–maybe I could interview/follow you with what you’re doing and get some attention?
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
I suspect you should refine your definition of trouble. then you and your little voice will get along fine.
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
As for working at home– well, I compost and I’m slowly working on getting rid of the grass. We recycle too.
Christa said
Be happy to, Mark - send a message through your website, or do you have a different preference?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
lol Liz!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
Choosing natural plants seems to work better than grass anyway. It’s just hard to play in the garden the same way as in the grassy backyard.
Trisha said
Thanks Mark - yes, its easy to do, can make the business look better too. And if they get the NWF certification sign it could help them appear more eco-friendly to their community also. A business could even write a press release about getting certified.
Mark Carter said
Christa (and everyone) –my email address for this is mjcarter @ savingtheworld.net
WineDiverGirl said
Fortunately businesses are able to measure in long term, big picture bottom line $$$ that greener, more sustainable, or best practices within any community ultimately does support the consumer, and each other beyond just the dollar$ that DO make sense. Almost like it make sen$e twice. It is very obvious in the wine industry where Hahn Vineyards just earned the SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certification…better wine, better for the earth, the animals, and on. Hooray for the Responsibility Revolution! ‘Bout time!
Christa said
#56 Karen, we recycle but have no good place to compost or have a vegetable garden (lots of trees/shade; lots of pine trees/acidic soil). Am trying to get my husband to buy in to organic lawn care (it’s ridiculous that the kids can’t play on it for 3-4 days!) but it’s a slow process…
Mark Carter said
In addition to going green gardening is relaxing…a nice added bonus…
Trisha said
Becky - it depends on what you call weeds. Some plants that some people label as weeds are native and useful to wildlife. Most natives are easy to grow too - so once you get them started they need very little if any maintenance.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Anyone know if handwashing dishes is more efficient, in terms of water and energy, than running the dishwasher?
Robert Hruzek said
Howdy Liz & Mark! Tip o’ the hat to everyone tonight!
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Christa, we went completely organic with our lawn and it looks fabulous. I learned a new trick that we’re going to try next year: fish emulsion and kelp placed in a water feeder.
Joe said
If growing weeds on the lawn is what they call going green, I’ve been green for years!
Trisha said
Rick - that kind of depends. A native grass like buffalo grass would be better than a non-native invasive so-called weed. A so-called weed that is native and useful is better than a non-native grass.
Now, if you are talking about the illegal type of grass, that’s different story!
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Glenda, washing dishes by hand uses more water than if you wash the same load that you would have in the dishwasher. But since it’s just the two of you, you’d have to wait all week to load the dishwasher!
Mark Carter said
Hello Robert, glad you could stop by!
Robert Hruzek said
#71 Howdy Karen! That’s what we do for the two of us. When it’s fully loaded, push the button. We also have a water softener so we use far less (good) detergent.
Delaney Kirk said
University of South Florida is recycling old shoes: http://shoesforthecure.com/
This is where mine go when they retire from the job…
Robert Hruzek said
Howdy Mark! Being in the oil & gas business puts us right in the thick of the “new sustainability” movement. You’d be surprised what’s happening these days…
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Robert, it’s exciting to see more and more cars using other options than gas!
Mark Carter said
Robert—
What’s one of the issues you see with people & companies being able to be eco friendly and cost efficient in the oil and gas industries?
Rick Cockrum said
Do you have any idea what they do with the old shoes, Delaney?
Robert Hruzek said
#74 Howdy, Delaney; long time no see! I’ve never heard of that org before but it sounds grand! Are they local to a certain area or will they place those boxes down here in Houston?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Karen. Yeah, I’ve found if I keep on top of the dishes daily, its faster than loading and unloading the dishwasher. But didn’t know if its more energy efficient. Of course, I stop before the dry cycle. BC Hydro is really pushing us to reduce energy use. We’re down 5% over last year.
Trisha said
Keep in mind that the word ‘weed’ doesn’t have any real definite meaning. Its really just a word people use to describe plants that are unwanted in a particular area. I try not to use the word myself. Many people seem to apply it to plants that don’t have large showy flowers.
Christa said
#78 Rick, I know the University of New Hampshire (alma mater) is using material made from old soles to make a porous asphalt-like surface to pave parking lots….
Delaney Kirk said
Hi Rick,
It’s a Florida non-profit but I think they do this other states. Website says “If you would like to host one of our collection boxes give us a call at 1-888-455-SHOE”
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Trisha, I find that if we just clip off the showy weed flowers, that does the job to keep from spreading. Last year, I didn’t keep up and we ended up with a huge patch of thistle in the flower garden. Now those are detested weeds in the Putz household!
Robert Hruzek said
(Wow, I love this number-reference system, Liz!)
#77 Well, for starters, the footprints for any kind of facility out there in the boonies (well sites, for instance) are incredibly small these days. Plus, there are all levels of mitigation going on.
For instance, the compression stations I’m working on for a major energy company are built with “looks” in mind as well as the earth, the community, and the local migration routes. Everything is part of the package.
Rick Cockrum said
Christa, Delaney - thanks.
Delaney Kirk said
@79 Robert Hi! Loved your blogpost on what impression do you give. I talk a lot with my students about impression management.
Robert Hruzek said
#76 It’s not so exciting when you consider the cost of alternatives right now. The cheapest fuel, counting production costs all the way back up the supply chain is still gasoline.
Hopefully that will change in the future, but there’s a long way to go, I think. No quick fixes out there… yet.
Trisha said
Karen - some thistle is native and some isn’t. I still don’t know how to distinguish between them. Thistle seeds are loved by finches though.
Mark Carter said
Delaney–just saw your post about using “Wordle” in the classroom. Great idea in any setting for an icebreaker!
ME Liz Strauss said
#84
Yeah, Karen,
And other folks actually plant thistle because they love them!
Robert Hruzek said
#87 - Thanks, Delaney. I harp on online reputation all the time, it seems. These days, that’s the most strategic thing we can do right now. It may come to the point where it can make or break someone in the future.
Trisha said
Another thing - native plants and grasses (such as buffalo grass) use less water and since they are native to your specific area they are adapted to the soil, etc. and don’t need fertilizer,etc.
Christa said
Robert, Delaney, that’s something I want to pursue as well with regard to law enforcement specifically - I wrote a blog post about it here:
http://www.copsonline.com/profiles/blogs/2098087:BlogPost:22638
Delaney Kirk said
@90 Thanks Mark! The students really enjoyed it and it was a nice way for us all to bond in a learning community.
Rick Cockrum said
I have entirely too much yard, but it’s always been ‘organic’ in the sense that I’ve never applied fertilizers or weed killers, or even much water other than rain, to it. I do however, leave all cuttings mulched on it, mulch all tree leaves and leave them in place, and let the grass stay a little taller than people normally prefer. As a consequence, it’s a mix of grasses, dandelions, wild flowers of some type, and weeds, but at the height of summer it’s usually green and growing while the lawns of my neighbors who have used chemical fertilizers and weed killers are turning brown.
Delaney Kirk said
@92 I had a student get caught lying on her resume. She had posted it on a website and the employer googled her and saw there were differences in the resume she submitted to the employer.
Christa said
Sounds nice, Rick - our lawn is entirely crabgrass, which looks OK from afar but does feel awful underfoot and also tends to crowd out all the “nicer” plants. :/
I really need to revisit it again, though - we’ve noticed we have no earthworms, and that just doesn’t sit well with me!
Delaney Kirk said
Christa,
Love that “Google is the new resume.” So true.
ME Liz Strauss said
#97
Now parents are telling bedtime stories that say, “Behave or Google will get you.” The boogy man is out of fashion and Google is so much more powerful.
Rick Cockrum said
No. You need the worms. If they aren’t around, something could be amiss.
Delaney Kirk said
Yep, Liz. I think many people still don’t realize how accessible info is on the internet. And it doesn’t go away…
Christa said
Oh, I think it’s the chemicals, Rick. Husband did everything “right” that way. The one year he slacked off (LOL) I reintroduced some and they stuck around, but the year after, with chemicals? No worms since.
Robert Hruzek said
#94 Wow, Christa; what a great example of the importance of managing an online reputation!
In fact, that’s one of the main reasons I started blogging in the first place. I figured if anyone wwanted to really know what I was like, what better way than to put my own stuff out there first. That way, they could get their info from the source instead of second or third hand.
Also, my current “body of work” (668 blog posts to date) will help counter any unfounded personal attacks made against me. Like, should I ever run for public office.
On the other hand; scratch that. They’d likely conclude I’m, y’know, insane. :-\
Mark Carter said
100—it does seem that google is getting more people (employees, etc)
ME Liz Strauss said
Ah, Robert,
I think they would conclude that you’re a brilliant storyteller. And that you can do it in as few as 6 words.
Christa said
LOL Robert! My fear is that everyone will find out I’m really very misanthropic, even if I call it “introverted.”
--Deb said
Hi, folks!
Rick Cockrum said
After all the horror movies the boogey man is just another movie character, while Google is real.
Trisha said
Here are some links that might be helpful:
http://www.highcountrygardens.com/low-water-lawns
http://www.nwf.org/backyard/
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi –Deb!
Have you come to help us save the world?
Rick Cockrum said
Hi –Deb.
Delaney Kirk said
Hi Deb! Better yet, did you bring us some cake? http://punctualityrules.com/2008/11/06/celebrate/
--Deb said
Sure, Liz, that’s EXACTLY why I’m here! (grin)
Robert Hruzek said
#106 - Aw shucks, Liz! Y’know; 6-word stories was sure fun. Gotta figure out a way to do something like it again…
--Deb said
Although, my Dad sells environmentally-friendly Ecoquest products, and the air purifier has done wonders for my asthma … that’s something, right? (www.inhalenow.com)
Robert Hruzek said
#106 - My favorite is still from Mrs. MZM: “Stop, or the chicken gets it!”
Bust out laughing every time I think of it!
Robyn McMaster said
Hi Liz, Robert Hruzek told me he was here and to come on over. My thought is that more companies are experimenting with new wind power and are beginning to retrofit their buildings so that they are certified green. That really helps them move forward with action that supports green.
Mark Carter said
Hello Deb…
Joe said
rick,did I miss something here? Yea Google is for real, but they buy up companies which adds employees, but then they cut the workforce by 75% leaving just the white collar guys that get those big bonuses that got all the loan/mortgage/credit banks in trouble that we are all paying for now.
Meikah Delid said
Hi, Liz! Hello everyone!
I’m glad that there seems to be a global awareness on saving the world through sustainable business.
And you might be surprised; there are a lot of companies going green these days or doing their share in conserving the environment.
I follow this blog here: http://www.mongabay.com/news-index/green_business1.html
ME Liz Strauss said
#116
Hey, Deb,
You just reminded me. I have a friend who’s last name is Green. The family has a company sells garden supplies. They were recently accused of “greenwashing.” Apparently someone thought they named the company to capture some interest from the “green” movement.
ME Liz Strauss said
#117
Oh Robert, Thanks for that memory.
Meanwhile back to saying the world (for us and the chicken)
Rick Cockrum said
Joe - I was referring to #100 and Google replacing the boogey man.
Robert Hruzek said
I ran across this one just the other day: retrofitting large ocean-going tankers with sails can reduce fuel costs by up to 40%! What a great idea!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Robyn,
I think that companies are starting to figure out that what they gain is going to last them.
Mark Carter said
Here’s another business I came across recently–a “green” winery: http://www.mendocinowinecompany.com/Parducci.html
--Deb said
Funny! And, my best friend’s last name is Green. Her first name is Dawn, and I remember being jealous back in grade school, when we had a class on sign language, and her name was PERFECT … actual words!
Come to think of it, she IS very environmentally conscious…
--Deb said
Come to think of it–nobody ever believes our dog is a real breed, either. He’s a Boykin Spaniel (state dog of South Carolina, originally bred by a man named Whit Boykin), and our last name is Boyken … so people always assume he’s some kind of mutt but that we’re claiming him as a family member….
Mark Carter said
126–and the companies that wait too long will end up losing in the end when they run into reputation management issues…
Joe said
Rick, re #100 I guess the parents are as afraid of the Boogle man as the kids are these days. At least if you work for a tech company.
Robert Hruzek said
OK y’all; it’s been real, it’s been fun, and it’s been real fun! But… duty calls.
A big ol’ tip o’ the hat to Liz, Mark, and everyone else tonight!
Mark Carter said
One of my friend runs a Green consulting company…and his real last name is Green.
Seems we all know some luckily named people
Rick Cockrum said
Robert - I’ve often wondered why sails and airships haven’t made a comeback.Both seem like they would result in a great deal of savings in non-urgent situations, and airship cruises seem like they could be a romantic luxury cruise.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Deb,
We’re a curious lot, humans. We’ll fight for the underdog, fight to save the planet, but get all weird about believing something small like that.
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Liz, I will be happy to dig up all my thistle, put them in pots for you to enjoy on your balcony next summer.
Trisha said
Time for me to go! Goodbye everyone!
Joe said
Rick I just recently heard of an airship company that started up in San Francisco for tours over the Golden Gate.
Maybe they are making a come back of sorts.
--Deb said
Also, name-wise, my day job is at a magazine fulfillment company called Fulco–short for FULfillment COmpany. And, coincidentally, our town used to have a man whose last name was Fulco, who would occasionally get our mail (and vice-versa).
What are the odds?
ME Liz Strauss said
Karen,
I’m afraid you’ll have to provide some version of a balcony first.
Suzie Cheel said
Hi everyone, just saw Glenda’s tweet and realised time was passing by
looks like there has been some GREEN discussions
Mark Carter said
141–yes, the discussions are going green right about now…
--Deb said
About nasty wildlife? My favorite shepherd has had a flock on Martha’s Vineyard, eating the overgrowth at a environmentally protected nature reserve. The goats eat the greenery, and everybody’s happy.
Right up until the person in charge of the reserve decided not to allow her to keep her sheepdogs with the flock anymore–this just a couple weeks after one of the sheep was attacked and almost killed by a wild dog.
Kind of counter-productive from a protect-the-wildlife-without-chemicals kind of way, huh?
Rick Cockrum said
Joe - that is cool! I hope it’s a growing trend.
I’m off now (not that I’m not alway off
). Good night everyone.
Goodnight, Liz. Thank you for the party!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Talking about the 3Rs,sorta, Mom is doing something I think is so cool. A few of her old, hand knitted wool sweaters are too pilly and stretched out of shape to donate to the Sally Ann, but the wool in still good. So she unraveled them and is knitting socks. One sweater makes four or five pairs of socks. She gave me a pair for my birthday. Way to go, Mom!
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Rick,
Thanks for being here!
Joe said
Rick, here, don’t forget your Klondike!
Nite
Christa said
Liz, they have those planter thingies that hang the plants upside down - you could have upside down thistles hanging outside your window!
Suzie Cheel said
@ Glenda=- that is too cool- other use is to felt them and then patchwork into blankets, wraps etc- groovy too
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Glenda, that’s an awesome way to recycle a sweater! Why don’t you have your mom start a sock business and you can sell socks on your blog? LOL
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
There ya go, Liz. Christa’s idea is a great one. I can recycle my thistle as a gift for you.
--Deb said
Glenda, I have lots of friends who recycle their yarn–either for the pleasure of reknitting it again, or to recreate it into something new. Heck, a lot of them troll used-clothing stores looking for sweaters they can unravel!
I admit, I don’t go that far, but I DO spin my own yarn.
ME Liz Strauss said
Wait a minute, Karen,
I said some folks like thistle that much. Personally I like ranunculus better.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
@Suzie, she is quilting too, but with fabrics.
@Karen, yeah, isn’t that cool. I had created an one-page site for her for Christmas one year, but she wasn’t quite ready.
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
What your mom is doing turning sweaters into socks is such a great idea. I love warm socks in the winter.
Mark Carter said
That is one of the more original (and fun) ways to recycle that I’ve heard of!
ME Liz Strauss said
Yep, Mark, it is for me too.
What things are happening over at the site?
--Deb said
Handmade socks are the BEST!
Mark Carter said
Right now for http://www.SavingTheWorld.net working on getting the word out that it’s an online community for causes.
Getting people to blog, share their passions and connect…b
ME Liz Strauss said
So have we covered the topic? Time to put away things for the evening?
Mark Carter said
We’ve done great–I enjoyed watching the conversations and I’m looking forward to following up with the people who posted!
Becky McCray said
What? I step away for a minute, and it’s all over??
Christa said
Thanks again Mark and Liz. This was my first open mic here but I’ll be back, it was fun!
And Mark, I’m looking forward to it too!
ME Liz Strauss said
Becky,
Did you want to talk some more? I’m here for you always.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
HEY Becky!
Ellen Weber said
To learn from others is to help our communities “save themselves” and, and you do that well, Liz. Thanks! That relates to my link you invited us to bring too, as I’ve learned more about “saving” my own leadership because of the way Obama is leading with the Brain in Mind - in tough times. My link says it better:-) Thanks for the invite to bring it. It’s at http://www.brainleadersandlearners.com/brain-facts/obama-leads-with-the-brain-in-mind/
Joe said
Awww, Liz, I didn’t know you put a time limit on OCN. It’s not eve 10 pm here. I’m still awake!
Becky McCray said
I knew you still loved me!
You two are major world changers. I know you both have big projects brewing, and I’m excited to see what you make of them.
But, nah, no need to keep talking. Just taking advantage of a chance to say hi.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, Mark, I love Mom’s idea. Do you think re-knitted wool socks would sell?
--Deb said
I’m a little tired, too . (Understatement, really.) ‘Night, all!
Mark Carter said
Glenda–it’s a good idea, original and “timely” because of the environmental/recycling movements…
Becky McCray said
Good night, –Deb!
Glenda, I think they would!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Mark. I can envision people sending her their favourite old sweaters and Mom knitting them into socks.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
No time limit, but no point in hanging when no one’s talking either.
Mark Carter said
Liz–thanks (as always) for creating a venue for these great conversations!
Becky McCray said
You know, it’s very selfish of me, but I feel like my work with Small Biz Survival is changing a small corner of the world. Who else is trying to support the small businesses in small towns?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Becky, how is that selfish? Embrace it! Shout it!
Joe said
Yeah Liz, I guess you’re right.
But I haven’t even thought of a poem to write.
I guess everyone has taken the green excuse
To save energy and electricity 23 sca-doo.
So, in that vein I will concede defeat
And stay green with weeds below my feet.
Burma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Liz Strauss said
Becky,
You are the pro in that field. That’s how people know you.
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Becky, I created a website for my father-in-law’s small business–hoping it can help bring in some business for his auto glass shop.
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Ok, I’m going to call it a night and toss my kiddos in bed. May you all have a green week!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Good one, Joe. G’night.
Becky McCray said
Karen, I saw that site. That’s so perfectly small biz. It is amazing what we can accomplish with tools, now.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Liz for the space to hang with friends. G’night.
Christa said
Becky, I’ll email you - the project I was talking about with Mark sort of gets at that.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Joe,
Sleepy swell!
Mark Carter said
Christa–I got your email and I’ll check it out and get back to you soon…
Christa said
Thanks Mark, very much appreciated!
Becky McCray said
Christa, that would be fine.
Good night, all you world-changers!
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, you guys,
Thanks for coming!
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Thanks for the kind words, Becky! Goodnight all! And for Liz, a bouquet of ranunculus with a single thistle tossed in.
Christa said
Nighty night folks, thanks again!
Meikah Delid said
Sorry was pulled away for a meeting.
have a good evening everyone!
The Responsibility Revolution: “A Better World One Sip at a Time.” « California Life: Better Than Happy Hour said
[...] that about you.) So how can your department, company or industry contribute to and be part of the Responsibility Revolution? Many businesses are starting with Green practices. But it doesn’t have to start or stop [...]