Celebrating Earth Day: Over 200 Ways 40 LinkedIn Members Are Making Our World Greener

Enjoy inspiring actions, testimonials, events, and products/services that LinkedIn professionals are working with to celebrate Earth Day and make the world a Greener place for the present and the future.  Normally the Community Marketing Blog brings you marketing and social media best practices and features on how companies are beating the recession. However, today is a special day. 

Today millions of people will stretch out of their comfort zone, or share what they know, as global focus is brought to how we can change the world around us. We are deeply honoured to share what over 40 companies are doing to make a difference and hope you find inspiration and practical use of priceless information we’ve collected.   

Enjoy Over 40 Inspiring Stories From Professionals That Are Helping To Change The World

Story 1 -  “Naked Juice recently became the first U.S. based juice company to team up with Rainforest Alliance for sustainable fruit procurement. All bananas used in Naked Juice’s 100% all-natural products will now come from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms that meet environmental, social, and economic criteria to ensure sustainable and just farming practices. Banana farms, once criticized for deforestation, are being transformed into sustainable businesses that provide products that consumers can be proud to support.” Jennifer Poulson Account Supervisor l Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

Story 2 -  “Every day should be Earth Day for those of us who are in the green movement. At home water and energy reduction are first priorities, recycling is a way of life, eliminating waste, paper reduction are simple things everyone can do easily. Commercially, pushing your company to focus on environmental initiatives, social and economic sustainability is key. The commercial market has such a massive impact on waste, recycling, energy, water consumption that we must do better everywhere.” Bill Guandolo

Story 3 -  “On Earth day, as on every other day, I will be continuing to enlighten businesses to the simple fact that reducing energy consumption, either by switching things off, or implementing energy efficiency measures, not only reduces harmful CO2 emissions, but also reduces their energy costs!” Andrew Fletcher

Story 4 -  “On Earth Day I will continue to lead by example. I am a professional comedian who has been pedaling a fully-loaded touring bicycle to my stand-up comedy performances since June 20, 1987! In that time I have pedaled more than 150,000 miles to all 50 states (Hawaii was not easy), and throughout 33 countries on five continents.” The Bicycling Comedian

Story 5 -  “I am growing 6 different types of tomatoes in honour of earth day. I am using Rootblast fertilizer and tomatoblast fertilizer which are both environmentally safe, pestiside free, hormone free and safe for your family, children and pets! I am a guest presenter for this product on The Shopping Channel in Toronto, Canada!” Nicole Mckinney

Story 6 -  “For Earth Day Grapeflix will show for free a feature length documentary exploring the ravages of American suburban sprawl, “Sprawling From Grace: The Consequences of Suburbanization”. http://www.grapeflix.com/Category/frmCategoryDisplay.aspx?CategoryID=3585
As a digital media distribution company Grapeflix contributes to Earth Day by allowing Green advocates to be heard all over the planet!” Grapeflix Blogger-in-Chief

Story 7 -  “On Earth Day, I'll bring some of my online green gift store's gifts to a small 2-hour celebration held by a large law firm which is adopting more green practices. I enjoy meeting people and showing there are increasingly more attractive, available eco-friendly options for anything they want than they imagined.” Reena Kazmann

Story 8 -  “Aveda has been sponsoring Earth Month throughout April (nope, don't work for them!). You don't need to get your hair done to go in and help contribute to their regional partners who are doing amazing things in the environmental arena! In the midwest, Ohio River Foundation is the recipient--please help support this wonderful organization.” J Grace

Story 9 -  “PIVTR (internetvoicesradio) is giving half an hour of air time to some local (Detroit area) schoolchildren who will voice their views on the environment, conservation, and being ‘green’.” Rowena Cherry

Story 10 -  “Not sure about the day but on the earth hour day, we forgot and then our neighbor called us and said our lights are on and we said "oops" then we called another neighbor and they said "oops" :-) we all ended up putting lights off for 50 mins.” Jayesh Badani

Story 11 -  “Good question. I asked a similar question a few days ago on twitter and received only one response: What are you doing for Earth Day? Knox Planning event company plans on reviewing current recycling habits and defining a roles and responsibilities checklist to increase green office products. We will be reviewing our paper usage: Are we using recycled paper, how can we reuse paper, do we really need to print that document, how can we increase electronic usage vs. paper communication and in-person meetings without becoming too impersonal with clients? What can we do to better our office procedures to increase a greener environment? These are just a few questions we plan on asking ourselves not only tomorrow but for future usages.” Lisa Spegman Event Planner at Knox Planning 

Story 12 -  “As the professional association of the printing trade you might imagine our challenge. Remarkably, technology has evolved to enable smaller quantities of printed material and improved ROI as a result. It takes the form of variable data publishing and cross media marketing. Printers are stepping up and expanding their capabilities to this end. In addition, they are embracing various green initiatives and certifications that go well beyond the use of recycled papers to sustainable forests and reduced carbon footprints. Many will be discussing these trends at our upcoming conference called “Green with Envy” May 1 at the San Francisco Hilton.” www.pincshow.com

Story 13 -  “Long before it became the in thing to do, we at Tepel Brothers Printing Company have practiced environmentally safe behaviors. We recycle our raw materials, including over 2 Million pounds of paper & 18,000 pounds of aluminum per year. We print with environmentally friendly vegetable based inks. Our facilities temperature & humidity is electronically controlled, with natural outside supplemental lighting. Tepel Brothers is an FSC certified printer who monitors its’ carbon foot print.” Toni McLaughlin Print Consultant at Tepel Brothers Printing Company

Story 14 -  “We just launched our first Citizenship Report (www.ni.com/citizenship) that outlines our 2008 business performance and goals for 2009. This includes things like the removal of paper and styrofoam from our cafeterias; installation of motion sensors in the lavatories; low water valves on all faucets; installation of energy efficient lighting; and the formation of the NI Green Team. This team is a grass-roots, employee-led team with 8 focus areas and over 158 members and counting. They do things such as helping to arrange carpooling and a nearby metro rail stop; conducting evaluations of our packaging and printed documentation; and possibly starting an on-campus community garden. This team planned our Earth Week agenda that includes multiple greenbag lunch n' learns, recycling tables for education, and sign-up sheets for volunteer activities.” Heidi Baschnagel Director, Marketing Communications at National Instruments

Story 15 -  “I am the Queen of recycling...I even bring home bottles and cans from people's home who do not recycle. I also am including in every seminar a plea for going green...and especially to start with first step: RECYCLE!” Anne Sadovsky Owner at Anne Sadovsky

Story 16 -  “At Blue Tent Marketing, we've decided to launch our Computer Recycling Program on Earth Day as part of our ongoing Blue Tent Green Initiative. In partnership with Aspen's Community Office for Resource Efficiency, and Carbondale's YouthEntity, we've joined forces to collect old computer equipment and peripherals for reuse, refurbishment and recycling. To learn more about our effort, please read the press release here: http://www.bluetentmarketing.com/images/BTM/BTGreen/BTM_CompRecycling_PR.html”  Josh Lewis VP Marketing - Blue Tent Marketing

Story 17 -  “Why not just simple things that people can do at home? In our house we set up a compost bin to process kitchen and yard waste, florescent lighting, computerized lighting that turns off when not in use, electrical power-factor optimization, and I have more projects in mind. Most of this was done by me on a DIY budget.” Oleg Dulin Software Engineer

Story 18 -  “Not as much as it could be quite frankly. My awareness / activity has increased dramatically the last few years, But I still allow myself to make poor choices out of convenience and expediency. My largest contribution (in the works) is trying to be one of the first to get a truly green car. Either an Aptara electric, or MDI air car
http://www.aptera.com/
http://www.mdi.lu/english/
My preference would be the air car, but I think it more likely I can get the Aptera than the MDI in the near future. Not to mention that the Aptera is just seriously better looking.” Dale Hans SaaS Application Developer

Story 19 -  “WILD Foundation is convening the 9th World Wilderness Congress in Merida, Mexico November 6-13, 2009. Now actively engaging students and young professionals, ages 13-29 globally to make progress on climate change and wilderness conservation as a most effective mitigation strategy. Actively seeking sponsors and delegates to join 1500 business leaders, government ministers, NGO's, musicians, celebrities, artists, environmentalists, and conservation change agents. Come be the change and be changed!” Kat Haber Affinity Rep at HaberVision.com

Story 20 -  “I am running a large event to the general public on April 27. www.realhumanbeing.org I am encouraging car-pooling and doing away with plastic bottles and paper handouts. The philosophy I teach on BD and networking skills can be interpreted as an environmental one: "give back more than you take." Dave Howlett RHB Founder and Managing Director of RealHumanBeing.org

Story 21 -  "In my role as Dean of the School of Business at Kendall College, I have organized a workshop series.
"It IS Easy Being Green: Earth-Friendly Strategies for Businesses Small & Large".

Here's the info:
How can you better market and serve customers electronically?
How can you shift your services to online delivery?
What are some earth-friendly workforce strategies?
How can you take a more environmental approach to materials and workplace design?

We consider these questions in sessions led by key subject matter experts. Join us for one session or for all four.

Attend any or all of these FREE workshops offered to our Kendall community of students, parents, alumni, staff, faculty, business associates, and members of the public. Learn more and register today by emailing Michelle Coussens, Dean, School of Business at: mcoussens@kendall.edu. Registration is required and reservations are limited. A light lunch will be provided.

• How to Market and Serve Virtually with Less Footprint and More Heart – Saturday, May 2, 10:45 am-12:15 pm Presenter: Gail Sussman Miller, Owner, Inspired Choice
• Banking on a Greener Future… Why Sustainability Has Bankers Seeing Green – Monday, May 4, 12:30 pm-2:00 pm Presenter: Jon A. Levey, LEED® AP, Co-Founder & Chief Lending Officer, GreenChoice Bank
• The Emerald Office: Eco-Friendly Workforce Strategies– Monday, May 18, 12:30 pm-2:00 pm Presenter: Kyra Cavanaugh, President, Life Meets Work
• LEED the Way to a Greener Business Environment Today! – Saturday, May 30,
10:45 am-12:15 pm Presenter: Michael Pula, Senior Analyst Relations Manager, Panduit Corporation

All Workshops are free to the public with pre-registration and held at Kendall College (near the intersection of Halsted and Chicago). Room location is provided upon registration confirmation. Parking is free in our Events Parking Lot.” Michelle Coussens Business Planner Extraordinaire! Dean, School of Business, Kendall College; Owner, Plan B Consulting

Story 22 -  “Simple things. Not saying that our $*@# doesn't stink, mind you. A little browsing the internet and careful thought. But the best thing we found is that some things are not only better for the environment, they are also cost savings!
* we worked out and installed a more energy efficient lighting system for our green screen studio, replacing Kino Flo's and space lights: less heat in the studio and lower electricity bills
* infra red switches in the toilets were installed to turn off the lights automatically
* a strong preference for a tapeless workflow: P2 memory cards, hard disks
* (headed) paper is only sent when absolutely necessary: e-mails only
* meetings down town are done by bicycle: no parking meters, (try finding a spot in the first place!)
* last but not least we switched to green energy

Story 23 -  “I realize that we still have a long way to go, but the commitment is there. Happy Earth Day!” Oscar Esajas new business @ Get Across & Studio Amstel

Story 24 -  “I personally participated in the following event that was produced by my client: In honor of Earth Day, Senator Lou Correa, the Community Action Partnership of Orange County and Obama OC Organization, along with members of the Young Senators club and residents from surrounding communities canvassed an Anaheim neighborhood to educate low income families about energy conservation and free weatherization and utility services.”

Story 25 -  “The Earth Day Community Event, which took place on Saturday, April 18, 2009, is part of an on-going effort to “Renew America Together”, and was sponsored by the Community Action Partnership through funds they received as a result of President Obama’s current stimulus package. Income qualified families were offered the opportunity to sign-up for weatherization-energy audits and comprehensive retrofits, as well as free refrigerators and weatherization services for their homes.” Morgan McKean Brand Strategy & Marketing Communications Consultant

Story 26 -  “I'm in the recording business (music and audiobooks) and own a recording studio in Bergen County, New Jersey. Over 1/2 of our power is provided by solar panels. We have replaced incandescent bulbs with fluorescents and I'm obsessive about turning lights off when not in use. In addition, my wife is on the Environmental Commission in our town. The Commission has successfully enacted a "no idle" ordinance and will be working on educating the public about turning off their car engines - there is already a law in New Jersey against idling, but it is rarely enforced. We participated in an Earth Day celebration in our community and had a booth explaining where our water comes from and why it is critical to conserve water. The amount of water wasted on watering people's lawns is staggering. In addition, the use of harmful chemicals for lawn enhancement is an ongoing danger to our water supply. We also explained that bottles or chemicals that enter stormdrains end up in our oceans. Education is the key in making people aware of the consequences of their actions. We can all be part of the solution and that is a choice I believe properly informed and concerned citizens will make.” Louis Milgrom Owner at Milgrom Productions

Story 27 -  “Although not exactly a result of my business, as a business representative member of our local school council (public), I spearheaded an effort to motivate our senior high school students to get involved in community service on Earth Day as a student body. All communication about this event is published through email and screened on the in-room communications.
* This is our fourth year for Community Service Day
* This year we are serving 19 local venues (parks, shelters, orphanages, other schools, roadsides, etc)
* We had merely 150 our first year with 10 chaperones, this year we expect over 500 with 70 chaperones.
* We have seen students continue to serve at some of the venues following the experience on their own.
* Our community has gotten involved at businesses are donating supplies, food and drinks.
The goal is to help our kids realize how important their personal efforts are in making our world a better place.” Dutch Bickley Production Manager, Director, Consultant, Editor, Videographer, and Producer

Story 28 -  “In Belgium in Limburg a province an initiative was launched where people could get a kit containing plastic wastebin, gloves and a special stick with which you can pick up waste from the ground. So, me and a familiy member cleaned a street in a rural environment ( 700 meters long). When done we had a full wastebin of about 40 kilo's. We went by some houses of really very rich people in that street, they were looking is if we were insane, but did see some interest also. In fact we need to make manking more responsible for their act, and get more respect for the environment as this generation has been thought that there is no limit to the freedom of men. I think we soon be learning a lesson in humility. But most important is that the only way to change is to start with oneself and give examples. Nothing is more powerfull than good examples. Society is lacking great examples. But people forget they can be the example themselves, so let's start with ourself.
At least one street is clean now - hopefully our example is followed - if we get everybodies mindset for this we will get a cleaner planet.” Eric Van Oppens Project Manager at IBM Belgium

Story 29 -  “My little magazine TravelingDiva.com is never orinted (online mag only) and we'll be dedicating a special column "Pamper Me Green" for green travel and green businesses starting with a story on GreenHouseVideos.com, the new green consumer reports. If anyone reading this would like to submit an article/story/blog/pictures to promote your green business, please send it to: diva@travelingdiva.com. Happy Earth Day!” Yeni Alvarez Professional Female Voice-Over Artist

Story 30 -  “JB Metrics has spent the last five years developing Web based business applications which allow companies to run their entire operations via a web browser. This means that companies are able to replace desktops with 90% more efficient netbooks combined with "Green" servers which use 75% less power than traditional servers. The entire business process and reporting is all dynamically available and only available in digital PDF format (reducing printing costs for most of our customers by at least 50%). For one of our New Zealand customers, a company of 14 employees, it translates to 400 trees saved, and enough power saved to power five family households for a year). It also translates to a savings of $35,000 a year as well for the company.” James Wallis Martin Director at JB Metrics Ltd

Story 31 -  “I'm planting trees with a local HS biology class. Probably discuss how trees respire CO2 and help out the climate.” Blair Zordell Env Specialist at American Electric Power

Story 32 -  “1 - I live off-grid, all-solar - and all the things that go along with that!
2 - I work for a manufacturer of residential-sized wind turbines - promoting clean energy and reduced dependence on foreign oil
3 - My business is Green Starr Makeovers for you, your home, your office, and your life. I'm an Eco~Consultant for Green Irene, LLC.
4 - I support fair trade practices
5 - My life is pretty much dedicated to "Making the World a Greener Place."
Jo Starr Eco~Consultant, GREEN STARR MAKEOVERS

Story 33 -  “Iam a cdm analyst and our company is a biogas developer . We have installed over 60 waste to energy projects al over south east asia.” shielson sibolboro cdm analyst, environmental officer, safety officer

Story 34 -  “For a long time, now, I have been a huge paper recycler. That includes using drafts of documents to print out e-mail messages (on the rare occasions I do that), receipts, and other internal documents. And when those are disposed, they go into my recycling bin.
To take that further, I do not have printed brochures. I have e-brochures: PowerPoint documents that can easily, and more economically, be sent to prospects. I also purchased flash drives (with my logo imprinted) on which I load these e-brochures to give to clients and prospects. This allows them to access the information, pass it along, and have a flash drive to use and re-use as they need it.
I also use e-fax instead of having a fax machine. This saves on toner (not a great addition to our environment), paper, and electricity.
Personally, as noted above, I recycle paper, aluminum cans, and bottles. This includes boxes from cereal, rice, etc. My town picks it up once a week.
I started doing research into "green" building and architecture almost 5 years ago for a company that produces eco-friendly fabrics for commercial use. At that time, design prof'ls were saying things like "I'd love to do more of it but clients don't want to pay the extra freight." Two years later it was more like, "I need to find more people who are trained and certified to do green building." I was stunned.” Ann Middleman Market Research Consultant and Contractor

Story 35 -  “I have a 1,500 gallon rainwater collection tank for landscaping!” Deborah Peacock Public Relations / Photography

Story 36 -  “On Earth Day I will continue to lead by example. I am a professional comedian who has been pedaling a fully-loaded touring bicycle to my stand-up comedy performances since June 20, 1987! In that time I have pedaled more than 150,000 miles to all 50 states (Hawaii was not easy), and throughout 33 countries on five continents.” Tom Snyders Professional comedian/ Adventurer/ Speaker/ Photographer at Self-Employed

Story 37 -  “In January, The Medicines Company moved into its own Global Center and to commemorate Earth Day, we are planting a tree as a symbol of growth and environment preservation on our grounds. Our Chairman will say a few words and dig the first shovel of dirt as we celebrate this day and our efforts to provide a sustainable work environment to our employees.” Rebecca Hollins Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Events at The Medicines Company

Story 38 -  “About 25 years ago I had a passive solar, super insulated home designed and built in New Hampshire. Today, I contribute to the green movement by writing about green homes in consumer and trade publications. My most recent article can be found at: http://link-url.com/mclaughlingreen” Camilla McLaughlin Writer and Editor, freelance

Story 39 -  “OK, I felt bad about being acerbic, but a little vinegar makes a better chocolate cake. My agency is small - a 'Fred in a Shed' an English colleague once told me - but by eliminating my fax and going all e-mail I am sure there is a green element there. Just remember that demand for paper however causes trees to be planted. From my office window I view my garden, freshly planted again this year with peas (snap and garden), string beans, lima beans, first crop all for the table, to be followed by tomatoes and peppers later in the season. Small things do count, individually, or as a business. Start a garden for your business or in the community. That is practical as well as demonstrative/symbolic.” Mike Martel Owner, MMC, Inc

Story 40 -  “I work in the garment industry and we are working on launching an organic cotton brand which would carry organic cotton and ethically made garments.” Ali Asghar Dossa Manager Marketing at Uniform Garments

More Stories Added Since We Published...

Story 41 -  “I started a non-profit two years ago to produce a documentary examining the sustainability of modern society's insistence on perpetual economic growth. It's called Hooked on Growth: Our Misguided Quest for Prosperity, and will end up exploring the connection between attaining true happiness and living more lightly on the planet. Turns out that sacrifice is what we're doing now - sacrificing our lives and our planet to the worship of growth everlasting. It's now 80% shot and I'm attracting supporters from around the world who want to help get this film out. Check it out and join the cause at www.growthbusters.com.” Dave Gardner Owner, Visions West and Public Relations and Communications Consultant

Story 42 -  “Being a Virtual Assistant, I do my best to keep my work 'virtual'. What I must print and is not held in client files is used to it's fullest by printing on both sides and using for scrap. When there isn't any white space left, it is recycled through the local Boy Scout Troop's paper and cardboard recycling collection trailer. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!” Michele Randolph Virtual Assistance for Reliable Efficient Outsourcing - Send Out Cards Distributor

Story 43 -  To celebrate Earth Day at the Green Cross International Headquarters in geneva we have organized a staff meeting to brainstorm ideas on how we can adopt greener lifestyles. Our network also organizes a number of events including a drawing contest in BieloRussia in which over 8,000 kids participated.
http://www.greencross.by/en/article/menu.php?id_page=82&id_menu=49&id_level=
by Adam Koniuszewski, CFA, CA


Ready to get started with social media? We are actively reviewing how hundreds of companies are working with social media and continuously applying what we learn. Presently we are able to reach over a million professionals without spending one dollar in cash through our social media networks. To obtain the support of this author for articles, speaking or launching a social media program contact Andrew Ballenthin, President of Sol Solutions – 416.317.7313 andrew@solsolutions.ca.

All rights reserved. © Sol Solutions 2009.

Comments

[Fauxtastic Dreamscapes LLC, PJ Hoover CPFF]

Harmful Plastics are everywhere, we must act now! We are hearing of so many tragic health problems occuring because of the harmful chemical & toxic reactions to "Plastics". IE: Don't micro-wave food in plastic, don't drink from plastic H2o bottles that may have been left out in the sun, don't feed your pets from plastic bowls, etc. Yet, we continue to make every day house hold items from the plastics that are being recycled, carpets, furniture, flooring,clothing? As more plastic enters the enviroment we see more cancers and illnesses that have No explanations, No cures. If we are to change the world and go green on earth day or any other day we must ALL do our part. My company "www.fauxtasticdreamscapes.com" is going togo through a big change the second half of this year 2009 and it will either break us or take us to the next level. I feel strongly that I must do my part to change things and going organic with my Design Applications in your home or workplace will be my contribution to a better tomorrow. Walls that breath and repel dust and dander are a start, using No VOC paints and applications are the next step. Instead of replaceing your floor treatments with plastic faux wood or plastic carpet use organic materials and get back in touch with nature. My fear is that soon the world will be 75% plastic and there will be no trees to clear the air, no water to drink??? One person, one business at a time, we can make a difference for future generations.

[Ohio Businesses]

For Ohio businesses going green is no longer a trendy fad but a needed action adopted by everyone from all walks of life and from all areas of industry. As more and more people the world over become eco-conscience a demand for eco-friendly goods are on the rise.

[Chad Rothschild]

The environment is a great cause. It has only been the last few years that anyone has ever really cared.

Unfortunately, America is one of the leaders in its current state, but as always we are the great hope. In America, we are lazy. It is about easy, convenient, and BIGGER IS BETTER!!

I pray we really do take Earth Day to heart. My wife and I started recycling last year for the first time and 90% of what we throw out is recyclable. We can all make a difference, even if it is in its smallest measure, but it is our changing mind that will make the biggest.

May God bless the earth and bestow his blessings upon us once again.

[K. Shah]

Mahatama Gandhi's message on environment protection that "Nature has given us enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed" is more relevant in current unsustainable economic development and environmental degradation.

[savitha]

Really liked what Eric Von Oppens of Belgium has done. It takes a lot of humility to get out in the streets and make a living example, to be the change we want to see around us.