2013 Ford Fusion

A week ago, I witnessed the unveiling of the newly designed Ford Fusion as a guest of Ford. My highlight of the unveiling was my indepth conversation with  Samantha Hoyt, Fusion Marketing Manager about the newly re-designed Fusion.  Listen to the podcast.

So, you don’t think this is a commercial for the Fusion, I test drove this car last year when my 2005 Sienna lost its transmission and gave it high marks.   (Heck, I drove about 10 cars last summer, but luckily my Sienna was fixed.)

When I previously drove the car,  I remarked that the trunk was in my line of vision.  Although the car has rear sensors, I am an old time driver and like to look over my shoulder.  (Teaching an old dog new trick.  Not going to happen.)  My close friend has an all wheel drive Fusion, and absolutely adores it.  There is also a hybrid model as well.

So Why Do I Love a Fusion?

The 2013 Ford Fusion is a medium size sedan that is fuel efficient, comfortable, and affordable.  Even though the old Fusion was pretty darn good, Ford decided to give it a make-over.  Inside and out according to Hoyt.

In addition, Ford expanded its med-size car platform to include the gas fueled Fusion (1.6 and 2 liter eco boost engines) the Fusion Hybrid, and Fusion Energi, the plug-in electric/hybrid.  In Europe and Asia Pacific, the Company will be introducing the Mondeo.

I urge you to listen to the 10 minute podcast.  Hoyt explains all the great features on the car.  Just in case you want a short synopsis, listed below are some interesting tidbits.

Interest tidbits:

• The hybrid gets 47 mph in the city.  44 mpg on the highway.  (Getting pretty darn close to the Prius.)
• Hybrid seat completely fold down for added trunk space.  The seats do not fold down on the Energi Fusion. Great for us gardening gals to haul big plants.   (Note, both seats don’t ordinarily fold down in other hybrid cars I looked at.)
• The Fusion Energi has a ”500-mile overall driving range.”  It can be plugged into a regular outlet. Hoyt explained the electric portion is 100 miles.
• Available voice-activated SYNC®27.  Hoyt says it is the most widely used car in-connectivity  system in the world.
• Lane Keeping System:  Gently steers you back into your lane if you get a little drowsy.  (Or not pay attention since you are breaking up a fight between the cavemen.)
• Adaptive Cruise Control:  Keeps you a certain distance from the other cars.  Boy, can my teenage cavemen use this.  Wait, so can the heavy footed hubby.
• Blind Spot Information System: helping you back out of tight spots.  (Okay, good for us not the best drivers.  I will admit it.  Driving is not my forte.)

Interior Green Facts:

Some of the green highlights, Hoyt explained:

 What About Range Anxiety?

I learned a  new buzz word at the Auto Show.  ”Range Anxiety.” (This is not to be confused with road rage or hyperventilating.)  It means anxiety of depleting the electrical battery while driving an electric car.   Hoyt explains their Ford Energi has a range of 100 miles on full electric.  Thereafter, the car switches to gas hybrid  with a total range of 500 miles.  Sign me up!

What about the Trunk?

Hoyt explains they did in fact re-looked at the trunk issue and readjusted the seat.  However, despite their efforts, some us might still have a problem.   At least, there is the back-up cameras.

Join the Conversation:

• Would you consider buying a Ford Fusion and if so, which one of the cars?
• Would you consider buying the electric/hybrid?
• Do you already own a Ford Fusion and what are your thoughts about its maintenance or performance?
• What your thoughts about Ford lately?

Similar Posts:

• Ford Escape Hybrid, A Big Ride with Green Ties
• Buying a New Green Car is Like Yanking Out a Permanent Tooth.
• Ford’s Green Cars: Building them Fuel Efficient, Smart and Safe
• The Search for the Perfect Eco-Car
• To Fix or Buy a New Green Car. Only the Rump Knows

One of Double Impact's Challenges

Double Impact furthers social change through its quizes, challenge, and daily do’s, sponsors by companies seeking brand awareness.  The beauty of the program is people earn impact points, which translate into money for certain charities on the website.  Previously, I wrote about how the program works; however, what really intrigued me was Double Impact’s business model.

So, if you are part of corporation (all sizes are welcomed,) you need to read this article.  According to Jessica Alter, founder of the Company, corporation give tremendous amounts of money to charities.  However, they have no way of measuring their return on their charitable donations.

She has created a company that helps everyone.  Business, consumers, charities, and Mother Earth.  So, listen to the below video or podcast as Jessica walks us through the purpose of the Company and how it will impact businesses.  (The video is 30 minutes.)  Believe me, you are going to want to hop on this train.

The Business Aspect:  How to Earn Green

My first thoughts about Double Impact was what a brilliant social change program.  Everyone gets what they want.  But the question that lingered in my mind is how is this Company funding itself?  Call me a little cynical but if you don’t have a good business plan in the green arena, you aren’t going to stay in business.

No one has ever called me introverted so I came right out and asked the founder, Jessica Alter, in the above podcast and video interview.  She answered the question like a champ.  Didn’t bat an eye lash or got flustered.  She is my type of woman.

In a nutshell, the Company partners with corporations who want to do good and get credit for it through brand marketing.  Corporations sponsor quizzes, products, and education.  You see their name and associate them with helping your charities.

In fact, every time I earn an impact point, my efforts show up in my Facebook page with the sponsor who is “paying” for that impact point.  Now all my friends see my do good efforts along with the brand name of the company making it possible.

To give you an example, Happy Family is one of their sponsors. (They make premium organic food.) Their name is in my dashboard as being responsible for helping Healthy Child, one of the charities, meet their goal.    Weird thing is, I didn’t know who Happy Family was  until I signed up on Double Impact.  Now, I do.  Each time I take a challenge or do a “daily do,” all my friends will see the name, Happy Family Brands, via Facebook.    See how this works?

Corporate Sponsorship:  Green With Benefits

Being a corporate sponsors has its benefits at Double Impact.  Brand awareness to a targeted audience who gets your company at hello.  Green with benefits.  Just think, next time a Double Impact subscriber is at  a the grocery store, they will remember your company from your sponsored quizzes and challenges.    Marketing 101, people but with a twist.

Cause Marketing has been very successful.  American Express used cause marketing in the early eighties when it partnered with a not for profit who raised funds to renovate the Statue of Liberty.  Recently, it has become a vehicle to express corporate social responsibility.    Joanne Fritz states in her article,”Cause-Related Marketing: What You Need to Know,”

“[o]ne industry group estimates that in 2005 cause-related marketing spending was $1.08 billion. Back in 1990, when the group started keeping figures, that spending was only $125 million.”

Can Only the Big Boys Play?

Double Impact offers different tiers of involvement so as not to preclude small companies from participating. Jessica explains the tiers towards the end of the interview.

What are you waiting for Ms. or Mr. Corporation?  Don’t stop at go and collect your $200, contact the folks at Double Impact and help out Healthy Child, Healthy World and its fellow Double Impact charities.  No better PR, don’t you think?

Join the Conversation

• How do you feel about Double Impact’s business model?
• Do you think they will be able to sustain themselves with enough companies willing to get involved?
• Will consumers jump aboard?
• Any feedback about the site?

Similar Posts:

• Double Impact: Change Your Carbon Footprint. Earn Money for Charities.
• Happy Mother’s Day from the Mother of the Year
• Are You a MomRising Mother of the Decade?
• Green Moms Win Shorty Awards for Best Green Content
• MyEmissionExchange: Earn Money to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Double Impact. Small Changes to Earn $ for Charities

What happens if I told you that your favorite charities could receive donations simply by you changing your habits to help the Earth.  Not one dime out of your pocket.

Anna, what do I have to do?  Just log onto Double Impact.  Choice one of the charities, and start taking their simple challenges to reduce your impact on the Earth.  Yep, that simple.

Really, Anna?  So simply turning off my lights?  Checking into a farmer’s market?  Lowering the thermostat?  That’s it?

In a nutshell.    In fact, you can even follow what your friends are doing.  And for those of you Green Earth Lovin’ Ninjas out there, make it a contest.  All in the name of Mother Earth and your fav charity.  Think as of it as a fun game. To learn more, watch my video below.

Wow, Anna.  That’s it?

Yep.  Easy, peezy.  Just sign up via Facebook.

Anna, what’s the catch?  Who’s paying for this change?  Another government handout?

Corporations.  According to the Double Impact team, corporations give money every year to charities but no one knows about it.  Jessica Alter, founder of the Company explained in 2010 brands, donated in the United States $15 billion dollars to charities.  However, at of the day, business aren’t able to show results from their donations.

So, the team created a healthy marriage between brands, consumers, and charities.  Everyone gets their needs met.  Dr. Phil would be proud.

Here is a chance for the corporations to don their super hero costumes and dole out the moolah.   Brand visibility.  You change, charities get the money, and Mother Earth gets to smile.  Sounds like a win win to me.

My Double Impact Page

Anna, what do I have to do?

Well, you can earn impact points by

• connecting your electric bill to your utility to help curb your electrical appetite,
•  taking quizzes and watching short fun videos,
• buying certain products (such as sustainable bottle through Amazon,)
•  checking in (such as a farmer’s market,)
•  or daily dos (like a aromatic dinner for two with candles.)

That’s it.  Watch my short video  as I walk you around the site and how my personal Double Impact page looks like.  I will have to warn you.  I have been kind of a slacker.

So you know, you will also get these cute reminders if you fall off the green wagon urging to come back and do some more.  Plus, the folks at Double Impact already know my friends and asks me to invite them to play along.  (Do they know someone important at Big Brother Google?)

Anna, are all the charties green? 

Good question.  The charities listed right now are Healthy Child, Healthy World (love this charity,) Breast Cancer Awareness, and Pesticide Action Network.  In fact, you can nominate your favorite charity.

Just to give you an example, over 500 people have signed up to support Healthy Child, Healthy World.  Collectively, they have earned over 100,000 impact points in just a few months.  (Note, Double Impact is a very young company.)

But what about the business aspect of Double Impact, Anna? 

So there lies the second half of the equation.  The business aspect.  Ah, a very interesting article into itself.  Hate to cut you short, but you have to read part 2 of my dissection of Double Impact.

Be sure to watch  the podcast and video interview of Jessica Alter, the founder, of Double Impact explains the Double Impact concept as well as the benefits to businesses.

Until then, go ahead and fund your charities by changing your footprint.  It’s as easy as turning off the lights.

Join the Conversation:

• Have you joined Double Impact?  If so, what are your thoughts?
• Would you join Double Impact?  If not, how come?
• How do you feel about taking simple challenge to help out your favorite charity?
• What kind of feedback can you give Double Impact?
• Don’t you just love Healthy Child, Healthy World?

Similar Posts:

• Double Impact: The Business of Creating Social Change
• Happy Mother’s Day from the Mother of the Year
• ECHOage Eco-Friendly Birthday Parties: Teaching Children to Give Back
• 8 Steps to Help the Earth for Blog Action Day
• Wake Up! Join Healthy Child, Healthy World to Make our World Safe for Our Kids

Rocket Stoves from the Paradigm Project. Helping Indigent Women and the Enviroment

With all of our creature comforts, it is hard to imagine that somewhere in the world woman are carrying wood on their back for miles so that they can cook meals.  Worse yet, their health is deteriorating  from smoke inhalation from their cooking fires.  The Paradigm Project  was started to change these women’s lives by supplying them with a cleaner burning alternative in the form of a portable, efficient burning stove.   What I found so unique is the Company’s self-sustainable business model.  Donors are appreciated but not required.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Greg Spencer, Jr., co-founder of The Paradigm Project.   Greg explains during his video and podcast interview the Company’s business model and the impact they are having on the lives of third world country women.  I highly recommend you listen.  Greg is a very engaging speaker.

Why Stoves?

My first thought when I interviewed Greg was why stoves?  The Company could pick from a multitude of projects to help third world countries.  However, as Greg states in the interview over 3 billion people cook on an open fires.  For women cooking in their huts, it is equivalent to smoking 40 cigarettes a day as they inhale the open fire’s smoke.  The smoke is full of soot.

In addition, young children are at risk as well.  Pneumonia is the number one killer of children under the age of 5.  The risk of contracting pneumonia is  increased due to poor indoor air pollution such as cooking and heating with biomass fuels (such as wood or dung.)

The Company’s founders came up with a solution  to bring cleaner burning technology to these women and reduce their need for wood through the use of portable Rocket stove technology.  The stove needs less wood to burn efficiently.

They brought together investors and donors to fund the first project in Kenya.  However, on an ongoing basis, the Company taps into the carbon market to fund their projects.  Their goal was not to keep tapping donors but be self-sustainable.

A self-sustaining non-profit concept without tapping donors.  Now, he had me intrigued.

The Business Model

Greg explains the Company is not a pure profit or non-profit company.  He calls the company a sustainable social enterprise since they are advancing a social good.  The sustainable part of the equation is the Company makes enough money to further their work.  In doing so, they have devised a business which can tap in the carbon offset market for funding.

In a nutshell, Greg explains open fires cause an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.  Another company like Google might want to reduce their own carbon footprint and want to buy carbon offset credits.  This project qualifies as a way for a company to offset their carbon footprint.

The Income Impact

What Greg is hoping is that investors see the human aspect of what the Company is doing.  The Women in Kenya are spending 30 hours a week sourcing wood.  The time gained from sourcing less wood could mean a better family life and time to create another business to help alleviate their poverty.

The Company states that $280 a year is saved by these families using the Rocket Stoves.  That sum may not mean much money in terms of our lives, but the Company provides the following perspective:

“Most of us in this world are living on less than $2 USD a day(1). Up to 35% of that income can be spent on fuel for cooking over open fires, which is incredibly taxing on a family’s ability to pay school fees, purchase food or seeds for planting crops or even just every day necessities. The “income saved” refers to the money that the family will save from purchasing 40%-60% less cooking fuel through the use of our Rocket Stoves.

WHAT ONE STOVE CAN DO: $ 0.31: typical amount spent on daily fuel wood for those who purchase it | .31 * 365 = $113.15 in annual fuel costs | 50%: typical fuel savings of fuel efficient cook-stove | $113.15 * 50% = $56.58 in annual fuel cost savings or $282.90 in income saved per stove over 5 years.”

The Environmental Impact

In addition to the affects on the income of the families, sourcing wood for fuel has a great impact on the environment.  The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reported that yearly global forest loss in the 1990s was 16.1 million hectares in which the highest loss of forests were attributed to Africa and South America.  Forest destruction was mainly due to agricultural expansion, fuel wood, and logging. Deforestation causes loss of biodiversity, soil depletion, erosion, and climate change

The Company further states

“[i]t is estimated that 25% of all global CO2 emissions are generated from the rural poor. That’s more than all global transportation emissions combined(2)! This is largely because the rural poor have no access to better, more efficient technologies. But with our Rocket Stoves that are 40%-60% more efficient than an open fire, “emissions” are reduced by 1 to 2 metric tons per Rocket Stove each year. That’s a hard quantity to grasp, but 1 metric ton equals 2,200 pounds. “Emissions” or greenhouse gases are byproducts that are released from a certain activity. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide and an activity that creates it could be driving a car, firing and running a coal plant or, in this case, burning wood to cook.”

 Their Progress

At the time of the interview, the Company has provided over 30,000s stoves since November of 2010. The Company projects that they will provide over 60,000 stoves by the end of this year.  For more information about their progress, see here.  On this page, you can see the amount of stove provided as well as their total financial and environmental impact.   The Paradigm Project plans to expand their program into Guatemala this year.  Their goal by 2020 is to provide 5 million stove to third world countries.

How Can You Be Part of the Program?

• You can donate $40 or more to help one of their campaigns.  The donation is through the Paradigm Foundation, a not for profit organization.
• Use Social Media to help tell their story.  The Company has provided easy sharing tools on this page of their website.
• Watch and share their Stove Man video.  It is a wonderful trailer showing the work that the Company is doing and the impact of their work.  Bring a tissue or handkerchief.
• Start a Club at school to help raise funds.
• Contact the Paradigm Project  if your company would like to offset its carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits or is seeking a social enterprise in which to donate.

Join the Conversation:

• How do you feel about this project?
• Where you aware of indigent women’s cooking plight?
• How do you feel about their business model?
• Would you donate to a program like this?

As always, please share and like this article on Facebook, twitter and your other social media outlets. The buttons are right there to the left of the article.  Yes, those annoying hovering buttons.   Let the world know about the Paradigm Project and the wonderful work they are doing.

Similar Posts:

• 360 Cookware Giveaway: Trim Your Waist Line While Greening Your World
• 360 Cookware: No Cooking Oil, Energy Efficient, Healthy Meal Solution
• Biodegradable Urns: Where Death Becomes One with the Earth
• Double Impact: The Business of Creating Social Change
• Tread Lightly on The Earth by Pledging Weekly

Re_Home, University of Illinois' solar decathlon home

The University of Illinois designed The Re_Home  for the 2011 Solar Decathlon with disaster response in mind. It is a very adaptable, flexible space to accommodate different family situations.

Why a disaster response house?  The state is prone to destructive tornadoes.

The beauty of the house is that two modular components of the Re_Home can be transported on one trailer.   In addition, the solar panels were design to lay flat on the roof for transportation.  Once the house reaches its destination, the panels can be raised to the optimal angle for solar collection.  See the short Re_Home video below:

I had the pleasure of receiving a tour of the home by Professor Mark Taylor from the School of Architecture.  Listen to the below podcast as he walks me through the home.  He really proves wonderful detail to the products they used in the house.

Components of the House

Living room ares of the Re_Home.

The Re_Home has the following components:

•  The insulation was three inches spray foam in the 2 by 4 studs with a 4 inch spray foam on the outside of the house. The exterior walls achieved a R45 value.  (They chose to use 2 by 4 framing since it was a student run program.  Professor Taylor felt that SIPs was a good system but given the project was student run, they wanted flexibility that they would not have with SIPs.)
•  Solar panels were designed to act as a canopy for the southern and western side of the house to keep it cool during the summer.
• There were 2 covered porches which added living space to the home.
• The house is heated with an air to air heat pump and ventilated with a Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator (CERV) by Newell Instruments.  This unit detects when outside air is “nice,” and then maximizes air flow throughout the house.  When the air outside isn’t nice, it continues to supply fresh air in accordance with ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation residential standards.
• The outside paneling was made of Resysta, which is comprised of  60% rice husks, approximately 22% common salt and approximately 18% mineral oil,  (It cuts just like wood according to Taylor.)
• Windows were made by Kolbe and Kolbe.  Professor Taylor said it is a very affordable window.  Many of the windows at the competition were not made in the US.
• The house contained a LG condensing washing and dryer combination.
• The reclaimed decking came  from a grain silo via Wisconsin Woodchuck.
• The roof was covered with an EPDM, a cool roof material.
• Affordability was key.  All furniture was from Ikea.
• They used Lamboo instead of OSB sheathing.
• 3/4 of the house is an open layout.
• The house collects  rainwater and greywater to re-use for the water for the toilets.
• The  cost of the 970 square foot home is $250,000-275.000.
• The house is intended to be net zero and contains a 7.5 KW system.

Why Did I love this House?

Why did I loved this house?  It was so practical and could fit in any suburban landscape.  The house had regular siding, normal roof and windows and interior probably no different than what you are used to.  Everyone would want this house and the fact that it was energy efficient was icing on the cake.  It was built as either a two bedroom or one bedroom/office combination.  It’s contained a large living space with an open floor plan.

How Did the Re-Home in the Competition?

The house placed seventh in the competition.  They placed first in maintaining their appliances.

Join the Conversation:

• Any advice for the students?
• What concept would you incorporate in your house if you could?
• What design feature did you like in the house?

Similar Posts:

• Team NJ ENJOY Solar Decathlon House: Thermal, Longevity & Low Maintenance
• Twin Maples, a Historic Home Gets Gussied Up with a New Green Look
• Jetson Green previews First LEED West Coast Residence
• Solar Pool Heat: The Economic and Green Way to Heat your Swimming Pool
• Cheap Solar–Is this For Real?

Lettuce Growing in To Soiless' method of river rock

Richard Campbell, founder of To Soil Less, never dreamed fifteen years ago that throwing a watermelon seed into gravel could change the way the world grows our food.   What he discovered during his journey is that  plants can grow in river rock without the aid of fertilizer or soil.  He has successfully grown peppers, zinnias, lettuce, tomatoes, and a variety of different vegetables using his patent pending irrigation  and river rock method.

As a huge vegetable gardener, I was intrigued by the concept of To Soil Less.  As Campbell explained to me in a recent video interview, he has married geology with horticultural science.  I urge you to listen to the podcast or video below. Campbell’s explanation of how his system works is quite interesting.  He will turn you from a non-believer to running out to Home Depot to grab a bag of river rock.  Trust me.

Geology Meets Agriculture

Richard Campbell, To Soil Less' Founder

Campbell explained during the interview that plants only need river rock and his irrigation system to thrive.    It all made sense to me.  He states,

“[t]o Soil Less has been able to adapt the characteristics of sea life to land based agriculture.  In a nutshell, we engineered a specific sustained moisture level within a certain type of gravel to produce an long term nutrient rich growing environment.  After all, by definition soil is rock.  Soil is defined as “the portion of the earth’s surface consisting of disintegrated rock and humus.”  Theoretically rock should provide nutrients in the same manner as soil.”

In a nutshell, the specific river rock provides the nutrients needed by the plants. So simplistic but Mother Nature has been using this formula for centuries.  His system works for both home and commercial gardeners.  Don’t have a plot?  Campbell explains that it will work for container gardening too.

Soil Has its Issues

As Campbell indicated, using soil to farm has its issues.  In the world of industrial farming, soil needs fertilizer and chemicals to grow plants and reduce pests.  But it comes with a cost to the environment.  According to SustainableTable.org,

“[c]hemical fertilizers and pesticides have turned agriculture into a leading source of water pollution in the United States. Runoff from factory farms kills fish, degrades aquatic habitats and threatens drinking water supplies. Additionally, factory farms use tremendous amounts of water, which cuts into our precious supplies of water that are not contaminated.”

According to Campbell, using his To Soil Less method reduces the need for pesticides since he hasn’t seen any pest damage to his crop.  There is no soil for the pests to lay their eggs.  However, I noticed that he hasn’t grown any brassica plants such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.   These plants are prone to pests that lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves.

To Soil Less Plants Need Less Water to Grow

Campbell states his method uses less water than plants in soil. The impact of using less water for growing crops could have significant impact on the world’s water needs.  According to a 2008 The Economist article,  farming accounts for 70% of water consumed by humans.  Worse yet, the  article further states 1.2 billion people, which accounts for about a fifth of the population in the world live where there are shortages of water.

With water scarcity on the up-rise due to global warming, To Soil Less’ lower methods might be a viable option to grow crops.

What Does this Mean for the World?

My first thoughts when Campbell explained his process is what could this mean for the world.  My thought immediately went to  Africa with its low soil fertility.   A 2006 report noted that  29% of African land is high or medium quality for cultivated agriculture with the balance of the land being either unsuitable or low potential.   Could Campbell’s methods change how African farmers can grow their food?  Given the low water requirement and ability of plants to thrive, To Soil Less’ method could change the landscape of Africa.

But What About the River Rock?

Here is where I was stumped.  What about the river rock mining?  How would we furnish that amount of river rock to countries with poor soil?  Could it be sourced from local rivers and streams to reduce transportation cost and impact? Could local rock be used as well?  If so, would mining cause environmental issues?  These are issues that would need to be flushed out to make To Soil Less’ concept be a viable world option.

But, Richard Campbell is onto something.  A concept with a little tweaking could change the world.  My wish is that an agricultural department at a university works with To Soil Less to help make Campbell’s vision a reality.  The Planet needs this fix.  All it took was a watermelon seed fifteen years ago.

Download the Instruction Manual

Campbell  is so sure To Soil Less’ method will work for others that he prepared a manual for download.   If you are a home gardener, you can download the manual for $20.  However, if you are a commercial grower, the technology is slightly different, and you can download the manual for $100.

Join the Conversation

• Would you grow your plants in river rock?
• Could this concept change the way we grow our food?
• How do you feel about this technology being used in countries with poor soil fertility?
• What are your thoughts about To Soil Less’ system?

Similar Posts:

• Live Roof: Green Roof System Built by Horticulturists to Last
• Vegetable Seedlings Not Cooperating! Angered the Gardening Gods?
• RainXchange: Rainwater Harvesting with a Unique Water Feature Twist
• Grobal: Hassle Free, Self Watering Plant System
• Grow and Harvest Sweet Potatoes in Limited Space

George Lake, KOL Foods beef rancher.

In penning Green Talk, I have met so many people who have created green businesses because of  their own needs.  All businesses are inspiring and passionate.   However, KOL Foods and its founder, Devora Kimelman-Block, stopped me in my tracks.  Kimelman-Block took on the kosher meat industry, and created an organic, grass-fed, Glatt kosher meat and poultry company delivering to both Jews and non-Jews alike across the United States.  But, here is the kicker.  Kimelman-Block had no background in the meat industry or the food industry before starting KOL foods.  Talk about a steep learning curve combining organic and kosher with their distinctly different requirements.

So to say I was in awe is merely understatement.

Watch my video or audio interview with Kimelman-Block.  Her inspiring, nothing stands in the way attitude is so motivating.  If you are thinking about starting a business, Kimelman-Block will push you over the edge.

Why Buy Kosher?

You might be tempted to say “pass” when you start reading this article since it is about kosher food, but you would be surprised that Kimelman-Block’s clientele is not strictly Jewish.  The term kosher means “clean, fit, and proper.”    For more information about how kosher meat is slaughtered, see here.  Basically, in a nutshell, Devora explained that due to kosher stringent requirements, only a third of the meat is acceptable to become kosher meat.    As Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains there are hygienic reasons why to eat kosher

“There are many laws that promote health. Judaism forbids eating animals that died without proper slaughter and the draining of the blood (which is a medium for the growth of bacteria). Judaism also forbids eating animals that have abscesses in their lungs or other health problems.”

He further explains the moral reasons:

“We are taught to be sensitive to others’ feelings — even to the feelings of animals. A mother and her young are forbidden to be slaughtered on the same day, and of course “don’t boil a kid (goat) in its mother’s milk.”

“The Torah prohibits cruelty to animals. We must not remove the limb of an animal while it is still alive (a common practice, prior to refrigeration). When we slaughter an animal, it must be done with the least possible pain; there is a special knife that is so sharp that even the slightest nick in the blade renders it impermissible. This prevents pain to the animal.”

The Organic Myth

With all these rules in place, why buy anything but kosher?  Kimelman-Block explains that an organic and/or kosher certification does not bar cattle or poultry being confined to pens or preclude mistreatment.  PETA states in their article, “The Organic and Free-Range Myth,”

“[m]any organic and free-range farms cram thousands of animals together in sheds or mud-filled lots to increase profits, just as factory farms do, and the animals often suffer through the same mutilations—such as debeaking, dehorning, and castration without painkillers—that occur on factory farms.”

On the other hand, KOL Foods provides  both meats and poultry, which is 100% grass-fed (meat), pastured (poultry,) free range, hormone and antibiotic free as well as organic fed. Kimelman-Block explained in our interview that 100% grass-fed beef tastes so much better than simply organic meat.  In fact, she didn’t discern a difference in taste between organic, non-grass-fed and non-organic meat.

To give you a flavor of KOL’s commitment for transparency and sustainability, listed below is their beef standards:

“We offer domestic, dry aged, Black Angus Appalachian Trail Beef as well as our Grassland Range Beef line. At KOL Foods, we know our cattle and tell you their story. We are committed to transparency, sustainability, animal welfare, your health and offering the most delicious meat in the market!

• 100% grass-fed, 100% grass-finished and 100% pastured
• Raised on non-industrial family owned farms and ranches
• Never confined to pens or lots
• No hormones added
• No antibiotics
• OU or Star-K glatt kosher as is indicated on the butcher’s label on each package
• Appalachian Trail Beef uses Temple Grandin slaughter techniques
• Grassland Range Beef never uses shackle & hoist slaughter methods”

In addition, the Company carries lamb, chicken, turkey, duck and wild caught salmon.

KOL products do not carry a USDA organic certification.  As Kimleman-Block explains due to her companies size, she had to find slaughter houses that would be willing to slaughter kosher.  Adding the burden of organic certification along with kosher certification would be too arduous for her slaughter houses at this point.  Knowing Kimelman-Block, as her companies grow, I am sure her future products will be certified organic. Nothing seems to stand in her way.

Where can I buy?

The Company has an online retail shopping site which lists its products.  In addition, you can become a member of one of their metro buying clubs or form your own for reduced shipping costs.  In order to form a buying club, you must have a 10-18 order minimum.  The buying club shipments are July 4, Passover, Rosh Hashana and Thanksgiving (and more often if there is interest.)  Today is the last day for the Rosh Hashana buying club.

When I asked Kimelman-Block about KOL’s cost as compared to non-kosher organic grass-fed beef, she stated that there was a 20% premium in cost.  Just to give you a frame of reference, my shopping market kosher chopped meat costs $6.29 a pound.  KOL Foods is $10 a pound for a 6 lb order of Grassland Range Beef.  Note, I can’t tell if my meat is 85% lean ground meat which adds to the price.  A competitor, Wise Organic Pastures’ ground beef is about $9 a pound.

Motivation to Start Your Own Company

Devora Kimelman-Block

At the end of the video, I asked Kimelman-Block words of advice to motivate others who are sitting on the fence in starting their own green companies. Her response was in so many words, if there is a will there is a way.  She doesn’t take no for an answer and takes her challenges head on trying to work out why something can’t seem to work.

As I mentioned above, Kimelman-Block doesn’t have a background in farming or the meat industry, but has worked out a system that the rest of the meat industry should be take notice.  She leads by example and compassion not simply price.  Given, KOL Foods expanding buying clubs, the world is bucking the herd mentality and opting for a more humane and spiritual way to eat meat and poultry.

Join the conversation:

• Do you eat kosher meat and would you consider buying meat from KOL foods?
• How do you feel about the meat industry?  How has that impacted your meat consumption?
• Even if you don’t keep kosher, would you consider purchasing KOL foods products?
• What are your thoughts about KOL Foods?

Similar Posts:

• Publix GreenWise Market Offers One Stop Healthy Grocery Shopping
• Healthy Vegetarian Diet. The Pros, the Cons, but Gassingly Worth it.
• USDA’s Deregs Genetically Modified Alfalfa. Devastates Organics.
• 6 Reasons to Avoid Factory Farmed Turkey. Find a Locally Raised One.
• Confessions of a Lifelong Vegetarian: Why I Decided to Go Vegan

Luminous Spaces' Feng Shui reformation of a Hair Salon

With our  troubled economy, could feng shui, a traditional time aged practice, change our home and work environments to be more profitable, harmonious and healthy?  Maureen Calamia, founder of Luminous Spaces, a green Feng Shui consulting company, has in fact been helping people and companies for several years to transform their buildings into healthy positive and productive environments.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Maureen about how feng shui can help create a harmonious and creative environment for your home and business. Before you balk, and think this is new age junk,  I urge you to listen to either the podcast or watch the video-cast as Maureen explains the benefits of using feng shui for your home and/or business.

Trust me.  You all are in for a treat since she is fascinating and even provides a case study  of a business she transformed  incorporating principles of feng shui .  Bottom line? A more profitable company.  In addition, she gives examples during the interview on how she has changed her clients’ lives by using this time old practice in their home.  Just to give you a little taste, she helped stop a baby from having seizures.

What is Feng Shui?

But the first question on your mind has to be what is feng shui?

Maureen explains

“[y]our home is filled with energy – be it positive or negative – and the energy affects the mood of everyone in the household. Clutter, electrical or plumbing problems, undone repair projects, and poor positioning of beds, are just some of the contributors to negative energy, which can lead to stress, financial trouble, illness, and relationship problems.”

Maureen further explains that feng shui brings the natural flow of energy into your environment through the artful placement of furniture and objects.  In addition, she  incorporates the five natural elements, wood, water, fire, Earth, and metal, into the space.   Realize Maureen is not an interior designer but uses color and placement to provide a positive energy flow throughout your home and business.

What is Green Feng Shui?

But Maureen had me stumped when she explained that she adds a sustainability element to her practice.  She is certified Building Biology Practitioner (BBP)  and helps to remediate indoor air quality issues and electromagnetic emissions.  So, the products she recommends are green as well.

How Can Feng Shui Help You?

Maureen Calamia, founder of Luminous Spaces

Many of you may think, how can feng shui help me?  As Maureen stated above, maybe you have financial trouble, problems falling asleep, anxiety, or lacking creativity?  Perhaps your business is not a profitable as you would like it to be.  The placement of furniture, layout of cubicles, and lighting may be causing your employees to be less creative and productive. She also features snippets on her website of some of the businesses she has helped.

Maureen offers several different options to create the healthy and productive environment you yearn. She can be hired for  both virtual or “on the boots ground” consulting. If you want to dip your toe in first to learn more about feng shui, Maureen offers an e-book for businesses and an e-course to learn more about feng shui.

 My Own Testimony

Before, I go any further, I want to give my own testimony about the powers of feng shui.  I am a true believe in feng shui since it helped me sell my last house.  We hired a feng shui consultant since we could not sell our house for two years despite dropping the price several times.

What we learned is the house had fundamental feng shui problems such as a staircase that was in the center of the foyer which impeded energy flow as well as furniture placement issues.  She also help us to clear the energy in the house which was left by the prior owner.  In less than a month we were presented with two offers, and subsequently sold the house.

In addition, a when we built our new house, she helped us with colors.  Although, we hired her a little late in the game, she presented us with many ideas on how to help the energy flow in the house.  I highly recommend hiring a feng shui consultant for a remodel or new construction process for both home and business.  By the way, here is Maureen’s card.

Life is too short.  Why should negative energy flow impede the health of your family or employees?

Join the Conversation

• Do feel stagnated in your home?  Causing anxiety? Health issues?
• Is your business not prospering?  An employee who doesn’t seem to get along with other employees?  Stagnation in the company?
• Would you consider hiring a feng shui consultant?  If you have, please tell us your experience.
• Have you ever heard of feng shui before?

Similar Posts:

• Say No to New Jersey Clean Energy Budget Cut
• Green Talk Reader’s Question: Eco Furniture Shops in Calgary?
• How to Make Your Workplace More Sustainable: Grass Roots Approach
• 25 Ways to Green Your Office
• Watt Stopper Sensors and Daylighting Controls Slash Energy Usage