How Green Are You?

Go! Green Tulsa Expo to Promote Sustainability

2010-08-30T13:36:00.001-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
8/30/2010

The 2010 Go!Green Tulsa Expo will be Sept. 18 and provide information about saving money and the environment. The expo will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Tulsa’s Allen Chapman Activity Center, 440 S. Gary Ave.

Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr. is slated to open the event at 9 a.m. and begin the program with a discussion of City of Tulsa sustainability initiatives.

The remainder of the day will feature seminars led by regional experts. Every seminar is designed to help people learn more about many topics related to sustainability, including “Building a Sustainable City,” “Understanding Your Environmental Footprint,” “Sustainable Food Movement,” “Green Cleaning,” “Sustainable Personal Care” and “Green Renovation & New Construction.”

A special presentation will offer a panel of Tulsa-area university representatives who will talk about the leadership these institutions are providing in sustainability. Other presentations will address home design and finance and the benefits of community medicine.

Registration is required so adequate lunches are available. Registration materials and additional information is available on the AIA Eastern Oklahoma website, www.aiaeok.org, and City of Tulsa website.

EQ purchases hazardous waste facility in Tulsa

2010-08-20T13:03:00.001-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
8/20/2010

The Environmental Quality Co., based in Michigan, recently announced the company has purchased a hazardous waste management facility located in Tulsa from A Clean Environment Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The addition of the Tulsa, Okla., facility into EQ’s extensive facilities and services network enhances our western U.S. presence,” said David Lusk, president and CEO of EQ. “We currently conduct business across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. EQ Oklahoma brings us strategically closer to our western customers with new waste treatment and recycling capacity and capability.”

The facility, which will be known as EQ Oklahoma Inc., is an RCRA-permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility that can accept and manage nearly all waste types and waste codes in drum and bulk containers.

The facility consists of treatment operations for both hazardous and nonhazardous wastewaters and solids. Wastes accepted include spent acids and caustics, chemical process wash water, off-specification or discarded chemicals, rinse waters, degreasers, coolants and other processing waste suitable for on-site treatment. Other services include transportation, emergency response and industrial cleaning.

EQ now includes 24 service locations in North America. This is EQ’s second acquisition in 2010.

OG&E wind farm gains regulatory approval

2010-07-30T10:39:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
7/30/2010

OG&E announced yesterday that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has approved a settlement agreement reached by all parties to the company's application to build and operate a new wind farm in northwestern Oklahoma. Known as "Crossroads," the wind farm is expected to be running in the second half of 2011.

"This is a good outcome resulting from collaboration of the various parties interested in the expansion of renewable energy in Oklahoma," said Jesse Langston, vice president of utility commercial operations for OG&E. "We reached unanimous agreement with customer and shareholder groups, state agencies and regulatory officials, which culminated in today's 3-0 Commission vote to approve the Crossroads project."

Crossroads, to be built in Dewey County near Canton, will add at least 198 megawatts of renewable generation. Pending the results of a Southwest Power Pool regional transmission study, today's Commission order allows for Crossroads to be constructed with up to 227 megawatts of generating capacity. Average residential customers could see an increase in their monthly bills of somewhere between 59 and 65 cents per month when Crossroads is in full production in 2012. Beginning in 2013 or 2014, the lower-cost energy produced by Crossroads is expected to result in a net decrease in average monthly residential electric bills and to reduce customer bills every year the wind farm is in operation.

The new wind farm, to be constructed by Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc., will have at least 86 Siemens turbines rated at 2.3 megawatts each and will connect with OG&E's new Windspeed transmission line to Oklahoma City, which was energized earlier this year.

In 2007, when OG&E had 170 megawatts of wind energy on its system, the company set a goal to quadruple that amount by 2012. Today, OG&E has 270 megawatts of wind power capacity, with projects under construction that will bring the total to 550 megawatts this year. With the addition of the Crossroads project, the company will have at least 750 megawatts of wind capacity; approximately 10 percent of OG&E's total from all sources, including natural gas and coal.

OG&E, which serves approximately 779,000 customers in a service territory spanning 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas, is a subsidiary of Oklahoma City-based OGE Energy Corp., which also is the parent company of Enogex LLC, a midstream natural gas pipeline business with principal operations in Oklahoma. RES Americas has been active in North America since 1997 and during this time has developed and/or constructed more than 3,800 MW, with another 1,000 MW currently under construction.

PSO Signs New Wind Power Agreement

2010-07-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
7/16/2010

Customers of Public Service Co. of Oklahoma, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, may soon have new options for the purchase of renewable energy as the result of an agreement reached with NextEra Energy Resources for the long-term purchase of 99 megawatts of renewable energy from a wind farm currently under construction near Minco.

If approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, a portion of the electricity generated at the Minco wind farm will be set aside specifically for PSO customers who want to purchase more of their power from renewable resources.

“There is an interest on the part of some PSO customers to be able to have a certain portion, if not all, of their energy coming from renewable energy resources,” said Kathy Champion, PSO’s consumer programs manager. “The addition of this new wind energy resource will provide PSO the opportunity to address our customers’ preferences to have more electric energy from renewable resources and will allow individual customers to decide how much renewable energy will be used to serve their loads.”

PSO is proposing a voluntary program that allows customers to designate the amount of their energy requirement that will be provided by renewables. The program will allow customers to buy their preferred number of fixed kilowatt-hours blocks. Every block would equal 100 kWh. Customers may elect to purchase from a minimum of one block a month up to a maximum of 100 percent of their monthly use.

Champion said PSO chose this format because of the certainty block pricing gives to customers, ease in pricing and billing under the plan and ability to track the results of the program.

The program will also be the first in Oklahoma to have the Green-E certification. Green-E is a nationally recognized, independent certification process that provides, among other things, certainty to the claims of the green utility price offering.

“PSO believes offering a Green-E certified program will add credibility to our program, and we are excited to be the first in Oklahoma to pursue this certification,” Champion said.

Wind energy transmission line proposed

2010-06-25T11:27:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
6/25/2010

Yesterday, Plains & Eastern Clean Line Oklahoma LLC, an affiliate of Clean Line Energy Partners of Houston, filed an application with the Oklahoma Public Utility Commission to become a public utility in Oklahoma. This filing is an essential part of the development of the Plains & Eastern Clean Line transmission project. The company filed a similar application in Arkansas in May.

The Plains & Eastern Clean Line will consist of approximately 800 miles of overhead, high voltage, direct current transmission lines, which will be capable of transmitting up to 7,000 megawatts of electricity. Running from the Oklahoma panhandle to the southeastern U.S., the project, when built, will make possible the construction of billions of dollars of new wind energy generation. Currently, these investments cannot be made because there is not enough transmission.

“Oklahoma provides a remarkable supply of renewable energy, but the infrastructure to build more projects and move the electricity from the resource areas to consumers in the mid-south and southeast regions is insufficient,” Clean Line President Michael Skelly said. “This transmission line will create new opportunities for wind energy from Oklahoma and will pave the way for additional development in the wind energy industry.”

Skelly continued by indicating that, in addition to providing utilities with affordable access to renewable energy, the development of the Plains & Eastern Clean Line will provide economic development benefits while addressing the nation’s ongoing efforts to increase energy security. This transmission project will not only increase the region’s attractiveness to wind farm developers, but will also contribute local tax revenue for schools and other local needs.

The project is in the early stages of development and is expected to take five to seven years to complete and cost approximately $3.5 billion. Clean Line will fund all development costs and will not seek cost recovery through the electric rates paid by consumers in Oklahoma. Once built, the project will enable an additional $12 billion in investments in new wind projects which today cannot be built because of the lack of transmission. These projects could ultimately power over 2.1 million American homes.

Company to Use Oklahoma Wind for Power-Hungry States

2010-05-28T13:29:00.001-05:00

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Houston company has designs on building an 800-mile high-voltage transmission line to take wind energy from the Oklahoma Panhandle to power-hungry states in the Southeast.

An affiliate of Clean Line Energy Partners has applied to become a public utility in Arkansas. Company officials expect to file a similar application in Oklahoma on behalf of affiliate Plains & Eastern Clean Line LLC in the next couple of months, with an eye toward building a direct current transmission line from Texas County to near Memphis, Tenn.

"There is a tremendous untapped renewable energy resource in the Great Plains, but the infrastructure to move the electricity from the resource areas to consumers in the mid-South and Southeast regions is insufficient," Clean Line President Michael Skelly said last week as the Arkansas application was announced.

"This transmission line will provide a solution to that problem and will enable utilities in Arkansas and the Southeast to provide their customers with access to the most affordable clean energy available," he said.

The $3.5 billion project is in the early stages of development.

Officials hope the 7,000-megawatt transmission line will be operational by the end of 2015, but the schedule depends on permitting and environmental authorities.

The line will use high voltage direct current technology that Mario Hurtado, Clean Line's executive vice president of development, said is well suited to moving large amounts of power over distance with minimal loss.

"This is the only thing that we do," he said.

Transmission projects are typically done by utility companies interested in providing more reliable service to their customers, but independent transmission companies are becoming more common. A spokeswoman for the Southwest Power Pool said those companies are important to the region's power grid.

"Our region needs more electric transmission to maintain grid reliability and to bring economic benefits by improving access to the region's variety of generating resources such as wind, nuclear, natural gas and coal," spokeswoman Emily Pennel said. "Independent transmission companies offer additional opportunities to build new transmission that has been identified as needed in the region."

Oklahoma only has one other transmission company that has been granted utility status, as Clean Line intends to pursue.

Hurtado said Clean Line is looking to facilitate the development of renewable energy.

He said wind is the most commercially competitive source of renewable power.

"Our company is just focused on going from where there's a really strong wind resource ... to where there's demand," Hurtado said. "When you look at the map ... the Oklahoma Panhandle and the region around that is one of the richest veins, if you want to call it that, of wind."

"It's a relatively flat area with large open spaces."

Hurtado said Texas County is a natural choice to be the starting point for the new transmission line, citing Southwest Power Pool reports that about 10,000 megawatts worth of wind farms are in development within 100 miles of there.

"It's a good place to be," he said. "It's in the middle of a lot of very good prospects."

Those prospects are expected to develop into electrical power for states in the Southeast that have little access to renewable sources, Hurtado said.

"When you start to think about the kind of volumes you need ... the cheapest resource is really going to be the wind from Oklahoma Panhandle, southwestern Kansas, north Texas," he said. "That's why we thought this project ... makes a lot of sense."

Hurtado said there aren't any arrangements in place yet with wind developers or utility companies, but those will come.

"We're probably talking to every generation developer that's active in the Panhandle," he said.

There are a lot of developers working in the area, Hurtado said, noting the Southwest Power Pool's efforts to connect the region's wind resources to the areas that need that power.

___

Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

Notes from November Green Office Committee Meeting

2009-11-12T11:19:00.004-06:00

1. The Green Office Committee met on 11/10/09. Present were Dave, Neta, Clint, Kimberly, Scott, and Adrienne.

2. Discussion:

a. To-do list from last meeting: Scott has not set up computers for two-sided printing. Scott brought in an additional recycling bin, but has not bought another one. We decided that since we are now keeping recycling in the cabinets, there is not room for a large recycling bin. Instead, we will continue to use cardboard boxes.

b. Recycling cardboard: Adrienne sent an email asking for volunteers to take the cardboard boxes to the food bank for recycling. Billy told her that he would drive them to the food bank if someone would put the boxes in his truck. Dave and Scott volunteered to take care of that. We decided that it was too much trouble to recycle cardboard boxes in the future.

c. Garden: we discussed problems with the idea of locating a garden on the roof of the parking garage. Someone else suggested using pots in Scott’s office, where there are lots of windows and plenty of extra room. We will continue to discuss.

d. Dishwasher: We now have a dishwasher. People do not seem to be using it. Scott will send an e-mail publicizing the dishwasher, explaining how to use it, and asking people to opt out of a schedule to wash dishes. Members of the Green Committee will keep an eye on the dishwasher and fill in when people forget to wash dishes. Dave pointed out that since we leave the water on at the tap when we are washing dishes, we should make sure that we turn it off before finishing a load and leaving for the weekend.

e. Newspaper: one way to cut down on our recycling needs is to stop the newspaper subscription. Scott said that he subscribes to the paper because the Tulsa World occasionally runs articles supporting Legal Aid, and he wants to support the paper. We discussed whether our subscription makes a difference. The consensus seemed to be that since we can read the paper online, the paper version is a needless expense. Scott will look into terminating the subscription.

3. Next meeting: February 11, 2010, 3:00.

4. To-do:

a. Scott

i. Send memo publicizing dishwasher.

ii. Create dishwashing schedule.

iii. Stop newspaper.

iv. Get cardboard to Billy’s truck.

v. Set up computers for two-sided printing.

85 Ways to be Green

2009-08-25T11:17:00.001-05:00

Tulsa Area United Way published the following in honor of its 85th anniversary.
*Click on image to enlarge

Major Energy Initiative For Tulsa County

2009-08-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
8/24/2009

Tulsa County creates energy efficiency initiative.

"The rising cost of energy and its impact on the operations of Tulsa County government requires that we develop a state of the art energy sustainability and efficiency program,” said Commissioner Fred Perry, citing the rising cost of energy use for all of the properties owned by Tulsa County.

In making the announcement, Perry tabbed Chief Deputy Terry Simonson to lead the energy team which will be comprised of Ray Jordan, County Engineer, Jim Smith, County Fiscal Officer, Linda Dorrell, County Purchasing Director and Jim Fissel, Director of Building Operations.

Commissioners awarded Johnson Controls an energy savings performance contract, which covers up to 40 county buildings.

Simonson says commissioners will decide which buildings will get an energy makeover after Johnson conducts an audit. The improvements won't cost taxpayers a dime, Simonson said.

The improvements are paid for by the savings that Johnson Controls, guarantees.

Simonson takes on a variety of activities including meeting with energy company managers and consulting with the National Association of Counties to determine the best practices in developing a county energy program.

“I have found that there are many good practices we can learn from other counties around the country and many resources we can call upon to make the Tulsa County program the best it can be for the citizens of Tulsa County,” Simonson said.

The previously released Performance Audit cited the need for a comprehensive energy policy and plan as a key area where Tulsa County can not only save taxpayers money on current operations but to also prepare Tulsa County for the expected rise of energy costs in the future, Perry said.

“All across the country, county governments are adopting “green” standards and Tulsa County intents to be a leader in Oklahoma in this area” Perry said.

It is expected by the beginning of 2009 the energy team will present to the Board of County Commissioners an energy plan for implementation considerations.

TLO Green office committee: Notes from August 11th meeting

2009-08-13T10:09:00.001-05:00

Thursday, August 13, 2009

1. Present were Billy, Clint, Judy Monroe, Scott, Eric, Sara, Juana, Adrienne, Neta, Julie, and Sunny.

2. Discussion

a. Judy reported on colored paper. She said that pastel paper has very little environmental impact with regard to recycling. Neon colored paper, however, is viewed as detrimental. Neta will stop ordering neon colored post-it notes.

b. Judy also said that manila envelopes with metal clasps present a problem because of the clasps. We decided to stop ordering envelopes with clasps.

c. Adrienne asked if we could get permanent recycling receptacles, rather than using cardboard boxes. Scott said he would bring an extra recycling bin from home and buy another one.

d. Adrienne also asked for a box cutter, so she can break down cardboard boxes. Billy said that he has a box cutter in his office that people can borrow. Julie also volunteered to help break down boxes.

e. Adrienne noted that the newspaper recycling box is full. Scott volunteered to take the papers to the recycling center.

f. Scott noted that Bud had compiled a list of green office efforts undertaken by the various LASO offices. Scott will circulate the list, so we can discuss it at the next meeting.

g. We talked about where to put a community garden next year. Discussion focused on the top level of the parking garage. It is all concrete, so the heat might pose some problems. But, it is unlikely that anyone will use it for parking, and we can drive supplies directly to the garden area. We talked about how to get water up to that level. We will look for a connection for a hose, or a way to transport water in vehicles. Approval from the building management would be required, but we can probably get that.

h. Scott reported that our request to sign up with Show, Inc., for recycling was turned down by OKC for budget reasons. We may be able to sign up for the service in the future, but not until the budget stabilizes.

i. We talked about getting a dishwasher. With no dishwasher, people are using Styrofoam cups. OKC has approved a dishwasher, but we are holding off until we see if the kitchen is going to be remodeled as a part of the Day of Caring on September 11^th.The plan is to buy and install a dishwasher as a part of the Day of Caring project. If that project is not picked up by someone, we will buy a dishwasher and install it in September, in advance of the open house on September 30^th.

j. Reducing paper consumption: We took an inventory of our paper supplies as of June 1, 2009. We will now be able to determine how much paper we have used in a given time period. It is evident that we have reduced our paper consumption considerably. The family attorneys have stopped using paper in the intake process. They are using the Jumbotron instead. We can also use two-sided printing for intake sheets. Scott was planning to set up all computers for two-sided printing as an option, but that effort was disrupted by the move. Billy will show him how to set up two-sided printing, and Scott will set up individual computers. When we print intake sheets, we will be able to choose two-sided printing, which should save a considerable amount of paper.

3. To-do

a. Billy: show Scott how to set up printers for two-sided printing.

b. Scott

i. Recycle newspapers

ii. Bring in recycling bin from home.

iii. Buy additional recycling bin for office.

iv. Set up computers for two-sided printing.

c. All: consider how to set up and maintain a community garden on the top floor of the parking garage.

4. Next meeting: November 10^th at 3:00.

Scott Hamilton

State Rep. Promotes Tax Credit for Energy Savings

2009-08-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
8/3/2009

State Rep. Joe Dorman files legislation providing tax incentives for use of KVAR Power Saving Device.

The KVAR reduces heat generation and amperage, resulting in reduced consumption of electricity, and costs around $600.

Dorman says it can save up to 50 percent on power bills.

“We need to look at investments that will cut down utility bills and save money for homeowners in the long run,” says Dorman. “I want Oklahoma to take the lead in energy efficiency and conservation programs.”

There are currently no tax incentives available for this device.

GreenPlay to Hold Parks Plan Forum Tonight

2009-07-13T10:11:00.001-05:00

Tulsa Business Staff
7/13/2009

GreenPlay LLC to present results of preliminary research for parks plan in open forum tonight.

The meeting will be held Monday, July 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Central Center at Centennial Park, 1028 E. 6th St.

Private donors are funding the Tulsa Parks Master Plan, the first of its kind in 30 years.

Office Cardboard Box Recycling

2009-06-22T14:36:00.001-05:00

The Community Food Bank has started a cardboard recycling program that helps them raise money. I think it would be great to participate. This is the first time that there is cardboard recycling in Tulsa.

Only corrugated cardboard is accepted. That means that the box is made out of reinforced, or thicker cardboard (think moving boxes).

ACCEPTABLE: Office Depot UPS boxes; copy paper boxes

NOT ACCEPTABLE: Anything like a cereal box, including soda can boxes and the boxes that our file folders and labels come in. Nothing flimsy.

Please store boxes to be recycled under the kitchen tables. Thanks!

Adrienne Watt

Dispose of Old Electronics FREE!

2009-05-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

*Click image to enlarge flier

Cooking Oil Becomes Biofuel

2009-05-22T13:18:00.001-05:00

Source: Tulsa Business Journal
Tulsa Business Staff

The Metropolitan Environmental Trust and Tulsa Biofuels collect used cooking oil from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 23, at the West Tulsa MET recycling center at 51st Street and Union Avenue, in front of Warehouse Market.

“Cooking oil, especially in large quantities, should never be placed in residential trash or poured down the drain,” says Michael Patton, executive director for The MET “Small amounts placed in the trash in a sealed container are acceptable, but large quantities can pose problems for residential plumbing, city sewers and trash haulers.”

Cooking grease is the primary cause of most residential pipeline and city sewer main blockages. This results in sewage overflows. The sewage that is spilled will eventually reach Oklahoma streams and rivers. Fats, oils and grease such as frying oil, salad oil and meat drippings are causes of this problem.

After the cooking oil waste is collected, it is taken back to Tulsa Biofuels and turned into a clean burning renewable fuel called biodiesel. Biodiesel is 70 percent cleaner than petroleum diesel and is created locally.

Saturday’s collection is open to all Tulsa residents. Commercial waste will not be accepted. Oil should be brought in a sealed plastic container. For more information about the event, call 584-0584 or visit www.metrecycle.com.

Oklahomans Spread the Word about State's Future in Biofuels

2009-05-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

Source: Brian Brus, The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – Steve Rhines had been at the exhibition hall of the BIO 2009 conference in Atlanta for only a few minutes before he started fielding questions about Oklahoma’s switchgrass.

Steve Rhines talks to a woman from Taiwan about
switchgrass. (Courtesy photo)

“They’re interested in what we’re doing here and the reputation that Oklahoma is growing in regard to biofuels,” said Rhines, vice president of the Ardmore-based Noble Foundation.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) conference is one of the world’s largest networking events for the industry, providing an opportunity to meet potential business partners, clients and investors. About 20,000 people were expected to attend this year, a slight downturn because of the economy.

More than 60 Oklahomans went to the weeklong event, said i2E Inc. spokesman Jim Stafford, who also attended. The contingent is a mix of economic development officers, researchers and entrepreneurs from across the state, including representatives of the state Commerce Department and local chambers of commerce.

Rhines said he received a lot of questions about the Noble Foundation’s work with ag producers near Ardmore to plant small plots of switchgrass and a 1,000-acre project in the Panhandle last year. Rhines called the latter the world’s first large-scale test production of a crop specifically as a biofuel source.

The Noble Foundation originally focused on switchgrass because it is an excellent feed source for livestock in the spring and therefore a potential cost savings for ag producers, Rhines said. The crop grows naturally throughout many areas of Oklahoma and the U.S.

Rhines credited the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center for facilitating partnerships to allow the project to explore switchgrass’s potential as biofuel after the initial grazing period, which would increase the crop’s value dramatically.

“We’re refining the model, which would be really important for Oklahoma and stocker production throughout the Southeast,” he said. “But one of our greatest concerns is how long it would take to transition multi-generational livestock production into a biofuels economy. It’s not going to happen overnight.

“We were a little concerned going into this that the topic of biofuels might be kind of suffering, because you don’t see it in the press every day anymore,” Rhines said. “But it appears that to relevant audiences, it’s still very much in the mind’s eye.”

Rhines said BIO conference attendees have been interested in the Oklahoma project’s progress and how they might be able to move in that direction by securing funds and partners of their own. For example, the Noble Foundation has partnerships with Abengoa, a company that is building a cellulosic biofuels refinery in southwestern Kansas, and with Idaho National Laboratory, which is focused on feedstock logistics.

“We’re also seeing a lot of activity by those in the industry who now understand what we’re trying to achieve,” he said. “We’re seeing some of these players starting to come together as we begin to focus on how we’re going to leverage the 1,000 acres and compete on a nationwide basis.”

Sixth Annual Nania Awards Banquet

2009-05-18T14:19:00.004-05:00

Sixth Annual Nania Awards Banquet marks 1984 Memorial Day Flood with keynote speakers on sustainability and disasters

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the 1984 Memorial Day Flood, a benchmark event for Tulsa's efforts in disaster management. To commemorate this event, Tulsa Partners' sixth annual Nania Awards Banquet will be held on Tuesday evening, May 26 at 6:30 p.m., at the Tulsa Historical Society located at 2445 South Peoria.

The keynote speakers for this occasion are George and Kim Haddow, co-authors with Jane Bullock of the book, Global Warming, Natural Hazards and Emergency Management, which includes a case study of the work of Tulsa Partners and other local organizations since the floods of the 1970's and 1980's.

Kim Haddow was formerly the national communications director for the Sierra Club. Kim is now the Director of Communications for Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation, which builds safe and sustainable housing in New Orleans, meeting "green" certification standards for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the National Association of Home Builders.

Her husband George Haddow was Deputy Chief of Staff at FEMA in the Clinton Administration. He was involved in the national implementation of the "Project Impact" program, which promoted using public/private partnerships to build a disaster-resistant community.

"Nania" is a Cherokee word that means "All Together." The Nania Awards recognize the outstanding work of local corporate and nonprofit entities in building a disaster-resistant and sustainable community. We also recognize individuals who have done similar work on the national stage. Our awardees this year are the following:

For more information on the Nania Banquet, contact Tulsa Partners, Inc. at 918-632-0044 or see www.TulsaPartners.org/Nania09.asp .

Tulsa Partners, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that uses public, private and nonprofit sector partnerships to build a disaster resistant and sustainable community.

Source: Tim Lovell, Executive Director
Tulsa Partners, Inc.

Tulsa Law Office May 12, 2009 Green Committee Meeting

2009-05-18T11:50:00.001-05:00

Tulsa Law Office Green Committe Meeting
May 12, 2009

1. Discussion: we have not done anything since our last meeting in February. The move took precedence. So, we reviewed our notes from February and re-assigned tasks. We decided to renew our efforts to reduce paper consumption. Neta reported that we have reduced our consumption quite a bit already. The family unit has quit using paper for intake. We decided to do a six month campaign, starting June 1. The community garden has fizzled. Maybe next year. We will publicize the farmer’s market, instead. We decided against using recycled post-it notes—too expensive. We had a lively discussion about colored legal pads. Some people feel that colored paper is essential to their mental health. We decided to research whether colored paper really has any environmental impact.

2. To-do:
a. Neta: take inventory of paper on June 1st.
b. Scott:
i. Check with OKC about dishwasher.
ii. Find out date of farmer’s market at Centennial Park.
iii. Call SHOW, Inc., about picking up our recyclables. How much do they charge? What can they recycle (batteries, newsprint, cans, bottles)? How often do they come? Do they supply bins?
iv. Set up computers for easy 2-sided printing.
c. All: research whether colored legal pads have an adverse environmental impact.
3. Next meeting: August 11, 3:00.

Earth Week Events April 22-26

2009-04-22T15:48:00.000-05:00

Check out these local Earth Week events provided by http://www.okc.gov

Earth Week; April 22-26

Join in the Fun!

Greening OKC

Oklahoma City's future is not just bright - it's green. Start "greening" Oklahoma City by joining us for Earth Week events; April 20 - 26th

Log on to www.okc.gov and check out our new green Web Site, which offers green tips and lets you know what Oklahoma City is doing to green up.

Family Friendly Earth Week Events

Ride the Bus Free - METRO Transit will honor Earth Day by offering free bus and trolley rides from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Get route information and learn how to ride the bus by visiting www.gometro.org or call 235-RIDE (7433).

Free Bike Riding Class - Not only is cycling good for the environment, it's also healthy, saves money and can be an enjoyable way to commute short distances. Learn the basics of bicycle riding in Oklahoma City by signing up for a brown bag lunch and learn at noon on Friday, April 24th on the east steps of City Hall. Stay for an optional 90-minute ride around downtown. Bicycle and helmet required. Call 297-3908 or email lance.gross@okc.gov to register.

Earth Fest at Martin Park - Visit Martin Park, 5000 West Memorial Road , from 10 a.m. - 5p.m. on Saturday, April 25 for Earth-friendly educational booths and free seminars.

10:30 a.m. - Save the Earth With Little Blue

11:30 a.m. - Cooking with the Sun

1 p.m. - Earth Friendly Lawn Care

2 p.m. - Recycling Rainwater

3 p.m. - Composting 101

Kids can make recycled art all day long. Visit with a mechanic at our Alt-Fueled Car Show featuring natural gas and electric vehicles from the City's fleet. Call Martin Park at 755-0676 for details.

Recycle your tires, ammo and computers - Saturday, April 25; 9 a.m. - 1p.m. south-side of State Fairgrounds. Enter from Gordon Cooper Blvd. (Gate 5 ) off of North May. This special hazardous waste collection is open to Oklahoma City residents only. Recycler's must bring their current Oklahoma City Water bill stub to prove residency. Televisions, wheels, rims and oversized tires such as equipment or farm implement tires will not be accepted.

Call 682-7038 for details.

Mercury-free Thermometer Giveaway -The first 100 residents that drop Household Hazardous Waste off at the city's Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 1621 S Portland from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th will receive a free, mercury-free thermometer. Don't forget your water bill stub to prove residency. Call 682-7038 for details.

Oklahoma City Zoo Party for the Planet

Sunday, April 26th

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Leap into action and discover the importance of conserving wildlife and wild places. Enjoy fun, family activities, live music, giveaways and more. Free with Zoo admission. For more information call 424-3344 or log on to www.okczoo.com

Wind Energy Report Reflects Growth

2009-04-17T17:01:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Business Journal
Tulsa Business Staff
4/13/2009

Wind energy leaders in several categories maintained their No. 1 positions even as other leaders emerged in new categories, while 24 states saw new wind turbine and component manufacturing facilities opened, expanded or announced in 2008, according to the annual wind energy industry rankings report released today by the American Wind Energy Association.

The new listings, based on 2008 year-end numbers, show Texas leading in wind capacity and largest wind farms installed, Minnesota and Iowa both generating over 7 percent of their electricity from wind, and Indiana as the state with the fastest growth in wind on a percentage basis.

In company rankings, NextEra Energy Resources, formerly FPL Energy, continues to lead in wind farm ownership; GE Energy remained the wind turbine maker with the largest amount of new capacity installed, and Xcel Energy again leads investor-owned utilities in wind power. Wind power’s recent growth has also accelerated investment in manufacturing: wind turbine and turbine component manufacturers announced, added or expanded more than 55 facilities in 2008 alone, spanning 24 states from Alabama to Wisconsin.

“The wind energy industry today generates not only clean energy for our economy, but also hope and opportunity for American workers and businesses,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “Whether it is building or maintaining a wind project, or producing wind turbine components, you’ll find people employed in wind power in nearly all 50 states today,” Bode said.

“But we cannot rest on past achievements. We need the right policies in place for our industry to maintain its momentum. A national Renewable Electricity Standard, requiring utilities to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025, is vital to provide the long-term, U.S.-wide commitment businesses need to invest tens of billions of dollars in clean energy installations and manufacturing facilities, and create hundreds of thousands of American jobs,” Bode said.

Highlights from AWEA’s new report include:

— Iowa, with 2,791 MW installed, surpassed California (2,517 MW) for the No. 2 position in wind power generating capacity.

— The top five states in terms of capacity installed are:

- Texas, with 7,118 MW

- Iowa, with 2,791 MW

- California, with 2,517 MW

- Minnesota , with 1,754 MW

- Washington, with 1,447 MW

— Oregon moved into the 1,000-MW club, which now counts seven states, including Texas, Iowa, California, Minnesota, Washington and Colorado.

— Indiana ranked as the state with the fastest growth rate, expanding installations from zero to 131 MW, followed by Michigan (48%), Utah (21%), New Hampshire (17%) and Wisconsin (6%).

— Two states – Minnesota and Iowa – now get over 7 percent of their power needs from wind. Minnesota ranks first in this list (7.48%), followed closely by Iowa (7.1%). The rest of the top five are Colorado, North Dakota, and New Mexico.

— 10 new manufacturing facilities came online, 17 were expanded, and 30 were announced in 2008, according to AWEA estimates. These investments and announcements span 24 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Illinois, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, Montana, Texas, Minnesota, Idaho, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Massachusetts.

June Wind Conference in Norman

2009-04-17T15:05:00.001-05:00

Source: Tulsa Business Journal
Tulsa Business Staff
4/17/2009

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce will hold a Wind Commerce June 23-24, at the Embassy Suites Norman.

The objective of the conference, titled "The Future is Now," is to help Oklahoma companies, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities explore business and economic development opportunities involved with Oklahoma's emerging wind industry.

"Considering Oklahoma's tremendous wind resource capacity, the wind industry represents a significant economic development opportunity," said Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce & Tourism Natalie Shirley. "A conference that showcases the business and economic development opportunities for our existing businesses and manufacturers is an important part of ensuring that the wind industry moves forward in Oklahoma."

Shirley said Oklahoma, which could produce almost 10% of the nation's electricity from wind power by 2030, is the ideal location for wind generation, tower and blade production, turbine component manufacturing, repair and maintenance operations, and industry R&D.

Wind Commerce 2009: the Future is Now focuses on the many opportunities to create jobs and generate wealth across the state as Oklahoma fully develops and integrates its wind industry.

Oklahoma eGov News Report: Green Edition

2009-04-15T14:20:00.007-05:00

Oklahoma State Capitol
9am - 4pm | Wed, April 22 | Earth Day

We are re posting this special edition of the Oklahoma eGov News Report honoring Earth Day on April 22, 2009.

Oklahoma's online services reduced paper consumption amongst state agencies by over 35.9 million sheets of paper since January, 2007.

Go Green Oklahoma News eRecycle Your Used Electronics* at the State Capitol on Earth Day. Click here to view the eRecycle webcast video.

Donations received benefit American soldiers and adults and children with disabilities

Oklahoma residents and businesses are encouraged to celebrate Earth Day by eRecycling electronics* at the Oklahoma State Capitol south entrance on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 from 9am to 4pm. The upcoming event is sponsored by gogreen.ok.gov and will benefit two charities: Cell Phones for Soldiers and AMBUCS ASK Project.

"By hosting this event, we aim to increase awareness about eRecycling and further efforts in reducing the amount of electronic material that ends up in landfills," said Governor Brad Henry. "This is a great way to help the environment and promote a wonderful cause."

The first 250 donors will receive a tree seedling to plant and give back to our environment. Additionally all donors will receive a tax receipt. Donors can deliver their used electronic equipment* at the south entrance of the State Capitol. An area will be available to assist donors in unloading equipment.

*The following electronics are accepted for donation. State and stolen property will not be accepted.

* Cell Phones
* Power cords
* Pentium-level computer
* 3.5; floppy disks
* Color monitors
* Hard disk drives
* Mice
* CD-ROM drives
* Keyboards
* Motherboards
* VGA or SVGA monitors
* Memory chips

About Cell Phones for Soldiers
Cell Phones for Soldiers collects cash donations and old cell phones. The cell phones are recycled for cash and the proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards for our soldiers serving in the Middle East. Their goal is to provide US soldiers with a way to call home for free. For more information, please visit the Cell Phones For Soldiers site.

About AMBUCS Share4Life Komputers Project
The AMBUCS Share4Life Komputers Project, based out of Norman, OK, refurbishes donated computers and gives them to children and adults with disabilities at no charge. For more information, please visit the Sooner Ambucs website.

Saving Green: 10 Easy Ideas for Your Law Firm

2009-04-08T10:14:00.003-05:00

In every law office, there are many simple steps each person can take to help contribute to the greening effort; saving the office big bucks while helping save the environment.

April's Texas Bar Journal is totally themed around going green and how to push your office in that direction. Here, we would like to give you share with you 10 Easy Ideas for Your Law Firm, a list of steps that were thought up and put together by the Gensler, Haynes and Boone's Interior Architectural Firm. These steps were designed realistically, so that every person can easily follow at least some of these steps. Also, read the rest helpful green info in this month's Texas Bar Journal by clicking the following link: http://www.probono.net/link.cfm?12306

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven't already, start going green today!

Green Law Podcast

2009-03-24T11:22:00.003-05:00

On this podcast from Legal Talk Network, Monica Bay, editor of Law Technology News, welcomes Attorney Jane Fergason, chair of the Gardere Wynne Sewell Women's Council and Jennifer King, assistant director of marketing and business development for Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, to talk about how to plan your next "green" event.

Click here to listen to the full podcast: http://www.probono.net/link.cfm?12176

Biofuels May Speed Up, Not Slow Global Warming

2009-02-18T14:04:00.001-06:00

Tulsa Business Staff

Biofuels could be responsible for pumping far more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than they could possibly save as a replacement for fossil fuels, according to a new study.

"If we run our cars on biofuels produced in the tropics, chances will be good that we are effectively burning rainforests in our gas tanks," said Holly Gibbs of Stanford's Woods Institute for the Environment.

Gibbs studied satellite photos of the tropics from 1980 to 2000 and found that half of new cropland came from intact rainforests and another 30 percent from disturbed forests.

"When trees are cut down to make room for new farmland, they are usually burned, sending their stored carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide," Gibbs said.

For high-yield crops like sugar cane it would take 40 to 120 years to pay back this carbon debt.

For lower yield crops like corn or soybeans it would take 300 to 1,500 years, she told reporters at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

"Biofuels have caused alarm because of how quickly production has been growing: Global ethanol production increased by four times and biodiesel by 10 times between 2000 and 2007," Gibbs said.

Sustainable Tulsa Times Feb 2009

2009-02-15T16:03:00.005-06:00

Sustainable Tulsa Times February 2009

Sustainability, what is it?
Sustainability is the constant dialogue between responsible economic growth, quality of life for all community members and environmental stewardship. Each of the ideas represents yet another host of concepts and realities that affect our everyday lives, including alternative transportation, local foods, green energy, green building, etc. Right now globally, nationally and locally these issues are directing new conversations on the goals and direction affecting our community. Sustainable choices are opportunities to create livable and lovable communities. Examples of sustainability taking a more center stage is the Stimulus Packet put forth by the Obama Administrations. Within this packet you see the desire for green collar jobs and renewable energy. Learn more about what a sustainable community can look and feel like and join Sustainable Tulsa and the Mayor’s Green Team for the Greening the (918) Seminar Series. Green your (918) and be a part of making Tulsa’s history!

Greening the (918) Alternative Transportation Series
Alternative transportation: rail, bike trails, healthy lifestyles, trolleys, bus-rapid-transit, compressed natural gas, what is it? Come find out what all the buzz is about on alternative transportation? Hear from the experts and share your ideas in the upcoming Greening the (918) Alternative Transportation seminar on February 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Central Center at Centennial Park, 1028 E. Sixth Street, Tulsa, OK. The series is sponsored by Ihloff Salon and Day Spa and Tulsa People and Tulsa Now is the Greening the (918) Alternative Transportation Strategic Partner.

The community will discuss what action steps Tulsa must take to overcome the challenges to offer viable alternative transportation in Tulsa. Panel members who will address the Transportation issue will include: Jack Crowley, special advisor to the Mayor on Downtown Development; Jennifer O’Leary, Tulsa Parks Department and Tulsa Million Miles; Rick Westcott, City Counselor – District 2; and Patrick Fox, developer, Tim Armer, Transportation Manager for INCOG, and Tom Sewell, President of Tulsa Gas Technologies. Additional special guests have been invited who will share their thoughts on this issue with attendees during and after the seminar.

Greening the (918) Seminar Series
Sustainable Tulsa and the Mayor’s Green Team are co-chairing the Greening the (918) series. The series is free and open to the public and designed to be interactive and to inspire organizations and individuals to take action and to lead the city to be one of the greenest cities in the nation. The series ensures that each seminar will have a panel of experts and be moderated and graphically facilitated by Sean Griffin. The community will discuss what action steps Tulsa must take to overcome the challenges of becoming one of the greenest cities in the nation. Networking will follow each seminar. All seminars will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Central Center at Centennial Park, 1028 E. Sixth Street, Tulsa, OK. Greening the (918) mission is to assist Tulsa in becoming one of the greenest cities in the nation.
Seminar topic, date, and goal:

Alternative Transportation (Tuesday, February 17, 2009)

Goal: Tulsa creates more walkable neighborhoods that integrate land use and economic development to include continuous sidewalks, observed bike lanes and viable public transit systems.

Ecological Footprint-City Wide (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)

Goal: The City of Tulsa and Tulsa city residents work together to reduce their carbon footprint.

Green Space (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)

Goal: Tulsa increases the percentage of green space within the city limits, thus reducing the heat island effect while also providing engaging live spaces for work and play.

Solid Waste Management and Reduction (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)

Goal: Tulsa increases curbside recycling options for all residents, businesses and schools and moves toward the recycling of all organic waste in the Tulsa area.

Local Foods and Sustainable Agriculture (Tuesday, June 16, 2009)

Goal: Tulsa creates, supports, and promotes regional sustainable agriculture and the use of locally-grown and produced foods.

Water Quality and Conservation (Tuesday, July 21, 2009)

Goal: Tulsa continues to: provide healthy drinking water to all residents; to discharge successfully treated wastewater back into the water cycle; and to educate all residents about the effects of non-point source water pollution.

Green Energy (Tuesday, August 18, 2009)

Goal: Tulsa continues to invest in Green Energy and positions itself as the “Green Energy Capital of the World,” encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in this arena.

Sustainable Economic Prosperity (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)

Goals: Tulsa becomes a “cradle to cradle”* community that continues to grow and develop in a sustainable manner.

*Cradle to Cradle is a concept explored by William McDonough & Michel Braungart inRemaking the Way We Make Things: Cradle to Cradle

Keeping Communication on Green Issues Transparent (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)

Goal: The City of Tulsa develops a complete and transparent reporting system on the City of Tulsa’s ecological footprint and initiatives and goals designed to reduce this footprint.

For more information call (918) 808-6576 or email corey@sustainabletulsa.org or mcoley@ci.tulsa.ok.us

Greening the (918) Green Building Seminar, 11-13-08, Linear Notes:
Tulsa’s Challenges for Building Green
1) Lack of green building knowledge

2) Less stick-more carrot to encourage green building

3) Tulsa and Oklahoma need more incentives to encourage green building

4) We are a lazy society-we want it now-and don’t want to work for it

5) Tulsa needs to be committed to the concept of building green

6) Green building cost too much

7) Tulsa needs education on incentives and codes for green building

8) There lacks a demand from the public to build or remodel green

9) Tulsa and Oklahoma lacks the natural resources to build green

10) Tulsa needs more green products available

11) Don’t know what they don’t know

12) Banks need more education on the benefits of building green

13) It is too expensive to retrofit green

14) Can’t get incentives for green

15) Green homes are not affordable

16) Tulsa needs to know what the costs are to convert existing homes to green homes

17) Home owners, builders and developers can’t get financing for green cost

Tulsa’s Solutions to Improve Green Building in Tulsa
1) Increase incentives

2) Lobby for state tax incentives

3) Get involved with groups working on these solutions

4) Build to standards for tax credits (i.e. energy star)

5) Energy efficient loans

6) Educate realtors and quantify green savings

7) Preserve historic homes

8) Reasonable relaxation for preservation codes

9) Incentives for recycling construction and demolition of old homes and buildings

10) Need some mandates

11) More education on how we can build or retrofit green

12) Green jobs

13) Eco-Tech Park

Action Steps to improve Green Building in Tulsa
1) Regular articles and section in the paper on building green

2) Increase education on green building

3) Increase green building product manufacturing and development in Tulsa

4) Incentives for green business development

5) Get involve with organizations-engage and make a difference

6) Lumber companies and suppliers working to sell green products

7) Get involved with a the Millennium Center for Green and Safe Living, a Tulsa Partners project

8) List the things that people can do to build or retrofit green and the incentives for each item
Green Building Community Update!

The number one theme repeated over and over again at the Greening the (918) Green Building Seminar was the need for community wide education on green building. As a result, the Greening the (918) Green Building Strategy Team, lead by K.C. Ganzkow and Gwen Goff, approached Tulsa Partners to develop educational outreach to Tulsa through a Green Building Resource Center.

Tulsa Partners graciously accepted this opportunity and will be opening their doors on of the Green Building Resource Center in spring of 2009!

Thank you for being a part of Tulsa’s Sustainability History! To find out more about the Green Building Resource Center contact Tulsa Partners at info@tulsapartners.org.

Other exciting news regarding green building is the approval of the National Homebuilder’s Association’s Green Building Guidelines from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). “The approval of the standard signals a new era for the nation’s builders, remodelers and developers and also provides an extra measure of reassurance for home buyers, said Joe Robson, a home builder in Tulsa, Okla., and Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Brandon Perkins, the Greater Tulsa Home Builder’s Association President and Sustainable Tulsa Board Member said, “"The ANSI approval is another giant leap forward in helping to better define and mainstream green building. As the nationally-recognized third party certifier for all residential construction, ANSI's backing for the NAHB Green Building Standard will make it easier for homes to be truly built green and lead us on the path to one consistent national program, which will benefit homeowners, builders and their communities alike. As a Tulsa developer, I could not be more excited for my business and the future of green building to see this progress."

Greening the (918) Local Foods and Sustainable Agriculture Rescheduled
Due to ice we had to reschedule the Greening the (918) Local Foods and Sustainable Agriculture seminar. We are rescheduling the seminar for June 16, 2009. The seminar will now be a part of the Local Foods Week in Tulsa. Thank you all for your interest in this seminar. Thank you to Libby Auld and K.C. Ganzkow for being the Greening the (918) Local Foods and Sustainable Agriculture Champions.

Volunteer Opportunities
Was it your new year’s resolution to get involved? Sustainable Tulsa offers numerous volunteer opportunities. These volunteer opportunities include:
Greening the (918) General Team Greening

The (918) Strategy Teams

Green Directory Task ForceSustainable

Tulsa.org Task ForceFood Localvores
For more information, contact Ros Elder, Volunteer Coordinator at 688-2932 or email us at info@sustainabletulsa.org.

PLANiTULSA
Get involved with shaping our community and participate in the small area workshops with PLANiTULSA. The PLANiTULSA team will conduct public, hands-on workshops that explore specific planning issues in small areas throughout Tulsa. These small area workshops will allow citizens to study key planning issues in specific areas, and then recommend possible strategies to address these issues. The information learned from these small area workshops will then be translated to policies that may be applied throughout the city. More about the small area workshop process. PLANiTULSA is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the next 30 years of Tulsa's growth. This city-wide process to update Tulsa's Comprehensive Plan promises a new vision that is inclusive and reflects the needs and dreams of all our citizens Upcoming workshops include:

Sustainable Communities provide productive places to live, work and play.
February 17, 6-9 PM – Small area workshop

Southwest Tulsa February 17, 6-9 PM – Small area workshop

Northland February 18, 6-9 PM – Small area workshop

Forest Orchard/Hillcrest February 24th - City-wide Transport Workshop–Centennial Center at Central Park

Learn more about PLANiTULSA

2009 Tulsa Area Green Directory: look for an invitation to update your entry or be included for the first time Sustainable Tulsa will be sending out invitation this month for your updates on previous entries or to be included for the first time in the Tulsa Area Green Directory! Watch for our updates.

If you know of a business or organization that would like to receive our invitation, forward their email address so that we can include them. Be Green and Be Seen!

For more information, contact Corey Williams at corey@sustainabletulsa.org.
For more information check out:

http://service.newmediamail.com/newmediamail/internet/click.cgi?sm=11739567_93451&&c=11738426&l=11738428

http://service.newmediamail.com/newmediamail/internet/click.cgi?sm=11739567_93451&&c=11738426&l=11738432

http://service.newmediamail.com/newmediamail/internet/click.cgi?sm=11739567_93451&&c=11738426&l=11738431

PSO Purchases Renewable Energy

2009-02-09T12:36:00.001-06:00

Tulsa Business Journal, Staff
2/9/2009

Public Service Company of Oklahoma signs long-term power purchase agreements for approximately 198 megawatts of renewable energy from two Oklahoma wind farms.
Through the 20-year agreements, PSO will purchase 98.9 megawatts from a wind farm in Elk City, being developed by NextEra Energy Resource — formerly FPL Energy — and 99 megawatts from an expansion of Horizon Wind Energy's Blue Canyon facilities north of Lawton.
Both sites are expected to be operational by Dec. 31. The agreements are part of PSO's long-term energy supply plan and are subject to approval by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
"Wind energy can play an important role in our ongoing efforts to balance our customers' demands for electricity with the desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Michael G. Morris, chairman, president and chief executive of American Electric Power, PSO's parent company. "With these agreements, AEP has contracted to add 653 megawatts of renewable wind energy to our generation mix in just the last two years, and we are on target to achieve our voluntary goal of adding 1,000 megawatts of new renewable generation to serve our customers by 2011."
Including the new PSO agreements, AEP's generation mix includes 310 MW of wind turbines owned and operated by AEP in Texas and another 1,120 mw of long-term wind energy purchase agreements for a total of 1,430 mw of wind energy in the company's generation portfolio.
"Renewable generation development is an important part of any strategy to address climate change. To help facilitate additional wind and solar energy development, we need to end the uncertainty that stifles investment by putting in place long-term support for renewable energy projects," Morris said.
American Electric Power is one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S., delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states.

TLO's Green Committe - in action on 2/3/2009!

2009-02-04T18:46:00.002-06:00

The Green Office Committee met on 2/3/9. Present were Sara, Dave, Juana, Eric, Clint, Judy Monroe, Neta, Kimberly, Margaret, and Scott.

1. Reducing paper usage: Scott proposed an initiative to reduce paper consumption for the year. Neta reported that we ordered 636 reams of paper in 2008 (634 in 2007). At 500 sheets per ream, that’s 318,000 sheets of paper. We discussed various ways to save paper. Some of the suggestions were two-sided printing of intake sheets (can only do with the copiers, not the printers), stop making unnecessary multiple copies, use computers for intake meetings, and stop printing e-mails. We talked about how to measure consumption and update people on our progress. Billy proposed a PUI (paper usage index, pronounced “pooey”) that would track the number of copies made on the copiers, the number of reams ordered, and the number of reams on hand. We talked about how to publicize the effort. Suggestions for slogans included “Think before you print”, “Stop, think, print”, and “Reduce your waste size.” We also talked about holding trainings on how to organize e-mails so that you don’t have to print them, including red flags, follow up notices, folders, and rules. Further training might include how to use software to mark up documents. Everyone needs to know about the address book in Outlook, so they won’t have to print staff rosters. Margaret suggested using a blog to collect other ideas on how to save paper. We also talked about issuing a challenge to other offices, to compete on reducing paper usage (on a percentage basis). Everyone seemed to think that was a good idea. Kimberly showed some posters she found urging people not to use so much paper. Linda reported that the Hotline is now asking all callers if they have e-mail addresses that they use regularly. We discussed the possibility of mailing informational materials to clients, or perhaps links to the webpage.

2. Other items that came up in discussion:

a. Why 2 refrigerators? They both use electricity. Do we really need both? The feeling seemed to be that we need both refrigerators, but that if we could get by with 1, we could save a lot of electricity.

b. Community garden: Judy Monroe had expressed an interest in a community garden. We had a mixed reaction. A few people have their own gardens and don’t want to work on another. Other people aren’t interested in gardening. A couple of people, however, were interested. Someone volunteered a yard. The decision was made that Scott would send out an e-mail to gauge interest.

c. Sara found post-it notes made from recycled paper. Neta will check on the price.

d. Someone suggested that we look into getting Show, Inc. to pick up our recyclables.

e. Drinking glasses: a couple of people expressed an unwillingness to use glass drinking glasses because the dishwasher does not use hot water.

f. Legal pads: someone said that colored legal pads have more of an environmental impact than white ones. Neta said that she would make sure that we had white ones in stock. Some people apparently use color coding systems in their files. We’ll have to find out more about the environmental impact and any uses people have for colored legal pads. Everyone talked about their favorite colors and the colors they particularly dislike.

3. To-Do

a. Billy and Scott
b. Set up computers for easy two-sided printing
c. Billy, Scott and Neta
i. Come up with Paper Usage Index, plus base line for paper stock.

d. Scott
i. Explore how to reduce paper in intake process
ii. Encourage law office staff to find ways to reduce needless printing
iii. Research impact of colored legal pads; find out who uses color coding
iv. Send out e-mail to gauge interest in community garden
v. Check with Show, Inc., about picking up our ecyclables
vi. Check with OKC about a paper reduction challenge for all of the offices
vii. Check about hot water for dishwasher.

e. Margaret
i. Train people on how to use blog to share paper-saving ideas

f. Margaret, Kimberly and Judy Monroe
i. Committee to publicize campaign to reduce paper usage
ii. Put up Kimberly’s posters at strategic points around the office

f. Linda
i. Encourage Hotline staff to:
reduce needless printing
use two-sided printing
e-mail hotline info to clients who have e-mail addresses they use.

g. Linda and Margaret
i. Review info that the Hotline sends out, including info sheets, forms and brochures, to see if we can get them all on the website, so that Hotline attorneys can e-mail links, rather than attaching documents. Make sure that Hotline attorneys have easy access to those links.

h. Neta
i. Check cost of recycled post-it notes compared to unrecycled
ii. Make sure we have white legal pads (for now, in addition to our usual assortment of pastels)

4. Next regular meeting May 12th, 3:00 P.M.

Scott Hamilton

ANSI Approves Green Standard

2009-01-30T11:06:00.000-06:00

Tulsa Business Staff
1/30/2009

The American National Standards Institute approves a National Green Building Standard for all residential construction work including single-family homes, apartments and condos, land development and remodeling and renovation.

The standard defines what green practices can be incorporated into residential development and construction and how home owners can operate and maintain their green homes.

The approval signals a new era for the nation’s builders, said Joe Robson, a home builder in Tulsa and Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

“The National Green Building Standard is now the first and only green building rating system approved by ANSI, making it the benchmark for green homes,” said Ron Jones, who chaired the consensus committee charged with developing the standard.

Construction Begins on Animal Fat Fuel Plant

2009-01-13T11:23:00.003-06:00

Construction begins on the plant being built by Dynamic Fuels, a joint venture of Tyson Foods and Tulsa-based Syntroleum Corp.
The $138 million Dynamic Fuels plant will convert animal fats and greases provided by Tyson into clean, renewable diesel and jet fuel.

Concrete foundations are being poured for the new facility in Geismar, La., and the project remains on budget and on schedule for startup in early 2010, the companies said in a statement. Once in operation, the new facility will use Syntroleum’s Bio-Synfining Technology to convert the animal fats and greases from Tyson into diesel and jet fuel.

Tulsa Business Journal, January 13, 2009
Staff Reporter

TLO Green Office Committee

2009-01-12T17:08:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!
So how are those ‘green’ plans for the office coming along?

Thought so… well, it’s time to schedule an office meeting!
The Tulsa Law office is meeting Tuesday, January 27^th at 3:00 p.m.

Set your meeting… Let us know what you think and what your office is going to do this year to go GREEN!

Wind Tower Manufacturer Lays off 50

2009-01-06T14:44:00.004-06:00

Tulsa Business Staff
1/5/2009

DMI Industries is laying off 50 people at its Catoosa facility, the result of declining demand as difficult credit conditions impact the ability of wind energy developers to secure needed project financing.
Employees being laid off were notified Monday. They are receiving assistance from DMI with benefits and compensation through the transition. The company declined to give details about the plan.

“We remain committed to the wind energy market and have confidence in its outlook for the future,” said DMI president Stefan Nilsson. “Nevertheless, we are required to make the reductions at this time in light of the downturn for wind farm projects, which we expect to last through this year.”

DMI launched the Catoosa facility a year ago with about 65 workers.

While the Catoosa reductions affect 50 workers; the DMI facility begins 2009 with about 135 more workers than at the beginning of 2008, said Belinda Forknell, spokeswoman. The plant, which remains fully operational, has a total workforce of more than 215 employees.

“Where we had been building up our capacities to meet projected increases in 2009 volumes, we now expect overall production levels for DMI this year to be slightly lower than in 2008,” said Nilsson. Through last fall the outlook for the wind energy industry was that of continued, significant growth for the year ahead. Now, although estimates vary, 2009 projections for installed megawatts are 25 to 35 percent lower than those for 2008.

“Today’s actions are very unfortunate but necessary at this time. The weaker outlook means a short-term step backward, but the actions taken now will help DMI maintain its competitiveness and productivity in all three facilities, and ensure the company remains well-positioned for continued growth and profitability,” said Nilsson.

Efforts are focused on minimizing the impact to customers and employees, he said.
Companywide, DMI begins the year more than 150 workers ahead of last year at this time. DMI employs more than 750 employees at its three production facilities.

TCBA Go Green Meeting November 14, 2008

2008-11-14T17:14:00.002-06:00

The TCBA Go Green Task Force made its début this morning at the Tulsa Bar office with Leonard Pataki’s welcome to the somewhat small gathering of lawyers. Vendors from a variety of businesses providing “green” services were available. Michael Patton (a/k/a Recycle Michael), The Met, spoke to the group with humor and wit, explaining the many ways that we can personally and professionally make better choices to help our environment.
Sara Cherry and I attended and came back with the following 4 ‘starters’ to recommend to the Tulsa Office:

1- Corporate Express, a division of Staples, displayed a number of office products, most impressively were the cups and cutlery made from corn based and cane based products. The corn based plastic cups and paper lined cups will compost and the cutlery case-products are biodegradable.
Recommendation: Contact the group for an office assessment of ‘green’ products to match what we are currently using. They will come out and give us an estimate at no charge and generally say that the cost of switching to these “green” products is within 10% of our current costs.

2- Natural Evolution is a company that disposes of all electronics and e-product waste, including hard drives. They use a process to destroy hard drives which is Department of Defense approved.
Recommendation: Billy contact them for disposal of electronics and computers as needed.

3- Show, Inc. presently serves the Tulsa office by providing the copying service at the Social Security Admin for our disability cases. They also provide collection of recyclables for a nominal cost and can pick up monthly, weekly, or as necessary. They employ disabled adults to do the sorting and are a United Way agency from Sapulpa.
Recommendation: Contact them for an estimate of cost to provide recyclable bins for office recyclable as opposed to the multiple boxes we now have in the kitchen and would also relieve Adrienne from her present recycling trips. If the office elected NOT to take advantage of this program, Margaret offered to coordinate a program like this for people to bring recyclables from home in one easy bag, one easy trip, no sorting.

4- Taylor Companies is an office furniture company which refurbishes gently used furniture and offers new furniture made from recycled materials.
Recommendation: New purchases of office furniture be vetted through our normal sources and also through Taylor to see if we can make wise purchases for the same or less funds.

Notes on Green Office Committee Meeting, 11/3/8

2008-11-04T16:10:00.001-06:00

1. Present were Dave, Judy M., Kimberly, Sara, Adrienne, Neta, and Scott.

2. Discussion:

a. ABA-EPA Law Office Climate Challenge: Scott discussed the ABA’s program to promote energy conservation. The idea is that you sign up for the program, report your results, and then you are recognized for your efforts by the ABA. Most of the programs didn’t relate to us because of practical difficulties (we can’t choose renewable energy sources, for example). But, we might be able to enroll in the waste paper program. We discussed a number of ways we could cut down on waste paper. We are already recycling and using “earth friendly” paper. We discussed ways we could encourage two-sided printing. We also talked about whether we could cut down on printing intake sheets and discourage people from needlessly printing e-mails. Scott will look into the specifics of signing up for the ABA program. Neta will investigate how we can measure our paper usage (do we have records for paper purchases over the past few years?) and if we can use copy paper that is composed of at least 30% recycled paper. Scott will see about cutting back on intake printing. We will also see if we can get someone from the Hotline to attend next time so we can talk about printing intakes and rush cases.

b. Kimberly reported on green promo items. She had samples of several items, including a water bottle that is made from recycled plastic, a first aid kit made from recycled plastic, etc. Neta will store the items so that we can find them next year, when it is time to order promo items.

c. Kimberly and Neta have not ordered posters, but they will.

d. Dave suggested that we look into ordering Kleenex tissues made from cotton. Neta says that we use a little over one 36 box case of Kleenex every year. She will get with Dave and look into the cost of ordering Kleenex made from cotton.

e. Dishwasher: someone mentioned that the dishwasher is leaving soap on the clean dishes. There were two theories: either there is a problem with the soap, or the water is not getting hot enough. We decided it is most likely the hot water. The next time we wash dishes, we need to check the water in the middle of the cycle and see if it is hot.

3. To-Do

a. Scott

i. Sign us up for ABA program

ii. Investigate ways to cut back on paper usage for intake and rush cases

iii. Recruit Hotline person for next meeting

iv. Look for easy ways to print two-sided sheets

b. Neta

i. find out how we can measure base line for paper usage

ii. check on use of paper that is composed of at least 30% recycled paper

iii. Work with Dave on ordering tissues made from cotton

c. Kimberly: order posters

4. Next meeting: Tuesday, January 13^th, 3:00

Scott Hamilton

Slate Article: Grande Americano, Extra Green

2008-09-18T10:38:00.001-05:00

Jacob Leibenluft is a writer from Washington, D.C.

Among other things, his blog SLATE features “The Green Lantern: Illuminating Answers to Environmental Questions.”
His post ‘Grande Americano, Extra Green: What's the best way to drink your morning joe?’ delves into the age-old (okay, just this year) office delima styrofoam vs. ceramic.

He writes:
My office recently switched from Styrofoam coffee cups to a "bring your own mug" policy. Sounds like the right idea, but with all the water and paper towels we now waste on washing mugs, I'm not sure this is a huge net gain for the environment. What is the "greenest" way to drink coffee around the office?

See the full article @ http://www.slate.com/id/2200158/

"Greening of the Legal Profession" Webinar

2008-09-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

You're invited to attend PLMWs "Greening of the Legal Profession" Webinar

Tuesday, September 23, 2008
2 p.m. EDT

Have you been searching for ways to be "more green?" Are you looking to join the growing ranks of individuals and firms that are committed to making a difference? If you'd like to learn more about what you can do to be more environmentally conscious, you're invited to attend the free PLMW Webinar, "The Greening of the Legal Profession." This informative Webinar will offer the latest thinking on ways to make your office more environmentally friendly. Our speakers are Dick Roy, Executive Director of the Oregon Lawyers for a Sustainable Future, and two ALA members: Gina Maciula of Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean, LLP in Oakland, CA, and John Kirk of Manko, Gold, Katcher and Fox, LLP in Bala Cynwyd, PA. All three speakers will share their sustainability experiences and practices within their organizations (the Oregon State Bar and two law firms), and offer "green tips" for the myriad of services that we, as legal professionals, provide in our organizations. The program will also include a Q&A segment, which will allow for the exchange of ideas from Webinar participants.

This complimentary Webinar is jointly sponsored by the following associations:
Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)
International Legal Technology Association (ILTA)
American Association of Law Libraries (AALL)
Legal Marketing Association (LMA)
International Paralegal Management Association (IPMA)
American Bar Association, Law Practice Management Section (ABA LPMS)

PLMW provides a forum for recognizing those in legal management for what they do and the role they play in the success of the organization, and in its service to its clients and those who work in the organization. Participating associations are producing this webinar and providing expert leadership across several professional disciplines.

For information about PLMW and its supporting organizations, visit the PLMW Web site.

Margaret Hamlett Shinn

Wind Power

2008-09-12T13:49:00.001-05:00

What's all this talk about Wind Power?
No, not Ike, .. but if we could harness all that wind.....
Learn about wind energy from this article by Bergey Windpower, a Norman, Oklahoma company and one of the world's leading suppliers of small wind turbines!
http://www.bergey.com/Channels/10A1.htm

WallE + Kleenex = IronE

2008-08-22T13:28:00.000-05:00

Dear xxxxxxxxx

August 21, 2008

In the distant future, the Earth is barren of all life forms; humans have survived only by leaving the wasted planet behind. This doomsday scenario is reality for Wall*E, the lovable, animated robot in this summer's blockbuster environmental movie from Disney/Pixar. If you've seen the movie Wall*E, you probably got the same thrill out of it as we did here at Greenpeace. Meanwhile, the movie's box office success is a clear indicator that its message resonates with Americans of all stripes.

That's why we were perplexed to see that Kimberly-Clark is featuring Wall*E on boxes of Kleenex. If you look on the bottom of these boxes, you'll see a little recycled symbol that says: "This box is made from 100% recycled paper." What you won't see on the bottom of that box is a message telling you that the tissues inside it are made from trees up to 180 years old that were cut from forests up to 10,000 years old. Nor will you read that Kimberly-Clark refuses to use any recycled material in Kleenex even though doing so would save huge areas of ancient forests.

A movie about conservation being used to sell a disposable paper product that contains absolutely no recycled content…? It's the height of irony.

So we decided to commission celebrated political cartoonist Mark Fiore to create an animated movie of our own. We call it Iron*E, because Wall*E + Kleenex = Iron*E. In the animation, Wall*E meets one of his precursors: a robot called Kleer*E who gobbles up forests and spits out boxes of Kleenex. Kleer*E helped create the world that Wall*E is left to clean up - a world where all the forests (and animals and people) are gone, a world where nothing is left but trash and empty boxes. Like Kleer*E, Kimberly-Clark is working to bring you that world, one box of Kleenex - and one forest - at a time.

We need to band together to get the truth out about Kimberly-Clark. Help save the world's ancient forests by viewing the Iron*E video and then telling your friends and family about it. There's an embed code with the video, too, so you can put it on your own website. The more people who are aware of Kimberly-Clark's destructive business practices and refuse to buy Kleenex and the company's other disposable products, the sooner it will change its ways.

Equally as important as watching and sharing the video, though, is that you join us in telling Kimberly-Clark to stop the Iron*E! Instead of putting money toward trying to present itself as green, the company needs to actually be green by improving its environmental practices. Specifically, Kimberly-Clark should stop clear-cutting ancient forests and start using recycled material in Kleenex and other consumer products.

If we stop Kimberly-Clark from destroying any more of the world's ancient forests, we will be able to avoid the dismal fate depicted in Wall*E. Untold future generations will surely thank us for giving them hope and a healthy planet to live on.

For the future,

Carroll Muffett
Greenpeace deputy campaigns director

3 Ways to Help

1. View the video
And when you're done, don't forget to Digg it. There's also an embed code if you'd like to put it on your own website.

2. Take Action
Tell Kimberly-Clark to stop the Iron*E.

3: Tell a Friend
Forward this message to your friends. Help spread the word. The more people who refuse to buy Kimberly-Clark products, the sooner they'll change their ways.

TLO Green office committee meeting--notes from 8/19

2008-08-20T10:34:00.002-05:00

The Green Office Committee met today. Present were Scott, Margaret, Kimberly, Sara, Neta, Eric, Juana, Adrienne, and Judy Monroe.

1. Present were Scott, Margaret, Kimberly, Sara, Neta, Eric, Juana, and Judy Monroe.

2. Discussion:

a. Scott reviewed the ABA’s list of suggestions for sustainable law practices. We found that we were in compliance with most of the suggestions. We discussed the possibility of obtaining green office certification from the ABA (or a similar designation). Scott will get more info on that program to present at the next meeting.

b. To great acclaim, Kimberly reviewed the posters she has located. She and Neta will order them to place around the office.

c. Sara suggested that we look into green promotional items. Scott mentioned that we will be distributing canvas shopping bags with the Legal Aid logo. Sara and Kimberly will come up with other suggestions for our next meeting.

d. Neta discussed copy paper, and compared paper composed of 100% recycled product with paper that is “earth friendly.” The latter paper uses responsibly grown trees, costs less, and looks better than the totally recycled product. The recycled product costs considerably more. We decided that Neta would start ordering the earth friendly paper.

3. To-do

a. Scott: research ABA and other green office certification programs. Prepare presentation for next meeting.

b. Kimberly and Neta: order and green office posters; place in office.

c. Neta: order earth friendly copy paper.

d. Sara and Kimberly: research green promotional items; present at next meeting.

e. Scott: remind people about recycling newspapers.

4. Next Meeting: October 28^th, 3:00 p.m.

Scott Hamilton

Notes on 7/8 meeting

2008-08-08T15:19:00.004-05:00

From: Scott Hamilton
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 6:23 PM

All, here are my notes from the meeting. Please note that although we didn’t discuss it at the meeting, I have arbitrarily selected August 19^th at 3:00 as our next meeting time.

1. The committee met on 7/8/8. Present were Judy Monroe, David Edge, Karen Langdon, Scott Hamilton, Eric Hallett, Adrienne Watt, Lauren Vanderlip, Kimberly Waite, Billy Harl, Juana Lozier, Sara Cherry, Mike Risley.

2. Discussion

a. Recycling. We are doing a good job of recycling paper and aluminum cans. A couple of things to work on are finding a way to recycle newspapers, OBA Journals and plastic water bottles. Adrienne volunteered to take those items to one of the City’s recycling centers, provided they don’t get too burdensome. Scott may need to follow up on the recycling contract with Midland, which may be on Bud’s desk to sign. Some people are not crushing their cans, apparently because they don’t like to use the can crusher. Other people love using the can crusher. Scott will ask non-crushers to leave their cans out for the crushers to smash. Adrienne thought we should donate some of our unused equipment, like printers. Billy said that he had tried, but could not find anyone to take them. [Scott’s comment—If we can’t donate them, I’m sure we can have them recycled].

b. Labeling light switches. c. 4-day work week, work-at-home policies: We talked about whether policies that allowed or encouraged employees to work 4-day weeks or to work at home one day a week would have a positive effect on the environment. It was suggested that if people stay home one day a week, they may drive more running personal errands. Also, LASO would still be using air conditioning and lights, whether the employees were there or not. On the other hand, people conceivably could use less gas, and some employees might get more work done on certain projects if they stayed home. Scott doubted that we would ever adopt a policy that allowed for closing the office one day a week. The question was also raised as to whether support staff could work a 4-day week; they might need to be present during regular business hours to answer the phone, deal with faxes and walk-ins, and help attorneys who are in the office. Their schedules might not be as flexible as attorneys. But, many support staff drive longer distances than anyone to get to work. Some people thought they might not work effectively at home. It was also suggested that work-at-home days could be combined with annual leave or comp time, so that a person might respond to e-mails and voice mail messages, be accessible by cell-phone, and do a little work, but take the rest of the time off. We also discussed the accessibility of the computer network from home. Various people are having problems accessing from home, although everyone can get into their calendars and e-mail through webmail. We decided that Lauren and Ashley would look for articles on how similar 4-day arrangements have worked elsewhere.

d. We reviewed suggestions from the Office Depot website for a greener office. Many of the suggestions involved purchasing additional items from Office Depot, but a few might be useful.

i. Office Depot green book. There’s a handbook on green office supplies. Scott will order a copy.

ii. Test recycled paper. The website said that recycled paper is now brighter and creates less dust than in the past. We thought we might order a couple of reams and see how we like it.

iii. Turn off surge protectors at night. Billy thought there might be some advantage to keeping them on at night, even though we have turned off our computers. He will check into it.

iv. Don’t use ceiling lights. Some people like them. Other people, like Sara and Billy, don’t have windows. For everyone who wants to keep their lights turned off during the day, we decided that we would foster and office ethic that makes it OK to keep your lights off.

v. Use green promotional items: We talked about renewing efforts to distribute reusable grocery bags with the LASO logo on them. We will look for other items.

e. Suggestions for new office: we discussed suggestions for the new office space, if we move:

i. Light switches in every office.

ii. Showers, lockers, bike racks.

iii. Recycling area.

iv. Garden area, perhaps on a roof.

v. Cooperative compost pile, where employees can deposit their waste from home (just kidding).

vi. Locked thermostats—uniform temperature to be determined by office-wide free-for-all.

vii. Flushless urinals (not kidding).

viii. Motion detector lighting in some areas, like restrooms.

ix. Energy efficient refrigerators.

x. Although not related to the environment, someone suggested designing the office so that bathrooms are on the inside of the employee area, rather than in the public area.

3. To-do

a. Scott

i. Send out e-mail telling people

1. OK to turn out your lights

2. Turn off computers when you go home

3. Turn off the lights if you are the last person to leave the office

4. Non-crushers leave cans next to the bin, so that the crushing enthusiasts can smash them

ii. Order green manual from Office Depot

iii. Label light switch for Billy’s area.

iv. Ask Neta to order some recycled copy paper to test.

v. Check on Legal Aid grocery bags as promotional item.

b. Lauren and Ashley

i. Research 4-day work week pros and cons, and look for sample policies.

c. Billy

i. Check into advisability of turning off surge protectors at night.

d. Adrienne

i. Recycle newsprint and plastic bottles.

4. Next meeting: August 19^th, 3:00.

Office Newspaper/Plastic Recycling

2008-08-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

Colleagues:

In the staff break room there are now two boxes for office newspaper and plastic bottles/glass bottles. Periodically I will be taking them to the recycling center. The boxes are primarily intended for office consumption. Please do not bring your recycling from home (unless you want to chip in on gas). Thanks!

Go green!

Adrienne

LSC Updates

2008-07-22T10:53:00.001-05:00

Hello,

I just came across LASO's blog on "going green" and it looks like something I'd like to highlight in LSC Updates, the Legal Services Corporation's e-newsletter. Who could I speak with to get more information? Thanks a lot.

Sean Driscoll

Legal Services Corporation

Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs

3333 K Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20007

P: (202) 295-1616

F: (202) 337-6386

driscolls@lsc.gov

Subscribe to LSC Updates,
an e-newsletter for the national
civil legal services community.

Green Manifesto

2008-07-21T15:57:00.000-05:00

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma

Green Manifesto

As a nonprofit law firm, we acknowledge the importance of, and aspire to positively affect, the quality of life experienced by low-income and senior Oklahomans. Motivated by these values and principles, we seek out injustice and attempt to “right it”. With this in mind, we are faced with a global consensus that the environment is being adversely affected through waste, over consumption, and inattention. Responding with the values we hold as an agency, it is our intention to make a marked contribution toward improvement of the quality of life experienced by organization staff, clients, and the broader community – not only in regard to the justice system, but also with respect to the establishment of a “greener” environment for all.

Consistent with LASO’s core values of integrity, service, and achievement of justice, LASO’s Board of Directors commit to the following course of action as individuals and as an organization:

Seeking out ways to make an increasingly positive carbon impact;
Searching for vendors that adhere to a “green imprint;”
Facilitating “green” awareness of co-workers, clients, family, and community;
Reducing waste, over consumption, and inattention with respect to our environment.

Finally, we commit our resources to achieving the outcome intended by this manifesto. To this end, LASO’s Board of Directors requests LASO management to review its various systems, processes, and facilities, and to address and correct any shortcomings in a fiscally responsible manner, in order to achieve those outcomes.

Tulsa County Bar Green Committee info

2008-06-19T18:33:00.000-05:00

The Tulsa County Bar Association just started a "Green" Committee. Reference these web sites for information and ideas:

Wendel, Rosen in Oakland, CA - the first law firm to obtain green certification: http://www.wendel.com/green_info.cfm

Legal Management: http://www.alanet.org/publications/issue/octnov07/Green.pdf

ABA Sustainability Model: http://www.abanet.org/environ/committees/climatechange/ModelLaw/about.shtml

Recycling batteries

2008-04-28T09:25:00.000-05:00

From: David Edge
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 8:46 AM
To: Tulsa - All
Subject: Recycling batteries

Headline TLO- A stylish cardboard box is on the kitchen window sill to place our old batteries, if you would.

Thank you

Courtesy of our green committee

Green office

2008-04-24T11:31:00.001-05:00

From: Scott Hamilton
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 4:37 PM
To: Tulsa - All
Subject: Green office

A few notes from the green office committee:

1. Paper: Everyone seems to be using the recycling bins. Remember, we have boxes uses you can use at your desk to collect paper. They are about the size of a trash can. They are in the supply area, under the table. Let me know if we need to get more boxes.

2. Styrofoam: Everyone has quit using Styrofoam cups and has switched to ceramic mugs. If you need a clean cup, just get one out of the cabinet and put your dirty one in the dishwasher. The members of the green committee wash the dishes on Friday afternoons.

3. Cans: people are recycling cans by putting them in the container in the kitchen (thanks to Billy for that). There’s even a can crusher. When the bag gets full, Sara will take the cans to the Day Center for someone to recycle.

4. Please turn off lights and computers when you go home. If you are the last to leave, please turn off the light switches in the lobby.

5. Any interest in a cooperative vegetable garden (perhaps next year if it’s too late for next year)?

Tulsa - Green office

2008-04-21T17:17:00.003-05:00

From: Scott Hamilton
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 9:36 AM
To: Tulsa - All
Subject: Green office info

Paper recycling: We now have 3 bins for recycling paper. They are located next to the copiers. The bins are for confidential and non-confidential paper. When the bins are full, we will call Midland Recycling. Midland will come get them, shred the paper and sell it for recycling. You CAN recycle file folders and staples in the bins. You CANNOT recycle newspapers, brown folders, phone books, or cardboard. Of course, don’t deposit non-paper items, like food, plastic, aluminum cans, toner cartridges, batteries, paint, propane canisters, flammable liquids, motor oil, household appliances, etc. If the bins get full, let Neta know. There are cardboard boxes in the supply area that you can use at your desk to collect paper and deposit it in the barrels. They’re the size of an under-the-desk trash can. If we run out, let Neta know and we can get some more.
Aluminum cans: Billy has provided a barrel for aluminum cans and a can crusher. It is in the kitchen. When you dispose of your cans, please put them in the barrel. You might rinse them out and crush them first. When the barrel is full, Sara will take the cans to the Day Center. The Day Center gives the cans to residents to sell.
Styrofoam cups: Please use ceramic cups for yourself, as well as for clients and other guests. The cups are located in the cabinet above the dishwasher. We have plenty of cups, but if we need more, let me know. When you are finished with your cup, put it in the dishwasher. The members of the green office committee will run the dishwasher and empty it on Friday afternoons.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs

2008-04-01T15:20:00.006-05:00

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are changing the way people look at light.

They use 2/3rds less energy than regular light bulbs, last 10 times longer and produce 70% less heat. But, as always, there’s a catch.

[Left: Figures from January 2007.]

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury, which helps the bulbs to be more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. Mercury is a neurotoxin which is especially dangerous for fetuses and children. While no mercury is released while the bulb is in tact or being used, the disposal or breakage of such a bulb poses a potential health hazard.

400 million of these bulbs are used each year. That means 400 million are thrown away when they burn out. That small amount of mercury in each bulb adds up when that many are being broken in garbage cans and landfills.

When disposing of CFLs, don’t put them in your trash.

Instead, take the bulbs to a hazardous waste facility. The Oklahoma City facility is located at SW 15^th and Portland and is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The center is free to Oklahoma City residents, but you will need your City water bill as proof of residence. Residents of The Village, Yukon, Tinker Air Force Base, Shawnee and Edmond can recycle their waste at the facility, but will be charged for the service through their municipality.

If a CFL bulb breaks in your home, follow these EPA guidelines to clean it up:

Before Clean-up: Vent the Room

1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.

2. Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.

Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces

1. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.

2. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.

3. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.

4. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug:

1. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.

2. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.

3. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.

4. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

Disposal of Clean-up Materials

1. Immediately place all cleanup materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash.

2. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.

3. Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.

Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug: Vent the Room During and After Vacuuming

1. For at least the next few times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming.

2. Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.

By all means, don’t stop using CFLs because of the mercury. The bulbs are perfectly safe to use in your home. Just be sure you dispose of them properly. Either take them to the hazardous waste facility. If you must throw them in the trash, seal the bulb in two plastic bags before throwing them in the garbage.

Source – Lisa, http://blog.newsok.com/gogreen

Margaret Hamlett Shinn

paper towels v. cloth towels

2008-03-24T18:02:00.002-05:00

paper towels v. cloth towels - a raging debate!

  Well, it's not so much a raging debate but a point of discussion.

Trees v water...

  Does anyone have any research, read any articles or have any thoughts

 on this?

Margaret Hamlett Shinn

FW: Meeting Notes, 3-20-8; NOTE revised next meeting date, 4-23, 3:00

2008-03-24T17:59:00.002-05:00

Meeting Notes from the Tulsa Green Team. March 20, 2008

Present were Adrienne, Scott, Neta, Kimberly, Judy Monroe, Billy, Sunny, Sara, Juana, and Marcia. A green meeting was had by all.
Discussion.

Styrofoam cups: Judy reported that washing cups uses less energy than using disposable cups. Neta said that paper cups are prohibitively expensive. We will continue to wash dishes on Friday afternoons per the earlier schedule, but only if the dishwasher is close to full. If not, just hold it to the next week. We decided we need a schedule posted by the dishwasher, so people can note when they washed the dishes or decided to put it off to next week. We agree that if you wash the dishes, you should empty the dishwasher also. We also decided that we would use ceramic cups for our clients, as well. If we lose too many cups, we will reconsider. Juana asked if we could move the cups to lower shelves. There was considerable discussion about human nature.
Paper: Scott reported that Shredders Inc. will give us recycle bins for paper. We can put confidential and non-confidential paper in the bins. When they are full, we can call and they will take the bins away and shred and recycle the paper. The cost is about $40 every time we empty a bin, which Bud has informally OK’d. The consensus was that we need to go ahead with this, and that we should get enough bins to put them near the printer/copiers. We also can get some cardboard boxes for paper, so that people can store paper in their offices.
Cans: Sara looked into recycling cans, and found that no one will come get our cans. But, she offered to take cans to the Day Center. The Day Center lets residents take the cans for recycling and keep the money. Billy will get a garbage can and liners so we can set up a bin. Billy has also brought in a can crusher. We will look into buying recycled liners for the can bin. Adrienne says we can get those at Reasor’s.
Lights: we all wonder why we can’t turn off more lights. We can check with bldg maintenance. It might also help to label the light switches, so people can turn on certain areas when they are here on the weekend.
Other: Kimberly suggested putting up posters about green practices in kitchen and other areas. Adrienne asked about “draft” printing mode. Billy said that it doesn’t save much ink. Adrienne talked about using double-sided printing to save paper. Dave suggested putting up a receptacle for recycling batteries.

To-do

Scott

i. Reconstruct dishwashing schedule and post near dishwasher.

ii. Put coffee cups in lower shelves, if possible.

iii. Call to line up paper recycling bins.

iv. Call maintenance and find out where light switches are.

v. Label light switches.

vi. Remind people to turn off computers when they leave.

vii. Ask everyone to use ceramic cups and put them in dishwasher to be washed, rather than leaving them in the sink.

Billy

i. Get garbage can and liners for cans.

Sara

i. Take cans to Day Center when garbage can is full.

Adrienne

i. During training on the new printer/copiers, find out how to print double-sided, so we can train others.

Dave

i. Fix up something in the kitchen for collecting old batteries (no car batteries).

Next meeting

Wednesday, April 23^rd, 3:00. Note: this is a week later than we talked about because of a homeless meeting on the 16^th.

Welcome!

2008-03-08T14:02:00.006-06:00

It's time to start thinking green!
The Tulsa Law Office started by creating a GREEN COMMITTEE!
The committee meets every so often and has started a list of 'things we can do.'
The first suggestion from Billy Harl, Deputy Director of Information Technology:
In an effort to reduce greenhouse gasses I would like to remind all employees to turn off their computers at night. On average a PC consumes around 486 kWh (Kilowatts) per year based on a 7.5 hour day. By turning off your computer at night you will save over 1060 kWh per year on average this around $11.00 savings per PC per year not to mention you will be helping the environment.

I understand there are special exceptions to this request for users who remote into their PCs from home. But please try to make a conscious effort where possible.
What's your idea?
What's next for the TLO? Stay tuned.... and don't forget to add your post by sending an email to lasogoesgreen@blogspot.com!