NIBbbles thanks guest blogger Stas Antons, co-founder of Jump To Green, Inc., for this report on this month’s CleanTech Dinner.
Labels are designed to help all involved: a seller can tell a story about a product, a consumer can learn about the highlights of the product. The interesting thing about eco-labeling is that it often times hurts all involved: consumers because they are misled, distributors because they lose trust, and manufacturers, because they cannot tell their side of the story in all its complexity.
During the last CleanTech Dinner our discussion revolved around what is the real impact of eco-labeling and greenwashing. For example: is it important to tell a consumer green information about a product? Do they care?
The answer is probably “yes”, as long as there is trust between a consumer and a producer. However, if there is no trust, then the “green” labels become and irritant, and a likely turn-off for a consumer. Today many companies ride the green wave, because the green market is both hot and new. This will change once the market matures and consumers become wise and more educated on the subject of green.
The universal agreement during the discussion was that more transparency increases trust and reduces the possibility of misrepresentation. The trick, of course, is to provide transparency without boring the consumer.
There is a lot to learn from the current evolution of green and eco-friendly labeling, but the sooner we figure out how to make and read them, the better off all of us will be. After all, most of us are both: consumers and producers.
Jump Gauge’s Blog: www.jumpgauge.com/blog/
NIBbles: Eco-labeling: From Certification to Greenwashing
Posted in NIBbles
August 12: Dinner with Joe Laur, Thought Leader in the Field of Environmental Sustainability
Net Impact Boston invites you to join us for a small group dinner with Joe Laur, thought leader in the field of environmental sustainability.
Date: Wednesday, August 12th
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Redline 59 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA map
RSVP: ginammarciano@gmail.com
Joe Laur, VP of Content at Greenopolis.com, will join a small group of Net Impact members to discuss how Greenopolis can be used as a tool for organizations, individuals and communities in becoming more sustainable. We will also use the opportunity to explore ways in which Net Impact and Greenopolis can work together to promote environmentally and socially responsible business practices here in Boston. For more information visit: www.greenopolis.com. Join us and share your experiences in promoting sustainability and learn some new ways to do more!
About Joe Laur
Joe Laur is a pioneering thought leader in the field of sustainability with over 15 years of experience working in cooperation with companies to reduce their environmental impact. He has coauthored two books on sustainability: Learning for Sustainability and The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Businesses are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World. Along with his colleagues, Peter Senge and Sara Schley, he established the Society for Organizational Learning (SoL) Sustainability Consortium, an active group of industry leaders in learning and sustainability. This consortium includes members from Harley-Davidson, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Nike, 7th Generation, Waste Management, Plug Power and more.
Posted in Events | Tags: corporate social responsibility, organizational learning, Peter Senge, sustainability
July 20: CSR Panel at Simmons School of Management
Net Impact Boston Launches Board Fellows Program
Net Impact Boston is pleased to announce the launch of its Board Fellows Program:
The Board Fellows Program places Net Impact members on non-profit boards (as non-voting members) for one-year fellowships. Board Fellows will be active participants on their non-profit boards, getting involved with committees and relevant projects. The program brings valuable business skills to non-profits and allows non-profits to cultivate potential new board members, while exposing Net Impact members to non-profit management and governance in practice.
Visit the Board Fellows Program page to find out more about this exciting new initiative and how you can apply to be a Board Fellow or request a Board Fellow for your non-profit!
Posted in Board Fellows Program | Tags: board of directors, non-profits, volunteering
June 17: Un-networking Event
Un-networking Event
Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Elephant & Castle Pub’s Revere Room
(Near Downtown Crossing T, map: http://tinyurl.com/q6c9k7)
Cost: $5 NIB members, $10 non-members (A nominal fee is requested to offset operational expenses for this and future Net Impact Boston events).
RSVP: lputman@mit.edu (http://tinyurl.com/nu7nyx)
On Wednesday, June 17, Net Impact Boston will host an informal “un-networking” event. We’re inviting a small but diverse group of featured guests to join us, who represent the CSR community in Boston. Come meet them and other NIB members over a drink and great conversation!
Posted in Events
June 29: Ecolabeling: From Certification to Greenwashing
Part of the Cleantech Dinner Discussion Series
Date: Monday, June 29
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Featuring: Stas Antons, Principal at Jump To Green, Inc.
Cost: Free for Net Impact members, $5 for non-members
Location: Redline, Harvard Square (59 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA) http://www.redlinecambridge.com/
Today’s consumer is bombarded by eco-friendly messages, yet many are still unaffected and have grown suspicious because of all the greenwashing that surrounds the green industry. What is the best way to educate consumers on how to separate greenwashing from information, marketing from standards and self-declared certifications from the true certification process?
Stas Antons is a co-founder of Jump To Green, Inc., a software company that facilitates greener choices through interactive technologies. Recently, Jump To Green has launched JumpGauge™ technology, that tracks the greenness of products and services and presents them in easy-to-see visual format. We will discuss all aspects of eco-labeling, and Stas will touch on his company’s unique solution.
Prior to Jump To Green, Mr. Antons worked as a Director of Software Engineering in the financial industry, and has over 15 years in software engineering and management. In the course of his experience, he regularly briefed corporate leaders and executives on initiatives, proposal and project data.
Space for the dinner is limited, so please RSVP to Asheen at asheen@netimpactboston.org to reserve a seat. Please also note the nominal fee of $5 added to dinner costs for nonmembers. You can view previous cleantech dinner discussion topics at http://netimpactboston.org/category/events/cleantech-dinners/.
June 1: Book Discussion on Solar Revolution: The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry
June Book Discussion
Solar Revolution: The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry
Date: Monday, June 1
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Trident Bookseller’s Cafe, 338 Newbury Street, Boston
RSVP: events@netimpactboston.org
Our book club choice for this June is Solar Revolution: The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry. This book was chosen with the intention of providing NIB members interested in the field of clean energy an opportunity to increase their proficiency and technical knowledge of the subject area.
In Solar Revolution, fund manager and former corporate buyout specialist Travis Bradford argues—on the basis of standard business and economic forecasting models—that over the next two decades solar energy will increasingly become the best and cheapest choice for most electricity and energy applications. Solar Revolution outlines the path by which the transition to solar technology and sustainable energy practices will occur.
Posted in Book Club, Events | Tags: clean energy, solar energy, sustainable energy
What is a “Green Home”?
Part of the Cleantech Dinner Discussion Series
Date: Wednesday, May 27
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Featuring: Emile Chin-Dickey, LEED Accredited Professional and Co-Founder, ZeroEnergy Design
Cost: Free for Net Impact members, $5 for non-members
Location: Redline, Harvard Square (59 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA) http://www.redlinecambridge.com/
Emile Chin-Dickey will be leading a discussion around defining a green home. The discussion will cover topics ranging from energy efficiency and green materials, to cost-effectiveness and how an individual’s value set can impact what goes into their home.
ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) is an integrated architecture and energy consulting firm focusing on green modern home design and zero energy homes and buildings. The firm takes a calculated approach towards sustainable and green architecture by incorporating the fields of mechanical design and financial analysis into its design process. You can read more about ZED at http://www.zeroenergy.com.
Space for the dinner is limited, so please RSVP to Asheen at asheen@netimpactboston.org to reserve a seat. Please also note the nominal fee of $5 added to dinner costs for nonmembers.
CSRWire ‘Our Pick’ for May 12: Net Impact Boston
Net Impact Boston was honored to be the CSRWire ‘Our Pick’ for Tuesday May 12th!
Posted in Press
May 12: An Evening with Phil Buchanan, CEO of the Center for Effective Philanthropy
Join the Boston Chapters of Net Impact and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network for an evening with Phil Buchanan, CEO of the Center for Effective Philanthropy.
Date: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Elephant & Castle 161 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02110 map (Red/Orange Line to Downtown Crossing; Green Line to Park Street)
RSVP: jenn.garner@gmail.com
Please bring $5 – covers all food!
Our discussion will explore the role of philanthropy in solving global issues:
- What are the roles of business, government, and philanthropy in solving social problems?
- To what extent does “business thinking” hold answers for philanthropists and philanthropic institutions?
- How can those in philanthropy assess and improve their effectiveness in pursuit of positive social impact?
About Phil Buchanan
Phil Buchanan is President of the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP). He speaks regularly on issues of foundation effectiveness, foundation-grantee relations, foundation governance, and assessment of foundation performance. Phil was named to the Nonprofit Times 2007 and 2008 “Power and Influence Top 50” list. He holds an MBA from Harvard University and received his undergraduate degree in Government from Wesleyan University.
About the Hosts
Net Impact Boston
Making a sustainable social and environmental difference through business.
The Young Professionals Network of Boston
Engaging and supporting future nonprofit leaders through professional development, networking, and social opportunities.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy
Helping philanthropic funders define, assess, and improve their effectiveness and impact.
Posted in Events | Tags: foundation effectiveness, nonprofit, philanthropy, social enterprise
