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LATEST ARTICLES
Farm-to-table: The Hot Food Trend You Can Enjoy Without Leaving Home
(BPT) – Farm-fresh eggs. Locally grown tomatoes. Herbs sourced onsite.
If you’ve eaten out recently, you’ve probably noticed the menus feature locally sourced ingredients. The farm-to-table movement continues to flourish at restaurants throughout the country.
In fact, rather than the exception, it’s become the expectation. According to the National Restaurant Association, farm-to-table is quickly becoming the new norm. Diners are so attracted to the freshest fare possible, it’s inspiring some restaurants to start their own gardens, on a rooftop, terrace or simple outdoor plot. Hyper-local culinary concepts like these represent the top trend on the annual “2018 Culinary Forecast” report.
You can take a cue from this hot trend by starting your own farm-to-table concept garden at home. Just imagine plucking ruby red tomatoes and rich green basil straight from your garden to make a farm-fresh, scrumptious caprese salad without ever leaving home. An at-home take on the farm-to-table trend can easily be translated to a convenient “garden-to-table” concept in your own backyard. Growing your own at home will elevate your cooking and you’ll feel good about being able to produce your own food while lowering your grocery bill (and certainly save by not dining out as much).
No matter the size of your garden space, you can grow fresh foods that are readily available right at your fingertips, even if you just have a small patio or balcony. What’s more, some of the most popular produce to eat is also easy to grow.
The experts at Bonnie Plants offer some easy-to-grow, space-saving suggestions to encourage a garden-to-table trend at home.
Caged tomatoes
Whether you choose big, juicy slicers or sweet cherry-sized snackers, caged tomatoes are easy to grow and offer endless cooking opportunities. Determinate varieties of tomatoes are container favorites because the vines are relatively compact yet bear a productive harvest. Or create your own container garden using tomato varieties especially bred for small spaces.
Caged peppers
Try popular and versatile Green Bell, a heavy yielder of large fruits and a good all-round pepper for slicing and stuffing. Or, spice up your recipes with jalapeño chile peppers, which yield a bountiful harvest.
Strawberries in hanging baskets
Sweet, juicy strawberries add loads of flavor to salads, dressings, drinks and desserts. Think you need a plot to grow a productive strawberry patch? Think again. Maximize space with Bonnie Plants’ strawberries in hanging baskets, which are everbearing and produce cascades of berries throughout the growing season.
Herbs in combo pots
Want to raise the flavor profile of any culinary dish? Fresh herbs are your best bet. Herb gardens can be grown in compact spaces, which means you can fit your favorites in no matter how much space you have.
For example, a kitchen herb combo container featuring sweet basil, cilantro and curled parsley is a powerhouse pot that’s both practical and pretty. You can set it right outside your door for convenient access and continuous harvest. Herbs are ready for harvest upon purchase and will keep growing and giving all season long.
Bonnie Plants offers more than 250 varieties of vegetables and herbs, from tried and true classics to some unusual varieties you may not have tried, such as Holy Basil, Tepin Chili Pepper, Barbeque Rosemary, Little Napoli Patio Roma and many more.
Once it’s time to harvest, have fun exploring new recipes and experimenting with home-grown, fresh-picked produce that will shake up your supper and then some. For more inspiration for easy at-home gardening, visit bonnieplants.com.
This recipe for a classic caprese salad is sure to hit the spot as a light lunch or satisfying start to dinner.
Caprese salad
Ingredients:
1 fresh tomato
1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese
Basil leaves
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Slice tomato in 1/4-inch thick slices. Do the same for the mozzarella. Alternate layers between the tomato, mozzarella and basil. First, a tomato slice, then a mozzarella slice, then a few leaves of basil; begin and end with tomato. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or your favorite Italian dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Simple Summer Home Maintenance Tips for Comfort and Energy Savings
(BPT) – Things will soon be heating up all over the country. In fact, the average U.S. household will spend 3 percent more on electricity bills this summer than in 2017, due to rising retail electricity prices and higher usage, according to the U.S. Energy Administration’s estimation.
Jennifer Franz, an energy efficiency expert at Lennox, says the good news is that homeowners can spend just a few hours before the season starts to make some quick fixes and easy improvements that will help them save energy and make them more comfortable all summer long, including:
Mind the maintenance: Schedule an annual routine check-up for your heating and cooling equipment to keep the system running as efficiently as possible, and check the air filter each month to see if it needs to be replaced.
Keep it cool: Add extra insulation to the attic, which will help prevent your home’s heating and cooling system from having to work harder to regulate the indoor temperature during the hottest months of the year.
Control cracks: Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to prevent conditioned air from escaping.
Set it and forget it: Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature at certain times of the day, automatically regulating the temperature when you’re away. In addition, always set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can stand to save the most money. Homeowners can save as much as 10 percent a year on cooling bills by setting their thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher than its normal setting for eight hours a day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Make a clean sweep: Decrease dust and dirt in the home by cleaning with non-toxic, natural household cleaners, such as baking soda, cornstarch or white vinegar, and using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which will trap small particles like dust that others re-circulate back into the air.
Seal the deal: Examine the home’s pipes and connections, as well as all vents, and add caulking or sealant, if needed, to ensure they are air-tight.
Clear the air: Breathe easier this summer by installing a whole-home air purification system, such as the new Lennox PureAir S, which is integrated with your home’s heating and cooling system. These systems are much more effective at eliminating airborne contaminants than portable room air cleaners and don’t produce ozone, which is a known lung irritant.
Franz says homeowners should pay special attention to their heating and cooling system, which accounts for more than half of a home’s energy costs. “The easiest thing homeowners can do to save energy and stay comfortable during the summer — and all year long — is to change the air filter on their system regularly; however, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more efficient system that will save significant energy and help lower utility bills.”
By taking on a few quick and easy home maintenance projects, homeowners can help reduce the amount of wasted energy, save money and stay comfortable as temperatures rise. To learn more about home energy efficiency and how to save money on utility bills, visit https://www.lennox.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lennox.
CleanWay’s Trash Treatment Control Devices Earn Certification in California
PORTLAND, Ore., March 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Two of CleanWay Environmental Partner’s stormwater filtration systems recently received certification from the California State Water Board as Full Capture Trash Treatment Control Devices. CleanWay’s Curb Inlet and Drop Inlet Filtration Systems both earned certification and now join an exclusive list of manufactures with products that meet the rigid California Trash Amendments standards. In order to earn this distinction, each product was required to prove that it:
- Is appropriately sized to treat the peak flowrate
- Does not bypass trash
- Traps all particles down to the 5mm level
- Does not have upstream diversion
Related Links
http://www.cleanwayusa.comIC Bus Takes chargE™ On The Road
SAN DIEGO, March 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — IC Bus, a subsidiary of Navistar, is taking its electric school bus, chargE™, on the road for the first time. The 2018 national tour begins with its first stop at the California Association of School Transportation (CASTO) State Board of Directors 50th Annual Meeting in San Diego, Calif.
On the first leg of the tour, chargE will visit more than 10 locations throughout the West Coast to provide an up close and personal opportunity for bus industry stakeholders to experience the electric IC Bus® CE Series concept school bus developed with Navistar’s alliance partner, Volkswagen Truck & Bus.
“We’re excited to showcase our electric school bus with industry stakeholders on the West Coast and throughout the country,” said Trish Reed, vice president and general manager, IC Bus. “Our electric school bus is another example of how IC Bus is driving the future of school bus transportation. In addition to providing our customers with an electric school bus vehicle, we’re focused on giving them a total electric transportation solution.”
The national tour will include scheduled stops at trade shows, school visits, and local government events throughout the country, including locations in and around Sacramento, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, to provide customers with high-touch learning events with chargE.
“Taking chargE out on the road and visiting communities across America is at the heart of what we do here at IC Bus,” noted Reed. “While we will showcase the latest technology and innovation that helps to make the job of a driver easier and more satisfying, we will listen to our customers and use their feedback to help us further inform and enhance our design and product. It’s part of a philosophy that we call DriverFirst™.”
The chargE concept electric school bus incorporates a common group electric drivetrain from Volkswagen Truck & Bus that is quiet, does not produce any emissions, and can be built to address any school bus customer’s specific requirements. The range of the chargE can exceed 120 miles, while the powertrain can deliver up to 260 kW (about 349 peak horsepower).
As an early example of Navistar’s alliance with Volkswagen Truck and Bus, which will also include a previously announced electric medium-duty truck for the North American market, the chargE brings together multiple concepts and technologies that will shape the school bus of the future. It also includes camera technology, connected systems and remote diagnostics that support vehicle safety, uptime, and more efficient vehicle inspections.
“As the only OEM that offers a fully integrated electric school bus, we’re excited to introduce this vehicle to our customers,” stated Reed. “Customers can rest assured that their long-term investment in our electric school bus will be backed by two global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the industry’s strongest North American dealer network.”
The company originally unveiled the chargE at the 2017 National Association for Pupil Transportation Annual Conference and Trade Show, and will be launched as early as late 2019 or early 2020. The chargE was designed to give customers a zero-emissions school bus option while lowering the total cost of ownership and offering user-friendly options.
To learn more about the electric bus tour and the IC Bus CE Series electric-powered school bus and many more purposeful innovations, visit an IC Bus dealer or online at www.icbus.com/electricbustour.
About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus® brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.
All marks are trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE IC Bus
Related Links
http://www.icbus.comStrauss Brands Launches 1LB Challenge
FRANKLIN, Wis., March 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Strauss Brands, leader in ethical and sustainable livestock practices, continues its commitment to environmental stewardship with the launch of its 1LB Challenge consumer awareness campaign.
Designed to educate consumers on the powerful role their purchases can play in restoring America’s vulnerable pasture-based ecosystem, “The Challenge” asks consumers to reconsider their choices in the grocery store, and more specifically, the meat aisle.
Retail sales of labeled grass fed beef reached $272 million in 2016, up from $17 million in 2012 and doubling every year since1. Yet, as much as 75 percent of grass fed beef originates overseas. As a result, many parts of America’s interconnected ecosystem miss out on crucial environmental and economic benefits well-managed American grass fed beef pasture grazing operations can provide.
“Every consumer has the power to cast a vote with their purchase – we want consumers to understand how one small change in the meat aisle, repeated regularly, can contribute to a greener tomorrow,” said Randy Strauss, CEO and Co-President, Strauss Brands. “When consumers choose American grass fed and finished beef, they support U.S. family farmers’ efforts to preserve and protect our food supply for future generations.”
Grass fed beef, when produced using regenerative grazing practices, uses significantly less fossil fuels and chemicals per acre as compared to traditional tilled crop land. Pasture-based farming significantly reduces erosion, regenerates top soil and keeps tons of toxic chemicals off our lands and out of our waterways.
“If every American household commits to substituting 1lb of grain-finished beef with 1lb of American-raised grass fed, grass finished each week, we could reduce annual topsoil erosion, reduce toxic chemical run-off and reverse the effects of Dead Zone pollution in the Gulf of Mexico,” says Strauss. “We recognize this challenge might mean paying a few dollars more in the grocery store, but our generation has a choice – we can either pay for our decisions now, or pay more for them later.”
Accept the 1LB Challenge:
- Get informed. Learn more about the impact your family can make when you choose to support American family farmers practicing sustainable land management.
- Make the commitment. Pledge your support of America’s farmers who manage their land sustainably and produce grass fed, grass finished beef. In return, Strauss Brands will provide a special offer for 5lbs of ground beef for $25 + free shipping through Strauss Brands’ online store, Free Raised® Direct.
- Cast your vote with your purchase. Find a retailer near you – use Strauss’ product locator to purchase in-store.
- Talk to Your Butcher – look for “raised in the USA” on your product package. Don’t be fooled by deceptive “product of USA” labeling.
Related Links
http://www.straussbrands.comEnterprise 50 Year Tree Pledge Surpasses 12 Million Plantings, 100 Reforestation Projects
ST. LOUIS, March 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Since 2006, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation has funded a massive reforestation effort with more than 12 million tree plantings. Every year, 1 million trees are planted as part of the Enterprise 50 Million Tree Pledge – a unique public-private partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation that will continue through 2056.
The 12 million plantings represent more than 100 projects in Canada, France, Germany, Spain and the UK – as well as in diverse forests throughout 16 states in the U.S.: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
2017 Plantings Address Critical Needs
“Environmental protection, reforestation and watershed conservation efforts are critical for many endangered species. Many of our 2017 planting projects were selected to restore habitats that threaten both wildlife and people that rely on forests for food, cover and water,” said Carolyn Kindle Betz, senior vice president and executive director of Enterprise’s Foundation.
Last year’s plantings included 180,000 trees in Lake Superior State Forest in Michigan, a forested watershed that provides vital ecosystem services to the Upper Peninsula. The plantings support much-needed habitat for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler, a songbird that requires dense young jack pine for its breeding habitat; provide clean water for high-quality trout streams; and re-establish a stable food source for native game species. Since 2006, Enterprise’s Foundation has funded the planting of 380,000 trees in Lake Superior State Forest and more than 1.5 million trees in the state of Michigan.
Also in 2017, the Enterprise 50 Million Tree Pledge supported its first reforestation project at Davy Crockett National Forest in Houston County, Texas. Restoring the shortleaf pine in this area is critical, as this tree species has suffered a 50 percent decline in its range since 1980. Furthermore, the newly replanted 110 acres of trees are within the habitat-management area for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and will provide cavities for future nesting – helping to support the growth of this endangered bird.
“National forests provide habitat for one-third of all federally listed threatened or endangered species,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “With millions of acres of forest destroyed by wildfires and natural disasters each year, the financial support of Enterprise is vital to ensuring that replanting occurs before destruction takes a devastating toll on native wildlife.”
2018 Plantings in Progress
- 250,000 trees in the Econfina Creek Water Management Area, Florida
- 140,000 trees in the Atlanta Forest Management Unit, Michigan
- 133,000 trees in Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota
- 100,000 trees in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana
- 70,000 trees in Tahoe National Forest, California
- 50,000 trees in Ireland
- 50,000 trees in Scotland, Northwest England, Northern Ireland and Wales
- 40,000 trees in the Willamette River Basin, Oregon
- 35,000 trees in the Sandhills Game Lands, North Carolina
- 30,000 trees in Klamath National Forest, California
- 30,000 trees in Landes Forest, France
- 30,000 trees in the Spiritwood, Saskatchewan and the greater Toronto area, Canada
- 25,000 trees in Pike National Forest, Colorado
- 13,000 trees in the Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge Administrative District, Germany
- 4,000 trees in Ateca, Spain
UPS Switches On Smart Grid In London To Super-Charge Electric Delivery Fleet
London
Cutting Edge Deployment of Advanced Technology Vehicle & Charging Signals Shift Away from Reliance on Combustion Engine A UPS (NYSE:UPS) led consortium has deployed a radical new charging technology in London that overcomes the challenge of simultaneously recharging an entire fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) without the need for the expensive upgrade to the power supply grid. The breakthrough signals the beginning of the end of a reliance upon traditional combustion engine powered vehicles by allowing UPS to increase the number of EVs operating from its central London site from the current limit of 65 to all 170 trucks based there. This major advance – believed to be the first time these systems have been deployed at this scale anywhere in the world – is the result of the ‘Smart Electric Urban Logistics (SEUL)’ project with UK Power Networks and Cross River Partnership, with funding secured from the UK’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles. “UPS thinks this is a world first, right in the heart of a mega-city. We are using new technology to work around some big obstacles to electric vehicle deployment, heralding a new generation of sustainable urban delivery services both here in London and in other major cities around the world,” said Peter Harris, director of sustainability, UPS Europe. “Electric vehicles are an integral component within UPS’s alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet. Our collaboration with UK Power Networks and Cross River Partnership marks a major turning point in the cost effective deployment of electric vehicles which in turn will play a key role in ensuring the global trend toward urbanization is sustainable. We are applying new technology to make the charging process smarter and our delivery service cleaner.” As a result of this initiative, combined with the advances the company announced just last month in reducing the cost of electric vehicles, UPS believes the day is rapidly drawing closer when the acquisition costs to put an electric vehicle on the road, including those associated with getting power to the vehicle, will be lower than the equivalent costs of its diesel counterpart. This development will be instrumental in enabling electric vehicles to be deployed at scale in the world’s cities which is an essential component of tackling the air quality challenges in these urban environments. “This trailblazing solution has enabled UPS to increase their electric vehicle fleet without upgrading their network connection, paving the way for future electrification of delivery vehicles in our cities,” said Ian Smyth of UK Power Networks Services. “We are delighted to work with UPS and our other partners to design, deliver and operate this sustainable smart-grid solution. This project will deliver a huge impact on improving the air quality for Londoners and contribute to UPS’s legacy of sustainability.” A key part of this initiative is the use of onsite energy storage batteries. Although new batteries have been deployed at this stage, it is envisaged that in the future these could be second-life batteries that have already been used in a UPS EV. Together with the smart-grid, this will pave the way toward a UPS EV infrastructure strategy that can dynamically make use of a conventional power upgrade, a smart grid, onsite storage, and in many cases, local power generation including solar and other alternative sources. “Our previous work on electric freight vehicles has shown that local grid infrastructure constraints are one of the main barriers to their large-scale uptake,” said Tanja Dalle-Muenchmeyer, programme manager electric freight at Cross River Partnership. “We need to find smarter solutions to electric vehicle charging if we want to benefit from the significant air quality and environmental benefits these vehicles offer, and we believe this is such a solution.” UPS has a long history with EVs, having first introduced them into its fleet in the 1930s, and, reintroduced modern EVs in 2001. Currently, UPS has more than 300 electric vehicles and nearly 700 hybrid electric vehicles deployed in Europe and the U.S. The company recently ordered 125 new fully-electric Semi tractors to be built by Tesla in 2019, one of the largest pre-orders to date. Additionally, last September, UPS announced it will become the first commercial customer in the U.S. to start using three medium-duty electric trucks from Daimler Trucks Fuso brand, called the eCanter. Notes to Editor These initiatives will help UPS attain its goal of one in four new vehicles purchased by 2020 being an alternative fuel or advanced technology vehicle. The company also has pledged to obtain 25 percent of the electricity it consumes from renewable energy sources by 2025 and replace 40 percent of all ground fuel with sources other than conventional gasoline and diesel, an increase from 19.6 percent in 2016. UPS operates one of the largest private alternative fuel and advanced technology fleets in the U.S. Now at more than 9,000 vehicles worldwide, the fleet includes all-electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and propane. Addressing the Charging Challenge Recharging a fleet of electric vehicles can be extremely expensive as it often requires upgrades to the external power grid, an option not attractive to most businesses or operators. This system will allow UPS to increase the number of EVs operating from the central London site from the current limit of 65 to all 170 trucks stationed there — without the need for such upgrades. This is achieved with a smart-grid which uses a central server which is connected to each EV charge post as well as the grid power supply and the on-site energy storage. The system adopts an “intelligent” approach to charging by spreading this throughout the night so that the building can use the power it needs to run the business of logistics (lights, sortation machinery and IT) and ensure that all EVs are fully charged by the time they are needed in the morning, but at the same time never exceed the maximum power available from the grid. As a result of this project and the learning that comes with the related investments, UPS can now tailor the lowest cost approach building by building and determine how best to adopt and charge a fully electric fleet. This will be accomplished by combining a variety of solutions including conventional power grid upgrade, smart grid, on-site energy storage with batteries and local power generation (using, for example, solar energy generated on facility roof tops). For more information on UPS’s sustainability initiatives, please visit www.ups.com/sustainability. About UPS UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. UPS is committed to operating more sustainably – for customers, the environment and the communities we serve around the world. Learn more about our efforts at ups.com/sustainability. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter. About UK Power Networks Services UK Power Networks Services finances, designs, develops, delivers and manages safe and sustainable power systems and multi-utility networks for owners of major infrastructure and is the commercial division of UK Power Networks. We serve important clients in both the public and private sector, including EdF (Hinkley Point C), the four major London airports, the High Speed 1 rail network, Network Rail, London Underground, Ministry of Defence, Docklands Light Railway and Canary Wharf. UK Power Networks Services are at the forefront of the integration of renewable innovative energy systems, changing electricity demand and the digitisation of distribution networks. Our clients require smarter, better managed and versatile systems to meet the demands imposed by their financial and operational drivers. Our team utilises Distribution Energy Resources to assist business’ in dealing with their energy challenges. About Cross River Partnership Cross River Partnership (CRP) is central London’s largest public-private partnership and has been delivering regeneration projects in the capital since 1994. Over the last 23 years CRP has worked to support sustainable growth across London, developing and delivering innovative pilot projects with, and for our partners, including 19 Business Improvement Districts, local authorities and public service providers such as Transport for London and the Greater London Authority. Improving air quality is one of CRP’s four overall objectives. CRP has co-ordinated the 4.5-year FREVUE project during which 80 fully electric vans and trucks were deployed across eight European cities. For more information please see www.crossriverpartnership.org.Electrolux Builds the World’s First Bioplastic Concept Fridge
Electrolux has developed a refrigerator prototype where all the visible plastic parts are made of bioplastics from renewable sources. The bioplastic for the refrigerator has a more than 80% lower carbon footprint compared to the conventional plastics used today. The prototype is the world’s first refrigerator made of bioplastic and part of Electrolux strategy to create more sustainable home appliances.
Unlike ordinary plastics that are oil-based, bioplastics such as those used in the newly developed prototype refrigerator come directly from renewable resources, such as corn or sugarcane. The bioplastics used in the refrigerator are recyclable.
Over the last several years, the Electrolux Global Connectivity & Technology Center (GC&T) has explored and tested how bioplastics can be applied in Electrolux products and packaging. Together with the Electrolux Purchasing and R&D departments for food preservation, GC&T has successfully developed a refrigerator prototype where all the visible plastic parts are made of bioplastics. The material used in the refrigerator has been provided by NatureWorks, a world-leading supplier of biopolymers. The bioplastic for the refrigerator has 80% lower CO2 equivalent emissions compared to the conventional plastic used in current fridges.
“We are very excited and proud to have developed the world’s first bioplastic concept fridge, which is truly groundbreaking. Our ambition is to develop even more innovative, sustainable home appliances that we might see on the market in the future,” said Jan Brockmann, Chief Operations Officer at Electrolux.
Electrolux has already committed to materials efficiency through the use of post-consumer recycled plastics, such as Carborec®, a plastic compound based on recycled polypropylene, extending the lifetime of plastic coming from non-renewable resources. The bioplastic refrigerator is still in development and there is currently no timeframe set for when the product will be officially launched on the market.
“Sustainability is part of the Electrolux business strategy and we are dedicated to innovate for more sustainable products and to reduce our carbon footprint. This prototype is unique and helps us deliver on our purpose to shape living for the better,” said Henrik Sundström, Vice President Sustainability at Electrolux.
For further information, please contact:
Electrolux Press Hotline,
+46-8-657-65-07
Source: http://www.electroluxgroup.com/en/electrolux-builds-the-worlds-first-bioplastic-concept-fridge-24487/
Boxed Water Empowers Consumers and Retailers to Give Back Through New “Better for our Planet” Campaign
HOLLAND, Mich., March 16, 2018 — Boxed Water, the first national brand of sustainably packaged water, announces its new “Better for our Planet” campaign. Better for our Planet enables consumers to give back to the planet by planting two trees for every picture of Boxed Water posted using #betterplanet starting today and going throughout the summer. Better for our Planet marks the fourth year of Boxed Water’s efforts aimed at reforestation. Through a partnership between the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and Boxed Water, 612,000 trees have already been planted with many more to come.
“As we’ve seen since the beginning of our partnership, Boxed Water is truly passionate about our national forests and the important role they play in our health and happiness,” said Mary Mitsos, President and CEO of the NFF. “The message of purpose-driven companies, like Boxed Water, resonates with the ever-growing sustainably minded consumer.”
Each year, wildfires, infestation and other causes impact an average of 7 million acres of forest land. Last year alone, California experienced the largest fire ever recorded. Vibrant forests are vital for clean water, wildlife, and of course, enjoyment. Boxed Water has a long-term partnership with the NFF through its membership with 1% For The Planet. To date, Boxed Water and the NFF have planted in the Deschutes National Forest, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and the Stanislaus National Forest.
“Since 2009, we’ve seen consumers of all ages looking for a sustainable alternative to plastic bottles and other ways to help our planet. This campaign has far exceeded our expectations of reforestation based on consumer response,” said Rob Koenen, Chief Marketing Officer of Boxed Water. “By taking the simple action of posting on social media, we will plant two trees. We have built a strong community that is making a big impact and this year we expect even greater participation.”
In addition to planting trees, Boxed Water will introduce a sweepstakes in April to reward its consumers for their commitment to the planet. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a “glamping” (i.e. glamorous camping) vacation where they can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes with hotel-worthy amenities. The winner will receive travel accommodations, a luxury tent at an Under Canvas® campground, and a one-year supply of Boxed Water. Additional runner-up prizes will be available.
Consumers can participate digitally through their social media posts and email entries. Retail partners will share the message in stores across the country. Boxed Water will reach an even wider audience through field events that align with its core audience of sustainably-minded millennials, including urban planting activations. More details can be found at boxedwater.com/betterplanet.
About Boxed Water
Boxed Water is better. Better for the planet. Better for us all. Boxed Water was founded in the belief that sustainability matters with the purpose of changing the way packaged water is shipped, sold and enjoyed. Boxed Water provides people with a better option for purchasing packaged water by producing pure water in recyclable cartons made using paper from well-managed forests. Boxed Water is a proud member of 1% For The Planet and partner of the National Forest Foundation (NFF). The simple act of choosing Boxed Water is a statement that sustainability matters. Boxed Water is headquartered in Michigan with filling locations in Michigan and Utah. Boxed Water is available for purchase from their site www.boxedwater.com as well as on Amazon. Socialize with us @BoxedWater.
About the National Forest Foundation
The National Forest Foundation promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans’ outdoor experiences. The NFF’s programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities, and enables to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforest.com.
SOURCE Boxed Water Is Better
Related Links
http://www.boxedwater.comDIY No Sew Bow Tie
Gather:
Fabric scraps
Hot glue
Scissors
Directions:
Bow ties add a touch of fun to anyone from a mans sweater, a baby onesie, or a headband of a young lady. Take a scrap of fabric and cut it into a square, along with a smaller square that should be about ¼ of its size. Fold the larger square in half, hamburger style. Next, fold sides in so the edges touch in the middle. Hot glue in hand, pinch the middle, giving you a ‘bow tie’ effect and glue. Be very careful as not to burn yourself! Last, use that little piece of fabric to make the center of the bow tie by wrapping it around and gluing the back in place. Even if you don’t like them as fashion, think of how cute they would be on a present package? The choices are endless.