Exxon: Bottom of the Equality and Green Barrel

Image Credit: www,hrc.org


One common issue that the Green movement and LGBT folks have in common is outright discrimination and disregard by the oil giant ExxonMobile.

I am assured by a friend with HRC that Exxon is still earning a 0 rating in thier ranking of employers. The Human Rights Campaign, which evaluates employers for LGBT-friendly workplace practices and policies says about ExxonMobile:

"ExxonMobil is the only U.S. employer that has ever rescinded both a non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation and domestic partner benefits, and is the only Fortune 10 company that does not have a non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation.
Mobil Corp. had written non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation that were revoked upon its merger with Exxon Corp in 1999. Mobil also provided domestic partner health benefits to its employees; enrollment in partner benefits ended after the merger with Exxon in 1999."

That assessment has me hitting the brakes when it's time to refuel.  HRC also points out that BP, Chevron, Shell and ConocoPhillips all prohibit discrimination and offer Domestic Partnership benefits, and BP, Chevron and Shell also prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity. So long Exxon, I am driving across the street to BP, Chevron or Shell, whenever possible.


Eco folk have also long had big issues with resistant Exxon as well, even as many other Fortune 500 companies have moved to support renewable energy and a clean tech economy.  Green groups like the Environmental Defense Fund are increasingly willing to  work with corporate climate change agents.

ExxonMobile, to the contrary, has fought moving off the carbon economy with vigor. In particular, according to Greenpeace, Exxon continues to fund-and has spent over $22 million-supporting so-called "climate skeptics" through a complex of intermediary organizations, think tanks, and politicians. Greenpeace maintains an active watch on this global warming denial via the"Exxon Secrets" project. Their report is here.  Says Greenpeace:

"ExxonSecrets is a Greenpeace research project highlighting the more than a decade-long campaign by Exxon-funded front groups - and the scientists they work with - to deny the urgency of the scientific consensus on global warming and delay action to fix the problem.  For more information see our FAQ.
The database compiles Exxon Foundation and corporate funding to a series of institutions who have worked to undermine solutions to global warming and climate change. It details the working relationships of individuals associated with these organizations and their global warming quotes and deeds."

Discrimination against far flung small towns with little clout is in the ExxonMobile portfolio of shame as well. Some folks remember the Exxon Valdez oil disaster near Prince William Sound, Alaska, but most of us have forgotten it or would like to. It seems this is by design, as Exxon fought reparations to the town and the environment.  A documentary tells that chilling story. Check out the BBC film Oil Spill: The Exxon Valdez Disaster for a refresher course on just how calculating, irresponsible, and disdainful the Exxon corporation has been over the years.

As we convert to a clean tech economy, most of us still need oil and gasoline to fuel even the coolest of hybrids. If we LGBT consumers  take our business to Greener, non-discriminating companies in our daily purchases, the clicking shut of the pink purse will be heard in boardrooms and on Wall Street. Maybe even insular Exxon might give it's priorities a second look.

Pump Your Gym: Is It Green?

You want better health in 2010, and a core of steel, and your gym wants your membership dues. Maybe you are switching gyms in 2010 to avoid running into the So-Last-Year BF or GF of 2009. So while switching gyms, or staying with your favorite, where everybody loves you, it is now a good idea to check in with staff and find out how Green they are.  How committed is your gym to not only your health, but to the health of the planet? Here are some questions to ask, below. Gyms fight hard to retain your business, or should, so demonstrating an interest in Green is actually letting the gym how to serve you better. In addition, of course, to adding more equipment and classes. A well run Green gym will save the owners money, too, by going paperless and paying attention to energy efficiency retrofit and popping some subsidized solar panels on the roof. They might even pass the savings on to you. It never hurts to ask, and that show real strength. The questions:
(Image credit: musclesurf.com)

 Source: Mother Nature News

1. Do you recycle?

Bins for water bottles, newspapers, magazines, cans and other recyclable materials are prominently placed in VIDA Fitness’ three clubs in Washington. “Every place that we have a trash can, we have a recycle bin,” says Nathan Zapf, assistant general manager.

 

Also consider how much paper the gym wastes on paperwork, or if it is making an effort to be paperless.

 

The Green Microgym chose not to sell plastic water bottles, instead selling stainless steel reusable bottles. The IHRSA suggests that clubs give new members a reusable water bottle to encourage them to use tap water.

 

Gyms also might have programs in place to donate items such as tennis balls, equipment and towels to schools, shelters and charitable organizations.

 

2. How do you control your energy usage?

A gym can make several decisions related to its lighting, heating, air conditioning and energy-using amenities.

 

“If you go in during any slow time, are all the lights still on, are all the TVs still on? That will tell you that they don’t care,” Boesel says. “We give a little more responsibility and trust to our members to turn the TVs on and off. They’re not on when no one is watching.”

 

The IHRSA suggests adding motion detectors to control the lights.

 

Boesel’s gym focuses on eliminating power usage – and even generating electricity – with its equipment. Its Team Dynamo stationary bikes can collectively generate up to 350 watts continuously, helping to power the gym, and its Eco-Powr treadmills by SportsArt Fitness use 30 percent less electricity than others.

 

Some gyms are replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights. Zapf says VIDA Fitness found CFL bulbs that matched the quality of light produced by the traditional incandescent bulbs, which generate more heat and use more electricity. The club uses a plastic disk, called a fluorescent fixer, that diffuses the light so the glare is not as harsh.

 

3. Are your cleaning supplies environmentally friendly?

That can include everything from what’s used on the floors and sweaty mats to materials used to wipe down the machines.

 

“Really you could just look around at the place and get an idea about what their sort of philosophy is on how wasteful they are,” Boesel says. “If they have cloth towels to wipe things down as opposed to those wipes that are one use and they go in the garbage.”

 

VIDA Fitness’ staff uses reusable microfiber cloths to clean equipment two to three times a day (the wipes are still offered to members). The club also uses bottles with a low spray dispenser, reducing its chemical usage by a third, Zapf says.

 

The IHRSA recommends that gyms replace products used for cleaning or personal care with those made of nontoxic, plant-based compounds. The facilities can use paints and coatings with the Green Seal, carpets and rugs with the Green Label certification and formaldehyde-free composite wood materials.

 

4. Are you paying attention to the outdoors?

Gyms can trade maintaining the surroundings with pesticides for products such as organic, phosphorus-free fertilizer.

 

Pools also can be switched from being filtered with chlorine to saline, like VIDA Fitness has done. Three benefits for members, according to the IHRSA, include: no need for goggles, less chance of their swimsuits fading and their skin will be less dry.

 

5. Are the extras eco-friendly?

Toilet paper, soap, towels -- all those items could be composed of recycled, nontoxic and/or organic items, depending on how much the gym wants to spend. Some also are using eco-friendly flooring, Boesel says, made of materials such as cork and recycled rubber.

 

At some gyms, automatic faucets and hand dryers have been installed along with dispensers that ration the soap and paper towels. Low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets also save water.

 

The IHRSA also recommends that fitness centers offer a discount to members who use their own cups at the clubs’ café or juice bar and reward potential customers who show proof of membership in an eco-friendly group by waiving the initiation fee like Eco Fit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, does.

Yale Poll: Thumbs Up On Cash Back To Americans for Reducing Carbon

                                            Image Credit: http://smyrc.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/gay-money.jpg
                                            Harvey on a Greenback. He would look great on a dollar...

Treehugger reports today on the latest Yale poll, wherein Americans actually support Green (and some drill, baby, drlll). This contradicts last weeks poll, but we are fickle. But here is the nugget. Folks said that if each house(hold) was given $180 cash per year from Cap And Trade, they would largely support it. Now, we all know LGBT are having a hard enough time getting counted in the census, but let us assume we know what a household is. Do you support getting cash back for reducing emissions? I bring this up, because I do, and I want to see automatic Green-related income go to Americans, not just the big companies and traders. Any hey! If we can't wed, well then, individuals, not "households" should get their Green back.

" Nearly Two-Thirds Haven't Even Heard of Cap-and-Trade
"When it came to cap-and-trade, some 60% of people had heard "nothing at all" about legislation currently proposed in Congress. 12% had heard "a lot". When the concept was explained to them, 58% supported the policy--though when household energy cost increases crossed the $15/month barrier, support dropped to 40%. That said, if each house was given a dividend of $180/year from the program to offset higher energy costs, two-thirds of people supported the program."

Some more specific numbers:
85% supported funding more research on renewable energy.
82% favored tax rebates for people buying fuel-efficient cars or solar panels.
72% wanted to establish programs teaching Americans how to save energy.
71% supported regulating CO2 as a pollutant.
70% wanted schools to teach kids about the causes, consequences and potential solutions to global warming. 60% thought there ought to be courses established to teach all Americans about global warming.
61% supported the US signing an international treaty requiring the nation to cut CO2 emissions by 90% by 2050."

Oscar Goes Gaga For Green

 It's time for the Oscar perp walk, and in the Best Picture and Documentary category, it's all about show me the Green, in more ways than one.
Equality Green recommends bright green cumberbunds for your view party, or if on a budget, sipping on a 2 for 1 retro-but-so-chic Grasshopper beverage. Recycle the swizzle sticks, please. Or, bring your Avatar along as a cheap eco-date. They generally do not leave a carbon footprint.
Film and DVD get the Green message out to millions, if not billions, so we commend the Academy for nominating these films.
And the Oscar goes to...?

Source: Treehugger.com
Yesterday the Academy Awards announced the nominees for the big Hollywood Oscar extravaganza on March 7. Of course, Avatar is among the ten candidates in the Best Motion Picture of the Year category, tying with the Iraqi drama, The Hurt Locker, for highest number of nominations. As a frontrunner, the record-breaking blockbuster of all-time is getting out its "controversial" environmental message, and the sci-fi epic stands a good chance of taking the prize--not just the box office top spot (for the 7 week in a row, and counting). In the Best Documentary Feature listing there are more worthy eco-contenders, including Food, Inc. and The Cove, which recently took the Critics Choice award. Here are the finalists:

• "The Cove" (Roadside Attractions), An Oceanic Preservation Society Production, Jim Clark and Fisher Stevens, Producers. An expose of the brutal dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan, through a covert mission, using hidden cameras in barred areas. Also reveals toxic levels of mercury in mislabeled dolphin meat.

• "Food, Inc." (Magnolia Pictures), A Robert Kenner Films Production, Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein. An expose of the agri-industrial food chain and the dangers of hidden ingredients and the corporate practices...


...of the 15 semi-finalists, only one other eco-film didn't make the cut, "Garbage Dreams," Mai Iskander, director (Iskander Films, Inc.), a deep look at the lives of Egyptian trash collectors.
The Cove director Louie Psihoyos, who also won the Directors Guild of America award for Best Doc, spoke in the showbiz trade The Wrap about the meaning of winning:

It's frightful how important it is [winning the Oscar]. It's the second biggest TV audience in the world, I think. And that'll also validate it in the eyes of the Japanese people. They'll say, "Oh my god, there's that movie again." You know, they say when you're done with a film you're only about halfway there. I feel like we're about a quarter of the way there. And getting nominated would be huge. Last year, about 300,000 people saw the film. By the end of this year, with DVD and television, over 300 million people will see the film. And the Oscars can only help that.