Saving our youth!

May be is it the MOM in me but, I find it very interesting and perplexing that our children can get working papers at the age of 14(at least in New Jersey) but can't get anyone to look at their application until they are 16. When employers look at the application, they are stilling looking for experience. This is a call to business owners: I know there are jobs you don't want to do, that are not complicated and a willing 14 year old would be able to accomplish. It could be something like, raking leaves, filing papers, making copies, stuffing envelopes etc... With a young person doing these odd jobs you won't have to pay as much as you would a salary worker and therefore cheaper labor. I really feel we need to find more responsible activities for our youth for many reasons: it keeps them off the streets, turns off the TV, offers a mentor for guidance, gives them something to aspire to as well as money in their pockets. There may be some of you who agree or disagree....send me a comment and let me hear your opinion.

From the motto of the Isles Organization. Fostering Self Reliance= is also key to sustainability!

onegreenmama

To buy or not to buy Green.....

Today I read an article about the price point of green items. Some people who commented on article thought that green items should cost more because of the quality and some thought they should be at least comparable. Well, in my opinion, if exposure to mainstream is what the business is trying to accomplish and you really want to make the planet greener, than a higher price point is not the way to go. Sure the ingredients may be a high quality and the proof could be there that we are doing good for the planet. However, in this economy, people are looking for bargains and the expendable income is just not there like it used to be. Not everyone is willing to try a house hold cleaner that is priced at $4.99 and above (with green claims) vs the $2.09 (name brand pollutant). I believe we will begin....as a matter of fact, we are seeing a trend in making green products affordable and comparable to mainstream products. I feel that is the best way to gain exposure to people who haven't tried going green yet and to stay competitive in the market. It should not be solely capitalism that motivates a green business, it should be about ecoism!

Please let me know what you think!

Computer Recycling

As technology grows, we have a growing dependence for using computers. Most people don't even look at their phone book anymore or check a map for directions. More that 31 million PCs are thrown away each year and pile up in our landfills. Some of the environmentally hazardous components that are in the computers are lead, nickel, and cadmium. To minimize our impact on our environment with this type of waste, we should chose PC models that are upgradeable when they become outdated. If that is no longer an option, donate your PC to an asset recovery company that specializes in recycling computers and other IT equipment. If you are in the New Jersey, New York Metro area, check out www.Technore.com. If you have other recycling needs, you can find www.technore.com and others on www.thesupergreenpages.com.

Newark, NJ Going Green & hosting a free concert!

The 3rd annual Lincoln Park Music fest starts today(July 25-27, 2008). For more information go to myspace.com/moaamevents, or to lpccd.org.

The green collar apprenticeship program will lead Newark to a greener future.
The GreenCAP will sponsor 100 trade licenses for Newark residents in pluming, electrical and HVAC systems.
They will also target Newark residents, veterans, ex-felons and at risk young people.
The program provides training on the LPCCD's construction projects containing United States Green Council Building (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) Certified buildings.
GreenCAP graduates also receive a green certificate to verify their classroom instruction and on-the-job training on green construction projects.

"Green collar jobs rebuild a stronger middle class and provide a pathway out of poverty, but the jobs require new skills" -Van Jones, National Green Jobs Advocate/Founder, Green For All.

I think Newark, NJ should be applauded for their efforts to go green and providing people with new skills to sustain theirs and our future. Go green Newark, more to come........ onegreenmama