Nature is here to stay. Are we?

Nature is here to stay. Are we

Nature is speaking.  Will we listen?  In time? Watch these beautiful vignettes about specific elements of nature – water, the forests, soil, flowers – appreciate the glory and power of each as expressed in the narration that accompanies each gorgeous self portrait – including a feature of mother nature herself.  The message is clear.  Nature is…

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Is our consumerism “Green-Washing” Out Earth Day? Not anymore…

Is our consumerism “Green-Washing” Out Earth Day? Not anymore…

By: Leyla Balimtas When it comes to saving the environment, a single person can feel pretty powerless in making a change, but partnering with a group of people can make anyone feel like a lot is actually possible, even when everyone has not adopted the same opinion about conservation or environmental issues. Earth day will…

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What do Buildings have to do with Corporate Social Responsibility?

What do Buildings have to do with Corporate Social Responsibility

By: Lorraine Doo Not too long ago, folks were asking what buildings had to do with health. Following that question, and over the past five years, more architects, building owners, developers and manufacturers have come to understand that some of the materials or the process of manufacturing the materials that make up the building, its…

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Businesses Embrace Corporate Social Responsibility

Businesses Embrace Corporate Social Responsibility

By: Leyla Balimtas What is it and how does it play a role in business? Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulatory principle where a business monitors itself and takes the moral, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities for its effect on the environment and impact on social welfare. As a whole, an organization’s primary responsibility is…

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Happy Chinese New Year 2015 – Year of the Green Wooden Sheep

Happy Chinese New Year 2015 - Year of the Green Wooden Sheep

Welcome to the Year of the Green Wooden Sheep. As we say farewell to the Year of the Wooden Horse (2014), with its promise of travel and movement, we hope your ride over the past twelve months took you where you wanted to go. We welcome 2015, the Year of the Green Wooden Sheep, that…

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EcoDistricts – Hype or Opportunity for Change in Baltimore?

EcoDistricts - Hype or Opportunity for Change in Baltimore

Talk of establishing an EcoDistrict in Baltimore has gained traction over the past year, with proponents suggesting the locations of Harbor Point, Lexington Market and the State Center project. The articles so far have focused on the potential for energy savings and storm water management at the district level. These benefits are obviously positive for…

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Not So Fast

Not So Fast - Lorax Blog

At recent blog post on the Green Building Law Update titled “Maryland Sidesteps LEED in Favor of the IgCC” suggests that “fewer, if any, Maryland state and local government projects will be LEED certified in the future.” But, I say, “Not so fast!” Yes, the Maryland legislature just passed an amendment to the State’s green…

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Happy 40th Birthday EPA!

Happy 40th Birthday EPA - Lorax Blog

As I reflect on 2010, I am aware that December 2, 2010, was the 40th birthday of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The turn of the year is a time of reflection as is the fortieth birthday of an organization. In spite of the challenging economy of the last few years, the rising attention to the environment and the business response has been astounding.

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