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| Earth Pledge Sees a Future in Fashion Consumers and designers are demonstrating a real interest in sustainable style, and want to learn more about accessing eco-friendly materials. As big name suppliers like Diesel, Versace Sport and Urban Outfitters [read article] start experimenting with renewable materials, Earth Pledge´s FutureFashion Initiative will work to create a marketplace of choices that offers style but uses fibers and processes that protect the economy, environment, workers, and consumers. [Click Here] for more stories featuring FutureFashion from around the world, including Toronto Globe and Mail, Russia´s Fashion Collection and Israel´s Mas Acher. FutureFashion Roundtables Rock Milan, Munich and NYC Earth Pledge Executive Director Leslie Hoffman joined fashion industry leaders for roundtables in Milan in May and September. Greg Loosvelt, Earth Pledge Chief Operations Officer, traveled to Munich in June introducing the latest trend in apparel and interior design. The roundtables have included academic researchers, fashion brand marketers, mill owners and the media, and have covered cutting edge material trends; possible partnerships among producers, mills, manufacturers, designers and retailers to promote awareness about sustainable approaches; and the establishment of standards to help define sustainable materials. [Click Here]For more information about FutureFashion |
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Leslie Hoffman radio interview with Josh Dorfman of the Lazy Environmentalist Anerobic Digestion Steals the Show at EnvironDesign9 Conference Environmental design leaders and corporate representatives were convinced. Itis Time to Rethink Waste, a workshop presented by Hoffman and Loosvelt introducing anaerobic digestion, was a hot topic at the annual gathering of innovators and business interests in the field of sustainable living and design. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is the composting technique EP is promoting through its Waste=Fuel initiative. Environmental champion William McDonough spoke about AD as an example of "cradle-to-cradle" technology, one that revolutionizes the way we dispose of organic waste. Earth Pledge also presented a pre-conference green roof workshop for design and building professionals. Participants were introduced to the process of planning, designing and constructing green roofs through three learning components, including an eight step how–to guide, a variety of exemplary case studies, and information regarding consulting and contracting resources. Leslie Hoffman and Robert Fox Deliver Keynote "Conversations that Matter" Greening the New York City Skyscape A Conversation with Leslie Hoffman and Robert Fox EP Executive Director Leslie Hoffman shared the keynote stage at EnvironDesign9 with Robert Fox, co-founder of Cook + Fox Architects and leader in the New York sustainable architecture community. The New York City environmental champions met on stage to discuss the opportunities and challenges of making their unique city greener and more livable by mobilizing individuals, corporations and government to adopt sustainable development agendas. The thought–provoking and inspirational conversation pulled from each of their 10+ years of environmental advocacy. Hoffman discussed how her childhood experiences on a boat taught her the importance of closed-loop systems that stuck with her throughout her studies of architecture and design and her experiences as a farmer, builder, and executive director of Earth Pledge. Fox´s rural upbringing and lack of television led him to a similar appreciation for the natural environment that influences his leadership in the design of sustainable high-rise building and urban design. |
| Waste = Fuel Foundation Set for Anaerobic Digester at EcoComplex Construction is officially underway at Rutgers University where EP is installing the first North American small–scale Anaerobic Digester. The facility will convert organic waste from a nearby assisted living center into usable energy for the school. While farms around the US have used small digesters to break down manure for decades, the one at EcoComplex is groundbreaking because it will demonstrate the functionality of AD in an urban setting. Earth Pledge will partner with EcoComplex to test the feasibility of using a variety of food waste in order to develop a model for other non– rural applications such as universities and prisons. For more about Waste=Fuel, visit , click here. |
| In five short years, Earth Pledge has cultivated the resources and relationships that translate into more than xx new green roofs around New York City. And thatis just the beginning. Today, our growing staff is leading a movement of green roof development that promises to produce a network of Emerald Cities spanning the U.S. Through ongoing research, education and implementation, we continue to make a clear case for using vegetated rooftops to improve the urban environment. Stormwater Models Completed Because they come in many types and sizes, New York City´s Water Board contracted with Earth Pledge to investigate different green roof specifications for their storm water retention capabilities. We used six simulations to create a computer model that allows users to enter variables such as roof size, soil type and depth, plant type, and weather conditions. The model can then be run through a range of storm conditions or a etypicali year of weather to calculate the amount of stormwater that would be retained or detained.. This output is helpful to designers or planners in determining just how much each green roof design can absorb and the amount of overflow it can reduce. Earth Pledge plans to expand this stormwater model to include all of New York City, as well as other locations. This will be just one of our tools to help cities understand the value of the benefits of green roofs. To learn more visit www.greeninggotham.org. |
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Earth Pledge’s partnership with Whole Foods Market continues. On Earth Day this year, 5% of all sales from the natural foods supermarkets in NY, NJ and CT went to support our to Farm to Table Program. Earth Pledge employees set up shop in ten stores in the tri-state region to spread the message about supporting local agriculture. Thanks to shoppers like you, we raised almost $50,000, which enables us to continue to do groundbreaking work in the field. To find your favorite foods, locally grown, visit www.farmtotable.org. |
| EP in the Headlines |
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Earth Pledge´s dynamic Executive Director Leslie Hoffman appeared as the cover story in the April issue of Interiors & Sources magazine. The six–page spread focuses on EP´s cutting-edge initiatives and Hoffman´s success linking the private and public sectors to foster financial and environmental sustainability.
The Financial Times couldn´t have said it better in an April feature on the power of green roofs to transform overcrowded and over–polluted cities. Drawing attention to the critical public services green roofs can provide and the support the technology has received from public officials and academics, the article pointed to the potential for green roofs to become a permanent solution. One of Earth Pledge´s latest collaborative efforts, the green roof atop Silvercup Studios, appeared in the business section of The New York Times this August. The green roof is NYC´s largest at 35,000 sq ft and will function as a laboratory for Earth Pledge to collect hard data regarding the affects of green roofs on energy costs and storm water retention. For more coverage of our Green Roofs Initiative from the Toronto Star, Environmental Magazine, and more, click here. |
| New Faces at Earth Pledge |
| A new group of people has joined the Earth Pledge staff. We are excited to expand our initiative and communications teams and strengthen our capacity for new research as we kick off our FutureFashion Initiative, develop our Viridian project, conduct research at the Silvercup Studios green roof, begin |
| New Opportunities at Earth Pledge |
| We are looking for bright and talented individuals to join us in promoting sustainable approaches to development that address the most important environmental issues of our time. Because our mission is based on a holistic approach to transition, our initiatives are interconnected and draw strength from synergy. As a small organization searching for innovative methods and technologies, we rely on creativity and critical thinking to make an impact on the front lines of research and development. These characteristics inform the structure of our office and applicants we consider. You must be passionate about what we do, willing to work hard, and capable of wearing many hats. |
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