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Ed Begley Jr. to speak at WaterSmart Symposium
The Toro Co. has announced that actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. will speak at the second annual WaterSmart Symposium, July 19 at the company’s irrigation development and testing facility in Riverside, Calif.
 "I’ve always believed that it’s up to us to take action if we want to ensure a bright future for the environment, so any opportunity to openly discuss today’s most pressing environmental issues, such as water use, is a crucial step in helping preserve our precious natural resources," Begley said. "I’m excited to be a speaker at this year’s WaterSmart Symposium. It is a great forum for discussing the concerns surrounding water as well as possible solutions on how we can reduce waste by using water more efficiently."
Known for arriving at Hollywood events on a bicycle, Begley has served as chairman of the Environmental Media Association and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. His work has earned him awards from numerous environmental groups including the California League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Heal the Bay and many others.
Held in July during Smart Irrigation Month, the 2007 WaterSmart Symposium will cover timely issues related to water management and the irrigation industry. Landscape contractors, golf course superintendents, architects, specifiers, homebuilders, government officials and others with a stake in water management and the future of irrigation are encouraged to attend. Registration for the event can be completed online at www.torowatersmart.com.
New EPA Web site features hazard PSAs for radio
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pays special attention to protecting human health and the environment after major storms cause high water, wind and other natural effects.
These events can occur anywhere, whether along the nation's coasts or far inland. With the advent of the summer storm season, though, it is especially important to alert people to specific actions they can take to protect themselves. If a radio listening area is affected, the audience will need accurate information about what to do in the aftermath.
The EPA has prepared a series of public service announcements to inform people about safety measures and cleanup activities in and around their homes. Topics include:
- Hazardous waste
- Sediment
- Asbestos contamination
- Lead-based paint
- Dealing with mold
- Flooded septic systems
- Household cleaners and disinfectants
- Contaminated wells
The PSAs are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese on the EPA Web site: http://epa.gov/naturalevents/psa.html They are available as pre-recorded MP3 files, which can be downloaded. If a radio station prefers to have its announce staff voice them, scripts accompany each spot.
IECA Southeast Chapter launches scholarship program
The International Erosion Control Association’s Southeast Chapter (IECA-SE) has launched a scholarship program for undergraduate students in the Southeast region of the U.S. The original intent was to provide one scholarship, but the strong applicant pool prompted IECA-SE to award two scholarships.
Christopher Bellamy, a junior in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at Clemson University and Amber Beutler, a senior in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Florida both received $1,500 for use toward their fall 2007 tuition.
"We are very excited to have launched the scholarship program. It is a wonderful encouragement to the students to continue pursuing their related professions, and it offers new connections for IECA-SE to both the academic community and the next generation of sediment and erosion control professionals," said Beth Chesson, CPESC, president of IECA-SE.
Bellamy, a biosystems engineering major, plans to graduate in May 2008. Pursuing an interest in environmental studies that started in high school with the FFA International program, he plans to attend graduate school and then hopes for a career with the Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Beutler is scheduled to graduate in December 2007 with a degree in land and water resources. Focused on beach erosion, she intends to continue her studies in graduate school and then join a coastal engineering firm specializing in low impact design and construction. For more about the 2008 scholarship program contact Joni Tanner at joni_southeast@msn.com.
Deere and Milliken named to world’s most ethical companies list
John Deere and Milliken have been listed among the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Magazine. Other companies on the list include American Express, Toyota, Marriott, Nike, JCI, and Patagonia, all of whom who were recognized for their leadership in ethics and compliance, advancement of industry discourse on social and ethical issues, and positive engagement in the communities in which they operate.
The magazine's editors analyzed several thousand organizations over a six-month period and chose only 92 companies.
"This was a rigorous process that identified a select group of companies that were unequalled in their industries for their commitment to ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility," said Alex Brigham, executive editor of Ethisphere Magazine. "These organizations go beyond making statements about doing business ethically; they translate those words into action."
The process included reviewing companies’ codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at companies’ activities to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback and rating. The article and complete list can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com/.
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