ReportWire

Tag: Sustainable

  • Unbelievable facts

    Unbelievable facts

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    Stone crabs can regrow their claws, allowing one claw to be harvested without harming the crab. This…

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  • 4Roots Opens Education Center on Farm Campus

    4Roots Opens Education Center on Farm Campus

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    The much-anticipated 4Roots Farm Campus opened the doors to its Education Center in Orlando to Valencia College students studying Plant Science and Agricultural Technology.

    The Education Center, the centerpiece of the first phase of the Farm Campus which includes a greenhouse and a walkable edible food forest, will serve as the “living classroom” for the Valencia students enrolled in Intro to Sustainable Agriculture.

    “From the very beginning, our vision for the Farm Campus focused on education,” explained John Rivers, President & CEO, 4Roots. “We want to teach people about the importance of healthy food, farmers about growing technologies that can enhance their crops, and students about the many careers that revolve around the agriculture industry,” he continued. “These students will be surrounded by some of the most advanced technologies in the world. I hope it inspires them to pursue a career in this exciting industry.”

    The students studying Sustainable Agriculture will be collecting data on parameters relating to soil health, followed by growing various crops throughout the semester.

    “The partnership between Valencia and 4Roots is providing cutting-edge opportunities for students to learn through working in a hands-on professional environment at one of the most high-tech and modern sustainable community farming facilities in the country,” said Dr. Lisa Macon, Launch Director, School of Engineering, Technology & Advanced Manufacturing, Valencia College. “Being able to take classes in a Learning Building Challenge building on site, such as the Education Center is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to experience a truly sustainable learning environment. Not only are students benefiting from the experience, but Valencia is also able to attract more students to these unique learning experiences that are in high demand by today’s socially conscious higher-ed learners,” she concluded.

    The 4Roots Education Building is the first building constructed in the state of Florida that meets the “Living Building Challenge” criteria, constructed to put more energy back into natural resources than it takes out. The building is energy and water net positive and will generate a minimum of 5% energy to be filtered through the Farm Campus or distributed through the OUC microgrid. The Education Building is also a great example to the students of how sustainability is not just how crops are grown, but something else to be considered along with various other aspects of any project.

    “This state of the art facility, including the greenhouse, classroom and permaculture area will enhance Valencia students’ experience by providing an array of diverse agricultural models on a larger scale than previously available,” said Dr. Javier A. Garcés, Professor & Program Chair, Plant Science & Agricultural Technology Program at Valencia College.

    The 4Roots Farm Campus, located in The Packing District, is in the heart of Orlando’s emerging neighborhood.

    It invites the community to gather and collaborate on the creation of a robust local food system. With a diverse range of growing systems, it offers a unique hands-on learning experience that highlights innovative and sustainable practices and technologies from around the world.

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  • The Immovable Mind: Schopenhauer’s Daily Routine For 27 Years

    The Immovable Mind: Schopenhauer’s Daily Routine For 27 Years

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    What does the daily life of a legendary philosopher look like? Learn about Arthur Schopenhauer’s unique routine that he consistently followed for over 27 years.


    Arthur Schopenhauer was a major figure in German philosophy throughout the 19th century along with Friedrich Nietzsche and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.

    While he’s known for his pessimism and negative outlook on life, there’s no denying that Schopenhauer was an intellectual powerhouse of his time who influenced many great thinkers, philosophers, and artists long after his death.

    His book Essays and Aphorisms is a great introduction and overview of his philosophical ideas. It explains his core metaphysical belief of “world as appearance,” continuing the legacy of other idealist philosophers like Plato, Kant, and Indian philosophy, which warn about viewing the world strictly through a materialist lens.

    The beginning of the book provides a nice biography of Schopenhauer’s family background, education, and life history. There’s one interesting section on his daily routine that caught my attention and wanted to share; it’s always fascinating to gain insights into the habits and lifestyles of influential figures, especially potential role models we can emulate and borrow from.

    This specific routine characterizes the last third of Schopenhauer’s life:

      “From the age of 45 until his death 27 years later Schopenhauer lived in Frankfurt-am-Main. He lived alone… every day for 27 years he followed an identical routine.”

    Keep in mind, I’m only sharing this for educational purposes. I don’t necessarily recommend this way of living, but there are interesting lessons to takeaway from it, including how some of these habits relate to Schopenhauer’s overall philosophy.

    Arthur Schopenhauer’s Daily Routine

    Here’s a breakdown of Schopenhauer’s daily routine for the last 27 years of his life:

    • “He rose every morning at seven and had a bath but no breakfast;
    • He drank a cup of strong coffee before sitting down at his desk and writing until noon.
    • At noon he ceased work for the day and spent half-an-hour practicing the flute, on which he became quite a skilled performer.
    • Then he went out to lunch at the Englischer Hof.
    • After lunch he returned home and read until four, when he left for his daily walk:
    • He walked for two hours no matter what the weather.
    • At six o’clock, he visited the reading room of the library and read The Times.
    • In the evening he attended the theatre or a concert, after which he had dinner at a hotel or restaurant.
    • He got back home between nine and ten and went early to bed.”

    While Schopenhauer mostly kept to this strict routine unwaveringly, he was willing to make exceptions under specials circumstances such as if he had friends or visitors in town.

    Key Lessons and Takeaways

    This daily routine seems fitting for a solitary and introspective philosopher, but there are key lessons that fit with conventional self-improvement wisdom:

    • Early Rising: Schopenhauer started his day at 7 a.m., which aligns with the common advice of many successful individuals who advocate for early rising. This morning ritual is often associated with increased productivity and a sense of discipline.
    • No Breakfast: Skipping breakfast was part of Schopenhauer’s routine. While not everyone agrees with this approach, it resonates with intermittent fasting principles that some find beneficial for health and mental clarity.
    • Work Routine: Schopenhauer dedicated his mornings to work, writing until noon. This emphasizes the importance of having a focused and dedicated period for intellectual or creative work, especially early in the day.
    • Creative Break: Taking a break to practice the flute for half an hour after work highlights the value of incorporating creative or leisure activities into one’s routine. It can serve as a refreshing break and contribute to overall well-being.
    • Outdoor Exercise: Schopenhauer’s daily two-hour walk, regardless of the weather, emphasizes the significance of outdoor exercise for both physical and mental health. This practice aligns with contemporary views on the benefits of regular physical activity and spending time in nature.
    • Reading Habit: Schopenhauer spent time reading each day, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and intellectual stimulation.
    • News Consumption: Reading The Times at the library suggests Schopenhauer valued staying informed about current events. It’s worth noting that he limited his news consumption to a specific time of day (but it was easier to restrict your information diet before the internet).
    • Cultural Engagement: Attending the theater or a concert in the evening indicates a commitment to cultural engagement and a balanced lifestyle.
    • Regular Bedtime: Going to bed early reflects an understanding of the importance of sufficient sleep for overall health and well-being.

    While Schopenhauer’s routine may not be suitable for everyone, there are elements of discipline, balance, and engagement with various aspects of life that individuals may find inspiring or applicable to their own lifestyles.

    The Immovable Mind

    Schopenhauer was known for his persistence and stubbornness – his consistent daily routine is just one manifestation of this.

    He wrote his magnum opus The World as Will and Representation in 1818 when he was only 28 years old, and he never fundamentally changed his views despite continuing to write and publish until his death at 72.

    Schopenhauer has been described as an “immovable mind,” never letting himself deviate from the course he was set out on.

    His two hour walk routine in any weather is one of the most popular examples of this. From the biography in the book:

      “Consider the daily two-hour walk. Among Schopenhauer’s disciples of the late nineteenth century this walk was celebrated fact of his biography, and it was so because of its regularity. There was speculation as to why he insisted on going out and staying out for two hours no matter what the weather. It suggests health fanaticism, but there is no other evidence that Schopenhauer was a health fanatic or crank. In my view the reason was simply obstinacy: he would go out and nothing would stop him.”

    While this immovability has its disadvantages, you have to admire the monk-like discipline.

    Schopenhauer was a proponent of ascetism, a life without pleasure-seeking and mindless indulgence. A lot of his philosophy centers around a type of “denouncement of the material world,” so it’s not surprising that a little rain and wind wouldn’t stop his daily walk.

    This way of living is reminiscent of the documentary Into Great Silence, which follows the daily lives of Carthusian monks living in the French mountains while they eat, clean, pray, and fulfill their chores and duties in quiet solitude.

    One of the hallmarks of a great routine is that it’s a sustainable system. The fact that Schopenhauer was able to follow this regimen for the rest of his life is a testament to its strength and efficacy, and something worth admiring even if it’s not a lifestyle we’d want to replicate for ourselves.


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    Steven Handel

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  • Reën Launches with Release of Sustainable and Waterproof Luxury Jacket

    Reën Launches with Release of Sustainable and Waterproof Luxury Jacket

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    The elevated jacket is Reën’s first product to hit the market and is now available for purchase online.

    Reën (pronounced /rān/ or “Rain”), a sustainable apparel company specializing in the production of luxury men’s waterproof jackets, has officially launched with the release of its first product. The Reën waterproof jacket is designed to be worn regardless of the weather forecast. With an incredible design and impressive functional versatility, the jacket serves as both a great look and a sustainable outerwear selection. 

    The Reën waterproof jacket is packed with additional features such as windproof design, large pockets, waterproof zippers, draw cords and cord locks, and arm vents. Constructed with premium Italian and Japanese fabrics, the jacket is both breathable and PFC-free (per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals). 

    “Reën was founded on the belief that high-quality, stylish clothing should never come at the expense of our planet,” said Marc Undeberg, Reën’s founder. “Sustainability is at the core of our jackets and can be considered the core of our business.” 

    Reën is also committed to utilizing renewable packaging, as well as to ensuring that fair wages are paid at every stage of the supply chain. The growing brand also hopes to offset carbon emissions, donate a portion of proceeds to environmentally friendly causes, and offer free repairs to all customers. 

    Reën will be launched on Kickstarter, and the campaign will be live for 30 days. The Reën team has pledged to plant a tree for every jacket purchase. 

    For more information regarding Reën’s launch and its unique luxury jacket, please visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marcundeberg/reen-sustainable-luxury-waterproof-jackets and https://www.reenwear.com/ 

    About Reën 

    There are very few jackets for men that are both waterproof and elevated. Most men opt for the traditional waterproof shell, which works great but doesn’t tie together an outfit. 

    Reën makes waterproof jackets from premium Italian and Japanese textiles that are not only waterproof but look great regardless of whether or not it is rainy. The best part? Reën is 100% committed to creating a more sustainable fashion industry. 

    At every turn, Reën set out to create a truly sustainable product, from renewable textiles and packaging to ensuring that fair wages are paid at every stage of the supply chain, to offsetting carbon emissions, to planting trees with every purchase, to donating a portion of proceeds to environmentally friendly causes, and finally, offering free repairs.

    Source: Reën

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  • TiEnergy Celebrates Its 20th Year as an Innovator in Sustainable Railroad and Landfill Management

    TiEnergy Celebrates Its 20th Year as an Innovator in Sustainable Railroad and Landfill Management

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    The Company Has Reduced the Carbon Footprint of the Rail Industry by 3.06 lbs. of CO2 per Recycled Tie

    – TiEnergy LLC, a family-owned railroad tie recycling and repurposing company with a track record of innovation in the industry, recently celebrated its 20th year in business. More than 22 million railroad ties are retired each year, and millions more sit idle in disposal sites and railyards. TiEnergy has developed innovative solutions to responsibly remove and sustainably recycle out-of-service ties and has also created new markets of demand for old ties where none previously existed. The company partners with Class I, Class II, and Short Line railroads, commercial and industrial companies, and landfills across the United States and Canada to recycle railroad ties and wood waste to reduce their carbon footprints.

    “We’re very proud to have reached a 20th-year milestone in our business,” says Steve Berglund, CEO and founder of TiEnergy. “We recognized a gap in the market and realized we had an opportunity on our hands. Twenty years later, we’ve expanded our reach while helping our customers’ businesses operate at maximum efficiency through sustainable methods that reduce the carbon footprint of our respective industries.” 

    Notably, the company invented a new in-demand product, TIEROC, that provides a sustainable reuse solution for millions of retired ties while also allowing landfills to streamline operations. Landfills use TIEROC as roadway material for truck deliveries. The innovative product prevents trucks from getting stuck as roads erode and also eliminates the need for carbon-intensive alternative materials such as rock and stone. TiEnergy also developed a patented technology — The Tie Plate Picker — a machine that separates the metal hardware from railroad tie wood so the wood can be repurposed as the key ingredient in TIEROC. In addition, TiEnergy has expanded its recycling capabilities beyond rail ties to include old utility poles, crane mats, and pallets. 

    The company is a division of Midwest Companies, a waste industry service provider also founded by Steve Berglund. Midwest Companies manages industrial waste removal, hauling, construction and demolition, and related services. 

    “We’ve been able to grow as an organization under any economic condition by adapting to change and finding solutions for problems that didn’t seem solvable,” Berglund says. “I know these same principles will carry us to our 40th year and beyond. Our motto at TiEnergy is: ‘Change the process, change the world — one tie at a time.’” 

    About TiEnergy

    TiEnergy, LLC is an Illinois-based, family-owned company with a primary business of sustainable railroad tie removal, recycling and repurposing. Through innovative solutions such as TIEROC, an aggregate substitute made from recycled wood ties and out-of-service wood products, and patented technology that removes railroad tie plates, TiEnergy has created a new, environmentally responsible market for post-consumer waste. The company is a subsidiary of Midwest Companies, a sustainable waste management company that collects and recycles material waste for the construction, demolition, and railroad industries. For more information, visit https://www.tienergy-usa.com

    Source: TiEnergy LLC

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  • DuMOL Acquires Dr. Galante Estate Vineyard, Doubling Down on the Russian River Valley, and Strengthening Its Commitment to Quality With In-House Farming

    DuMOL Acquires Dr. Galante Estate Vineyard, Doubling Down on the Russian River Valley, and Strengthening Its Commitment to Quality With In-House Farming

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    Originally planted in 1998 by the late Dr. Maurice Galante, Dr. Galante Vineyard is one of the finest pieces of land in the area for grape growing, with a cool northern hillside exposure, bordered by forest, deep and lingering fog intrusion, and classic Goldridge soil. The vineyard is located just 1/2 mile from DuMOL’s existing Green Valley Estate vineyards, all now farmed by DuMOL’s own farming crew.

    Press Release


    Feb 16, 2023

    DuMOL is proud to announce its recent acquisition of the Dr. Galante Estate Vineyard, raising its Estate holdings to 80 planted acres, and solidifying their quest to produce wines of exceptional quality and unique character, with clear expression of site.  

    The acquisition of Dr. Galante Vineyard is timed beautifully with the Russian River Valley’s 40th anniversary. Since DuMOL’s inception over 25 years ago, they’ve been studying their local neighborhood, the distinctive Green Valley of the Russian River Valley, understood to be one of the best places on earth to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

    In concert with fog from the Pacific Ocean, free-draining soils, heritage vine selections, and the hands of skilled and driven winegrowers, the winery’s continual study of the land’s seen and unforeseen occurrences mean their capacity to craft world-class wines grows each season. 

    Dr. Galante Vineyard is one of the finest pieces of land in the area for grape growing. With a cool northern hillside exposure, bordered by forest, deep and lingering fog intrusion, and classic Goldridge soil with patches of highly-prized Altamont friable red sandy/clays, DuMOL is thrilled to add the vineyard to its portfolio and discover its potential intimately. 

    Dr. Galante is located just ½ mile from DuMOL’s existing Green Valley Estate vineyards—initially 10 acres planted by DuMOL’s Winemaker and Partner Andy Smith in 2004, and subsequently expanded to a total of 30 acres. Today, with mature, balanced vines across four contiguous parcels in Green Valley, Smith, whose first vintage with DuMOL was 1998, is boots-on-the-ground, ensuring wine quality, daily. 

    In a brief timeline of Estate-vineyard events: DuMOL developed its Green Valley Estate in 2004 and 2005; planted MacIntyre Estate in 2016, leased Flax Estate in 2017, leased Wildrose Estate in 2018; and purchased Galante Estate in 2023. 

    In-house farming has always been the next step for DuMOL. Working with a crew of 15, Winemaker and Partner Andy Smith, Associate Winemaker Jenna Davis and Viticulturist James King will strengthen DuMOL’s continual focus on quality, ensuring the most sensitive agricultural practices are implemented.

    A portion of the fruit from Dr. Galante will lead DuMOL’s Wester Reach cuvée, a Pinot Noir with tremendous harmony, expressing the varied soils, microclimates, and entire Russian River Valley appellation. Following the 2023 harvest, the team will begin a process of incremental redevelopment of the property, focusing on DuMOL’s preferred heritage vine selections.

    Who was Dr. Galante? Dr. Maurice Galante, a legendary San Francisco-based surgeon and UCSF Professor Emeritus, bought the apple orchard planted on Goldridge Soil in the mid-1980s. Dr. Galante was fortunate enough to meet Peter Mondavi who encouraged him to convert his orchard into a vineyard. It was first planted with 22 acres of Pinot Noir vines in 1998. The two, Mondavi and Galante went on to create several limited-edition vintages using grapes from Galante’s vineyard.  

    Today, a new chapter begins for the vineyard as it joins DuMOL’s Estate holdings, all within a 10-mile radius, now farmed by its in-house crew.

    “One of the greatest privileges of a winemaker is to develop, plant, and farm a piece of land. Much to my delight, I have yet another vineyard project on the horizon.” —Andy Smith, DuMOL’s Winemaker, and Partner

    Source: DuMOL Winery

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  • Hereafter Farms is Building America’s Largest Sustainable Eco Community on 460 Acres in Georgia

    Hereafter Farms is Building America’s Largest Sustainable Eco Community on 460 Acres in Georgia

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    The historic project brought together over 100 families in Central Georgia to build a Self Sustaining Community.

    Press Release


    Dec 27, 2022 11:00 EST

    “It’s surreal that we’re actually doing it,” states Hereafter Farms Co-Founder Farrakhan Ali. 

    Their plan is to create a self-sustaining town where they and over 100 families will grow their own food, teach their own children, build sustainable housing, and develop businesses to create a healthy economic ecosystem that expands far beyond the community itself. 

    “When I started there were only a few of us. It was the height of the pandemic and I think we were all forced to think differently. I thought to myself, if there was ever a time to move towards self-sufficiency, this is it. It’s time to do what I’ve been thinking about all these years. What I couldn’t plan for was that there were thousands of people who were thinking the exact same thing I was at that time,” says Ali. 

    After months of searching, they found the perfect property.

    Their 460 acres in Georgia has water, roads, existing tiny homes, and enough infrastructure for them to get a few projects off the ground quickly. 

    The secret, according to Ali, is keeping God at the center of everything.

    The 100+ families are a diverse group of farmers, educators, health professionals, builders, tradesmen, seniors and millennials, and from the looks of it, they have the people they need to build and manage their town.

    When asked why they chose the name “The Hereafter,” Ali explains it to us, “It’s a new environment. Hereafter means something new, right here. We’re building something new, growing something new, because we have a safe environment where everyone can be free to think and live creatively and peacefully.”

    They plan to farm their own food using organic techniques, greenhouses, tower farms, row crops, and harvesting natural energy to create sustainable growing systems using solar energy. Animals are in their future, and they have timber for expanded home construction.

    Their school seems to be a top priority. “Studies show mental health in children has had a downward trend. We are neutralizing that by offering them a safe space and an inclusive educational experience, reconnecting them with nature, with themselves, with God, and with their neighbors.”

    The business plan is to create commercial activity that circulates currency within the community and expands outward into a public marketplace.

    Their plan is to build in phases. The first phase includes clearing land, purchasing agricultural supplies and farming equipment, renovating the preexisting structures on the land, and covering the costs to get the development kicked off.  

    “We’re not just building this town for us, but to leave a legacy for the next generation, so they can create a better world than the one we grew up in.”

    You can support their initiative here: https://gofund.me/fd454c98

    Source: Hereafter Farms Developments

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  • Rerouted Announces Rerouted Ultra: A Year of Gear and Perks

    Rerouted Announces Rerouted Ultra: A Year of Gear and Perks

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    Ultra is the newest evolution of Rerouted. Rerouted is a second-hand gear platform that is leveraging contemporary technology to make second-hand painless and crazy easy for buyers and sellers. Ultra is a year-long program designed to reduce every pain point people face using existing marketplaces.

    Press Release



    updated: Dec 9, 2022

    Rerouted Co. is rolling out Rerouted Ultra. Rerouted Ultra is the newest way to support the circular economy. Ultra is the easiest and cheapest way to buy and sell second-hand outdoor gear. No shipping costs, no commission fees and unlimited support when people want to buy and sell gear for the entirety of 2023. This program launched with 500 seats on Monday, Dec. 5 and will be available through Dec. 31 12:00 a.m. PST.  

    Ultra is the newest evolution of Rerouted. Rerouted is a second-hand gear platform that is leveraging contemporary technology to make second-hand painless and crazy easy for buyers and sellers. This is a year-long program designed to reduce every pain point people face using existing marketplaces. 

    Rerouted is excited to highlight six key features of their Ultra program:

    • Zero Commissions – sell any piece of outdoor gear, get 100% of the asking price
    • Free Shipping – buy any gear you want and Rerouted covers the shipping fees
    • Monthly Seller Tips, Tricks and Workshops – get support to make as much money as possible selling gear on Rerouted
    • Early Access to Gear Tracker – a new feature Rerouted is releasing early next year to help you find exactly the right gear for you, and get notified immediately when it arrives on the site
    • Partner Perks – include a $65 WFA course w/ Base Medical, and many more are in the works.
    • Limited time upcycled Rerouted swag

    Chap Grubb, Rerouted’s CEO and Founder, said this about the mission behind Ultra:

    “Recycling, upcycling and reselling are key to a sustainable future. Our team believes deeply that the reason gear collects dust in people’s garages is because it is too difficult to buy & sell online. Choosing second-hand first should be an easy choice for people that care about the environment. We are psyched to make it easier than ever to save gear from the landfill and help people create their own wilderness adventures. Plus, free shipping and zero commissions are unheard of in online second hand shopping. We love being the first to offer this.”

    To join Rerouted in their mission is to embrace the Circular Economy. Ultra is the newest and best community to buy and sell outdoor gear online. All Rerouted Ultra perks will start immediately upon purchase and run through 2023. Check it out today. www.rerouted.co/rerouted-ultra

    Rerouted is an online platform that is developing tools & software that will empower people, local gear stores and marketplaces to get gear back out to the next generation of wilderness advocates.

    Source: Rerouted Co

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  • WeSky Launches World’s Lightest 60W USB In-Seat Power Solution Boosting Commercial Aviation Efficiency

    WeSky Launches World’s Lightest 60W USB In-Seat Power Solution Boosting Commercial Aviation Efficiency

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    AVIONICS START-UP WESKY’S NEW RECHARGE PRODUCT GIVES THE COMMERCIAL AVIATION INDUSTRY A MUCH NEEDED IMPROVEMENT TO THE IN-SEAT CHARGE EXPERIENCE FOR PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PED). THE SAME INSTALLATIONS ALSO HELP IMPROVE AIRCRAFT OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY WHILE REDUCING AIRCRAFT CO2 EMISSIONS

    Press Release


    Oct 19, 2022

    The ever increasing processing power of Personal Electronic Devices (PED) requires high-capacity batteries that in turn requires fast charging solutions. Existing onboard high power charging solutions on the market are heavy preventing airlines from choosing these systems due to weight budget constraints. WeSky engineers have created a smart USB in-seat fast charging product that is the lightest on the market.

    “Our new recharge™️ product is an efficient 60W USB in-seat charging solution, that weighs 70% less than current available products, yet has rapid charging. It brings many benefits to commercial airlines including a reduction in fuel consumption which also has benefits for the environment,” said WeSky Founder and CEO Vytis Petrusevicius.

    “Based on our current sales activities and request for proposals we are forecasting and already negotiating orders for over 20 million USD in revenue of recharge™️ in-seat power systems within next 24 months,” said Marius Barcas, Head of Sales.

    WeSky recently secured additional funding from US based Notarc Investment Partners in order to ramp up production of its current product line while also expanding research and development of new avionics equipment.

    “These are the kind of ventures that fit with our sustainable investment mandate and which have an immediate positive impact on the environment, industry and end user. Legacy businesses and industries must continue to evolve and innovate and we have a responsibility as investors to help speed up innovation and to do our part to support such ventures,” said Leslie C. Bethel, CEO of Notarc Management Group and recently appointed WeSky Board Member.

    About WeSky

    Among many avionics innovations, WeSky develops a smart USB in-seat power solution called recharge™️ that allow commercial airlines to provide enhanced in-flight experiences and operating efficiency through lowering aircraft weight and fuel consumption. 

    The aviation and commercial airline industry like many other transport businesses are challenged with lowering their extensive carbon footprint. WeSky was founded on the sole principle of developing aviation technology and innovation in electronics which can have a positive impact on operational efficiency while also helping legacy industries make immediate progress toward attaining their sustainable goals which is critical to our planet and survival.

    The recharge™️ is the world’s lightest and most compact 60W USB in-seat power solution, with the same weight as 15W USB charging solutions currently on the market.

    WeSky is EASA approved Part 21J Design Organisation with in-house avionics systems development, certification and integration design capabilities.

    For more information, visit https://www.wesky.aero/recharge

    About Notarc Investment Partners

    Notarc Investment Partners is an affiliate of Notarc Management Group, comprised of leading investment and asset management professionals in The UK, Europe, Panama, Asia, The Bahamas, and The United States. As an advisory and private equity firm, Notarc Management Group focuses on opportunities in real estate, hospitality, technology, logistics and infrastructure with an expanding portfolio in The Americas.

    In addition to capital, Notarc brings know-how, managerial oversight, and a network of operators and funders with a particular expertise in infrastructure, government and public policy. Notarc aligns with sovereign wealth funds, venture and private equity firms, and global family offices to invest capital via its various opportunity funds and SPVs.

    For more information, visit www.notarc.com.

    ***

    For more information contact:

    Vytis Petrusevicius
    Founder and Head of Product Design
    WeSky UAB
    vytis@wesky.aero
    +44 (0) 77 217 18545

    Website: https://www.wesky.aero/recharge

    Source: WeSky UAB

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  • Renew Missouri Homes Launches to Increase the State’s High-Performing Homes

    Renew Missouri Homes Launches to Increase the State’s High-Performing Homes

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    Press Release


    Oct 12, 2022

    Renew Missourithe Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, and Pearl Certification are excited to announce the official launch of the Renew Missouri Homes program.

    Renew Missouri Homes, a public-private partnership between Renew Missouri, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, and Pearl Certification, will help ensure that energy-efficient, high-performing homes in Missouri are properly valued when they are sold.

    The program makes a home’s high-performing features — like renewables, insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems — visible and engaging to homebuyers through the state’s Missouri Home Energy Certificate, supported by Pearl Certification. The result is that these homes will sell for higher prices — creating a powerful incentive for other Missouri homeowners to improve the performance of their homes by adding energy-efficient features and renewables. 

    Homes certified through the Renew Missouri Homes program can also be listed on the Green Building Registry, a national registry for high-performing homes, through a partnership with Earth Advantage.

    “The Renew Missouri Homes program is a vital extension of the great work the DNR Division of Energy is doing throughout the state,” said Andy Popp, manager of the Missouri State Energy Program. “This program provides an easy-to-use framework for Missourians to create more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable homes that benefit the entire state.”  

    With the launch of Renew Missouri Homes, powered by Pearl, on Oct. 1, 2022, Missouri homeowners now have access to a free homeowner portal called Green Door to build custom plans that organize and track home energy upgrades, schedule regular home maintenance reminders, and connect with vetted contractors to perform energy upgrades. Qualified builders, home improvement contractors, appraisers, and real estate agents who earn admittance into the network gain access to Renew Missouri Homes’ dedicated business development team, committed to helping them grow their businesses through supporting the high-performing home market. Industry professionals can apply to join the Renew Missouri Homes Network on the program’s website. https://renewmohomes.com/

    James Owners, Renew Missouri’s executive director, said, “Renew Missouri knows that energy efficiency is the cornerstone of realizing a clean energy future. The Renew Missouri Homes program will be a driving force in making Missouri homes more efficient, save homeowners on their utility bills, and drive energy-efficiency investments across the state. We are honored and proud to have our namesake represent the program as we firmly believe in bringing energy efficiency to all Missourians.”

    “Missouri is truly leading the country by launching the Renew Missouri Homes program,” said Robin LeBaron, co-founder and president of Pearl Certification. “We applaud and are thrilled to support the commitment to transforming Missouri communities for generations.”

    “Through this groundbreaking program, homeowners will get the tools and resources they need to create homes that are more comfortable, healthy, and sustainable by connecting with our vetted network professionals, who understand how to build, improve, appraise, and sell high-performing homes,” said Cynthia Adams, Pearl’s co-founder and CEO.

    Missouri homeowners and industry professionals interested in learning more about Renew Missouri Homes, powered by Pearl, should visit https://renewmohomes.com/ or email renewmohomes@pearlcertification.com

    About Renew Missouri: Renew Missouri, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, advocates for clean energy policies that will benefit all Missourians. In support of renewable and energy-efficiency interests, the organization presents to the Public Service Commission, the Missouri Legislature, and county and city offices to advance energy policy and legislation. www.renewmo.org

    About The Division of Energy: The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy is focused on affordable and reliable energy generated in the state of Missouri. The division assists, educates, and encourages Missourians to advance the efficient use of diverse energy resources to drive economic growth, provide for a healthier environment and achieve greater energy security for future generations. https://dnr.mo.gov/about-us/division-energy 

    About Pearl: Pearl Certification is the gold standard in high-performing home certifications, bringing visibility to the valuable features that make them healthy, safe, comfortable, and energy- and water-efficient. Pearl is the only national sponsor of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program and is a partner with the National Association of REALTORS® Green Resource Council. Pearl has certified and provided appraisal addenda on over 100,000 homes in 44 states and Washington, D.C. Pearl Certified homes sell on average for 5.5% more than comparable homes, according to independent appraiser studies. https://pearlcertification.com/ 

    Source: Pearl Certification

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  • Daun Paris and Daniel Winey Join Board of Directors at Global Heritage Fund

    Daun Paris and Daniel Winey Join Board of Directors at Global Heritage Fund

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    Press Release



    updated: May 27, 2022

    Global Heritage Fund welcomes Daun Paris and Daniel Winey to the Board of Directors. At Global Heritage Fund‘s May meeting, the Board elected Paris and Winey. 

    “With their experience and expertise in their fields, they will bring fresh perspectives and insights to Global Heritage Fund’s work around the world,” said Ro King, Board Chair. “We are pleased to add such talented people to the Board.”

    Paris is an entrepreneur, co-founding Eastern Consolidated, a leading New York City real estate company, in 1981. The importance of making a difference has inspired Paris to serve on the boards of numerous mission-driven organizations, including Northern Westchester Hospital, now Northwell Health, and JCCA, the second oldest charity in the United States. Paris recently relocated to Los Angeles, where she designs jewelry, hand fabricating her work using ancient techniques. 

    Winey is the current Global Growth Officer at Gensler, an integrated architecture, design, planning and consulting firm. In the last 30 years, Winey has acted as regional Managing Principal of Gensler’s Pacific Northwest office, Regional Managing Principal of the Asia Pacific Regions, and the Chief Operations Officer for the largest design practice in the world. He also holds an honorary doctorate degree in architecture from Lawrence Technological University. Winey is passionate about designing livable cities, sustainable buildings, and the principles of urbanization. 

    “Daun’s focus on results will help Global Heritage Fund to create high-impact projects for communities around the world, while Dan’s international business experience developing sustainable buildings can be effectively adapted to the heritage sector,” said Nada HoskingExecutive Director of Global Heritage Fund. “We are excited to see them accelerate Global Heritage Fund’s growth.”

    Global Heritage Fund also acknowledges the service of outgoing Board member Roeland Vos, President and CEO of Belmond Ltd, an LVMH subsidiary.  

    ABOUT GLOBAL HERITAGE FUND

    Founded in 2002 with the premise that cultural heritage protection can catalyze responsible social and economic development, Global Heritage Fund has worked in 20 countries supporting over 30 projects through creative collaborations and grassroots partnerships. Global Heritage Fund achieves its mission by developing programs that connect communities to expertise and funding, build resilience among stakeholders, create opportunity for local populations, foster innovation and creativity, and support sustainable travel. These efforts enhance local communities while preserving invaluable links to our shared human history.

    Learn more at globalheritagefund.org.

    For more information, please contact:

    US enquiries

    Matthew Strebe
    Global Heritage Fund
    mstrebe@globalheritagefund.org
    +1 (510) 499-3819

    UK enquiries

    Olivia Jarrell
    Global Heritage Fund
    ojarrell@globalheritagefund.org

    Source: Global Heritage Fund

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  • 4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn. Celebrate Earth Day With 30,000-Pound Milestone in Global Ocean-Positive Sustainability Partnership

    4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn. Celebrate Earth Day With 30,000-Pound Milestone in Global Ocean-Positive Sustainability Partnership

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    Press Release


    Apr 21, 2022

    4ocean, a purpose-driven B Corp with a mission to end the ocean plastic crisis, is celebrating the midway point of a partnership with U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA). With Earth Day 2022 approaching, both entities are proud to announce that 30,000 pounds of trash have been removed from the world’s oceans through 4ocean’s Certified Cleanup Partnership Program.

    The two organizations have been working together towards ocean-positive sustainability since November 2021. This is the first of a multi-year collaboration between 4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn., with a goal for 2022 to remove a total of 60,000 pounds of plastic from the oceans, rivers and coastlines around the world. With the help of 88 crew members and seven ocean vessels, most of the 30,000 pounds of waste were pulled in Indonesia across six specific beaches. 

    “Partnerships like the one we have with U.S. Polo Assn. help to create positive change for the ocean by pushing our 4ocean cleanup operations forward,” said Alex Schulze, founder of 4ocean. “At the midway point of our 2021-2022 partnership, we are stoked to say that U.S. Polo Assn. has proudly pulled 30,000 pounds of trash from the ocean.”  

    Schulze added, “This just goes to show that when like-minded companies work together, we all can contribute to ending the ocean plastic pollution crisis.” 

    This meaningful partnership is a component of U.S. Polo Assn.’s overarching sustainability initiative, USPA Life, which works towards reducing the environmental impact of its business on people and the planet for future generations. USPA Life offers a global and growing selection of apparel, footwear and accessories with sustainable attributes. 

    “U.S. Polo Assn. has been taking a global holistic approach to our long-term sustainability journey with initiatives like our 4ocean partnership and our USPA Life product line,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing Inc., which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “As we approach Earth Day 2022, we want our consumers across 194 countries to know that we are working diligently to improve our global footprint in a variety of ways, including through partnerships with prominent organizations like 4ocean that share our mission and vision.”   

    To learn more about the partnership, please visit uspoloassnglobal.com/4ocean

    About 4ocean

    4ocean is a purpose-driven business with a mission to help end the ocean plastic crisis by cleaning the ocean and coastlines while stopping the inflow of plastic. With the goal of creating an economy around cleaning the ocean, 4ocean has built a sustainable business model that allows the company to fund cleanups and utilize the latest innovative technology. Ocean cleanups are funded entirely through product purchases, removing one pound of trash for every item sold, for a total of over 20 million pounds to date. 4ocean prioritizes engaging coastal communities, which creates jobs and adds revenue to local economies while changing the demand from catching fish to catching plastic. The solution to ending ocean plastic pollution lies in stopping it on land before it enters the ocean, which is why 4ocean is educating consumers about ways to reduce their single-use plastic consumption.

    About U.S. Polo Assn.

    U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 194 countries worldwide. Ranked the fifth largest sports licensor in License Global magazine’s 2020 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. is named alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and globalpolo.com.

    Press Release Contacts: 

    4ocean: 
    Alana Linsenbigler 
    alana@ljpublicrelations.com

    U.S. Polo Assn.:
    Stacey Kovalsky
    skovalsky@uspagl.com

    Source: USPA Global Licensing Inc.

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  • Wondercide Expands Line of Plant-Powered Pest Protection for Pets and Home

    Wondercide Expands Line of Plant-Powered Pest Protection for Pets and Home

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    New offerings add convenience and layers of defense against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes & flies

    Press Release


    Mar 17, 2022

    Wondercide, the leader in safe and effective pest protection for pets, people, homes, and yards, announced a new lineup of plant-powered products debuting this spring. The first to launch was the Mosquito & Fly aerosol spray ($12.99 MSRP), and now through April, three new products expand the company’s Flea & Tick offering for dogs and cats. Flea & Tick Shampoo ($19.99 MSRP), Flea & Tick Collar ($19.99 MSRP), and Flea & Tick Spot On ($19.99). These new solutions continue the Wondercide approach to Treat Nature with Nature™.

    NEW Mosquito & Fly Product

    For indoor and outdoor use, the Mosquito & Fly is a plant-powered aerosol spray designed to quickly kill mosquitoes and flies, with the ability to kill over 20 other bothersome bugs, such as drain flies, fruit flies, gnats, and more.

    Powered by geraniol and lemongrass oil, this spray kills by contact and, when used as directed, is safe to use around kids and pets. The aerosol is propelled by carbon dioxide (CO2) and does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or lower indoor air quality. Once empty, the container is recyclable. Available now at Wondercide.com and Amazon.com.

    NEW Flea & Tick Products

    The entire lineup of the new Flea & Tick products features natural cedarwood and peppermint oil with a fresh peppermint scent. In further innovation, the Flea & Tick Collar and Flea & Tick Spot On offer pet parents added convenience and a safe alternative to conventional spot drops and collars when used as directed. Flea & Tick Spot On, Collar, and Shampoo will be available for purchase online at Wondercide.com, Amazon.com, Chewy.com, and pet specialty retailers in the U.S.

    • The Flea & Tick Shampoo is Wondercide’s first liquid shampoo. Made for dogs and cats four months or older, it kills fleas and ticks by contact and repels them, making the shampoo an excellent first step in treating an active infestation or as part of an ongoing flea-and-tick maintenance routine. The shampoo is free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and helps soothe itchy skin from bug bites.
    • Flea & Tick Collar comes in two versions – one for dogs (up to 23″ neck)  and one for cats (up to 13″ neck). The water-resistant collars are designed for pets four months or older and offer up to four months of continuous protection against fleas and ticks, up to one month of protection against mosquitoes. The collars feature a breakaway safety feature that will protect pets if a bit too much tension is applied.
    • Flea & Tick Spot On is designed for dogs and cats three months or older. Each box contains three monthly applications. One size is available for cats, while three sizes in small, medium and large are available for dogs. Each water-resistant monthly application repels mosquitoes for up to seven days in addition to repelling fleas and ticks for up to 30 days.

    With the new product offerings, Wondercide customers can be worry-free in 1-2-3. 

    1. Kill fleas and ticks on your pet with Flea & Tick Shampoo and Flea & Tick Pets + Home spray, the original flea-and-tick solution.
    2. Repel and prevent fleas and ticks on your pet with Flea & Tick Collar or Flea & Tick Spot On.
    3. Maintain control indoors with Flea & Tick Pets + Home and outdoors with Flea & Tick Yard + Garden spray.

    As with all Wondercide products, these new solutions are powered by plants and safe to use around kids when used as directed. Mosquito & Fly Spray, Flea & Tick Shampoo, Flea & Tick Spot Collar, and Flea & Tick Spot On are 25b products (deemed by the EPA to be “minimum risk” to humans and the environment) and cruelty-free, tested only on the bugs they’re designed to eliminate. All packaging is recyclable including the aerosol once empty. 

    “When you love someone, you do everything in your power to protect them. I founded Wondercide because I knew there had to be a better way to protect my dog Luna, and help other families keep their loved ones protected,” said Stephanie Boone, Founder and CEO of Wondercide. “These new products add extra layers of plant-derived protection, while the Collar and Spot On deliver convenience to busy pet parents. They are easy to use and will help make life better for Packs of every kind, everywhere.” 

    To date, Wondercide has protected over 1.5 million families and counting! For more information visit www.wondercide.com

    About Wondercide

    Founded in 2009 and as seen on Shark Tank in 2016, Wondercide is an Austin, TX company on a mission to protect pets, families, homes, and yards from pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes with safe, plant-based, proven-to-work solutions. The signature line of products is powered by steam-distilled, natural essential oils. Wondercide is woman-founded, family-friendly, and USA-made with US and global components. Wondercide is driven by Fierce Love® to help you Protect Your Pack® and is available for purchase on Wondercide.com, Amazon.com, Chewy.com, and at select pet-specialty retail stores nationwide.

    For Press Inquiries, please contact: jenna@caracaulkins.com

    Source: Wondercide

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Dr. Jefferson’s #NoKillDecade Story

    Austin Pets Alive! | Dr. Jefferson’s #NoKillDecade Story

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    Sep 21, 2021

    Q: Tell us the story of each of your pups.

    A: Bernese is 9 years old and she’s from the San Antonio shelter. Back in 2012, she was part of a litter that was there and her littermates all got adopted and she didn’t for a year. She grew up in a kennel. Not a good situation at all. She was so fearful of people, that’s why she didn’t get adopted. She kept cowering in the back. And so when they were going through a space crisis, I asked if I could foster somebody that would help save them space and would help them save lives.

    Bernese and Buster

    Back then we were trying to do San Antonio Pets Alive! and trying to help that city and they gave me her. She was untouchable for several months so we just adopted her thinking she’d never warm up to people. But she’s done a lot better. Now she’s 9 and she’s mostly chill. Her biggest problem is that she’s terrified of people.

    Q: Is that because she was alone in her kennel during that time?

    A: Yeah, she’s tricky. She definitely has some dog/dog issues and some dog/people issues, but she’s my most normal.

    A: Buster was in Hurricane Harvey. He was in rabies quarantine in a Houston shelter. At that time they weren’t vaccinating for distemper because they thought they weren’t allowed to since the law says they have to wait for the rabies vaccine at the end of quarantine, but it’s not true that it’s illegal and we’ve since worked with them and they now vaccinate every dog that’s going through rabies quarantine. He was really, really sick.

    He was paralyzed for a month. He lost all of the muscles in his head so he can’t open his mouth. His esophagus didn’t work. He’s a total disaster. He has a stomach tube on the side of his stomach where he still gets fed because he can’t open his mouth. It’s been 4 years and it’s taken him this long to start licking food out of a frying pan after he gets his medications to get his esophagus to work. He’s come a long way. He’s not paralyzed anymore, but he can’t open his mouth. He can get his tongue out a tiny bit and he’s so sweet. He’s a miracle dog. We don’t know exactly how old he is. We thought he was maybe 2 when he came into the shelter so he’s probably around 6.

    A: Echo is the little brown one and she was right before Hurricane Harvey.

    Echo

    She was a distemper puppy pulled from San Antonio that came over to APA! that was in a foster home with her brother. Her brother died immediately and she got really sick and became paralyzed. She was 8 weeks old when that happened. She was paralyzed for 2-3 months. Me and Pam Martin shared custody of her when I was going back and forth to Houston.

    This happened right when Harvey hit. She has a ton of developmental issues because she couldn’t move during her growth phases. She has one arm that goes to the side. It was the only one she could move for a few months so that one’s become her most muscular arm, kind of in a weird position which then made it hard to fit her for a cart or to get anybody to help with her because her limbs go in all different directions and her back legs don’t really work. So she’s permanently paralyzed and she’s mostly continent. When she scoots around, she goes to the bathroom. She’s kind of the highest need dog we have even though Buster has a lot of problems. She’s really sweet too. She’s very loving but because she was going to die when she was a baby, she never got exposed to people except for me and Pam. So she hasn’t developed any socialization skills which is why she barks like crazy. But she warms up pretty quick.

    A: Bullfrog is also from San Antonio. He was born in 2012. They were going through a massive distemper outbreak.

    Bullfrog

    When shelters go through the evolution of massive killing to saving more [lives], that exposes all of the problems. So shelters like San Antonio and Houston that had really high death rates, never knew they were spreading distemper everywhere because all of the animals died so they didn’t exhibit symptoms. So as you start seeing that trajectory upward of live release rate, distemper comes out in an outbreak because they’re not vaccinating at intake. They’re not keeping anyone separate. They’re not doing any of the things to help the disease spread. So he was exposed as a baby. His whole litter died. He also had Parvo and I had all of the Parvo puppies from San Antonio for a year. He got over Parvo and got really sick with distemper. He couldn’t lift his head off of the ground for 2 years and couldn’t open his mouth for 2 years, so we also thought he was going to die because he was in such bad shape so we didn’t socialize him either. Now he can run around and bite people which is not great. At least he’s controllable because he only has 3 legs.

    Q: How do they all get along?

    A: Ehhhh. Echo is the biggest problem because she’s a bossy bee. She’s always growling…so we have to keep her separate when we’re not home.

    Q: Can you share the story of how the Parvo ward started in your bathroom?

    Dr. J looking back at the bathroom where it all started.

    A: It started in that bathroom [points]. It’s all tile so it’s a great place to have Parvo. I took home the first litter and it just kept being the Parvo ward after that. The upstairs bathroom wasn’t finished when we moved in so I painted the floors with sealer so we could put puppies up there. We didn’t have enough money at the time to finish it. The upstairs and downstairs are where I tried to segregate the dogs.

    Q: When did that start?

    A: The first litter of puppies was Thanksgiving 2008. That was the first litter we got that was really sick. I went to pick up healthy puppies to transport for somebody and the shelter said, “I don’t think you want those puppies, they’re pretty sick.” I went back and looked at them and I was like I can handle this.

    Q: Did you know how to treat Parvo at that time?

    A: Oh yeah, you learn that in vet school. All vet clinics can do it. We treated it in every vet clinic I worked at – it’s common. That was the real epiphany, why can’t shelters treat it? There was an unspoken rule that shelters aren’t allowed to treat it because of potential spread throughout the shelter. Even when we started treating it, shelter professionals came out of the woodwork to shame us. It really helped that I was a vet and I could be like, “That’s ridiculous.” It takes one person to really damage your reputation.

    Dr. J holding one of the parvo puppies in her home

    A: They were just killed hand over fist. All of these purebred pugs and basset hounds, all sorts of things that come through the shelters because they have Parvo and they’re surrendered. Somehow people know to do that, and that still happens all across Texas. It is kind of sad to think that people have purchased these dogs and I assume they love them. Some of the bills they’re quoted are like $10K. That’s part of what I’m really excited about with the future and HASS. If we can start helping people when their dogs get sick, then it helps prevent them from just getting another one, because who’s telling them not to bring another puppy into that environment where it’s all over the place? Nobody.

    Q: What was it like having all of those puppies in your home?

    A: When all of the San Antonio puppies were here, it was the most. It was 25 at a time. Our whole guest room was filled with crates and the bathrooms were filled with Parvo puppies. I probably spent 8 hours away cleaning and treating dogs.

    Obviously, it needed to be more sustainable and San Antonio has their own Parvo ward now. After that first year, they didn’t need help in someone’s home anymore. It’s a horrible odor.

    Q: Was it just you? (photos below are some of the parvo puppies she saved in her bathroom)

    A: Yeah. I didn’t really have anybody to help. It’s really hard to come into somebody’s house and help with that. So yeah it was just me. It’s all of the goal to never do that again. It’s sad to think that those 25 puppies were just fine.

    Q: What does the 10 year anniversary of No Kill Austin mean to you?

    A: I think that it’s awesome. We’re the longest-standing No Kill community. It’s really exciting. It’s amazing that when we started everybody said it’s not sustainable, it’s not going to work, you guys are going to be overloaded. You can’t possibly keep up with all of the animals that need to be saved. I think it’s good that that has proven to be untrue. It is sustainable in a way. I think what we’re trying to head towards now is more sustainability that doesn’t rely on APA! having to do acrobatics to make sure every animal is safe. It should be more institutionalized in the government system. But as long as we’re here, it’s sustainable. It’s inspiring.

    Dr. J at examining a dog in APA!’s trailer at Austin Pizza

    Q: Why do you think people are still so hard-headed around the idea that No Kill is impossible?

    A: It’s not people outside the system. It’s typically people inside the system. And when you’ve been doing it for so long…I can see the change of people who join the movement in an organization that has a high rate of killing. I can see the psychological change that happens. They cross the line and they recognize that they can’t do it [become No Kill] and they’re okay with it. I don’t mean okay, it’s still damaging. There’s a shift that happens. I don’t know if you can ever get back from that.

    Q: Do you think it’s going to take a younger generation to have new ideas to make a change?

    A: Yes. I think there has to be a changing of the guard. There has to be an expectation that it’s not acceptable to kill animals. And then things start to change. The system is rooted in this powerless feeling of “Well we just have to clean up the mess from the irresponsible pet owners.” Anytime the language is used that way, it’s outside the power of the org, people’s irresponsibility is outside the power, as soon as the conversation shifts to that, you lose the ability to change things you can’t control. When you talk about it in terms of things you can’t control, you can’t do it. When you talk about things in terms of things you can control, then you can do it. But I think it will take more people to be aware that it’s possible and that it should be done in order to remove the expectation that it’s okay not to. All governments have accepted that that’s okay.

    Q: What are you most proud of over the past 10 years?

    A: I’m so proud of the organization. We’ve done so much as a group. It’s incredibly difficult work. It’s not easy. It’s not always fun. It causes burnout. I’m proud that we’re at the point where we are. We’re having discussions on how to make things sustainable.

    Dr. J in the early days of APA! at Town Lake Animal Center

    We don’t rely on people who are burning out and then passing the baton to someone else to burn out. I’m proud that we’re here. I’m proud that we made it happen and I’m proud that we’re still doing it and I’m proud that we’re looking to make it better.

    Q: Where do you see the movement in the next 10 years?

    A: By starting to crack the nut of animals not dying in shelters, it starts to show that there can be some systemization to anything in the shelter. The only systemization that existed forever was to take them in for 3 days and kill them. That happens over and over everywhere across America. So clearly it has some roots in institutionalization. By being able to automate lifesaving to a degree, we’ve got the Bottle Baby ward where kittens go, there’s a place for every type of animal to go so they don’t die. What we need to do next is create that same kind of pipeline for animals that aren’t going to die, even in our own shelter. The pipeline needs to be clear of how they’re getting out. A big dog that’s rowdy at the city shelter comes to our shelter and there needs to be a very clear path on how it gets out. Instead of focusing on the care in the shelter, maybe in addition. So that’s step one, making sure the whole system is automated.

    A: The next piece is trying to untangle why animals are coming in, to begin with. It’s always this assumption that pet owners don’t care and animals are just stray and have no owner. And probably none of those things are true. We have to start looking at the things we can control and can be changed and that’s never been done before. It’s just astounding for this time and age. I think it goes back to if you think you can’t control it, you don’t try to. It’s a mindset.

    A: Hopefully we will spend the next 10 years making Austin the epicenter of lifesaving for not only Austin but for everywhere else. Austin is on the brink of going one way or the other. Either we’re just a mediocre shelter, in a mediocre system, in a city with a good live release rate, which many cities have caught up to. Or we’re going to continue leading the charge and revolutionize the ways shelters operate. I hope we will spend the next 10 years making Austin the place people can come and learn, people can come and see it in action. The whole city understands how the intervention part works, how the care works, how the live outcomes work and it’s not just magic.

    Q: How do you feel about Austin being the epicenter of lifesaving and then Texas and California killing the most animals?

    A: I think we can change that dramatically. We already work heavily outside of Austin in Texas shelters. By focusing more on government laws and budgeting, giving governments the tools to make the changes even if they don’t have the right personality at the shelter or they don’t have the right city council. It shouldn’t have to be a perfect set of circumstances that causes No Kill. It should be a turnkey process. I think we can help a lot. One of the things we’re working on with HASS is a benchmarking system. Anyone in the public can compare their community with other communities which are then compared to what people want, not how shelters operate. People can use the public’s expectations to drive change. They’ve never had the tools in the past, and they still don’t have them, but if we can build those out for the average animal lover to make a change and drive that apathy then that’s a game-changer. I don’t think anyone wants pets to be killed in shelters.

    With Dr. Jefferson at the helm, the trajectory of APA! has exceeded anyone’s expectations. With her leadership and your support, we can ensure Austin will remain No Kill for more than 10 more years and counting.

    Join us in celebrating Austin’s 10th No Kill Anniversary by making a donation today. Thanks to a generous board member, all gifts will be DOUBLED up to $10K!

    Want to share your experience with Dr. Jefferson or APA!’s early days? Whatever your APA! story is, we want to hear it. Interact with all of our social posts this week to tell us your story using #NoKillDecade.

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Future of APA!: A Letter to Our Stakeholders

    Austin Pets Alive! | Future of APA!: A Letter to Our Stakeholders

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    Aug 24, 2021

    Friends,

    In 2017, the Austin City Council passed a resolution that APA! could stay on the Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC) property for three 25-year agreements (75 years!). City staff and APA! were directed to negotiate and execute an agreement over the next three years.

    Since then, APA!, with the amazing help of our pro-bono attorneys at Drenner Group, and the City has been in intense negotiations, resulting in two emergency extensions to allow both sides more time to come to a consensus. This has proven very difficult and our exact future is unknown. We want to make sure that you, as a valued APA! partner, are being brought along more thoroughly as this unfolds and a final decision is reached in the months ahead. What is crucial for you to know today is that it is impossible for APA! to operate with the TLAC facility service agreement currently in place, and due to the state of our facility, we have no choice but to either renegotiate those terms or find a new facility. We want you to be aware of this as we continue to work with the City of Austin to determine our future in the months ahead.

    I’m sure you are asking: why can’t you just keep your current terms? The top-line answer to that is that it’s complicated. The complications involve requirements around the parkland that TLAC sits upon, the campus buildings in various stages of disrepair, the City’s Lamar Beach Master Plan, operations at both Austin Animal Center and APA!, and our vision for the future of No Kill. It is too much to pack into one letter. In an effort to keep you informed but not overwhelmed, we will be sharing this information in pieces over the next few weeks. We welcome your questions and thoughts as you hear our plans unfold.

    When we started APA!, our goal was to make Austin a sustainable, No Kill city. We envisioned a place where all pets would be truly safe from death and where euthanasia due to space and time limits would no longer exist. Now, more than a decade and nearly 100,000 lives saved later, we have succeeded in fulfilling that mission year-over-year, making Austin the safest place in America for lost and homeless pets, and spreading that territory into the rest of Texas. This will not change, no matter the outcome of our relationship with the City.

    As we are sustained entirely on donations and rely heavily on fosters and volunteers, we could never have accomplished making, and keeping, Austin No Kill without your tireless support. Your ongoing investment has helped us transform Austin and show the world what it looks like when a community comes together to work towards one goal. Every dollar you’ve given, every hour you’ve spent volunteering, and every pet you’ve fostered or adopted have resulted in what has come to seem normal but is truly extraordinary.

    Thank you,

    Ellen Jefferson, DVM
    President and CEO
    Austin Pets Alive!/American Pets Alive!

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  • Canadian Apparel and Home Goods Brand, Consumer Commodity, Launches NFT Product With Fashion Icon Nick Wooster

    Canadian Apparel and Home Goods Brand, Consumer Commodity, Launches NFT Product With Fashion Icon Nick Wooster

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    Fashion icon, Nick Wooster, has officially dropped his first ever NFT in collaboration with Consumer Commodity, a Vancouver based consumer goods brand focused on apparel, personal care, and household essentials. Consumer Commodity aims to be at the forefront of consumer goods and blockchain / NFT. Their Nick Wooster NFT is a bold deep dive into the digital trading space to build community hype around their new product / brand launch.

    Press Release



    updated: May 19, 2021

    Consumer Commodity’s Nick Wooster NFT debuts the menswear fashion icon wearing Consumer Commodity apparel in the form of a digital motion art piece. There are 4 tiers to the Nick Wooster collectible NFT’s, with a limited number available of each across Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Colour. They are available on RARIBLE as of May 19th. As only a limited number of Nick Wooster NFT’s will be created, there’s added value to the rarity of these collectibles while creating a totally unique brand experience. 

    While NFTs are still speculative in nature, there is added value for Consumer Commodity & Nick Wooster with this new approach. Being able to authenticate ownership of a digital art collectible will create a lasting piece of the brand that will live on the blockchain. There verifiable uniqueness of the Nick Wooster x CON-C NFT’s also deepen the commemoration of their apparel/ products and reputable designer, London Alexander. 

    Consumer Commodity is offering 20% off all sweatsuit pieces (the same as Nick Wooster appears in via NFT) on their online shop, CON-C. 

    Source: Consumer Commodity / CON-C

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    Categories:
    Fashion and Apparel, Digital Living

    Tags:
    Apparel, Bitcoin, Blockchain, Celebrity, Cryptocurrency, Fashion, New York, NFT, Nick Wooster, Sustainable, Vancouver


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  • Kearsarge Energy Announces Andrew Bernstein Entrepreneur of the Year® 2019 Award Finalist in New England

    Kearsarge Energy Announces Andrew Bernstein Entrepreneur of the Year® 2019 Award Finalist in New England

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    ​Kearsarge Energy is pleased to announce that its Managing Partner and Founder, Andrew Bernstein, is a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Award in the New England region. Widely considered one of the most prestigious business awards programs in the U.S., the program recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities, while also transforming our world. Andrew Bernstein was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 26 at the Westin Waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts.

    Andrew Bernstein is a serial entrepreneur, having led two AI software companies to market leadership and subsequent acquisition. Inspired by a vision to promote profitable sustainability, in 2009 Bernstein founded Kearsarge Energy, an Independent Power Producer (IPP) which develops, finances, owns and operates renewable energy projects.

    Kearsarge’s mission is to create public-private partnerships that benefit communities and the environment. Kearsarge typically uses publicly owned brownfields and Super Fund sites that have limited — if any — utility for local communities, transforming those properties into a revenue-generating asset for all stakeholders. Kearsarge often improves public land as part of a solar project, having installed bike paths, walking paths and other improvements to land adjacent to its solar fields. When the solar project is complete, the land is restored to its original condition, and in many cases improved, while generating revenue for the owner for the duration of the solar project.

    Bernstein notes, “I am proud of what Kearsarge and its many public and private sector partners and dedicated and brilliant staff have been able to achieve over the last several years. Although I am thrilled to have been named a finalist, I am acutely aware that many others had a significant hand in building Kearsarge’s renewable energy business. One of the most critical learnings in my personal journey is that no entrepreneur succeeds alone.”

    Now in its 33rd year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.

    Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on Nov. 16, 2019. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

    Sponsors

    Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

    In the New England region, gold sponsors include fama PR, the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Nixon Peabody, True Search and Woodruff Sawyer. Silver sponsors include Brown Brothers Harriman, Chatham Financial, Empire Valuation Consultants, Morgan Lewis, Sullivan & Worcester and T3 Advisors.

    About Kearsarge Energy

    Kearsarge Energy, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a leading renewable energy project development, finance, and asset management company, with a dual mission to help build a more sustainable world and to provide superior returns to stakeholders and the environment. Kearsarge is focused on creating long-term value by working with local communities to meet the growing demand for commercial and utility-scale renewable energy projects. Visit www.kearsargeenergy.com or contact us at (617) 393-4222.

    About Entrepreneur Of The Year®

    Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

    Source: Kearsarge Energy

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  • China’s Richest Man, Peacemaker President and the Undercover Photographer Amongst Award Recipients

    China’s Richest Man, Peacemaker President and the Undercover Photographer Amongst Award Recipients

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    Press Release



    updated: Nov 9, 2018

    What are the Les Jeunes du Monde Unis Awards? In a world rampant with poverty and conflict, The Les Jeunes du Monde Unis association works across all five continents, aiming to promote the fundamental values necessary for mankind to prosper and coexist.

    On the 12 November 2018, The Les Jeunes du Monde Unis association will be honouring individuals they believe have made outstanding contributions within their respective humanitarian and ecological fields. Whether it be their tireless and selfless work with the community, extraordinary innovations or assiduous bravery in standing up against corruption, the recipients of the Les Jeunes du Monde Unis “Values Awards 2018” have all fought valiantly to make the world a better place.

    The award ceremony will take place at the Casino de Madrid, following a short reception and a fashion show by the virtuoso designer Ehsan Chamoun – all after a weekend of Youth Leadership seminars, workshops and activities hosted by Les Jeunes du Monde Unis that not only attempt to educate leaders, but provide them with the utensils necessary to co-operate and creatively coalesce with influential leaders across the world.

    The recipients of the Les Jeunes du Monde Unis Awards remind us that any one individual can make a profound difference. We can, and should all be foot soldiers in the fight for social, economic, political and ecological progression and justice.

    Global Values Award (Padre Angel Garcia Rodriguez)

    Padre Angel Garcia Rodriguez is the founder of the Messengers of Peace Association and Founding President of the Golden Age Association. He is also known as the ‘Father Angel’, who has created projects improving the quality of life of those who are vulnerable in society. This moved beyond The Spanish border more than two decades ago, improving welfare for underprivileged populations in developing countries.

    Literature Award – Shared Global Values (Mrs. Joanna Jarecka-Gomez)

    Joanna Jarecka-Gomez, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP Group and director of External Policies-Regions, where she holds responsibility for EU regional external policy. She was head of EPP Group’s International Relations Service since 2010 after serving as Head of the Interparliamentary Delegations Unit for three years. Her intrepid work in International diplomacy and development has paved the way for many men, women and children living in poverty to receive an access to literature and education they hadn’t previously been privy to.

    Peace Award – National and International Reconciliation (President Abdelaziz Bouteflika)

    The president of Algeria is the head of state and chief executive of Algeria, as well as being commander in chief of the Algerian People’s National Armed Forces. He is the longest-serving president of Algeria, where he has helped end the Algerian Civil War in 2002 and settled states of emergency amidst civil unrest.

    Conservation Award – Visual Artist for Social Change (Mr. Adrian Steirn)

    Adrian Steirn is a photographer and filmmaker, whose work in South Africa, through his photo-journalism project 21 Icons and Beautiful News, a platform that celebrates the extraordinary fabric of human nature. His work has been a showpiece for how positive journalism can fundamentally change communities, with his work bringing global attention to key issues such as poaching in Southern Africa, and the illegal ivory trade perpetrated by the Mugabe regime. His tireless work in this field reflects a compulsion to fight corruption and bureaucratic malfeasance.

    Economic Award – Economic Sustainability (Mr. Jack Ma)

    Jack Ma co-founded and chairs the Alibaba Group, one of the world’s largest ecommerce businesses. Born into a poor family in eastern China, Mr. Ma began his career as an English teacher before becoming a self-made billionaire. He has been an unbelievably generous donor – pouring money into education across many of the poorest, rural areas of China

    Through the encouragement of education, and their energy and enthusiasm in the fight against poverty, intolerance, malfeasance, conflict and income inequality, these individuals have fought to make the world a more fair, dignified place.

    The Les Jeunes Du Monde Unis association is proud to honour them for their compassion and tireless endeavour. For more information, visit www.lesjeunesdumondeunis.com.

    Please contact jackf@ippublicity.com for enquiries

    Source: Les Jeunes du Monde Unis

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  • Urthbox Gives Away 5,000 Free Snack Boxes in April 2017 for Its “UrthDay” Celebration in Observance of Earth Day

    Urthbox Gives Away 5,000 Free Snack Boxes in April 2017 for Its “UrthDay” Celebration in Observance of Earth Day

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    Donates to environmental non-profits 350.org, Friends of The Earth, Nature Conservancy, and GreenPeace.org for every box claimed in April.

    Press Release



    updated: Apr 11, 2017

    UrthBox, the national monthly subscription delivery service for healthier earth-conscious and sustainable snack foods and beverages, today announced that the company will celebrate Earth Day this year by giving away 5,000 free snack boxes to earth-conscious fans every day for the month of April.  Additionally, the company will also make donations for every free box claimed, to the environmental non-profits 350.org, Friends of The Earth, The Nature Conservancy and GreenPeace.org

    Starting at 4 AM Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday April 11th through to 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on Sunday April 30th, health and earth conscious consumers nationwide will get a free UrthBox, valued at up to $49 USD, by visiting www.urthbox.com/urthday and being one of 5,000 people to claim their free box. Each box will introduce a variety of ethically sourced, GMO-free and organic foods, snacks and beverages from innovative environmental and health conscious consumer brands.  Consumers will pay a $2.99 shipping and handling fee for the free UrthDay box.

    “As world citizens, we are up against some life-changing ethical and environmental global challenges involving food sourcing and manufacturing,” says Ben Behrouzi, CEO of UrthBox. “It’s one of the reasons why we believe it’s so important to not only make GMO-free and ethically-sourced food products more readily available in today’s marketplace, but to also help accelerate consumer awareness in an effort to drive greater change in the food and beverage industry.”  

    UrthDay evolved from UrthBox’s mission—to promote the importance of health and sustainability with food to consumers.  The company offers its monthly subscription service in Classic, Gluten-Free, Vegan and Diet variations to consumers in the U.S. and Canada nationwide.  For brands, UrthBox serves as a national platform to access and educate conscious consumers on healthier and more sustainable food options available in the marketplace. 

    About UrthBox

    UrthBox, based out of San Francisco, is the best way to discover healthier and more conscious foods, snacks and beverages delivered right to your door every month.  To learn more, please contact press@urthbox.com.  To participate in UrthDay and get your free first UrthBox, visit http://www.urthbox.com/urthday

    Source: UrthBox

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  • pHur, LLC Launches Breakthrough Disinfecting Water; EPA Approved

    pHur, LLC Launches Breakthrough Disinfecting Water; EPA Approved

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    Press Release



    updated: Nov 30, 2016

    ​pHur, LLC has launched into the consumer and small business market the first ever hospital-level disinfectant made purely from water and salt, replacing multiple toxic products used in everyday cleaning.

    pHur has licensed exclusive development rights from Aquaox, LLC, the Dutch engineering company world renown for water electro-oxygenation. Serial entrepreneurs, Jeff Christensen (Los Angeles/OC) and Bryan Holland (San Diego, Bay Area), are principals in ZEROREZ®, California’s award-winning carpet and surface cleaning company.

    From a standing start in 2003, Jeff and Bryan now operate more than 40 cleaning trucks statewide and have seen first-hand how a modified, high pH water can replace toxic chemicals.  However, along the way they became convinced that the technology held the promise of also revolutionizing disinfection — which is exactly what pHur represents.  Working with Aquaox, pHur has now successfully registered with the EPA a stable, neutral pH water that physically kills 99.99% of known bacteria and viruses such as MRSA, E.coli, Salmonella, VRE, and more.  Remarkably, this water mimics the very hypochlorous solution our bodies naturally create to fight infection.

    With hospital-acquired infection now topping $30 billion in annual costs and the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, pHur™ is aiming to redefine the way the world disinfects.  Co-founder Jeff Christensen says, “the time has come for a safer, more effective way to disinfect our homes and workplaces.  Today’s responsible consumer understands the benefits of a natural lifestyle. pHur Cleaning and Disinfecting water will help complete that lifestyle rather than allowing harsh chemicals to conflict with it.”

    To manage initial demand, pHur will begin its product rollout in California, Texas, Washington, and Nevada by providing an economical system kit ($30.95) online at pHurwater.com. Given pHur’s all-natural properties, product must be used within 30-days; conveniently, the option to receive automated, fresh monthly refills is available for $19.95/month. pHur will also offer an on-site, electrostatically applied whole-home or office disinfection service. This service will be value-priced and is expected to be in high demand during cold and flu season. Based on its successful, decade-long experience working with electro-oxygenated water, ZEROREZ® will be the exclusive service partner in California.  Live naturally. Live Clean. Live pHur.

    MEDIA CONTACT

    Jonathan Abramson
    ​President & Founder, bluetone Marketing & Public Relations
    Ph: 619.807.6349
    Em:jonathan@bluetonemarketing.com​
    bluetonemarketing.com

    Source: bluetone Marketing & Public Relations on behalf of pHur LLC

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