News New sustainability education video

NEWS RELEASE June 11, 2005 Contact: Doug Freeman – 503.246.2439 SUSTAINABILITY AT WORK Portland, Ore. — How many business owners and managers would adopt more socially responsible practices if they better understood the business case for it? That’s the question that sparked production of a new educational DVD titled “Architecture to Zucchini: The people, companies and organizations pioneering sustainability.” Doug Freeman and David Decker, producers at Arnold Creek Productions, took almost a year to research sustainability in business and start production of the video. The more businesspeople and experts they talked with, the more they began to see the adoption of sustainable practices as an economic development opportunity—a way for companies to improve their bottom line and do good at the same time. Regional leaders in sustainability quickly supported the project and opened their doors for interviews and tours. They also appreciated the entrepreneurial spirit of Freeman and Decker who were bankrolling the entire production themselves, not accepting advertising, grants or other funding from participants or other sources. “We talked with business owners, sustainability consultants, news media contacts and educators,” says Freeman. “It was clear that businesspeople wanted to be guided in their exploration of sustainability by other businesspeople who successfully implemented sustainable practices, as well as by experts who work across industries, governments and education. They wanted to hear their voices, see tours of these companies and learn firsthand about the challenges and practical methods of adopting sustainable practices.” The video is a two-hour, 12-segment program on DVD is designed to educate business, academic and government audiences about the principles, practices, challenges and benefits of moving toward sustainability. The focus is on taking into account the social, environmental, economic and health impacts of doing business. It’s only the first of a series of video productions on sustainability Freeman and Decker have in the works. They’re already working on a program targeting curriculum and facilities management in colleges and universities. To do this, they teamed up with Anthony Cortese, Ph.D., a nationally recognized authority on sustainability in higher education and a founder of Second Nature, Natural Step U.S. and Education for Sustainability Western Network. Eight companies are featured in “Architecture to Zucchini,” including The Collins Companies, Norm Thompson, ShoreBank Pacific, Stahlbush Island Farms, Barrs & Genauer Construction, Zenger Farm, New Seasons Market and Hot Lips Pizza. The program also contains interviews with the executive directors of Sustainable Northwest, the Oregon Natural Step Network, Ecotrust and Second Nature/Education for Sustainability. A planned part two of this program is expected to cover the energy, hospitality, government, transportation, tourism, manufacturing and recycling industries. Several more top experts in sustainability will be interviewed too. A trailer showing clips from each segment is viewable on the producer's Web site at www.arnoldcreekproductions.com. The DVD retails for $60 plus $5.50 S/H (US). It’s available from Amazon.com, Arnold Creek Productions, Green Planet Films and some sustainability related organizations. The program also is being incorporated into the sustainability curriculum at a growing number of colleges and universities around the country, so it may be purchased through their channels. “There are incredible opportunities out there for businesses that embrace sustainability, not only in their own operations but in the products or services they offer,” says Freeman. The demand for organically grown food is exploding, individuals and businesses are choosing more energy-efficient products, construction of LEED certified buildings is booming and “cradle to cradle” product development is a hot topic across industries. He adds, “Every one of the individuals interviewed for our video agrees that it’s just smart business to move toward sustainability because it reduces costs, improves employee retention, benefits communities, attracts devoted customers and pays off on the bottom line in healthy profits.” ###
Concerned URL http://www.arnoldcreekproductions.com
Release date 12/06/2005
Contributor nituacor

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