Speaking of Patty...

Patty will be speaking at the 2008 Apparel Executive Forum taking place Oct 5-7 at, The Four Seasons, in Palm Beach FL. The Apparel Executive Forum is an exclusive, invitation-only event designed especially for influential apparel and retail executives and progressive industry suppliers. The conference is limited to 100 senior-level executives representing apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.apparelmag.com

Here's to the Earth...

Team,

I realize that most of us are out of the office, but it does bring a little tear to my eye to not be in proximity to you all on such a special day, that would no doubt be full of lots of banter back and forth and harassment for me, a better option than remaining in this cubicle where I don’t really have the right to spread green wisdom.

In lieu of doing something as a group, I was inspired by my Outward Bound Quote of the Day:

"The important thing for you is not how much you know, but the quality of what you know."
- Erasmus

And thought that it might be fun to share a list of a few of the sources that I use to gain good knowledge on the environment and all things “sustainable.” Perhaps, to start a chain of eco-inspiration on Earth Day that I would love for anyone else to build upon. You got insight on saving the planet? I am all ears.

Here’s where I go to learn about environmental issues – both fun stuff, practical stuff, and sometimes serious stuff.





















www.sprig.com Created by the Washington Post, this site has great information on eco-friendly products and eco-friendly people – entrepreneurs who are changing the world, and often these are small business people. Go to the website and sign on to the daily newsletter that includes info on one product, one person. It’s a wealth of information for those of us that like to buy nice things (it’s a little pricey) or just look at nice things that we’d like to buy later in life!










www.idealbite.com My libertarian philosophy professor’s wife, who is a yoga instructor, referred me to this website. So rest assured, it’s smart, practical, and the absolute minimal information you need to make fair decisions (both to others and to yourself) (i.e. cheap!) on what to buy, what to read, what to build. It’s a lot less froo-frooey then sprig but for those of us that are wondering, “How can I lessen my impact easily?” it’s great daily newsletter to receive.










www.stopglobalwarming.org Thought I would add this to the list, given our strong interest in celebrity affairs around the office. A website and newsletter from an organization that is environmental activism Hollywood-style. Started by the woman who partnered with Al Gore for An Inconvenient Truth, Laurie David, there are some slight political leanings but it’s really not too drastic (i.e. the grist). Instead, go here to see cute pictures of Leo or George spreading the word. There’s also a Stop Global Warming March that they’ve held online – you go, sign up for the march and then get the monthly newsletter automatically.







www.sierraclub.com If you’re looking for quality of information, here’s where to go. It’s the most established environmental awareness group with great local activism. As a member you get the national quarterly magazine and a local quarterly newsletter. It’s how I learn about things like the huge coal plant that Dominion is trying to build in western Virginia, or the cool things happening on the James. Thought it might be nice for those of us that love the local nature that people don’t take advantage of enough. Anyways, a great reference, should you not want to join ($25.00).


That’s it. Again, just wanted to share some places I use to continue to try to stay informed – hope everyone is having a great day, and again, if you’ve got a newsletter, blog, organization, etc. that you’d like to share – feel free to leave a comment. Wanted everyone to get this information today – wherever we are!

Seriously people.
-Patty

Extra Extra

Play has been published in Ronald E. Riggio's The Art of Followership. Fellow contributors include James MacGregor Burns, Jean Lipman-Blumen, and Ira Chaleff.

Andy and Patty share indispensable insight to leaders of innovative change in their chapter, "Effective Followership for Creativity and Innovation: A Range of Colors and Dimensions." In chapter twenty-one to be exact, they break the matrix model of effective followership for creativity and innovation down into colors red and blue and dimensions 1-D to 3-D. In the model, color measures enthusiasm, energy, and emotion, while dimensions channel the depth of perception behind a follower’s problem-solving capabilities and potential.


The four combinations this model yields provide the framework for the different types of effective followers: Creative Catalysts, Creative Supporters, Creative Skeptics, and Creative Statics. Recommendations and helpful insight for each blend of creative follower are additionally examined through what Play calls “Plus, Delta” strategies. “Plus” is to value-added quality of a follower as “Delta” is to tactics for the follower’s growth.

Applause for hard work and a job well-done.

Play Goes Green, Act One

Based upon an emerging internal interest in how Play can leverage “sustainability” (i.e. environmental stewardship, community give-back, corporate social responsibility, etc.), I have been quite the feisty advocate of authenticity around the office these days. With “green” as a passion, I want to challenge and encourage us to think about how we as a collective walk the walk before (ideally)/as (likely) we continue to work more and more with our clients on the topic.

After a heated discussion with me at the party last night, this morning, Andy announced that Play would no longer be buying bottled water. Looking for an immediate area of improvement, it’s a small step towards us being just a bit better. If you’re not sure why it matters, here’s two unique links to educate us on the matter:

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/117/features-message-in-a-bottle.html

An article that provides the “equal signs” for the energy that is used in producing and transporting startling numbers of bottled water. A lengthy article, but you can get the most crucial information in the first couple of pages. This is a good place to “get smart” on the topic quickly; it also has good business value case stories.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/waterwatch/?fs=plasma.nationalgeographic.com

This one is a little more fun/visual. Learn about the world water crisis that is happening already – think it doesn’t matter in the US? Check out the map. Also, think that bottled water is cleaner than tap water? Check out the FDA article on why it’s a “6 in one, half a dozen in the other” outcome: bottled water versus tap.

If we can look at this as the first step to 1. initiating some “sustainable” changes in-house and 2. stimulating good fodder to use in sustainability conversations with clients, then I’ll stop making such a fuss about the whole thing and we’ll be better for it overall. To be continued . . .Thanks team.