Category Archives: Environment

Isn’t It Possible to Save the Frogs?

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 27, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Little Green" publisher, Paraphrase, LLC, pledges support for Save The Frogs Day. Did you know there is a "Save The Frogs Day"? You may have read or heard at some point in the last few years about the alarming rate of disappearance of frogs in the world. While you might ask why this is important, frogs are essential to many ecosystems around the world. Frogs eat mosquitoes; provide us with medical advances; serve as food for birds, fish and monkeys; and their tadpoles filter our drinking water. Plus frogs look and sound cool, and kids love them -- so there are lots of reasons to Save The Frogs!

Frogs are an integral part of the food web. They are bioindicators of environmental disturbances. Frogs produce a wide array of skin secretions, many of which have significant potential to improve human health through their use as pharmaceuticals. And so much more!

Save The Frogs Day is April 30, 2016!

Conceived and coordinated by SAVE THE FROGS! (www.savethefrogs.com), the world's leading amphibian conservation organization, Save The Frogs Day is the biggest day of froggy conservation and education. The organization's goal for this special day is to encourage the appreciation and celebration of amphibians by people from all walks of life.

SAVE THE FROGS! encourages people in countries around the world to organize a Save The Frogs Day event in their own communities, and provides tips for event organizers and educational materials for distribution.

Help Save The Frogs by planning your own event or fundraising efforts, and be creative.

"Isn't it possible?" is the cornerstone message from one such fundraising effort. All profits from purchases of new print or kindle copies of "LITTLE GREEN" (Paraphrase, LLC 2012) from Amazon.com or via the website http://www.isntitpossible.com/ made on Save The Frogs Day, April 30, 2016, will be donated to SAVE THE FROGS!

"LITTLE GREEN" (ISBN: 978-0981587974) is a picture-book for 0-7 year olds, written by Arnold Rudnick, with illustrations by Marcelo Gorenman, featuring a little green frog on a quest to be special. He hops around from animal to animal asking 'Isn't it possible?' he can be one of them and do the special things they do. While the reader learns animal groups, skills, traits and sounds, Little Green learns almost anything is possible, but he has to start by being himself. "I hope that someday Little Green and 'Isn't it possible?' will be as familiar to children, and empowering, as 'I Think I Can!' from THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD," Rudnick says. "Reading makes things possible. Reading... and frogs."

"We really appreciate the generous support and inspiring message of 'LITTLE GREEN,'" says Michael Starkey, Ecologist and Save The Frogs Day Coordinator at SAVE THE FROGS!

"Isn't it possible," Little Green would ask, "that we can save the frogs on April 30, 2016?"

SAVE THE FROGS! (www.savethefrogs.com) is a worldwide movement dedicated to protecting the world's rapidly disappearing amphibian species. Visit http://www.savethefrogs.com/day/ for information and history of this ribbiting day, help in organizing you own event and getting it recognized officially in your area, educational materials, and much more. Visit http://www.savethefrogs.com/donations/fundraise.html to learn about other ways you can help.

Paraphrase, LLC, is a boutique publishing company promoting literacy with a mission to create thought-provoking media that educates, entertains and inspires. Their motto is "Read a book, Read a mind."(R) Visit the website at http://www.paraphrasellc.com/ or the "LITTLE GREEN" website at http://www.isntitpossible.com/.

Arnold Rudnick worked in feature development at Paramount Pictures and Gary Lucchesi Productions and has written for many television shows, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Star Trek: Voyager" and "The New Addams Family." His first book, "ESPete: Sixth Grade Sense" (www.espete.com) won a silver medal in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards (2009) and Reader's Favorite Awards (2010) and was a pick in Danny Brassell's Lazy Readers' Book Club (September 2012) (www.lazyreaders.com).

Marcelo Gorenman grew up in South America. He taught himself how to draw and was eventually accepted at the prestigious School of Visual Arts in New York City, and later the exclusive 3-D animation program at Sheridan College in Canada. Marcelo has worked in animation and illustration since 2002, in Europe, Canada and the USA.

For more information about the SAVE THE FROGS! please visit http://www.savethefrogs.com or contact: Michael Starkey at 415-878-6525 / starkey@savethefrogs.com

For more information about the participation of the author and publisher, or to schedule an interview with author Arnold Rudnick, please contact Loyd Auerbach via email at speakasyourself@gmail.com or by phone, 925-226-8116. Visit Paraphrase, LLC, on the web at http://www.paraphrasellc.com

Twitter @savethefrogs @isntitpossible @arnoldrudnick

*IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
(1) Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0427-little-green-book-300dpi.jpg
(2) Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0427-save-the-frogs-300dpi.jpg

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NEWS SOURCE Paraphrase LLC :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

New Post-Apocalyptic Fiction Thriller Puts Climate Change Front and Center

JACKSON, Mich., April 13, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Parched" (ISBN: 978-1530519248), a new mainstream fiction novel by award-winning author, Andrew Branham, depicts a dystopian society in a post-apocalyptic world where global warming is the villain.

"Parched" is set in an inhospitable environment, where the sun has assumed the role of what scientists are calling the "red giant."

This page-turning thriller follows one family on a harrowing journey from California to Ohio. When their home is abruptly robbed and burned to the ground, they are forced to make the trek in search of safety and water.

Governments have collapsed, cities are burning, lakes are dry and the environment is completely engulfed in extreme heat and practically devoid of water. Death is imminent. Facing ruthless bandits, murderers, and some of the most extreme conditions they have ever encountered, they struggle to survive. At one point, they make their home in an abandoned Ohio salt mine deep under Lake Erie, but challenges continue to face them.

It was while Branham was living in the East Bay of California during the drought that he was first inspired to write this novel. "I began to imagine a world where water was more valuable than gold," he says. "I visualized what it would be like to live with extreme temperatures and an anarchical society, envisioning how mankind would react to such a scenario and the lengths people would go to survive. Having grown up in a town on Lake Erie, I decided to incorporate the Great Lakes and my hometown of Lorain, Ohio."

Branham balances beauty with destruction to create a thriller that the reader is not soon to forget.

"I hope this novel will bring awareness to people that nature is a powerful force to be embraced and respected," he says.

Many readers previewed the book and had positive things to say. James Henkle said, "Every so often a new fiction author emerges that shakes up the norm in the literary world. 'Parched' does just that and may rival books such as 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. This is an extremely thrilling story with a great environmental message and prose that can be compared to the best of the best."

Published by Ant Press, "Parched," part one of a three-book series, is available in paperback and for the Kindle.

For more information visit: http://www.andrewbranham.com/.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewanddjadoption.

Twitter: @AuthorAndrewB

Watch a trailer for "Parched" here (YouTube): https://youtu.be/JBdMyrydNOc.

Find the book on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DR16USY.

About the Author:

Andrew Branham is a business executive with a degree in environmental science. He lives in Jackson, Mich. and is married with one daughter. He is an avid writer and has contributed articles and editorials to multiple major newspapers and websites throughout the country. His memoir, "Anything for Amelia," an Amazon best seller, was published in 2015 and has won numerous awards and honors.

* Photo for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0414-parched-book-300dpi.jpg
* Photo Caption: "Parched" book jacket.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew Branham
+1-412-354-1441
drew.branham75@gmail.com

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NEWS SOURCE Andrew Branham :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Robin L. Greenwald of Weitz & Luxenberg Named to Leadership Role in Volkswagen Multidistrict Litigation

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 22, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Robin L. Greenwald, a former senior attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice and now head of the Weitz & Luxenberg Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit, has been appointed to an important leadership role in the multidistrict federal court litigation currently advancing against Volkswagen, Weitz & Luxenberg today announced.

Greenwald was named to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee on Jan. 21 by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Consumers in this multidistrict litigation are alleging that Volkswagen sold them diesel vehicles programmed to pass smog tests by cheating, a capability that not only causes significant pollution but also substantially lessens the value of these expensive cars, the law firm said.

The matter is known as In Re: Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Marketing, Sales Practices, And Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2672 CRB JSC), according to Weitz & Luxenberg.

'Defeat Device' Said Installed in VW Diesels:

The litigation against Volkswagen traces back to mid-September when it was revealed that the company had outfitted nearly half a million diesel vehicles in the U.S. with a device to enable them to appear compliant with air pollution emissions standards when in fact they were not, law firm indicated.

Weitz & Luxenberg said it then initiated a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen on behalf of defrauded consumers across the country.

The complaint brought by Weitz & Luxenberg alleged in part that purchasers of the affected Volkswagen cars paid a premium to own these diesel vehicles, a premium attributable to their alleged environmental benefits and performance, the law firm said.

The Volkswagen lawsuit is not the first multidistrict litigation in which Greenwald has held a leadership position, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Earlier, she served as plaintiffs' liaison counsel in In Re: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether ("MBTE") Products Liability Litigation (MDL 1358) and for the past five years she has been a member of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee for the BP Oil Spill litigation (MDL 2179), the law firm said.

A History of Championing Consumers:

Greenwald began her career in law as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. She later became assistant chief of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice, in charge of Legislation, Policy and Special Litigation, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Greenwald then was appointed as General Counsel for the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the law firm said.

From there, she served as executive director of an international not-for-profit water protection organization and as a clinical professor of law at Rutgers Law School before joining Weitz & Luxenberg in 2005, according to the law firm.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/robin-l-greenwald-of-weitz-luxenberg-named-to-leadership-role-in-volkswagen-multidistrict-litigation-2016-0122-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Energy Optimizers USA leadership advocates for clean energy in Washington, D.C.

TIPP CITY, Ohio, Nov. 30, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In November, two members of Energy Optimizers, USA's senior leadership team traveled to Washington, D.C. to join a national delegation that lobbied congressional leaders for clean energy.

President and CEO Greg Smith and Vice President and Director of Lighting Sales Doug Trimbach joined other entrepreneurs, executives and investors from around the nation at the fifth annual Washington, D.C. Forum, hosted by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2). During the forum, which ran from November 16-18, 2015, participants attended high-level briefings with senior government officials and thought leaders on current policy debates and met with leaders in Congress and the administration on legislative priorities.

The group emphasized the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan and related advocacy on Capitol Hill. The campaign's timing is tied to the upcoming negotiations at the Paris Climate Conference.

"We are proud to represent our industry and our state in advocating for common-sense policies for clean energy," said Smith. "It's not just about securing better, safer and more sustainable energy for future generations; it's also about ensuring our congressional leaders understand that good jobs and innovative technologies are at stake, both in Ohio and around the country."

Trimbach and Smith volunteered their time for the advocacy mission, as did all other business leaders who participated in the nonpartisan trip is nonpartisan. Delegates met with a variety of staffers and legislators on both sides of the aisle.

"Clean energy standards should not be a partisan issue, because they benefit all of us," Trimbach said. "Improved energy efficiency and clean energy investments save tax dollars from the federal level to the local level. In turn, removing barriers to investment in clean energy technologies will foster startups and job growth across the nation."

This is not the first time the company has lobbied in D.C., nor the first national platform for its initiatives. In April, Trimbach joined an E2 national delegation to advocate for clean energy in Washington, D.C. And in August, Energy Optimizers, USA, was mentioned in a speech given by President Barack Obama at the National Clean Energy Summit.

Closer to home, Smith has also been fiercely lobbying Ohio legislators to move forward with the state's clean energy standards under Senate Bill 310.

"Standards in energy efficiency and renewable energy will save government agencies, businesses and homeowners on utility bills," Smith said. "And more important, they will help bring made-in-Ohio technologies to market while adding more jobs to our state. We can't risk losing out on these opportunities to other states that are moving forward with sensible reforms."

More information about Energy Optimizers, USA, can be found at http://energyoptusa.com/. More information about E2 can be found at http://www.e2.org/.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company is ranked in the Top 500 of INC. Magazine's list of 5,000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a BBB Eclipse Integrity Award Finalist (2012).

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

TWITTER: @EoptimizeUSA

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/energy-optimizers-usa-leadership-advocates-for-clean-energy-in-washington-dc-2015-1130-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Energy Optimizers, USA :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz and Luxenberg to Target Volkswagen Over ‘Defeat Device’ Emissions Recall

NEW YORK, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Owners of recalled Volkswagen diesel passenger cars sold with emissions controls designed to cheat during smog tests may be entitled to compensation from the automaker, the nationally known personal injury law firm Weitz & Luxenberg said today.

The firm announced plans to bring a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen on behalf of defrauded consumers across the country, including in California and New York, where Weitz & Luxenberg has offices.

Weitz & Luxenberg said it believes that consumers who purchased one of the 482,000 Volkswagen vehicles the federal government last week ordered recalled may be entitled to damages from Volkswagen.

According to Robin L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit, owners could recover an amount of money equal to the lost value of their car. The diesel engine on these cars increased their purchase price by several thousands of dollars, she explained.

"When owners of the recalled Volkswagen cars bought them they were promised a lawfully compliant emission system, but that promise turned out to be a deliberate falsehood because Volkswagen built into the emission system a 'defeat device,'" Greenwald said.

"That device tricked the consumer and the government when the vehicle was brought in for emission tests - allowing the vehicle to pass the test - even though when on the road the vehicle far exceeded allowable emissions," she said.

"As a result of the intentional misrepresentation, these recalled Volkswagen cars will be worth substantially less than paid for," Greenwald indicated.

'Defeat Device' Allowed Volkswagen Cars to Pass:

According to NBC News, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discovered that Volkswagen rigged its onboard emission control software with special programming - the 'defeat device.'

This programming allowed each car undergoing an official smog test to appear to be compliant with California's strictest-in-the-nation emissions standard as well as those set by other states and the EPA, NBC News said.

Volkswagen's software was capable of detecting when the car was undergoing an official smog test and would automatically adjust the engine performance to reduce exhaust pollution levels, NBC News reported.

Then, when the smog test ended, the software would readjust engine performance back to normal, a setting at which the car would spew toxic fumes far in excess of legal limits, NBC News said.

"As an indication of how bad this fraud is, Volkswagen actually touts these vehicles as 'clean diesel,'" said Greenwald.

The recall covers the model years 2009-2015 Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen Golf, and Audi A3, as well as the 2014-2015 Volkswagen Passat, according to news sources cited by Weitz & Luxenberg.

Weitz & Luxenberg Meeting Volkswagen Owners:

Weitz & Luxenberg said that at this stage of the pending litigation its consumer protection attorneys plan to focus on meeting with Volkswagen car owners to explore their legal rights to compensation from Volkswagen.

The firm said interested Volkswagen owners will receive a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation. To schedule such a meeting, consumers may contact Weitz & Luxenberg at (212) 558-5925 or by filling out a request form online at http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Said Greenwald: "Emission standards exist to protect the health and welfare of our citizens. For Volkswagen to have purposefully designed an emission system intended to deceive consumers and the public with regard to the performance of their vehicles and also to deceive the government during emission tests is indefensible.

"Consumers were lured into purchasing these vehicles on the belief that they were high-performing vehicles with excellent emission controls. Instead, they now find out that they paid a premium for a vehicle that secretly installed software designed to hide nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to ozone, smog and the increase in human health concerns."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-and-luxenberg-to-target-volkswagen-over-defeat-device-emissions-recall-2015-0921-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Coalition Makes Pet Industry History – Pet Bloggers Break Records with Reduction of Waste

THORNTON, Colo., Aug. 25, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Going green is not only the right thing to do but also cool, hip, environmentally responsible, and ripe for disruption. Shaking things up with a near zero-waste successful initiative, BlogPaws, in conjunction with Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition (PISC) and Only Natural Pet, recently surpassed goals and made pet industry history.

BlogPaws hosts a yearly conference featuring largest professional network of pet bloggers and social media enthusiasts. During its 7th Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, recently, efforts focused on achieving as close to a "zero-waste" event as possible. By reducing the environmental footprint of the conference, diverting waste from the landfill, and educating conference participants about waste issues related to the pet industry, the outcome soared!

With an environmental goal to divert 65 percent of event waste from going to the landfill, this partnership created astounding first time achievement of 78 percent! Impacts of this effort are likened to saving the amount of carbon dioxide released by driving 1,800 miles, or the same amount of energy generated by a hamster running on a wheel for over 3,000 years!

"The key to our success this year is primarily due to the stellar hands-on team provided by Only Natural Pet and the Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition," Caitlyn Bolton, Executive Director, Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition, shared. "Working for months ahead of the event, we identified local waste haulers that could find a better home for all different types of waste from compost and organic matter to shrink wrap and recycling."

By the numbers, the partnership reducing waste by diverting:
* 1,320 pounds of recycling.
* 380 pounds of compost.
* 62 percent reduction of paper for conference schedules.

Attendees of the pet-welcoming BlogPaws Conference offered supportive feedback, indicating a hands-on willingness to participate and embrace the waste initiative. Survey responses indicated 80 percent felt the partnership's demonstration of environmental commitment is either "very important" or "important" to them.

"We hope to identify more ways for our community to engage in environmental issues at future BlogPaws events and plan to expand this program next year," remarked Chloe DiVita, Director of Programs and Events at BlogPaws.

The Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition is a collaborative membership organization that works with pet industry leaders to improve their sustainability performance.

About BlogPaws:

BlogPaws is the largest professional network of pet bloggers and social media enthusiasts and hosts a yearly conference and year-round education, programs, and opportunities between bloggers and brands. BlogPaws is owned by Pet360, Inc. - a division of PetSmart. http://www.blogpaws.com/.

About Only Natural Pet:

Only Natural Pet is a complete line of natural pet supplies specifically formulated by a holistic veterinarian to be biologically appropriate for cats and dogs. http://www.OnlyNaturalPet.com/.

About the Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition:

The Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition strives to be the leading organization for sustainable advancement in the pet industry. They promote creative collaboration throughout the pet industry that prioritizes business minded solutions for sincere environmental improvement. http://www.petsustainability.org/.

PISC Media Contact:
Caitlyn Bolton, cbolton@natcapsolutions.org

BlogPaws Media Contact:
Carol Bryant, 610-276-1855, carol@blogpaws.com

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/coalition-makes-pet-industry-history-pet-bloggers-break-records-with-reduction-of-waste-2015-0825-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

iFOS Awarded EPA Grant Monitoring and Technical Assistance 5-Year Contract

COLUMBIA, Md., Feb. 24, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- iFOS today announced it has received award notification to conduct Grant Monitoring Reviews and Technical Assistance at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The contract is a firm fixed price contract with a five-year performance period.

iFOS will perform nationwide on-site administrative, financial management and accounting reviews and technical evaluations of selected grantees.

"We are elated about the opportunity to support EPA in its monitoring and oversight of grantees receiving Federal assistance for vital environmental initiatives," says Tawanda M. Smith, CEO, iFOS.

"This work not only expands on our specialization in grants management but also adds to our growing clientele seeking additional support for implementing provisions of the new Super Circular - OMB A-87. Our CPAs are fully committed to supporting the EPA technical staff in its compliance activities," Smith added.

About Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions (iFOS)(R), LLC:

iFOS Managing Consultants, LLC is fast-growing firm specializing in Federal financial management services. iFOS' Financial Management Division services both regulatory agencies and global communities in complying with fiscal transparency and accountability requirements.

The company is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland. For more information, visit: http://www.ifoscorp.com/ .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/ifos-awarded-epa-grant-monitoring-and-technical-assistance-5-year-contract-2015-0224-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Intelligent Fiscal Optimal Solutions :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

No Soup for You! 22 Endangered Baby Turtles, Destined for Stock Pots, Now Safe at SoundWaters

STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 6, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As part of a global wildlife-trafficking issue that is growing exponentially, 22 tiny baby turtles - likely destined for soup pots in China - were recently rescued and brought to a nursery at the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center, where they are being coddled and cared for after a harrowing, near-smuggling experience.

Now thriving, the 1-to-2-inch elegantly patterned, diamondback terrapins will be introduced to Connecticut during a special Media Open House, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (snow date, Feb. 12, 2015, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Address: Cove Island Park, 1281 Cove Rd.

Last fall, 211 baby turtles that had been stuffed into boots - with little air and no room to move - were confiscated from international smugglers in Alaska. In December, once they were stabilized, the turtles were shipped to permanent new homes at SoundWaters and 13 other facilities across the U.S.

Turtle soup is considered a delicacy in China, where there is a lucrative market for the main ingredient. In the U.S., a fondness for turtle soup led to the near extinction of the diamondback terrapin - the only marine species of turtle native to Connecticut-by the 1930s. Thanks to U.S. state and federal environmental regulations, terrapins are now a protected species and have been returning to their native habitats in recent years.

But, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Public Affairs Chief, Gavin Shire, the scourge of wildlife trafficking is increasing. "As the population of wild turtles has been depleted in Asia, the demand for North American turtles has increased." He adds, "Wildlife trafficking involves people in the U.S., as well, not just faceless, international criminals."

SoundWaters President Leigh Shemitz, Ph.D. says most smuggled wild animals face a disastrous end. "This is one of those rare poaching cases with a very happy ending, and the journey isn't over." She adds that the rescued terrapins cannot be released back into the wild, so SoundWaters is now their permanent home. "Diamondback terrapins have a lifespan of up to 40 years, so Connecticut and New York residents can follow each chapter of this success story for decades to come. Our terrapins, and our students, will grow together."

SoundWaters was selected to receive the 22 hatchlings because of its existing terrapin program and membership in the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group, a body of academic, scientific, regulatory and private institutions and organizations working to protect the species. With the call that the terrapins needed a home, the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center quickly set up an intensive-care nursery for the 22 fragile and travel-weary creatures.

Every day, SoundWaters staff and interns take meticulous care of the terrapins, recording each animal's weight, food intake, medications, etc. and any other observations. They even brought the turtles to their homes during the late January blizzard, in case of power outages on Cove Island, where SoundWaters is located.

Media Open House Details: During their debut appearance, the hatchlings will be seen taking their afternoon swim, a few will be treated with medications, and all will dine on a mixture of scallops, blood worms and silverside minnows. SoundWaters staff members will be on hand to answer reporter's questions and explain the vital role the terrapins are already playing in the education of Connecticut students. An open house for the public will be announced once the hatchlings are more established, in the spring.

View More Photos Here: http://www.soundwaters.org/blog-archives/ .

Parking: Park in the lot in Cove Island Park. Walk over the footbridge and stay to the left. Continue down the path to SoundWaters Center, a large white Federalist-style house approximately 300 yards down on the left, past the playground.

Weather: In the case of inclement weather please visit the SoundWaters web site: http://www.soundwaters.org/, FB page: https://www.facebook.com/SoundWaters or Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundwaters, for scheduling announcements and updates.

About Sound Waters:

SoundWaters was founded in 1989 with the mission to protect Long Island Sound through education. As the leading environmental-education organization in the region, SoundWaters', award-winning, hands-on programs engage over 27,000 students at their Coastal Education Center, in Stamford, on their 80-foot, three-masted schooner, and at schools, community centers and field sites throughout the region. Public offerings include captivating volunteer and community events, public and charter-sailing adventures, birthday parties, scouting programs, and more.

* PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0206-terrapin-300dpi.jpg .

* PHOTO Caption: Twenty-two rescued baby terrapins are now safe in the aquarium lab at SoundWaters, in Stamford, Conn.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/no-soup-for-you-22-endangered-baby-turtles-destined-for-stock-pots-now-safe-at-soundwaters-2015-0206-001.shtml.

California Landfill Reduces Environmental Impact and Saves Money

PORTOLA, Calif., Feb. 4, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Agru America, Inc. announced that the city of Portola, Calif. is now using its exclusive EPA Subtitle D compliant landfill closure system - ClosureTurf(R).

The landfill site located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, recently completed an eight-acre final closure. The site is the second application in the state to use ClosureTurf(R), specifically designed to eliminate soil erosion, reduce post-closure maintenance costs, increase slope integrity and enhance landfill gas (LFG) management.

Throughout the process, Agru and its partner, Watershed Geosynthetics LLC, provided the city council and public with support on implementing the state's approved ClosureTurf(R) system for use as a final cover for the landfill. During the process, questions arose. For example, cost was a concern. While the construction cost of the system was similar to a traditional Subtitle D closure, the City of Portola would actually save on future maintenance costs, while reducing the environmental impact and improving safety and performance.

Officials at the landfill had to address significant challenges including ground water issues and a short construction window. The project was bid in August 2014 and installed in just six weeks that fall. This included the removal of the temporary liner along with subgrade preparation and installation of the entire ClosureTurf(R) system.

Todd Roberts, director of public works for the city said, "Everyone involved with the project was great to work with and we were happy with the installation of the system. Everything is performing as expected."

Tom Valentino, PE, president of TGV Solid Waste, Inc., Portola's solid waste consultant, reported that prior to ClosureTurf(R) becoming available, they had looked at the traditional Subtitle D vegetative cap. However, one of the greatest advantages of ClosureTurf(R) was avoiding long-term maintenance costs.

Ease of installation was also a plus because the city was under tight time constraints to get the project completed.

"Coincidentally, there was a storm the night the project was completed and we got the project done on time," Valentino said. "We chose a tan color that blended with the surroundings. From a short-term stability standpoint and a long-term post closure maintenance cost, the ClosureTurf(R) System was the absolute right decision to make for the Portola landfill."

Additionally, the landfill is located in a seismic zone with potentially high snowfall events. In the event of seismic activity or significant snowfall melt, the soil used in a traditional capping system would present a significant slide hazard. Cal Valley Construction (Fresno, Calif.) was the general contractor and infill installer, along with D&E Construction (Visalia, Calif.) - the approved ClosureTurf(R) installer.

"From a construction quality assurance perspective, installation of the ClosureTurf cover system required less field personnel during construction than a traditional prescriptive cover system and saved the city money," Jake Russell, P.E., Geo-Logic Associates, Portola's CQA consulting firm, said. "The installation of the ClosureTurf(R) cover was completed in significantly less time than other similarly-sized prescriptive subtitle D vegetative cap landfill cover systems in which I have been involved. By removing the soil components of the cover system, construction issues associated with the variability and availability of soil materials were eliminated."

About ClosureTurf(R):

ClosureTurf(R) is an innovative and economical final cover system designed for waste containment which eliminates soil erosion, increases slope integrity, enhances gas collection, and lowers maintenance costs. ClosureTurf(R) was developed by Watershed Geosynthetics LLC and is sold exclusively by Agru America, Inc. First installed in 2009, this innovative technology has continued to gain more acceptance in the waste industry as an increasing number of owners, agencies and engineers have approved its use in multiple states over the past five years. Once installed, a landfill is converted from a mountain of unsightly trash to one that is much more aesthetically pleasing.

About Agru America, Inc.:

Since 1988, Georgetown, S.C. based Agru America, Inc. has been the world's leading manufacturer of flat die extrusion geomembranes, geonets, geocomposites, geotextiles, geo clay liners, concrete protective liners and fittings. Agru America also supplies vertical barrier systems and piping systems for the U.S. and international civil/environmental markets. The company's state-of-the-art products include Agru Smooth Liner(R), MicroSpike(R) (structured textured products), Super Gripnet(R), and Drain Liner(R) in both LLDPE and HDPE. Agru America is part of Alois Gruber GmbH, an Austrian family-owned business since 1948 with production facilities in Austria, the U.S., Germany, China and India, and distribution in more than 80 countries, worldwide.

For more information, visit: http://www.agruamerica.com/ .

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhdRbNjNMkc .

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0203-portlaLF-300dpi.jpg .
* Photo Caption: Portola Landfill, 10 acres.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/california-landfill-reduces-environmental-impact-and-saves-money-2015-0204-005.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Agru America, Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Over 1.25 Million Pounds of Trash Recycled by Greener Owensboro Recycling

OWENSBORO, Ky., Aug. 6, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Greener Owensboro Recycling celebrates their 3rd year of business with over 1,250,000 pounds of recycled waste collected. Starting with a few neighborhood homes and a small truck and trailer in July 2010, GO Recycling has grown to now serving over 1,000 residential and business customers in Daviess County and Owensboro Kentucky.

"It is great so many people in our community are dedicated to saving the earth's natural resources and reducing the foot print they leave on the planet. 1,250,000 pounds ultimately equals lots of trees, water, and other valuable resources. Many people do not realize the positive financial impact recycling provides as well. It is much cheaper to recycle plastic bottles than it is to make them from scratch," said John Fentress, owner of GO Recycling.

GO Recycling is also growing and gaining efficiencies in its own operations. Due to advances in sorting technologies at recycling centers, customers no longer need to separate their materials. This technology saves both GO Recycling and their customers lots of time and effort. "Customers simply throw all their recyclables in one bin or totter and the machines handle the separation," said Fentress.

In late July GO Recycling added a new truck for collection with separated bins allowing recycling and other waste materials to be picked up at the same time by the same truck. This provides greater efficiencies and ultimately reduces their own footprint on the environment. "Not only does it help us reduce our business footprint, but it also helps us be competitive on pricing as well," said Fentress.

Another step Go Recycling has made to increase efficiencies is launching a full service website at http://saveowensboro.com/ . Both residential and business customers can now learn more about services, determine items available for recycling and residential customers can sign up and manage their accounts online. "We wanted to make our services as accessible as possible and we hope in time to reduce our paper billings as well," said Fentress. Go Recycling customers can currently pay by credit card and PayPal through the website.

Full waste management services are available for Daviess County residents only. For residents of the city of Owensboro, GO Recycling provides recycling services on the same days as normal trash pick-up.

"As people learn more about the benefits of recycling and the impact it can have both in terms of resources and financial savings, we expect the number of households recycling to grow," said Fentress.

Customers interested in recycling and its advantages for our resources and environment are encouraged to visit http://saveowensboro.com/ .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Over-1-25-Million-Pounds-of-Trash-Recycled-by-Greener-Owensboro-Recycling_2013-08-0806-003.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Greener Owensboro Recycling :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2013 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Loureiro Engineering Associates Announces Strategic New Hire and New Office Location

PLAINVILLE, Conn., Jan. 9, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc. is carefully adhering to its strategic growth plan in the area of geographic expansion of services. This week it announced a new office location in Rockford, MA that will be managed by new hire, Samuel W. Butcher, LSP, LEP, PG, LEED-AP, vice president at Loureiro Engineering.

Butcher brings nearly 20 years of experience to the table. Prior to joining Loureiro Engineering, he was senior vice president of operations at a Massachusetts-based environmental consulting firm.

In his new role at Loureiro, he will work as a Licensed Site Professional. Responsibilities include managing and overseeing assessment and remediation of contaminated sites in Massachusetts in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP).

His particular interest and expertise is in the cleanup and redevelopment of underutilized contaminated properties. As a result, he will help clients to understand their responsibilities pertaining to the MCP in these areas.

Additionally, Butcher is a professional geologist and LEED-AP, credentials which complement his ability to provide assessment and remediation services to clients.

"Butcher shares the same ideals and values as Loureiro Engineering does when it comes to customer service," says Brian Cutler, senior vice president of Loureiro Engineering. "Customer service is paramount in his work ethic."

Finally, Butcher provides litigation support services and environmental consulting services across other regulatory programs including wetlands and underground storage tanks. He is also responsible for business development across a wide spectrum of Loureiro Engineering's service offerings.

A member of the Town of Duxbury Conservation Commission which regulates activities in accordance with the state and local wetland bylaws and regulations, he is well positioned to lead this new office to overwhelming success.

"Having an office in the Boston metropolitan area now allows us to service areas that were beyond our reach before," says Cutler. "Mainly, the Rockland office addresses a gap in service area coverage between Merrimack, NH and Wakefield, RI. "We are excited to have Butcher on board to oversee this new location; we have aggressive marketing and growth plans on the horizon."

About Loureiro:

Loureiro has been providing engineering, construction, EH&S, and energy and waste management services to a wide variety of public and private sectors throughout the Northeast since 1975. Engineering service offerings include: environmental; site; transportation; water and wastewater; underground utilities; land surveying; structural; mechanical; electrical; plumbing; fire protection; and facilities engineering.

Construction capabilities include: heavy and highway; bridge; site development; underground utilities; remediation; demolition; concrete and general contracting.

EH&S services encompass: multi-media consulting and permitting; auditing; training; emergency planning and response; management systems consulting; professional resource support; and transportation compliance.

Energy services include: assessing energy reduction opportunities; energy modeling; training; alternative energy; and energy metrics and reporting.

Waste management capabilities address: management; transportation; and disposal of industrial, construction and universal waste.

For more information, visit: www.Loureiro.com .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/2012-01-0109-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2012 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

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