Tag Archives: Earth Day

California Safe Schools Honors 2025 Earth Day Heroes and Celebrates its 27th Anniversary

Since its founding, CSS has remained steadfast in its mission to safeguard students, teachers, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods from exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental harm

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In celebration of Earth Day 2025, California Safe Schools (CSS) is proud to recognize eight remarkable individuals whose unwavering dedication to protecting human health, inspiring youth leadership, and safeguarding the environment exemplifies the true spirit of environmental stewardship.

Image caption: California Safe Schools (CSS).

“This year’s honorees embody the power of commitment, compassion, and community action,” said Robina Suwol, Founder and Executive Director of California Safe Schools. “Their leadership and tireless work are shaping a healthier future for all of us — and we’re honored to celebrate their achievements.”

This Spring also marks the 27th anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS), a pioneering force in children’s environmental health. Since its founding, CSS has remained steadfast in its mission to safeguard students, teachers, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods from exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental harm. CSS continues to work closely with frontline communities and regulatory agencies to address critical threats to clean air, safe water, and healthy soil.

“On this Earth Day and 27th anniversary of the California Safe Schools, I applaud the organization for their continued commitment to empowering our youth and communities. Their dedication continues to play a vital role in ensuring we all uplift environmental justice,” said Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor to the First District, Hilda L. Solis.

CSS first earned national recognition for leading the development and adoption of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s groundbreaking Integrated Pest Management Policy — the most stringent pesticide safety policy for K-12 schools in the United States. The Integrated Pest Management Policy was the first to formally adopt both the “Precautionary Principle” and “Right to Know,” setting a gold standard for transparency and public health protections. This landmark achievement not only influenced California’s Healthy Schools Act but also helped guide school districts nationwide to develop their own Integrated Pest Management policies. Today, Los Angeles Unified School District’s policy remains a model for communities worldwide striving to protect children and vulnerable populations from harmful chemical exposure.

CALIFORNIA SAFE SCHOOLS PROUDLY HONORS THE FOLLOWING 2025 EARTH DAY HEROES:

LESLIE MENJIVAR, President, Los Angeles Tenth District Parent Teacher Student Association

Honored for empowering students and families through education and advocacy, including championing student leadership within the Parent Teacher Student Association and strengthening community ties through initiatives like the White Middle School garden and service with the Salvation Army. Her theme, Inspire to Make a Difference, reflects her deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

MARTIN SCHLAGETER, Special Assistant to the General Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Celebrated for more than 35 years of leadership in public service, nonprofit advocacy, and environmental policy — including the development of Metropolitan Water District’s new climate adaptation strategy to safeguard water supplies for millions of Southern Californians. His past roles include key positions at StreetsLA, the Los Angeles City Council District 14, and environmental groups like the Coalition for Clean Air, Sierra Club, and Friends of the Los Angeles River.

MICHAEL HENRY HAYDEN, Co-Founder and President, Lincoln Heights Community Coalition

Recognized for his grassroots environmental advocacy in Lincoln Heights, where his research helped uncover a hidden toxic dumping site and sparked an ongoing cleanup to protect residents. His work also helped block a diesel-heavy warehouse project near homes and Hillside Elementary, preventing added pollution in one of Los Angeles’ most impacted neighborhoods.

RYAN PARENT, Attorney and Member, Los Angeles Unified School District Integrated Pest Management Committee

Recognized for his commitment as both a father of three Los Angeles Unified School District students and a dedicated volunteer with his local Parent Teacher Association and the Integrated Pest Management Committee where he helps ensure that the district’s pest management practices comply with federal and state regulations, thereby reducing risks to students, staff, and the environment.

SUSIE DE SANTIAGO, President, Cudahy Youth Foundation and Founding Member, Cudahy Alliance for Justice

Commended for her tireless advocacy on behalf of youth and families in the City of Cudahy. From helping stop the construction of a school on a contaminated site to supporting local schools in creating green spaces, she continues to be an inspiration to others to take action for healthier communities.

WILLIAM ROSS, Health Advocate, California State Parent Teacher Association

Applauded for over a decade of advocacy for children through the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Parent Teacher Association, Bond Oversight Committee, and as a longtime supporter of the Integrated Pest Management Committee. As a Health Advocate for the California State Parent Teacher Association, Bill continues to champion the implementation of health laws and practices that protect students and school communities across the state.

PERLA ELBAZ, Youth Leadership Initiative for Greener Communities

Highlighted for her role in forming the Youth Leadership Initiative for Greener Communities, a student-led effort dedicated to bringing the beauty and benefits of wild spaces into areas of the city where they are lacking. The group’s ambitious goal is to plant 1,000 new trees to combat pollution and promote community well-being. Now a sophomore at Louisville High School, Perla hopes to pursue a future in international peace and conflict resolution, with a focus on the environmental roots of global challenges.

MARTINO JESUS TORRES, Gardener and Animal Lover

A fourth grader at Raymond Case Elementary in Sacramento, Martino is already an avid gardener and animal lover. He helps tend the family garden, harvests crops like corn, chili, and tomatoes, and cares for his pets, including collecting eggs from hens, feeding rabbits, and grooming his three dogs. His love for nature and animals celebrates the essence of Earth Day — inspiring others to join in caring for our planet.

“On behalf of Council District 4, we would like to thank California Safe Schools for 27 years of working to promote environmental health and protect children across the state,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman. “By bringing together activists, parents, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, CSS has been a vital watchdog and advocate, ensuring our children have access to safe and healthy learning environments.”

Each honoree was presented with a specially designed award created by acclaimed artist Michael Bruza and engraved by Anderson Trophy — a lasting symbol of gratitude for their inspiring contributions.

For more information about California Safe Schools and its ongoing work, visit: https://www.calisafe.org/.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
Executive Director
California Safe Schools
818.785.5515
calisafe@earthlink.net

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UPDATED TO FIX INADVERTENT ERROR IN SUB-HEADLINE.

NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (California Safe Schools), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/california-safe-schools-honors-2025-earth-day-heroes-and-celebrates-its-27th-anniversary/

Domaine Carneros Celebrates 20 Years of Solar Leadership This Earth Day

Pioneer in Sustainable Winemaking Launches State-of-the-Art Microgrid, Further Cementing Environmental Leadership

NAPA, Calif., April 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As Earth Day approaches on April 22, Domaine Carneros is raising a glass to a significant milestone: over two decades of pioneering solar energy in the wine industry. What began in 2003 as the world’s largest winery solar installation has evolved into a cutting-edge microgrid system that now provides nearly 80% of the winery’s energy needs while reducing carbon emissions by 375 metric tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to powering 50 homes for a year.

Image caption: Microgrid Solar Panels – Domaine Carneros Winery 2025.

“When we installed our first solar array two decades ago, we were at the forefront of renewable energy adoption in the wine industry,” notes CEO Remi Cohen. “Today, our advanced microgrid technology represents the next generation of energy independence and environmental stewardship. As climate challenges intensify, Domaine Carneros continues its commitment to leading with a light footprint while crafting the highest quality wines.”

REVOLUTIONARY MICROGRID TECHNOLOGY

In partnership with Schneider Electric, named the world’s most sustainable company by Time magazine, Domaine Carneros deployed the EcoStruxure™ Microgrid in 2023, doubling the winery’s energy generation capacity. The system integrates 614 upgraded solar panels generating 427 kilowatts of clean energy with a 250KVA battery backup and generator. This infrastructure ensures uninterrupted operations during increasingly common power outages due to wildfires and severe weather events, and the system stores excess solar energy generated during the day for use in the evenings or early mornings during peak demand.

The microgrid’s intelligent controls leverage AI to optimize energy usage in real time, resulting in significant operational benefits:

Self-generation of nearly 80% of energy for winery operations
Annual savings of $70,000
Ability to operate in “island mode” during grid outages
Solar power production of 740MWh in the last year, equivalent to taking 110 cars off the road

The system also powers four electric vehicle charging stations for guests, seamlessly integrating green technology throughout the visitor experience.

AWARD-WINNING ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES

Domaine Carneros’ comprehensive approach to sustainability has earned numerous prestigious recognitions, including:

2025 RISE Leadership Award for Energy Efficiency and Savings
2024 City of Napa Leadership Recycling Award
2023 RISE Leadership Award for waste prevention and supply chain greening
2020 Napa Climate NOW! Climate Champion in the Business Category
2019 California Green Medal Business Award

The winery maintains multiple environmental certifications, including California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Napa Green Vineyard & Winery, Bay Area Green Business, and Fish Friendly Farming.

BEYOND ENERGY: COMPREHENSIVE SUSTAINABILITY

Domaine Carneros implements sustainability throughout its operations:

Diverting approximately 90% of solid waste from landfills through composting, recycling, and reuse
Recycling and reusing water used in production to irrigate estate vineyards
Reusing 20-25% of packaging materials, saving over a million pieces since 2010
Practicing Integrated Pest Management with owl boxes and beneficial cover crops
Composting approximately 450,000 pounds of food waste since 2013
Implementing lighter weight bottles to reduce shipping impacts
Offsetting carbon emissions from wine club shipments

“Our commitment to environmental stewardship is fundamentally rooted in our estate vineyards under Allison Wilson’s visionary stewardship,” says Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros. “This commitment is further demonstrated through two decades of solar energy innovation powering our winemaking, ensuring our tradition of excellence thrives sustainably for generations to come.”

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, and 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production Pinot Noirs.

Learn more: https://www.domainecarneros.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
For additional information, images, and interview requests, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-701-WINE (9463)

NEWS SOURCE: Domaine Carneros

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Domaine Carneros), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/domaine-carneros-celebrates-20-years-of-solar-leadership-this-earth-day/

Celebrating Earth Day With a Venice Beach Cleanup and a Call for Greater Environmental Responsibility

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Even before Barbie and Ken entered the "real world," rollerblading in their dayglo outfits along its three-mile coastline, Venice Beach was a world-famous, iconic, great place to have some fun. But that wasn't the only reason the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre and its Hollywood Village Team selected Venice Beach for their April cleanup and their annual Earth Day activity.

Despite its glitzy exterior, Venice has a darker side. Although there are fewer homeless in Venice since a major push to clean out encampments in 2023, and while it's a great place for tourists and locals to spend an afternoon, Venice Beach is one of the L.A. neighborhoods where visitors and locals are urged to avoid walking or taking public transportation after the sun goes down. And they are advised to "keep their wallets close and their friends closer."

What makes a city or neighborhood dangerous? And is there anything one person can do to improve this and uplift their environment?

The Hollywood Village believes there is. Each month following their cleanups, they reach out to others one-on-one with The Way to Happiness - the common-sense moral code written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

This guide to better living is used by people of all cultures or creeds. It not only encourages individuals to embrace its practical moral compass, it also calls on them to set a good example and encourage others to improve the quality of their lives by understanding and using the book's 21 precepts, one of which is "Safeguard and Improve Your Environment."

So on Saturday, April 20, volunteers honored Earth Day with a cleanup of Venice Beach and promoted taking greater responsibility for the environment and contributing to a better quality of life by reaching out to hundreds of locals and visitors with The Way to Happiness and encouraging shops and restaurants to take copies to share with their clients and customers.

Hollywood Village monthly cleanups are a partnership between the Church of Scientology, The Way to Happiness Foundation and the Los Angeles Police Department. It is a community coalition of people of all faiths, ideologies and backgrounds, working together to take greater responsibility for their neighbors and neighborhood while making Hollywood, and in this case Venice Beach, beautiful, safe and clean and a great place to live and work in.

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Even before Barbie and Ken entered the "real world," rollerblading in their dayglo outfits along its three-mile coastline, Venice Beach was a world-famous, iconic, great place to have some fun. But that wasn't the only reason the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre and its Hollywood Village Team selected Venice Beach for their April cleanup and their annual Earth Day activity.

Related link: https://www.scientology.cc/

California Safe Schools Honors Earth Day Champions and Celebrates its 26th Anniversary of Environmental Protection

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 Earth Day Champions for their extraordinary achievements and mindfulness of future generations. "California Safe Schools proudly honors these individuals whose dedication and resolve make the world a better place and inspire others," affirms Robina Suwol, Executive Director of California Safe Schools.

This Spring also marks the 26th anniversary of CSS spearheading Los Angeles Unified School District's Integrated Pest Management Policy, the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" that led to California's Healthy Schools Act and AB405 (Montanez).

CSS continues its work with diverse communities and regulatory agencies that are essential to protecting Earth's life-giving air, soils and water.

2024 Earth Day Champions:

:: Derrick J. Alatorre is Deputy Executive Officer in the Office of Legislative, Public Affairs & Media at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Derrick keeps open lines of communication with the public, elected officials, the business community, and local residents. His department is responsible for legislation, environmental justice, outreach and education, and small business assistance.

Derrick was formerly a public affairs officer for the California Department of Transportation, conducted public and tribal government outreach on environmental cleanup efforts at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and served as a district field representative to California State Senator Art Torres. Mr. Alatorre is a veteran of the United States Navy.

:: Andrea Enriquez is 17 and a junior at Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine, a Los Angeles Unified School District pilot school on the Linda Esperanza Marquez High School campus. Through Chemistry Club, Andrea took part in the exceptional Toxic Crusaders Program developed by Mui Koltunov, Ph.D., Research Scientist Supervisor II, with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. The intensive six-week course inspires her to inform her peers and community about toxins in consumer products and to make safer choices.

Andrea is President of GirlsBuild Huntington Park with projects focusing on Civic Engagement, Health & Wellness and STEM & Digital Skills. Her career goal is to become a Pediatrician.

:: Theodore Higgins is Chief Environmental Compliance Inspector in the Industrial Waste Management Division overseeing an inventory of nearly 10,000 food service establishments. He helped create LA Sanitation's Professional Development and Work Exposure Program, serves as the Chair of the Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention, and Stormwater Committee of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), is a Sector Champion for the Car Wash Industry to strategize growth and sustainability, and sets goals with the LA Sanitation's Clean Up Green Up Working Group to ensure the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities.

Theodore has been honored with an Employee Excellence Award and twice-honored by the CWEA as an "Emerging Leader" and "Person of the Year".

:: Bruce H. Jennings served for two decades as Senior Advisor to the California Legislature on Environmental Policy, Policy Advisor with the Senate Office of Research and Chief of Staff of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.

His book, "The War on California: Defeating Oil, Oligarchs and the New Tyranny," documents invaluable lessons learned from community and public interest advocates pushing back against poorly regulated pesticides and industrial chemicals in food, water, buildings and landscapes. Bruce is now writing about his experiences in Latin America and agroecology opportunities he sees as an alternative to the failing model of industrial agriculture.

:: Nate Lillge has dedicated his entire life and career to working with children and young adults in various aspects of outdoor education and conservation. Since 2007, he has been the Adventures and Engagement Director for Tuleyome Conservation Organization, leading outings, trails and stewardship programs in the Woodland, California area. Nate also teaches a California Naturalist course for those who want to become more connected to and involved with the natural world.

:: Lisa Tanaka O'Malley has over 30 years of experience in legislative affairs and government and community relations, Lisa is the Assistant Deputy Executive Officer for Legislative, Public Affairs & Media at South Coast Air Quality Management District.

She has spearheaded initiatives such as the "Clean Communities Plan," "Why Healthy Air Quality Matters" high school education program, and the Annual Environmental Justice Conference. Lisa also champions community engagement through the "Working with Communities" volunteer program.

:: Mariano Miguel Torres has been environmentally conscious his entire life. From the age of 7 until today at 17, he has farmed an acre of land, growing organic fruits and vegetables, raising hens for fresh eggs, and donating a bulk of the produce to others in need.

Miguel is a senior and honor student and member of the Medical Careers Pathway Program at Consumnes Oaks High School in the Elk Grove School District in Sacramento. His goal is to become an Otolaryngologist or ENT. Mariano also volunteers at senior living communities and mentors at neighborhood elementary schools.

All the honorees received awards designed by celebrated artist Michael Bruza and commendations from elected officials.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 Earth Day Champions for their extraordinary achievements and mindfulness of future generations. "California Safe Schools proudly honors these individuals whose dedication and resolve make the world a better place and inspire others," affirms Robina Suwol, Executive Director of California Safe Schools.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

Domaine Carneros Celebrates Earth Day Every Day

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Adding to its multi-decade legacy of environmental stewardship, Domaine Carneros is pleased to share new initiatives that build upon its commitment to producing outstanding wine while continuously striving for best practices in sustainability. Installation of groundbreaking new microgrid technology in 2023 increased Domaine Carneros' commitment to renewable energy. In celebration, the winery is proud to release its first microgrid-powered wine, the 2023 Avant Garde Pinot Noir Rose, "Powered by The Sun." The wine will go on sale on the winery's website on April 22, Earth Day.

The winery's commitment to renewable energy began in 2003 when they installed the largest winery solar installation of its time. Twenty-one years later, the winery has 'amped up' its solar commitment by doubling its solar capacity and connecting to a state-of-the-art microgrid battery system which supplies the winery with approximately 75% of its energy needs. CEO Remi Cohen shares, "At Domaine Carneros, the battery bank becomes charged over the course of a day and the stored energy is utilized to offset peak energy times and can be used in the evenings and overnight. Additionally, the microgrid ensures an independent power source during natural disasters."

In an ongoing effort to safely reduce the weight of their sparkling wine glass while maintaining the structural integrity needed to withstand 70-90 psi pressures, Domaine Carneros has initiated use of a 7% lighter weight bottle while continuing to strive toward future reduction. Seeking a reduction in the impact of shipping those bottles, the winery partners with Wine Direct to ship its wine club shipments, all of which are carbon offset.

The appointment of Allison Wilson as Director of Vineyard Operations early in 2024 brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable farming to its 400 acres of estate vineyards in the Carneros AVA. She brings with her 15 years of experience in sustainable vineyard operations, much of it centered in the AVA she now tends.

From inception, the intention at Domaine Carneros has been to create the best wines and most memorable sparkling wine experiences through healthy land, vines, and people. For the 37 years since its founding, Domaine Carneros has held itself to a high standard with respect to sustainable practices to ensure that the winery lives as lightly on the land as possible while producing excellent grapes, and, of course, wine. Domaine Carneros has sought and received certifications from numerous prestigious sustainable organizations including California Certified Sustainable Winegrowers, Napa Green, Bay Area Green, and Fish Friendly Farming. Annual assessments and audits seek out new areas to improve upon rigorous standards of sustainability not only for the winery, but also for its place in the community and as an employer.

The winery implements the following measures towards continuous improvement:

* Re-use and recycling

* Through composting, recycling, and reuse, over 90% of solid waste is diverted from landfills.

* Water used in the production process is treated and used to irrigate the estate vineyards, saving millions of gallons per year

* A decade-long packaging reuse program, whereby 20-25% of cases and inserts are reused for in-house purposes.

Sustainability Practices

* Solar energy has long been a crucial aspect of Domaine Carneros' sustainability plan, having installed the largest solar collection system of any winery in the world when it was implemented in 2003. In 2023, Domaine Carneros was among the first wineries in the Napa Valley to install a solar microgrid and battery system, which supplies 75% of the winery's power, and ultimately allows the winery to be self-sustaining during power outages.

* The winery's use of skylights, building into the earth, and employing night cooling systems to maintain cellar temperatures all contribute to energy conservation as well as robust employee involvement in daily conservation efforts.

* The winery practices Integrated Pest Management using natural controls for vineyard pests such as boxes to attract owls which feed on voles and using cover crops that attract beneficial insects to control insect pests.

* Grape pomace from harvest is used to feed local cattle in a region of California with historic ties to the dairy business.

Commitment to Employees

* Domaine Carneros holds strong principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and its staff is reflective of that commitment.

* Through a practice of open book management, employees are inspired and invited to be an integral part of collective success.

* The winery fosters and encourages mentorship for its staff and embraces professional development in the broader wine industry in the form of scholarship offerings and a fellowship.

The winery has been awarded several prestigious honors from the state of California and other well-respected organizations. In April 2023, the winery received the RISE Leadership Award for outstanding waste prevention and greening of its supply chain. In 2020, the winery received the Napa Climate NOW! award for being a Climate Champion in the Business Category. The winery also received the California Green Medal Business Award in 2019 for "demonstrating smart business through efficiencies, cost savings, and innovation from implementing sustainable practices." Only four wineries are awarded the medal each year, so the honor is quite significant given the number of wineries in the state.

Domaine Carneros has been a Bay Area Green Business since 2014, Fish Friendly Farming certified since 2015, Napa Green Vineyard & Winery since 2014 and is Certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance since 2015.

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to chardonnay, and 250 acres planted to pinot noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production pinot noirs.

Learn more at: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:

For additional information, images, and interview requests, please contact Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET of Charles Communications Associates at kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415-730-0064.

Adding to its multi-decade legacy of environmental stewardship, Domaine Carneros is pleased to share new initiatives that build upon its commitment to producing outstanding wine while continuously striving for best practices in sustainability. Installation of groundbreaking new microgrid technology in 2023 increased Domaine Carneros' commitment to renewable energy. In celebration, the winery is proud to release its first microgrid-powered wine, the 2023 Avant Garde Pinot Noir Rose, "Powered by The Sun."

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

Domaine Carneros Celebrates Sustainability for Earth Day 2023 – PowerFlex Microgrid represents Next Generation of Solar Power

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Earth Day 2023 brings a vibrant green to the terrain and vineyards of Domaine Carneros as the 2022-23 winter rains have provided much needed relief from the past five years of draught in California. 2023 will mark a significant advance in the winery's record of sustainability when a new solar microgrid and battery system comes online, providing the winery over 75% energy independence. Since its founding in 1987, Domaine Carneros has put sustainability initiatives at the forefront of their daily practices, consistently working to minimize their environmental impact as true stewards of the land.

The intention at Domaine Carneros is to create the best wines and most memorable sparkling wine experiences through healthy land, vines, and people. For the 36 years since its founding, Domaine Carneros has pushed the sustainability envelope to ensure that the winery lives as lightly on the land as possible while producing excellent grapes, and, of course, wine. In pursuit of the highest standards, Domaine Carneros has sought and received certifications from numerous prestigious sustainable organizations. Annual assessments and audits seek out new areas to improve upon rigorous standards of sustainability not only for the winery, but also for its place in the community and as an employer.

The winery implements the following measures towards continuous improvement:

Re-use and recycling

* Through composting, recycling, and reuse, over 90% of solid waste is diverted from landfills.

* Water used in the production process is recycled and used to irrigate the estate vineyards.

* A decade-long packaging reuse program, whereby 20-25% of cases and inserts are reused for in-house purposes.

Sustainability Practices

* Solar energy has long been a crucial aspect of Domaine Carneros' sustainability plan, having installed the largest solar collection system of any winery in the world when it was implemented in 2003. In 2023, Domaine Carneros will be among the first wineries in the Napa Valley to install a solar microgrid and battery system, which will supply 75% of the winery's power, and ultimately allow the winery to be self-sustaining during power outages.

* The winery's use of skylights, building into the earth, and employing night cooling systems to maintain cellar temperatures all contribute to energy conservation as well as robust employee involvement in daily conservation efforts.

* The winery practices Integrated Pest Management using natural controls for vineyard pests such as boxes to attract owls which feed on voles and using cover crops that attract beneficial insects to control insect pests.

* Grape pomace from harvest is used to feed local cattle in a region of California with historic ties to the dairy business.

Commitment to Employees

* The winery has strong principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and its staff is reflective of that commitment.

* The winery practices open book management, inspiring all employees to be a part of a collective success.

* The winery fosters and encourages mentorship for its staff and embraces professional development beyond the team in the form of scholarship offerings and a fellowship.

The winery has been awarded several prestigious honors from the state of California and other well-respected organizations. In April 2023, the winery received the RISE Leadership Award for outstanding waste prevention and greening of its supply chain. In 2020, the winery received the Napa Climate NOW! award for being a Climate Champion in the Business Category. The winery also received the California Green Medal Business Award in 2019 for "demonstrating smart business through efficiencies, cost savings, and innovation from implementing sustainable practices." Only four wineries are awarded the medal each year, so the honor is quite significant given the number of wineries in the state.

Domaine Carneros has been a Bay Area Green Business since 2014, Fish Friendly Farming certified since 2015, Napa Green Land & Winery since 2014 and Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing since 2015.

Looking towards the future, CEO Remi Cohen reiterated the foundations of the winery's philosophy which she is carrying forward, "Domaine Carneros has always been a leader in thoughtful winemaking and vineyard management, looking towards furthering our sustainability practices and initiatives. As we meet new climate challenges, the winery will always look to be a leader with a light footprint as well as a strong investment in the future of its team and the industry."

ABOUT DOMAINE CARNEROS:

Founded in 1987, Domaine Carneros reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to chardonnay, and 250 acres planted to pinot noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production pinot noirs.

For more information, visit: https://www.domainecarneros.com/.

Earth Day 2023 brings a vibrant green to the terrain and vineyards of Domaine Carneros as the 2022-23 winter rains have provided much needed relief from the past five years of draught in California. 2023 will mark a significant advance in the winery's record of sustainability when a new solar microgrid and battery system comes online.

Related link: https://www.domainecarneros.com/

California Safe Schools Celebrates 2022 Earth Day Honorees and 24th Anniversary

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 honorees for their extraordinary achievements empowering youth and protecting the Earth. "CSS wants to honor our phenomenal 2022 Earth Day Champions. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They all make our world a better place," Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director, said.

This Spring also marks the 24th anniversary of CSS's commitment to ensuring that all students, teachers, staff, and community members who live near school sites are in a safe, toxic-free environment. CSS continues to work closely with diverse communities and regulatory agencies on toxic issues that impact our life-giving air, water and soil.

CSS achieved national prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools. This was the first school district to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" in a policy and led to the passage of California's Healthy Schools Act. Today, the LA Unified IPM policy serves as an international model for school districts and communities.

HONOREES:

Tam Doduc

As the appointed Civil Engineer Member on the State Water Resources Control Board, Tam participated in processes to allocate and ensure reasonable use of water rights, provide financial support for water infrastructures and groundwater cleanups, and assure communities have access to safe drinking water. Her 16 years on the board were preceded by her work as Deputy Secretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency where she led the environmental justice and scientific peer review efforts and provided oversight of children's environmental health and environmental education programs.

Deborah Bell-Holt

Deborah's "Love and Respect Youth Foundation" reached out to the needs of thousands of inner city youths in 1994. When she realized this was not enough to solve all the needs she saw before her, Deborah expanded her efforts in the world.

She empowers others to get involved and close-down or clean-up sites that are not favorable to a community. Her fight against drill sites has received worldwide recognition, notably in Paris, France and Switzerland.

Alanna Butterworth

Alanna taught elementary school for 30 years in the Sacramento City Unified School District. She was proactive in fully integrating a local community garden into the school curriculum by developing composting practices with cafeteria food, using the resulting nutrient-dense soil to grow vegetables, and harvesting them for classroom cooking projects. The care of the garden and abundance of fruits and vegetables brought deeply meaningful connections to students who experienced the gifts of nature and attained lifelong knowledge of healthy foods.

Marta and Bob Takano

Bob Takano is a highly respected weightlifting coach who was inducted into the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 2007 for his contributions to coaching. He has been the coach of four national champions, two national record holders, and 27 top ten nationally ranked lifters. Bob has been on the coaching staffs of 17 U.S. National teams to international competitions, five of those being World Championships and the Summer Olympics. His lifters have competed in seven Olympic Trials with one, Albert Hood, the third American to snatch double bodyweight, earning a berth on the 1984 team. Bob continues to produce more record-breaking athletes as owner of his own gym, Takano Weightlifting.

While Bob is involved in his work, Marta is doing some heavy weightlifting of her own as a pet therapist and rescuing dogs. As a volunteer at Northridge Hospital and Kaiser Medical Center, Marta discovered how powerful pet therapy was in healing patients and helped train many other handlers. Her love for golden retrievers led her to be part of the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue that has developed a special program to ensure these traumatized dogs are placed in stable, forever homes. Marta's breadth of experience and compassion are essential in the critical reception of rescue dogs arriving on flights from Korea and Mexico. Both Marta and Bob view this as an opportunity to provide immediate care and solace to an even greater number of dogs in need of rescue. Along with their bountiful garden, they have created a healing environment for the rescue dogs they personally foster until a loving home is found.

Devon Jasiukonis

As president of his middle school in Hollywood, Devon's first project was to initiate a Green Committee. He joins other concerned students and team leaders to facilitate weekly activities to create awareness such as making posters. Topics have included how to reduce, reuse and recycle, earthworm composting, planting milkweed for monarch butterflies, harvesting and storing seeds, and the benefits of farmer's markets for a healthier lifestyle support of local businesses. Devon's newest goal is to reduce single-use water bottles with the installation of filtered drinking water stations at school. This will encourage students and staff to change to reusable bottles that they'll be able to easily refill and it establishes healthy habits while eliminating the impact of plastic.

Martina Rangel-Ortega

Martina has been a force for positive change in her community on issues such as access to healthy food, clean air and water, transportation services and keeping warehouses from being built near residential homes and schools. Martina currently serves as the Secretary for Ontario-Montaclair School District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) whose purpose is to improve and promote communication between schools, parents and public agencies, increase community awareness, and facilitate parent education and support. Martina's passion has been helping special needs children. She has become a trusted advocate between the school district and parents and coordinates many unforgettable activities for families.

All the honorees received awards designed by masterful artist Michael Bruza and engraved by Anderson Trophy.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 honorees for their extraordinary achievements empowering youth and protecting the Earth. "CSS wants to honor our phenomenal 2022 Earth Day Champions. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They all make our world a better place," Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director, said.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

444 Discovers an Abundance of Functional Food at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

SEATTLE, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Danielle Keogh, co-founder, 444, LLC, a business passionate about the culinary art of functional beverage and expert mixology, continues a nationwide tour interviewing sustainable businesses within the food and beverage industry. While exploring the U.S.'s southwest, Keogh discovered Alta Vista Botanical Gardens (AVBG), a treasure trove of plant medicine.

Naomi Stein, vice president, AVBG, welcomed Keogh with open arms and applauds the devotion of Alta Vista's volunteer board members who have worked to create such a wonderful space.

"The functional ingredient movement is alive and well here," she says.

In 1999, the city of Vista, California opened this 14-acre property to the public with a mission to bring people, nature and art together and they're doing just that and more.

AVBG plans to celebrate Earth Day by offering the community a free event where they can connect with nature on an artistic level. Vic Moraga will be live on guitar, while children can conjure recycled art, and families can discover numerous gardens with functional ingredients.

Edible delights can be found throughout. The medicinal herb garden has aloe vera, white sage, horehound, ginkgo trees, chaste trees, jojoba trees, tabebuia trees and more.

In the culinary garden, herb adventurers will find a rich variety that includes everything from spearmint, the caper bush, fennel, lemon verbena and lemongrass to hops, oregano, Thai basil, several varieties of sage, ginger, bay leaf tree, rosemary and thyme.

The children's garden is an ideal place for the younger set to learn about rare fruit trees such as Cherimoya, Loquat, pomegranate, several varieties of banana and dragon fruit.

Nancy Jones, a retired elementary teacher, also known as "Farmer Jones," gives a monthly class for AVBG members and their children. She teaches them how to garden and also heads a cleanup group, Loser's Litter, where participants help to keep the community free of debris. Additionally, she'll be overseeing the Earth Day Festival.

Other functional food events are happening all over in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

HERE'S A GOOD SAMPLING:

Who: Nancy Jones/Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
What: Earth Day Festival
Where: Vista, CA, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive Vista
When: Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Who: Rose Walker/Le Jardin Verde Garden
What: Tree Care
Where: Albuquerque, NM, 538 Utah St. NE
When: Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Who: Cole Daeschel/Cedar Grove Greenhouse, Nursery and Farm
What: Santa Fe Farmers' Markets | Santa Fe Railyard
Where: Santa Fe, NM, 1607 Paseo De Peralta
When: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Who: Dirk Hermann/Planet Mushrooms
What: Calabasas Farmers' Market
Where: Calabasas, CA, 23504 Calabasas Rd
When: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Who: Creation Family Farms
What: Brentwood Farmers Market
Where: Brentwood, CA, Oak St and, 1st St
When: Sundays from 9:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m.

Who: Roberto Ramirez/Mountain Meadow Mushroom Farm
What: Free Mushroom Compost Pickup
Where: Escondido, CA, 26948 N Broadway
When: Every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Two other options include a free 15-minute consultation with LA Garden Supply owner Leonard Song on how to grow sustainably indoors or discover delicious concoctions of plant medicine at the Realm of 52 Remedies in San Diego that will evoke your senses.

About 444 (4 Forty 4):

444, LLC is dedicated to discovering ways to learn, grow, and collaborate to capture healthy, exciting, unique options for beverages. By partnering with and supporting small businesses throughout the U.S. within the functional ingredients and sustainable farming sectors, 444 is committed to providing current information about the industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Anyone interested in sharing their or others' stories, can visit: https://444.farm/

Explore Midwest farmers at: https://444.farm/category/west-coast/

For more information about AVBG: https://444.farm/2022/04/10/alta-vista-botanical-gardens-vista-california/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube) https://youtu.be/vjrhtk9jIVo

Video caption: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens | Earth Day 2022 | Vista, California.

Danielle Keogh, co-founder, 444, LLC, a business passionate about the culinary art of functional beverage and expert mixology, continues a nationwide tour interviewing sustainable businesses within the food and beverage industry. While exploring the U.S.'s southwest, Keogh discovered Alta Vista Botanical Gardens (AVBG), a treasure trove of plant medicine.

Related link: https://444.farm/

California Safe Schools Honors 2021 Earth Day Champions

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- March 30, 2021 marked the 23rd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS), a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition, founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

A school gardener in a hazardous materials suit, employed by LA Unified School District, unaware students were present, sprayed the herbicide creating a cloud of pesticide mist students were forced to walk through to reach their classrooms. Several parents who had dropped off their children at the school were alarmed to witness this event. Robina's youngest son, Nicholas, whose asthma had been under control, experienced a severe asthma attack after the incident.

Robina and CSS sprang into action, contacting the school district, experts in the area, teachers and other parents - leading the effort to ensure incidents like this would not happen again. And, one year to the date Nicholas became ill, CSS and LAUSD enacted the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for schools. The policy was the first in the United States to embrace the Precautionary Principle and Parents Right to Know regarding pesticides in schools.

The success of the policy led to California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act 2000, and AB 405 spearheaded by Suwol and CSS, which prevents experimental pesticides whose health effects are unknown from being used in all K-12 California schools. As a result, 6 million students, hundreds of thousands of teachers and school employees are protected.

For 23 years LA Unified has not used Roundup, or any herbicides, on the grounds of any schools in a district spanning 28 cities, 703 square miles and 1000 sites.

"While the pandemic has postponed celebrating in person, honoring our phenomenal 2021 Earth Day Champions cannot be delayed. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They make our world a much safer and better place," said Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director.

HONOREES

Graham Allen is 13 years old and a 7th grade student at Pacific Beach Middle School in San Diego, CA. He is an avid surfer, pianist, and soccer player, and has a 4.5 GPA. He hopes to inspire others through his passion for surfing and environmental protection. With encouragement and support from his peers, Graham organized four beach cleanups in Pacific Beach, California. He worked with several non-profits in underserved communities to teach children how to surf, including students with special needs, to make the ocean a more comfortable place. Graham hopes that in the future, people will transform their passion into something that benefits others, and will help to create a safe and clean environment. In addition to receiving the 2021 Earth Day Hero Award, Graham served four times as Captain of Junior Lifeguards, received IB awards in Science and Physical Education, and was awarded a college scholarship from the Carson Scholarship Foundation. Graham is the son of Scott and Leah Allen.

Mark Abramowitz is entering his 41st year of air quality work in California. In his early days, Mark was tagged by the L.A. Weekly with the moniker "Mr. Clean Air". Since then, Mark's focus has been on tackling the seemingly insurmountable air quality problems in Los Angeles and globally. Mark has played leadership roles in a number of air quality and environmentally focused organizations. He currently works as a consultant to companies with innovative clean air technologies, and as a leader in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in California, championing zero emission technologies.

Laurie Guillen is a lifelong resident of Paramount, California, and environmental health advocate for decades. She is a graduate of the Paramount Unified School District, Cerritos College and California State University, Fullerton. She has raised three children in her hometown - a doctor, a lawyer, and a deputy Sheriff. Laurie is the founder of the Paramount Community Coalition Against Toxics, and was elected to the Paramount City Council in 2017. In 1987, Laurie joined the Los Angeles Police Department and worked various assignments within the Department - patrol, narcotics, investigations, and administration. She retired in November of 2017. Laurie volunteers for Veterans Affairs at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, is a philanthropist for Parkinson's disease, and a team coach for individuals with Parkinson's. She is currently a member of the Paramount Women's Club, and in her spare time enjoys travel, creating art, hiking, and camping.

MiQui Marie Torres is a wife, mother of three, an environmental advocate for children's health and a distinguished educator in Sacramento, California. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she often donates her time to serve as a translator for families in need. All of her family members, husband Mario, daughter Elena and sons Mariano and Martino have continuously served the community during the pandemic by providing others in need, especially senior citizens with produce from their abundant organic garden, and donate toys and clothing to foster children. She also contributes regularly to organizations serving the homeless, and adopts injured animals who would not have survived without her nurturing care.

Mitzi Shpak is a founding member and Executive Director of Action Now, an Environmental Health non-profit located in Southern California. Mitzi has served on the groundbreaking Los Angeles Unified School District Integrated Pest Management Team since 1999, and on the California Department of Pesticide Regulation School IPM Advisory Committee. Mitzi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, and for twenty years has been a Research Associate II in the laboratory of Edward B. Lewis (1995 Nobel Laureate Medicine & Physiology, at Caltech), and previously worked at the Institute for Genetic Medicine, USC School of Medicine in melanoma research; Beckman Institute, City of Hope in breast cancer research; Human Genome Project at Caltech; and interned at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Jesse N. Marquez is the founder and executive director of the non-profit community based Environmental Justice Organization the Coalition For A Safe Environment (CFASE). CFASE was established in April 2001 in Wilmington, California to eliminate, reduce and mitigate the negative environmental, public health, public safety and community socio-economic impacts caused by International Trade Marine Ports, Freight Transportation, Petroleum and Energy Industries. Jesse N. Marquez's non-profit organization experience includes: community organizing, family assistance, public education, leadership development, community empowerment, urban planning, community sustainability, emergency preparedness and community economic development

Adrienne Quarry is an international human rights lawyer based in Los Angeles, California. Over the years, she has worked on several cases in an effort to obtain redress and justice for victims of human rights abuses and environmental devastation in Columbia, Ecuador, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan. Adrienne continues to work closely with several organizations on the local level and continues her dedication to environmental advocacy as a member of the Los Angeles Unified Integrated Pest Management Team, which has embraced the Precautionary Principle and Right to Know to keep children and adults in Los Angeles public schools safe from exposure to toxic chemicals for over two decades. Adrienne holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in Government (International Relations) with a concentration in Justice and Peace Studies. She also holds a law degree from the University of Notre Dame where she served as Articles Editor for the Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robina Suwol, Executive Director

California Safe Schools

calisafe@earthlink.net

818-785-5515

March 30, 2021 marked the 23rd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS), a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition, founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

‘Restore Our Earth’ is the Theme of Earth Day 2021 and the Passion and Way of Life of Scientologist Peter Vajda

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Scientology Network's "Meet a Scientologist" television series celebrates the work of agricultural engineer Peter Vajda, the Church of Scientology International announced today. For Vajda, this year's Earth Day theme, "Restore Our Earth," is a passion and way of life as it focuses attention on regenerating the world's ecosystems through natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking.

"With the population growing and productive farmland decreasing, this is a race to save future generations," Vajda says in his "Meet a Scientologist" episode that can be viewed on the Scientology Network.

In speaking of the reason this theme was selected, Kathleen Rogers, president and CEO of Earthday.org states, "Our soils are in horrendous shape, worldwide, not just in the U.S. We're looking at global, catastrophic misuse of our soils."

Agriculture depends on friendly bacteria. Without these microscopic organisms, crops can't grow. Each year, we lose 75 billion tons of fertile soil, says Vajda, who points out that at this rate we will run out of fertile soil in another 60 years.

His company, Phylazonit, organically grows good bacteria to restore the soil so it can support life again.

Learn how the innovative work of this ardent environmentalist is reversing this crisis in his native Hungary and across the globe. Watch Vajda's episode of "Meet a Scientologist" on the Scientology Network.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network can be streamed on Scientology.tv and is available through satellite television, mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

The Scientology Network was launched in March 2018 by Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. It has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

Learn more at:

https://www.scientology.tv/series/meet-a-scientologist/peter-vajda.html

https://www.scientology.tv/series/inside-scientology/scientology-media-productions.html

https://www.scientology.tv/apps/

MULTIMEDIA

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0421s2p-peter-vajda-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Peter Vajda has dedicated his life to reverting a blight that threatens the future of mankind: the loss of viable farmland due to pesticides and chemicals that destroy the soil.

Scientology Network's "Meet a Scientologist" television series celebrates the work of agricultural engineer Peter Vajda, the Church of Scientology International announced today. For Vajda, this year's Earth Day theme, "Restore Our Earth," is a passion and way of life as it focuses attention on regenerating the world's ecosystems through natural processes, emerging green technologies and innovative thinking.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Sunstate Laboratories Introduces Revolutionary Cleaning Products That Help Eliminate Plastic Waste and Save Consumers Money

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- In the midst of celebrating Earth Day's 50th anniversary this month, SunState Labs is setting the standard for environmentally-responsible businesses, by employing sustainable production practices and conserving resources along the entire supply-chain. The company's product, DAZZ, is a non-toxic concentrated cleaning tablet, made with natural ingredients and designed to curb the need for single-use plastics.

Historically, household cleaners have primarily been available in ready-to-use (RTU) containers, perpetuating the "use-and-discard" cycle. Consumers buy their cleaning products pre-mixed in spray bottles, then have to toss each spray bottle as they become empty.

DAZZ, however, is breaking this cycle -- their concentrated, easy-to-use tablets are made to be used in any spray bottle, so customers can reuse existing bottles in their homes, over and over again. For the consumer, this not only saves them money, but also allows them to make environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions.

In a world where sustainability is becoming a major concern for the mainstream consumer market, DAZZ is filling that hole in the household cleaning industry, allowing individuals to incorporate greener habits into their cleaning routine.

Each year, over one billion plastic spray bottles are thrown out in the United States. These spray bottles contribute to the growing build-up of plastic waste in our oceans, which, according to Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning up plastic pollution in the oceans, currently amounts to over 5 trillion pieces of plastic. The issue of plastic waste has only increased in relevance, since China stopped purchasing the United States' plastic waste in 2018.

David Shahan, CEO and Chief Innovation Officer for SunState Labs, had this exact issue in mind when he developed DAZZ Cleaning Tablets.

In addition to environmental and economic benefits, DAZZ also boasts high performance when tested against industry leaders. In tests conducted at the TURI lab at the University of Massachusetts, DAZZ Window & Glass Cleaner beat Windex, DAZZ All-Purpose beat Formula 409, and DAZZ Bathroom beat Clorox. Despite costing about 75% less than these leading RTU brands, DAZZ outperforms them when it comes to tackling tough messes.

DAZZ cleaning tablets, when added to a bottle of lukewarm water, dissolve into a powerful cleaning solution, free of fillers and toxic chemicals. The tablet form saves storage space in the household, as well as lessens the cost and environmental impact of transportation. Consumers can order either a Starter Kit, which includes spray bottles and tablet packets, or a Refill Package of just tablets -- either way, no water is being shipped.

Shahan wants to stress the importance of local suppliers in the fight for more sustainable business practices. "I'd like to see local programs foster the ingenuity of local suppliers," says Shahan. "Hiring locally, sourcing locally, and protecting the environment go hand-in-hand with a profitable, sustainable enterprise."

SunState's mission is to create innovative products that are safe, tough on dirt, and encourage environmental sustainability.

Learn more at: https://dazzcleaner.com/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
David Shahan
CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of SunState Labs
720-524-8477
David@sunstatelabs.com

In the midst of celebrating Earth Day's 50th anniversary this month, SunState Labs is setting the standard for environmentally-responsible businesses, by employing sustainable production practices and conserving resources along the entire supply-chain. The company's product, DAZZ, is a non-toxic concentrated cleaning tablet, made with natural ingredients and designed to curb the need for single-use plastics.

Related link: https://dazzcleaner.com/

Pratt Abbott Launches Earth Day Clothing Drive to Benefit Preble Street

WESTBROOK, Maine /ScoopCloud/ -- Pratt Abbott is hosting a clothing drive to benefit Preble Street and celebrate Earth Day from now through April 26. 2019. All 12 of Pratt Abbott's dry cleaning and laundromat locations are accepting clothing donations during this period.

"I always welcome the opportunity to give back to our community. It's part of our company values to lift up the vulnerable among us so we can grow stronger together," said David Machesney, president and owner of Pratt Abbott. "I'm a longtime admirer of Preble Street and the work they do to fight poverty and homelessness in Maine. To be able help them out and raise awareness about Earth Day at the same time is a great feeling."

Pratt Abbott has been a trailblazer for eco-friendly dry cleaning in Maine. Part of that effort includes using GreenEarth(r), the only non-toxic cleaning solution available to the dry cleaning industry. Other initiatives include recycling programs and investing in equipment to reduce water use, electricity consumption, and waste.

"Donating to a clothing drive is good for the environment, especially in the age of fast-fashion and disposable wardrobes," said Machesney. "A lot of energy goes into producing new clothes, and tons of wearable clothing ends up in landfills, rather than being put to good use."

For the clothing drive, all Pratt Abbott customers and the general public are invited to donate gently-used clothes to benefit Preble Street, including men's and women's clothes, shoes, and outerwear. Preble Street particularly needs jeans, sweatshirts, socks, new underwear, boots, and sneakers. Household items like towels, backpacks, and duffle bags are also needed.

All items collected by Pratt Abbott will be donated to Preble Street to stock their clothing closet that provides basic necessities for homeless adults and teenagers.

"We're grateful to our customers, friends, and neighbors for participating in this effort to ease the burden of poverty and homelessness in Maine," said Machesney.

To find your nearest Pratt Abbott location, please visit: https://prattabbott.com/.

About Pratt Abbott:

Pratt Abbott is the largest dry cleaning and laundry company in Maine, with 12 retail locations and route delivery in Greater Portland. Pratt Abbott is a full-service garment care provider, including eco-friendly dry cleaning, shirt service, wash-dry-fold, self-serve laundromats, alterations and repairs, wedding dress cleaning and preservation, and more. Pratt Abbott also provides top-quality uniform and linen rentals to area businesses.

About Preble Street:

Preble Street is an organization devoted to creating solutions to homelessness, hunger, and poverty in Maine with services including drop-in centers, soup kitchens, a food pantry, shelters, social work services, and supported housing. Learn more: https://www.preblestreet.org/.

Pratt Abbott is hosting a clothing drive to benefit Preble Street and celebrate Earth Day from now through April 26, 2019. All 12 of Pratt Abbott's dry cleaning and laundromat locations are accepting clothing donations during this period.

Related link: https://prattabbott.com/

Partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA, enables Trotwood-Madison and Tri-Village schools to observe Earth Day every day

TIPP CITY, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping the Tri-Village and Trotwood-Madison school districts lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the districts' Green Teams.

Green Teams engage students, staff and the community in developing, promoting and implementing energy savings and sustainability programs throughout their school districts. Energy Optimizers, USA, sponsors the teams at every school district where it completes a comprehensive energy conservation project.

"The Green Teams are about bringing the work we do with school districts full circle," said Greg Smith, president of Energy Optimizers, USA. "Our solutions enable school districts to conserve energy by replacing outdated electrical and HVAC systems with energy efficient alternatives. Then we help these districts create grassroots-level teams that are engaged in creating and leading long-term energy conservation and sustainability projects that all students can contribute to or learn from."

In the Tri-Village Schools district, Green Team students have been collecting plastic bags for recycling and distributing reusable bags in return. Students in grades 3-6 also recently completed a pill bottle recycling project. The students collected more than 730 bottles that they sent to Matthew 25: Ministries in Blue Ash, Ohio. The organization will then send those bottles to areas that need containers to transport and store medications.

"The project provided a very concrete example for students that one person's trash could be useful to someone else in need," said Josh Sagester, Superintendent, Tri-Village School District.

In Trotwood-Madison City Schools, the district's Green Team has set a goal to encourage recycling by placing collection boxes for recyclable items in classrooms. The district will also unveil a new community garden at its early learning center in 2017.

"With our community garden, students and our community members will be able to experience firsthand the relationship between a healthy planet and healthy bodies," said Marlon Howard, Director of Operations, Trotwood-Madison City Schools.

In addition to providing the materials and support to get the teams up and running, Energy Optimizers, USA, provides scholarships for participating students, an educational trip to The Ohio State University to build a district "Energy Bike" and numerous after-school activities.

For Smith, sponsoring Green Teams isn't just about instilling conservation-minded habits in school districts and their communities. Smith is also helping to shape the future of the industry. That's because the teams offer the additional benefit of exposing students to career pathways in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

"STEM careers in general and energy management careers in particular are high growth fields," said Smith. "Our hope is that by exposing students to these career options, they may take an interest in the field and perhaps one day work for us."

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 was named to the INC. Magazine Top 500 list of 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 finalist in the Dayton Business Journal Best Places To Work competition in 2016.

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

Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping the Tri-Village and Trotwood-Madison school districts lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the districts' Green Teams.

Partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA, enables Oak Hills Local Schools to observe Earth Day every day

TIPP CITY, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping Oak Hills Local Schools lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the creation of Green Teams.

Green Teams engage students, staff and the community in developing, promoting and implementing energy savings and sustainability programs throughout their school districts. Energy Optimizers, USA, sponsors the teams at every school district where it completes a comprehensive energy conservation project.

"The Green Teams are about bringing the work we do with school districts full circle," said Greg Smith, president of Energy Optimizers, USA. "Our solutions enable school districts to conserve energy by replacing outdated electrical and HVAC systems with energy efficient alternatives. Then we help these districts create grassroots-level teams that are engaged in creating and leading long-term energy conservation and sustainability projects that all students can contribute to or learn from."

At Oak Hills Local Schools, the Green Team's efforts have resulted in a massive recycling project and district-wide energy savings efforts. The team started off the 2016-2017 school year by placing zero-waste tables in all of the district's cafeterias. The zero-waste tables will help each building minimize how much trash goes to the landfill by enabling students and staff to separate their waste into compost, recyclables and trash.

To improve the district's energy efficiency, the Green Team students crafted an email for staff educating them about energy conservation. The message explained that keeping classroom doors closed during the colder months improves the energy efficiency of the heating system. Following the release of the email, the percentage of doors closed rose from 75 percent to 84 percent.

"The Green Teams have been an asset to our schools, not just because they are engaging our students and staff in adopting sustainability principles, but also because they are giving our Green Team members a chance to take on leadership roles in our schools," said Jeff Brandt, Superintendent. "Our students have an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges and see the results of their efforts."

In addition to providing the materials and support to get the teams up and running, Energy Optimizers, USA, provides scholarships for participating students, an educational trip to The Ohio State University to build a district "Energy Bike" and numerous after-school activities.

For Smith, sponsoring Green Teams isn't just about instilling conservation-minded habits in school districts and their communities. Smith is also helping to shape the future of the industry. That's because the teams offer the additional benefit of exposing students to career pathways in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

"STEM careers in general and energy management careers in particular are high growth fields," said Smith. "Our hope is that by exposing students to these career options, they may take an interest in the field and perhaps one day work for us."

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 was named to the INC. Magazine Top 500 list of 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 finalist in the Dayton Business Journal Best Places To Work competition in 2016.

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

Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping Oak Hills Local Schools lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the creation of Green Teams.

California Safe Schools Honors 2017 Earth Day Heroes

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In honor of Earth Day 2017, California Safe Schools celebrates all of the heroes who strive every day to protect our environment. This year, CSS is honoring the following 2017 Earth Day Heroes with awards and commendations for their exceptional efforts to protect human health and Mother Earth.

Founded by Robina Suwol in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) is a children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit. CSS achieved national and international prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, as has since been a leader in protecting children's environmental health.

2017 Earth Day Heroes:

Sandra Schubert, Esq. - Sacramento, California:

CSS celebrates Sandra for more than two decades of public service, beginning with helping to craft the LAUSD IPM Policy, followed by her work as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer of California, counsel to U.S. Senate Leader Harry Reid from Nevada, her role as the State of California Food & Agriculture Undersecretary, and all of her volunteer efforts working with California's groups which have led to greater protection for children's health and the environment.

Stephanie J. Harker & Cathy Blaivas - West Hollywood, California:

For their passionate community campaigns and tireless efforts to protect historic Plummer Park in West Hollywood, California Safe Schools celebrates Stephanie J. Harker and Cathy Blaivas co-founders of Protect Plummer Park. Their hard work prevented the destruction of 56 heritage trees and the demolition of nationally designated Great Hall/Long Hall, originally constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937.

Douglas Anderson - Area Facilities Service Director, Los Angeles Unified School District, California:

CSS celebrates Douglas Anderson for his enormous efforts working with LAUSD's exceptional Maintenance & Operations staff, whose meticulous work ensures the successful implementation of LAUSD's groundbreaking IPM Policy in place for almost twenty years. LAUSD's IPM Policy is the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools and the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know", and includes a 15-member oversight committee to ensure implementation. The success of the policy in the 2nd largest school district, which spans 740 square miles, 28 cities and more than 1000 sites, led to California's Healthy Schools Act of 2000. Today the LA Unified IPM policy serves as an international model for school districts' and communities' pesticide management programs.

On October 6, 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 405 (Montanez) sponsored by CSS, which strengthens The Healthy Schools Act. The bill bans experimental pesticides, whose health effects are unknown, from California K-12 public schools. As a result, more than six million California children and hundreds of thousands of school children are protected from experimental chemicals whose health effects are unknown.

"In honoring these outstanding, committed individuals, we are acknowledging the hard work and collaboration that has enabled us to protect not only current generations, but future generations to come," said Robina Suwol, founder and executive director of California Safe Schools.

For additional information:
California Safe Schools
818-785-5515
http://www.calisafe.org/

In honor of Earth Day 2017, California Safe Schools celebrates all of the heroes who strive every day to protect our environment. This year, CSS is honoring the following 2017 Earth Day Heroes with awards and commendations for their exceptional efforts to protect human health and Mother Earth.

Cure4Hunger to Unveil New Agricultural Technology Earth Day Weekend at Inaugural Healthy Earth Music & Arts Fest

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 12, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Earth Day Weekend will hold special significance this year when the inaugural Healthy Earth Music & Arts Fest makes its premiere in Los Angeles' historic Leimert Park, Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to this multi-cultural, sustainable lifestyle event, produced by Transmedia 360, encouraging health and environmental awareness, the festival will feature the unveiling of the humanitarian organization, Cure4Hunger's (C4H) new agricultural technology, the "Gravity Gardens."

The event is free to the public and will also feature panel discussions, workshops and film screenings in addition to a mixed assemblage of celebrity talent, dance, music and art. Hosted by actor-humanitarian, Darris Love (Nickelodeon's "The Secret World of Alex Mack"), activities will take place at 4300 Degnan Blvd. on the Vision Theater Back Lot, inside the Vision Theater, and on People Street in Leimert Park.

PRESS CONFERENCE: A press conference for Cure4Hunger is planned from noon to 12:30 at the Vision Theater, located at 3341 W. 43rd Place and a VIP Earth Day Soiree is slated for the night before on Friday, April 22 as a special fundraiser for Cure4Hunger, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The fundraiser will be held in Leimert Park at the Fernando Pullum Arts Center, located at 3351 W 43rd Street.

The entire weekend of events is being produced and coordinated by actor/artivist Nina Womack and her multimedia company, Transmedia 360.

Actor-filmmaker, Cylk Cozart ("White Men Can't Jump," "Conspiracy Theory") is CEO and co-founder of Cure4Hunger.org ( http://cure4hunger.org ) alongside Chairman and co-founder, Eric W. Williams. "We have created the world's first self-reliant and affordable cure for global hunger by integrating innovative technologies into one sustainable solution. Our ability to grow unlimited organic food anywhere in the world inside disaster-proof domes is a historic achievement for humanity," cites Williams. Details about their patent pending invention will be revealed at the press conference during the festival. Martin Luther King III is the Global Ambassador for the organization and will be in attendance, via video, at the conference.

Friday night's special fundraiser for Cure4Hunger will consist of live music featuring two-time Grammy award winner, Timothy Bloom, live art and eco-fashion models, spoken word, healthy hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction of exclusive art and upscale gifts including a weekend mansion stay with private limousine service. Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased at http://www.HealthyEarthFest.com.

The festival will also provide free health panels such as "Forever Young, The Art of Living Healthy" moderated by Dr. Tony O'Donnell, an expert naturopathic physician on CNBC's KCAA 1050 AM radio. Panelists include an "all-star" line up of natural health care experts such as; addiction medicine physician and TV personality, Dr. Reef Karim; vegan chef, Babette Davis; natural skin care expert, Mindi Miller; and Stephanie Suthers, owner of the international natural hair product line, Hairobics. "The Whole Musician" panel will discuss how performers can maximize their creative potential through healthy, holistic practices and "Boost Your Financial Health" features financial experts. A motivational book author panel will also be offered to the public.

Film presentations followed by Q & A's include "Can You Dig This?" by urban gardening expert, Ron Finley; "Dear Governor Brown" by Jon Bowermaster and actor, Mark Ruffalo; and "40 Point Plan" by filmmaker and Cure4Hunger founder, Eric W. Williams.

World music treats include the bilingual alternative rock band, Halo Circus from "American Idol"; the jazz band, Connect featuring Barbara Morrison; West African dance troupe Le Ballet Dembaya; Ali Baba from Mali with Asha Baba; Native American and Asian performers, Melvin "MDK" Kelly, the young Jimi Hendrix; and DJ Zoon and the GoGo Hoop Dance Stars to name just a few.

The youth area will be hosted by teen comedienne, Leroya Sanford ("The View"), and celebrity kids from Disney and Nickelodeon will join anti-bully rapper, Chris La Vrar ("America's Got Talent"). Family fun includes talented performers, a youth circus provided by Le PeTIT CirQue, sports activities, face painting, Samba class, clown dancing, jewelry repurposing, solar demos, urban gardening, healthy food trucks, vendors and more!

"Organizing this free event has been a tremendous labor of love," expresses Nina Womack of Transmedia 360. "Earth Day is a beautiful global celebration of healing energy that will be vibrating the planet that weekend. This gathering of celebrities, artists, speakers, vendors and supporters is going to be amazing. The addition of Cure4Hunger's global announcement offering a solution to end world hunger caps the entire historical weekend for me."

For the full schedule of events, go to http://healthyearthfest.com/ and for more information on Cure4Hunger, contact their media ambassador, Nina Womack at (877) 594-1292 or http://www.transmedia360.net/.

*PHOTO Caption: The Inaugural Healthy Earth Music & Arts Fest is being produced and coordinated by actor/artivist Nina Womack and her multimedia company, Transmedia 360.

Twitter: @ninawomack #Transmedia360 #Cure4Hunger @makedaqueen

MEDIA CONTACT:
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
323-380-8819

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/cure4hunger-to-unveil-new-agricultural-technology-earth-day-weekend-at-inaugural-healthy-earth-music-arts-fest-2016-0412-04.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Transmedia 360 :: 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®.

USA Coffee Company: Environmentally-Friendly Coffee

PLANTATION, Fla., April 1, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Earth Day is April 22 and USA Coffee Company is doing its part to save the planet. USA Coffee Company is proud of its efforts to produce conventional certified Hawaiian coffee that is environmentally friendly.

"We have developed farming practices that return the harvesting and processing byproducts back into the soil to control weeds, and to replenish the soil's nutrients," Ted Massinello, president of USA Coffee Company, says. "We also recycle the coffee wash water and the green waste from pruning. All branches and twigs are mulched and recycled year after year; nothing goes into landfills."

Massinello says that it will continue to farm its specialty coffee by recycling by-products that are biodegradable.

Additionally, USA Coffee Company has recently introduced the reusable and eco-friendly coffee filter, Ekobrew, for Keurig single-serve brewers. It's made in the USA and BPA free. It's also compatible with the Cuisinart, Breville and Mr. Coffee single-cup machines.

And, because the Ekobrew is reusable, there is no disposable plastic and foil cup to end up in a land fill. This year alone, more than five billion K-cup packs filled with imported coffee will be sold, used and then discarded.

"So, make coffee, not trash," Massinello says.

The Ekobrew has a financial advantage as well. Coffee drinkers who use the Ekobrew with USA Coffee can expect to save 70 percent or more because there is no need to purchase the K cups. It's a $0.20 average cost per cup versus $0.70.

It's pretty too. Ekobrew's durable and attractive design has won high praise from critics making it a finalist for the 2012 Housewares Design Award presented by HomeWorld Business.

About USA Coffee Company:

USA Coffee Company was established to only roast coffee grown in the USA. 100 percent of its coffee hails from Hawaii. All coffee accessories such as mugs and filters are also made in the USA. Signature coffees include: All American Union Roast; All American Classic; Maui Morning Mojo; and more.

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

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/USA-Coffee-Company-Environmentally-Friendly-Coffee_2013-04-0401-007.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE USA Coffee Company :: 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®.