Posts tagged "earth"

Environmental Accounting: Taking our Part in Saving the Earth

by USACE Europe District

While the goal of a company or firm is sustainability, the goal of the human species is to sustain themselves as well. Sustainability is a state of being that can be maintained indefinitely. Sustainable development, as defined by the United Nations General Assembly, meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.

Companies prefer not to break even, but sustain themselves with a higher margin of safety. Similarly, we’d like to see human kind sustain themselves for many, many years to come. Unfortunately, we are not leading ourselves towards that path. The declining state of our environment has become a global epidemic, centered on consumer-focused countries like the United States of America. It is essential that we, as educated and responsible citizens, take action now in order to save the sacred place which we thrive upon.

Many people ask “How can I make a difference?” Although there are many simple solutions (consume recycled products, reduce energy use, etc.), environmentalism can even fit into our everyday lives – into the profession of accounting. Environmental accounting has been under discussion since the 1960s, but has expanded greatly in the last three decades. Now that environmentalism is in the public eye, it is more pertinent to the profession than ever.

Environmental accounting is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to pair their interest in the environment with a skill set in accounting. Despite the slowing economy, it is certain the demand for environmental accountants will rise. The demand for these specific professionals, however, is tied to environmental regulations originated in Washington, D.C. With the upcoming presidential election in November 2008, the future for these professionals is not predictable. It is clear, however, that the majority of front-running candidates have proposed actions within their platforms for the environment. Despite the politics of environmental regulation, it is very apparent America has taken an interest in environmental issues.

Although companies do not often recruit for these specific positions, it is something that students may specialize in later on in their career. Large companies, as well as accounting firms, often have environmental accountants on staff. Until this point, there have not been academic programs focusing on environmental accounting, nor a professional certification relating to the field. A great way to start towards this path would be with a college minor in environmental studies. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses focusing in this area will also serve accounting professionals well. Communication is a key skill environmental accountants must possess. They must be able to convey their knowledge to scientists, risk managers, public relations professionals, marketing staff and even senior executives.

Not only will environmental accountants serve as a vital part in a company’s social responsibility effort, but they will also be able to cut costs in an environmental friendly way. Companies may perform an environmental audit to determine which legislation is applicable to the company, assess the compliance, and provide environmental solutions. Accountants are able to understand the distribution of costs and use of resources – and can analyze ways companies will be able to lessen their ecological footprint. In this way, environmental accountants can take action for environmentalism on a much bigger scale.

While it is the environmental accountants’ responsibility to adhere to government guidelines, we should not overlook their role in improving environmental conditions. It is pertinent that environmental accountants work with public relation as well as marketing professionals, in order to promote the most eco-friendly products. Now, more than ever, America has begun to realize its’ ecological footprint on the Earth. The marketability of some commercial products depends on its level of environmental friendliness. Using recyclable materials will not only cut costs, but also impress consumers.

In upcoming years, environmental accountants will play a key role in business strategies. Environmental accountants have the power to satisfy management with financial figures, as well the community with social responsibility. These specific professionals will hold the key role in following environmental regulations. With hope, environmental accountants can do their part in moving towards sustainability.

While we may be able to connect our professional lives with the condition of our environment, I urge you to take action individually as well. Every small action has the power to make a difference. You can measure your ecological footprint at www.ecofoot.org. This will give you a greater understanding our impact on the environment, and how sustainable our practices are.

Green Proof Your Home D

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) April 22, 2008

Green Proof™ Your Home, a residential consulting service designed to outline the simple steps of going green, debuted today. Just as baby proofing a home makes it safe for babies, green proofing a home makes it safer for the Earth.

“Green is not a passing fad,” said Tara Biller, founder and owner of Green Proof Your Home. “Green Proof Your Home aims to make your home safer for your family and the environment without drastically changing your lifestyle. Our mission is to show each client that even the smallest of changes can make a huge impact on preserving the Earth’s resources for future generations. To accomplish this, we guide our clients every step of the way, for whatever degree of green living they choose.”

Green Proof Your Home offers an initial home consultation to teach people how to make “green” choices for their homes. This consultation includes a starter kit of environmentally-friendly cleaning products, educational materials and a Green Proof plan of simple suggested behavior modifications for greener living. Green Proof Your Home will also be offering an online environmental store and other services including energy and water usage audits and retrofitting services for energy and water conservation.

Green Proof Your Home is working to cultivate strategic partnering opportunities with innovative organizations, green builders, and retailers committed to upholding the standards of the environmental movement.

For more information or to schedule a consultation please contact Tara Biller at tbiller@greenproofyourhome.com.

About Green Proof Your Home

Headquartered in Nashville, TN, Green Proof Your Home is a residential “green home” consulting service. Its mantra is: “We will guide you to greener living and show you how to make more environmentally-friendly choices for your home.” The company offers services from an initial home consultation to energy and water usage assessments and retrofitting services. For more information, please visit www.greenproofyourhome.com.

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China’s Cut on Rare Earth Exports Raises Concern

China’s Cut on Rare Earth Exports Raises Concern
China, which produces 97% of the global supply of rare earth minerals, slashed its export quotas, fueling international trade worries.
Read more on FOX Business

Australian rare earth stocks on the rise
AUSTRALIA’S emerging rare earths producers and explorers are enjoying a year-end surge in value thanks to China’s latest move to limit supplies from its dominant industry to the rest of the world.
Read more on Brisbane Times

Ohata calm as China cuts rare earths
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akihiro Ohata reacted calmly to China’s announcement Tuesday that it will cut its rare earth export quotas for the first half of 2011 by 35 percent, saying it was effectively what was expected. A METI official briefing reporters following Beijing’s announcement said that while further analysis is needed to evaluate the latest move, the announcement shows …
Read more on The Japan Times

Assessing the US Supply of Rare Earth Elements

In the headlines lately has been news of China’s monopoly of rare earth elements (REE), adding to China’s growing clout. It would increase their leverage should they choose to reduce exports, causing REE prices to soar. The United States imports almost all of its REE from China, putting it in a position of geopolitical weakness. In light of this circumstance, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted a study to map out the presence of REE found domestically. It turns out that rare earth elements in the United States are not so rare.

China considering pollution rules for rare earth production

China’s industry ministry is considering regulations to tighten pollution standards for rare earth producers, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday, a move the country’s top firm said might further raise export prices.

Yang Wanxi, a government adviser involved in preparing the new regulations, said a draft had been filed with the Ministry of Industry and Information, aiming to force producers to upgrade production techniques, Xinhua said.

China, which accounts for 97 percent of global output of the elements used in high-tech devices, wind mills, batteries and some weaponry, strictly controls their trade and this year reduced export quotas by 40 percent from 2009 levels, triggering a spike in prices.