YPAL – Green Team

The Green Team Committee had our latest meeting this past week at the Heine Bros off of Chenoweth. It was a small crowd, but we managed to get a lot accomplished. With the Habitat build scheduled to finish up by early October, all that was left to talk about was the interior finishing and the wrap up events. From what I heard from Laura (one of the lead build volunteers), most all of the interior materials have been donated. She had quite a list of donations including paint, countertops, trip, carpet, etc. Cash reported on the build schedule, which has remained relatively on schedule despite a few cancelled work days due to the excessive heat and rain. It seems like that is normal on a home project in Louisville though.

 With the house almost ready for its debut, the PR subcommittee is ready to end this construction journey with a bang. Cash submitted the home for a tour with the AIA as an example of affordable green living in the city. We were granted the honor to be a part of this tour along with many other homes in Louisville. This open house will serve as the home’s first public tour. We are also looking forward to an excellent dedication of the home and house warming party for Wendy and her little boy. More details on that as they become firm.

 We were only there for an hour, but we managed to get many items accomplished on our agenda. It wasn’t all talk about the project though. I am personal friends with some of the Green Team committee and have even known some since high school. So we caught up on things like how the kids are doing or who has bought a home recently or who just got back from a trip to Denver/etc. at the meetings, too. I actually got a great recommendation for an energy efficient lawn mower from Laura at the meeting.

 The Green Team house project has been so much fun and it’s hard to see it nearing an end. It is very impressive to look back on all that has been accomplished by YPAL, Habitat for Humanity and the volunteers.

 By Liz Griffin, sales and marketing specialist, Parallel Products

Liz Griffin is the Communications Coordinator for YPAL’s Green Team.

What does it mean to be green? And more pertinently, what does it mean to you?

For years I was somewhat hesitant to make changes for the betterment of society, not because I didn’t care but because I felt there was so much to do that I couldn’t possibly make a difference. I couldn’t give myself to any one cause because I felt that every cause deserved attention and care. So I was left waiting to decide what to do. (I have a feeling I’m not the only one who has ever felt this way.)

Then one day last fall, I happened to hear someone recite the Helen Keller’s famous quote, and it really made an impact on me, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

And this got me thinking - a lot of little somethings add up to pretty big things. I realized, you don’t have to change your entire lifestyle in order to make a difference in the environment. Pick something small and run with it.

Reel Mower. When my fiance and I moved into our new house, we bought a push reel lawnmower instead of a traditional gas-powered lawnmower. It’s one small change we’ve made in the effort to reduce ozone-depleting emissions. It’s a little more work but hey, it’s my exercise for the day and it saves us money!

Recycling. Yes, it’s nothing new, but are you sure you’re recycling everything you can? The Louisville government website lists acceptable materials to recycle, some of which I didn’t realize I could recycle, such as magazines or Solo cups.

Car time. Do you really need to drive a mile down the road to run an errand? I enjoy walking to ValuMarket from my house. It reminds me of when I lived in Sicily without a car and had to walk everywhere. Bring a clothe bag and only buy what you can carry comfortably. Again, it’s exercise for the day and you’ve cut emissions and reduced wear on your car.

It’s ok not to help with everything and with every cause. I’ve learned to find small changes that are easy for me to make. If we all put in a little extra effort, we can impact our world in big ways!
By Sara Baumgarten, program assistant, Leadership Louisville. Sara is an active member of YPAL’s PR committee.

Hello YPAL members! Last time you heard from me, it was late May and we had just broke ground on our LEED certified Habitat for Humanity House located at 1227 Clay Street. Thanks to all of our amazing sponsors, funding for the house came together and the dream of Louisville’s first Habitat for Humanity LEED certified house is on its way to becoming a reality. Thus far, our sponsors have also been gracious enough to provide a lot of the man power out at the build site on Saturdays. This is why I am writing to all of you young professionals out there. I want tell you about two ways you can take some true ownership in this build:

• The first way that you can help would be to sign up for one of the open Thursdays in August and September where we are in desperate need of volunteers. As busy young professionals, I know not all of us have flexible schedules during the week. In my case, I know that volunteering out at the Habitat House on a Thursday would mean that I would have to use some of my valuable vacation time. So here’s what I plan on doing, and I encourage all of you young professionals who are reading out there to seriously consider this – take a half day one Thursday afternoon and go help with the build. It’s a terrific compromise, and I know you’ll feel good about what you’ve done with your half day of vacation.

• If you are a single young professional, there is another way you can get involved and help out with the Habitat House. Email Sujata Chugh, the YPAL Habitat House Volunteer Coordinator, at sbaraichugh@gmail.com, and sign up for “Singles Day” at the Habitat House. For those of you who are new to YPAL or new to town, this is a great opportunity to meet other singles who are active in the community in a more fun, informal and unique setting than you are typically able.

Having been a part of several Habitat builds in the past, I can say that it is a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience every time. Participation in this build will give you a gratifying feeling, and you will also get to have your hand in a truly historic event while you are at it!

By Matt Fillipps, Business and Pricing Analyst, PharMerica

Matt currently serves as the Community Outreach Director for 2010-2011.

A branch of YPAL’s Green Initiative is its efforts to educate members about sustainability and ways they can support the growing green movement in Louisville through action and community activism. And while most people go green simply for the common good of society and the planet we all inhabit, some skeptics out there still question, “Why me?” Today it is more important than ever for Louisville’s young professionals to start leading by example at home, in the workplace and in the community. Check out this list compiled my SuperGreenMe.com detailing why it is important for young professionals to make a conscious effort to go green.

1. Gain a competitive edge, build your career
By being attuned to popular citizen concerns and staying current on green practices and technologies, you can help your employer solve environmental issues specific to your workplace. This makes you look good and can be very beneficial for your career. Helping your employer stay green reflects well on the company or organization and can help attract clients.

2. Practice what you preach
Maybe you’re a professional that works in the environmental field but have yet to adopt some environmental practices yourself. By adopting current environmental practices, especially those you may deal with at work on a daily basis, lends you credibility and shows others around you that the ability to be green isn’t just theoretical, that it actually works in the real world.

3. Expand your career possibilities
There is increasing media focus on environmental problems, and citizens are becoming more concerned about the impact we are having on the health of the environment. The number of environmental problems that need to be tackled in combination with citizen and media focus on these problems means there is demand for environmental professionals. Society needs environmental engineers, lawyers, marketers, policy makers and business people. Going green can help you expand your career possibilities.

4. Gain experience
Volunteering for a local environmental group or starting your own green business can be a great way to get experience and fine tune skills employers are looking for. By being in charge of your own experience, you solve the “No job without experience, no experience without a job” dilemma.

5. Save money
Many of the things you might do to be green are not only good for the environment, but also good for your bank account. For example, hanging your clothes to dry saves power and using sustainable modes of transportation (like biking and the bus) are much cheaper than owning a car. Some actions might require a large initial investment but will save you money over the long run. Purchasing energy efficient appliances can save money on your water and electricity bills for years to come.

6. Gain valuable time
When you live so close to your work that you can walk or bike, you cut out long commuting times you would otherwise be spending stuck in rush hour traffic. This leaves more time for the activities you enjoy the most.

7. Keep fit and healthy
By walking, biking and taking the stairs instead of elevators, you’ll have effortlessly fit some exercise into your day. In addition, you’ll get to your destination without generating greenhouse gases and help reduce smog in your city.

8. Meet new people
Getting involved in green initiatives by carpooling, listening to speakers and working with environmental community groups can be a great way to meet new and interesting people who share your interests.

9. Get to know the city you’re living in
Maybe you’ve moved to a new town for a job or are moving back to your hometown after having been away for years of school and work. Getting involved in local environmental groups can help you connect (or reconnect) with local issues, from waste planning to urban development and local food from your city.

10. Help create your future
You’re young and you’ve still got lots of time left on the planet. Help create a desirable future for yourself and your children. By acting responsibly today, you can help ensure resiliency and health of the earth’s ecosystems.

Source: http://www.supergreenme.com/go-green-environment-eco:Young-Professionals

By Lauren Libert, project manager, Senior Product Development, Humana Incorporated

Lauren serves on the YPAL Board of Directors as the Vice President of Community overseeing the Entertainment, Public Issues and Community Outreach Committees.

YPAL’s Green Initiative is hitting its stride thanks to Habitat for Humanity, our volunteers, corporate sponsors and community supporters. If you haven’t visited the build site (located at 1227 Clay St.), I urge you to do so. To say the house is taking shape quickly is quite the understatement!

For those still unsure as to what the Green Initiative is all about and how it came to fruition, I urge you to visit our website to learn more about this huge undertaking. But, here is a rundown of the Initiative and its various components for a quick read through.

What is the Green Initiative? A member survey conducted in 2009 proved immense support for ‘green’ issues including sustainability within the Louisville community. The YPAL board harnessed that support to undertake the largest project in YPAL history – to build a LEED Certified Habitat for Humanity house. The project is completely powered by young professionals and our sponsors. The 16-week build will began in the middle of June. We still need support including donations, sponsors and volunteers so please help where you can!

What is LEED? LEED is a green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED provides standards for the environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings and neighborhoods. It has been proven LEED certified buildings use resources more efficiently than conventional buildings and often provide healthier living environment for its residents. YPAL’s LEED certified Habitat for Humanity house will be the first of its kind in Louisville and only the second certified house in the state of Kentucky.

What else makes up the Green Initiative? The Green Initiative is geared towards educating our members about sustainability and ways they can put it into practice in their own lives at work, at home and at play. YPAL has organized a Green Team in support of the Green Initiative. We recognize sustainable living is only a piece of the ‘green’ puzzle; therefore, we have partnered with many community businesses to promote green issues during our Green Initiative.

Net Impact Bluegrass is providing green tips for our Weekly Update that is distributed to over 3,000 members and community supporters.

Northwestern Mutual sponsored this year’s YP Day in Frankfort, which saw young professionals from across the state converge in Frankfort to witness our legislative process in action. YPs learned about upcoming environmental legislation and met with some of our commonwealth’s representatives to discuss these issues.

YPAL has reached out to two of the city’s renowned park systems to expose members to these treasures and engage them in maintaining these resources. In May, YPAL joined with Olmsted Parks Conservancy and community members to restore Cherokee Park by removing the invasive Garlic Mustard plant that is spreading throughout the park and killing native wildflowers and other plant life. Additionally, later this summer, YPAL members will explore the 21^st Century Parks during a canoe trip along Floyd’s Fork creek.

Throughout the Green Initiative YPAL aims to promote green-centered activities and events within the community as well as the organization. We recognize raising awareness is the first step to change. If you are interested in sustainability and green issues, join us in this effort to build a greener Louisville.

YPAL’s LEED Certified Habitat for Humanity house is well underway and Saturday, June 19th was the official Ground Blessing. Sponsors, supporters and volunteers were present to take part in a ceremony to bless the home and continue with the roof raising. Thanks to Frost Brown Todd and Mountjoy Chilton Medley for their teams of volunteers. If you weren’t able to make it out for the Ground Blessing, be sure to check out this video featuring Wendy – our homeowner – YPAL’s Habitat for Humanity Ground Blessing.

The build has just begun so be sure to come out in support of YPAL and Habitat for Humanity. Individuals as well as groups are welcome to volunteer. Visit www.ypal.org today to sign up for a shift.

The 16-week construction of YPAL’s LEED Certified Habitat for Humanity house will begin this week with the Raise the Roof kick-off on Thursday, June 17th. Volunteers will continue to raise the roof (literally!) throughout the weekend with a ceremonial “Ground Blessing” at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19th. Volunteer shifts are now closed for this weekend; however, everyone is invited to participate in the Ground Blessing. And, be sure to check out the calendar of events on our website (www.ypal.org) for available shifts. Individuals, families, groups and companies are welcome to sign up.

When YPAL’s members identified in one, clear voice that green issues within the community were of utmost importance to them, YPAL took notice and the Green Initiative was born. That survey was conducted in the fall of 2009. That being said, after months of planning, fundraising, communicating and preparing, it is truly exciting to see the house take shape. Once complete, it will serve as a reminder for the community that Louisville’s young professionals are passionate about building a sustainable community for ourselves and future generations. This house will serve as the foundation for a continuing green movement spurred on by YPAL but carried on by the community.

So remember when you sign up to volunteer, you are not just helping build a house, but you are helping to build a greener future for Louisville!

YPAL and Northwestern Mutual believe in sharing our time and talent with others. We are both organizations comprised of responsible citizens who care about the environment and the community.  A large part of YPAL’s “Green Initiative” involves the construction of Louisville’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Habitat for Humanity House. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.  YP’s believe in building a better Louisville while taking responsibility to minimize the impact we have on the environment.  For more information on YPAL’s Green initiative check out the website at www.ypal.org.

By Abbie Gilbert, Director of Selection, the Kentucky & Southern Indiana Group, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

Abbie is the current Director of Membership and will serve on the 2010-2011 board as President-Elect.

I was recently asked to reflect on what the Green Initiative meant to me and instead of the natural, “It’s good for the environment” tree hugging jargon, the thought that came up in my mind was that it makes economical sense. I know what you’re thinking, “Nerd Alert!” Now, I love self deprecating humor, and I would tend to agree with you on the “Nerd Alert,” but let me preface your dork radar with an explanation and some logical thinking. Hopefully afterwards you will see this issue my way… and more than likely will still be thinking, “Nerd Alert.”

Unfortunately, the U.S. economy has been mired in a “once in a generation” recession. I am sure that everyone reading this realizes a recession is an undesirable, but usually unavoidable, part of the business cycle. The question that most people are asking is, “How do we have a jobless recovery and get out of the recession?” This is where the Green Initiative and green movement come in. Ask most economists and they will tell you, innovation in a certain sector usually leads to growth. With that growth, demand will increase, and thus help pull us out of recession. Most everyone understands the concept of supply and demand when it comes to economics. But I would counter that you can also apply the theory of cause and effect.

The recession has caused people to reconsider how they spend their money; as it should. When people lose jobs, or credit becomes tight, the natural reaction is to become frugal. The effect of that is looking for ways to save money, and people are choosing to do it in a multitude of ways. More of my friends have started compost piles to help their gardens and many are growing their own vegetables to save money at the grocery, “plus it’s green” they say. I hate paying $45 to fill up my gas tank. This has caused me to reconsider how and where I drive. The effect is that I am taking public transportation whenever possible and will DEFNITELY purchase a Hybrid for my next car. A colleague and close friend of mine recently drove his hybrid to Chicago for the weekend and got 50 miles per gallon on his way there and back… 50 miles per gallon!! Can you imagine?! But I digress.

The cause of the Green Initiative and green movement was conceptually that “It was the right thing to do for the environment” and a worry that we are irreversibly damaging the planet. So yes, the Green Initiative and green movement will lead to less demand for oil (HELLO BP!), create less trash and pollution and leave the environment in better shape than we found it. But, I say it’s the right thing to do for the economy. The effect will be more jobs in this technology sector, which will lead to more wealth creation and consumer spending, the backbone of the U.S. Economy. Your economics professor said “supply and demand”, but I say cause and effect. So go green! It’s the right thing to do for the economy. Class dismissed, you may now turn off your nerd alert.

By Phillip Roberts, Manager, New Financial Consultant Development, J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC

Our generation has often been marked by a lack of focus or drive. All too often, society has used a broad brush to paint us as “slackers.” Now our generation has entered the workforce and is beginning to shape the communities in which we live. But rather than fearing the path in which the next generation is blazing, Louisville should take notice of the road cleared by us towards sustainability, development and leadership.
In the fall of last year, YPAL conducted a member survey to determine what mattered most to Louisville’s young professionals. The results clearly identified our members were concerned about green issues. Armed with those results, YPAL established the Green Initiative and organized a Green Team to push forward this agenda. Now, we are working together as an organization to build the first LEED Certified Habitat for Humanity home in metro Louisville. Needless to say, this project is no small feat. Not only is YPAL designing the home to fit LEED standards, but we are charged with raising over $40,000 in funds to support the home, stock the build site with volunteers and communicate this message to the Louisville community. And, just four weeks before the roof raising, I am happy to report that we are well on our way to making it all happen! This project should act as an indicator for any doubters about the power of our generation to lead when called upon and to spark a movement.