Go Green or Go Home

Have you ever considered the math behind going green? Sure, there are plenty of serious business equations involving risk and returns and expenses and assets... But for one family owned tortilla company, Mi Ranco, the math is clear. Basically, it boils down to:

Company - $$$ + new lights and green equipment = $$$$$$$$

Makes sense. Another equation that makes sense:

Tortillas  + Going Green = SUPER ENERGY SAVINGS!

While it is easy to oversimplify the process of going green, there are several legitimate business, practical and financial matters to take into consideration. For Mi Ranch, the cost of the green renovations is recovered, twice over within a year, due to high margins of energy savings. Whether going green will really make a large impact on the money savings of an organization depends on its individual needs and situation. That said, it is rare to find a company that would not benefit in the long run from going green. Are you feeling inspired to go green in your own home or office? Check out this video for a few additional tips:

Here is the link the the NY Times article: http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/is-your-business-trying-to-go-green/?ref=smallbusiness

Work Hard, Work Harder

The typical phrase 'work hard, play hard' has little relevance in Chinese society, especially in the school systems. The mentality thrust upon the young children in the Chinese school systems, that is carried through all of their schooling and into adult lives, is that of 'work, work, work... and be perfect.' This unrealistic and creativity stifling viewpoint has lead to statistics like: 84% of high school students feeling depression, and over half of all elementary schoolers expressing discomfort and academic pressure from their parents. There seems to be a light forming at the end of the tunnel, however, as more and more parents begin to turn their backs on this viewpoint. The new trend these parents are embracing? Creativity. It seems so logical to those of us that have been raised in America, with play times and recess and freedom in exploring different activities that fit our personal gifts. In China the idea of creativity is revolutionary. I am thrilled to see a country so crucial to the global economy start to embrace a centuries-old idea.

This article is titled "Gingerly, Chinese Parents Embrace the Idea of Fun"
The link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/26/world/asia/26iht-letter26.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=world

I recently started playing words with friends, play with me! Username: katiecoast

Beijing Hogging All of the Minerals?

Apparently the Chinese are getting a little more selective with sharing their minerals. Eleven mines in southern China were taken over by the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources. This news is of particular interest to the US and western civilizations, because these actions may result in a lower availability of crucial minerals used in our technologies and other products. The timing of these mine takeovers is particularly interesting considering the Chinese President Hu Jintau is currently visiting the US. Hopefully President Obama is a persuasive fellow this week!


This article is titled "Beijing Tightens Its Control of Vital Minerals."
The link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/business/global/21rare.html?_r=1&ref=business


Have a great day, and stay warm in the (bizarrely) frigid weather.

My First Blog

Blogging Community...

Hello! I am thrilled to be addressing you all via my brand new blog. This is my first experience blogging. My main purpose for this blog is to fulfill the blog requirement for my class Reporting and Writing for Media. I happen to think blogs are awesome, however, and I am excited to explore this new form of communication outside of class requirements. Have a blessed night!