Human Health/Children's Health

What does your company do with its outdated IT equipment?  EarthShare Washington has partnered with 3RTechnology to give you a great option to sell your used equipment and have all the proceeds go to support environmental and conservation programs. 3RTechnology purchases IT assets from businesses, large and small, providing competitive return on your IT investments including servers, network equipment, telecom, laptops, desktops, components, lab and medical equipment, and more. You can then give a portion or all of the proceeds to support EarthShare Washington. This is an easy way to help your company reach sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals and support the environment.How can your surplus IT equipment help change the world? The remaining value of your outdated IT equipment can make a tremendous difference, now and for future generations, to preserve the environment, further education, and provide opportunities for under-served communities.We’re the only R2:2013-certified IT asset disposition organization in the Pacific NW that actively purchases equipment at aggressive prices. Now we’re directing our remarketing expertise and refurbishment experience towards making a difference.Some recycling organizations claim that they donate a portion of their profit or some of the actual hardware to charitable causes. However, you are rarely informed how much of your contribution may actually reach those in need, and few or no options of which missions the donation might support. Most of the value of your contribution may end up going to overhead and to pay employees to refurbish systems that still are sold at a profit to eligible entities and individuals.Now, you can actually see how much and choose where your valuable contribution goes, and be assured that it goes directly to organizations that are making a difference.Donate your outdated IT equipment and help preserve the environment. 

Take 2 New & Recycled Apparel is taking a stand on deforestation, climate pollution and human rights abuses related to the surge in the growth of unsustainable palm oil.Make a donation to Take 2's Responsible Palm Oil Fund and Take 2 will match the first $500 of customer donations to the fund.Text eswa to 50155or visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/edr/Click here for the poster or click here to see the presentation.Visit Take 2's Facebook pageWhat’s wrong with palm oil?It’s estimated that nearly half of packaged goods sold in your local supermarket contain palm oil. Unfortunately the boom in producing unsustainable palm oil has led to deforestation, displacement of indigenous peoples and the destruction of habitat of endangered species like orangutans, elephants and tigers.Should I stop buying palm oil?Fortunately there are ways to produce palm oil in a sustainable manner and conservation groups working on transitioning communities dependent on palm oil production to using those practices.What you can doLook for the labelsCompanies may label products like cooking oils, soaps, and food with the RSPO label which means the oil is produced in a sustainable manner or the Green Palm label which means they are helping their suppliers transition to better practices.Check the scoresThe World Wildlife Fund has a scorecard of major retailers to let you know who’s doing their part and where to shop. Your grocery store might not be doing all they can. www.worldwildlife.org/publications/palm-oil-scorecard-2016Let companies know you careSign the petition to let food suppliers know you care about the issue and that they should be sourcing palm oil responsibly. http://www.ran.org/snack_food_20EarthShare Washington would like to thank Take 2 New & Recycle Apparel for taking on an issue important to them and joining with us in supporting this cause. Take 2, New and Recycled Apparel, has been a well-loved part of Seattle’s Capitol Hill community since 1984.  They offer their customers well-priced new apparel, lovely jewelry, fun accessories, and exceptional consignment items.  This program represents our first small-fund/small-shop partnership where a local business takes on supporting conservation in a way that matches their goals, their company’s culture and their concern for the environment.The responsible palm oil funds the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International and the Rainforest Alliance – groups working to help transition communities to sustainable production, providing sound solutions to those affected, raising awareness of the issue and convincing companies to make sustainable choices in sourcing palm oil.

About FuturewiseFuturewise works throughout Washington State to create healthy livable communities, protect our working farmlands, forests, and waterways, and ensure a better quality of life for present and future generations. We work with communities to implement effective land use planning and policies that prevent waste and stop sprawl, provide efficient transportation choices, create affordable housing and strong local businesses, mitigate climate change, and ensure healthy natural systems. We are creating a better quality of life in Washington State together.General Job DescriptionUrban Planner – GIS Specialist (temporary 3-month position, with possible extension or conversion to permanent position)Futurewise seeks an urban planner with knowledge and experience in GIS data analysis and visualization to support an established community planning project that proactively critiques and shapes community development based on equitable and sustainable land use policies related to housing, transportation, and the natural environment.To support Futurewise’s community planning work, the Urban Planner will use GIS data analysis and visualization to (1) produce an in-depth understanding of community conditions, (2) inform community engagement and visioning, (3) support innovative and effective planning policies and projects, and (4) implement plans through organization and advocacy. The Urban Planner will ensure that existing conditions, community visions, policies, and projects are understood and supported by a wide range of stakeholders through the development of maps, graphics and visual simulations using a suite of design and mapping software that includes GIS, Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Google SketchUp, and other programs.This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, inter-disciplinary, and innovative environment to build a more sustainable and equitable future for communities in Washington State.ResponsibilitiesData Gathering and AnalysisGather data from existing secondary sources including US Census, local and state government or other agencies.Gather primary data on existing conditions of the built and natural environments through field assessments.Analyze data to communicate existing community conditions clearly and concisely.Mapping and VisualizationDigitize and edit spatial data from a variety of sources.Produce maps, models, graphics and other materials which communicate current community conditions clearly and concisely;Use maps and graphics to increase stakeholder understanding of complex urban planning issues, including zoning, land use policy, urban design, place-making, housing transportation and green infrastructure;Organize, and create standards for, geodatabases and file management systems.Desired Skills and QualificationsCurrent student or recent graduate of Urban Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, or related program at the Masters level.Experience using graphic programs, such as GIS, Adobe Suite, Tableau, etc.Experience using MS Office products including MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access.Experience with creation and management of geodatabases.Outstanding written and oral communication skills.Demonstrated commitment to both social equity and environmental stewardship.Motivated self-starter able to work independently.Ability to work effectively in a team environment.Flexibility and desire to work on varying planning projects as needed.Salary & Benefits: $15/hour, 32-40 hours per week, including health benefits, paid ORCA card for regional transportation, paid holidays and sick leave. The position is not eligible for overtime.Posting Expiration Date: Position is open until filled - first consideration will be given to applications received by November 16th, 2015.Point of Contact: Amy Gore, Sustainable Communities DirectorHow to Apply: Position open immediately; for full consideration, please provide materials as soon as possible. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, a design work sample, and at least three references in PDF format to jobs@futurewise.org. Please place “Urban Planner – GIS Specialist” in the subject line of the email and address the cover letter to Amy Gore. Please label any submitted materials, including the cover letter, resume, work sample, and references with your last name. In the body of the email, please let us know how you found out about the position.NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Due to the large number of applicants, only successful candidates will be contacted.Futurewise is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity in all areas of its operations. We are committed to equal opportunity in employment and promotion for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, military or veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, pregnancy and childbirth, family responsibilities, or any other basis protected by applicable laws, regulations, or guidelines relating to discrimination in employment. We believe that hard work, a focus on quality, and a passion for the economic, social and environmental health of communities are required to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Futurewise looks to all staff to contribute to the effective implementation of programmatic activities and the successful growth of the organization.

Member group, Seattle Tilth explores a merger with responsible farming organization. You can let them know what you think by following the link below and filling out the survey.Seattle Tilth news -By Andrea Platt Dwyer, Executive Director.  For several months, Seattle Tilth has been exploring the possibility of merging with one of our sister organizations, Tilth Producers of Washington. Tilth Producers is a statewide organization serving a membership of approximately 500 farmers. Their mission is to promote ecologically sound, economically viable and socially equitable farming practices that improve the health of our communities and natural environment. Our organizations share a common ethic—a commitment to a way of growing that is sustainable, regenerative and healthy. We also share deep expertise and commitment to experiential, peer-to-peer education. Together, we would be a larger, more visible and influential organization with increased capacity to advocate for and create systems change. In addition, a merged organization has great potential to: Increase the amount of food grown locally using organic principles, in gardens and farms Grow the market share for organic foods Expand access to healthy, fresh food Increase the number and financial viability of organic farms Reduce food miles traveled Build strong community connections between and among farmers and consumers...Exploring a Merger With Tilth Producers 

Great how-to for Bike Month from Rails to Trails Conservancy. Get out of your car and really reduce your carbon footprint in May.Rails to Trails Conservancy news - RTC is pleased to present this special "How-To" in honor of Bike Month! We’ve all had those days where things just didn’t go as planned. Your water heater failed mid-shower, your roommate drank the last of your milk, and you can’t find a pair of socks that match. And that was before you even left the house. Unfortunately, these unlucky instances can strike when you’re on your bike, too. But while some things are simply up to fate to resolve, others are under our control! Here are (unlucky number) seven things that can go wrong on a bike ride—and some ways to cope with them. 1Getting a Flat Tire Yeah, we know. They suck. But they’re a rite of passage, and you shouldn’t let the risk of getting a flat keep you from getting on your bike. Preventable? To some extent, yes! Be sure to pump up your tires to the proper level of inflation (check the sidewall of your tire for reference), and consider investing in puncture-resistant tires. And if it happens? Your best weapons against a flat tire are a patch kit, tire levers and a hand pump. If you want to learn how to fix a flat, YouTube is a great option, or take a class through a local shop or bike advocacy group. 2Running Out of “Gas”...Seven Things That Can Go Wrong on a Bike—And How to Fix ‘Em! 

For the eighth year in a row, Washington state ranks as the most bicycle friendly state in the nation. The ranking – based on a comprehensive survey of 5 categories, including Legislation and Enforcement, Policies and Programs, Infrastructure and Funding, Education and Encouragement, Evaluation and Planning – shows that Washington's score remained static over the past year.Today, the first day of Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. Washington state again ranks #1.“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington's designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling conditions continued:Bicycle safety for Washington's children. Since 2010 over 56,000 children in more than 40 school districts statewide can bicycle more safely because of Washington Bikes' Safe Routes to School education program.The state's first U.S. Bicycle Route from Anacortes to Newport. In May 2014 US Bicycle Route 10 (the State Route 20 corridor) was established. It's the first Bicycle Route on the West Coast and it connects travelers and tourists from around the nation and world to Washington state. At the Washington Bikes November Gala & Auction, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson announced the establishment of a Scenic Bikeway Program to grow bicycle routes across the state.Governor's Task Force on Outdoor Recreation and Parks. Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain served as co-chair to Governor Inslee's Task Force to grow outdoor recreation in Washington state. One of the exciting outcomes of the work included a study showing bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion statewide each year.Other States Mounting a ChallengeChamberlain noted that Washington state’s score stagnated as other states are catching up with important advances in investments in bicycling:Massachusetts jumped 6 spots to #4 in the ranking, thanks in part to a new transportation bond, which set aside $377 million over the next five years for biking and walking projects. A proposal currently being discussed in the Washington State Legislature, on the other hand, makes a biking and walking investment of roughly $230 million over the next 16 years – far below the investment levels made by Massachusetts in 2014.Utah made the jump from #8 to #5 this year. The state adopted a Bicycle Master Plan in 2014, setting inter-agency goals for inclusion and support of biking and walking infrastructure in transportation projects. The Washington State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan developed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is now over seven years old and less than 50% of the plan has been implemented.Despite being the most bicycle friendly state, the score of 66 out of 100 remains a D grade. In the best bicycling state in the nation:Would you feel comfortable letting your 8-year-old bike to school on his or her own?Would you feel comfortable grabbing groceries on a bike in any town in Washington state?Would you feel comfortable riding your bike from Tacoma to Seattle or from Spokane to Airway Heights?We suspect the answer to all of those questions is no. More needs to be done to make those answers a resounding yes.Foundation Being Laid for Future SuccessDespite these challenges, Washington Bikes is encouraged by efforts moving forward in 2015 to grow bicycling statewide. Initiatives include the first state bike summit, presented by Washington Bikes in March of this year; new data collection efforts to understand bicycle safety so more can be done to improve it; and continued engagement with state agencies to become more multimodal.“We’re continuing to strengthen our partnerships and engagement with the bicycling community. This year we co-sponsored the first ever Washington Bike Summit,” said WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson. “Efforts like this will help ensure that bicycling is integrated into our multimodal planning, design and investment decisions.”These new initiatives did not show up in the latest Bike Friendly State survey and Washington Bikes is optimistic that more advances in 2015 will ensure that Washington state can improve its standing and retain the number #1 ranking in 2016.“This top ranking reflects the hard work of many, many people and organizations and we’re proud of what our state has accomplished so far,” added Chamberlain. “Now we as Washingtonians need to get work to make Washington even BETTER for bicycling, which makes it better for everyone on the road.  We encourage our leaders in Olympia to make this happen so that next year we can again call Washington the most bicycle friendly state in the nation.” About Washington BikesThe Washington Bikes mission of advocating to make bicycling better directly addresses the key indicators for the Bicycle Friendly States ranking. Washington Bikes works to:increase funding that provides on-the-ground bicycle facilities;fund and provide education and encouragement programs that promote bicycling;build state capacity to collect the data needed to understand and then improve bicycling safety and connections;achieve passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride, like the recently adopted “Dead Red” bill dealing with faulty traffic signals.Washington Bikes also promotes bike travel and tourism to support local economies and increase their investment in becoming more bike-friendly. At the same time, with bike travel ideas from short day trips to cross-state tours Washington Bikes inspires more people to get out and ride to enjoy Washington’s great outdoors.Founded in 1987, Washington Bikes is the statewide nonprofit organization advocating for bicyclists and a more bike-friendly Washington. For more information or to support Washington Bikes, visit www.wabikes.org.About the League of American BicyclistsThe League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, the League’s commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful unified voice for change. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

Futurewise, a great memebr charity working on smart, sustainable growth in Washington, has taken up action in Whatcom County to assess the impact of the coal terminal. Their work should help give a better picture of all the risks involved.Futurewise -Today Futurewise staff, with the support of its board, filed a comment letter to Whatcom County, the state Department of Ecology, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to recommend that a programmatic Environment Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared to assess the individual and cumulative impacts of all of the potential coal ports in Washington and Oregon and to identify the mitigation necessary to maintain the region’s built and natural environments, human health, and our state’s economy.Futurewise newsFuturewise Takes a Stand Against Coal Terminal