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Eugene is Keen on sustainability
Keen Shoes' campus event Tuesday promoted responsible living, advocacy and innovation
by Mychal Gresham | Freelance Reporter |
On Tuesday evening, the University played host to Keen Footwear, a Portland-based company that is trying to spread a message of environmentally friendly business practices. The University is just one stop on the Keen sustainability tour, which is scheduled to visit 50 schools around the country.
Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy addressed the crowd about what can be and what has been done to increase sustainability throughout Eugene and the country.
Piercy, who has spoken with former Vice President Al Gore and former President Bill Clinton about the Clinton Climate Initiative, believes that corporations can be both pro-business and pro-sustainability.
"Businesses that produce food can do a better job of creating more natural foods and do a much better job at recycling their products, and that can be said for any business," Piercy said.
Eugene is well-known for its environmental awareness and "green" initiative. This summer, Eugene's first Office of Sustainability was established to create new opportunities for anyone interested in the topic.
"With the construction of this new office, we have now set a goal of zero waste of recyclable products and zero carbon neutrality in Eugene by the year 2020," Piercy said.
Piercy and other sustainability advocates such as Oakland, Calif., Mayor Ron Dellums have helped to create the Gold Steps Award. The award is given out each year to recognize businesses for dedicated practices in sustainability and to urge other businesses to do the same.
"There is so much that every individual and business can do to make a difference," Piercy said. "Even I used to be shy, but I was encouraged to run for office and I now realize the difference I can make and that every one of you can make."
Erica Bruhn, marketing director for Keen, also spoke. She introduced a program called Hybrid Care, which promotes sustainability throughout the community. The program was launched during Keen's infant stage in 2004 using its $1 million advertising budget. The program now includes several other companies that either promote or produce environmentally safe products.
Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy addressed the crowd about what can be and what has been done to increase sustainability throughout Eugene and the country.
Piercy, who has spoken with former Vice President Al Gore and former President Bill Clinton about the Clinton Climate Initiative, believes that corporations can be both pro-business and pro-sustainability.
"Businesses that produce food can do a better job of creating more natural foods and do a much better job at recycling their products, and that can be said for any business," Piercy said.
Eugene is well-known for its environmental awareness and "green" initiative. This summer, Eugene's first Office of Sustainability was established to create new opportunities for anyone interested in the topic.
"With the construction of this new office, we have now set a goal of zero waste of recyclable products and zero carbon neutrality in Eugene by the year 2020," Piercy said.
Piercy and other sustainability advocates such as Oakland, Calif., Mayor Ron Dellums have helped to create the Gold Steps Award. The award is given out each year to recognize businesses for dedicated practices in sustainability and to urge other businesses to do the same.
"There is so much that every individual and business can do to make a difference," Piercy said. "Even I used to be shy, but I was encouraged to run for office and I now realize the difference I can make and that every one of you can make."
Erica Bruhn, marketing director for Keen, also spoke. She introduced a program called Hybrid Care, which promotes sustainability throughout the community. The program was launched during Keen's infant stage in 2004 using its $1 million advertising budget. The program now includes several other companies that either promote or produce environmentally safe products.
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