Get Involved with Congreso!

Looking for a big-impact volunteer opportunity that will allow you to utilize your professional financial skills but will not require a large time commitment?

Congreso is seeking volunteers to help at a tax site in Philadelphia. In 2009, Congreso helped some of the most vulnerable families in the area do their taxes for free and they helped to bring almost $1,000,000 back into the community through tax refunds.

Training is provided. If you are interested, please visit the Congreso website or contact Michelle Martinez, Volunteer Director, at martinezme@congreso.net.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Net Impact Central sends out a weekly e-newsletter listing career development and other professional opportunities?

This week's edition provides information on upcoming case competitions, the 2010 NI conference, fellowships and podcasts on interesting, relevant subjects.

Visit the NI website for additional archived e-newsletters.

London Calling

A brilliant idea out of London... this grocery store, Unpackaged. The concept started as a stall in various markets throughout London and now has helped foster a refillable culture throughout the city.

"Within the beautifully designed shop, organic whole foods, dried fruit, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, even refillable oils, vinegars and wines are all available to place straight into your own containers, that you will have brought along with you… if you haven’t then reusable bags are available."

From GOOD: "London's Unpackaged Grocery Shop: No Packaging Whatsoever"

Green Training Program in Philadelphia

A new pilot program has recently launched in South Philadelphia. The Adult Green Jobs Training Program is aimed at invigorating the jobless of Philadelphia with knowledge that will make them more marketable for a career in the new marketplace.

The program is funded by $225,000 in federal stimulus money. The goal is to recruit, train and place 100 unemployed individuals in green jobs - such as weatherizing homes, installing solar panels and constructing green buildings.

"Program trains unemployed for green jobs" from Philly.com

New Initiative from the Tyler School of Art

From the Temple University Office of Sustainability:

"Temple University’s Tyler School of Art has teamed up with New Age Blast Media® in providing their recycled glass as a raw material to reuse in the manufacturing process of New Age Blast Media®- a 100% recycled crushed glass abrasive.

Under the guidance of Temple’s recycling coordinator, Marshal Budin, NABM’s NJ Facility has recently begun accepting shipments of recycled glass, and plan to continue their eco-friendly relationship in the future. “Efforts by Temple University not only help save landfill space, but they also aid in additional resources for NABM basic materials. We are proud to be affiliated with Temple, and appreciate their go green initiative,” says Stephen Mellon, sales manager of NABM."

For more information:
New Age Blast Media
TU Tyler School of Art
TU Office of Sustainability

Impact at Copenhagen

The winter break is the perfect time to catch up on all of the news from the COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Copenhagen in mid-December.

Take a look at the official conference site for news, pictures and other information. Or, visit the blog of Conrad Young, long time Net Impact member and current London chapter chair: Impact At Copenhagen to get a perspective from a NI member.

Resolutions, Resolutions.

Well, 2010 is upon us and so is the incessant talk about resolutions for the new year. If you're like me, you may either revolt against this idea and not choose one, or you may adopt a resolution and abandon it a week later. Such is life. Instead of focusing on resolutions, why not set some achievable goals?

For instance, this year, I am pledging to buy local as often as possible. There are some excellent purveyors in the Philadelphia region offering a variety of products. For your groceries, check out Good Food Market or the new Farmer's Market in Northern Liberties. Looking for locally sourced home furnishings? Pay a visit to Iannone Design in Kensington. In the market for a gift? Hana & Posy on North 3rd is a socially responsible boutique and florist.

In my opinion, buying local helps the community, reduces the environmental impact and helps to keep our city unique!

What are some of your goals for this new year?