But how will you be able to empower another person? The truth is empowerment is the product of responsibility and authority. When you empower someone, you must also give him the authority to make decisions in order for him to accomplish his responsibilities. In doing so, the person will have the opportunity to develop his leadership skills. It will give him the freedom to be at his best all the time, thus becoming more efficient and productive.

But what if the person makes a mistake? If it does happen, you don’t have to worry too much about it. You have to make the most out of it — look for the positives and try to learn from the mistakes. All of us commit mistakes every now and then. If we learn from our errors, we become stronger in facing the challenges ahead. This will take us an inch closer in accomplishing our goals.

The biggest set back for new leaders is not empowering their people because of the belief they will not be able to accomplish the work as well as you, "the manager" do. Keep in mind, if they did, they might be sitting in your chair. You might have been promoted because you did your work well but you are not a leader unless you empower others to grow as well. View clever workers as a bonus in your camp, not as a threat, because they can make you and your department look good.

So how do you begin to empower others, to build that pay it forward environment? The first step is to know the abilities of those around you. It is also important to keep in mind that not every person can be empowered the same way. The truth is every individual has his or her unique personality and experience. For instance, some people might feel too overwhelmed if given too much decision making power. If this happens, it can cause a lot of stress to that person and affect the whole team. That is why it would be wise to lead each person at their own pace to success, allowing them to stretch within their capacity.

Second is to build a culture of trust so that if mistakes are made, they are learned from and don’t evoke punishment or ridicule, neither of which empowers. Staying in one’s "safety zone" stifles creativity and growth. Sometimes you have to allow others to step outside the square, as you must do yourself, in order to achieve great things, and understand that sometimes this will result in great results and sometimes mistakes will happen.

Third is to recognize what is going well. We all absorb praise like sun rays on the first days of summer, let your team members soak it in and lather it on thick. They will then learn to give positive feedback and praise to others as well, in addition to wanting to continue to do well themselves to earn more praise.

As a result your work environment will be one of collaboration, trust and productivity and you will feel good about it and yourself at night!

Debora McLaughlin: Executive & Business Coach, Speaker, Consultant & Mentor. Works with executives, business owners & managers to optimize profits, people & performance. Author of several books including Blueprint for Success with Stephen R. Covey & Ken Blanchard. http://www.OpenDoorCoaching.com<a href="http://www.realworldleaderreport.com” target=”_blank”>Get your free World Leader Report here.

Article Source: Three Steps to Creating a Pay It Forward Environment

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

I have previously outlined that there are several logical levels that are important to follow when identifying the best match between you and the type of business you want to run and own. These are; the overall vision, how it relates to you as an individual, what your beliefs are about the business, what skills and capabilities are required, how it requires you to behave and lastly the environment you and your business will operate in.

By working through these one at a time it will be possible for you to flesh out a clearer picture of how you and your business will look and feel at each of these stages and provide you with food for though on what business you will be suited to run.

The first of these is the environmental level and by this I mean, what sort of environment do you want to see and feel your self in on a day to day basis when you are running your own business? How comfortable or uncomfortable would it feel for example if this involved working underground as a miner for example? How would it feel to be working at heights or being amongst children etc? It is important to identify the type of environment you most enjoy working in, whether this is amongst others, in a more solitary environment, with young people or adults for example.

You are a very lucky if you enjoy all the environmental aspects of your chosen career because for those who consider that they have the best job in the world, there are usually still aspects of it which they prefer less than others.

It is important to try and identify the most suitable environment possible and yet remember that from time to time this may involve aspects or short periods that are not the perfect environment. The idea is to find an environment that on the whole is ideal and well suited to you. For example, on the whole I like being in the outdoors, but I appreciate that from time to time about 20% of my time may be indoors or other less desirable environments. I appreciate this and understand that occasionally I need to take the rough with the smooth so to speak, but on the whole I am able to enjoy working in my preferred environment.

So how do you do this? Well it is a case of following some thought provoking exercises and recruiting the support of others to try and identify what your ideal environment might look and feel like, which is the same for identifying the finer details for all the parts of the logical levels of your perfects business.

Work through some of these suggestions below, which are intended to flesh out ideas and suggestion about what your perfect environment might be, ensuring to write everything down, no matter how insignificant it might seem. I’ll repeat that. You need to make sure that you write everything down no matter how insignificant or ridiculous it might seem, just scribble it down, because the weirdest of ideas can lead directly and indirectly to other thought processes. We can string it all together later on and use it to construct a clearer picture.

Fleshing out your ideal environment;

Ask Yourself – before you do anything, think about it and ask yourself what environment you feel naturally attracted to. Not what you would like to do, but simply what environments would you most like to spend your time in. Is it on your own, are you with others, is it in the country, an office, amongst animals or in a theatre etc. Write down as many as you can think of, just scribble them all down on a piece of paper or better still type them on our computer so they are easier to sort at a later date. Your list my have 10 or 100 things listed.

Go For a Walk – walking is a great way to get some space to think freely and to day dream. Go for a walk on your own and reflect some more on the thoughts you gave to the above task and see if anything else pops up. Write this down on a pocket book or note pad and be sure to add it to your list when you get home.

Browse the Magazine Rack – when you buy yourself a magazine, which do you go for? What are they about and what magazines catch your eye the most or which do you find yourself picking up and flicking through? Notice what thoughts this might stimulate about the environments you prefer or dislike. Are they walking magazines, home furnishing or travel magazines etc?

Go For Another Walk – leave it a few days and go for another walk. It is important to let a few days’ laps because you will be amazed at how much work the unconscious mind does when you think you are not thinking about things. Then go for another walk and see if on reflection the magazine exercise prompts any new thoughts around the issue of your preferred environment. Again, note your thoughts down and add it to your lit when you get home. Add ideas, even if they already appear on the list because if the same ones keep cropping up then this is saying something.

Write a Short Story – story writing is a really great way to think creatively and release the things that are stored up in your head. Write a short story that only needs to be a page long about something you have done that you really enjoyed. For me it was a story about building my own house. Write down what you did, how you did it, what it involved, what challenges you faced, how you over came them, what you enjoyed the most, how you would make it more enjoyable if you could repeat it and what was the outcome of it.

Go For Another Walk – spend some time walking and reflecting on the story you have written and see what other thoughts it prompts about the environments you like to spend time in. Who were you with, where were you, what were your surroundings, what pictures does it conjure up and what type of painting would someone paint to illustrate the environment the best captures the essence of the story you have written?

The Miracle Question – ask yourself if a miracle could happen and you were able to wake up tomorrow in your ideal environment and where money or any other factors that would ordinarily be a limiting issue did not exist, what environment would you be in? Add your thoughts to your list

Ask Others – ask others to email you a list of suggestions as to what type of environment they see you smiling in all day long. When they think of you working somewhere, what environment are you in. Remember to make sure they don’t describe what it is you are doing, but to describe where you are, what your surroundings are etc.

By now you should have a fairly comprehensive list of environments that appeal to you in some form or another and to varying degrees.

Prioritizing Your Environments

Now it is time to try and identify which environments you are most suited to, which you would enjoy spending most of you time in and what the priority of them are.

Take an initial look at the list and see if you can group together any of the ideas in to common environments. Are there suggestions that you have noted several times. From the list try to formulate a list of at least your top ten most preferred environments.

Now write these down on individual cards, pieces or paper or post it notes.

Next, in any order pick up any two environmental descriptions you have written on individual pieces of paper and ask yourself, ‘if I could only choose one, which would I choose and which would I discard?’ Place your preference to one side. Repeat the process until you have whittled it down to just three preferred environments and make a note of these being your preferred three ideal environments you like to spend time in.

In the next article, ‘Knowing Your Business Knowing Your Behaviour’ we will be exploring how you like to behave.

The author of this article is James Keightley, professional life coach, business coach and successful ecommerce owner of Giggleberries – Mens Underwear. Copyright by J Keightley (2008). You have my permission to reprint this article in your newsletter or on your website provided you leave the links, resource box and content intact.

Article Source: Know Your Business Know Your Environment

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

There is also a huge impetus on manufacturers to consider the environment when creating any new products. Recyclable and biodegradable aspects are very important as are energy saving features. However, it is also the responsibility of the consumer to demand products with these attributes and if they sell, then more will be made. The opposite is also true.

So, what new gadgets of product design are currently on the market that have taken the very air that we breathe into consideration?

Well, first for gadget lovers we have the new iPod Nano 4G. This will pamper to all those who have to have the latest in flash little musical gadgets. Coming in an assortment of colours, this is the thinnest iPod ever made and is actually smaller than a credit card. Its functions are in no way compromised by the sleek looks and it is equipped with a new ‘shake to shuffle’ mode, where the user simply shakes it to move it on to the next track. It also holds a ‘genius’ mode where it takes into account the type of music you normally listen to and can suggest other similar tracks that you may like.

As far as the materials for this new toy are concerned – think eco-friendly and you’ll begin to build a picture. Arsenic free glass and a mercury and PVC free body mean that once the iPod is at the end of its life, virtually all of it can be recycled, thus reducing impact on the environment.

The energy consumption of everything we use has an environmental impact. Pandering to the need for people to speed up and cram as much as possible into their lives, product design has a two-fold reason to make things as energy efficient as possible. To this end, they have created the three second kettle that delivers boiling water in, well, three seconds. This reduces the amount of energy used by sixty five per cent for every hot drink made.

Washing machines were once gadgets for the well off but have now become an essential part of everyday life. However, they use up vast amounts of electricity and manufacturers have put a lot of effort into reducing their impact by making them more energy efficient.
Intelligent washing machines are now capable, with very few instructions, of working out so much about your washing that it can then go ahead and programme itself to run the most efficient programme, using as little water and power as possible to produce a clean wash load. Now all we need is a way of ironing it and putting it away without any input!

So, whether we are doing the household chores or relaxing with our personal choice of music and anywhere in between, we need to think responsibly about the products we buy and the impact we have on our surroundings. If everybody did this maybe we could just start doing that little bit to reverse the global warming problem.

Interior design expert Catherine Harvey looks at the way product design plays a part in saving the planet.

Article Source: Shopping For The Environment

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

The difference between vegetable soy candles and other traditional candles is that vegetable candles are almost sootless and therefore less toxic to the environment. Everyone is now becoming more aware of toxic items in the home and these are a choice that is becoming more popular.

Some people burn candles on a daily basis as a form of comfort. Smelling a pleasant scent in the home is relaxing as is watching the flame in a dimmed room. In order to protect yourself, your family and your pets it is a good idea to try and use vegetable or soy candles. There are many distributors who have products you can try and compare by buying a small order online and then trying them out.

The soot in vegetable soy candles is actually created from the scent rather than from the wax. The wax is completely natural. If you wanted to avoid even more soot in your home, you should buy unscented vegetable and/or soy candles.

Another comparable candle for a healthy alternative would be beeswax candles. They normally do not come scented but, as with soy candles, a beeswax candle would have some soot give off if the candle contained scent. Beeswax candles are great candles as well and if you buy them unscented you will also find they are very environmentally friendly. Beeswax candles are a hard form of wax and do not have to be burned in tight holders.

A good wax mixture would be soy, vegetable and beeswax since this combination has been determined to hold the scent the best. The candles marketed by Hollyscents contain this mixture for the sole purpose of having the scent last to the bottom of the jar.

Vegetable, soy candles differ from paraffin candles in that they will liquefy when burned. They therefore must be burned in tight thin glass holders. Many people do not realize this and when they buy vegetable and/or soy candles they expect them to burn in the same manner as a paraffin candle and they become disappointed when they put a vegetable wax votive on a plate and it melts down and collapses. This is why using a tight holder is important. Always read the instructions on any candles that you buy to ensure that you are burning them correctly. The liquefying effect of vegetable soy candles does not mean they are of low quality as might be the case with a paraffin candle.

The soft properties of vegetable, soy candles have another benefit in that if the candles are spilled they clean up very quickly.

The shelf life of a vegetable soy candle would be less than a paraffin candle. Usually nine months is about it. Be sure to burn up your candles within that period. If you come across these candles at a garage sale beware that you may be getting candles that are too old. They will still burn but the scent will have disappeared. Paraffin candles can be used even when many years old because of the hard wax as would be the same case with beeswax candles.

Have you ever considered making your own soy candles at home. Lots of small companies are starting up these days selling soy candles. Ingredients can be bought online and you could save yourself even more money by producing your own candles. The candle jars for vegetable and soy candles burn off most of the wax during burning and the remaining wax can be washed out easily. If you hold onto these jars, you can then use them for your own homemade candles.

Have you ever burned a candle to find out after hours that one of the wicks had stopped burning and the candle then looked lopsided on the top. When this happens the candle frequently does not burn properly after that. It usually occurs because of some unfelt draft in the room. With vegetable soy beeswax candles you can gently tap off the glass of the jar (use a bag to hold the candle) and after the glass is removed break up the candle for a simmer pot. You can remove the metal wick from a votive and drop it into a simmer pot too if you wish. The wick removes very easily. There is never any waste with vegetable soy candles. As well, vegetable soy beeswax candles clean up really easily when changing the wax in a simmer pot. There is no running hot water to melt the wax. Just liquefy the wax, pour the old wax into the garbage and wipe out the pot with a Kleenex and insert new fresh wax. It is that easy.

Another consideration when you are buying candles is the wick. You want to avoid lead wicks since they give off toxins. Look for a candle that uses a cotton wick. The Hollyscents candles use cotton wicks.

I have been using Hollyscents vegetable, soy and beeswax candles now for over two years, as well as, using the other body products Hollyscents offers. I have never had any problem with soot on the walls or the scent not lasting to the end of the jar or any skin problems with the body products. I would never change candle companies again because of how incredible I have found these candles. If those candles were to become unavailable in the future, I would turn to a soy candle rather than a paraffin candle.

Holly Crosgrey owns Hollyscents where you can attend to enter a draw for a 16 oz jar candle. She also owns Hollyscents Gourmet Candle Business

Article Source: Review of Hollyscents Vegetable Soy Beeswax Candle Products and Their Impact on the Environment

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

Green Beauty and Skin Care Products

Companies in the beauty industry who have "gone green" no longer use harsh, unnatural chemicals or resources that are unsustainable in their product lines. Products used to be made using ingredients taken from the environment or produced in a lab without care of the devastating effects of environmental impact. Chemicals that are used in product production and resource accumulation eventually make their way into the water and air supply. These chemicals are then absorbed into people’s bodies, many times causing health issues.

With environmental impact in mind, today the beauty industry produces organic skin care products and cosmetics using resources produced by organic farming and renewable processes instead of harvesting ingredients from the depleting environment. The beauty industry now considers the plant population and the plight of endangered species of animals in product production. For example, chemical-based sunblock applied to the skin is absorbed into the body and washed off into water when swimming in natural water sources. Organic skin care products, like Sunsation Sunblock, are not produced with chemicals that can harm people, water sources, or marine life.

Observing Green Business Practices

Thanks to the establishment of green business practices, the beauty industry has changed the way it does business. The Internet and computer technology have helped to eliminate landfill waste by keeping papers, and therefore are empty ink cartridges, out of the trash. The beauty industry now recycles paper, ink cartridges, packing materials, and other production and office materials that used to go straight to a landfill.

Factories and offices are now conserving as much water, energy, and resources as possible. Energy-efficient appliances and machinery work together with new production systems that are more ecologically aware so that companies have a reduction in renewable energy use.

Marketing plans within the beauty industry, including organic skin care and cosmetic production companies, now include ecologically friendly business practices. For example, many companies in the beauty industry now provide media kits, catalogs, and special advertisements online or via e-mail instead of on printed paper. E-mail, web conferencing, and telephone meetings have lessened travel requirements, thereby lessening the use of fossil fuels.

Green Packaging and Shipping

Green business practices have also changed the packaging and shipping methods used in the beauty industry. Excessive, unnecessary product packaging has been eliminated by organic skin care and cosmetic companies through the use of earth friendly recyclable materials. This green business practice serves as a bonus for the beauty industry as this type of packaging not only keeps waste out of landfills, but it increases the amount of shelf space for displaying more products. Green packaging is also smaller, making for less costly, more efficient shipping since more products can be shipped per load. The materials used in shipment packing are also now made of recycled materials.

A vital step toward a successful business today, the beauty industry, including organic skin care and cosmetic companies, are constantly on the lookout for ways to ensure green business practices and to promote an environmentally aware world. If companies and consumers work together to live responsibly on this planet, everyone can rest assured it will be here and healthy for a long time to come.

Kent Campbell is an author for DNA Skin, a leading company in the formulation of organic skin care products founded by founded by Dr. Noel Aguilar. DNA skin offers a wide range of natural skin care products that are sold by professional dermatologists and high-end spas around the world.

Article Source: Green Business Practices in the Beauty Industry – Beautifying Both People and the Environment

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

The best reason by far to use electric wind power, besides lowering your electricity costs, is that it will help save the environment more than any other energy resource. Never before has an alternative energy source relied completely on mother nature herself. Of course, hydrogen and solar power utilize certain aspects of nature, but they’re always meddled with by some kind of man-made devices that plague their true purpose. With wind power, all of the energy is conveniently and naturally stored thanks to wind turbines, which are man-made but only serve the purpose of generating wind power. If you want to help the environment, switching over to electric wind power as soon as possible would be the best way to do so.

One of the reasons that wind power doesn’t pollute the environment is because wind turbines transform the power inherent in the wind into workable units of energy. No chemicals or other dangerous substances are used in the production of wind power. If used for a residential purpose, electric wind power is known to cut at least 1 or more metric tons of pollutants out of the equation altogether. With mainstream energy sources such as hydrogen, you just don’t get those kinds of results. As the planet becomes more and more polluted and destroyed by the day, all of us should be switching over to wind power before it’s simply too late.

Wind power costs are unbelievably low because you never have to pay another cent after you purchase your wind turbines. Once you’ve purchased them, the only thing that you would need to pay for at any time in the future is repair costs in case the wind turbines get damaged, or for another wind turbine if you need more electric wind power to further power your home or business. Saving the environment at a low cost is simply an unbeatable deal when it means the continuation and preservation of the human species. Reduce your electricity costs, do your duty in protecting the planet, and become an independent purveyor of electric wind power. I can guarantee you that you will never regret it.

I am Stephen Dillon head of the Electric Wind Power Group. I research electric wind power and get the word about the need to change from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy! You can read more about our group and become involved in our cause at Electric Wind Power Today!

Article Source: Save The Environment And Save Your Wallet: Invest In Wind Turbines And Electric Wind Power Today!

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

Course Content: Environmental Graduate Programs Distance Learning

The courses are constructed around the philosophy that the student needs to develop his understanding of the environment and must be equipped with skills that enable him to design and deliver environmental information as an agent of creative change. The theoretical foundations of environmental education and communication are considered an integral part of learning. Analysis and tools for analysis are considered essential for a student tackling environmental issues of the age. All the environmental graduate programs distance learning are directed towards equipping the student with the necessary skills to provide viable solutions to the environmental problems facing mankind today.

Graduate Programs by Distance Learning

Fischler School of Education and Human Services associated with The Nova Southeastern University, Florida offers an MS in Environmental studies. The Royal Roads University is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Business Council of British Columbia. It offers a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma program in Environmental Education and communication. It also has a full Master of Arts degree on the subject. The Institute of Global Education offers MS and PhD degrees in Integrated Ecology and Nature. The focus of the course is on building socially and environmentally responsible relationships. The degree is accredited to the West Coast University by International council for Open and Distance Education recognized by UNESCO and UNO. The University of Denver, the Nicholos school of Environment and Earth sciences, the Southern Methodist University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Florida and the University of Alabama are some of the other universities which offer environmental graduate programs distance learning.

The depth and range of environmental studies is only limited by the imagination of the student and the resources of the University. The student can skim the surface of the subject by selecting a broad based program or drill down to the depth on a single topic by selecting a specialized area of study. The student is the best judge of his area of interest.

Jim Zorn is web master of the Guide to Distance Learning. Please visit to learn more about online colleges and universities, distance learning degrees, majors and courses offered. http://www.guide-to-distance-learning.com/index.html

Article Source: Connecting with the Environment Intensely – Environmental Graduate Programs Distance Learning

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

Heat resistant nylon is an intriguing concept that is still dramatically in its infancy. Most generally, you will find this is material utilized in arc protection apparel. These garments reduce the severity of injury in the event of arcing energy. Of course, you will find there are many types and styles of this apparel on the market today. Whether you choose shirts, pants, bibs, or hoods, you will find that the arc rating will increase the likelihood you survive arcing energy and the intense temperatures resulting from the arcing flash of electricity.

Once, the only option for professional men and women was the use of flame retardant apparel. However, there are inherently FR fabrics on the market today that promote everything you need and more. Whether you need a high level of protection or just a little “something”, you will come to appreciate the benefits of heat resistant nylon, or more accurately, the blend of this material and cotton.

The categories are defined by calories per square centimeter. There are four categories, and each category increased the number of calories required per square centimeter. For instance, a category one will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 5 calories. Category two will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 8 calories. Category three will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 25 calories. Finally, category two will require a minimum level of protection weighing in with 40 calories.

Whether you choose flame retardant coating for the apparel or the inherently FR garments such as offered by Carhartt, you will find that the label will define the number of calories per square centimeter. If you have a FR shirt with 6 calories per square centimeter, you will need to add more apparel to reach a category four. In addition, each category has a minimum of PPE required. Category one does not require a full arc resistance body suit, but category four does.

PPE is what you need, and there is a lot to be said about meeting the regulatory conditions of your industry. Your employer will be responsible for labeling appropriately the levels of protection necessary for a given area. Knowing what materials or fibers to expect when you go looking for the PPE will allow you to remain safe while allowing your employer to maintain industry guidelines and reduce possible fining.

Yes, heat resistant nylon blends are more popular than before, and the level of protection you receive will be second to none thanks to steep fining of businesses or companies not conforming to regulatory policies.

Max Johnson of The Uniform Connection. Click for more Heat Resistant Nylon.

Article Source: Defining Heat Resistant Nylon In The Workplace Environment

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog

Girls’ camps generally fall into two broad categories: traditional and specialty. Specialty camps will emphasize a particular field and/or a single activity or group of activities, integrated with other more traditional pastimes.

Some specialty programs are therapeutic in nature, focusing on an issue such as weight loss or asthma management, or age appropriate exercise. Others are designed for a specific religious or spiritual affiliation, while still others focus on things like astronomy, theater, fine arts or computer programming. These programs can vary widely in terms of how many hours children spend focusing on the main theme rather than other activities, and should be carefully compared when choosing a camp.

For the young girl who does not have any interest in concentrated exposure to one area of interest, the traditional summer experience would very likely be preferable. Here she can spend more energy learning about independence, enjoying self discovery, building character, making new friends, and other activities encouraging personal growth. Most facilities offer swimming, hiking, boating, many kinds of sports, and of course, the evening bonfires, with story-telling and singing. It’s a great way for younger girls spread their wings and get more comfortable with being away from home and family for a short period of time.

When choosing a summer camp for their daughter, parents should look carefully at instructor skill levels and training, and the facility’s safety record. They should ask about the ratio of instructors to girls by age group. The size of the facility, the type and supervision of sleeping arrangements, the kinds of food offered and the number of activities the girls are expected or able to do daily will also be important considerations for parents.

Be sure to compare websites and look for testimonials from recent campers and their parents. A good camp is not just a way to spend the summer; it’s a new world of discovery.

Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed http://bit.ly/a8x7RO researcher. He recommends http://www.fernwoodcove.com in Harrison, Maine, one of the top girls’ camps in the U.S. Offering two sessions each summer, they promote exploration and self-discovery through outdoor activities and community building.

Article Source: Summer Camp – A Safe Environment for Girls To Try New Activities

Nancy – GotSmog.com – The Pollution-Reducing Blog