Category: Environment

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IEEE publishes 2023 National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®)

Latest Edition of the NESC Will Go into Effect in February 2023 to Help Deliver a Safer and More Sustainable Electric Power Supply

 

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #IEEESA–IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, and the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) today announced the release of the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®).

 

Published by IEEE SA and typically updated every five years to stay current with changes in the industry and technology, the NESC specifies best practices for the safety of electric supply and communication utility systems at both public and private utilities. The NESC sets the ground rules and guidelines for practical safeguarding of workers and the public during the installation, operation, or maintenance of power, telephone, cable TV, and railroad signal systems.


Just as it has done for more than a century, the NESC is continuously evolving and being refined to embrace new technologies for a more sustainable future. The potential impacts of recent and emerging technologies are reflected in the new Code.

 

Notable changes to the 2023 NESC include:

  • Significant revisions were made in Section 14 covering batteries, addressing new battery technologies, energy storage, and backup power.
  • A new Section 19 for photovoltaic generating stations addresses general codes, location, grounding configurations, vegetation management, DC overcurrent protection, and DC conductors. These new rules accommodate large-scale solar power projects.
  • All stand-alone tables for metric measurements have been removed from the main code body and moved to Annex 1. For tables that include both English and metric values, the revised Code presents numerical values in the customary “inch-foot-pound” system first and the corresponding metric values following in parentheses to help prevent misreading errors.
  • In the Clearances section, as well as in the specification of the Grade of Construction, the Code further clarifies the use of non-hazardous fiber optic cables.

 

“The 2023 NESC includes updates throughout, many of which address emerging technologies such as solar and wind energy, distributed energy/microgrids, batteries and energy storage, and wireless small cell networks,” said Nelson Bingel, chair of the NESC Committee. “We’re grateful to the many participants who contributed to the 2023 edition, and we welcome new contributors to join our NESC team.”

 

Like previous versions, the 2023 edition will be available in digital, printed, e-learning, and mobile-app formats. This edition consists of initial sections covering scope, purpose, and grounding methods, followed by sections that include specific rules for electric supply stations, overhead lines, underground lines, and safety-related work practices.

 

A companion document, the 2023 NESC Handbook, is available with the Code. The Handbook includes all of the rules of the Code but also provides insights and commentary on the rules and how to apply them from the experts who helped develop the Code, including historical notes to provide context for Code revisions and additions.

 

Information on updates to the code can be found on the NESC homepage. The 2023 NESC and handbook are available for purchase at the IEEE Standards store and available for subscription at the IEEE Xplore® Digital Library.

 

About IEEE SA

IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) is a collaborative organization where innovators raise the world’s standards for technology. IEEE SA provides a globally open, consensus-building environment and platform that empowers people to work together in the development of leading-edge, market-relevant technology standards, and industry solutions shaping a better, safer and sustainable world. Learn more about IEEE SA.

 

About IEEE

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more about IEEE.

 

Contacts

Media
Tania Olabi-Colon, Brand Marketing & Communications Director

Olivia Wang, Marketing & Communications Manager

standards-pr@ieee.org

Categories
Business Environment Science

Despite climate change worry, new study says most professionals in tea and related industries underprioritize sustainability when stocking tea

First-of-its-kind sustainability report reveals purchasing drivers of professionals in tea and related industries.

SECAUCUS, N.J. – A new report from Firsd Tea, the largest importer of Chinese tea in the U.S., finds most professionals in tea and related industries underprioritize sustainability when stocking tea inventory—even with 80% of this group worried about the effects of climate change on business operations.

 

Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2022 is the first study to gauge opinions of tea sustainability among associated industry professionals.

 

“This finding is surprising to me. We hear so much from our customers about the importance of sustainability. I look forward to better exploring what is behind this potential disconnect between customer concern for sustainability and business purchasing priorities,” Firsd Tea marketing director, Jason Walker, explains.

Respondents listed flavor (96%), leaf grade (90%) and origin/terroir (88%) as the top three characteristics that contributed to their decisions to stock particular tea types. These considerations are followed by demand (86%), consistency of supply (84%) and price (83%). Sustainability (79%) ranks seventh in the list of factors influencing tea-stocking decisions.

 

Sean Cash, PhD, Bergstrom Foundation professor of global nutrition in the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, says, “The results of this compelling survey indicate that representatives of the tea industry are keenly aware that their sector is threatened by climate change, and to a greater extent than many other crops. This clearly supports the urgent need for collaborations that will help protect and support the future of tea for years to come.”

 

Dr. Cash is a co-principal investigator with Tea & Climate Change Collaborative, an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional project team that researches the effects of climate change on tea quality and socio-economic responses.

 

“Firsd Tea believes stocking sustainable teas should be a win-win. Choosing sustainable teas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor and quality,” explains Shengyuan Chen, Firsd Tea’s executive director.

 

The study derives its results from a two-month long survey beginning in December 2021 to February 2022 conducted in collaboration with Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, a 120+ year-old publication covering the global tea and coffee industries from origin through the supply chain. Princeton-based Crothers Consulting administered the survey to 95 voluntary respondents conducting business in tea and related sectors (e.g. coffee, wine and cocoa).

 

For the full Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2022 Report, click here.

 

About Firsd Tea:

Firsd Tea is the U.S. subsidiary of parent company, Zhejiang Tea Group, Ltd. (ZJT), China’s largest tea exporter and the world leader in green tea exports. Founded in 1950, ZJT has been the largest tea producer and exporter in China for 25 consecutive years. The company has remained one of the leading and most technologically advanced manufacturers and innovators in the Chinese tea industry. ZJT boasts strategic collaboration with the Science Department of Zhejiang University as well as the Hangzhou Tea Research Institute of All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Co-operatives. Zhejiang Tea Group’s portfolio of products include EU compliant conventional teas and organic teas (first organic tea producer in China since 1989), decaf teas (one of only two companies in China who have a CO2 decaf facility) and chemical solvent-free tea extractions, including instant teas, tea polyphenols, and EGCG.

Categories
Environment Local News Weather

Heat advisory in efffect for Mercer; cooling sites open

TRENTON, N.J. — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Mercer County and the surrounding area on Wednesday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and an Excessive Heat Watch on Thursday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. County Executive Brian M. Hughes reminds residents that many cooling sites will be open.

 

Temperatures Wednesday are expected to reach the middle to upper 90s with a heat index (a measure of the combination of heat and humidity) of up to 105 degrees. For the Excessive Heat Watch on Thursday, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees are possible. Children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets are most at risk during excessive temperatures.

 

To cope during extreme heat, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty, and spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned environment. Be sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbors. If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing.

 

Hot weather can impact everyone, regardless of age or condition, but some people are more at risk than others. People most at risk include those over age 65, individuals with medical conditions, those taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat, people with disabilities, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, babies and young children, those who are overweight or obese, individuals who work or exercise outdoors, and even those residents who may have recently arrived from cooler climates. Never leave children, pets or anyone with limited mobility alone in hot vehicles. Even with the windows rolled down, only minutes in a hot car can be deadly.

 

Mercer County Library System branches and municipal senior centers serve as cooling sites, although daily hours of operation vary. These locations are open to all residents. The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers, and West Windsor library branches are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hollowbrook Branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. Call individual senior centers for hours of operation, restrictions and accommodations. Call your local senior center if you don’t see it on the list of confirmed cooling sites below. 

 

Mercer County library branch locations
• Ewing, 61 Scotch Road
• Hickory Corner, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
• Hightstown Memorial, 114 Franklin St.
• Hollowbrook, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing
• Hopewell, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington
• Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike
• Robbinsville, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road
• Twin Rivers, 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor
• West Windsor, 333 North Post Road

 

Municipal senior center locations
• Ewing Senior and Community Center, 999 Lower Ferry Road; 609-883-1776
• Hamilton Senior Center, 409 Cypress Lane; 609-890-3686
• Hopewell Valley Senior Center, 395 Reading St., Pennington; 609-537-0236
• John O Wilson Center, 169 Wilfred Avenue, Hamilton; 609-393-6480
• Princeton Senior Resource Center, 101 Poor Farm Road, Building B, Princeton; 609-751- 9699

  •   Robbinsville Township Senior Center, 1117 Route 130; 609- 259-1567
  • Samuel Naples Senior Center, 611 Chestnut Ave., Trenton; 609-989-3462
  • West Windsor Senior Center, 271 Clarksville Road; 609-799-9068

For assistance in coping with the heat or to contact your local cooling site, please call the Mercer County Office on Aging at (609) 989-6661 or toll-free (877) 222-3737. During non-business hours, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they experience heat-related problems.

 

For more information regarding heat-related emergencies, please visit www.ready.nj.gov, the National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips and Resourcespage or the National Institute on Aging Hot Weather Safety page.

Categories
Business Environment

American Water recognized with top score on Disability Equality Index for fourth consecutive year

CAMDEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, today announced that it has been recognized as a top-scoring company, for the fourth consecutive year, on the Disability Equality Index (DEI)®, the most comprehensive disability inclusion assessment tool designed and embraced by both business leaders and disability advocates.

“American Water values and promotes diversity in its workforce,” said Susan Hardwick, president and chief executive officer. “In 2021 we launched our American Water Abled employee resource group, which advocates for employees with all types of disabilities -visible and invisible – and for caregivers and their allies to lead and excel both personally and professionally. We are proud to again be recognized for our continued commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and as an ally to those with different abilities.”

 

This year, 415 businesses participated in the DEI, and American Water’s top score of 100 percent earned the recognition of “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” The 2022 DEI measured culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, community engagement, and supplier diversity.

 

Inclusion, diversity, and equity are key focus areas in American Water’s journey to be an industry leader across environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. American Water recently published its 2021 Inclusion, Diversity & Equity report. The report and other information about the company’s comprehensive ID&E strategy can be found on a new, interactive website, DiversityatAW.com, that communicates the company’s efforts to build an inclusive workplace. The new website will be updated quarterly to reflect current workforce and leadership diversity data.

 

The DEI was created by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts and disability advocates. Now in its eighth year, the DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities.

 

“Disability inclusion is a rapidly expanding aspect of corporate culture, and it’s gratifying to partner with 415 companies on the 2022 Disability Equality Index,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. “These top-scoring companies not only excel in disability inclusion, many are also adopting emerging trends and pioneering measures that can move the disability agenda from accommodation to inclusion and ultimately, genuine belonging.”

 

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

About the Disability Equality Index®

The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”

 

The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complementary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates, developed the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

 

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

AAPD is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power for people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the 60+ million Americans with disabilities. Learn more at: www.aapd.com.

 

About Disability:IN®

Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 400 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index (DEI); best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Joseph Szafran

External Affairs Manager

856-955-4304

joseph.szafran@amwater.com

Categories
Environment Local News News Now!

Edison Partners successfully exits energy industry disruptor, Budderfly

Partners Group acquires a majority stake in Budderfly and commits $500 million to fund the company’s next stage of growth as the most comprehensive Energy-as-a-Service provider in North America

PRINCETON, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Edison Partners, a leading growth equity firm, announced today that it will exit portfolio company Budderfly, in which Partners Group (SIX: PGHN) acquired a majority stake. Upon closing, the transaction will deliver a strong cash return.

 

Edison first invested in the company in June 2017, when it led an initial $22 million financing round. Later, they participated in follow-on rounds where Budderfly raised an additional $55 million in June 2019, bringing the total funding to date to $84.5 million. Since 2017, Budderfly has grown its revenue ~250% CAGR.

 

With more than 2,750 customer sites across 49 states, Budderfly leads the digital transformation of the energy conservation sector. The Connecticut-based company provides a holistic, outsourced solution for energy management, and infrastructure upgrades, for underserved commercial and industrial businesses with repeatable footprints, such as restaurant chains, assisted living facilities and retail franchises. Budderfly works with household names such as Dunkin, Subway, Wendy’s, YMCA and IHOP, among others. Its proprietary energy software and technology upgrades provide immediate, guaranteed efficiency improvements and usage reductions with zero project risk or out-of-pocket costs. The company’s solutions support more than 400 utility companies in North America.

 

“Edison has been an incredible, long-term partner, as we honed in on how to offer energy and bill savings through intelligent software for no capital outlay,” said Albert Subbloie, founder and chief executive officer of Budderfly. “We were then able to reach national scale with Edison Partners’ support. The team at Edison provided us with a consistent edge, and we’re thrilled to provide such a successful exit as we enter our next phase of growth with Partners Group.”

 

The Budderfly exit closes Edison Partners’ fourth deal alongside Subbloie. The firm previously invested in Operative, Tangoe, and Information Management Associates (IMA), backing two of these companies at the Series A stage with spectacular results, before Subbloie revolutionized corporate spend in energy-efficiency-as-a-service and scaled Budderfly to a mid-10 digit run rate.

 

“Budderfly exceeded our expectations as an industry disruptor. Al has a history of building transformative businesses, and Edison has stood firmly behind him. Having invested in two of Al’s prior companies, one of which returned tenfold to Edison, this was another great outcome. His vision for the energy services market and leadership skills have taken Budderfly’s success to great heights,” said Gary Golding, general partner at Edison Partners, who served on Budderfly’s board of directors.

 

“Exit opportunities still exist in this economic climate,” said Chris Sugden, managing partner at Edison Partners. “An advantage of having 36 years of objective data combined with the subjective, day-to-day experience of working with high-growth companies, is that we know whom we can support to a successful exit, no matter the market climate. And, of course, these outcomes are simply not possible without CEOs like Al who have both vision and strong execution. Market-disrupting technology combined with consistent leadership, like Budderfly, will win every time.”

 

About Edison Partners

For 36 years, Edison Partners has been helping CEOs and their executive teams grow and scale their companies. The firm’s investment team brings more than 275 years of combined investing and operating experience to each investment. Through a unique combination of growth capital and the Edison Edge platform, consisting of operating centers of excellence, executive education programs, and the Edison Director Network, Edison employs a truly integrated approach to accelerating growth and creating value for businesses. With experts in enterprise solutions, financial technology and healthcare IT, Edison targets high-growth companies located outside Silicon Valley with $10 million to $30 million in revenue. Investments also include buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts, and secondary stock purchases. Edison’s active portfolio has created aggregated market value exceeding $10 billion. Edison Partners manages $1.6 billion in assets. For more information on Edison Partners, please visit edisonpartners.com and follow on LinkedIn.

 

About Budderfly

Budderfly, ranked as one of the fastest-growing Energy Efficiency as a Service (EEaaS) companies in the United States, is the premier sustainability partner for businesses with repeatable footprints, such as restaurant chains, assisted living facilities, retail franchises, and more. Budderfly installs, monitors and manages a combination of patented technologies, equipment upgrades, and proprietary energy software for its customers at no out-of-pocket cost. Businesses benefit with lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, more reliable operations, and an improved customer and employee experience. Budderfly ranked #2 in energy companies and #10 overall on the 2021 Inc. 5000 America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies list. For more information visit www.budderfly.com.

Contacts

Iris Tomczyk

VP, Marketing

itomczyk@edisonpartners.com

Antenna Group for Budderfly

Annika Harper, PR Director

Budderfly@antennagroup.com

Categories
Environment Local News

Join local event, ‘Evening in the Garden’ with Rutgers Master Gardeners to emphasize importance of pollinators

EWING, N.J. — The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County will host an “Evening in the Garden” at Mercer Educational Gardens, Hopewell Township, on Thursday, July 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

 

Take a leisurely tour of the various themed gardens at Mercer Educational Gardens (pictured), located on the grounds of the Mercer County Stables.

Master Gardeners will be on hand to emphasize the vital importance of pollinators, to point out which plants are valued as attracting pollinators for their nectar and pollen, and to describe the growing needs of these beneficial plants.

Please refer to the Master Gardener website, www.mgofmc.org, for updated information if there is a need for a cancellation due to weather concerns.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners participate in many volunteer programs throughout the County.

For home gardening, plant, turf, or insect questions, you can visit our Helpline office at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, and speak with Rutgers Extension Horticulturist Kathryn Homa. You can also call the Master Gardeners at (609) 989-6853 or email AsktheMGs@mercercounty.org.

Categories
Environment Local News

Lawrence Hopewell Trail annual Full Moon Ride returns at Mercer Meadows

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail is pleased to offer its 7th annual Full Moon Ride on Saturday, July 9, at Mercer Meadows.

 

Lawrence Hopewell Trail and Mercer County Park Commission’s 4th Annual Full Moon Bike Ride at Mercer Meadows, Hopewell, NJ, on Saturday, September 9, 2017. — Photo by Andrew Miller Images, LLC

 

Adults and children of all ages are welcome to the bike ride, which features classical musici
ans, a country singer, and techno DJ entertainment. The festivities begin at 8 p.m.

 

Before the bike ride, attendees are invited to bring a picnic dinner and decorate their bikes. The Full Moon Bike Ride, which starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m., is open to adults and children aged 12 and above.

 

For each person from 12 to 17 riding the six-mile Full Moon loop, the admission fee is $15.

 

For those 18 and over the fee is $20. Group rates are available. See https://lhtrail.org/annual-fullmoonride/.  There is no fee for participants who come to enjoy the evening but do not ride, although a donation is requested.  All funds and donations support the work of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail.

 

Online registration is encouraged. Please visithttps://tinyurl.com/FullMoonBikeRide-Registrationto register online and for more information.

 

Helmets are required for riders under 18. The LHT encourages helmets for all riders and suggests the use of bike lights for safety.

 

Please carpool if possible. All participants should use the entrance to the park on Federal City Road, between Blackwell Road and Old Mill Road in Hopewell Township.

 

The rain date is Sunday, July 10.  If rain forces the change, the program will be limited to the bike ride.

Categories
Business Culture Environment

Elizabeth Addonizio joins Vision Solar as a board member

Representing Sound Financial Growth and Development Expertise

 

BLACKWOOD, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Vision Solar continues to add new board members that come with tailored, highly- educated skill sets in order to strengthen their board, support their leadership, and contribute expertise to drive forward their success, both operationally and financially.


Elizabeth Addonizio is a seasoned finance professional with decades of experience in providing companies with strategic guidance on growth and development. Drawing on a long background in investment banking, private equity and venture capital investing with a focus on Impact and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, Elizabeth has an extensive background in the raising and deployment of capital to facilitate robust organic and inorganic growth. Addonizio will be responsible for providing strategic input on how Vision Solar can maintain a strong growth trajectory without losing sight of profitability and high customer satisfaction.

 

In addition to her experience in finance, Addonizio brings with her a wealth of experience in the utilities and renewables space in the United States, Latin America, and East Asia, and she has spent the better part of the past two decades as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve. She has a Ph.D. from Yale University, an M.P.A. from Princeton University, and a B.A. from Bucknell University.

 

“As the CEO, I am very keen on the idea of creating an advisory board of seasoned professionals who have the academic credentials along with the professional experience that can help guide us through the explosive growth we are experiencing – I am pleased to have Elizabeth Addonizio join our board.” – Jonathan Seibert, CEO of Vision Solar LLC

 

“Addonizio will be a great add to our Board team as she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge for guiding high growth companies with the right financial discipline.” – Faraz Khan, CFO at Vision Solar

 

“I am thrilled to join the board of Vision Solar, a dynamic, fast-growing company that has such a positive impact on climate, sustainability, and the pocketbooks of households across the country. I look forward to working with the company’s stellar leadership team to continue to advance the company’s growth and development goals.” – Elizabeth Addonizio, Board Member for Vision Solar

 

For any inquiries regarding this press release, please feel free to contact John Czelusniak at jczelusniak@visionsolar.com.

 

About Vision Solar:

Vision Solar is one of the fastest growing solar energy companies in the United States. Their full-service renewable energy company installs solar services for residential homes nationwide. Over the past three years, Vision Solar has grossed over $200+ million in revenue, with significant increase in projected growth to produce 1000+ high-quality Green Jobs by 2022. To learn more, visit: https://www.visionsolar.com

Contacts

John Czelusniak

jczelusniak@visionsolar.com

Categories
Environment Local News Science

Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2022 report finds 80% of professionals in tea and related industries worry about climate change effects on business operations

Pathbreaking study of experts in tea and related industries confirms fears about climate change.

 

We hope this revelation of widespread worry serves as a rallying cry within the tea industry to unite in further dialog on protecting the environment.

  • Jason Walker, Marketing Director, Firsd Tea

 

 

 

SECAUCUS, N.J. – A new report from Firsd Tea, the largest importer of Chinese tea in the U.S., finds 80% of professionals in tea and related industries worry about the effects of climate change on business operations. Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2022 is the first study to gauge opinions of tea sustainability among associated industry professionals.

 

“We hope this revelation of widespread worry serves as a rallying cry within the tea industry to unite in further dialog on protecting the environment and tea businesses,” Firsd Tea marketing director, Jason Walker, explains.

 

Among climate change effects identified by respondents, changing rain patterns, unpredictable weather and extreme heat are the biggest risk factors (95%, 94% and 91% respectively).

 

Sean Cash, PhD, Bergstrom Foundation professor of global nutrition in the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, says, “The results of this compelling survey indicate that representatives of the tea industry are keenly aware that their sector is threatened by climate change, and to a greater extent than many other crops. This clearly supports the urgent need for collaborations that will help protect and support the future of tea for years to come.”

 

Dr. Cash is a co-principal investigator with Tea & Climate Change Collaborative, an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional project team that researches the effects of climate change on tea quality and socio-economic responses.

 

“We invite our customers, partners, and stakeholders to join us in better understanding how we can tackle these issues to promote a more sustainable future for the tea industry and the world,” explains Firsd Tea executive director, Shengyuan Chen.

 

The study derives its results from a two-month long survey beginning in December 2021 to February 2022 conducted in collaboration with Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, a 120+ year-old publication covering the global tea and coffee industries from origin through the supply chain. Princeton-based Crothers Consulting administered the survey to 95 voluntary respondents conducting business in tea and related sectors (e.g. coffee, wine and cocoa).

 

For the full Firsd Tea Sustainability Perspectives 2022 Report,click here.

 

About Firsd Tea:

Firsd Tea is the U.S. subsidiary of parent company, Zhejiang Tea Group, Ltd. (ZJT), China’s largest tea exporter and the world leader in green tea exports. Founded in 1950, ZJT has been the largest tea producer and exporter in China for 25 consecutive years. The company has remained one of the leading and most technologically advanced manufacturers and innovators in the Chinese tea industry. ZJT boasts strategic collaboration with the Science Department of Zhejiang University as well as the Hangzhou Tea Research Institute of All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Co-operatives. Zhejiang Tea Group’s portfolio of products include EU compliant conventional teas and organic teas (first organic tea producer in China since 1989), decaf teas (one of only two companies in China who have a CO2 decaf facility) and chemical solvent-free tea extractions, including instant teas, tea polyphenols, and EGCG.

Categories
Environment Local News

Mosquito management becomes a community effort

Reducing breeding habitats is key strategy for Mercer Mosquito Control 

 

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes notes that even though the County runs a highly sophisticated Mosquito Control program to safeguard the health of residents, mosquitoes, which can carry insect-borne diseases, remain a reality in the area throughout the warmer months. However,  there are measures that residents can take to help control the population.

 

“Mosquitoes are a backyard problem, and community involvement is crucial for success in controlling them,” Mr. Hughes said.

 

“I urge our residents to take some simple measures, such as eliminating standing water in and around their homes, to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes.”

 

Female mosquitoes lay eggs on the walls of water-filled containers. To keep those eggs from hatching and becoming adult mosquitoes, residents should do the following:

  • Empty out water from containers in your yard such as buckets, recycle bins and potted-plant saucers.
  • Store tires indoors or away from rain. Check for tire recycling programs in your area.
  • Empty and replace water in bird baths at least once a week. Remember: water plus seven days equals mosquitoes.
  • Make sure drain pipes slope downward. These drain pipes are dominated by Asian tiger mosquito immatures, and this species is an aggressive day biter.
  • Maintain your pool. Remove water from tarps and pool covers.

Other steps residents can take include keeping mosquitoes out of the home by installing or repairing window screens and using air conditioning when available; and preventing mosquito bites by using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent with an active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD).

 

 

Mosquito Control to the rescue!

Mr. Hughes said Mercer County Mosquito Control practices what is known as Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) to suppress local mosquito populations, making both larval and adult surveillance programs the backbone of its operations. To see the team in action, watch the Mercer County Mosquito Control video! 

 

Mercer County Mosquito Control is actively fighting mosquitoes during the summer and early fall. To receive email alerts regarding spraying, click here and enter your email address for Mosquito Control news.

For Mosquito Control service, submit your request online here