AFL CIO: Goin' Green for Earth Day

'Greening' Our Headquarters The AFL-CIO just announced a plan to reduce energy consumption, cut down on waste and reduce the carbon footprint of its national headquarters. The steps include conducting a comprehensive energy audit to identify waste, lower energy use and set the stage for green building certification of our national headquarters and phasing out the use of Styrofoam in its dining operation and moving to union-made, 100 percent biodegradable containers. —Jeff Rickert, Director, AFL-CIO Center for Green Jobs   To celebrate Earth Day, we're going green. How about you? Trust us, it's not that hard. We spent a lot of time thinking about our efforts to go green, and we realized that we don't have to make a choice between the environment and the economy. Union workers will implement our energy-savings measures and environmental-protection initiatives, and they will lead to financial savings for us over the long term. Not bad, eh? So how can we help you go green this Earth Day? How about starting by sending your family and friends cards on recycled paper? At The Union Shop Online, we have lots of great green cards to choose from that are printed by union labor, with inspirational messages like the following from Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead Here are just a few of the other great, green inspirational cards in stock now: Sending notes on recycled cards is a fun and easy way to start going green. Check out our full collection of cards online. In solidarity, Working Families e-Activist Network, AFL-CIO P.S. Don't forget all the other great stuff at The Union Shop Online. From umbrellas to shirts, books and more, if you're looking for a union-friendly gift for someone in your life, we're sure you can find something with us.