Newsletter Sample 1

Inform, Entertain & Inspire

June 2008

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by Gary Murray - editor

by Kate “KT” Buskirk

A little “behind the scenes” info for you. Every month when I’m putting the newsletter together, one of the last things I do, is write this editorial. Why? Usually because of time and partly because it’s (pardon the pun) organic, which means it just happens naturally. However, this month is different. It’s actually the first thing I’m doing. Why? Because what I’m telling you is important, and yes, it’s about recycling. Every day while I’m at Outdoor Dimensions and I’m walking around the building, I see lots of bottled water on many of your desks. I think that’s great. What’s not great, is when I’m walking around Outdoor Dimensions and I see an empty water bottle in wastebaskets by your desks throughout the building. Anyone who’s been reading this column for a while now, knows how I feel about this. What you may NOT know, is some of the facts about those little plastic bottles that are ending up in the trash. Along with all of the usual great articles in the newsletter, I’m asking you to read this month’s “Going Green” column. I’ve known for some time, and have been shouting about how important recycling is, but I didn’t know many of the facts that go INTO the production of all these bottles as well as what a small percentage of these are actually recycled. I would like you to read these facts, and then READ THEM AGAIN. The stats involved in some of these are mind boggling. For example, in today’s economy with the high cost of gas, here’s just one of the facts presented to you: In 2006, it took more than 17 million barrels of oil (excluding the oil used in transporting the plastic) to produce plastic bottles. I think you’ll be equally amazed at the facts behind plastic bottles. Now, the important part. ACT ON THIS! Currently, there is only one container in the lunch room specifically designated for bottles and cans. I realized that in order for more people to become actively involved, we need more, so I have ordered more of these to be put around the building hoping that would make it easier for everyone. Look for these soon. I know sometimes I sound like a broken record, but recycling is easier than you think. Also in this issue, With the heat of Summer upon us and many of you will be heading to the beach or your vacations, we have a couple of good articles on the importance of being careful with sun exposure. Watch out! Have a great 4th of July. As always, thanks for reading.

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It was the year of 1967 when Henry Morales was born. As a child he remembers being hiked upon his fathers shoulders in front of the grassy knoll watching the president go by….wait a minute, not another one of these stories… Let’s try this again... Henry Morales was born in Norwalk, Ca and grew up with one brother and three sisters, as well as a ½ brother and ½ sister. Henry attended Hargitt Elementary and graduated from John Glen High in 1985. He started here at Outdoor Dimensions 3 years ago this October, as a temp in the Vinyl Dept. and has worked his way up to assistant supervisor. In his free time he loves to ride his Kawasaki Ninja ZX9R. He really enjoys riding fast but tries not to get too crazy. One of his biggest fears is crashing on his bike. (scary!) He also likes hanging out with the guys, shooting pool and watching football. Henry loves going to concerts, he says that he has attended over 100 concerts so far! The very first one he went to was the US Festival in 1983 where he said he fried in the sun, but LOVED it!!! His favorite concert of all time was Oingo Boingo and New Order. Some of his favorite music would be Reggae, Oldies, 80’s, Rock and Alternative. Some of his favorite movies are Saw, Iron Man and Invisible. His favorite foods are Shrimp and Shellfish, although he is very allergic to shell fish he still can’t stay away from it! His favorite place to eat growing up was Taco Joe’s in Norwalk, where he also worked as a kid. Some things you might not have known about Henry: -

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He is left handed If he were stranded on an island 3 things he would bring would be: a toothbrush, food and a really long book He is left handed His favorite drinks are Sprite and MGD He hates country music He is planning on taking a trip to Mexico to do some sight seeing and visit the beaches His favorites TV shows are Two and Half Men and House

OV[ZWV[ZPU:V*HS by Jennifer Garamendi

The Santa Monica Pier is open 365 days a year. Admission is free. Parking is available on both the Pier Deck and the Beachfront nearby. Limited short term parking is also available.

Pacific Park

The amusement park on the pier.

Carousel

Historical landmark building with vintage merry-go-round.

Playland

Arcade Game arcade

The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

A community program of Heal the Bay

PI^M aW] PMIZL) by Jana Ebig

O. D. E M P L OY E E N E W S

65,4(5:;9(:/0:(56;/,94(5:;9,(:<9, I have noticed in the past several years that our O.D. family has a heart of gold for giving. All of us have something to offer in life. Some people more than others. I know that we all go though tough times and need a pick-me-up, not only mentally but physically. What I’m talking about is the gift of food, unused items, sharing things that we are not using at the time. I think this is a good opportunity to give what keeps giving. I have noticed Susie and others bring in there unused items from home that are treasures to others and things to pass along. Susie had a brilliant idea to bring in a honey-baked ham one day and share the ham with people in need of a snack or lunch. The ham was given to her as a thank you gift and she wanted to share it with us. It feels good to give to our fellow employee family. I noticed others in the back shop bring in items to share with others that were recycling. The downstairs kitchen sink/coffee area has been known to have extra items brought in to share with others who are appreciative of the extra goodies. I have also seen several clothes passed amongst us that have changed other employee’s lives in a big way. I find this giving a very impressive and a wonderful working environment. This is truly a great place and giving helps moral with others and the company as a whole. I happened to catch some pictures of the giving that has been happening in our O.D. family. This is a volunteering basis and if you have things that you would like to bring and share I’m sure we are all appreciative of the giving spirit.

“Only one

please!”

OLHS[O MP[ULZZ by Diane Hackett

-HJ[ZHIV\[:\U,_WVZ\YL We all need some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn’t take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and even cancer. Even people in their twenties can develop skin cancer. Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it’s important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. With the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your child’s chance of developing skin cancer. The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage. Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun. UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and immune system damage. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.

UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth. What’s important is to protect your family from exposure to UVA and UVB, the rays that cause skin damage. UV rays react with a chemical called melanin that’s found in most people’s skin. Melanin is the first defense against the sun because it absorbs dangerous UV rays before they do serious skin damage. Melanin is found in different concentrations and colors, resulting in different skin colors. The lighter a person’s natural skin color, the less melanin it has to absorb UV and protect itself. The darker a person’s natural skin color, the more melanin it has to protect itself. (But both dark- and light-skinned kids need protection from UV rays because any tanning or burning causes skin damage.) Also, anyone with a fair complexion — lighter skin and eye color — is more likely to have freckles because there’s less melanin in the skin. Although freckles are harmless, being outside in the sun may help cause them or make them darker. As the melanin increases in response to sun exposure, the skin tans. But even that “healthy” tan may be a sign of sun damage. The risk of damage increases with the amount and intensity of exposure. Those who are chronically exposed to the sun, such as farmers, boaters, and sunbathers, are at much greater risk. A sunburn develops when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what can be protected against by the skin’s melanin. Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for kids with: • • •

moles on their skin (or whose parents have a tendency to develop moles) very fair skin and hair a family history of skin cancer, including melanoma

You should be especially careful about sun protection if your child has one or more of these high-risk characteristics.

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by Loretta Baldwin

FUN IN THE SUN: It’s fun to play outside when the sun is shining. But sometimes you can get too much sun. To keep from getting sunburned and sick from the sun, remember the following safety tips: • Wear a hat, sunglasses and loose, dry clothing. • Wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, in the shade and in winter. • Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest • Drink lots of water, even if you’re not thirsty. • Tell an adult if you feel dizzy or weak or if your head or stomach hurts. Sun rays are strongest between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm The sun’s UV – Ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancers and damage to your eyes Your sunscreen should be at least 15SPF to protect you from UVA and UVB You even need sunscreen in the shade, because UV rays reflect from the sand, concrete or other surfaces. Sun rays penetrate through clouds and hazy skies. This is when you need to be more careful. You think you are protected because you don’t see the sun! Even though most sunscreens today claim to be waterproof, you should always re-apply throughout the day, especially after swimming, or exercising. Of course, the best protection from the sun is to wear a hat, light cotton long sleeves, sun glasses and sunscreen to protect areas you cannot cover. But that’s not fun, so just be careful! Drink lots of water, even though you’re not thirty. Don’t wait until you get thirst, you could get sun stroke, or dehydrate.

What’s your skin type: * Extremely sensitive - Red hair, freckles…..(sunburn easily, not likely to tan) * Very sensitive - Fair skin, blue eyes……(usually sunburn, tan a little) * Sensitive – most Caucasians……(usually sunburn, tan slowly) * Moderately sensitive - Hispanic, Asian, Mediterranean…..(usually sunburn, tan very well) * Minimally sensitive - Middle Eastern, Latino, Indian….(rarely sunburn, tan deeply) * Not sensitive – Very dark skinned African American…..(almost never sunburn) Have fun in the sun, but be safe!

NVPUNNYLLU by Gary Murray

Facts about Plastic Bottles It’s a hot summer day and you are enjoying a nice cool bottle of water. As you walk through your local park, you reach out and throw your empty bottle into the trash can. Now stop for a second and think about what just happened. You just threw away your plastic bottle instead of recycling it. What are the repercussions of these actions? • Americans buy an estimated 28 billion plastic water bottles every year. Nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill. • It is estimated that the production of plastics accounts for four percent of the U.S.’s energy consumption. • In 2006, it took more than 17 million barrels of oil (excluding the oil used in transporting the plastic) to produce plastic bottles. • The manufacturing process of creating bottled water created more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide. It also takes more than three liters of water to create one liter of bottled water. • There is a large amount of energy needed to fill plastic bottles with water, transport them to the store, keep them cool and dispose of them. It is estimated that the total amount of energy used to bottle water is equivalent of filling a bottle a quarter full of oil. • The amount of oil used to produce plastic water bottles in America is enough to fuel about 100,000 cars for a year. • Only 13 percent of water bottles are recycled. • About 80 percent of all municipal solid waste ends up in a landfill, while 10 percent is incinerated and only 10 percent is recycled. • Because about less than one percent of all plastics is recycled, almost all plastics are incinerated or end up in a landfill. • Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60 watt light bulb for up to six hours. Tips on Recycling Plastic Bottles It seems our thirst for the stuff in plastic bottles cannot be quenched. From plastic containers of soda, juice, and energy drinks to the most ubiquitous, water, plastic bottles are everywhere. We all know the benefits of recycling plastic bottles, but the varied regulations addressing recycling programs can be a little confusing. According to the Container Recycling Institute, “More than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills and incinerators every day.” What’s more, plastic bottles take hundreds of years to decompose. (please read “One thing you can do” at the end of this article.) These billions of bottles are destined for the landfill unless conscientious consumers are committed to recycling them. Here are a few tips as you navigate the plastic bottle conundrum: • Use as few of these bottles as possible—Plastic bottles are made from a petroleum derivative, and therefore reusable bottles are a much better alternative. • Check the code!—Each plastic bottle is marked with a recycling code from numbers 1-7, which tells you what type of plastic it is and whether or not you can recycle it. • Most all recycling programs collect plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). These are plastics numbers1 and 2. • To find a recycling location in your area, use Earth 911’s recycling locator—Try to consolidate trips to the drop-off center and find one as close to you as possible to minimize fuel use. • Know the rules—The types of plastic you can recycle largely depends

on where you live. If you have a curbside recycling program, you can contact your local sanitation department or public works office to find out what plastics are allowed. • Remove the cap—Unless the caps are marked with a code, most of them are made with a different type of plastic, which may not be recyclable. • You can take it with you!—If you choose to buy a plastic bottle and find yourself somewhere that does not recycle, crush the bottle down and carry it with you until you can find a recycling bin. • Buy recycled—Support the cause by looking for products labeled “made with recycled content;” those labeled “made with post-consumer recycled content” are products that have been made with materials that have been used, as opposed to materials generated from manufacturing waste that never reached consumers. When looking at your typical water bottle, it’s hard to envision that stiff plastic as part of a gentle carpet or cozy jacket filling, but that’s exactly what the future holds for many recycled bottles. How a Plastic Bottle is Recycled 1. After bottles are collected at a recycling center, they are squished into a huge bale for shipping. Each bale weighs from 800 to 1,200 pounds and could contain 6,400 to 7,200 soda bottles. 2. Bales are shipped to a reclaiming company, where a machine called a bale breaker rips apart the bales. The pieces then go through a machine where they are shredded into tiny flakes, “like paper in a paper shredder,” according to Tom Lauria, vice president of the International Bottled Water Association. 3. After being washed and dried, the flakes are melted. 4. The liquid plastic is formed into pellets or beads, which can be developed into various plastic products, sometimes more plastic bottles. From here on out, the “possibilities are endless,” Lauria said. 5. The plastic is often spun into a very fine thread-like material through a process paralleling the spinning of cotton candy. This can be used to make carpets, clothing or filling for jackets and quilts. The thin plastic has good insulation properties. So don’t underestimate that water bottle; it might be keeping you warm and dry during the next big snow storm. source: http://earth911.org/plastics/facts-about-plastic-bottles/

One Thing You Can Do In doing research for this article, I learned about one company who’s doing more than simply trying to bring awareness about recycling plastic bottles. The company is called BIOTA. If you not only care about everything this article talks about, but also care about the quality of the bottled water you drink, I ask that you go to this web site and check it out: http://www.biotaspringwater.com/ Why am I asking you to go to this web site? Mostly, because they are the first company to produce the world’s first compostable bottle. Now, because of space constraints, I can’t give you as much information as I would like but hopefully I can give you enough info to make you want to go there and learn more. At the very end of this article, I am also giving you some places locally where you can purchase this water. Here are some excerpts from their web site. What is the world’s first compostable bottle? BIOTA, internationally known as the ground breaking “Green,” “Planet Friendly™” Company that is helping to solve the World’s plastic bottle problem. BIOTA is the first beverage company in the World to exclusively use corn based PLA to produce a bottle for its products. BIOTA along with its sister company Planet Friendly Products developed the World’s First Biodegradable Bottle in 2003. BIOTA’s water bottle (corn) will degrade within 75 to 80 days in a commercial composting situation. A traditional plastic bottle (oil) will never biodegrade. BIOTA’s bottles are approved and certified as commercially compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). (continued on next page)

How does the BIOTA bottle composting process work? BIOTA bottles need high heat, micro-organisms and high moisture levels to break down. A BIOTA PLA bottle will not degrade as rapidly in a home compost pile.When exposed to the necessary conditions, BIOTA bottles will break down into water, carbon dioxide and organic material. How is the BIOTA bottle made? As part of its natural photosynthesis process, corn stores carbon from the air in the starchy portions of the plant. BIOTA bottles are made by developing a resin that begins with harvesting corn and breaking down the starches into natural plant sugars. The next step in this simple, yet patented process includes fermentation, separation and polymerization to make what is called plastic polylactide, or PLA.

BIOTA’s corporate philosophy is based on a “Planet Friendly” model.Unfortunately most people do not recycle plastic bottles...BIOTA gives consumers a choice to buy a “Planet Friendly” product that when properly composted disappear in less than 12 weeks. Even if BIOTA’s PLA bottles end up in the trash, you’ve still made a difference by buying a product made from a 100% renewable resource, corn. Fact Sheet The BIOTA bottle is made from a revolutionary new plastic resin, created from annually renewable resources, through a joint venture between Cargill and Dow Chemical, Cargill Dow LLC. Their scientists have developed a new plastic resin made from corn called NatureWorks ™ PLA. Corn is converted into the plastic resin through fermentation and distillation processes yielding polylactic acid, or PLA. The process of making the plastic uses 20% to 50% less energy than making petroleum-based PET plastic. Not only are we saving energy through the manufacturing process, we are using a home-grown renewable resource, and we can complete the cycle by turning containers into compost at commercial composting facilities. This revolutionary new resin can be used to make all kinds of products (bottles, cups, plates, utensils, deli containers, vitamin bottles, cosmetic containers, etc.). We think that PLA will eventually replace PET, and other petroleum based plastics as the industry standard for nearly all types of plastic containers. We are extremely excited about the possibilities for this new plastic. Sustainable business practices make sense, but until this time there has not been a plastic product that even approaches this goal. Now we can all make a difference by buying and using PLA products. The containers are made from corn, the contents are used by the consumer then the container is turned into compost, to feed the corn. According to their web site, BIOTA water, is available locally at the following locations. If you are interested, please call beforehand to confirm that they carry this product. Costa Mesa Mother’s Market 225 E. 17th Street Costa Mesa, 92627 Phone: 949-631-4741

Fullerton Bikram Yoga 120 W. Wilshire Ave. Fullerton, 92832

Irvine Mother’s Market 2963 Michelson Drive Irvine, 92612 Phone: 949-752-6667

Huntington Beach Mother’s Market 19770 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, 92648 Phone: 714-963.6667

Henry’s 1447 S Harbor Blvd Fullerton, 92382 Phone: 714-441-1233

kids say the darndest things... by Loretta Baldwin

Question: Answer #1: Answer #2

What is a good age to get married? 23 is the best age, because you should know the person forever by then (age 10) No age is good to get married….you’d have to be a fool (age 6)

Question: Answer:

What do you think your Mom and Dad have in common? Both don’t want to have any more kids! (age 8)

Question: Answer #1:

What do most people do on a date? Get to know each other. Even boys will have something to say if they listen long enough! (age 8) On the first date people just tell lies to get the other person interested in the second date (age 10)

Answer #2: Question: Answer #1: Answer #2 Answer #3

When is it okay to kiss someone on a date? When they are rich! (age 7) The law says you have to be 18, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that! (age 7) If you kiss someone, you should marry them and have kids! (age 7)

Question: Answer:

Is it better to be married or single? For girls it’s better to be single, but boys need someone to clean up after them (age 9)

Question: Answer:

How would you make a marriage work? Tell your wife she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck! (age 10)

]LY`PTWVY[HU[KH[LZ by Michelle King

/(77@)09;/+(@ Santiago Serna . . . . . . . . . . 4-Jul Gerald Villaluz . . . . . . . . . . 5-Jul Jeff Ludwig . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Jul Sharon Gerber . . . . . . . . . 7-Jul Jose Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-Jul David Martinez . . . . . . . . 10-Jul Jorge Corona. . . . . . . . . . 16-Jul Cesar Jara . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-Jul Bayron Leiva-Larranaga . . 24-Jul Nicole Sandberg . . . . . . . 27-Jul Danielle Lacey . . . . . . . . . 29-Jul

/(77@(550=,9:(9@ Michele Kazerooni . . . . . . . . Jennifer Beaton . . . . . . . . . . . Cower Manzanares . . . . . . . . Tawny Simmons. . . . . . . . . . .

6 4 3 1

is...... neerr is inn win hee w d tth nd A An Employee of the Month

The following are the nominees for May 2008

Brian Cox, Michelle King, Rushi Patel, Mark Kasmir & The team of Cower Manzanares and Porferio Frausto Congratulations on being nominated! Winners will be announced at the next company meeting.

;V[HS*VTTP[TLU[ZMVY[OL4VU[OVM4(@ From Alexi - Santiago Serna did a great job on the ATM wraps at Garden Walk jobsite in Anaheim - even though his van was towed away (not his fault though). From Scott - Doug Raver and Mark Kasmir worked well together in doing all the behind the scenes duties in getting the Bank of America kiosk prototype ready for production. From Alexi - Jesus Rodriguez and Jay Gonzales for their teamwork and extra effort to learn the new printer and are now running it on their own. Both are doing terrific. From Valerie - Wanted to say thank you to the entire Sales Staff for their work in a difficult sales environment. They are all doing an outstanding job and we should acknowledge (and hug) them for their efforts. From Alexi - Henry Morales for his extra commitment for a job well done while Alexi was on his longggg vacation to the South - another GREAT job.