What's the "Big Idea": Work

Most of adult Americans spend the vast majority of their waking hours in the workplace. Unfortunately, this environment can be an unhealthy, toxic place where sunlight never enters, dangerous gasses and vapors abound, and the well-being of the worker is never taken into account. Since the Industrial Revolution and the advent of the structured work day this has been the rule not the exception. But now, the tide is beginning to turn. Employers are beginning to understand the benefits of keeping their employees healthy and happy. This approach has a positive effect both on worker morale and worker productivity. This week's episode of Big Ideas for a Small Planet takes a look at three individuals who are trying to make a difference in the workplace.

What does your workplace do to ensure a safe, environmentally friendly work environment?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, July 3^rd

9:00pm e/p

“Big Ideas for a Small Planet: Work” Mathias Wackernagel, co-creator of the Ecological Footprint, audits a Bay Area company in an effort to show it how to reduce it’s environmental impact; Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch, the founders of New Belgium Brewing Company, demonstrate their dedication to the environment and to their employees by creating an ideal working environment; and David Hertz, founder and president of Syndesis Inc., introduces the office of the future.

9:30pm e/p

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soapbox (U.S. Television Premiere) – Directed by Sara Lamm.  A complex, strange and moving family story lies behind the exhortations and exclamations printed on every bottle of Dr. Bronner’s all-natural liquid soap, a staple of health-food stores since the 1960s.  An eighth-generation master soapmaker and the black sheep of his Jewish-German clan, Emanuel Bronner emigrated to the U.S. in 1929.  Lamm charts the often troubled path that led the eccentric émigré to express his utopian religious beliefs via a peppermint infused cleanser.  The film also goes inside the progressive and very successful company run by Bronner’s heirs, including his oldest son, Ralph, a friendly soul who travels the country telling stories of his dad, hugging strangers and giving away soap. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you have a "Big Idea" for the environment? Join The Green to learn more about Robert Redford's new television series about sustainable living. To join, click here.