EKOS Communications, Inc.

Environmentalism has done a tremendous job of awakening the American public over the last ten years to many of the fundamental issues of our times. It is now apparent that, with the explosion of emerging market economies, the energy needs of the world are going to exponentially grow over the next 20 years. Along with the topic of energy, atmospheric gases have come into central focus in the American public. The issue of global warming, whether one believes completely in its claims or not, has raised American awareness to level where it's now clear that we cannot continue to release emissions and pollutants into the atmosphere in uncontrolled amounts and expect it to not affect our world. One such company in the U.S. industrial gases sector that is heavily involved in renewable energy is Air Products and Chemicals(NYSE: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS). AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS specializes in supplying atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services worldwide.

As part of the Economic Recovery Act, Obama administration officials fanned out across the nation this week in a series of ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies to highlight their commitment to renewable energy, especially projects that are creating jobs in advanced battery manufacture. Senior Administration officials will travel to eight Recovery Act advanced battery and vehicle project sites nationwide where work has begun constructing new manufacturing plants, adding new manufacturing lines, building electric vehicles, and installing electric vehicle charging stations. This series of events was emphasized by President Obama on Thursday, July 15th, at Compact Power, Inc. where he officially "broke ground" on a new advanced battery manufacturing factory in Holland, Michigan. After brief introductions by Peter Ban-Suk Kim, Chief Executive Officer of LG Chem Ltd., Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, and Holland Mayor Kurt Dykstra, the president spoke for about fifteen minutes reiterating his progress in advance battery manufacturing and job creation.

Native woods and trees in urban areas, including gardens, provide haven for wildlife, reduce air pollution, surface run-off and flooding Reversing the declining numbers of native trees and woods in cities would provide numerous benefits at 'relatively little cost', says a report from the Woodland Trust. As well as access to green space, the report, 'Greening the Concrete Jungle', says trees provide a wide range of free ecosystem services including reducing the risk of surface water flooding and improving air quality that could save millions in flood defence and healthcare costs.

"PlanetFest", the 2nd Annual Southern California Vegan Earth Day celebration, occurred last weekend. It was emceed by Bob Linden and sponsored by Go Vegan Radio (www.goveganradio.com) along with The International Fund for Africa (www.ifundafrica.org). The event included a consortium of live musical performances, pro Athletes, Physicians, Health Professionals, Environmentalists, Activists, Chefs, Animal Rescue Groups, Animal Law experts, a diverse mix of local vegan restaurants and eco-oriented product vendors. The event was endorsed by Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and attracted a wide range of concerned citizens, sports fans, health enthusiasts and families seeking family-oriented education and entertainment. PlanetFest relies exclusively on grassroots support to advance eco-conscious, compassionate lifestyles and business practices.

"PlanetFest", the 2nd Annual Southern California Vegan Earth Day celebration, occurred last weekend. It was emceed by Bob Linden and sponsored by Go Vegan Radio (www.goveganradio.com) along with The International Fund for Africa (www.ifundafrica.org). The event included a consortium of live musical performances, pro Athletes, Physicians, Health Professionals, Environmentalists, Activists, Chefs, Animal Rescue Groups, Animal Law experts, a diverse mix of local vegan restaurants and eco-oriented product vendors. The event was endorsed by Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and attracted a wide range of concerned citizens, sports fans, health enthusiasts and families seeking family-oriented education and entertainment. PlanetFest relies exclusively on grassroots support to advance eco-conscious, compassionate lifestyles and business practices.

The Diplomat, an international current affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific region, has announced the launch of its 2010 Essay Competition. The contest invites university students to write a short piece exploring sustainable development in the region, with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo to report on the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit. Entrants are asked, "is it realistic to believe that APEC’s largest member, China, can grow rapidly and sustainably?" Open to students aged between 18 and 25 from APEC member countries, the competition gives the author of the winning entry a rare opportunity to join The Diplomat in covering the APEC summit, being held November in Yokohama, which will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting - the largest of its kind in the region, bringing together world leaders from across the Pacific Rim. The winner will meet delegates, conduct interviews and attend press conferences. In addition, they'll receive round-trip tickets to Tokyo, hotel accommodation and a daily stipend for the length of the summit. . The winning essay will also be published on The Diplomat's website. First runner-up will win a $1500 gift card for Apple, and second runner-up a $500 gift card at online store Amazon.

The Diplomat, an international current affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific region, has announced the launch of its 2010 Essay Competition. The contest invites university students to write a short piece exploring sustainable development in the region, with the chance of winning a trip to Tokyo to report on the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit. Entrants are asked, "is it realistic to believe that APEC’s largest member, China, can grow rapidly and sustainably?" Open to students aged between 18 and 25 from APEC member countries, the competition gives the author of the winning entry a rare opportunity to join The Diplomat in covering the APEC summit, being held November in Yokohama, which will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting - the largest of its kind in the region, bringing together world leaders from across the Pacific Rim. The winner will meet delegates, conduct interviews and attend press conferences. In addition, they'll receive round-trip tickets to Tokyo, hotel accommodation and a daily stipend for the length of the summit. . The winning essay will also be published on The Diplomat's website. First runner-up will win a $1500 gift card for Apple, and second runner-up a $500 gift card at online store Amazon.

Climate Ride announced today a new partnership with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for Climate Ride California 2010 this September 21-25. The agreement includes joint promotion and the formation of Team San Francisco Bicycle Coalition during this year’s event, resulting in a portion of funds raised by team members going directly to support bicycle advocacy projects at the Coalition. "One of Climate Ride’s goals is to showcase the bicycle as one of the most powerful solutions to the climate crisis," said Caeli Quinn, Co-Founder and Director of Climate Ride. "So partnering with the SF Bicycle Coalition is a natural fit. We fully support their mission of promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. If our Climate Riders can pedal 300 miles in 5 days for the climate, then many more people can forgo their carbon-based transportation and ride a bike to work each day."

Climate Ride announced today a new partnership with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for Climate Ride California 2010 this September 21-25. The agreement includes joint promotion and the formation of Team San Francisco Bicycle Coalition during this year’s event, resulting in a portion of funds raised by team members going directly to support bicycle advocacy projects at the Coalition. "One of Climate Ride’s goals is to showcase the bicycle as one of the most powerful solutions to the climate crisis," said Caeli Quinn, Co-Founder and Director of Climate Ride. "So partnering with the SF Bicycle Coalition is a natural fit. We fully support their mission of promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. If our Climate Riders can pedal 300 miles in 5 days for the climate, then many more people can forgo their carbon-based transportation and ride a bike to work each day."

How can a painting help us understand the likely effects of a warming climate? It is perhaps the best way to do so, since an artist capable of creating highly realistic scenes can show us the species likely to be present in an ecosystem as its average and extreme temperatures change over time. "Climate Impacts on Olympic Peninsula Forests" vividly portrays the ongoing effects of climate change on our beautiful native plants and animals, through the interpretation of award winning fine artist of John C. Pitcher. John Pitcher can be reached at http://www.goldleafstudiosinc.com/ Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula contains several distinct ecosystems and supports biodiversity of species that are found nowhere else on the planet. Current scientific data suggests that forests in the Olympic Peninsula will experience a number of climate-related changes, including snowpack decline, increased tree establishment in meadows, threats to native species, and increased wildfire activity. Good Nature Publishing is proud to present the first edition poster of “Climate Impacts on Olympic Peninsula Forests.” Varying from the usual drastic-impact portrayals depicting piles of trash and helpless animals choking on cigarette butts, Pitcher relays an artist's impression of climate impacts based on best science available.

"Climate Impacts on Olympic Peninsula Forests" vividly portrays the ongoing effects of climate change on our beautiful native plants and animals, through the interpretation of award winning fine artist of John C. Pitcher. John Pitcher can be reached at: goldleafart@myfairpoint.net May 17, 2010 – Washington State's Olympic Peninsula contains several distinct ecosystems and supports biodiversity of species that are found nowhere else on the planet. Current scientific data suggests that forests in the Olympic Peninsula will experience a number of climate-related changes, including snowpack decline, increased tree establishment in meadows, threats to native species, and increased wildfire activity. Good Nature Publishing is proud to present the first edition poster of "Climate Impacts on Olympic Peninsula Forests." Varying from the usual drastic-impact portrayals depicting piles of trash and helpless animals choking on cigarette butts, Pitcher relays an artist's impression of climate impacts based on best science available.

"Climate Impacts on Olympic Peninsula Forests" vividly portrays the ongoing effects of climate change on our beautiful native plants and animals, through the interpretation of award winning fine artist of John C. Pitcher. John Pitcher can be reached at: goldleafart@myfairpoint.net May 17, 2010 – Washington State's Olympic Peninsula contains several distinct ecosystems and supports biodiversity of species that are found nowhere else on the planet. Current scientific data suggests that forests in the Olympic Peninsula will experience a number of climate-related changes, including snowpack decline, increased tree establishment in meadows, threats to native species, and increased wildfire activity. Good Nature Publishing is proud to present the first edition poster of "Climate Impacts on Olympic Peninsula Forests." Varying from the usual drastic-impact portrayals depicting piles of trash and helpless animals choking on cigarette butts, Pitcher relays an artist's impression of climate impacts based on best science available.

With more than 16,000 retail locations around the world, Starbucks continues to innovate and evolve the customer experience with a new store design approach inspired by Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, their commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement. With each new or renovated store, Starbucks strives to reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhood, allowing customers to feel at home when visiting "their" store and giving them opportunities for discovery at our other locations around the world. For the last 15 years, the Starbucks coffeehouse at 72 Spring Street in New York City has been a gathering place for local patrons and international visitors alike. The renovated location draws upon the area’s commercial and retail history as well as its vibrant arts and cultural renaissance over the past several decades. The Spring Street store blends the aesthetics of a turn-of-the-century dry goods warehouse with the original iconic mercantile-inspired Starbucks location at the Pike Place Market in Seattle.

With more than 16,000 retail locations around the world, Starbucks continues to innovate and evolve the customer experience with a new store design approach inspired by Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, their commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement. With each new or renovated store, Starbucks strives to reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhood, allowing customers to feel at home when visiting "their" store and giving them opportunities for discovery at our other locations around the world. For the last 15 years, the Starbucks coffeehouse at 72 Spring Street in New York City has been a gathering place for local patrons and international visitors alike. The renovated location draws upon the area’s commercial and retail history as well as its vibrant arts and cultural renaissance over the past several decades. The Spring Street store blends the aesthetics of a turn-of-the-century dry goods warehouse with the original iconic mercantile-inspired Starbucks location at the Pike Place Market in Seattle.

With more than 16,000 retail locations around the world, Starbucks continues to innovate and evolve the customer experience with a new store design approach inspired by Starbucks™ Shared Planet™, their commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement. With each new or renovated store, Starbucks strives to reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhood, allowing customers to feel at home when visiting "their" store and giving them opportunities for discovery at our other locations around the world. For the last 15 years, the Starbucks coffeehouse at 72 Spring Street in New York City has been a gathering place for local patrons and international visitors alike. The renovated location draws upon the area’s commercial and retail history as well as its vibrant arts and cultural renaissance over the past several decades. The Spring Street store blends the aesthetics of a turn-of-the-century dry goods warehouse with the original iconic mercantile-inspired Starbucks location at the Pike Place Market in Seattle.

The Home Depot® Foundation has just announced the release of its 2009 annual report. Demonstrating its commitment to building sustainable homes and communities and preserving resources, the Foundation has issued its report in an online version only, saving 200 trees, 44,640 gallons of water, 100 million BTUs of energy, 9,760 pounds of solid waste and more than 16,000 pounds of greenhouse gases.* The annual report highlights the Foundation’s 2009 successes and contains an update on The Home Depot Foundation's 10-year pledge to provide $400 million in grants to build or refurbish 100,000 affordable, healthy homes and plant or restore 3 million community trees. Packed with interactive features, including videos and the ability to share information by email or social media outlets, this annual report is informative and entertaining.

The Home Depot® Foundation announced the release of its 2009 annual report. Because of its commitment to building sustainable homes and communities and preserving resources, the Foundation has issued its report in an online version only, saving 200 trees, 44,640 gallons of water, 100 million BTUs of energy, 9,760 pounds of solid waste and more than 16,000 pounds of greenhouse gases.* The annual report contains an update on The Home Depot Foundation's 10-year pledge to provide $400 million in grants to build or refurbish 100,000 affordable, healthy homes and plant or restore 3 million community trees. The report contains interactive features, including videos and the ability to share information by email or social media outlets, as well as a downloadable PDF version.

Verizon has just announced a comprehensive sustainability program that contains a number of new initiatives, as well as the expansion of existing efforts. The company, which was ranked #27 by Corporate Responsibility Magazine in its list of 100 best companies, continues to emphasize its intention to grow responsibly. The initiatives range from additional greening of its vehicle fleet to new, high-efficiency set top video boxes. Some of the new initiatives for 2010 include: * Adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to the company fleet. Verizon is purchasing more than 1,100 alternative energy vehicles including hybrid and compressed natural gas-powered aerial bucket trucks and vans, and hybrid pick-up trucks and sedans. The company will also increase its use of biodiesel and flex-fuel (E85) to power 470 vehicles. New hybrid aerial bucket trucks replace the diesel generators used in conventional trucks of this type with batteries that can be recharged by the vehicle. Video. * Teaming-up with Motorola for a trial eco-friendly set-top boxes for FiOS TV customers in select markets. The new QIP models use significantly less energy than existing models. Packaging for both models will be 100 percent recyclable and made from 75 percent recycled cardboard. * A long-term awareness campaign to educate, encourage and make it easy for Verizon’s 220,000 employees to cut energy use, recycle and reuse at work and home. Recent examples include free electronic recycling days, open to the public, at various company locations. All materials collected during the campaign will be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, Verizon notes.