Here is a Google map of all pools in Jacksonville part of JaxParks Aquatics.

Jacksonville's best spots

This is a map created by my online emerging media class. It lists all the best non-chain eateries, bars and groceries of Jacksonville. I added BioMax Natural Foods, on Atlantic Blvd. in the town center of Atlantic Beach. It is a great supplement and natural foods store with an organic juice bar that makes it stand out.

CSR for government

     Recently, a friend asked me a question that another friend posed to him:  "What do you think could create the biggest change in government for the better?"  He gave me 30 seconds to think and answer.  Feeling the pressure, my mind started racing.  Just when my time was about up, it finally hit me: CSR.  The theme of this blog and my greatest area of interest in business. 

     It just makes sense.  Instead of basing decisions on political affiliation, why not base them on CSR.  Considering the components of CSR in every decision would inherently incorporate integrity into them.  If every policy were designed based on considerations of transparency/ethics, environmental impact, impact on all people involved, and the benefit it could bring to those it implicates, then the government would inherently be trying its best every time.

     It is quite the lofty goal, and I'm sure will only ever exist in my imagination.  Nonetheless, it is the answer I believe in. 

    What's yours?

The Best

This week I've managed to combine two of my favorite topics into one post: CSR and chocolate!
I opened up one of these bars today

and soon thought, "What a perfect topic to write on!"  Yes, I adore these bars because of their superior taste and superior commitment to giving back.  First of all, cacao bean harvesting is a highly controversial issue on the food world.  Take a look at this entertaining, insane video for a primer.

     This company, Endangered Species Chocolate, only sources Fair Trade chocolate, defined by fairtradeusa.org as "certification that ensures that farmers receive a fair price, allows farmers to invest in techniques that bring out the flavors of the region, and strictly prohibits slave and child labor."  Need I say more to encourage fair trade purchases?  The company also commits to donating 10% of its profits to various partners of animal welfare  (particularly wildlife) and environmental sustainability.  

     Cacao bean harvesting doesn't even directly affect some of the conservation organizations they donate to; they just donate because they can.  Partners include the Rainforest Trust and the African Wildlife Foundation.  

     AND, as if that weren't inspiration enough to patronize Endangered Species Chocolate, they are also Non-GMO Project Verified.  Case closed.