Week of 2 July 2018: Kicking off Environment and Regulations Month

Talking about the environment, it's condition and its trajectory, is as fraught with danger as revealing one's political affiliation in the United States today. Everyone has an opinion about the state of today's environmental conditions, the trajectory for them in the future, and, furthermore, they know they are right, well grounded in science and the other side is biased and bought off by _______ (fill in the blank).

Nevertheless, we will slog on amid the rising waters of discontent and disbelief.

There have been several articles in the last six months or so talking about the psychology of the "environmental movement" as well as some hard facts surrounding it. Psychology says that, like many other things in life, people can rally around a topic only for just so long before they tire of it. That time span for a large body of humans (a nation, a large coalition, etc.) is about thirty years.

The environmental movement is showing signs of this fatigue. Not only is the United States ignoring the Paris Accords related to climate change, many other countries are, too. It is just not getting as much attention in smaller countries that have other, bigger immediate problems.

The predictions involving dramatic changes in the climate are thirty years old this year and the average human being is not noticing any of the changes that were predicted. For most people, life as it relates to the natural environment around them, has not changed much in thirty years. One can argue, if they live, say, in Puerto Rico, that climate change has affected one's life. However, even there, most will be more likely to relate their misfortune specifically to a hurricane, not to some overarching phenomenon.

This is being seen in recycling efforts as well. Go back twenty or thirty years and surveys conducted with average folks showed they derived a great deal of personal satisfaction from recycling, believing they were doing something positive to help the environment. Today, the recycle stream has become contaminated as people use less care and, in some cases, the stream has diminished. People are worn out on recycling and are less convinced their individual efforts make a difference.

Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.

Then, on 25 June 2018, a judge in California threw out a suit brought by the cities of San Francisco and Oakland seeking damages from Chevron and other big oil companies alleging damages caused by climate change induced by these oil companies. The suit was thrown out on a technicality but is an indicator that raising the specter of damages from anthropogenic climate change is no longer an automatic ticket in tort.

In our own industry, "Two Sides" has successfully stopped "greenwashing" by major corporations and, most notably recently, the government of Canada.

Environmentalism appears to be moving from a "rabid" phase to a more "pragmatic" phase. As we have all said, we don't want our children and grandchildren to drink polluted water or breath polluted air, but the rabid, throw-money-at-it at all costs phase seems to be over. As we understand more about the science, the solutions seem to be coming less frenetic and more reasoned. We are moving from the "fire department" phase to the "fire prevention" phase.

For safety this week, isn't safety all about keeping people in an environment where they can survive and thrive? Perhaps this will be a new way for you to look at safety.

* We are looking for a Production Shift Team Leader to maintain high standards, plus ensure safety policies and regulations for a company located close to Chicago's Midway Airport. If you are experienced team leader who has a four-year degree in an engineering/technical field (paper science degree preferred, and experience in recycled linerboard or corrugating medium paper mills is a plus), we are looking for someone like you! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company in Illinois is looking for an experienced Maintenance Technician to maintain production and quality by ensuring operation of machinery and mechanical equipment. Relocation and other perks are available to the right candidate who is committed to working third shift. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* Are you an experienced Maintenance Mechanic and would like to work for a family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company that invests in the best equipment and technology? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A leading company in the corrugated solutions packaging business is looking for a experienced Electrician. The right candidate will possess the following skills: electrical; hydraulic; automatic drives (basic component machines 122 to 440 volts). If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for a Corporate Industrial Electro-Mechanical Engineer near Allentown, PA. Relocation is available. Do you have a storied list of unique electrical and mechanical engineering skills you're ready to take to the next level? Do you envision yourself in a corporate-level leadership role that your experience finally merits? And do you relish any opportunity to troubleshoot and solve real-time problems, all while designing and installing new services and systems that will not only ensure safety, but also turn a potentially hazardous work environment into a continuously thriving one? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for hands-on Electro Mechanical Maintenance Techs in Conyers, Georgia. Preference will be given to candidates with higher education and additional certificates or training. You must be able to work any shift. Pay is negotiable with excellent perks and benefits. Relocation assistance is available to the right candidate. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* We are a large automation company that has a line of consistency transmitters, sample valves and sheet break detectors that are marketed through a rep. network. We are seeking someone with a strong background in consistency control to facilitate start-ups, provide troubleshooting and technical advice. The individual should have experience in all major types of consistency measurement technologies (blade, rotary, microwave and optical). Knowledge of sheet break detection technology is desirable as well. Willingness to travel to paper production facilities across the US is a must. Travel & Living Expenses to be reimbursed along with an agreed upon daily per diem rate. For more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

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