Have You Chatted With Ford Lately?

I am the president and CEO of Metafore, an enterprise nonprofit based in Portland, Ore.

We help businesses align their practices so they achieve positive social and environmental outcomes. In Metafore's view of the world, "Every business is in the forest business."

We are focused on two key projects at the moment: The Forest Leadership Forum is a conference (being held in Portland next month) where we bring action-oriented global leaders in business, environment, and society together to highlight ways that business can be the key driver of environmental and social progress. The Paper Working Group is a collaborative project in which 11 high-volume buyers of paper and paperboard products in a variety of sectors, mostly Fortune 500 companies, came together to make environmentally preferable paper products more widely available and affordable.

I drive to work, but I carpool when it is practical. I drive a 12-year-old Lexus that is rolling up on 110,000 miles. I plan to get at least 20 years out of it! Last month, I bought a Toyota Prius -- what a great car! Though the rest of my family only lets me at it on the weekends.

My grandfather had a significant influence on my direction; he was an outdoorsman. Even though I was a boy from the suburbs of Chicago, I spent my youth learning to fish, garden, hunt mushrooms in the woods, and appreciate wildlife. My love of the outdoors led me to a degree in forestry.

I was born in Harvey, Ill., a suburb south of Chicago. During the past 30 years, I have lived in the forests of northern California, in Washington, D.C., and, since 1991, in Portland, Ore. Jim Morrison had it right: "The West is the best."

Littering. I just can't fathom the concept behind littering. And what really drives me insane are those who think cigarette butts are somehow not litter.

French fries. Where does all of that grease go, anyway?

When I'm not spending time on Metafore, I am with my two kids. They are both active in several sports, and I have spent the last five years coaching baseball and softball, including two state championships with my daughter. My son has also won two state baseball championships. (I am a bit competitive!)

Wild salmon, marinated with Canadian maple syrup and OJ, simply grilled, accompanied with rice (maybe French fries) and veggies -- my favorites are asparagus, broccoli, and super sweet organic corn from Trader Joe's. Also, a bottle of either Ken Wright or Domain Serene -- two of the best Oregon pinot noirs. And my favorite dessert ... something chocolate!

The Pacific Northwest forests!

Everyone should have to know where the products they are buying and using come from, and the impacts -- both positive and negative.

Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead -- my favorites then and now. Although, I have to say Mark Knopfler is right up there on my list. Best new group I have heard has to be Coldplay.

I just loved Kung Fu. And Bullitt with Steve McQueen.

I'd say a quality supporting actor, like Gene Hackman or somebody of that ilk. He always seems to make those around him look better and be more successful.

I'd love to see consumers write letters to the boards of directors of companies that are working hard to bring environmental and social criteria into their business operations, applauding them for taking a leadership position. All too often, we are quick to point fingers and lambaste companies for their missteps, while we ignore some of the really innovative things that are occurring on the corporate social responsibility or sustainability front but take time to blossom.