CLERMONT-FERRAND, France, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - According to a recent study by Université Clermont Auvergne researchers, exposure to chemical additives and building blocks commonly used in everyday plastic products, even in low doses, can cause significant damage to the genetic material carried by sperm cells.

The study, led by Professor Joël Drevet, examined two common chemicals widely used in the plastic industry: dibutyl phthalate and bisphenol AF. These chemicals have long been linked to lowering male fertility, but the novelty of this study was in evaluating doses that were previously considered safe or inconsequential for consumers. While researchers found no appreciable effect on general semen parameters typically examined in fertility clinics such as sperm counts and motility, significant oxidation and decompaction of DNA structure in sperm cells were observed. This is concerning because damage to paternal genetic material can expose the female partner to higher risk of pregnancy loss and potentially impact the health of the offspring. Interestingly, the study also showed that co-administration with micronutrient supplement Fertilix^® significantly blocked the damaging effects of these chemicals on sperm DNA.

Given that microplastics are found everywhere in our surroundings, these findings underscore the importance of greater public awareness and the urgency for the plastic industry to replace such substances with biodegradable or natural alternatives. Furthermore, fertility experts counseling couples ahead of natural or assisted conception should advocate for preconceptual supplementation and possible lifestyle modifications that may mitigate the impact of environmental pollutants.

This study is now available with open-access in Antioxidants, a premier journal in antioxidant research, and can be downloaded here. CellOxess Biotechnology, the designer and manufacturer of Fertilix^® formulations, will present the full results of this study at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) annual meeting this June in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Contact Information:
Frances Gallagher, MPH
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
[email protected]


Original Source: Fertilix Proven Effective in Blocking Damage From Low-Dose Exposure to Chemicals Commonly Found in Plastic Consumer Products

Affirms commitment to homeowners and the planet

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Pearl Certification, the gold standard in high-performing home certifications, is incorporating as a Public Benefit Corporation and pursuing Certification by the nonprofit B-Lab as a B Corp, as a way to further support the company's mission to improve U.S. homes and reduce the nation's carbon footprint. 

The vast majority of homes in the U.S. waste energy and cost too much to maintain. Millions of homeowners also live with serious health and comfort problems that are related to their homes' poor energy performance. Most homes are not built to withstand increasingly serious climate-related natural disasters. 

Pearl Certification was created to solve these problems: to help homeowners improve their homes' energy and water efficiency, address health risks and comfort problems, add renewables and storage, and enhance resilience to natural disasters. Pearl provides education, assistance, and tools to homeowners; certifies the homes so that they can be accurately valued at the time of sale; and supports networks of vetted, highly qualified professionals who provide home improvement services. 

Pearl's work has the potential to drive deep reductions in energy consumption and U.S. carbon pollution.  

To become a Public Benefit Corporation (B Corp), a firm must document its commitment to a specific public benefit as the purpose of the corporation and report regularly on its progress. This structural change is Pearl's first step toward certification as a B Corp. To achieve the certification, Pearl must demonstrate a commitment to its public benefit, commit to a high level of transparency regarding its activities and accountability to all stakeholders, not just owners.

"Pearl was founded to further the public interest by working to improve American homes and lives and to create a more sustainable future," said Cynthia Adams, Pearl Certification CEO and co-founder. "B Corp Certification demonstrates our commitment to the public interest to clients, partners, and stakeholders." 

"Both Cynthia and I have had careers leading nonprofit organizations," said Robin LeBaron, co-founder and President. "The move to become a public benefit corporation is consistent with Pearl's mission, our company culture, and our backgrounds. It feels great to take this step and affirm our commitment to working for the best interests of our partners and customers."

Pearl's certifications are one of a very few energy-efficiency labels that are actively used by the real estate industry. They have been proven in third-party-authored appraisal studies to consistently increase home value.

Pearl's board and leading shareholders strongly support Pearl's decision to change its structure to a Public Benefit Corporation and seek B Corp Certification. 

"We believe that Pearl has an important role to play in addressing some of the most important social issues of our time, starting with carbon emissions, but also including housing quality and accessibility," said Randy Castleman, Managing Partner of Carbon Drawdown Collective and Pearl board member.

"Clean Energy Ventures will only invest in a firm if analysis shows that they have the potential to reduce cumulative CO2 equivalent emissions by 2.5 gigatons by 2050," said David Miller, Managing Director of Clean Energy Ventures and Pearl Board member. "We have invested in Pearl because we see its potential to exceed that target. A public interest corporate status is a perfect fit for what Pearl does and is seeking to accomplish."

About Pearl Certification: Pearl Certification is the gold standard in high-performing home certifications, bringing visibility to the valuable features that make them healthy, safe, comfortable, and energy- and water-efficient. Pearl is the only national sponsor of the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® program and is a partner with the National Association of REALTORS^® Green Resource Council. Pearl Certified homes sell on average for 5.5% more than comparable homes, according to independent appraiser studies. For more information, visit www.pearlcertification.com.

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Contact Information:
Lindsay Bachman
Director of Network Engagement and Communications
[email protected]
412.443.2996


Original Source: Pearl Certification Becomes a Public Benefit Corporation

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - 4ocean, a purpose-driven B Corp with a mission to end the ocean plastic crisis, in partnership with U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), are pleased to announce the extension of their partnership. The two entities have committed to removing 150,000 pounds of trash from the world's oceans through the 4ocean Pound+ Services, now through 2024. 

4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn.'s partnership began in early 2021 and successfully led to the removal of 60,000 pounds of plastic from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines. The two organizations worked together during that time towards ocean-positive sustainability with the help of 88 crew members and seven ocean vessels, with most of the waste being pulled in Indonesia across six specific beaches. This year's goal more than doubles the previous year's accomplishment.

"I'm stoked about the extension of our partnership with U.S. Polo Assn. and their commitment to increasing the amount of trash and plastic they pull," said Alex Schulze, co-founder of 4ocean. "It's inspiring to see a company take such a proactive approach to sustainability that will have a measurable impact on the ocean. U.S. Polo Assn. committing to 2.5 times the amount of trash and plastic they pulled last year is a bold move, and I'm excited to see the results of this initiative."

Schulze added, "We are proud to be part of this effort and look forward to continuing our collaboration with U.S. Polo Assn. and other partners to make a positive impact on our ocean."

This meaningful partnership is a component of U.S. Polo Assn.'s overarching sustainability initiative USPA Life, which works towards improving the impact of our business on the environment. The USPA Life initiative also offers a global and growing selection of apparel, footwear, and accessories with sustainable attributes.

"U.S. Polo Assn. has been taking a global and holistic approach to our long-term sustainability journey with initiatives like our 4ocean partnership and USPA Life," said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing Inc., which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "We have been working diligently to improve our global footprint through products that are better for the environment and through partnerships with organizations like 4ocean that share our mission and vision for a sustainable future."

4ocean was the Official Sustainability Partner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final, collecting plastic and trash from the prestigious and sold-out event in April at the USPA National Polo Center. 4ocean also had a series of commercial spots run during the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final on multiple ESPN platforms, bringing awareness to millions of consumers and sports fans. Click here for more information. 

To learn more about the partnership, please visit uspoloassnglobal.com/4ocean. 

About 4ocean 

4ocean is an ocean cleanup company based in Boca Raton, Florida, that's dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp, 4ocean harnesses the power of business to fund a global cleanup operation that recovers millions of pounds of plastic and other debris from the world's oceans, rivers, and coastlines each year.

About U.S. Polo Assn. 

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores as well as sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named one of the top five sports licensors in 2022, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

Contact Information:
Jonathan Marshall
4ocean PR Specialist
[email protected]

Stacey Kovalsky
Senior Director, Global Communications
[email protected]
+001.561.790.8036


Original Source: 4ocean and U.S. Polo Assn. Renew Global Ocean-Positive Sustainability Partnership Goal to Remove 150,000 Pounds of Trash from World's Oceans

Introducing Positive K9 Training's VIP Program.

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 18, 2023 (Newswire.com) - As security concerns continue to rise in our increasingly complex world, Positive K9 Training, a leading dog training service in Melbourne, is proud to announce its innovative solution: the VIP dog training program. This tailored service promises to enhance not only canine obedience but also residential security, ensuring a safer home environment for all.

A well-trained dog can play a pivotal role in home security, offering an additional layer of protection. "Feeling secure in your own home is paramount," said Chris Loverseed, the Head Trainer at Positive K9 Training. "Our VIP program is meticulously designed to ensure that dogs are trained to become not just loyal companions, but also reliable protectors."

The VIP program is a bespoke service that focuses on sourcing the right dog for clients or assessing the suitability of an existing pet for advanced training. Every dog possesses unique potential, and the experienced team at PK9 is adept at identifying and nurturing the innate protective abilities in each canine.

"Every dog has its distinct traits and behaviours," Chris added. "Our role is to recognise these traits and use them to your advantage, thereby enhancing your security. Our VIP service is tailor-made for your unique situation, focusing on training your dog to align with your specific security needs."

In response to the dynamic nature of security threats, the VIP program offers ongoing support and training to ensure that the dog's skills remain sharp and relevant. Regular progress reports are shared with clients, and they also have direct access to their trainer for swift resolution of any issues, thereby maintaining the efficacy of the training.

Taking the concept of personalised training a notch higher, Positive K9 Training's VIP service introduces the innovative concept of 'concierge dog training.' This comprehensive approach includes one-on-one sessions at the client's home or local surroundings. 

Positive K9 Training stands by its commitment to using positive reinforcement methods, creating a safe and enjoyable learning environment for dogs. This approach is crucial to fostering a strong, respectful bond between dogs and their owners, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of the training.

"Our VIP program goes beyond the realm of traditional dog training," Chris said. "It's about offering a holistic service that not only provides a sense of security but also enhances the bond between you and your dog, bringing peace of mind to dog owners."

For more information about Positive K9 Training's VIP service, to understand how it can enhance your home security, or to book a consultation, visit https://positivek9training.com.au 

About Positive K9 Training:

Led by professional dog trainer Chris Loverseed, Positive K9 Training is a Melbourne-based dog training service committed to providing personalised and effective dog training solutions. With a focus on positive reinforcement techniques, PK9 is passionate about building strong, respectful relationships between dogs and their owners, thereby enhancing the overall quality of their coexistence.

Contact Information:
Chris Loverseed
Owner- Positive K9 Training
[email protected]
0409 759 759


Original Source: Positive K9 Training Launches VIP Dog Training for Personalised Canine Excellence

VANCOUVER, Wash., May 17, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Sinceri Senior Living and its communities have been certified as a Great Place To Work® for the fifth year in a row. Great Place To Work Institute is an independent research and consulting firm that evaluated the team members' experiences while working at Sinceri. The certification process considered over 1,900 staff surveys from across all of Sinceri's locations. 

Sinceri CEO Chris Belford stated that the company achieved outstanding results in the survey this year and had high employee engagement and satisfaction across all departments. He also expressed that one of Sinceri's priorities is its employees' well-being and recognized that a happy and engaged team helps the company achieve its goals.

Sinceri shared a few of the many positive outcomes from the survey:

• 89% of those surveyed agree that "their work has special meaning; this is not Just a Job."
• 86% of those surveyed agree that "they feel they make a difference in their community."
• 82% of those surveyed agree that "when they joined the company, they were made to feel welcomed." 

The company looks forward to the continued dedication and determination that is seen throughout all of its communities. As the senior living organization continues to grow, it will continue to strive for positive employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. 

About Sinceri Senior Living:

Sinceri Senior Living is a premier senior living management company that provides service to seniors in 21 states, serving approximately 3,800 seniors across the U.S. Sinceri Senior Living manages all levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities. From the legacy of its first dedicated memory care community more than 35 years ago, Sinceri Senior Living has built a reputation for expertly managing senior living properties, including owned and managed facilities, with highly sought personalized care and exceptional, unique programming for residents and their families. 

Learn more about Sinceri Senior Living at www.sinceriseniorliving.com.

Contact Information:
Madison Allen
Marketing Specialist
[email protected]
5404710742


Original Source: Sinceri Senior Living Certified as a Great Place To Work for 5th Year in a Row