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More CleanTech/GreenTech events in Silicon Valley, CA - Early 2010

What are the areas for opportunity in Clean Tech in 2010?

To learn of the challenges the industry faces and enhance learnings, here are a few more events in Silicon Valley: Image from Silicon French websiteImage from Silicon French website... read more

CleanTech/GreenTech events in Silicon Valley - January 2010

Clean technology (CleanTech) has become a prominent sector in many countries; some call this emerging sector a revolution. However what, in point of fact, is done? Where are we headed, where are we behind and what are the next steps? How does Information Technology (IT) leverage clean tech innovations?

When it comes to green technology, is the US moving forward fast enough to make a difference globally?

Check the following events:... read more

RollingStone's Enemies of the Planet: Warren Buffett Heads the List

RollingStone has published an article on the individuals who are single-handedly posting the biggest threat to our planet.   It is an interesting list and includes:

  • Warren Buffett - the dubious number 1 spot who seems to be banking on the failure of the clean energy bills with huge investments tied to coal.
  • Rupert Murdoch -  #2 due to the Fox News propaganda machine.
  • Sen. James Inhofe - who proudly guarantees that the GOP will be able to block carbon curbing legislation and bemoaned not landing in the number 1 position on the RollingStone list.
  • George Will - for writing lie after lie in his column - thus using his reputation as the Conservative Intellectual to give credibility to disinformation.
  • John McCain - Flip-flopping to try and save his political life.

The common theme to the list seems to be age (most on the list are over 70, wtf - they don't need the planet that much longer?)... read more

Copenhagen: A Win or a Loss for Obama and the Environment?

I've been reading a lot of the criticism aimed at Obama in the wake of Copenhagen summit.   Just when it seemed that COP15 would end with no progress at all, Obama helped broker a non-binding agreement with clear targets.   But what good is a non-binding agreement anyway?   The reality is that a legally binding agreement as a prerequisite would have meant no agreement.... read more

Green Careers

Solar Energy - A Franchise opportunity

I was just lloking through a top 10 list of 2009 articles around franchise opportunites and ran into the attached interview of a Solar Franchise company.  For those looking for careers in Green tech, maybe owning your own business in Green Tech is the answer. There appear to be many of thse types of opportunites out there.


http://www.thefranchisekingblog.com/2009/02/new-solar-energy-franchise-opportunity.html

How to grasp a career in solar

There are reasons for 'green careers' optimism. In particular, the renewable energy economy sparks high interest and creates numerous opportunities for green jobs and career training paths. The federal government is investing billions into the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors to help get the U.S. economy back on track. Existing and emerging businesses are investing even more. Photo by Swords to PlowsharesPhoto by Swords to Plowshares... read more

Types of Green Careers

A green career may be any position which is dedicated (or contributes) to preserving and restoring the environment's natural resources. Green careers contribute to protecting the overall environmental quality. They also meet the previously discussed goals of the labor movement, which consist of adequate wages, safe working conditions, and employee rights.... read more

Green Home

Organic Brands: Who Owns What?

I was always a big fan of Tom's of Maine.  From their deodorant to their toothpaste, I've bought many of their products.  Aside from the fact that they offered widely available products without all the garbage in typical personal care stuff, I also liked that they were not a major corporation. In 2006, I was a little disheartened when the Colgate-Palmolive company purchased Tom's of Maine.

It made me think a bit about some of the other big brands of natural and organic products, and who owns what. ... read more

Reusable Baby Wipes

Before having my baby, I did a lot of research about cloth diapers but I never really thought much about reusable baby wipes.  But, it's very easy to make, WAY cheaper, better for the environment, and super easy to just toss in the laundry with your cloth diapers.  Some cloth diaper websites sell reusable baby wipes, but it's simple to make them.

If you're not sure what to do with all of those receiving blankets people gave you, they're perfect for baby wipes.  Same with baby washcloths.  You can also use old t-shirts or go to the fabric store and buy some fabric.  If you're sewing savvy, stitch the ends in a zigzag stitch so they don't unravel.  We also use the newborn inserts for our BumGenius diapers as wipes because our baby is too big for those now.  

You can just spray the wipes with water OR you can make a solution to spray on the cloths.  You can buy a premade solution but I think it's easier to make your own, especially because most of the recipes are filled with items you probably already have around the house!... read more

The future of garbage in Palo Alto, CA

What’s in your trash receptacles? Palo Alto is in the process of crafting a new Recycling and Composting ordinance to restrict recyclables and compostables from the garbage.

On January 27, 2010, the City of Palo Alto conducted its first public meeting regarding the proposed Recycling and Composting Ordinance. ... read more

Reusing Clementine Boxes

One of my favorite wintertime treats are clementines. The sweet satisfaction of eating candy with the nutrition of oranges. YUM!

reusing clementine boxes... read more