Oddly enough, it’s just a recent social development that has the average citizen dishing out some concern for the well-being of the environment. Whether it’s the media firestorm of green messaging, skyrocketing gas prices, or Obama’s new ‘green’ stimulus money, the American population as a whole can now be seen as a little concerned about our planet. Prior to this ‘revelation’, conservation and sustainable living were seen as elitist left-wing movements designed to divert our attention from larger talking points such as weapons of mass destruction.
Now that Americans are green, what do we do about it?
The US industry has taken leaps and bounds to ‘green’ its image, from confusing green marketing campaigns for trendy clothes to images of pastoral packages of organic food. The word ‘organic’ itself has traveled generations in meaning and is now worth billions of dollars to companies like Whole Foods, whose brand relies entirely on people thinking they are ‘greener’ when buying their food. The truth is that most companies like these are rapidly rebranding with the primary goal of getting a different kind of green.
There are a handful of companies that the public needs to watch out for and support if they are to genuinely focus on the environment. These are companies that often focus on a niche environmental issue and are doing their job very well. These companies deserve the utmost support from the private and government sectors, as our future truly depends on their continued evolution.
So what are some of these companies?
* Tesla Motors – Tesla Motors is truly an innovator in creating cars of the future that can impact today. Space enthusiast Elon Musk’s company has already created a successful electric sports car, the Tesla Roadster, which has caught the attention of many celebrities. The next effort will be the cheaper and more accessible Model S. Hopefully, smaller manufacturers like Tesla will have the support to grow and accommodate many of the unemployed workers of the faltering auto giants.
* Grid Alternatives: Grid Alternatives is a California nonprofit organization that provides power to communities in need through alternative energy sources like solar cells. Companies like these not only address growing environmental issues, but also do so in a socially responsible way that affects California communities.
* Green Energy Technologies: The developer of WindCube, a state-of-the-art wind turbine that is designed to be installed in urban and suburban commercial locations. Technologies like WindCube represent a green option for city dwellers. More of our population is now condensed within urban centers than ever before. Transporting energy over shorter distances will play a major role in reducing our energy use.
How can we support companies like these?
One way other companies can support green technology is to use their products for business needs or offer useful services. Businesses large and small alike can consider making an investment in the future by purchasing something like a WindCube to meet their power needs.
A great example of this is Newton On Demand, a recruiting software company whose technology is currently powering Grid Alternatives’ recruiting and candidate management efforts. This is extremely important because finding and retaining the brightest minds for a green company like this will put the green tech industry one step ahead. The more great candidates that can be attracted to help our planet, the better.
The easiest way for the public to support companies like these is to also use their products or services. Although most people don’t yet have the cash (especially in today’s economy) to buy a new Tesla or WindCube, a nonprofit like Grid Alternatives supports itself largely through donations, where even a small amount it can help.
