The Grass is "Greener"... on our side

Turning off the lights

I woke up this morning to notice that Google has turned off the lights.

Well, at least on their web site, and only for those surfing in the US.

According to them

"its a gesture to raise awareness of a worldwide energy conservation effort called Earth Hour"... But I like the fact they tell us the truth: "we don't do this permanently since it saves no energy; modern displays use the same amount of power regardless of what they display"

The Earth Hour awareness event will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2008:

Earth Hour invites people around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – from 8:00pm to 9:00pm in their local time zone. On this day, cities around the world, including Copenhagen, Chicago, Melbourne, Dubai, and Tel Aviv, will hold events to acknowledge their commitment to energy conservation. (Tel Aviv is in, and I ask - What about San Francisco?)

Yes, this is great for awareness. But let the truth be told: As Google knows with "virtual lights" - in the real world too - you don't need to turn off off the lights to conserve energy. The real answer lies in energy efficient lighting:

CFL bulbs, LED lamps, and other efficient lighting solutions (such as Metrolight's, a company I'm glad to have invested in)- These bulbs cost more to purchase up front, but the investment is returned several times over through the energy costs saved and increased lifetime of the lamps.

Technorati Tags: Lighting Efficiency, Google, Earth Hour, LED, CFL, Metrolight

Promoting Israel - Through Green

This afternoon I was walking down the street in downtown SF with a friend. We happened to be discussing the potential for Israel in Greentech as we looked up to see the following billboard sign:

Quite a coincidence (and a sign from above?). I'm already used to seeing Greentech related to most anything in the US (from home electricity to hamburgers). But to see Greentech PR about Israel - or better yet, Israel PR through Greentech is very innovative - and very refreshing

 

Great innovative thinking from Blue Star PR firm.

 

(BTW - I've seen a few very innovative algae technology companies in Israel. Its a very exciting and challenging space, and Israel has some of the leading experts who are working on taking it to the next stage)

 

Technorati Tags: Israel, Greentech, Biofuel, Algae

Corporate Greentech Venturing

Seems its not only VC's that are putting many $$$ behind Greentech in hope of great returns (a.k.a. Greens)

All the key valley players have significant activities in the space, including Google with a very large team focusing on Green initiatives and investments, eBay pursuing projects in the space, etc...

Today i read that Walmart has set up a "Cleantech  Accelerator" project: A web portal for greentech entrepreneurs to submit ideas

Walmart aims to meet the company's sustainability goals of using 100 percent renewable energy, reaching zero waste and selling more sustainable products. The main areas they're looking for are alternative batteries (for forklifts), wind harvesting, closed-loop water processing, sustainable building materials, household hazardous wastes and organic and oil-based wastes.

So for those entrepreneurs looking to catch two birds in one go (raise money and get a client) - Start thinking corporate

 

Technorati Tags: ebay, Google, Walmart, Cleantech accelerator, Greentech, Cleantech, corporate, venture, investing