Act Now While Supplies Last!

Late one night this week, I saw an infomercial about the EcoCanteen, which is very similar to the various other types of reusable canteens available. Initially, it was difficult for me to not criticize the campaign because, after all, it was another poorly produced infomercial–with all the usual gimmicks. But behind the tricks, the EcoCanteen infomercial represents a significant tipping point for the green movement.

Many companies produce campaigns that are effective for the LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) market segment–think of companies selling expensive products like Seventh Gen., Whole Foods or NAU. But very few companies–and I mean very few–achieve what EcoCanteen has. They are able to appeal to both the Frugal market and LOHAS market segments–simultaneously–and without posing a threat to the other (as sometimes happens when a product is marketed specifically to the LOHASians, it can come off as pretentious or conversely, cheap when marketed to the Frugals.)

Another good example of how these two markets can be reached simultaneously is evidenced in a very recent Pratt Institute design competition (at ICFF 2009) in which the competing designers were challenged to make products from sustainable materials all purchased for under $1. Brilliant. We need more inspiration for innovation using the sustainable materials we have and with less money. Good job Pratt. (By the way, did you know that the Pratt buildings on its brooklyn campus were originally designed to function as a factory for shoes if the school idea failed? Luckily that never happened. However, it is evidence that RRR philosophy is built into the curriculum at Pratt whether consciously or not.)

But wait, there's more!

What's more important to realize is the context this informercial is appearing in. Employment rates are up to 9.8%. Even if you have a job and things seem good, I guarantee, at least out of fear, you're still looking for ways to save money.  The EcoCanteen is an environment AND money saving solution. It's the ideal blend of two markets that need to be exploited in this economy to push the Sustainability movement forward.

Towel Reuse Program Spun as Part of Hotel Environmental Initiative

While staying at the Betsy last week as part of a belated birthday gift, I noticed the hotel's ambitious environmental initiative. Most of the items on the list included basic methods of conservation and reuse like the Towel Reuse Program which encouraged guests to reuse towels by hanging them up instead of throwing them on the floor (which would signal to the Guestroom Attendant to wash them). The most effective item on the list was a new climate control system, which determined–through motion sensors–if a room was occupied, thereby determining if a room needed heating or cooling. Heating and cooling a room consumes more energy than any other activity. So this is one of the best solutions because guests are almost always given the privilege of controlling the temperature and they almost never think about turning the heat or air conditioner off when leaving a room. Other items include: cloth laundry bags (instead of plastic), organic non-toxic cleaning products and Low-E window panes. 

Make the Connection for a Greener Planet

The subhead in the photograph of the MTA ad, "your city, your subway..." reminded me of a few things as I waited on the tracks this evening after a long GMAT study session. Firstly, it brings to mind a 1970's New Yorker cartoon that illustrates the connection between "throwing away a newspaper" and "throwing away the Earth". Secondly, it's similar to the quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, "let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean." Lastly, and conclusively, it emphasizes the type of thinking necessary to achieve the level of consciousness needed to solve many of the environmental problems that exist. We live a world where the connections that make up the systems of our society are hidden; i.e., it's not obvious how the trash we throw away in our subway station affects the broader scope of the NYC's environment, nor is it obvious how the food we consume affects the Earth's fresh water supply.

One-Earth.com Launches with a Posting Party

On May 16, an inexorable gathering of a dozen Brooklynites (and a couple Manhattanites) marked the launch of One-Earth.com. We came with nothing more than our laptops and knowledge.

The goal of the Posting Party was simple: post as many solutions to One-Earth.com as possible in four hours. And we did just that. Over 250 solutions were posted that night! One-Earth.com is now rivaling some of the most acclaimed resources for information about sustainable living in New York.

For four hours, we posted (and drank). Congratulations to Misty who posted 105 solutions and won the grand prize package purchased from Green in Brooklyn, which included a Solo Solar Powered Cell Phone Charger, a Klean Kanteen, a Wrap-n-Mat, and few other essentials.

The effort and energy people brought helped make the event a huge success; we owe each other the congratulations. Each posting party (and One-Earth.com as a whole) will only be as successful as we choose to make it. That's the beauty of the design. Soon, with the help of the global community of local activists, One-Earth.com will be the source of sustainable information for people in every major city around the world.

There will be another Posting Party in mid-June. Send me an email if you'd like to attend.

This is the New Home for the One-Earth.com Blog

For all previous posts about the development of the web site, visit the old blog.