LaunchpadGreen Relaunches for 2012

In light of the state of the world and the state of the economy I've decided to relaunch my idea of "LaunchpadGreen" you can witness its evolution here or on my Facebook page. I hereby INVITE YOU TO JOIN IN THE LAUNCH! If you know of any local business, product, service, or person who is helping to make things better in your community FEEL FREE TO POST A LINK PICTURE OR COMMENT ABOUT THEM! My blog address is http://instagreen.blogspot.com/ I truly believe that building local community businesses that foster a better quality of life and don't export our jobs and our money are key. So I'm not talking about supporting your local Walmart, dollar-store, or Christmas Tree Shop here. I encourage you to read labels meet people and know where what you are buying / supporting is coming from. We vote daily with our spending habits and where we keep our savings etc. So a message we can send daily is that we believe in LOCAL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIES NOT CORPORATE UNSUSTAINABLE ONES THAT FUNNEL OUR RESOURCES OUT OF THE COUNTRY AND LEAVE US DESTITUTE.

So What's Obama's Plan for Green???

So with Obama soon to take the oath of office, what are his administrations plans for helping boost the "Green Economy".  Well apparently 54 Billion of the proposed 825 Billion Dollar Economic Stimulus Package would be set aside for renewable energy production, improving our electrical efficiency, and upgrading the U.S. power grid.  20 Billion of the 54 Billion would come in the form of tax credits for the Renewable Energy Industry.  

But will this infusion of incentives and government money be too little too late?  Many solar and even some in the wind turbine industry have already seen some decline since the economic tsunami hit Wall Street and the world.  This interesting article from Time Magazine explores all the realities and hopes of the current situation.  It's a good read, I highly recommend it.

Follow the "Green" and Cash in on the $Green$...But how??

Is all the Green Energy Economy talk of the incoming Obama administration just green pie in the sky talk or is there really potential for Green Business even in this sagging economy?  Well if you ask John Grabner of Cardinal Fastener Company in Bedford Heights, Ohio he'll tell you business is just great!  In fact he hired two new employees just last week and speaking of the Green Economy says "People call it the next Automobile Industry for the United States."

Grabner's company has traditionally made screws and fasteners for John Deere and Catapillar and while those sales have declined recently sales of parts to companies that produce wind turbines and other Green Energy products are soaring.  Read more about Cardinal Fastener Company and Obama's stimulus plans here. 

Also below is a video of Obama's recent visit to the plant.

Greening the Inauguration

In just about a week, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America.  Now, whether you are excited about this or not, most are sure to be curious enough to tune in to the big festivities which we call The Presidential Inauguration.  Kind of like the Olympics, it happens every four years, and kind of like the Olympics, each one is a little different from the next.  But what will make it memorable?  Well, might it be remembered for its efforts to do things more green?  This article, featured in yesterday's Chicago Tribune discusses just that.  From what I read, the use of Segways to get around the city just might be one of the greenest parts of the day.  Take a read and decide for yourself.  Then, tell us what you think and drop us a comment!

No, not Recycling.....Rebicycling!

You've heard of recycling your newspapers, plastics & glass - but your bicycle??  Why yes, that's what this Oregon-based company called Resource Revival has been doing since 1994.  Check it out!  They take bike parts headed for the landfill and turn them into key chains, bottle openers, even clocks and picture frames!  Right from their site you can find a rebicycler, become a rebicycler, or even buy their stuff wholesale to sell it yourself.   This sure is one uniquely innovative way to contribute to the green economy.  Would you buy their products?  Weigh in with a comment or give it a "how green is this" rating  below....

Find out how you can "get your deals on two wheels!"

"Get your deals on two wheels" is the slogan of a new yet simple idea that promotes commerce, good health, good habits, and improves the environment to boot!  The name of the organization is Bicycle Benefits.  It was founded and is promoted by Ian and Dillon Kleptar from Saratoga, NY.  Their passionate goal is to see fewer cars on the road and more people cycling and walking.  What a concept huh? The organization helps businesses see the benefits of their participation in the program by pointing out that support of the program not only brings in more customers but also promotes physical activity, helmet use, and alleviates congestion and parking hassles for business owners.  The way it works is simple: participating businesses put a "Bicycle Benefits" Sticker on their window or front door and cyclists then know they can get discounts there.  Bicyclists can buy a sticker for their helmets and receive discounts at any participating shops.  I read about Bicycle Benefits on several other blogs as well as on their own site (which is sometimes down) and their Facebook Page.  Don't forget, when going green always think outside the box and be passionate like these brothers did.  They ride up and down the East Coast promoting their organization. Below you can find their silly video promoting and explaining the concept. ( Be warned it is very silly, but informative)

Here's to You Mrs. Robinson and the Great Plastics Debate

In 1967, a movie called "The Graduate" made its film debut with a young actor named Dustin Hoffman. The film needs no introduction today, but since I wasn't yet born in 1967 I have to admit I've never seen the movie myself. Yet, it is popular for its story and many of you may recall the scene where Mr. McGuire takes young Benjamin aside to give him the unsolicited advice that "there's a great future in plastics". It is ironic in a sense to realize that this famous quote echos the theme of this film about a young man who is exploited, misdirected, seduced and betrayed by his "elders" (Corporate America?).

Now, leave it to Glen to make me aware of how "The Graduate" could possibly be relatable in this post where I'd like to open a discussion about the effects plastics have had on our day-to-day lives, never mind the effects on our environment! Glen & I found this article, "A life without plastics?" from the Chicago Tribune to be light reading but filled with the truths of how hard it is to avoid plastic in our lives. After reading the article, I was impressed to realize that at our house we have taken a few measures to reduce our contribution of plastics to the overflowing landfills: Both of our children were diapered in cloth (we preferred a brand called Fuzzi Bunz), we regularly bring our cloth bags to the grocery store, and for Christmas I asked for glass containers (with unfortunate plastic lids) so I could begin phasing out plastic containers in our kitchen. But even so, we create an enormous amount of "recycling". We'd like to hear how plastic effects your day to day life (or if you've even considered that it does....) Check back here after you've read the linked article and leave your thoughts on "the great future of plastics". I don't know about you, but I think the future has arrived!

Will the Lower Gas Prices Slow the Emerging Green Economy?

Well certainly the buzzword "green" rang in your ears quite a bit during this past year but how are the prospects for the Green Economy as we head into this new year of 2009?  With falling prices at the pump has the urgency to switch to a greener economy we heard about during the political season last year slowed or even worse stopped?  I found this nice article online that discusses that very point... Enjoy and be sure to check back with us here at LaunchpadGreen.com and comment.  Hope your new year is getting of to a great start!

New Year's Resolutions for those with a shorter attention span

The Daily Green has served a nice slide show for the New Year that gives you some simple ways to change your habits and live just a little greener in 2009. For those of you with more focus and less of a hangover, checkout this lighthearted article my wife found last night and mentioned in her previous post. HAPPY NEW "GREEN" YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS! (REMEMBER IT'S A PROCESS) -Glen

THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR FROM A GUEST BLOGGER (MY WIFE !!)

A few days back, Glen took a trip to the library with our 4-year-old to pick out some new books. It resulted in an exciting pile of Picture Books, a few Chapter Books to read together, some Music CD's and a few DVDs. Needless to say, our daughter was thrilled, as we hadn't been to the library for new materials in a while.

Well, Glen stumbled onto the Dr. Seuss section when they were browsing and took it upon himself to suggest The Lorax. Last night, just on the heels of New Year's Eve, our daughter chose Seuss' The Lorax as her bedtime story. She was full of questions and offered many opinions. She scowled with displeasure as I read aloud how the Once-ler chopped down his first Truffula Tree with one chop. She was further dismayed as the Once-ler said to the Lorax, "Look, there's no cause for alarm. I chopped just one tree. I am doing no harm." I was proud at our daughter's reaction, in knowing that we'd done something right. And as I continued to read, she became increasingly curious, asking more questions - and she saw how that one tree being chopped down, which the Once-ler saw as harmless, had consequences. Later on I was thinking, wouldn't it be great if one day the story of The Lorax is as well known as the story of The Grinch?

On this New Year's Eve, many of you are busy making new resolutions. Are you planning to lose some weight? stop smoking? go to the gym more? eat healthier? While those are all fine goals to strive for as we go about "renewing" ourselves in the new year, perhaps you might also consider resolving to do something positive for the world we are leaving our children. The things we do every day, big or small, can make such a huge difference. Here's a few simple resolutions that can help you return your thanks to our mother earth: Start a compost pile, Hang a load of laundry to dry, Walk to the corner store, Start bringing your cloth grocery bags with you, Stop using paper plates, Replace your light bulbs, Try public transportation, and last but certainly not least....Set a good example every day for your children - you can start by going to the library and reading The Lorax to them - make them understand the impact that we all have on our earth.

Or if you need some help coming up with some worthwhile resolutions, you might get inspired from this amusing but serious list of eco-resolutions from thedailygreen.com.

Also, enjoy this clip from The Animated Story of Seuss' The Lorax (What a brilliant man...) and I'd like to just close by remembering what Mahatma Gandhi said: He said, "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Wise words that we should all reflect on.....

Happy New Year!

Green Building and Design

Here is a couple that realized their green business ideas in a new business. They use the LEED Standards to help individuals and businesses build more efficient and sustainable living and work spaces. What kind of green business will you start during the new year?

A LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEA ! Eco-Friendly Snow Removal!

Want to remove your snow, save your back, save the environment and get a great work out all simultaneously? Or maybe you are lazy and you have someone on your gift list who would benefit from advantages like these. Well these three links will provide you with the perfect gift for you or them! While growing up my father didn't use a snow shovel much but instead a contraption he called an aberdickie (sp?) basically a big wooden sled/plow/shovel that was much easier on your back than a snow shovel. Today a similar product is available on the web for sale of course! One guy built a "pedal powered" snow plow. Below are a few amusing videos featuring these eco-friendly snow removal devices. They are pretty cool!
--Glen P.S. Many thanks to my Brother-In-Law for the idea for this post. He still lives in the North East, where they have been getting a lot of snow as of late. He also maintains a blog (Check it out!)about the First Day Cottage he and my Sister are building with their own hands in Upstate N.Y..
http://www.snowmaster.com/

Can't Afford a New "Green" Home?... How About Remodeling "Green"

From Berlin, Germany to Berlin Maryland, USA "Green" Business is the Operative Word. Ryan Murphy of Berlin MD, has started a green remodeling business for people who want to go green but have less to spend. He uses a combination of recycling existing features and items in the house and making green updates. Any contractor could easily turn his business green much like Ryan did.For more details read this article about him and his business. Below I have posted 2 videos that tell the story of a more extensive "Green" Remodeling but any of the things covered in this extreme make over could be implemented on a smaller scale in individual projects in your home. Besides that these projects provide plenty of work for contractors and opportunities for new green businesses.

Tight Budgets and a Poor Economy Lead to "Green" Building Trend

Despite the current Credit Crunch some people who are still building houses are consciously building "Green" and incorporate energy saving features into their homes. Obviously this investment makes sense even in hard economic times because it saves you money in the long run.

From Promoting Rock Bands and Movie Studios to Organic Restaurants...???

Lab one is a marketing company in Germany whose usual clients are Rock Bands and Movie Studios. But this time they are promoting one of the first totally organic and "carbon free" restaurants in Berlin. The name of the Restaurant is Foodorama. Could this be a trend of the Future or will we just continue to support the need for more McDonald's? Of course here in America we already have a Restaurant Chain promising only organics and promoting green practices like installing solar panels on their restaurants. That Restaurant would be Jason's Deli which is mostly found in the South Eastern United States and I must admit it is our family's favorite. It's our oasis here in Upstate South Carolina where we live because it is reasonably priced and we know we are feeding our family good REAL food. So to any of you food entrepreneurs out there... I believe there is a market for good healthy food from restaurants with a conscience. Below is a promotional video from Jason's Deli.

The Rest of Obama's Green Dream Team.....

Environmentalists are pleased with the President Elect's picks so far. They call it a 180 degree turn around from the Bush Administration's picks for the same positions over the last 8 years. Chu as Energy Secretary is especially interesting. Check out his qualifications in this Time Magazine Article. Or listen to Chu in the YouTube Video below. Enjoy ---Glen

Mmmm.... Very interesting... What do you make of this???

"Carol Browner's appointment as a 'climate czar' should signal to the world that the U.S. is taking a new direction on this issue." — Kathleen Rogers, environmental attorney and president of the Earth Day Network, in a statement on Dec. 15, 2008.

President Elect Obama has created a new Cabinet Position officially called "Energy Coordinator. The media however has already run with that and is calling her the "Energy Czarina"... Check out the Time Magazine article with the facts on her.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts ---Glen

"Make this Christmas Green"

This may be too much for most of you but here's somebody who posted an original song on YouTube called "Make this Christmas Green". It's cute... anyway have a great day!



Here's a couple more "Green Christmas Videos" just for fun first the Bare Naked Ladies and then some kids singing.

So When are You Getting Your Solar installed? Or do you need a job?

The Solar Industry has seen a 45% increase in solar installations in 2007 over 2006. So the Job market for that industry is also looking good. This New York Times article has great information about it.

Shades of Green....How far will you go????

Joan Pick hasn’t driven a car since 1973 and has only been in a car twice since then. She hasn’t flown on an airplane since 1971.

Now I must admit that this is an extreme example for someone living in the Western World (England) but I feel that we need to welcome everyone who wants to do something to change our economy and lifestyle to a more green one. Whether you are only looking for a more fuel efficient SUV and want to caulk your windows and doors to save on energy costs or you want to live in a hole in the ground and eat grubs as long as everybody is doing something to move us in the right direction I think we should embrace it. Read the comment section after the article it's amusing.