The Eco All Star Challenge for the month is to write about a Visionary or someone taking a risk in light of sustainability. I considered many people, companies and topics for the subject-but narrowing it down to just one is really difficult.
The Green and Eco Movement is moving forward at such a fast pace, it will make your head spin. I have my self set up on Google Alerts that fill my email box daily on various green topics just trying to stay up to date. I am meeting people and companies left and right in the Houston area that promote Sustainability and Green building. How can you narrow it down to just one person?
Any time there is something "new" in technology, you can plan on Large Corporations and Big Names to bring the topics to light. I, myself, could stand on my roof and scream to the world the benefits of Going Green and not many people would listen. However, what if you stood on Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan? Would more people listen?
So, for my November Thanks, I am going to talk about 5 "People" or "Corporations" or Entities that are striving for Green that are making a VERY LOUD statement with what they are doing. For the sake of Copyrights, please check out the links for photos. If you don't, you are missing out on some AMAZING sights.
- Rockefeller Center- You thought I was just saying that above didn't you. :) The Christmas Tree outside of Rockefeller Center has 5 Miles of wire. This year they will be using light emitting diodes that are powered by 365 Solar Panels on top of the Building. WOW!
- Houston Independent School District- This year HISD has built 2 of their newest schools to LEED standards, and recently passed a $805 million bond which a portion of will be used for other schools to be remodeled or built to these standards. They believe in the benefits for children in Going Green.
- Manchester SkyScraper- The skyscraper owned by CIS Insurance in Manchester covered its facade in...Well, Solar Panels. If you thought 365 Panels was a lot...just check out this article. It will blow your mind.
- Dubai- If you keep up with International News, you know that Dubai is doing some creative Architecture in their Development. Have you heard about the Rotating Tower being built? It's Solar Powered as well.
- Fox News Studios- In several studios around the Nation, Fox is switching to Green Lights, BioDiesel in cars, and many other Green Items.
There you have it. 5 HUGE statements by People and Companies that reach out to many people every day around the globe trying to encourage folks to lean towards Green and Sustainable living. Rockefeller Center will be saving DAILY more electricity than I use in an entire month. Check out all 5 articles to read about different reasons to go Green.
A BIG THANKS to all of 5 for making a huge leap towards Sustainability.
Stephanie,
You're like the Eco-czaress of AR...keep up the good work...BTW if you stood on Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and shouted at the top of your lungs, nobody would pay attention to you...you'd be just another New York 'nut job'!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Stephanie~
Love your take on the November Challenge. Being the generous person you are, you found many heroes, and surprised me with some!
Hi Lisa, :) Actually the Government is trying...they are arguing about it, but trying to pass some good things.
Stephanie~
You may also want to look into what Ford Motor Company is doing in the way of GREEN...check out FoMoCo and William McDonough. .. amazing stuff!
Stephanie,
What a great post! I love how well you can put together good information. Thank you. I will be thinking about someone to write on as well.
Hi Stephanie:
I think if the general public had a sense of how much the corporate world understands the importance of "Being Green" the revolution would be over and Being Green would be the norm. Thanks for the update!
Stephanie,
A whole skyscraper covered in solar panels? I'm going to have to read that one. Public buildings like schools are great candidates for solar water heater systems and geothermal heat systems. In homes it is often hard to justify the cost because the owner is not sure if they will stay in the home long enough to recoup the initial cost. For public buildings we know we will occupy them for a long period of time so it is easier to justify the initial cost.