Some “Futurists” Have Optimistic ForecastsAbout 25 years ago I came across a professional “futurist,” i.e., a gentleman whose career is based on predicting the future based on the present.  (Actually, I presume that his work is based on the present, though I’m not sure what else could inform it.)

In any case, futurists of today have much more weight on their shoulders than they did at the time; this whole subject has taken on a far more serious tone over the last couple of decades.  (more…)

Tagged with: , , , , ,

Renewable Energy and FraudHere’s a website that describes a machine that produces more energy than it consumes.  Really?  Of course not.  Yet that’s what its investors told me on the conference call just now.

Unsurprisingly, they’re trying to raise investment capital.  I asked if they find it hard to convince investors that they are the first and only ones in the universe who have found an exception to the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and they admit that it has, in fact, been a challenge.  LOL.

Tagged with: , , ,

How Home Heating Got More EfficientOur modern home heating systems are incredibly effective and efficient, having been modernised and developed over thousands, potentially a million years. The history of home heating is not only fascinating, but understanding it greatly helps us to continue this development to improve upon our heating efficiency going forward. Here you will see a breakdown of the history and an analysis of the efficiency of home heating over time. (more…)

Have A Green Home on a BudgetFrom grocery stores to gas stations, the urgency to “Go Green” surrounds us. While our nation’s Green Movement has existed for centuries, it continues to evolve in efforts to save our resources, our planet, and ourselves. Unfortunately, going green and staying that way on a daily basis can be a little overwhelming. Initially, going green sounds easy, and with practice it can be, but it does take commitment, some financial investment, and major changes. (more…)

Tagged with: , , ,

What Makes Anti-fatigue Mats Environmentally Green?An anti-fatigue floor mat looks very similar to any other mat. However, they are designed to prevent slipping and offer as much comfort as possible to anyone who needs to stand all day. The surface is usually made of high density rubber to assist in preventing people slipping over. The best quality ones are designed to be resistant to chemicals, grease and other dangerous materials. Because they’re mostly made of rubber and other recycled materials, anti-fatigue mats can be considered environmentally friendly. The main benefits of an anti-fatigue mats are: (more…)

Tagged with: , ,

Economic Packaging Solutions--What's Making Your Business Green?Saving money on packaging is a simple way to increase the profitability of your business in more ways than one. Many companies have been using the same packaging materials for years without giving any thought to how they can cut costs and improve efficiency. But changing materials and methods can save you time, money, and manpower and increase your profits significantly. The following are a few ways your company can change your packaging and reduce your environmental impact, and the impact on your funds.

(more…)

Tagged with: , ,

Being Realistic About Renewable EnergyIn response to my post Why Venture Capital Isn’t Embracing CleanTech, MarcoPolo makes a lengthy and deeply thoughtful comment, which I excerpt here:

….(You are) a little blind to the harsher side of reality. You tend to see the world as it should be, and you hope it will be, not as it is, and probably will be….. (more…)

Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Are Venture Capitalists Conservative?In response to my post Why Venture Capital Isn’t Embracing CleanTech, frequent commenter BreathOnTheWind asks, “Craig, you seem to have a good sense of the pulse of the VC world. Would you say as a group they tend to be somewhat conservative?”

Here are a couple of excerpts from my 2011 interview with Ray Lane (pictured), Managing Partner of Kleiner Perkins, that I offer as data points. Here’s one on investment strategy: (more…)

Tagged with: , , , , ,

Biomass SubsidiesIn the discussion following my post BioFertilizer and BioGas from Animal Waste, frequent commenter MarcoPolo notes:  “The reason that Germany leads the world in bio-gas production is mainly due to massive government incentives, and assistance at every level,” and then carries on with a wonderfully interesting and comprehensive explanation that I urge readers to check out. (more…)

Tagged with: , , ,

Admittedly Off-Topic: CBS's “The Briefcase”If you were looking for yet another reason to avoid commercial television, you just found it: CBS’s “The Briefcase,” a reality show in which impoverished families are given the opportunity to keep a briefcase that could be filled with cash, or give some of it away to another poor family.  (more…)

Tagged with: ,