All Startups should be Green

Needless to say, the past 2 years have give a huge rise in the brand value of "Green". There is an increase in Green startups, green ideas, almost green everything. Part of this hype was created by Al Gore, through his excellent movie, An Inconvenient Truth (I wrote about it here). However, technology and new products are just part of this. For things to change, we all need to become "greener". As consumers, this includes recycling, driving a hybrid car, and thinking about the environment. But all this can be relevant at the startup level.

I think that all new ventures should have a "green policy", regardless of their business model. What does this mean? Here are some examples of start-up level ideas that can be implemented, and can have a positive change:

1. Technology infrastructure: Is your startup building "green" IT solutions for your products? Is your R&D team thinking about energy savings when they develop their product?
2. Company culture: Do you talk to your employees about the environment? In Israel specifically, it will be a great idea if startups lease only hybrid cars for their employees. Wouldn't it be amazing if the country will be filled with white Prius cars and not Mazda 3?
3. Recycle. Of course. And close the lights and A/C at the end of the work day.

It is known that Al Gore himself is not a big energy saver. I believe we should act differently. Even in Israel.

Comments

[Aner]

startups, ourselves included, have a very strict green policy - we are always looking for more of your green!

seriously:

1. We can make a major step by outlawing 4x4 vehicles and by implying a luxury tax on energy in general and on AC and TVs in particular. Why does a 4 mouth household need 4 TVs, 2 4x4s and 5ACs?

2. American consumerism is the pillar of the axis of evil in that respect. Explicitly and inspirationally. That said, the real danger is coming from industrializing India and China.

3. Al gore put a nice marketing spin on his career, too bad he didn't get the US to sign the Kyoto protocol when he was VP.

But I can talk about that for hours.

[arnon]

I like the idea of start-ups leasing Hybrids. In my next company, I will try to implement it. A government incentive for that could do the trick. Unfortunately most VC's in Israel (with Danny the exception) go for the expensive gas-guzzling SUV's which are a status symbol. Maybe Gemini will lead the way?