Green Collar Manufacturing

To the max meaning 100% fossil fuel free. To the max meaning 100% renewable energy. To the max meaning fully energy independant. The $30 million dollar Co-Generation power plant will help the 115 year old paper manufacturer set a standard in paper production and continue to hold it place in the top realm of paper manufacturers and suppliers.

They are doing it to get ahead of the “volital energy” market and “carbon caps” that are expected to come in the near future.

“The $30 million investment and drive to achieve full carbon neutrality at SMART Papers comes as the State of Ohio and the U.S. government develop new laws and regulations on carbon emissions. The Ohio Senate and House recently passed legislation, which requires that up to 12.5 percent of the state’s electricity consumption come from renewable sources by 2025. Under the law, half of that must be generated within Ohio. “

“SMART Papers officials said they are well positioned to play an important role in helping the State of Ohio meet its goal because the company will sell a significant amount of power on the electrical grid. By the end of 2010, all of the power supplied to the regional grid will be carbon neutral—providing a source of 100% “green” energy for businesses and homes throughout Ohio and the Midwest U.S.”

This manufacturer is actually positioning itself to sell its energy into the grid.

Today, Sigma Industries Inc., A CANADIEN COMPANY, announced a new green design for bus frames that is 20% lighter than what is currently widely used, which will increase fuel efficiency. This development takes advantage of  the expectation that mass transit will see a marked increase in the near future as more people ditch their cars in favor of public transportation as well as rising gas prices.

Transit agencies will be able to see a higher ROI by using less fuel. They will also take advantage of Sigma’s flexible manufacturing process, which allows for specific body types determined by market requirements. Also, its bio-resin molding can be conformed to diesel powered trucks in addition to buses.

Denis Bertrand, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Industries says

 ”We are excited by the vast market potential for our innovative technological solution, as all market
participants will enjoy benefits. Our revolutionary body shell will enable transit agencies to maximize their return on investment while our flexible manufacturing process will greatly simplify final vehicle assembly by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).”

This could benefit American transit agencies but why isn’t an American manufacturer all over this win, win, win situation. (1. bio-resin molding for 2. mass transit that 3. allows for less fuel need)

And they’re probably going to do it considering Bean’s Commercial Grease Inc. is the only company in the state collecting used cooking oil to convert into biofuels which can run tractors and large trucks and snow resort equipment. I found a list of 13 Biofuel Companies in the Green Collar Economy B2B Directory.

Businesses that NEED to run large diesel burning trucks to do what they do are switching to biodiesel and Bean offers a lower cost alternative according to the Kennebec Journal:

Last week, Bean was charging $4.16 a gallon for diesel at the pump compared to $4.39 at area gas stations. He also manufactures and delivers a “bioheat” product that blends #2 home heating oil with biofuel and saves people 18 to 22 cents per gallon.

University of Maine at Farmington, “Maine Composter of the Year (37 tons)” contributes its grease and so does Sugerloaf Ski Resort.

Bean is alone in manufacturing green fuel that keeps Maine industry running and as gas prices go up, the more likely he’ll have more company in the near future.

And if not, he could recieve more funding to expand his business. Currently, he can produce 935,000 gallons of biofuel from one million gallons of waste and the state creates 1.8 million gallons in all.

          Simmons announced the relaease of a line of mattresses that will be sold under the SIMPLY GREEN label at JC Penny stores, with the support of green guru Danny Seo. Dan is the man when it comes to green lifestyle choices and Simmons says the mattresses, which are made with organic and renewable materials make green choices available under a brand people trust. Which I agree with and is true.

          The best part about the press release, though is that the new components are actually better for you as far as keeping allergens away and it also provides a better nights sleep. Take heed green manufacturers. Some green changes could actually increase the quality of your products.

“Natural Care^® mattresses feature natural latex made from biodegradable materials like rubber tree sap, which is harvested and refined to create one of the most soothing and responsive sleeping surfaces in the world. The highly resilient and durable nature of latex means that a mattress will retain its shape and performance for many years to come. Natural Care^® latex is also inherently resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew. Furthermore, beneath the Natural Care^® mattress’ latex layer is a layer of base foam enhanced with soy. The use of soy reduces the amount of petroleum needed to manufacture the foam and results in a smaller carbon footprint. “

Ahhh, okay I’m gonna go take a nap.

Get your turbine engines revving in Texas because thanks to T. Boone “T BONE” Pickens, the largest wind farm in America will be built in the Lone Star State’s Panhandle. The project run by his company, Mesa Power should create plenty of new jobs and also could create enough energy to power a million homes.

Who would have guessed that a Billionaire Texas Oil Tycoon would commit to generating power through a renewable source? I guess selling oil at high prices has made him enough money to fund such a project that will save him from going out of business.

The manufacturing process that will ensue because of this endeavor will be huge considering the size of industrial strength wind turbines, but the reward is power for as long as the wind blows and a break to

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart was written in 2002. Since I am a relative newcomer to the world of green manufacturing, I haven’t read the book yet, but in my research I have seen plenty of references to the book and its concepts. So many referances in fact that I get the sense that it is a must read. How can I comment on this topic without understanding the books principles better?

According to McDonough.com Cradle to Cradle:

“describes the hopeful, nature-inspired design principles that are making industry both prosperous and sustainable, the book itself is a physical symbol of the changes to come. It is printed on a synthetic ‘paper,’ made from plastic resins and inorganic fillers, designed to look and feel like top quality paper while also being waterproof and rugged.”

Words about sustainable methods made by sustainable methods. While I support a book that strives to be eco friendly through and through, I have chosen to obtain it in an even greener fashion. I’ll borrow it for free from the public library near my house, and I’ll start reading it as soon as it is available. Then I’ll be able to pass on important principles for all my green manufacturing readers.

ALSO, GREEN COLLAR MEDIA IS LOOKING FOR AUTHORS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON THIS BLOG OR ONE OF OUR SOON TO BE LAUNCHED CHANNELS, DON’T HESITATE. SEND YOUR IDEAS, POSTS, OR COMMENTS TO SEAN@GREENCOLLARMEDIA.COM AND WE CAN START  WORKING TOGETHER TO PROGRESS TOWARDS A GREEN COLLAR ECONOMY.

Happy Earth Day. I must say that the media blitz on the Green America lately cannot be avoided. The weather is nicer in most of the country and people are outside enjoying the fresh air. This season, this year, after this Earth Day will be one of the greatest tests of how serious Americans really are about environmental issues. A huge spike in eco awareness among our population could lead to a huge spike in alternative ways to deal with waste, energy, and personal decisions.

The manufacturing sector should be ready for the type of overhaul that will surely come in the next few years. The average American home will look different and the most glaring difference would be what today is called eco-friendly practices. The Green Collar Economy is a place where today’s eco friendly practices are commonplace. Automatic givens in every community.

Starwood hotels is working on an experimental earth friendly hotel where they try out the following green features:

Energy star appliances

Energy efficient light bulbs

water saving faucets and fixtures

Soap dispenser in the shower

Low toxicity paint

Wood bed frames from certified forests

Couch cusions made from soy

Recycle bins

Low toxicity paint

Recycled carpet

The first three save Starwood money and possibly even the consumer and some might argue that the soap dispenser saves money too. The rest are just sustainable ways to give us the things we need, including comfort and luxury. It also shows how its important not to waste anything. Manufacturers must take into consideration that almost everything can be recycled and lean practices have been leading the way to zero waste for years.

The final point I want to leave you with is that the above green features should and will be standard features in the average American home (and extended stay hotels) soon. Just make sure you reuse the out of date stuff in the right way.

          Today, I take a look at my hometown. I believe I can make a difference most in my own community. Impacting the lives of the people I associate with seems more within my grasp. That’s why when the city of Boston sponsors green economic development, I am personally excited. It means that my community is doing something for the environment and is spending their money on renewable alternatives.

          My favorite so far is the urban compost center that will be the first of its kind. It will capture heat from a compost heap made of local restaurant scraps and yard waste and turn it into energy. The co2 that burns off will contribute to a greenhouse full of plants located above the compost pile. They have made plans to install wind turbines on the roof of city hall and there are other initiatives as well.  Also Massachusetts based Evergreen Solar has announced it will double its size and add 350 jobs.

In the article they also cite that

“Besides Evergreen, the state recently attracted a wind blade research facility that will be built near the Tobin Bridge. In addition, Greatpoint Energy, a Cambridge company that specializes in coal and natural gas conversion technology, is building a pilot facility in Somerset, MA.”

          It seems like communities across the country are looking to be the leaders in renewable energy and green business practices. I have read the phrase “If we take advantage of the green movement, we can put (insert region) at the forefront of growth in this industry” or something like that by writers from Buffalo, Vermont, Ohio, Indiana, and New Mexico. California and Oregon seem like they are already at the forefront. Hot weather desert states have the sun while the plains are looking towards corn and wind. Detroit has said they want to be at the forefront and think they have what it takes.

          I don’t want to get too historical but besides the analogies to the Industrial Revolution, I’ve also heard the “space race mentality” term being thrown around a bit too. All of these states, along with private corporations, are competing to be leaders and create a competitive advantage. This type of competition also speeds up the progression to a Green Collar Economy.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised in campaign funds this election cycle just as there is every four years. Also, hundreds of millions of dollars have been promised to promote green industry by the very candidates who are raising the money.

Obama and Hillary have interesting plans and I choose to take them lightly because pre-inauguration ideas might be different once someone is in office. To his credit John McCain hasn’t made big promises to the extent that the Democrats have but then again he doesn’t have as much of a responsibility to the working middle class who like hearing about expansive job creation, such as in the green manufacturing area.

But, I read a quote today that tells a lot about the American people. It really brings home the point that there’s no time like the present and people can make change in their communities and have it resonate throughout the country:

Lane County businesses — spurred by state and local incentives — have got the ball rolling…’Politicians are lagging a little behind, if anything,” Brex said. “We’re not waiting for politicians to get their act together. We’re making it happen now.’

I spend a lot of time here promoting the use of green practices right now. My opinion has usually been,

“Let start taking advantage of innovative technologies and reduce non renewable energy usage today.”

The environmental reasons and capitalist reasons are plenty. But today I read a statement by Wake Forest University that made me stop and think.

Adam Mayer, the founder of the Wake Forest American Energy Security chapter said,

“…absolutely solar, wind, geothermal, etc., but only as soon as they are economically feasible. Trying to be completely renewable now will put too much strain on the US economy and on US taxpayers. The trucker strike is a prime example of the fact that we need cheap fuel now.”

So I opened my mind and dropped these words in. It makes so much sense. There needs to be a bridge to the green economy. We can’t get by on fumes while we try to set up new infrastructure; we need to work with what we got.

The purpose of greencollareconomy.com is simply to promote the idea that “We need to do the things that will save us money. By converting to renewable energy we are building a new revenue stream and simultaneously preserving the environment.”

If it is not economically feasible to work green manufacturing into your process, be sure to be aware of the things that you can do. Grasp green and apply it where possible.