Blog: Life in the Green Lane

Two years ago EcoAlign was born. Since then, we have been working with various large electrical utilities across the US on conservation, renewable energy programs as well as innovative clean tech companies that see this moment as a major business opportunity to grow and establish a new paradigm in the energy space. So where are we today?

Changing behavior is a difficult thing. One has to look at how many people say they want to quit smoking, start exercising or lose weight. So it is not surprising that a gap exists between stated green intentions and actual behavior.

At EcoAlign, one of the things that we consistently talk about with our clients, media, and key influencers is the importance of building coalitions and connecting with others who are like minded about sustainability and environmental progress. We ‘walk the talk’ and are whole heartedly committed to sharing our ideas, research and enthusiasm with the community at large.

Talk is cheap, and green talk is increasingly being perceived as green washing. The government and corporations – those who can lead and pay – need to seriously plan and execute internal energy efficiency or other sustainable initiatives that show real, tangible and visible outcomes to their employees and external audiences, especially at a local level.

Last week I spoke at the Green Media Show in Boston. It was a nice conference full of bright professionals eager to share their views, talk about their experiences and focused on making a difference.

Each day, the media is flooded with polls showing strong stated propensities from businesses and people towards more sustainable lifestyles and practices. And yet, actual behavior doesn’t reflect stated intentions. Why?

Smoke. Dirt. Burnt offerings. I went to the “After Nature” exhibit at the the New Museumin NYC this weekend. As the brochure states, the exhibit “surveys a landscape similarly darkened by uncertain catastrophe.”

An executive said during a meeting with a definitive and resolute tone while talking about a green messaging platform. That’s his opinion, but the statement reflects an underlining frustration with relying too much on what customers say during these group discussions. Why?