Day 29 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

I follow the path that feels the best.

Success follows doing what you want to do.  There is no other way to be successful.  ~  Malcolm S. Forbes

This manuscript of yours that just came back from another editor is a precious package.  Don’t consider it a rejected.  Consider that you’ve addressed it “to the editor who can appreciate my work” and it has simply come back stamped, “not at this address”. Just keep looking for the right address.  ~  Barbara Kingsolver

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style. Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle are fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet. Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 28 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

It does take a dedicated practice to live the fullness of who I am.

All meaning is self-created.  ~  Virginia Satir

When I played with Michael Jordan on the Olympic team, there was a huge gap between his ability and the ability of the other great players on the team.  But what impressed me was that he was always the first one on the floor and the last on to leave.  ~  Steve Alford

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style. Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle is fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet. Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 27 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

I look for the alternative course of action if I hit a block.

For every failure there’s an alternative course of action.  You just have to find it.  When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.  ~  Mary Kay Ash

Don’t believe everything you hear – even in your own mind.  ~  Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style. Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle are fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet. Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 26 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

I gain knowledge from my “mistakes”.

You can never learn less; you can only learn more. The reason I know so much is because I have made so many mistakes.  ~  Buckminster Fuller

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.  ~  James Allen

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style. Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle is fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet. Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 25 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

I use my imagination to feel future possibilities.

Imagination is everything.  It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.  ~  Albert Einstein

Change is the law of life.  And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.  ~  John F Kennedy

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style. Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle is fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet. Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 24 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

If I feel the possibilities of the future, I can create it.

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.  ~  Andrew Carnage

None of us can change our yesterdays, but all of us can change our tomorrows.  ~  Colin Powell

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style. Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle is fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet. Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 23 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

Lemonade is always possible, no matter the number of lemons that show up.

Doing more of what doesn’t work won’t make it work any better.  ~  Charles J Givens

When life hands you lemons, squeeze it and make lemonade.  ~  W. Clement Stone

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style. Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle are fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet. Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 22 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

What I do not want clarifies what I do want.

If you take 15 minutes daily, thinking of pleasant scenarios regarding your body, with the sole intent of enjoying your body and appreciating its strength and stamina and flexibility and beauty. When you visualize for the joy of visualizing rather than with the intention of correcting some deficiency, your thoughts are more pure and, therefore, more powerful. When you visualize to overcome something that is wrong, your thoughts are diluted with the “lackful” side of the equation. In time, your physical condition will acquiesce to your dominant thoughts.  ~  Abraham

Every negative event contains within it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.  ~  Napoleon Hill

Optimistic Happenings

To foster your optimism, this week we site examples of innovative positive things happening around the planet.

They are from the Optimist Daily’s online postings. www.theoptimist.com.

Walla Walla created an environment built on empathy and saw crime decrease

Showing empathy changes society. That’s the story of a small town in the state of Washington. It started at the local high school where the staff created an environment built on empathy acknowledging the presence of childhood trauma in addressing disciplinary issues. A year after the “trauma-informed care” project started the graduation rate increased by about 30 percent and suspensions decreased by almost 85 percent. Today, an electric utility provider, the police department, and other organizations in the town have all committed to raising awareness of traumatic childhood experiences and to providing internal resources to foster a safe and healthy community. Because the town understands that childhood trauma can cause adulthood struggles like lack of focus, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide.

As more cities and states consider childhood trauma a public health issue, Walla Walla’s success has transcended this former trading town. It now serves as a model for resilience-building in the burgeoning trauma-informed care movement that is sweeping the nation.

German ministry goes vegetarian to set example for climate policy

Eating less meat is a major contribution to the fight against climate change. Governments should set the example. That’s why Germany’s Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is only serving vegetarian food at official functions. The food served at official events should also be organic, seasonal, as much as possible local and fair trade. A recent study found that diets of limited meat consumption can cut emissions by a third while saving five million lives.

Post organic? The sustainability of vertical indoor farming

Bowery, a New Jersey farm is championing ‘post organic,’ grows plants indoors in vertical rows without pesticides.

Agriculture consumes 70 percent of available water globally, and over 700 million pounds of pesticides each year in the United States alone. And with a growing world population food production needs to increase in the decades ahead. That is why a New Jersey company advocates sustainable vertical indoor farming. The company currently grows more than 80 different crops and says that indoor farming is 100 times more productive on the same footprint of land than traditional farming.

This one-for-one peanut butter fights famine in South Sudan

The one-for-one business model has caught on in recent years, with Tom’s shoes being one of the more well-known social enterprises in the space. Other companies, including the eyewear company Warby Parker, have tinkered with one-for-one. But many have found other means to fund what they believe are worthy causes. Now another social enterprise, Good Spread, is trying to do its part to address the human catastrophe in South Sudan. For every product the company sells, a portion of the profits are donated to organizations that distribute nutrient packs — which are actually pretty similar to Good Spread peanut butter — across South Sudan. Think of this purchase as a jar purchased here equals a packet of nutrition sent abroad.

Liquid hydrogen may be a way forward for sustainable air travel

Transport makes up around 20 percent of our energy use around the world–and that figure is set to grow, according to the International Energy Agency. With sustainable solutions in mind, a new study published by eminent physicist Jo Hermans in MRS Energy and Sustainability–A Review Journal (MRS E&S) looks at the energy efficiency of current modes of transport–from bicycles to buses, from air transport to cruise ships– and concludes that liquid hydrogen seems to be to be a realistic option for what is probably the most problematic of transportation modes in terms of sustainability, future air travel.

UK startup connects small businesses to “100 Percent renewable British electricity”

Taking a page from the corporate renewable energy purchasing trend, Squeaky aims to help UK small businesses make the move from dirty electricity sources to ‘squeaky clean’ ones, at no additional cost. The UK startup Squeaky sees the business energy market as “broken” and is on a mission to fix it, and to do so in a way that will continue the trend of businesses moving to cleaner electricity, but without any price premiums.

That’s an audacious goal, especially when considering that the company’s focus isn’t big business, where high volumes may help corporations cut good deals, especially on long-term agreements. But the team believes it is well positioned to deliver on its promises, as the principals are experienced in corporate electricity purchasing, and are able to now bring that expertise to bear for “all businesses.”

The magic sauce, so to speak, of Squeaky is in cutting out the middleman, because although there are options for buying renewable energy through existing utility agreements, all too often that comes at a price premium. And for smaller businesses, choosing to make the switch to green electricity, but at a higher cost, is a bit of a hard sell, and one that doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. Switching to clean electricity can help UK businesses with their social responsibility goals and their environmental commitments, and perhaps help them in trying to communicate their sustainability efforts, but if it costs more and impacts their bottom line negatively, it’s also one of the first things to go in a financial crunch.

5 green business ideas for profit and the common good

Starting a conventional business today is pretty tough – on the one hand, competition is exorbitant, on the other hand, more and more people are sick of being mere consumers. They would rather like to make a long-term difference in their lives, not just purchase more stuff; and they want businesses to help them make that difference. As an entrepreneur, you’d be wise to cater to the ‘green’ sentiment as the target market continues to expand. Here’re some business ideas to meet the demand for eco-friendly living.

1. Recycling Is Fashionable – Literally

If you have ample funds, you can start up a recycling business. If it’s not yet the case, you still can employ recycling to communicate your commitment to ecology – and to street style.Big-time fashion brands and designers use recycled materials – why not follow their lead and make reusable fabric or PE grocery bags, or T-shirts (with catchy green slogans for good measure), backpacks and handbags? Just make sure to invest a bit in nifty designs – and customers will love your products, for wearing them will be both cool and environmentally responsible.

2. Promoting Organic and Home-Grown Foods

Highly dubious origin and quality of mass-produced meats, fruits and vegetables are rightly one of the top ecology and health concerns. Animal farms churn out enormous amounts of waste, to say nothing of all the unwholesome things the cattle are fed (and injected with); industrial-grown plants contain probably more poisonous chemicals than nutrients.

As a businessman offering an eco-friendly solution, you can, for instance, start your chicken farm (nowadays, you can get chicken coops of all configurations, some of which don’t even require much space to put up) and sell organic meat and eggs at local markets and to local restaurants. Alternatively, you can become the supplier of such solutions to people – for instance, sell greenhouses and corresponding supplies for home and garden use, as well as design and build rooftop gardens.

3. Eco-Friendly House Cleaning

The Web is rife with tips about non-toxic, bio-degradable DIY detergents; yet many people who’d gladly ditch aggressive chemicals are too busy (or a bit too lazy) actually to concoct them. Why not jump at this business opportunity?

Make and sell green cleaning products – or, if you manage to gather a qualified enough team, provide a full range of cleaning services (including air duct maintenance, as these accumulate unholy amounts of dust and allergens).

4. Environmentally Conscious Gardening

Lush lawns and gardens are many a family’s pride and joy, yet these spots of nature often come under criticism for being too high maintenance regarding water and energy use. Therefore, it can be a viable idea to offer people consulting services on how to make their gardens more sustainable – as well as sell the necessary supplies or carry out actual reconfigurations.

5. Clean Transport Maintenance and Repair

The popularity of bikes and scooters shows no signs of fading away. With more and more people of all ages opting for these means of transport, a bike repair shop will always have clientele – so it’s a great way to start small. A bigger environment-conscious player may choose to provide delivery companies with alternative fuel technological solutions. Another way to contribute is producing and selling vehicle parts from recycled materials.

For quite a long time, technological progress has been causing our planet more harm than good, and booming production of consumer goods still contributes greatly to environmental pollution. Now, sufficient means of reducing the harm are at the disposal of both individuals and businesses – and for the latter, going green doesn’t mean being unprofitable anymore.

Process

Go to www.theoptimist.com and read more of the wonderful things going on around the planet.  Consider opting for the Emissary program to get daily updates to enhance your optimistic perspective.

Day 21 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

I can do, be, or have all that I desire.

You did not intend to replace your Emotional Guidance System with the opinions of your parents even if they were in harmony with their Emotional Guidance System in the moment of their trying to guide you. It was much more important to you to recognize the existence of your own Guidance System, and to utilize it, than to be deemed correct by, or to find approval from others.  ~  Abraham

I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.  ~  Henry Ford

Why Optimists Thrive

All Is Energy

Optimists thrive because of the structure of the universe and how it works. Quantum physicists tell us that everything is energy. All that-is is vibrating energy fluctuating between being waves and particles in lots of space. All the galaxies, stars and planets, the mountains and rivers, the walls of the buildings, the tables and chairs and you are vibrating energy. We are energy beings in a vibrating, attraction-based universe.

I am trained as a Reiki Master Teacher and Matrix Energetic and Reconnection practitioner. With practice I have learned to see the light energy coming from my fingers and around bodies. I can feel that energy as heat or thickness.

Feel The Vibes

Try this . . . rub your palms together. Feel the heat generated. Turn your hands palm up and imagine a slinky stretch from one palm to the other. Imagine the bulk of the slinky going from one hand to the other.

Imagine a ping-pong ball in one palm and toss it a little up in the air to the other palm. It is subtle, but you might feel heat or a little pressure going from one hand to the other. Rub your palms together again, feel the heat and slowly separate the palms a little at a time. Notice if you feel heat or a light pressure between your hands even though you see nothing there.

Those groups in the park doing Tia Chi, moving in an orchestrated pattern, are practicing soothing and aligning the energy around them.

All Is Electromagnetic

If you have watched any medical shows on TV, you probably have seen the doctor call clear and use electrical paddles to shock the patient’s heart into beating again (hopefully). All that-is, the field, as scientists call it, and we humans are electromagnetic. Because all is electric, every particle has polarity, a plus and a minus energy. Because it is electric, a magnetic field is created making the universe attraction based where like vibrations attract like vibrations.

Transmitting and Receiving

You are an energy being receiving and broadcasting vibrations. You interpret the world vibrationally. Our eyes, ears, nose, fingers and tongue are receiving vibrations that let us know what the word looks, sounds, smells, feels and tastes like.

The Choice Is Ours

That ongoing stream of thoughts we are thinking and transmitting chooses the vibration we are emanating. Because it is an attraction-based universe, the vibration we broadcast is what we receive back. What we focus on, put our attention on, keep thinking and talking about, is what expands in our lives.

We Have VIBES

As an energy being we have . . .

a Voice . . . that chatter box roommate in our mind that keeps up a random flow of thoughts that we broadcast out into the universe.

An Inner Being . . . the silent witness within us, the observer, the thing that is doing the thinking, our consciousness. It vibrates high, fast, light and clear, the vibrations we interpret as happiness, love, serenity – the pleasant feeling emotions.

Emotions . . . the feelings that are initiated by our thoughts. They are a guidance system telling us if the vibrations of our thoughts are in sync with the vibrations of our Inner Being. Are the thoughts that we are thinking vibrating the high, fast, light and clear vibrations of our Inner Being and Source Energy? Does the Voice and Inner Being resonate with each other?

Pleasant feelings indicate clear alignment. Unpleasant feelings tell us that our thoughts are not vibrating in sync with our Inner Being.

And Source Energy . . . the energy field surrounding us that vibrates high, fast, light and clear, the vibrations of the essence of the field. Physicist, Rupert Sheldrake calls it our morphic field. As I have written, I can see and feel this field. Scientists can measure it.

We have VIBES . . .

a Voice, Inner Being, Emotions and Source.

Expansion Happens

Each thought is a transmission out into the field. Each thought like every energy packet in the field has polarity – negative and positive energy – high, fast, light, and clear energy and low, slow, dense and clouded energy, what we want and the lack of it. Because the field is electromagnetic –attraction based – the high, fast, light and clear energy of our morphic field or Source Energy attracts the positive or higher, faster, lighter, clear energy of each thought. Thus, our Source Energy is constantly expanding with each thought. The lower, slower, denser, clouded energy of the thought drifts off connecting with a stream of similar energy.

Also, (because the field is attraction based) not only is our Source Energy expanding with each thought, it then is attracting similar vibrations. We are continually growing a vibrational version of what we desire, the feeling of what is wanted.

We each have a Virtual Vibrational Reality of desired possibilities.

Again, because the field is attraction based, our dominate vibration attracts similar vibrations. A reminder, our thoughts determine our vibration. Thus – we attract into our lives what we are thinking.

Our emotions tell us if what we are broadcasting is in clear alignment with our Inner Being and Source Energy – with that Virtual Vibrational Reality of our desires. If we resonate with that Virtual Reality, we attract what we have desired from it. If we are not in sync with our Virtual Vibrational Reality, we attract experiences and people from a stream of energy of what we do not want.

Manifestation

In this attraction-based field manifesting into physical form begins in the nonphysical. A thought gathers momentum by attracting similar thoughts. Ideas about the focus occur. Solutions develop. Possible players show up. Materials are available. It is not that what is needed is beamed down. Continued attention builds momentum of the wanted vibration. The vibrational tone of what is wanted is in our Virtual Reality. Those vibes draw near the parts of what is wanted. The potential mate, business connections, or financial investors, and venues are in physical form. The vibes of your Virtual Reality draw them near. You connect with them if you are in clear alignment. Otherwise, you zig when they zag, and no connection is made.

Believe It to See It

The tricky part of attracting what you desire is that you need to be a vibrational match to that desire. You need to be in the feeling tone of what that creation is like.

The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created it. ~ Albert Einstein

Since it can’t yet be seen, touched, tasted or smelled our thinking, thus vibration, is usually about the lack of it. It is a learned discipline to get into the feeling of the desired outcome before it manifests into physicality.

Actually, you do not need to be in the vibrational tone of a specific desire. The need is to be in clear alignment with the high, fast, light, and clear feel-good vibes of your Virtual Reality. You just need to feel good. Then you, your Virtual Reality, will attract what is wanted. Believe the universe will deliver it to you because that is how the universe works.

You will see it because you believed it first.

The Optimist’s Part

Optimists thrive because they are masters at a perception that evokes feel good emotions. That puts them in clear alignment with their Virtual Reality and the attraction of all they desire.

Process

Life Test

Optimism results in more success in almost every aspect of life – work, health, friendship, sociability, creativity and energy like satisfying and longer marriages, more friends, stronger social support and richer social interactions, more thoughtful, creative, and openness to new ideas. If you would describe your life to have many of these characteristics, you are mostly optimistic. Journal about what areas of your life you would describe as “successful?” What is your optimistic perspective that helped create these “successes”?

Day 20 Law of Attraction Centering Thought

I follow my internal guidance system.

Other’s Opinions Are Less Important Than My Personal Guidance System… You did not intend to use the opinions of your parents to measure against your beliefs, desires, or actions in order to determine the appropriateness of them. Instead, you knew (and still remembered, long after you were born) that it was the relationship between the opinion (or knowledge) of the Source within you and your current thoughts, in any moment, that would offer you perfect guidance in the form of emotions.  ~  Abraham

You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.  That’s what makes you a winner.  ~  Venus Williams

Why Optimists Thrive

All Is Energy

Optimists thrive because of the structure of the universe and how it works. Quantum physicists tell us that everything is energy. All that-is is vibrating energy fluctuating between being waves and particles in lots of space. All the galaxies, stars and planets, the mountains and rivers, the walls of the buildings, the tables and chairs and you are vibrating energy. We are energy beings in a vibrating, attraction-based universe.

I am trained as a Reiki Master Teacher and Matrix Energetic and Reconnection practitioner. With practice I have learned to see the light energy coming from my fingers and around bodies. I can feel that energy as heat or thickness.

Feel The Vibes

Try this . . . rub your palms together. Feel the heat generated. Turn your hands palm up and imagine a slinky stretch from one palm to the other. Imagine the bulk of the slinky going from one hand to the other.

Imagine a ping-pong ball in one palm and toss it a little up in the air to the other palm. It is subtle, but you might feel heat or a little pressure going from one hand to the other. Rub your palms together again, feel the heat and slowly separate the palms a little at a time. Notice if you feel heat or a light pressure between your hands even though you see nothing there.

Those groups in the park doing Tia Chi, moving in an orchestrated pattern, are practicing soothing and aligning the energy around them.

All Is Electromagnetic

If you have watched any medical shows on TV, you probably have seen the doctor call clear and use electrical paddles to shock the patient’s heart into beating again (hopefully). All that-is, the field, as scientists call it, and we humans are electromagnetic. Because all is electric, every particle has polarity, a plus and a minus energy. Because it is electric, a magnetic field is created making the universe attraction based where like vibrations attract like vibrations.

Transmitting and Receiving

You are an energy being receiving and broadcasting vibrations. You interpret the world vibrationally. Our eyes, ears, nose, fingers and tongue are receiving vibrations that let us know what the word looks, sounds, smells, feels and tastes like.

The Choice Is Ours

That ongoing stream of thoughts we are thinking and transmitting chooses the vibration we are emanating. Because it is an attraction-based universe, the vibration we broadcast is what we receive back. What we focus on, put our attention on, keep thinking and talking about, is what expands in our lives.

We Have VIBES

As an energy being we have . . .

a Voice . . . that chatter box roommate in our mind that keeps up a random flow of thoughts that we broadcast out into the universe.

An Inner Being . . . the silent witness within us, the observer, the thing that is doing the thinking, our consciousness. It vibrates high, fast, light and clear, the vibrations we interpret as happiness, love, serenity – the pleasant feeling emotions.

Emotions . . . the feelings that are initiated by our thoughts. They are a guidance system telling us if the vibrations of our thoughts are in sync with the vibrations of our Inner Being. Are the thoughts that we are thinking vibrating the high, fast, light and clear vibrations of our Inner Being and Source Energy? Does the Voice and Inner Being resonate with each other?

Pleasant feelings indicate clear alignment. Unpleasant feelings tell us that our thoughts are not vibrating in sync with our Inner Being.

And Source Energy . . . the energy field surrounding us that vibrates high, fast, light and clear, the vibrations of the essence of the field. Physicist, Rupert Sheldrake calls it our morphic field. As I have written, I can see and feel this field. Scientists can measure it.

We have VIBES . . .

a Voice, Inner Being, Emotions and Source.

Expansion Happens

Each thought is a transmission out into the field. Each thought like every energy packet in the field has polarity – negative and positive energy – high, fast, light, and clear energy and low, slow, dense and clouded energy, what we want and the lack of it. Because the field is electromagnetic –attraction based – the high, fast, light and clear energy of our morphic field or Source Energy attracts the positive or higher, faster, lighter, clear energy of each thought. Thus, our Source Energy is constantly expanding with each thought. The lower, slower, denser, clouded energy of the thought drifts off connecting with a stream of similar energy.

Also, (because the field is attraction based) not only is our Source Energy expanding with each thought, it then is attracting similar vibrations. We are continually growing a vibrational version of what we desire, the feeling of what is wanted.

We each have a Virtual Vibrational Reality of desired possibilities.

Again, because the field is attraction based, our dominate vibration attracts similar vibrations. A reminder, our thoughts determine our vibration. Thus – we attract into our lives what we are thinking.

Our emotions tell us if what we are broadcasting is in clear alignment with our Inner Being and Source Energy – with that Virtual Vibrational Reality of our desires. If we resonate with that Virtual Reality, we attract what we have desired from it. If we are not in sync with our Virtual Vibrational Reality, we attract experiences and people from a stream of energy of what we do not want.

Manifestation

In this attraction-based field manifesting into physical form begins in the nonphysical. A thought gathers momentum by attracting similar thoughts. Ideas about the focus occur. Solutions develop. Possible players show up. Materials are available. It is not that what is needed is beamed down. Continued attention builds momentum of the wanted vibration. The vibrational tone of what is wanted is in our Virtual Reality. Those vibes draw near the parts of what is wanted. The potential mate, business connections, or financial investors, and venues are in physical form. The vibes of your Virtual Reality draw them near. You connect with them if you are in clear alignment. Otherwise, you zig when they zag, and no connection is made.

Believe It to See It

The tricky part of attracting what you desire is that you need to be a vibrational match to that desire. You need to be in the feeling tone of what that creation is like.

The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created it. ~ Albert Einstein

Since it can’t yet be seen, touched, tasted or smelled our thinking, thus vibration, is usually about the lack of it. It is a learned discipline to get into the feeling of the desired outcome before it manifests into physicality.

Actually, you do not need to be in the vibrational tone of a specific desire. The need is to be in clear alignment with the high, fast, light, and clear feel-good vibes of your Virtual Reality. You just need to feel good. Then you, your Virtual Reality, will attract what is wanted. Believe the universe will deliver it to you because that is how the universe works.

You will see it because you believed it first.

The Optimist’s Part

Optimists thrive because they are masters at a perception that evokes feel good emotions. That puts them in clear alignment with their Virtual Reality and the attraction of all they desire.

Process

Life Test

Optimism results in more success in almost every aspect of life – work, health, friendship, sociability, creativity and energy like satisfying and longer marriages, more friends, stronger social support and richer social interactions, more thoughtful, creative, and openness to new ideas. If you would describe your life to have many of these characteristics, you are mostly optimistic. Journal about what areas of your life you would describe as “successful?” What is your optimistic perspective that helped create these “successes”?