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Summer is coming and the next month or so in Austin is always a beautiful, vibrant time of year. People begin to shake off the cold (for those of us in Austin, mid-50's is freezing) and start coming up with elaborate reasons why we simply have to leave work at noon that day. Should you find yourself be-bopping down Congress Avenue in April enjoying the sun and the breeze, there are a couple of things you might want to keep an eye out for.
In addition to the largest urban colony of bats in North America, dizzying fields of bluebonnets and the occasional sighting of Willie Nelson or Charlie Sexton, Austin has a number of unique elements one can only find here.
A 2.5 inch federally protected aquatic salamander, for instance.
Found only in Barton Springs Swimming Pool, a spring-fed Austin landmark boasting a comfy 68 degrees year-round, this little guy is cute, tiny, and has been at the core of some of the city's nastiest political and legal brawling between land developers and conservation groups for more than ten years. And while the salamander won that particular battle, it's not just Austin that's dealing with growing pains in regard to environmental policy.
Just last year California passed a bill requiring a staggering 25 percent reduction in the state's carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. Joining California with plans to cut regional emissions are Washington, New Mexico, Oregon and Arizona.
On the national level, only a few weeks ago former Vice President Al Gore presented to the House and Senate data and information on the dangers of global warming and how we contribute to the threat. And while his film, "An Inconvenient Truth," increasingly gains popularity, it is the message that seems to be working its way through society.
In fact, Discovery Communications recently announced plans to start a 24-hour channel featuring programming focused on eco-friendly living as part of its PlanetGreen initiative - one of the largest efforts to date of a media company tapping into the growing environmental movement. Also part of PlanetGreen, Discovery plans to hold a PlanetGreen Innovation Conference gathering business leaders, scientists, and conservation experts.
However, no matter what side of the aisle you sit politically or ideologically, it should be clear that environmental issues have an increasing impact on how small businesses operate. Regulatory issues, pending legislation, or civic/social movements can be critical in terms of how you do business. Check local agencies or representatives for information specific to your area.
The following small businesses ($30 million or less in revenue) are examples of those that have flourished in this new "green" environment, providing services and products that are either produced using eco-friendly materials or are designed to help others do just that.
The Chocolate Alchemist Limited
The Chocolate Alchemist Limited works to satisfy the cravings of eco-conscious chocoholics in the UK by making organic handmade chocolates. Products include truffles, chocolate...
The Royal Soap Company
Forget royal jelly; welcome Royal Soap. The Royal Soap Company creates hand-crafted, all-natural, animal- and environmentally-friendly soaps, shower gels, and...
Sterling Planet, Inc.
The sterling contribution that Sterling Planet make is to offer environmentally friendly electricity options to customers across...
American Farmland Trust
Old McDonald was probably a member of AFT. The not-for-profit American Farmland Trust seeks to protect farmland in the US by working with...
Converted Organics Inc.
Converted Organics is not a group of new and fervent vegetarians but a company that is religiously developing a process to turn food into fertilizer. The development stage company plans to...
