Is “GREEN” the kind of diet that soon will be to tossed away? This year, tradeshow after tradeshow, we are invited to rejuvenate ourselves in “green” themes. This is a bit worrisome since it appears that the fad may simply pass as this tradeshow season sees its course. When we created CleanPix, 7 years ago, we thought companies will jump at the chance to use a technology that would help them to get “green” brownie points as well as to ease their daily tasks in communicating with the media. For the most part, the “green” argument was lost as being of marginal interest. Now, suddenly “green” is in. In fact, nothing but the energy crisis and climbing fuel costs can be accounted for as the trigger to this newly found “green” attraction. The use of less oil, less energy is without question the secret recipe to a “green” state.
The dilemma for the tourism industry is clear, less use of energy means better eco-friendly venues, protection of sites, but also may equate negatively to the sparsity of travelers. Sadly perhaps, world travel may become the luxury of the few who can afford it. This is all very worrisome as it seems that, from any perspective, much is at conflict and the future impact of energy costs on the tourism industry is uncertain. Fundamentally it is not the earth that we are killing, it is humanity, that is ourselves, or perhaps for now, more poignantly, those whose means are far less than ours. When we look globally, we see how the less fortunate are forced out of their riches to supply our “needs”. The dubious regulatory tactics that brought the real-estate market to its knees further eroding the middle-class via the sub-prime fiasco is by no means different in essence to the economic practices imposed on powerless countries. Lending them more than they can afford, acquiring their valuable property out of the deal, leaves them stranded on the street. To some people’s astonishment, it’s all under the watchful eye of the World Bank, catalyst in large degree of these deals. (http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine).
Sound familiar or simply controversial? … Sure! Nevertheless, conflicts are struck, political lies are masterminded, etc. If you think I dig too deep here, you are right, I am a grown-up. And … I did, like most of us, at an earlier age, said that we were to change the world. But guess what? This our turn now. “Green” is certainly something we can act on individually and purposefully, and for the most part, we do it in all sorts of ways. In a global world the choices we make affect us all. Basically, if we are supposed to be leaders, we have to lead, our government will follow, that’s their job. Truly, I feel a bit awkward. I feel as if I have single-handedly appropriated this discourse. I apologize, for not having the choice, as I am transcribing borrowed words from the consensus of many of my peers and co-workers. The resurgence of financially sound “green economics” is the result of nothing less than a rejection of a disastrous economical and political wrongdoings, long time brewing.
In all, “green” has to be a fundamental undertaking that requires a fundamental shift in our way of life. They say diets don’t work, I just hope that “green” is more than a diet and becomes a healthier choice, one that is here to stay. At CleanPix, from its design and inception, we have attempted to create standards to assist our clients in their journey. We are fully committed to using less energy, less oil. We are aware that our global reach, and the reach of our clients affect the world globally. The decision of being 100% wind-powered for our electrical needs, since February 2008, has marked our focus into this journey through the betterment of greener solutions for our clients. CleanPix insures sound connectivity with professional media peers and is “green” to stay. Our experience to date has made sound economical sense and has been basically painless. Moreover, as it turns out, it’s about decision making rather than risk taking. As a result, I cannot but encourage all to make the shift. There is no lack of “green tips”, there is a want of “doership”.
Nelson Vigneault
CEO CleanPix
Well said – thank you for being one of those with vision, and clearly a company that is in for the long haul. Perhaps tourism will take a different turn with people learning more about their own countries, visiting local food growing regions, sampling the beauty that is everywhere and getting to know their neighbors better.