INK PUBLIC RELATIONS

In the U.S. we’re in the eye of the clean energy revolution – it seems you can’t turn on the television, read a magazine or listen to Obama speak without some mention of our clean energy future in the U.S.  Everyone is getting involved.  I just read that Hummer is producing a new H3 hybrid which was shown at the U.S. Capitol last week.  Working in the clean energy PR space, we are very much attuned to the industry since we’re continually reading up on the latest trends, but it’s no secret that young and old are joining the clean tech movement.  This Newsweek article says it so well:

“You might not expect the under-30 crowd to queue up for a cap-and-trade hearing on Capitol Hill. But there they were, all last week, many wearing green shirts with environmental slogans, waiting patiently for hours to get seats for a public meeting on the American Clean Energy and Security Act. At times, fully one quarter of the room appeared to be in their 20s.”

It’s true that a younger generation of people have been energized by Obama’s campaign and as someone that’s part of that generation – it’s exciting.  Although I think everyone recognizes that this is a huge issue and change isn’t going to happen overnight, there really are small things that each of us can do every day to help do our individual part.  I recently picked up a book with some tips on living a greener lifestyle and was amazed at the little things we can all do to help.  One of my new favorites – organize your refrigerator so that you know where everything is and can use less energy when you’re opening and closing the door.  Doesn’t it seem so easy?

The little things are so simple, but I certainly recognize that a lot of this clean energy fight will not be easy.  This was clear as INK traveled to Chicago for Windpower 2009 this month with our renewable energy client and saw firsthand many of the big and small players trying to make a difference in the wind industry.  We even got a glimpse of the man himself – T.Boone Pickens.  The show this year had more attendees than 2007 and 2008 combined, reaffirming that this issue is not one that’s going away any time soon.

The following week, Blair and I headed out to Rochester, NY, for media training for the same renewable energy client.  As we flew in over the quaint little houses and perfectly lined streets, the question was asked: Would you want a wind farm in your backyard if you lived here?  The answer is yes.  Although we’ve seen that there is often a NIMBY attitude in some of the smaller communities, these wind turbines are majestic and a symbol of empowerment.  They are helping the U.S. live a clean energy future and improve our energy security.  So if asked if I would want one of these wind farms in my backyard – I’d say go right ahead.

That is my “green” rant and I’m excited to continue working in this industry and watching the changes and progression over time.  Are you?