Start-Ups and Environmental Change

By: Kethaki Nair

Judging from the pace of innovation the green field is currently a very interesting place to be. Technology in particular is really rising to meet the challenge of environmental change. Much of this innovation is happening through small start-ups with big ideas. Start-Ups can be exciting places to work and are inspiring to hear about. Here are some of the ones I have come across:

GoodGuide: This start-up evolved from a UC Berkeley Research Project. It rates a variety of products on their environmental, social, and health impacts. You can access their ratings through your PC, iphone, or text messaging service. I checked out their website and it is really easy to use (Crest Cavity Protection toothpaste was rated 5.8/10, I might have to consider changing.) http://www.goodguide.com/

Sungevity: This start-up makes uses the internet to make installing solar panels easier. Their website uses satellite imagery to measure your roof and deliver a quote for solar panel installation to you within a day! A process that would take a lot more time and effort before. http://www.sungevity.com/

Bionic Power: This Canadian start-up has created a knee brace that uses people as a source of portable power. Basically, as you walk and the 2-pound Bionic Energy Harvester on your knee charges your cell phone! Apparently for each minute you walk you get ten minutes of talk time on your cell phone http://www.bionic-power.com/

Photo From: http://www.bionic-power.com/