http://www.cocomment.com/comments/GreenSmith Copyright 2007 coComment.com 2009-11-26T07:23:41.341+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/images/logo4rss.gif http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2591995&comment_id=136916706 Paul Smith @shinie yes, it's amazing how resourceful and creative people can be. 2009-11-03T20:32:11.878+01:00 2009-11-03T20:32:11.878+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2597693&comment_id=136833982 Paul Smith Here's a link to Amazon, searching the term Verterra: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=verterra&x=0&y=0 2009-11-02T21:41:25.179+01:00 2009-11-02T21:41:25.179+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2596005&comment_id=136736100 Paul Smith Good to know. That could be an easy conduit to transitioning to a more formalized program such as EcoUnit. They intend to incentivize all manner of sustainable consumer behavior, from what I understand. 2009-11-01T18:18:52.481+01:00 2009-11-01T18:18:52.481+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2595693&comment_id=136484192 Paul Smith You're welcome. It's being tested in Vancouver first, but businesses interested in being part of it elsewhere can contact us at info a t 3rdwhale d o t com if interested in being kept in the loop. 2009-10-30T18:51:53.930+01:00 2009-10-30T18:51:53.930+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2595693&comment_id=136383217 Paul Smith Hey Joshua, thanks for the uniquely you overview of all that we do. Something to look forward to in the next week or so is the beginning of inclusion of coupons on the Find Green app. Basically, if a business you're near has a coupon on offer, you can either press a button to get it, or just tip your phone to the side, it drops down, and you show it at the store. Voila, you've supported a local business, saved money, and no paper was used. Nifty! If you or any of the readers here have questions or features requests, do tell. The app is and will stay free. Go on, get it! We'll shortly be on Google Android phones, then Blackberry Storm and Curve. 2009-10-30T01:42:27.803+01:00 2009-10-30T01:42:27.803+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2595544&comment_id=136336453 Paul Smith Thanks much for the honor of being featured in your Eco Icon series! We're very proud of our product, and happy to have continually fine tuned the process, bringing down the price to a very reasonable level, making the plates even more sturdy then the already were, and now, diverting 15 tons of Palm leaves a month that would have been burnt. None of those leaves goes to waste either, since we powder the production scraps into fertilizer, usable by the farmers we get the leaves from. If anybody has questions about Verterra, I'll be tracking comments and will follow up to answer. If you or anybody is looking to buy these, we're now in roughly 300 stores and several places online. About half of Whole Foods stores carry Verterra now. For what's near you, go to www.verterra.com and click the Store Locator in the top right corner. Also if you're hosting a large event or are a restaurant, we offer steeply discounted prices for large quantities on our own store, http://www.verterra.com/shop.php 2009-10-29T18:59:43.864+01:00 2009-10-29T18:59:43.864+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2595010&comment_id=136200341 Paul Smith @Adam That sounds brilliant, making sustainable living in the real world into a game on your phone. Whatever it takes, I say. 2009-10-28T22:15:01.976+01:00 2009-10-28T22:15:01.976+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2595010&comment_id=136194643 Paul Smith @josh Wow, that sounds like an amazing resource! Who'd have thought the lowly, utilitarian phone would prove to be so useful in so many unexpected ways. 2009-10-28T21:24:44.736+01:00 2009-10-28T21:24:44.736+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2595010&comment_id=136188778 Paul Smith Thanks for featuring two of our apps, GreenPeace Tissue Guide and 3rdWhale Mobile in this piece! An important update: We've recently merged with GenGreen Life to form GenGreen Digital Media. What that means is that we've put everything into one, free app, called Find Green, and that the database is now the largest green, wellness, environmental business and services listings in North America - more then 55,000. We'll soon be incorporating mobile coupons as well, so that when you're near businesses that have them, you'll be able to just turn your phone, have a coupon to show, and be able to support a local business and yourself at the same time. You can find it now on iPhone, here:(iTunes apps store link) http://bit.ly/2BaaXl Shortly it will also be on Google Android, then Blackberry Storm and Curve. 2009-10-28T20:32:46.369+01:00 2009-10-28T20:32:46.369+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2594673&comment_id=136059650 GreenSmith Thanks Nino for the interview. We thought you and your readers would like to know that since the interview, we have merged with GenGreen to form GenGreen Digital, and have likewise merged apps to have one single free app, Find Green, free. It's on iPhone now, Google Android soon, followed by Blackberry Storm and Curve. It's soon going to have a coupon aspect, so when you're near a business that's participating, you can either download or just turn your phone sideways and there's a coupon to use in the store. You support local, green businesses, and save money. Not bad, eh? Find Green on iPhone can be found here: http://bit.ly/2BaaXl (iTunes link) 2009-10-28T00:46:21.426+01:00 2009-10-28T00:46:21.426+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2592617&comment_id=135265823 Paul Smith Hello Phillip, thanks for the great, nuanced review! One point of correction: It's currently 15 tons of leaves a month that we save from burning. Still a substantial number, but we don't want to claim too much credit! The price is half what it was a year ago, and with increasing efficiency, the price has the possibility of going lower. As you mentioned, with gentle washing, these plates can be reused, something other eco friendly options that turn to mush cannot offer. And I think you'd agree, their unique, stylish appearance, suitable for higher end occasions, would likely merit a higher price. But our aim continues to be affordable, highly sustainable products. Building on what you said, since palm leaves are inherently strong and we strategically layer the stickier part to the other layers, no external glue or wax sealant is needed, and therefore doesn't leech into your food. Verterra are currently available in more then 300 stores and several online outlets, everything from consumer sized sets to eco event/wedding friendly wholesale priced large sets via our own store http://www.verterra.com/shop.php . You can find out where else in your area we are via the Store Locator button on the top right of our site http://www.verterra.com/ It would be great if these were able to be made closer then India, in terms of carbon footprint, but with a factory that reuses 84% of its water, and zero of the leaves gets thrown away (cutting scraps are ground to powder and given back to farmers as a fertilizer) we are doing a lot to have a small footprint. I'd be happy to answer any other questions people have about Verterra, will be tracking this piece for any responses. Thanks again Phillip! 2009-10-23T23:36:16.284+02:00 2009-10-23T23:36:16.284+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2592616&comment_id=135265497 Paul Smith Hello Phillip, thanks for the great, nuanced review! One point of correction: It's currently 15 tons of leaves a month that we save from burning. Still a substantial number, but we don't want to claim too much credit! The price is half what it was a year ago, and with increasing efficiency, the price has the possibility of going lower. As you mentioned, with gentle washing, these plates can be reused, something other eco friendly options that turn to mush cannot offer. And I think you'd agree, their unique, stylish appearance, suitable for higher end occasions, would likely merit a higher price. But our aim continues to be affordable, highly sustainable products. Building on what you said, since palm leaves are inherently strong and we strategically layer the stickier part to the other layers, no external glue or wax sealant is needed, and therefore doesn't leech into your food. Verterra are currently available in more then 300 stores and several online outlets, everything from consumer sized sets to eco event/wedding friendly wholesale priced large sets via our own store http://www.verterra.com/shop.php . You can find out where else in your area we are via the Store Locator button on the top right of our site http://www.verterra.com/ It would be great if these were able to be made closer then India, in terms of carbon footprint, but with a factory that reuses 84% of its water, and zero of the leaves gets thrown away (cutting scraps are ground to powder and given back to farmers as a fertilizer) we are doing a lot to have a small footprint. I'd be happy to answer any other questions people have about Verterra, will be tracking this piece for any responses. Thanks again Phillip! 2009-10-23T23:34:24.585+02:00 2009-10-23T23:34:24.585+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2592158&comment_id=135247628 Paul S Got it, will edit the piece to reflect that. Looking forward to using your service when I'm in London! I had a BBC person on Twitter say they were going to go try it out, after I put this piece out. 2009-10-23T21:27:36.882+02:00 2009-10-23T21:27:36.882+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2592040&comment_id=135246723 Paul Smith @Kirsten, I've used some 5-10 times. You can hand wash them in cool/warm water. Depending on what's been on them (say a big mess of oatmeal) they may warp a bit when drying. Overall though, usable for many times. But priced reasonably enough that if you used them once, composting then wouldn't be a big deal. And even if you don't compost, they'll go away in time anyway, since they're, well. leaves! :) They look more like wood then a leaf in person. My friends often ask if they're bamboo. 2009-10-23T21:25:50.338+02:00 2009-10-23T21:25:50.338+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2592040&comment_id=135088124 Paul Smith @jerri, awesome to hear it was an unexpected success. It reminds me of when we got married, and had coconuts rather then champagne for our toast. Some people were a bit tentative, but then after trying it, really liked coconut water. Made them nice and energetic afterwords. Yey for no drunk Uncles! 2009-10-22T22:23:16.295+02:00 2009-10-22T22:23:16.295+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2592040&comment_id=135081122 Paul Smith Thanks very much for the great review. Some other good things to know: Verterra has been able to make them very affordable in the past year, now at over 300 stores and online. You can find where via their store locator on www.verterra.com Some cool eco aspects: They recycle 84% of the water used in the factory (which the CEO even drinks, it's so clean!) and none of the Palm leaves are wasted, cutting scraps are made into fertilizer for the farmers who give Verterra the leaves, and their total waste, for one month, is 2-3 consumer sized trash bags. That's less then most families! I'm happy to answer any questions people have, I've tried all the products myself, and have found them really sturdy, since they're one piece of material, not a mash of sugar cane, for example. 2009-10-22T20:59:15.197+02:00 2009-10-22T20:59:15.197+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2591995&comment_id=135069243 Paul Smith Thanks for the great review. We're proud of our products, and happy to have been able to make them much more affordable, and increasingly sustainable (ie all leaf scraps get ground into powder, given back to the farmers growing the trees, usable as fertilizer) We're aiming for 90% water reuse in our factory, as well. Our store has primarily wholesale/large event quantities, but if you'd like to get them in personal sized amounts, go to the top right corner of www.verterra.com and click Store Locator. We're in about 300 stores and several online outlets now. If anybody has other questions about Verterra, I'm happy to answer. 2009-10-22T19:24:34.071+02:00 2009-10-22T19:24:34.071+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2537321&comment_id=116126195 Paul Smith That sounds really cool Kristin. What's the url for that app/info on it? 2009-07-06T21:43:17.871+02:00 2009-07-06T21:43:17.871+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2537321&comment_id=116116369 Paul Smith Thanks much for including 3rdWhale in your article! things to know: It's $1.99 not $2.99 We are the first green mobile app developer to be a member of 1% For The Planet! For every app purchased, we're donating 25 cents to 5 different green/environmental NGOS We've chose the first 2 (EarthShare.org and Natural Capital Solutions), and we are in the middle of the process of you the public nominating and now voting for which ones should be the final 3. You can check out the top 10 and vote, now through Friday July 10th, here: http://bit.ly/gTz9q We look forward to hearing from you there, and any requests/suggestions for what else you'd like to see our app do for you! 2009-07-06T20:40:48.532+02:00 2009-07-06T20:40:48.532+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2530062&comment_id=111504128 Paul Smith @Glynnis that's a great app idea, what an awesome use of technology! @D. Bonner I like where you're going, you may be on to something there. 2009-06-24T20:50:52.661+02:00 2009-06-24T20:50:52.661+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2510931&comment_id=99729050 Paul Smith @beaker broker: Thanks, how odd: They all have http, but many of them have this odd added on useless info. Will fix now. 2009-05-28T07:17:37.196+02:00 2009-05-28T07:17:37.196+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2506476&comment_id=96574132 Paul Smith Gladly, you've got something good going on here, people need to know! 2009-05-21T04:02:09.957+02:00 2009-05-21T04:02:09.957+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2478066&comment_id=93653657 Paul Smith Thanks Wendy. I'm aware that it's AISO's data center that Solarhost uses, but it's the parallel of say, here in California where multiple companies offer internet, based off one company's phone lines. Same source, different price, service, etc. Agreed, there should be (and I wonder if there is?) more server farms like this. 2009-05-14T18:01:24.659+02:00 2009-05-14T18:01:24.659+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2500889&comment_id=92697166 Paul Smith I've been on the opposite trajectory - Lived in San Francisco and Oakland for 13 years, and now live in Nevada City, California, population ~3000. I feel more connected with the broader world then I ever did in the Bay Area, where there was definitely a lot going on, but seemingly no time for real, deep connection. Perhaps where I am is an exception, but there is no big box stores, the city hall and other city buildings are solar powered, nature is respected and enjoyed, there's a strong coalition of local farmers and food producers, a vibrant arts community, and community in general, and there's a sustainability center opening up in June, a resource to individuals and businesses. Yes, public transportation is feeble, definitely, but I wouldn't trade living here for the city, ever. And I do appreciate urbanity when I visit, and see the value. And it works for many. I say, let's find and create the best in wherever we live! 2009-05-12T18:47:47.318+02:00 2009-05-12T18:47:47.318+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2483034&comment_id=78257321 Paul Smith I heard a lot about Investors' Circle when I was at Presidio. Such a great idea. Is Tom going to be there? 2009-04-15T22:59:06.605+02:00 2009-04-15T22:59:06.605+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2478066&comment_id=74813365 Paul Smith @Chaux It is solar powered hosting! :) Yes, having plans that fit with your actual needs just seems a more sensible way to go. Financially and energetically efficient. 2009-04-09T19:30:18.972+02:00 2009-04-09T19:30:18.972+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2478066&comment_id=74294398 Paul Smith Yes, for the more tech inclined, that's another solid option. Good to hear! 2009-04-08T21:51:27.843+02:00 2009-04-08T21:51:27.843+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2473066&comment_id=71447705 Paul Smith Well that was fun! Sorry if I caused any big concern with anybody. But in finding out the truth, and having had the possibility of a beloved company switching course in such a way, I imagine you're even more glad it's still alive and kicking. Back in the real world, check out their latest line, vinyl record and circuit board based goodies! http://www.terracycle.net/press/circuit_vinyl_release.html 2009-04-02T21:01:43.064+02:00 2009-04-02T21:01:43.064+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2473066&comment_id=70966886 Paul Smith I've been in touch with their publicist Albe Zakes who said that by 9:30a their time, they'd gotten 3 phone calls and 4 concerned emails. I thought I'd filled it with enough BS to be sniffed out. Oops! As I said to Albe, any publicity is good publicity. 2009-04-01T19:47:44.048+02:00 2009-04-01T19:47:44.048+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2468042&comment_id=70086251 Paul Smith Ah, thanks very much for that thorough correction/background on where it came from, and what's going on. My mistaken, apologies. That is very encouraging to hear it so thoroughly shown to work so well. 2009-03-30T21:40:54.327+02:00 2009-03-30T21:40:54.327+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2469715&comment_id=69175404 Paul Smith @kir I know, right? Doing things to your house can seem like a lot, but I appreciate how they humanize (and humorize) making energy efficiency happen, especially their blogs, which I imagine go a long way get people from "thinking about it" to actually doing something to make their house greener, while saving some green at the same time. 2009-03-27T22:32:39.541+01:00 2009-03-27T22:32:39.541+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2469715&comment_id=69149897 Paul Smith @kir I know, right? Doing things to your house can seem like a lot, but I appreciate how they humanize (and humorize) making energy efficiency happen, especially their blogs, which I imagine go a long way get people from "thinking about it" to actually doing something to make their house greener, while saving some green at the same time. 2009-03-27T20:14:34.297+01:00 2009-03-27T20:14:34.297+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2468042&comment_id=68556836 Paul Smith Agreed. It's the parallel to pharmaceutical companies seeking to make patentable and profitable what plants and other natural sources can do, but are not patentable. 2009-03-25T23:23:25.582+01:00 2009-03-25T23:23:25.582+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2462872&comment_id=66800217 Paul Smith Good idea Nick. If machines have typically been geared to wood processing (at least here in the US) there would seem to be an opportunity to be a first mover on this. After all, the US is the biggest importer of bamboo products in the world at the moment. Entrepreneurs, you listening? 2009-03-18T23:20:25.707+01:00 2009-03-18T23:20:25.707+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2462872&comment_id=66765488 Paul Smith All valid points. And I would think that with enough interest in it, equipment could start being made specifically for it. Balancing out initial expenses with short/long term savings due to reduced pesticide/water use, and it could have a chance. In the south, where cotton is withering as a viable option, this could work. Retool old cotton gins, invest in the right equipment, and it's game on. 2009-03-18T20:00:51.730+01:00 2009-03-18T20:00:51.730+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2446034&comment_id=64965686 Paul Smith @Dave, yes it uses an inverter as part of the install. 2009-03-11T23:35:01.973+01:00 2009-03-11T23:35:01.973+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2446034&comment_id=64921675 Paul Smith @Dave: That's what I thought too, until I asked on Twitter. Someone answered in Portland that when you have duplex style outlets, power can go both ways. Apparently this is standard in many places. Electricians, can you confirm this? 2009-03-11T18:57:56.883+01:00 2009-03-11T18:57:56.883+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2444724&comment_id=64501482 Paul & Vanessa Smith Hey gang, @CoachVanessa and I ( @GreenSmith) will be representing Nevada City at the Tweetup. See you in a few! 2009-03-10T03:57:48.057+01:00 2009-03-10T03:57:48.057+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=2442458&comment_id=63733840 Paul Smith I am a sustainable business consultant, and have to say, this is just about the best overall resource I've ever seen to give people multiple entry points of areas they may already have knowledge from their previous work, excellent resources for what they don't, and it's entirely doable, rather than overwhelming. One idea that I found particularly interesting was that of greening your code. Makes perfect sense when you think about it - help make the job of the machines executing it easier, and they use less energy. Brilliant. Thanks, I'll be passing this on. 2009-03-06T20:56:33.181+01:00 2009-03-06T20:56:33.181+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=1776079&comment_id=63517927 Paul Smith Sample sample on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? 2009-03-06T00:20:52.833+01:00 2009-03-06T00:20:52.833+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=1487563&comment_id=28560855 Paul Smith One addition: It's Mike Thompson, Democractic Representative, not Fred, former Senator. And Goodwill recycles, not dumps CRT TVs. 2008-07-10T18:39:22.389+02:00 2008-07-10T18:39:22.389+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=1487563&comment_id=28548458 Paul Smith Nice find! 2008-07-10T09:56:17.867+02:00 2008-07-10T09:56:17.867+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=1487724&comment_id=28532338 Paul Smith What an awesome idea! I'd be interested to see the results of democratically decided business choices. The clothes, yes that makes good business sense, as you can then see which would be popular and therefore sell well. But what of the other decisions? Hope there isn't watered down of non decisions based on lack of consensus/majority. One t watch, no doubnt 2008-07-10T01:36:31.607+02:00 2008-07-10T01:36:31.607+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=GreenSmith&conv=1487563&comment_id=28529351 Paul Smith All great comments. Thos, thanks for creating a company that greatly simplifies and monetizes the process of e-cycling. Erich, I spoke to a Goodwill rep from Texas, they very much want to do it, part of their mission is to find new use for or effectively recycle/dispose of what they cannot, and that goes far beyond e-waste. They just want systems in place so that the service they provide isn't entirely shouldered by them. Rutton, good question, that's who the Goodwill person mentioned. Perhaps this person?http://californiaforthompson.com/wordpress/ I'll ask. Check back. Dawn, I'm right with you, and increasingly in places other then the US, that's the case. But in terms of the consumers, I think that it's those people who, being nudged a bit by the rising mainstream green consiousness, would first think of Goodwill as where to take such things as these. 2008-07-09T23:56:34.873+02:00 2008-07-09T23:56:34.873+02:00