A Site For Green Eyes:  An Interview With Greenwala

In Asia, particularly in India, the word “wala” is a slang term used to signify someone with answers which makes the new social networking site Greenwala the perfect place for people to go when they are searching for answers on going green. Founder Rajeev Kapur (also known as the “Chief Wala”) was looking for a way to give some positive reinforcement to consumers and brands looking to begin or continue on their own journey towards becoming more sustainable. “Going green is not a destination, it is a journey,” says Kapur. “We wanted to create an online community that would not only provide solutions, but give users the positive support they need to continue down the road toward sustainability.”

As the site prepares for its public beta launch, Kapur spoke with Good And Green™ E-ssentials editor Patti Minglin on the concept and goals of Greenwala as well as what brands need to be doing to successfully connect their green messages with today’s consumers.  More>>

Good For Business, Good For The Environment:    An Interview With NatureWorks LLC

In today’s tough economic times it is always refreshing to hear from a company that is experiencing great growth. It is even more satisfying when that company is also doing good things for the environment. At NatureWorks LLC, New Showcase Sponsor for Good And Green™-The Green Marketing Conference, that is exactly what has been happening. Over the past several years, their line of plant-based materials has made it possible for brands to create products and packaging in more sustainable ways. Steve Davies, global marketing director of NatureWorks LLC recently spoke with Patti Minglin, editor of Good And Green ™ E-ssentials, about the innovative ways companies are using these materials and what exciting things attendees will be able to see during this year’s New Product Showcase at Good And Green™.

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Drink It Up:  An Interview With Parducci Wine Cellars

As the first carbon neutral winery in the United States and a Hospitality Sponsor of Good And Green™-The Green Marketing Conference, Parducci is committed to responsible land stewardship, sustainable viticulture and green business practices that yield superior grapes while protecting the environment. Founded in 1932 and bonded in 1933, Parducci is the oldest winery in Mendocino County and recently received the GEELA award from California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the area of climate control. Their efforts to minimize the impact on the environment are many and Michelle Johnson, coordinator of event marketing for Parducci, recently spoke with Patti Minglin, editor of Good And Green™ E-ssentials, on how being a sustainability leader in the wine industry makes good business sense and what wines we can expect to taste this year doing Good And Green™.

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Sweet Sustainability: An Interview With Endangered Species Chocolate

There is a place where chocolate flows freely and profits are used to support species, habitat and humanity. It is a place built upon the core value of Reverence for Life—believing all life is precious and deserving of our respect, kindness and care. This is not some magical place created for books of fiction or even a place that is known as an eco-center of our planet. It is a company located in the bustling Midwestern city of Indianapolis that uses its product and people to make a real difference in our world.

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Denise Waggoner
Vice President of Creative Research
Getty Images

Seeing Green:  An Interview With Denise Waggoner of Getty Images

As vice president of creative research for Getty Images, Denise Waggoner knows how images work in the world today. Her team has unprecedented resources for studying the meaning and application of photographs, illustration and film around the globe and she has a unique insight into what visuals effectively communicate today’s environmental marketing messages. Back by popular demand, Denise will be returning to the Good And Green™ stage this December and as she prepares to give us her “Visual Report Card on Green”, she recently spoke with Patti Minglin, editor of Good And Green™ E-ssentials, on how “green” (literally) looks to consumers.

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Beyond The Lemonade Stand

Five years ago, Molly and Carly Houlahan (who are now 16 and 14) lost their grandfather to an aggressive form of throat cancer and decided to honor his memory by raising money to find a cure. Instead of going the typical fundraising route, the two sisters looked to create a sustainable business that could continue to raise funds long after they had grown into becoming adults. "We believe the only way the world is going to be changed is with business,” says Molly. “Business is not built on hand-outs, it is sustainable and allows us to make long lasting change in the world."

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