Questions About Wind Power & Green Advertising

It seems to me that with each passing day that more attention is being given to the numerous topics that make up 'sustainability' or corporate social responsibility. During my break, I haven't been online much, so I have not posted much to this blog. I was, however, waiting for someone today and had a few minutes to read today's New York Times' business section. Two articles speak to these topics.

The first, which is on the cover of the print version, deals with the limits of wind power. For example, in Texas, the hottest days are also the least windy. As a consequence of that, back up is needed and that can be electricity from coal. The article does speak of research being done to use the excess electricity produced by wind power, on days that allow for a surplus, to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen could be burned or run through a fuel cell to make electricity for the times when it is needed. The result, though, is that half of the stored electricity will be lost in the process.

Read the article for another potential use for the excess wind power when there is excess. This use will help to reduce the use of natural gas. The article also makes a point that carbon dioxide still is not given a cost - one of the truly huge faults in our economic system (that costs are not accurately accounted for in products that harm our environment).

The other article in today's New York Times business deals with the relatively recent increase in advertising agencies that specialize in 'green' ads. It mentions how some of these smaller agencies are landing big clients.