The U.S. Military’s ‘Green’ Frame

Cross-posted from The Green Suits:

Greetings on 11.11.11–Veteran’s Day in the U.S.

U.S. armed forces recognize that "green" saves lives. Will U.S. businesses recognize their own "green" frame? We hope so.

On this day, we honor those who served our country as members of the armed forces.

Public schools are closed. So too are banks and state and federal government offices. Today, wreaths were laid at Arlington National Cemetery and other places to fully recognize the sacrifice so many men and women have given to country.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been very deadly affairs for U.S. troops; in Iraq alone, over 3,000 service men and women running supply convoys to our forward bases have lost their lives to roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

And as a result, the military recognizes that converting these bases to renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) as quickly as possible will save lives. That’s the U.S. military’s ‘green’ frame.

This is an amazing transformation for an institution that only a few years ago framed greenness as the mindless drivel of so many hedonistic hippies. And yet, now–on 11.11.11–the U.S. Department of Defense demands increased resource sustainability and renewable energy, because they help defend our national security and save lives.

Will American business follow the military in establishing a useful green frame? Many Fortune 500 companies have active and growing sustainability practices, and yet most companies in the U.S.–small enterprises of 50 or few employees–have yet to follow suit. The ones that recognize that “green is good for business” will succeed, whereas, the ones don’t will be left in the dust.

Today, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military. Then, let us encourage our friends in business to recognize that green supports our national defense…and is good for business.

High-Level Execs Urge President, Congress to Pass Energy, Climate Legislation

Cross-posted on The Green Suits:

We Can Lead, a business advocacy group led by senior executives from some of the U.S.’s most-recognizable brands, has called on President Obama and the 111th Congress to act swiftly on comprehensive energy and climate change legislation. The group believes such legislation when passed will bolster national security by making the U.S. more energy-independent, boost economic output, and create 1.7 million new jobs. From its January 21, 2010 Letter to the President:

“We need strong policies and clear market signals that support the transition to a low-carbon economy and reward companies that innovate. With certainty, clear rules of the road, and a level playing field, U.S. businesses will deploy capital, plan, build, innovate and compete successfully in the global marketplace.”

The group, whose membership includes Dow Corning, eBay, HP, Virgin America, and Stonyfield Farm, believes that the U.S. has fallen behind “in the global race to lead the new energy economy” and that the President and Congress need to act quicky to turn the tide.

Last last year, one We Can Lead group member – energy producer Exelon – famously surrendered its membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has been, to say it mildly, highly critical of President Obama’s energy agenda.