efficient and less polluting. In the gov- still think cleantech is an outstanding
ernment’s 2009 Fuel Economy Guide, long-term investment trend.” Still, he
the Honda’s Civic Hybrid was cited as a cautions that green stocks should only
leader among compact cars, delivering comprise 5 percent to 10 percent of an
40 miles per gallon in the city/45 mpg investor’s portfolio. Why? He notes that
on the highway. Among midsized cars, renewable energy investments are par-
the Prius tops the list with 48/45 mpg; ticularly subject to outside forces, such
in the SUV class, Ford’s Escape Hybrid as government investment, the avail-
gets a solid 34/31 mpg. ability of strong credit available to fund
Because they can cost $2,000-plus solar panels and other energy systems,
more than gas-powered cars, hybrids and the rise and fall of gasoline prices.
are a tough sell at the moment. Several But venture capitalists are still
federal tax credits designed to ease the flocking to clean technology ventures
transition to hybrid, electric and other such as eSolar Inc., the nation’s first
fuel-efficient vehicles, like diesels, solar tower energy facility, in Pasadena,
have come and gone, the latest called California, backed by the investment
Cash for Clunkers—a federal stimulus firm Idealab. Ernst & Young reported
program that offered up to $4,500 to that investments in cleantech startups
anyone who traded an old gas-guzzler jumped 73 percent in the second quar-
for a new, more fuel-efficient car. The ter last year. Paul Deninger, vice presi-
discussion has many people seriously dent of the investment bank Jefferies &
rethinking their transportation options. Company, notes that the most exciting
At the same time, the American opportunities may actually occur in the
Public Transportation Association process of managing current energy use
reported a 4 percent increase in public “by happenstance, being green, rather
transportation ridership last year— than [in] managing the carbon footprint
bringing it to its highest level in 52 directly.”
years. Bicycle sales are picking up, too. Matthew Patsky, a partner of the
In the first quarter of 2009, U.S. bicycle green fund group Winslow Manage-
sales surpassed car sales. ment, observes that in the future, fossil
Rising interest in bicycle riding fuel supplies will inevitably be sup-
has led many cities to open bike lanes. planted by clean energy like solar, wind
National efforts to create safe paths and geothermal. “Renewable energy,
for bike riders include the East Coast green building, mass transit, improving
Greenway, a 3,000-mile traffic-free trail efficiency…” Patsky concludes, “It’s got
system between Canada and Florida to win.”
that’s 21 percent complete. The San
Francisco Bay Trail has developed 300 Contact: Green Century Capital Man-
miles of shoreline trails for bikers, hik- agement, Inc., GreenCentury.com; Pax
ers and other outdoor enthusiasts over World Funds, PaxWorld.com; Winslow
the past 20 years, with an eventual goal Management Company,
of 500 miles. Today’s evolving bicycle WinslowGreen.com.
designs include folding models for
commuters and a range of trailers, carri- Natural Awakenings readers across
ers and attachments for those who want the country are among those already
to start shopping by bike and bring the investing in a greener future—whether
kids. switching to organic snacks and energy-
efficient light bulbs, supporting local
Contact: U.S. Department of Energy, green businesses or bicycling to work.
FuelEconomy.gov; East Coast Greenway, Collectively, these incremental changes
Greenway.org; The San Francisco Bay are beginning to add up and the mar-
Trail Project, BayTrail.abag.ca.gov.
kets are responding.
Green Investing
Brita Belli is the editor of E/The Envi-
Jack Uldrich, the author of Green
ronmental Magazine and the author of
Investing: A Guide to Making Money
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Renew-
through Environment-Friendly Stocks,
able Energy for Your Home. Connect at
says that, despite the recession, “I
Brita@emagazine.com.
October 2009 23
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