Is it harder for small businesses?

My mother owns a small business - a drycleaners, actually - in a small town in Arkansas. When I was in high school as a classic nerd, i entered the science fair with designs on how to add solar energy to the business. This was in 1981. I won 2nd place at the science fair, but we never installed the system. So much of a drycleaners relies on steam heat. During Arkansas' summers, this can be brutal for employees, but it sure does leave nice creases in the pants and shirts. The system placed solar panels on the roof at the correct angle yada yada yada, and instead of using traditional sources to fire the boiler to heat the water it relied on solar energy. tada. 2nd place.

It is now 2007, 26 years later and I am seeing so many companies change to green operating practices. They talk of reduced foot print, carbon neutral, and earth friendly. Now that Mr. Gore has a Nobel Prize, these same companies are touting their efforts and seeking a bonus for their value added. These are all mostly larger companies and companies that have a greener clientel to begin with. But what about the smaller business.

I'd like to figure out a business model that supports a consulting practice that works with small businesses to reduce their carbon usage, and become more earth friendly.

The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats need to be reviewed. But with out hesitation many come to mind immediately.

• There are many more small businesses than mega businesses. Strength and Opportunity
• They are often only marginally profitable. Weakness Threat.
• How does one price such a service to small businesses? Weakness.
• Though it is sometimes requires initial financial outlay, greening often has long term savings. Strength.
• Added marketability results from success of almost any measure. Strength and Opportunity.
• Business analysis that increases efficiency is good in and of itself. Strength and Opportunity

A great website to start with is based out of Northampton, MA. The Center for Ecological Technology.

If someone were to proactivley go out and solicity small businesses, would it be good thing. This could be combined with training. Maybe training could be underwritten by trade associations or chambers of commerce, electric companies.

More to ponder. Good night.

Running on a cold day

I went for a 10K run today. It was 30 degrees and there was snow and ice on the shoulder. And Paulo Nuttini's song new shoes played on my ipod. and i was inspired to come jot down some notes on what might "feel alright". so here you go.
Yes new shoes would be great. I was running in my Adidas Adistar Cushion 6.0 or something like that. But while they are light weight and great for summer running, I had to wear two pair of socks to keep my feet warm. So maybe it is time to find a good pair of winter running shoes. And so I am in search.

Shoes: Need to come in a size 5 1/2. Be attractive. They should fit a women's neutral foot, narrow heel, and wide toe box, and moderate to high arch. Waterproof would probably be good for winter's sloppy roads. There is a pair of Vasque trail shoes that got Outdoor Magazines Gear of the Year award. Blur.

It might be a good idea to be able to add some sort of extra traction if necessary for slick streets. I have had Yaktrax Walkers before and blew out the rubber thing and had the coils come unwound. This might be time to try the new Kahtoola Microspikes or to upgrade to Yaktrax Pro.

Sox: Warm, Smart Wool. Some of my favorite include the Women's Adrenaline Mini Socks.

Tights. I really want to try the CW-X tights. These are the ones that are designed to help support your joints. The CW-X Insulator Expert Tight looks perfect for what I need.

Tops. EMS Techwick lightweight 1/4 zip and or the Hind Windproof Sport top

Head wear. I have a wee noggin. I like to wear earwarmers over hats if at all possible to vent the brain. Perlizumi have some nice ones that wick really well.

Gloves/ Mittens: Like my noggin, my digits are pretty small and get cold really easily and take forever to warm up. I prefer glove liners down to freezing and then mittens preferably with a windproof shell below freezing.

Undergarments: The fewer seams the better. The world would be a better place all around with less chafing in sensitive regions. And since I am of modest means and can't afford to own one for every day of the month and have to wash them often. Because, well, I sweat. I can tell you are shocked. And because I sweat they need to be washed. Bras and undies that let go fo the odor of the last good sweat would be fantastic.

Well that's a start.
Get out there and run. Don't let the weather hold you back.