Seasoned show professional Bradford Rand, president and CEO of GoGreenExpo, had an epiphany several years ago about bringing businesses and people together to make a difference on the environment. Now held in cities across the U.S., GoGreenExpo is packed with green enthusiasts learning to connect and make the world a better place.

How do you eco?

I create eco-friendly trade shows around the nation called GoGreenExpo that inspire, enlighten and stimulate the sales of earth friendly products and services. Our company donates booth space and gives speaking opportunities to industry leaders, authors and taste makers that can educate both businesses and consumers on the benefits of “going green.” With musical performances, hundreds of exhibits featuring the latest home & building supplies, organic food & beverages, eco-fashion and and eco-kids zone, there is something for everyone who is interested in making our planet healthier!

Why did you go eco?

I was inspired to produce eco-events after seeing Al Gore’s movie An Inconvenient Truth in 2007. The thought of our earth losing to polluters was just not acceptable and through education there is an opportunity for us all to make a difference.

What’s your favorite eco tip?

For businesses: Simply turn over and reuse your fax paper.
For consumers: Buy paper towels and toilet paper that don’t come from virgin forests.
The fact some companies cut down trees to make products like that is crazy!

EcoLinks

• GoGreenExpo
• Eco Meetings, Conferences and Events

Glenn Croston, author of the new book 75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a Difference, runs the Starting Up Green website and writes about the green business world for Fast Company, Entrepreneur and Renewable Energy World.

How do you eco?

I help people start and grow green businesses that are both profitable and more sustainable. I write about opportunities for everyone to ride the green business wave. Lately, I’m developing strategies, opportunities and resources for green entrepreneurs online. I’m also working on my next book for green entrepreneurs which will provide nuts and bolts of how to sprout a successful and sustainable venture.

With my family in San Diego, CA, we’ve been greening how we live for a long time with compact fluorescent bulbs, a Prius or two, compost, and solar panels.

Why did you go eco?

It has been many steps along the way, not a single leap. One step was that, growing up, my parents often took us camping. I studied biology in college and for my Ph.D. I became increasingly troubled over the years by the growing impact we’re having on the world. Having kids, I wanted to help change the course we’re on and work toward a better world for them and everyone else. Watching An Inconvenient Truth drove home the need for solutions. But pointing our collective green finger at others doesn’t accomplish much. We need solutions that work for everybody, not a small fraction of the people. That means getting businesses to provide solutions that sell.

The good news is that while our environmental problems are large, the potential for solutions is also huge. Many people don’t seen it this way, saying it is impractical, that it can’t be done. Others don’t know where to start with a green business. For them, I started the book and blogs to help get on board with providing green business solutions, doing the right thing for us, and doing well for themselves.

What’s your favorite eco tip?

Yes we can!

EcoLinks

• 75GreenBusinesses
• StartingUpGreen
• WorkEco