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Choosing Green. Are We Cashing Out Our Legacy?. This is Not a New Issue. “We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.” -Albert Einstein. Fossil Fuel. Some “Inconvenient Truths” There is a finite supply Emissions from burning it harm our environment
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ChoosingGreen Are We Cashing Out Our Legacy?
This is Not a New Issue “We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.” -Albert Einstein
Fossil Fuel • Some “Inconvenient Truths” • There is a finite supply • Emissions from burning it harm our environment • Much of it is in places that are unfriendly to the US and politically unstable
Fossil Fuel Geography Iran United Arab Emirates
Fossil Fuel • At current consumption rates, the supply will last an estimated 50 years • Reducing consumption now is critical to extending this timeframe • Lightweight, fuel efficient cars • Substitute materials to replace plastic • Recycle materials already in existence
Choosing Green • The question is not if we will reduce our dependence on oil • The question is when and how much pain we will have to endure before we decide to reduce it
Choosing Green • The United States has a choice • Cash in our Legacy and continue our dependence on Oil - Or - • Embrace the transition and lead the way forward
Short Term Economics • The short term will be more expensive • Changes in infrastructure • Changes in manufacturing methods • Changes in buying habits • Government can help • Funding • Mandates
Long Term Economics “Companies that produce goods and services aimed at battling climate change generated $300 billion in annual revenues, surpassing the biotech and software sectors combined.” 1 1. “Companies Tackling Climate Change Top $300B,” Climate Biz, 13 October 2008
What is Concept Industries Doing? Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Nonwoven Products Acoustic Products Lightweight Dash Insulator Lightweight Carpet Underlayment Door Acoustic Watershields Trim Products Headliner Substrate Materials Headliner Air Caps Door Trim Bolsters Seating Topper Pads Door Bolsters Package Trays Load Floors Column Covers
Eco-CoreTM Nonwovens • Various Natural Fiber Levels • Up to 85% • Lighter weight than 100% Plastic • Superior Strength • 3 Dimensionally Moldable • Thermo Form or Thermo Set • Multi-Layer Laminates
Eco-CoreTM Nonwovens • Renewable Natural Bast Fiber • Currently grown and harvested by hand • Could be grown in the US with support for harvesting equipment
Soni-CorTM Nonwovens • 100% synthetic or combination synthetic and natural fiber • Recycled Synthetic Fibers • No loss manufacturing • Outstanding Compression Resistance • Superior acoustical performance
Concept Industries has partnered with HNI to develop and produce Nature Core, a natural fiber replacement for fiberglass Nature Core is offered on the Initiate line of HON Office Furniture Additional Fiberglass replacement options are available Nature CoreTM
A Small Start “Without a major push by companies—in partnership with federal and local political leaders, activists, and consumers—what's going on isn't much more than random acts of greenness.” 2 2. Joel Makower, “In Recession, Business Keeps Going Green,” Business Week, 2 February 2009
What’s Next? • You all have a choice • Cash in our Legacy and continue our dependence on Oil - Or - • Embrace the transition and lead the way forward