I am the last person you would think to post on the going green. I was so conservative as a teen that my friends and teachers called me Mr. Republican. I own one of the largest lots in my neighborhood in Arizona, and 80% of it is grass, in spite of water not being so abundant here. I think Al Gore is a kook, and that Michael Crichton (may he rest in peace) is an environmentalist. The last car I had got 16 miles to the gallon and took premium fuel.

But I felt the pain when oil prices rocketed to $140 a barrel.

This story starts 15 years ago, when I first saw my dream car, the BMW 635 csi.

It had it all: sex appeal, speed, sportiness, not to mention that it spelled success. I knew at an instant this was my dream car.

Fast forward 20 years. Now I could afford a BMW, so after intensive research, I bought a 2002 750 iL. I was in heaven.

That is, until after the first year. Then it was in the shop every other month. I spent a year trying to get the “Service Engine Soon” light to go off. Then gas went up to nearly $4 a gallon, and I realized this dream was becoming a nightmare.

So I turned it in for a 2001 Honda Civic.

Now I get 32+ miles per gallon, and it hasn’t been in the shop except for routine maintenance.
So I am starting a conversation with you about how we can help our companies, our clients, our communities become more green, more lean, and a better place to be. Let me know your thoughts….