The Oil Party’s Over-It’s Time To Clean Up

Black Gold, Texas Tea, Crude Oil. For better or for worse, that’s what makes our modern economy tick. But more and more experts are positing that our oil economy’s time is running short. And it is not just the political Cassandra’s singing this song, even major energy corporations like BP and Shell are positioning themselves to take advantage of the coming post-petroleum economy. They know there is an alternative to oil dependence. It is called the Green Economy where alternative energy offers a bridge to an economy based on solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and biofuel energy instead of fossil fuels.

The Green Economy includes a wind energy industry that is now price competitive with coal and a photovoltaic solar industry generating $3 to $4 billion globally annually. It includes socially responsible investment managers who control $2.16 trillion—or $1 out of every $9 now invested in the nation. It includes the U.S. organic food market worth $10.38 billion in annual sales.

The Green Festival, sponsored by Global Exchange and Co-op America, is the sustainable future on parade today. It melds an eco-friendly trade show with a Green Economy conference that offers a host of great speakers. The 2003 San Francisco Green Festival attracted 19,500 attendees, many more are expected this year. Among those speaking at this year’s Green Festivals are linguist George Lakoff, Bill Shireman CEO of the “Future 500,” Dame Anita Roddick of the Body Shop, Greg Palast, Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti LLC., and many more. Come see why Green—not oil Black—is the color of the future!