I came across an interesting new mashup the other day, RoofRay, which uses google maps and solar array modeling to help consumers evaluate solar solutions for their home or business.


You start by typing in your address, whereby RoofRay displays a google map view of your home or business location zoomed in. You then can draw an appropriately shaped solar grid on your roof and enter the approximate roof slope (in one or multiple segments), whereby RoofRay will calculate the array performance. Roofray then gives you the ability to conduct a financial analysis on your proposed array - including installation costs, upkeep costs and ROI based on your utility bills (which you can enter).

RoofRay is one of the best mashups I’ve seen in a while - to find out your home or business’ solar potential check out RoofRay.com. Also check out Sungevity.com, which uses similar technology and will give you an installation quote from their network of installers.

Environmental Leader recently blogged about Burt’s Bees stated goals to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Burt’s Bees has set sustainability goals for 2020 based on a GHG inventory they recently completed as part of the US EPA’s climate leaders program. The goals include using 100% renewable energy, having LEED certified facilities and zero landfill waste.

As reported by the Environmental Leader on February 12th Burt’s Bees already purchases enough Renewable Energy Credits to offset 100% of their electricity use. Additionlly the company has begun installing T5-HO high efficiency lighting as well as a sensor activated motorized drive roller conveyor (decreasing energy use).

We already like a number of aspects of Burt’s Bees products including the fact that they are not tested on animals and use almost 100% natural ingredients (no petroleum ingredients) and we now applaud them for their environmental and social initiatives and leadership.

Burt’s Bees was recently purchased by Clorox - makers of a number of environmentally unfriendly products (ie. Clorox Bleach). I believe Burt’s culture of environmental and social responsibility can be taken up by Clorox. In a mid-June post of Burt’s Bees blog, CEO and President John Replogle addresses concerns of the Clorox Purchase. Reploge says

During the past six months, we’ve also learned to effectively collaborate with our Clorox colleagues to assist each other on this journey. Clorox continued to move forward with their environmental commitment and joined the EPA Climate Leaders — initiatives we fully support.

And on Clorox’s use of animal testing, he writes

… We believe Clorox is committed to eliminating animal testing altogether, and we will continue to engage the issue with our Clorox colleagues.

Recently Clorox came out with their Green Works(TM) line of cleaners made from 99% natural ingredients that are biodegradable, not tested on animals and use recyclable packaging (I’m considering adding them to our Database pending more research),
which I hope is not merely greenwashing but, combined with their acquisition of Burt’s Bees, evidence of a culture shift.

Anyway, the original point of this post was the excellent sustainability goals set by Burt’s Bees. And to find the best price on a large number of Burt’s Bees products check out our Burt’s Bees Brand Section.