Going green for St. Patrick's Day

Hi world,

Earlier today we posted a little quip on assorted social media:

“Want to go green for St. Patrick's Day? Reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, conserve.”

It's easy to say and do, but we thought we would expand and give you some more definite information. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a whole site dedicated to it here: http://www2.epa.gov/recycle, as does the San Juan Islands Conservation District: http://sanjuanislandscd.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/composting.pdf.

But in case you don't feel like clicking the links, here's the upshot:

Reduce, reuse, recycle is laid out in order of importance. Those “three Rs” are always said in that order for that reason. (Well, unless you also now have the Jack Johnson song stuck in your head. If not: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSM2riAEX4U)

Reduce:

As in buy less. Do you need the kitchen gadget that you'll use once and will sit in a drawer for a year before you contemplate it again? Do you need to get whatever you're purchasing individually wrapped or will bulk do?

Reuse:

This one's easy. All those canvas bags in the trunk of your car? They not only are good for the environment but good for your hands. Grocery store bags, paper or plastic, both have drawbacks that the reusable bags do not. Something cold creating condensation will go through a paper bag. Something heavy will turn a plastic bag into a torture device.

Recycle:

From PET bottles to car batteries, we can recycle almost everything now, generally for free and close by, if not at home.

Compost:

Ok, ok, this is something we're less acquainted with, so allow us to quell your fears. It is not having a nasty, smelly bucket of rotting after-dinner under your sink, festering. Or in your backyard. It is recycling, just with food. Everything herbaceous (planty) you would normally throw away you just put in a different bin. Onion bits, teabags and coffee grounds, breads and pastas – anything that originated with a plant, even paper can be composted. The only exception (as far as we know) to this rule is eggshells. If you have land, compost is wonderful fertiliser. If you do not, most towns have somewhere you can take your compost, from municipal yards to community gardens. Some will even pick it up along with your garbage and recycling.

Conserve:

Again, we've been hearing this one for a while. Turn off your water while you're brushing your teeth. Turn your car off instead of idling. We know these and it is just a matter of making them a habit – making all of these a habit.

These are only our suggestions and we don't want to tell you how to live your life, but it is like everything we do: one person makes very little difference, but many can effect real change.

-SWW

Also, if you want to wear green for St. Patrick's Day, we recommend green undies. You'll feel naughty all day.

What resources do you use?

Hi world,

This is just going to be a short post and question(s). Looking in on @StartupCanada's #StartupChats on Twitter twice a week has been interesting, funny, and educational, which, in posts that always include a hashtag and max out at 140 characters, is pretty darn impressive.

image by Gerd Altmann via Pixabay

This is not an advertisement for that company or that particular chat but a reminder to all entrepreneurs that there are a great many resources for information and advice for what to do and how to do it outside of whatever pages your internet search may come up with. Which is good, because no one resource should be taken as gospel.

So here is what we want to know:

Where do you go for advice?

What pages and communities do you use?

What are your recommendations?

We are always looking for new ideas to not only better our business or marketing but ourselves. Trying to be active members in our communities, both online and at home is part of that, but we won't turn down invitations to outside groups or ideas as long as they work with and for us. Because in the end, we are looking to be a benefit and have a benefit and don't feel like we need to hide that.

That's it for today, world. How can we be of benefit to each other?

-SWW

World Wildlife Day

Hi world,

So you want to save the planet? Well, you can't. Not by yourself, anyway. What you can do is be a part of a group working toward the same goal, and since today is World Wildlife Day, that is what you should focus on.

There is an inherent problem with things like World Wildlife Day, however. We think of big animals: lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! The animals we want to save are cute (like pandas), or majestic (like eagles), or beautiful (like the short-crested coquette, which, along with being a very colourful hummingbird clearly has one of the best names available, along with the Thaumatodryinus tuukkaraski, which as a hockey fan is indescribably playful).

We think of exotic animals: leopards and gorillas and rhinos, and that's not entirely our fault. These species have great PR and in order to gain your attention, they are used as poster-species. We don't think about the Aaandonta anguarana, a very basic-looking land snail on the critically endangered list from IUCN, or Stigmaphyllon nudiflorum, a small plant in Ecuador, or any more than 100 of the 4635 species on the critically endangered list.

That is good; these animals need saving too, but there are .. wait. “Lions and tigers and bears.” We have bears. They're right here. They are so right here and their habitats are so encroached upon that they are walking into people's homes at random, in large cities like Vancouver, BC, where the police receive over 7,000 calls a year about black bears in residential areas. So if it's not all exotic and spectacular mammals that live on different continents, what is it? It's about the world. What is “over there” from here, is “here”, to over there. Just because your city is not home to the rare red-beaked, meringue-crested giraffe-hoofed water squazzle doesn't mean that it doesn't need help. (And really, don't you kind of want that to exist?)

The truth of the matter too is that it is not a problem that is far away, that is “over there”. It's here, in our backyards, in our parks, on our coasts and in our mountains. It's here and it's right now. Critically endangered does not mean we can sit back and wait for a few generations to pass before we do something; it means that a few generations from now, they will be extinct. This sounds scary and is meant to. It also sounds like a monumental task, and it is, but the sooner it is acted upon, the sooner something can be done.

We need to help, and we can make a difference. The “us” we, not the “other people” we. Not the “yeah, yeah, all of us” but the you and I we.

It is difficult to see the forest through the trees, as it were, and hard to see how one person can make any sort of difference to such a vast issue, but therein lies the joy: you are one person, as am I, but we are many, and we can effect change. World Wildlife Day is not about one person doing something and then ignoring the situation for a year. It is about a community working together. You, as an individual can do that. You can make a small donation and spread the word and ignore it for a year, easing your conscience, and that is just as ok as someone who can afford more – more time, more money, who has more interest. No one is asking to put you out or make your life difficult. If you can volunteer or be active in some other way, if you can afford to make a large donation or use your skills to raise awareness, I am sure it would be appreciated, but it is not necessary. What is necessary is that something be done, and we can no longer wait for the hypothetical someone else to do it. We have to play an active role in our own world.

I (personally, as the writer of this blog) can afford to make a small donation and raise some awareness, so that is what I am doing. What will you be doing? What can you afford? Time? Money? Education? If you are interested in helping in whatever way, big or small, financial or not, please go to: http://www.wildlifeday.org and get involved.

If you're reading this after March 3, CITES is on social media:

on twitter.com/wildlifeday

on facebook.com/WorldWildlifeDay

on youtube.com/worldwildlifeday

on flickr.com/photos/worldwildlifeday

Mention us:

on twitter.com/shawwaterworks

on facebook.com/Shaw-Water-Works

on https://plus.google.com/ShawWaterWorks

Go do something and help the world. March 3, World Wildlife Day.

-SWW

A Eulogy

Hi world,

Leonard Nimoy passed today, and we mourn his loss. Not just because he played Mr. Spock on Star Trek, and not because he was a famous actor, but because in playing the science officer of the Enterprise, because in being involved with the series, he helped shape the world we live in.

They may have used pepper shakers as props for the communicators, but we have real communicators (cell phones). They may have only imagined tablets and touchscreen control panels, but we have them. A great many innovations have come from today's scientists – from engineers to astrophysicists – watching Star Trek when they were young and thinking “That's cool. I wish we had that,” then turning those dreams into reality. 

Yes, Mr. Spock took being logical to an extreme, but science is logical.  We needed Mr. Spock more than James Kirk to change the way we think, the way we communicate, the way we access information. He was more than just his character, but the character he was able to portray so adeptly is an integral part of our culture, and we thank him for it.

To his friends and family, you are in our thoughts. Mr. Nimoy had a profound effect on all of us, whether we were children during the original television series in 1966, or the movie reboot in 2009. Thank you for giving us decades of imagination and wonder.

-SWW

Ten sites to excite

Hi world,

From the most vehement eco warrior to the person just wanting to save money, many of us lose faith, spending too much time on the internet hoping to find the thing that will save the planet, ease our consciences, and cost us less money. The reality is that there is no one thing; there are many, and all of us working together is what will ease our climate and environmental woes. Power in numbers.

For those of us who aren't finding what we're looking for or want to keep in touch with new products or ideas, new causes and foundations, we've compiled a list of ten, in no particular order:

EcoGeek

Articles, products, and ideas. EcoGeek.org is an amazing resource for what is new and upcoming on the sustainability front. Also, Hank Green.

National Geographic

More than just amazing photography, National Geographic has an entire section devoted to the environment which includes articles, news, and educational quizzes as well as spectacular images to inspire you.

Nature Conservancy and Ocean Conservancy

Just what you would think: organisations that work to preserve natural heritage through purchase or donation to encourage nature's processes. Volunteer, donate, sponsor.

Let's Talk Science

Bringing science, technology, engineering, and math to Canadian (sorry, rest of the world) youth. Through this, they can inspire young minds and make our future better, for the next ecologically friendly device will be made by them.

WWF

Way beyond just wildlife preservation, WWF is working toward a 100% renewable future through renewable energy mapping, driving an energy revolution, and climate-smart planning and adaptation. Responsible for Earth Hour City Challenge, WWF is pushing us to be better.

SustainabilityTips

This blog gives tips and ideas to adopt an environmentally-friendly lifestyle in everyday decisions. Well-researched and comprehensible, this is an easy introduction for those who want to make good choices day to day.

Inhabitat

Focussing primarily on eco-friendly architecture and design, Inhabitat also offers a plethora of articles on various products, technology, energy, transportation. This is a good overall site with a lot of ideas and news.

Ecopreneurist

For new businesses and products, this is the place to go. This blog not only has many helpful hints and ideas for ecopreneurs, but products and clean tech.

Ecoki

From eco-friendly ergo office posts to a discussion about NASA's proposal for fuel-efficient aircraft, Ecoki is a great resource. Science, technology, fashion, travel, all green, all under one roof.

ShawWaterWorks

You didn't think we'd leave ourselves off, did you? With a new, innovative technology and design, our Peco-M Systems are eco-friendly and once installed, require no maintenance or even thought, other than asking yourself why you didn't get this earlier every time you see a power bill.

So, world, what did we miss? What are your favourite sites and companies to look for eco-friendly ideas and innovations? Tell us in the comments below.

-SWW

The Love

Hi world,

We have an update for you we couldn't wait to share! Remember how we had the cases for our Peco-M Systems on display? Well we have done some reconfiguring and gotten a new design and are ready to reveal our first renderings of what they will be. Check it out:

Peco-M 7100 Series

It's sleeker, more user-friendly, and easier to manufacture. We could hardly be happier, and at a perfect time. Our engineering consultant showed us the love this Valentine's.

We are constantly impressed with what can happen when ideas are allowed to flow freely and creativity is encouraged. Sometimes a different angle or an untrained eye is what you need to sculpt ideas into wonderful realities, so from our engineering department through to office management and even accounting, we take everyone's opinions and thoughts into consideration to create something we can all be proud of.

From our most humble beginnings, we're beginning to see into a bright and environmentally-friendly future. With each Peco-M System in place, the world will be a little better, a little safer. Join us and have a positive impact on our environment!

We love you, world!

From all of us at ShawWaterWorks, happy Valentine's Day.

-SWW

(those clips, though!)

The Breakdown

Hi world,

Did you know that your hot water tank is the least efficient appliance in your home by far? The US Department of Energy¹ posted a frightening graph last summer depicting the efficiency of the most common home appliances and it looks like this:

This chart shows how much energy a typical appliance uses per year and its corresponding cost based on national averages. For example, a refrigerator/freezer uses almost five times the electricity the average television uses.

We've been talking about how important it is to lower your energy usage, not only for the planet but for your wallet as well. A 20% reduction from the 2300 kWh a 2-person home uses on average for hot water heating drops you to 1840 kWh, a reduction of 460 kWh. At a residential average of $0.1246 per kWh, that's a savings of $57.32 just on the smallest version of the least efficient appliance. That means that even if you only had one Peco-M 3600 Series working in your home, it would be paid for and saving you money within the first two years of use. With a five-year warranty, that is a smart decision. If you have a 50 gallon tank, like most homes do, and you use it an average of three hours a day, you're looking at $591.30 per year and could save up to $118.26 in a year, recovering your costs almost immediately. From then on, you're just saving money, year after year.

Now imagine if you were using Peco-M Systems with other appliances in your home. BC Hydro² says electric baseboard heating accounts for 44% of your yearly bill ($607.50 as a low average for total yearly, $267.30 of which is from your baseboard heating). A Peco-M 2400 Series would, based on those numbers, save up to $53.46 a year.

image from troymedia.com

Add in a 1500W space heater³ and you're saving another $32.85. All this adds up – with three systems in place in the average North American home, the savings with three Peco-M Systems are a staggering $204.57 per year. Plus, because many electricity providers charge different rates according to energy usage, you'll likely stay within the lower rate as well.

But the big benefit is to the environment.  If you are using 2200 less kWh, the power companies have to provide that much less, and though each individual home will not have a large impact, having even five homes means the power company is needs to create a whole home's less power for the year. Even if we underestimated and said it were one in ten, that is still 10% less power, 10% less draw on our resources.

Will you work with us?

-SWW

1 http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-appliances

2 https://www.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/rates-energy-use/electricity-rates/residential-rates.html

3 http://energyusecalculator.com/electricity_spaceheater.htm?

Diversity vs Relatability (Or Left Shark vs Right Shark)

Hi world,

The internet has been all a-twitter (get it?) about Super Bowl XLIX, and more specifically, the halftime show. First we were joking that there were dancers who got to put “Halftime Shark” on their resumes, then it turned a little, because the shark on stage right messed up the choreography. Oh, the wrath that “Left Shark” faced, but then, because the internet is notoriously changeable, Left Shark became a sort of hero. Now, from BuzzFeed quizzes to appearances on The Late Late Show, the Halftime Sharks are everywhere, though it won't be lasting.

Left Shark: "uhhh.. what?" (from ABC's wbay.com)

We all make mistakes and missteps. That is part of being human (or shark, as the case may be). There is no person who hasn't and as a result, no company, from the tiniest cottage industry to major international corporations, has ever made perfect decisions for their entire lifespan. Why celebrate Left Shark? Because it represents the flaws in all of us. Right Shark was on point the entire time; Left Shark flubbed for a second and a half. We're happy for Right Shark, but can relate to Left Shark, and that is a precious thing in this world, where diversity is so strongly lauded.

As well it should be. Acknowledging the differences between us allows us to recognise and celebrate instead of being fearful and hateful. Also, it keeps the world from being a very boring place, which it would be, were we all uniform. Diversity is imperative to growth, for without it, no one would think outside the box, nothing would be innovative or new. We should honour diversity for all of its benefits.

However, as with all things, there needs to be a balance, and the yin to diversity's yang is relatability, and the more diverse, the further away something feels, the more relatable it needs to be to have people care, which really is the end goal. We care about Left Shark more than we care about Right Shark, and that makes sense; Left Shark has enjoyed temporary celebrity based on empathy, making Left Shark more approachable. We can all understand the situation: everyone has had a lapse at work, and that is all that was going on. Every presenter has at some point said “umm....” too frequently, every office worker has accidentally sent an email in error. We're not extolling the virtue of error, merely acknowledging the commonality of it.

What on earth does all this have to do with our startup? A surprising amount, actually: we learned from it. We didn't learn the how-tos of a gaffe; we're pretty good on that front, but how mistakes are not necessarily “bad”, though they are commonly believed to be. We have talked before about how important perspective is, and how we can learn from mistakes, and that is commendable, but mistakes can lead to wonderful things: no one could have predicted how much press the halftime show would get based on a choreographical blunder. Something having been created erroneously and having turned out well is so popular, so well-documented, that if you search for it on Google, this happens: 

From books (Mistakes that Worked, Charlotte Foltz Jones), to magazine articles (http://www.businessinsider.com/these-10-inventions-were-made-by-mistake-2010-11?op=1), to online news sources (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/16/amazing-products_n_3749564.html), there is a virtual bounty of examples available illustrating how what appears to be a failure can turn out to be the catalyst for the biggest success.

So again, what does Left Shark have to do with ShawWaterWorks? Left Shark reminded us to accept and admit our mistakes, our errors, our issues, but not look upon them as failures, but rather as opportunities – to learn, to embrace, and even to succeed.

As a young company, we are always trying new things, some of which work, and some of which don't, but all of which teach us something new. Could our products be more easily developed this way? If we present this idea to potential investors, does it work? If it does work, great. If not, why not? What can we do differently? Most importantly, we're always asking for feedback from everyone with whom we are in contact. This intellectual diversity (their perspective vs ours) is a treasure chest of information, and at the same time, most of the people with whom we work have been in our position, able to balance the differences between where we are with empathy and understanding.

We have learned to not only value but use our (albeit small) network to its fullest advantage, but are eager for a wider forum, a larger voice. This is where you come in. Yes, you, individual reader rather than the more global “world” we address. From questions to suggestions, everything we hear is an integral part of growing our company and we're inviting you to help. You are the diversity we are looking for, as well as the relatability. What questions would you like answered? What information are you hoping for us to give? What else could we be doing that would make us more understandable? What would make you root for us?

World, you are our best asset, the most appreciated part of our team. Future customers perhaps, future contributors maybe, but your willingness to give feedback and cheer for us as we grow is invaluable. So give us a hand and help us be our best, and we promise not to mind if you make us heroes when we Left Shark it up. 

(Though we would prefer long-term fame over Left Shark's 15 minutes.)

-SWW

Comment below or find us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube, or at our site www.shawwaterworks.com.

Where We Are

Hi world,

We realised that although we have mentioned ways to reach us in every blog, we haven't really focused on that, and since we're excited about our social media activity, we thought we should share our passion and highlight it.

Facebook:

Everyone knows it, everyone loves it. Facebook is arguably the quintessential way to communicate via social media. We post links, pictures, updates, and general information there regularly.

Twitter:

Oh world, what did we do before Twitter? We love Twitter here and spend so much time on it that Twitter has been responsible for inspiring a blog or two already. It's amazing what we can pack into 140 characters!

Google+:

We've learned to live for those +1s and of course our Google+ account is linked up to our Blogger. When you want the big questions answered, or at least, the big answers, Google+ is the way to go.

YouTube:

This is the least-mentioned part of our social media presence, because we've not done many videos yet, but there are more in the works and they will go to our YouTube channel.

Our website:

This is, of course, where you are going to get the most information about who we are and what we do. From details about our current products and new developments to what we have planned for the future, www.shawwaterworks.com is the place to go for a look into our world. Of course all the traditional methods of contact (phone, email, snail mail) are there as well.

Last, but not least, Blogger. Now of course we don't mention this, because you're here already, but the more you engage, the more we can tailor the information to you and what you want to know, so comment below or use another platform – join in the conversation about how you can reduce your power consumption, help the environment, and save money.

We look forward to hearing from you.

-SWW

Unicorns or horses?

Hi world,

Unicorns.

Magical, mythical creatures - mostly horse, or goat depending on your lore - with a single horn protruding from their brows. So why are we so fascinated by them and why have we taken to using the term to mean “improbable” or “very good”? There are countless articles telling you to “hire unicorns” or offering advice on how your startup can “become a unicorn”. The internet is full of ideas and recommendations, suggesting that if only you take these five steps, or hire these five people, but it is just as willing to say that if you do and don't become a unicorn, well, it's your fault. You didn't believe, or you didn't hire the right people or, or, or.

The reality is that most companies - 99.93% - do not become unicorns. Most staff you hire are not unicorns. Unicorning is not a realistic goal but a fluke, though those we call unicorns would not say so. So if we know it is mythical, magical, and are incredibly unlikely to achieve it, why do we chase after the dream? Is it an entrepreneurial trait, to go for the best? Is it part of our culture, where good or even great is not enough?

Say we go on the premise that we should never limit ourselves and always reach for the stars. Always looking ahead to what can make us or our companies stronger and more appealing for an exit can be tough work - especially if you're only likely to succeed .07% of the time.

Yet working toward a realistic goal is simultaneously lauded and frowned upon. If you say you do not want to be a unicorn, then you are not committed enough or don't care enough, or are setting yourself up to fail. And with a few social media exceptions, if you say you are aiming to be a unicorn, people generally look at you like you are delusional, and you are. So why not leave it out of the discussion altogether? Because it is the pink elephant in the room. It's on everyone's lips and everyone's mind.

So how do we navigate the situation with aplomb and grace, being realistic and yet not limiting ourselves?

Take a few simple steps:

• Take a read on the situation. Could your product/service, even with the best metrics and most perfect outcomes ever get to unicorn status? Most can't, and that is perfectly fine. If everyone could unicorn, it'd be called horsing.
• Are your business development plans realistic or overly optimistic? Have you given yourself time and financial contingencies? Are you hoping for the best and planning for the worst? As was illustrated in a prior post, the path to success is rarely a straight line. There will be setbacks and they will seem less colossal if you are as prepared as possible.
• Do you have the right tools to succeed, be that in manufacturing or employee team? The round block may be perfect for some things, but not if you have a square hole. Assess your core competencies, make a list of what you need, and compare the two. If you are missing any skills, they will need to be filled.

Ok, so you have looked at your organisation and decided you have everything you need in place. Now all you need is those unicorn venture capitalists – the ones that put up metric tonnes of money without question, guide and advise you without taking over at all, and work hard to make sure you succeed and then, if everything is just right, you may be able to grow and have a wonderful exit. But again, those mythical, magical beings are not just out there wandering around, waiting to be bridled and ridden into the sunset on a wave of dollar bills. The most adventurous VCs are still going to want something in return and thank goodness. That is what capitalism is all about.

Perhaps the best way to look at all of this is to do the sensible thing and just try to succeed to the best of your ability and leave the catching of unicorns to companies with bigger nets. Now this is not to say that if unicorning is an actual possibility for you that you oughtn't go for it; on the contrary, we would encourage you strongly to go out there and ride that beast home, because that would be succeeding to the best of your ability. Like it says at the top: Always be yourself. Unless you can be a unicorn. Then always be a unicorn. To the startups that are looking to earn a gross profit of >$500,000 p/a though, then we challenge you to horse it up.

Let that be the mantra for every entrepreneur, every startup, every company that is struggling to make it for that first little while and get on their feet: Stay on the horse. The old adage to get back in the saddle applies well. Perhaps unicorns feel like riding on a puff of cloud in flannel pyjamas, but riding a horse can be hard work and lead to chafing. So young startups, find your seat and buy chaps, because it's going to be a heck of a ride.

-SWW

Do you agree? Disagree? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below or through Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

 

The failure, the fear, and the favourite

Hi world,

So while looking through Twitter this morning, @Addictd2Success tweeted this picture:

and, once one gets over the Yoda-like feel of it, there is a certain truth to it. Aren't we all, as entrepreneurs, afraid not to try? Yet how does one get over the fear of failure? When the stakes seem so high that you might lose everything, how do you let go?

Imagine yourself as a kid who has just dropped out of high school and how ridiculous your failure must seem. Everyone gets through high school, for goodness' sake. Well, everyone but our favourite billionaire Sir Richard Branson.

It's always turned back to perspective. Yes, you may lose your shirt, and yes, it may be uncomfortable, but if you stick with it and you learn from what you did wrong, you can do far worse things than fail. You can, as they said, not try.

So go out there, world, and conquer your fears. And when you have, let us know – what was your worst fear and how did you overcome it?

Tweet, Facebook, Google+, or comment below.

-SWW

(Here's a start. One of us at SWW used to have a terrible fear of losing luggage or missing a flight. After an unfortunate delay, a lost watch, and what wound up being a very long night waiting for a cancellation on the next flight, and the one after that... and the one after that, we finally got to our destination, having made sure in advance that our luggage would be on our plane and was absolutely assured that it was. It wasn't.

You buy some, you borrow some, you make do. Hotels have complimentary soaps and airlines will deliver lost luggage, so if the worst comes to the worst and you wind up taking a long, hot shower and walking around in yesterday's clothes, well, what's travel without a little adventure and spice thrown in? It's a great story now, despite how utterly terrifying and life-changing it seemed at the time. What's your story?)

The Struggle to Succeed

Hi world,

It was said in an earlier post that we are a new enough company to get excited about things we know will become old hat. We are also new enough to be learning with every step we take. Edison famously quipped “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” The non-failure of Edison is the non-failure of every entrepreneur, every startup company. Staying positive and learning from missteps can be taxing at times, but consistently works to better the company's status and morale.

Wildest rollercoaster ever.

When faced with challenges, it is easy to tell you, world, that we will stay upbeat and optimistic, but behind closed doors it is harder to maintain. There are bumps and grooves in every road and we understand that. It is, in the end, all a matter of perspective. After all, Japan's melody roads are just made of bumps and grooves.

So in the spirit of looking at things with a positive spin, Edison also famously said “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Well, that seems fair because we're working up a sweat!

So, entrepreneurs of the world, what do you do to stay positive?  Leave your comments and positive thoughts below.

Keep connected on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and YouTube, as well as our website at www.shawwaterworks.com.   

Resolutions

Hi world,

A new year and a new look at the world. All of us take the time to look into the future and think about what we want for ourselves, our communities, our planet. What do you want? To be fitter, richer, healthier? To work with your community and volunteer more? To lighten your carbon footprint and work to save the planet?

We have resolutions too. We want to ensure that as many Peco-M Systems get to you as possible so we can all work to lighten our footprint together and save our beautiful environment. We want to make it possible for us to all work together on maintaining the natural beauty and delicacy of this world, so that our children and our children's children will be able to enjoy the wilds.

It is not “Beautiful British Columbia” for no reason; we are fortunate enough to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. We have a wide variety of geography from plateaus to lowlands, high mountains and low river basins, islands, coastlines, rainforests, and permafrost plains. And though we are surrounded by this amazing range within our immediate environment, we know we are not alone. It is not just rainforests that need saving; they just have great PR. Deserts, plains, even our man-made concrete jungles need our help if they are going to survive even faintly intact under the groaning duress of our energy demands.

Yes, there are other ways to produce energy: wind farms, solar power, nuclear energy, tidal harnessing; the list goes on. But all of these, like coal and oil, have drawbacks. Wind farms require space, lots of space. Solar power needs unfiltered access to the sky. Tidal harnessing puts coastal marine life at risk with the nets designed to keep it safe. We're not saying these are not feasible options, or that they are not preferable to some that we have now. Yes, they are all cleaner and more sustainable, and these are wonderful things, but they are not the full answer, just steps in the right direction.

We're not saying we have the solution, either; we are just saying that together, working with new power sources and old, supporting those who continue to work on new ideas for the energy we all keep consuming. We know it sounds clichéd that we all have to work together, but it is a reality. We all have to choose to be part of the problem or part of the solution and we want to be on the side of solving our global ecological issues. Not overnight, but with each of our Peco-M Systems in place we will make a small change that can turn into a big change. By reducing the usage of electricity produced from clean sources, we can make a big difference in our world.

We want to work with you to keep our planet healthy and happy. That is our resolution. Yes, we need our bodies fit and our minds fresh, but we want to see the bigger picture. To see our startup running well and our environment able to rest a little easier. Each Peco-M System sold means up to a 20% reduction on energy consumption from one inefficient appliance. We wouldn't need many, world, to save a lot of power (not to mention a lot of money!). The power companies often charge different rates depending on how many KWhs are consumed, so if you are using up to 20% less, you may stay at the lower rate as well. We know that you want to help save the environment; we all do, but the reason we are not all out driving electric cars and using clean energy sources has a lot to do with the initial expenditure and the reduced ease of use. The Peco-M Systems face neither of these issues; they take up no power of their own, only manage the usage, and require no manipulation at all once installed.

So if your resolution is like ours and you want to lighten your carbon footprint, reduce your energy consumption, help the environment, or just plain save a little money, keep looking back to ShawWaterWorks for news on when our Peco-M Systems will be hitting the shelves. If you want to help us get it there, great! We'll be running a crowdfunding campaign early in the new year. Check back here, on our website, www.shawwaterworks.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ for details and dates; any and all help is appreciated from time to donations.

Bring on 2015 and watch our resolutions come to fruition!

-SWW