Green light for ecological investments

Small and non-commercial green projects are being seen as a crucial platform for long-term, ecologically sound investments.

Small World Spring and Summer Festivals

The UK's two Small World festivals, held at the beginning and the end of the British summer, are effectively workshops aimed at giving thousands of people, many of them city dwellers, first-hand experience of truly sustainable living and clean-energy use. The project, which has been running for nine years, is aimed at educating young people and children, in particular. Its organisers are now considering taking the formula to other countries.

Solar-powered sailing

The Turanor PlanetSolar, the world's largest solar-powered boat, is the first boat to sail around the world using the power of sunlight. The craft is designed to prove to the shipping industry that there are cleaner, cost-effective alternatives to fossil fuels.

Clean desert camping

Qataris like to take modern power-hungry conveniences such as air conditioning, refrigerators and television screens with them when camping in the desert. Rather than using fuels such as oil or diesel, many are switching to light, robust solar panels mounted on the tent roof, designed by Qatari entrepreneur Hashim Al Sada.

Microsoft makes "green" meals

Global software giant Microsoft's Fargo campus cafeteria has become the first three-star certified green restaurant in the state of North Dakota in the US. The certification by the Green Restaurant Association covers 7 environmental categories: energy, water, waste, chemicals, sustainable food, food disposal and building. Even the plates and eating utensils are made with recycled products. Microsoft hopes to show other corporations that such modest initiatives can make an impact.