GreenMark Public Relations®, Inc.

Cash shortage in any industry is dire news, and is all too frequent in this economy. But local green-tech businesses don’t seem too concerned largely due to Obama’s promise to invest $150 billion in clean tech, and the stimulus package includes tax breaks for consumers who make renewable-energy and conservation investments in their homes. Also, businesses who’ve already developed sustainable technology have a competitive advantage. One example of this is Bob Miller’s company, Earthwise Environmental, Inc., whch began in 1995. Earthwise clients initially saved money by using fewer chemicals and less water. Now, with with a stronger focus on conservation and reducing toxic chemical waste, clients see their value in both economic savings and environmental impact. Miller expects his business to grow 50% in 2009.

Earthwise Environmental’s edge is that the company continually discovers new ways of developing sustainable solutions. To one client, Miller proposed a $225,000 project that would save more than $200,000 a year while reducing water use by 18 million gallons. This system also virtually eliminates toxic chemicals from the treatment process. “If you can give people a two- or three-year payback, they are willing to consider these projects,” Miller says. “But we’re seeing a much longer sales cycle for these green solutions.”

In previous rough economic times, ingenuity saved the day. Now, ingenuity and a green mind can both save the day and sustain the future.

Read more about clean-tech and other green businesses surviving the down economy. It’s the focus of Crain’s Chicago Business and ChicagoBusiness.com for the week of July 20, 2009 on their Web site, here.

Bob Miller of Earthwise Environmental, Inc. was featured on WaterEfficiency.net (Nov. 24, 2008) in an article on his company’s “e-solution”, which is a patent pending cooling technology completely eliminating chemicals and conserving water in treatments. According to Miller, “it uses far less water, reuses it to conserve waste and eliminates chemicals, providing truly economical and healthful applications in all types of public venues.” Most heat transfer technologies require chemicals to reduce corrosion and microbe fouling. Without these standard chemicals, the total cost of repair, labor, energy, health risks, and system downtime would increase. The chemicals, however, don’t come without a toll on the environment. Miller said, “many of the hazardous compounds traditionally used in cooling tower systems eventually end up in the water system, increasing the need for further treatment downstream at the treatment plants.”

Earthwise Environmental’s “e-solution” provides the technology to eliminate plastic chemical drum disposal, chemical treatments and safety issues. It provides equal or better treatments than the chemical equivalent. The after-use water from the “e-solution’ contains no chemical impurities so it can be collected and re-used for irrigation. The technology is centered around anode-cathode reactions under a supplied current. Mineral is precipitated and flushed from the system to measure and control corrosion. Microbes are adhered to precipitated calcium to lower bacteria counts. Earthwise Environmental installs minor piping and has a small operating footprint, using an easily movable skid mount platform. They continue their service of monitoring testing and producing results in addition to twenty-four/seven remote monitoring to ensure performance. The “e-solution” provides Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Points for facilities and The Earthwise team has five Certified Water Technologies (CWTs) - more than any other water treatment company in Illinois.

Find out more about Earthwise Environmental’s “e-solution” on their website.

Update: More information about this cooling technology appeared on The Chief Engineer website, Jan. 3, 2009.