New York City always inspires me.  Its architecture, food, cultural diversity and even its dedication to preserving the environment are all world-class.

Underwater turbines

Regarding the “Greener side of New York,” almost all taxi cabs are Ford Escape Hybrids (that EcoTrek helped promote), buildings like the Times Square Element Hotel and the Hearts Tower have amazing “green” qualities and the City has one of the best recycling operations in America.

But, did you know that the power of the East River is actually being used to power parts of the city?  New York has one of the most efficient tidal turbine systems in the world.  These devices look like underwater windmills, but their blades are being pushed by the changing tides.  Only a few places in the world are using this technology, but it’s spreading as a result of New York’s success with it.

Now, if New York would just replace their dirty, deafening diesel trucks with clean, quite cellulosic ethanol vehicles, they’d really be trendsetters.

Green Drinks NYC Reception for EcoTrek at Roger Smith Hotel

The New York press did a great job at covering my visit to the city, and Green Drinks NYC (which has 14,000 members – www.greendrinksnyc.com) was extremely supportive.