Green fingers

AS THE ISSUE of the environment and preserving the planet increasingly becomes a part of our daily lives the internet looks set to be the medium with which to educate people on making the necessary changes. While it is easy to find credible (and sometimes ludicrous) information on the web it is often widely dispersed and difficult to find information on a number of topics rather than just one typed into Google. The key to educating is keeping the teaching tools entertaining and easy to understand. It was with this in mind that Mike Shell, CEO of GoGreenTube.com, came up with a Youtube style website exclusively featuring videos aimed at spreading the word on climate change and other ways in which people can save the environment.

GoGreenTube.com is an environmental education website whose mission is to educate viewers about green products and green lifestyle options. Additionally, GoGreenTube.com tries to find ways to get viewers more involved with helping the environment.

City Times posed a few questions to American CEO Mike Shell to get the bigger picture.

Where did the idea for gogreentube first come from/ when did you come up with it?

Ihad created a Go Green Powersports websitewith plans of moving themotorcycle industry into the green movement, with all the researchI did on that projectit gave me the knowledgeto putthe go greenrevolution together with the YouTube web concept. This was in March of 2008.
How long did it take from inception to being launched online?

A total of four months.
In a nutshell, what's it all about?

We want to educate the world to go green, one video at a time.
What does the website hope to achieve?

Move people to think green.
What has the response been like?

Tremendous! We have had nothing but positive feedback from people that already live green and people that want toknow more about how to go green.

Does the website only focus on climate change or are there other issues?

InnovationI feel is the key,to spawn new ideas and empower individualsto help make a significant difference for our environment.
What is your opinion on the current trend of 'going green' is it a case of too little too late?

We have a very small window for theworld to unite and turnour current path around and everyone plays a part. We hope to give everyone this opportunity withGo Green Tube.
Would you call yourself an eco warrior?

No,just an individual that is very concerned about our environment.
Who is the person you regard as the most eco friendly, someone genuinely doing all they can to save the environment? It is a combination of all theemerging greenspaceworkingtogether. It will be the new green consumer who will play the biggest role in the coming years, by forcing industries to go green or go out of business.

If you could change one politician's views on the environment who would it be?

My view is mostof them need to go to Go Green Tube and get a better green education.

How does the UAE’s reputation hold up in environmentalists' eyes?

The UAE is doing an excellent job of walking the walk by investing in the future of green energies and innovations.

Have you received any celebrity endorsements?

Not yet. But a few of them have signed on as users on our site.

Do you want any celebrity endorsements?

Yes,Leonardo DiCaprio and many more.

Do you lament the current oil crisis or is it the wake up call everyone needs?

It isasignificant issuein thegreen shift that is currently takingplace.

How do you see the near future shaping up environmentally?

The first steps are alreadyin place and we willcontinue to see more and more gains all around the world as people really start tolearn more about how and why we need to change.

What is the perfect green scenario for the future and do you think it will ever be achieved?

Zero emissions worldwide. Yes, it will be accomplished but green education is key.

GO GREEN ONLINE

Wishing to practise what they preach GoGreenTube.com announced it is offsetting its carbon emissions with Carbonfund.org, one of America’s leading carbon offset organisations. GoGreenTube.com will offset one pound of carbon dioxide for every video watched on the site. This commitment establishes GoGreenTube.com as a leader in the environmental education community and demonstrates the proactive step it is taking in the fight against global climate change. For your wake- up call visit www.gogreentube.com

What do you think?

Is the UAE doing enough to combat climate change?

Email your views to david@khaleejtimes.com