Let's talk about a couple of examples of major corporations taking significant steps to make their operations more ecologically friendly.

First is Sharp, which has a strategy in place to become a "Zero Impact" brand in terms of global warming by 2010. They are doing this through a variety of means, including operating Super Green factories, powered independently of the utility power grid through a combination of energy sources such as photovoltaics and fuel-cells. I find it ironic that Sharp has aggressive marketing plans for its Thin-Film solar modules in the Middle East. Not that it doesn't make sense, given the region's abundant sunshine.

Second is Google. Which announced in October that it would be using 9,200 solar cells to help power its one-million-square-foot office complex in Mountain View, California. The system should provide 30 percent of the office's electricity; on any day the system provides more power than it needs, that electricity would be sold to Pacific Gas & Electric.

One interesting quote from the article:

He said the solar power system, in addition to paying for itself over time, would be socially responsible and would help attract smart, high-level engineers who wanted to work for a company trying to diminish the damage it does to the environment.

This concurs with some other things I've read and heard recently about green companies. Being green is a big draw for employees - both for new hires and for maintaining employee loyalty.

Oh, and Google last week topped $500 a share, though it's dropped a bit now. That's not related, it's just mind-boggling to me.