Green Dragons' Den....

There was no Theo Pathitis wit, Duncan Bannatyne canniness or a Peter Jones put-down and only one wacky entrepreneur, rather serious products for a real global problem with an appropriately informed panel. The Green Dragons' Den - Dragons' Lair to avoid infringing IPR - was no less entertaining and certainly more inspiring, with sustainable products being pitched to a panel mixed with venture capitalists, academics and journos. With only seven minutes to convince, there was little opportunity to expand on the better products, but was a saviour for some badly thought out rambles that made up the numbers. The prize on offer - not a multimillionaire's cash or nause - but simply one month's PR. A couple of websites encouraging localism, democratic empowerment and sustainable green economics were credible but not going to change embedded bad habits. More radical ideas such as an extensive network of food tunnels around the UK and bio-reactors based on Australian lake deposits became bogged down and over elaborate, although the intention was benign. A bizarre plan to convert email - telephone booths into recycling photo booths was wackiest of the night. But it was the technological products that had the longest shelf life. A rechargeable battery that fitted into a USB port and PC energy saving software were up and running products that probably didn't need PR. Carbon 8 systems - a process that uses accelerated carbon technology to treat contaminated soils and waste - was the most innovative product of the night and got my vote. These entrepreneurs are at the forefront of the environmental battle against climate change and are shaping sustainable futures. Hopefully the next event will have a cash incentive above some simple PR.

http://environment.meetup.com/302/calendar/6770530/