New York City goes green by launching a 100% wind and solar powered billboard this Holiday Season.

As alternative energy continues to be the hot topic in our flailing economy, New York City sets an environmental example by launching Times Square’s first 100 percent eco-powered billboard.

The billboard powered entirely by wind and sun, is the first such sign in New York City. It will be erected by Ricoh Company, Ltd., a Japanese company that strives to be outstanding in all areas of the environment, society, and the economy. Their first eco-signage project dates back to April 2003 in Osaka, Japan.

Powered By Wind Turbines and Solar Panels

The electricity for the billboard will be produced entirely by solar and wind power and stored in 16 batteries. No electricity will be purchased from local power companies.

Sixteen wind turbines and 65 solar panels will produce an average of 98 kwh of electricity per day (93 kwh from wind power and 5kwh from solar). To put the savings into perspective: the same amount of electricity required by an ordinary sign would result in as much as 18 tons of carbon dioxide per year. The batteries can hold four days worth of supply. However if there is insufficient wind or solar power, the sign may not light up, an eventuality that Ricoh readily accepts.

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Diwali falls in October or November each year. Indians celebrate the holiday with lavish meals, lighting clay lamps, elaborate house décor, fireworks, exchanging sweets and much more. The month preceding Diwali is the Indian community’s classic gift-giving season. Individuals, small businesses and large corporate houses budget for Diwali gifting and workers’ bonuses at the outset of every financial year.

The Diwali industry is well developed in India but in other parts of the world it is limited by the geographical and cultural context of businesses in the Indian community. Given the increasing numbers of Indians all over the world and increasing evidence of unsustainable Diwali practices, this holiday has become an opportunity for eco vendors and businesses all over the world.

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