Do we Really Care?!

What happen to the world, to humanity, to us? What happened to common decency and doing what's right? To being good stewards of Nature and our Planet? Why is everyone in a rush? Why do we not care?

Today, people (us, we, you, me, the person next to you) simply don't care. Nobody really cares about anything. No, people don't. The human race continues to go in a downward spiral with how they transport themselves and in essence, how they live their lives and how they treat this planet. People are fixated on their personal area, and because of that we don't notice changes, other alternatives, pedestrians (or another way of putting it - we don't notice ourselves....or we simply don't care!).

Why do we continue to pollute this planet, and not do something to change? Since when did it become a vehicles' world? I blame us, all of us, regardless of political side, background, gender, Socioeconomic status,  whatever....each and everyone one of us is to blame. We are like cows that follow and wonder aimlessly around and around without wanting to think. Why does anyone "need" a car? (oh I have kids, I have to take them to football practice, I have a job I need to get to, I have to go to the gym, I have to "blah blah blah") - really?  and of course you "need" to drive fast, really fast because you "need" to get to your destination as quickly as possible and be the first one there - at all cost...doesn't matter if you are wasting (gas, resources), contributing to climate change, or endangering other Human Beings, doesn't matter if you speed over the speed limits (because the law doesn't apply to you), doesn't matter if you might run over somebody, because its more important that you get to where you are going with no delays, right?

So in other words, you are even willing to kill another human being, just so you have the convenience of getting to a location first and faster.....

A fact sheet was written by the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) on the Health and Environmental Effects of Driving (a good read). In March, NPR wrote an article on "Pedestrian Fatalities, stating that the number of pedestrians killed in traffic jumped 11 percent last year, to nearly 6,000. and that "A perfect storm" of factors spurred the increase, which included: A stronger economy and low gas prices (which put more cars on the road)". And here is where I challenge us as a human race:

Change

1. We know that it is against the laws of the road to drive over the speed limits, yet we don't notice that there is a Speed LIMIT sign on the side of a road (especially those that are next to elementary school zones), so people (you) continue to drive fast, why? change, obey the speed limits!
2. We know that Climate Change is real, yet we all still live our current lives (using TVs, driving cars, wasting energy). why? I challenge you, change, stop wasting energy - turn off the lights when not in the room, don't waste time in the shower, WALK, don't drive! choose alternate forms of energy.
3. Do you really care (about this planet, and other human beings)? I don't think you do....otherwise you would be the change, you would change. Change your behaviors, buy products and services that are sustainable, buy from companies that support sustainable processes. Every time you choose a product or service that uses carbon energy (in any form), you Don't Care - and you contribute to global warming. If you really cared, you would buy products and services that support a green economy.

All of us are pawns on a chess board that the elite continue to maneuver. Do you care? If you really cared, then you would stop driving. Driving is the #1 contributor to climate change - to health defects - to fatalities. Cars kill more Americans than Guns!!  Do you even care? cars (like guns) are dangerous, lethal weapons. And a lethal weapon is intent to murder.

Are you willing to change? are you willing to take the challenge and not drive at all - anywhere - for one week....just one week!! try something different for one week.....try to catch the bus, take rail, WALK, stop being lazy and walk. Try it for one week. You'll hate it, and you will hate it so much that you wont care that you are driving (and driving fast) and killing the planet and other people, because at the end of the day, You Don't CARE...

If you believe there is a problem, if you really care about our planet, if you care about your children and your children's' children, try this challenge. Change! be the change...do something like pay extra for your polluting ways (via a Tax, or donate to a cause that is working for a greener society).

Our "Leaders" who speak about a green economy, I laugh at you. Not one of you would stop driving, or flying, or seriously change your Lifestyle for the better of this planet, would you? We keep trying to bring in "solutions" that will create a green economy....with new ways to buy more stuff. But would any of you "leaders" really CHANGE the way you live? A green economy does not equal more cars on the road, not even Electric Cars, the rubber and metals and other materials it takes to build those "electric cars" is the same as any other car, so we're still killing our planet.

If we really want to save this planet, and stop global warming, it means we need to change our lifestyle! and that means:

• Less cars on the road
• Less Waste
• Use Renewable Energy
• Conscious Product Design
• (or designing products with a purpose) 
• Being HUMAN, actually taking the time to see and recognize the person next to you is a human being.
• It means we need to take responsibility for our own actions and decisions
• slow down, choose/buy with purpose, vote!

Will you change? You need to change, because, your world depends on it. We need your help.

Introducing the MQ

Mundiali has developed a new product that will revolutionize the way we commute and transport ourselves in the future. Our quadricycles have Italian design and car-like features including: regenerative disk brakes, all-wheel drive system, integrated Li-Ion batteries, LED lights, and a state of the art security system, to name a few.
 
The new Mundiali electric bicycle is functional yet stylish, affordable yet exclusive. With a five year product roadmap, Mundiali is bringing to market the future of personal mobility. Our unique elite quadricycles will only be produced in limited quantities, 5000 per model.

DELIVERIES BEGIN 2014
NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS
Reservations start at $1,500,

The Results are in!

The Results are in

The Results are in for the online polling on how does a society view an automobile. The responses were both predictable and fascinating.

89% of respondents believe there is a crisis with Global Warming, and yet 33.3% currently own a small / mid-size SUV or crossovers which are major contributors in green house gas emissions. These vehicles typically receive lower accolades in terms of emissions testing and provide lower gas mileage averaging 15 to 19 miles per gallon.

77% of respondents own foreign vehicles made outside of the United States and 55% of those vehicles are European Made. This was an interesting result given the state of economics, as we spend our money and send our money overseas to foreign manufacturers, what are the impacts to the local economy?

100.0% of respondents would consider buying an alternative form of transportation (ethanol, electric, air powered, other) if it could get 100mpg or more, run on clean renewable fuel, with a purchase price less than $20k, and a total cost of ownership less than $500 a year. However, are respondents actively researching for these products and are these products readily available?

The primary three (3) attributes  respondents seek in personal mobility are:

1)      Price,

2)      Efficiency (miles per gallon, etc.),

3)      and Style   

The poll indicates that respondents have an attraction towards automobiles, and seek out quality and comfort. However, the responses also indicate that there is a higher awareness of the negative contributions that automobiles have on our fragile planet. But the question remains, where are the products that serve the purposes and values consumers are asking for, yet do not negatively impact our planet?

This is why Mundiali is focusing on "doing things right" and providing everyone with quality products and services that won’t harm our planet or your wallet.

Participate and be active today, lead by example, purchase a Mundiali Bicycle, ask about our upcoming mopeds, and challenge us by sending us email / feedback on what products and or services you would like to see…..

Contact us today, make a choice, do something about your concerns don’t just read about.

Automobiles – Personal Transportation

Your opinion matters to us!

Mundiali is focused on helping curb global emissions. We are taking a lead role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by creating targeted and reliable products that give corporations, organizations, and citizens an option to fossil fuels.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P9R5DLY

Your feedback will help us make available higher quality products and services; let your voice be heard! This questionnaire examines your thoughts on Automobiles – Personal Transportation. This five minute survey consists of only 10 questions and will provide valuable data. Your answers will be completely anonymous and by filling out the survey you will be entered into a drawing for a $10 gift card. All survey results will be published on our website in next month's newsletter.

Any questions marked with an asterisk (*) require an answer in order to progress through the survey.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us at info@Mundiali.com.

We appreciate you taking the time to complete the following survey and look forward to the responses.

Thank you,
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P9R5DLY

Mundiali releases first photos of the all new M6 Bicycle:

The Mundiali M6 Bicycle first pictures have been released. The M6 comes in Mundiali’s signature Blu Scuro (dark blue) color. The electric hub motor, which is powered by a 36V Lithium-Ion battery, can be completely recharged in 4-6 hours. The Pedaling-Electric Assist Run enables a rider to have continuous riding pleasure by applying power when you need it most. It has a maximum speed of 25kmh and is accompanied by duel disk brakes. The MSRP of the M6 is $950.00.

Mundiali expects the bicycles to arrive at showrooms in time for the holiday season. Check back for the latest updates.

To find out more and place an order, contact us today at: info@Mundiali.com

To learn more about Mundiali, please visit us at: www.Mundiali.com

Mundiali Featured on Puget Sound Business Journal

Mundiali founder and CEO Alex Agudelo has been featured on the Puget Sound Business Journal on October 28th, 2010. The report known as "THE GREEN REPORT" has been profiling minority business leaders this year.
You can gain access to the full report "Mundiali helps companies lighten energy load"  on the Puget Sound Business Journal website. Check out the full report on: http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/print-edition/2010/10/29/mundiali-helps-companies-lighten.html

Update on the Mundiali Bicycles

The first Mundiali Bicycles are currently in production. Our production team is tirelessly working to finalize our introductory line called the M series. The bicycles will come in three distinct colors:
- Blu Scuro
- Nero
- Argento

The first pictures are out of the color code “Blu Scuro”

The M series of bicycles are the result of an avant-garde design that follows Mundiali’s great tradition in fabulous style. The M exemplifies Mundiali's talent for innovation and design. This thrillingly nimble and beautifully balanced bike offers capability in unprecedented comfort, thanks to a host of accessories and fantastic specifications. More updates to come.....

Things you can do today to help save our planet and lower your carbon footprint:

What are some of the most common items you buy every day? Are those items safe for our planet, or do they actually do more harm to our planet? Do you care? If you have a concern about global warming, your personal carbon footprint and want to do your part in saving our planet, the following short list will help. The top 10 things you can do today are:



1) Avoid buying or using:

   a. Styrofoam cups

   b. Paper Towels

  c. Bleached Coffee filters

  d. Teak and Mahogany

   e. Chemical pesticides and herbicides

   f. Conventional household cleaners

   g. Toys made with PVC plastic

   h. Plastic forks and spoons

   i. Rayon

2) Look for and buy:

   a. Energy Star appliances and accessories (i.e. light bulbs)

   b. Look for Organic, local, in-season produce

   c. Look for Low or ideally no VOC paint

3) Leverage creditable resources

   a. Department of Energy: http://www.eere.energy.gov/ or http://www.energy.gov/

   b. Climate Action Network: http://www.climatenetwork.org/

   c. Clinton Global Initiative: http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/

Mundiali Developing New Electric Bicycle

Mundiali announces today, that it has begun developing the next generation of Electric Bicycles. These comprehensive bicycles are being developed as the world’s most innovative and efficient Bicycles. A completely new design created from the ground up to meet the needs of real people seeking an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional transportation.

Mundiali’s process design and mechanical engineering teams are working tirelessly day and night to bring forth a demo model in 2011. The team has been working over the past year to reach this stage. Mundiali conducted extensive research and analysis on all bicycles from road and mountain to traditional electric bikes to discover opportunities in efficiency and productivity. By establishing measurable and specific targets and goals, issues and desired outcomes of real people, the data has lead Mundiali’s team to create a new vision and design that delivers a sleek style and high performance ability.

Mundiali is in the final stages of finishing the pre-production and once the product is released to be manufactured more updates and details will be posted. Please check back for the latest information.

Global Warming - Businesses

With reports that last month was the second warmest July on record, and that 2010 remains to be on track as the hottest year ever. Glaciers are shrinking all over the world, and we are losing the sea ice in the Arctic Ocean.




What are you doing to help curb emissions? Are you taking a lead role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution? Have you implemented actions that save money, improve productivity, increase revenue, and protect the environment? There are significant opportunities in addressing these questions, and a Mundiali Assessment resolves the very real problem of having to cut costs, enhance processes, and be more environmentally friendly at the same time.

The Mundiali Assessment focuses on "doing things right" and provides a clear measurable path to sustainable practices. It is a business intelligence report that can be leveraged as a tool and will serve as a benchmark and formal study to align processes with business goals and reduce risk.

Do your part today, Lead By Example, purchase a Mundiali Assessment and set the path for your organization to take specific actions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also saving money and increasing revenue. Contact us today: info@Mundiali.com

Tennessee Leads the Way in Solar Carports, EV Charging Stations

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely considered an inevitable part of the future of transportation. Every major auto manufacturer is working on their own electric model, with notables like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and an electric Ford Focus scheduled for release within the next year or two.

Read the full article on CleanTechies blog:  http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cleantechies/~3/Wb4c9YgtGFk/

Agudelo Awarded Scholarship

Alex Agudelo, founder and CEO of Mundiali was awarded a scholarship to the Minority Business Executive Program at the University of Washington (MBEP). This week long class was from June 13th to June 18th on the campus at UW Foster School of Business.

"I learned so much this past week; it was an honor to be amongst talented emerging leaders. The class is fantastic, the professors and guest speakers shared a wealth of knowledge, and the best part of the week was the group activities, this class not only provides the necessary tools to enhance your business skills, but it also creates opportunities as you get a chance to network and make valuable connections. I want to thank my sponsor Zones, and encourage business leaders to take advantage of the program”, said Alex Agudelo.

For more information on the Minority Business Executive Program at the University of Washington, please visit: http://www.foster.washington.edu/executive/mbep/Pages/MinorityBusinessExecutiveProgram.aspx

Mundiali Starts Clean Tech Committee

Mundiali continues to explore clean, affordable energy. As such, the creation of a Clean Tech Committee was formed. The Clean Tech Committee charter is to create new business opportunities related to Renewable Energy.
Mundiali agrees with the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) belief that “a renewable energy future [as well as conservation practices] is an economically superior future, offering investment opportunities, wealth creation, accelerated economic growth, new company formation and jobs”. Our committee is working to establish a framework for economic growth through Clean Technology, Conservation, and Sustainable Practices. We currently have local small business leaders participating, and we completed our first meeting last week. As expected, the meeting was a great first step towards the creation of a framework for new business related to Renewable Energy and Conservation. We had a guest speaker for our first meeting which created a valuable discussion on the history and future opportunities within the industry. Other guest speakers are being scheduled.
If you are interested in learning more about this committee, please contact Alex at: info@Mundiali.com

Our Virtual Library

Our value code at Mundiali is a constant spirit of humaneness, equal opportunity, diversity, inclusion, innovation, creativity, Green principles and strict ethical standards. We continually seek out pertinent, timely and compelling reading material to fuel our desire for information and ongoing education with our clients and ourselves. Discussion of news articles in the fields of Renewable Energy and Sustainability is an integral part of our work sessions, and continued contributions are welcomed and highly encouraged.

We are delighted to share this list of recommending reading with you.

Come take a look inside our virtual library!
Bruce Follansbee, Director of Business Development recommends:
Green to Gold, by Daniel Esty and Andrew Winston

Renewable Energy by Godfrey Boyle

Energy Systems and Sustainability by Godfrey Boyle, Bob Everett and Janet Ramage

Alejandro Agudelo, Founder and CEO recommends:
The Renewable Energy Handbook: A guide to rural energy independence off-grid and sustainable living by William H. Kemp.

Renewable Energy Policy and Politics: a Handbook for Decision Making by Karl Mallon

Bioenergy – Realizing the Potential by Semida Silveira

Laura Ferrari, ITL-SME recommends:
Earth: The Sequel by Fred Krupp (President of The Environmental Defense Fund) and Miriam Horn. Topics include: “The race to reinvent energy and stop global warming” and “How to harness the great forces of capitalism to save the world from catastrophe.”

The 11th Hour: a film produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio

Diana J. Young, Senior Project Manager [and self-proclaimed budding Arctic scholar] is currently reading and recommends:
Who Owns the Arctic? Understanding Sovereignty Disputes in the North by Michael Byers

Islands of the Arctic by Julie Dowdeswell and Michael Hambrey [this is truly one of the most beautifully-photographed and educational “coffee table” style books I have ever encountered.]

Never Eat Alone and Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi

How Eco-Friendly is Fuel Cell Technology?

Our lunch conversation over Thai food focused on an article spotted in today's Wall Street Journal: "Start-Up Claims Fuel-Cell Breakthrough," an article by Jim Carlton. Bloom Energy Corp has developed an Energy Server leveraging fuel cell technology, which produces power around the clock.

So...how eco-friendly is fuel cell technology?

We are encouraged to see the passion surrounding fuel cell technology, another option for consumers in terms of eco-friendly power generation - both commercial and residential.

We support further exploration of different uses of fuel, such as Biomass or other alternative, sustainable sources, rather than natural gas which is mentioned in the article. We hope companies focused on fuel cell technology will eventually consider more bio-related sources such as E-Fuel Corporation with its GridBuster ethanol generator.

Don't underestimate the power of the sun. We believe any successful eco-strategy will require the use of multiple, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, small-scale hydro and Biomass.

You’ve heard of Wind Farms and Solar Power – but how about Biochar?

Working with the Mundiali team is not only a passionate joy but ongoing education for all of us, learning about renewable energy concepts, principles and processes. These are things we can’t keep silent about and therefore can’t wait to share with our clients. Many of these concepts have been in practice for thousands of years, perhaps a bit under the radar or out of range for us here in the States. Frankly, other countries are leaps and bounds ahead in leveraging many of these concepts; this is one of the reasons our CEO, Alex, selected a university outside of the States for his rigorous coursework in this field. When it comes to learning from top institutions about issues so critical to our planet’s future it would be foolish to be fenced in by artificial, political boundaries. After all, environmental changes and impacts don’t stop at border crossings.

So, what is Biochar? If you ask Wikipedia, Biochar is “...charcoal created by pyrolysis of biomass, a potent form of long-term (thousands of years) biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (C02) derived from investigation of the extremely fertile Terra Preta soils of the Amazon Basin.” Perhaps to put it more simply, Biochar is a type of charcoal used as a soil enhancer. And this is charcoal which is touted to be carbon negative. It presents an interesting alternative because the foundation for its use is in soil enhancement and biosequestration and it also boasts potential to be used as a gas or bio-oil for fuel and heating. [Bio-sequestration is the practice of mitigating excessive emissions of harmful Carbon back into our atmosphere.]

The Kyoto Protocol, founded in 1997, targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting binding (not voluntary) targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community. These amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012. An increase in biomass usage - and therefore, Biochar - could aid in the reduction of these gas emissions.

We believe, as many scientists do, that organic waste can be a fuel of the future. Everything from crop residues to animal waste contains carbon, and when left on land or in a landfill it emits harmful carbon emissions. At Mundiali, we see a potential solution to mitigating these bad emissions through the process of pyrolysis, A by-product of pyrolysis is Biochar. Biochar, or Terra Preta (“black soil”) as best known in Brazil, has been used in the farming community in Latin America for thousands of years – a solid, proven best practice.

Biochar and the pyrolysis process are scalable and transferrable. Mundiali is interested in further research and development of Biochar for its multiple forms of use; this requires further studies and assessments, such as a Mundiali Risk Assessment – where environmental direct and indirect impacts are taken into account and studied. Or a Mundiali planning assessment, where we gain insight on how Biochar can be a profitable commodity.

We are actively seeking partnerships in our quest to develop real solutions to real problems facing our planet today.

Wild Horse Wind Farm Journey

By Alejandro Agudelo, Founder and CEO

I was invited by the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) to attend a field trip to the Puget Sound Energy “Wild Horse” Wind Farm site in mid September 2009. I did not hesitate to accept on this rare opportunity, and I was excited to meet others from the council and see firsthand how a wind farm is currently being maintained in the USA. Much to my pleasant surprise the farm was spectacular (in scope, assembly, and upkeep). The day was sponsored by a well-known energy producer – enXco. EnXco is a company based in France and they are developing a new wind farm in Kittitas County, Washington. Their Project and Program Managers hosted the tour. I was excited to be there, and as we drove up to the farm I was amazed at how quiet the turbines were. The property is a perfect land location with rolling hills throughout the property, creating a constant flow of wind at different altitudes. As well, it was great to see all the turbines up close.

The tour had many small business owners, including the chairman and president of the local NMSDC.

Right away I noticed that not all the turbines were functioning, and from what we gathered this was by design - not because the turbines had issues. This methodology of remotely managing the turbines and controlling the rotations to control the wear and maintenance of the turbines (in my mind) prevents our society from moving forward with this technology. I understand why there are limitations and control limits due to the high cost of maintenance and replacement of parts on the turbines. I am disappointed that we are controlling costs, limiting our progress within this critical resource solution. It limits our progress and prevents lowering the costs of such activities.

I challenge us as a society to use more renewable energy, to request more wind power, to push power companies to leverage and maximize the usage of all turbines….we will not be able to drive costs into an appropriate level until there is widespread use of all aspects of a product.

As I stood there right next to one of the non-moving turbines there was an abundance of wind blowing and it didn’t stop – it was a constant strong wind right there at ground level and upward…to stand there and see a turbine not spinning due to controlling maintenance costs disappointed me because I see the revenue potential blowing away down the canyon…I see the vast amount of additional resources yet untapped.

Why Mundiali? And why a Mundiali blog?

Alejandro Agudelo founded Mundiali in 2008 with a vision to propel clients forward in their quests to enhance business processes while simultaneously incorporating new, environmentally-conscious business models embracing renewable energy resources.

At the very foundation of Mundiali lies our unwavering commitment to our company culture – humaneness, equal opportunity, diversity, inclusion, innovation, creativity, Green principles and strict ethical standards. As we move forward with this blog we will showcase more specifics about how we’re doing just that.

So…why a Mundiali blog?

Our vision for this blog is to continue to present, promote and evangelize our thought leadership in the areas of renewable energy and corporate sustainability to our clients, present and future.

We’re doing things a little differently and we’re proud to share our growing story with you. So whether you found us here intentionally or purely by accident – welcome. And, welcome back.

Are you a Green American?

Are you a Green American? What steps are you taking to save our world?

Mundiali Attends MSDC Annual Meeting

CEO Alex Agudelo attended the Northwest Minority Business Council's Annual Report Meeting.