Eco Lips Solar Project

Solar Update

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The original solar energy initiative was set out to provide us with 100% solar energy to our facility in Cedar Rapids. The program was so well received that the State of Iowa and our local energy company supported it through multiple grants and they made it into a community wide project which ended up being the largest solar array in Iowa at the time. However, what this means for us, is that none of our electricity is offset directly by the solar panels. Instead, the solar energy is dropped into the grid and offsets traditional energy sources in general.
There is no doubt that the initiative had a larger, more environmentally positive impact than what we were originally shooting for.

Now, we are working with engineers on our original goal of being 100% solar powered. We do not know how long this will take but we are very committed to this project. Our sites are fixed for the end of 2008, or early in 2009 for the project to be finished.

Outside our office windows, there are solar panels connected to a kiosk on the sidewalk, that measures and displays the input of energy from the sun.

We will try to keep our website updated as this project progresses. Thank you for all of your past and present support of our solar power initiatives.

Solar Project Installation Ceremony

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Today at 10:00 a.m. the installation ceremony took place. Among many spectators were the project coordinators, Cedar Rapids Mayor Paul Pate, Alliant Energy, and many of those who helped with the installation work shops.
It was a beautiful day to debut solar power in Iowa!

Educational kiosk with up to the minute data on the solar array.

Rich Dana with Plan B Consulting

Jonna Higgins-Freese with Plan B Consulting

View out of our windows at Eco Lips

PRESS RELEASE

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Off the Grid?
Organic Eco Lips Gets Fueled with Solar Power!

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (August 29, 2005) For Steve Shriver, CEO of Eco Lips, Inc., making sure his lip balm is made with certified organic ingredients is just not enough – it’s got to be solar powered too! The Iowa-based company has taken steps through IRENEW (Iowa Renewable Energy Association) to add solar power to its manufacturing facility. The initiative has turned into one of Iowa’s largest solar power projects ever, gaining immediate support from the State of Iowa, Alliant Energy and the Department of Natural Resources. According to Steve Shriver, “Our solar project became a statewide ordeal rather than just fueling Eco Lips. It now puts solar energy into our entire neighborhood.”

Eco Lips demonstrated how to make their organic lip balm using 100% solar energy at a special promotion which took place at Frontier Natural Products HerbFest over the weekend of August 19th. “The response was quite exciting,” noted Steve after the event. “People attending really understood the importance of companies moving towards a complete package of corporate responsibility – demonstrated on every level.”

In addition, Eco Lips is reducing its power use inside the facility. With regards to lighting, the company has gone from an electromagnetic ballast to a flicker free ballast, translating to just 1/3 of the electricity usage per light than before. The lighting tubes were changed from 60 CRI to 80 CRI (color rendition index) to produce a more natural “sunlight” effect in the office that also saves energy.

What’s next? According to Steve, “Our commitment to this project is huge and we will not be finished until we are completely off the grid, whether it takes 1 year or 10.” In addition, Eco Lips is working with Iowa State University to determine the BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) Analysis of its lip balm to quantify exact energy usage per balm. This rating will be used as a guide for future energy initiatives within Eco Lips’ operations.

Eco Lips manufactures the highest quality certified organic lip care products on the planet. With a mission of satisfying the needs of every customer, Eco Lips has been first to market with several innovative organic lip care products and packages. With environmental initiatives in place, award-winning packaging and a relaxed, yet productive Iowa work environment, Eco Lips is making its way around the world, one set of lips at a time. The company donates 1% of its profits to non-profit environmental initiatives. For more information, see www.ecolips.com.

Mark Rushton Jams with Solar!

Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Our good friend and local digital musician Mark Rushton, recently helped launch the 2X2XU art opening outside our building. He played his groovy melodies and powered his set up with the solar traveler! Bose liked the idea so much, they are featuring him on their website!

Click here to learn more about Mark Rushton

Eco Lips makes lip balm using 100% solar power at Herb Fest 2005

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

At this year’s Frontier Natural Products Herb Fest, in Norway, Iowa, we utilized IRENEW's solar traveler to make solar powered organic Eco Lips!

The solar traveler can generate enough renewable energy to run a small energy efficient house. We used a small portion of this output to make fresh Organic Eco Lips Gold – the Ultimate Lip Moisturizer - which we shared with Herb Fest attendees and fellow vendors. Everyone agreed: Eco Lips Solar Powered Lip Balm was a hit!

In the interest of using renewable energy alternatives, our production engineer Billy Valencia rode his bike to Herb Fest from Iowa City - an estimated 33 miles!

the solar traveler from a distance

solar traveler up close

Eco Lips booth and the traveler

Seminar tents at Herb Fest

Thanks to Tim Blakely of Frontier for teaching Andrea Shriver how to make lip balm in 1995!