Even if you’re not the CEO of one of the companies that will be presenting, there’s still plenty of reason to attend SXSW Eco this year. Maybe you’re part of a company that’s just starting out, and want to make sure your brand always lives up to its green claims. Or maybe you’re an executive at a traditional company that’s looking for ways to save money and energy by incorporating sustainable operating principles.

If you’ve got ideas that will make your organization greener, but don’t know how to get management to listen to them, this year’s session led by Rahul Raj is meant for you. As Director of Sustainability and Merchandising Innovation at Walmart.com, Raj knows first hand what it’s like to fight an uphill battle for corporate social responsibility. His session will be a guide for budding “intrapreneurs” in their journey to benefit the world from the inside-out.

Image via clanlife/Flickr

As much as we love new clean technologies, we know that gadgets alone can’t stop climate change or reinforce policies meant to protect our natural resources. These important battles can only be waged by individuals that are willing to give their time and talent to educate the public and provide avenues for taking meaningful action.

That’s why we’re excited to see that SXSW Eco organizers are making it possible for attendees do hands on work in the Austin community. Registrants are encouraged to sign up for “The Green Army” sponsored by AMD. Registered volunteers will help clean and beautify Austin’s historic Waller Creek, on the University of Texas at Austin campus, by planting trees, gathering debris, and identifying invasive species. Volunteers will also make “seed-balls” for the Bastrop Lost Pines Recovery Project. The goal is for hundreds of volunteers to beautify Waller Creek through central Austin, all-the-way down to the Colorado River. Later volunteers will meet up for a reception at the EasyTiger overlooking Waller Creek to relax and reflect on a job well done. Voluntary donations collected at the event will benefit the Waller Creek Conservancy.

Remember, even if you can’t attend the event in person, EarthTechling will be on the ground, covering all the action! Check back daily during the first week of October for an up close look at this year’s best speakers, panels, and innovations and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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