Most of what we are talking about at cleantech group is on a huge scale.  We write about revolutionizing the US Smart Grid, billion dollar stimulus efforts and the billions China is investing in clean technologies.  So it was a nice change of pace to spend a day with the consumer- and small business-focused technologies showcased at West Coast Green.

I’m not a homeowner (I live in San Francisco, nuff said) but suddenly in the face of all these innovations, my dream home started to appear.  I am in love with cork flooring.  So durable, renewable, good looking, comfortable – and not so expensive!  It even naturally repels bugs and mold.

My dream home must also have a Rainwater HOG, a modular water storage system to capture rainwater for garden and lawn use (you can see two units attached to the adorable sustainable in-law house to the left).  It’s a simple concept, but the modular design makes it easy to implement and it’s designed not to detract from your home’s appearance.  As water resources become more scarce, these types of systems will be a small, but key, way for homeowners to conserve water resources and make use of rainwater.…