Alternative vehicles on display in Framingham

The fourth annual AltWheels Fleet Day was held over the weekend in Framingham at Staples' world headquarters. Over 300 auto and technology makers were on-hand to pitch their alternative products to fleet managers, who were looking to make their company's transit more green (and, obviously, cost less).

As gas prices continue to hover between $3 and $4, it's no wonder that businesses are starting to pay more attention to the green movement. And more and more business are popping up with the goal of providing the goods and services necessary for these companies to get green. In fact, the 300 exhibitors at the AltWheels event was triple the number that appeared at the same event just last year.

According to this Christian Science Monitor blog, U.S. auto giants Ford and GM were at the event to talk about each company's plans in regards to sustainable energy. Ford's Director of Sustainable Business Strategies said the company is trying to create technology that is not only greener but also affordable and easy to produce in high quantities. In addition to the company's new EcoBoost engines, which claim to increase gas mileage by 20 percent and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent, the company is working on making its vehicle's components slimmer to improve gas mileage.

Increased interest in events such as this one suggest that the green movement continues to slowly gain traction in the business world. And as more businesses realize the importance of conserving our environment (and that they can also save a lot of money by going green), interest in sustainable-energy products and practices will only increase.