Future Environment

The Controversy of Wind Turbines and Alternative Energy Part II

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:53:30 +0000

In my last post I wrote about the controversy surround wind turbines. Here are a couple of links to news stories about them.

The first story is about the negative effects wind turbines can have, especially when they are placed extremely close to people’s homes.

http://www.globaltv.com/globaltv/ontario/video/index.html?releaseID=1100636061

The second story has to do with Toronto Hydro’s plans to build a wind farm off of the shores of the Scarborough Bluffs in Lake Ontario.

http://www.globaltv.com/globaltv/ontario/video/index.html?releaseID=1101943611

Both are very interesting and I encourage you to watch them.

As I have mentioned before, we need to move towards green energy, but that move can not override all other aspects of life. We need to make sure that we are considering noise levels, wild life, and other environmental impacts. It’s only if we do this that we will truly be able to consider the energy green.

The Controversy of Wind Turbines and Alternative Energy

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:34:15 +0000

There is a lot of controversy as to the effectiveness and the sustainability of alternative energy sources such as wind turbines. Unfortunately, the sources of information on the subject are usually biased. Finding an honest discussion can be difficult.

Here’s an an excerpt from an interesting article on the subject of wind turbines.

“There are legitimate concerns out there, and you’ve got to listen to them. That’s what distinguishes between social friction and NIMBYism. But there are other concerns that aren’t real,” says Kris Stevens, executive director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association.

Stevens has closely studied the nature of social friction in Ontario’s electricity sector, which is also the subject of his Master’s thesis in environmental studies. Some people “don’t like change,” he says. “They’re stuck in an older paradigm.”

Stevens has the right attitude. If we can discuss the pros and the cons of wind turbines (along with other environmental solutions) we can move towards more effective solutions that cause less problems.

You can find the rest of the article at For and against wind power.

Environmental Protection is not so Clear Cut

admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 04:11:23 +0000

What are we to do when environmentalists are the ones fighting green energy programs? The question is of course, what is green energy?

As I’ve pointed out in previous posts, is it okay to destroy acres of sensitive habitat to generate electricity from the sun or the wind? Sacrificing one part of the environment in order to save another may not be as environmentally friendly as we would like.

President Obama is discovering this. There is opposition from environmental groups with regards to green energy projects - projects that are in direct support of President Obama’s mandate to generate 25% of electricity from green sources by 2025.

The problem may be environmental damage and it may be people not wanting wind turbines in their back yard. The question is, what will be the least amount of damage.

“We all want to be as green as we can be. But at what cost?” Richard Jolly of the Blue Mountain Alliance. “To take everything from us? This valley could be surrounded by them.”

Jolly says 400-foot wind turbines are a bird-killing eyesore. The developer argues the danger to birds is exaggerated but admits every big energy project has its downside.

I would have to disagree. It seems to me that generating power with wind turbines is not “taking everything” from them. In addition, he needs to research bird deaths. Although wind turbines do kill birds, so do coal fired plants. In fact, the air pollution from coal fired plants kill more birds than wind turbines per generated megawatt hour.

Still there are environmental problems with the big energy projects. Although birds seem to benefit from wind turbines of coal plants, bats do not. Their respiratory systems are unable to cope with the sudden changes of air pressure near the turbines.

There is also the issue of the damage to the ecosystems that is taking place.

You can read about the struggles that President Obama’s initiatives are facing at Parts of Obama’s Green Energy Plan Fuel Discontent Among Environmentalists

A Good Summary of Green Cleaning Products

admin — Sun, 03 May 2009 22:18:07 +0000

Cleaning products can be some of the most environmentally damaging items we have in our homes. I just read a really good post that discusses what you should look for when purchasing environmentally friendly soaps, detergents, etc.

Here’s an excerpt from the post.

If you are switching to Eco cleaning products chose wisely. There is nothing to gain from assuming anything. Manufacturers are marketing savvy experts in selling us what they think we want, whether or not it really is what we hope for.

You can read the complete article at Eco Green Cleaning Products.

Protecting Drinking Water - Who Wouldn’t Support this Act?

admin — Sun, 03 May 2009 11:58:03 +0000

I just commented on a post on John Hetherington’s blog. John is a state representative for Connecticut. In the post he indicates that he is supporting act SB- 1021.

To quote John’s blog…

The measure would require the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to notify local municipal leaders when contaminated drinking water is discovered within their municipality.

My comment on the blog was simply that I can not imagine anyone not supporting such an act and I would question the motives of anyone who does not.

You can read the complete article and lend your own support for the act at Hetherington Supports Notifying Towns of Contaminated Water.

New Computer Monitor that Conserves by Watching

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:49:50 +0000

We can all set our power options to switch off our monitor after a certain amount of inactive time - however, that time is still being spent consuming electricity.

Enter the Eizo Nanao FlexScan monitors with EcoView Sense.

EcoView Sense allows the monitor to sense movement, or more accurately, the lack of movement. After 40 seconds of inactivity in the monitors proximity, it will automatically shut down.

You can read about it at New Monitor Watches You.

Save Green by Going Green

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:25:36 +0000

Here’s an excellent article that reiterates that you can save money while becoming more green.

But what about costs? Yes, there is an upfront investment in money and time, but the payoff is clear. Even during this recession, as you focus on the bottom line and try to save wherever possible, you can actually reduce operating expenses through green initiatives. In fact, relatively small investments can yield big potential returns. Plus, consider the additional benefits that sustainability can lead to: more effective recruiting, improved worker productivity, lower absenteeism, better employee retention, and enhanced corporate branding.

The article has lots of great suggestions. You can find it at LEED the Way with Sustainability: Go Green without Spending Too Much Green.

Detroit - On Its Way to Green

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:26:59 +0000

Detroit is in the process of having its first wind turbine constructed on the roof of the Wayne State University Engineering Technology Building. Congratulations on taking the first step to renewable energy.

Here’s and excerpt from an article about the event.

“This is important because our nation and the whole world is moving toward renewable and sustainable energy development. We need to find new areas to boost our economy, and we know that energy, especially renewable, could be a very good area,” Wang said. “And Wind energy can definitely boost our economy in Michigan. We can have our Michigan companies employ our Michigan people.”

I keep saying it… Moving towards environmentally friendly can also be economically friendly.

In the case of wind turbines, yes purchasing and constructing them can benefit the economy. We do have to make sure that they are not overpriced - there is a tendency to do so when we are talking about “green energy”.

You can find the complete article at Detroit’s Gets First Wind Turbine .

Dairy Farmers gain a Plan for Green Business

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:41:52 +0000

I keep commenting about this from an environmental perspective. Making environmentally friendly choices can also make economic sense – they don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Sure, at times an environmental change will have additional costs, but that’s not always going to be the case. There are so many ways that we can help the environment and reduce costs. One such way is by simply conserving energy.

The Dairy Business Association has come to this realization. They have created what they call Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

Here’s a quote that describes EMS

We look forward to enrolling more dairies in the program and developing additional strategies for them to be even more environmentally sound and sustainable while improving their business models,” said DBA’s Executive Director Laurie Fischer.

You can read more about the initiative at http://www.wdexpo.org/2009/04/20/wis-announces-accomplishments-of-green-tier/.

Green Living in NYC

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:20:45 +0000

Mayor Bloomberg just announced a green initiative for New York City. The program includes pedestrian access, tree planting, and hybrid taxis - to name a few. That’s quite an eclectic mix of green elements.

You can read more about the announcement at The Big Green Apple.