FUSF Green

Trends in Coastal Windpower

by Stephen Derdiarian, ASLA

What makes a "good" offshore wind generation system? As we watch Cape Wind navigate the shoals of permitting it is helpful to look at European trends.

Europe is today the windpower leader, generating 70% of world windfarm capacity. To put this in context, their 28,000 megawatts (MW) of wind generated power is sufficient to meet the energy needs of 7 million homes. Germany leads the way with 15,000 MW installed, meeting 3.5% of national energy needs with an industry employing 35,000 people.

The Green Agenda

by Patricia Glennon - 9/2006

There has been a lot of media coverage on global warming lately. The threat is real. If everyone could make a few changes we could slow the tide of global warming.

If you aren’t ready for a hybrid car or solar panels on your roof, but are willing to start on a smaller scale, here are a ten ways to get started:

1) Lights. Try exchanging five standard light bulbs for five compact fluorescent bulbs.

2) Pull the plug. Anything that is plugged into the wall draws energy, even if it isn’t turned on. So unplug appliances like your cell-phone charger, toaster and hair dryer when they’re not in use.

3) Choose products with minimal packaging.

4) Keep your perfectly good stuff out of the landfills. Your trash is someone else’s treasure.

·    www.craigslist.com

·    www.freecycle.com

5) Turn off your engines. Idling your car for more than 10 seconds uses more gas than restarting the car.

6) Bag it. Carry a tote bag with you to the grocery store or the mall. Don’t take every bag that is offered. Return extra plastic bags to grocery stores that have collection bins.

7) Support local organic farming. The closer you live to your food source the better.

8) Look for the energy star. Energy Star is a government-backed program that helps direct people to products with superior energy efficiency.

9) Replace old appliances. Old appliances use a lot more energy than newer models. Front loading washers use 50% less energy and one third less water. Refrigerators manufactured before 1993 can result in a $140 electric bill per year.

10) Make a donation. Offset the amount of carbon dioxide that you put into the air by making a contribution to renewable energy.