SustainLane - Watts Blowing in the Wind

January 2008
Edition 37

Greetings!

Wind is a dynamic force. It can uproot trees and tear down houses, but it also distributes seeds and circulates the air we breathe. And with the wind technology sector constantly improving ways to harness this invisible yet powerful force (without decimating bird populations in the process), it might soon power the rest of our lives as well.

Read what Tom S. has to say about his personal wind turbine, how Michelle S. gets all her energy from renewable resources, and why Jamie H. uses a terrapass (which invests in wind farms) to offset her car's carbon footprint.

Also, read some insightful news articles about wind power in our In the News section, and watch an unlikely journey for wind energy advocacy in this week's Green Video of the Week.

Green Mountain Energy Company

"I have been a Green Mountain Energy customer for 6 months now and love it!

I really feel good about doing my part to help the environment and this is an easy way to do it. We receive the Cleaner Times, a bimonthly newsletter, which contains our environmental impact since..." click here to read more

Do you get your energy from Green Mountain Energy? How about a different clean energy provider? Write a review at Sustainlane.com and share your story!

Wind Power in the News

Wind energy, like every other renewable power source we've covered so far this month, has it's proponents and it's detractors. And just like those other technologies, it is easy to get caught up in the possibilities rather than the realities. Here are some news stories that offer both.

Mother Earth News says wind power is coming to a backyard near you.

Read this article by the Audubon Society on the controversy involving the intersection, at high speeds, of birds and wind turbines.

Wind power usage increased by 45% in 2007.

Cleantech.com reports that wind incentives are finally floating along.

A story about how wind farms can negatively impact local weather patterns by Science Daily.

China is growing its wind sector faster than whose?!?

Comments about these headlines? Email your thoughts to community@sustainlane.com.

Terrapass

A little known fact about terrapass is that the majority of the projects they invest in are wind farms. See why Jamie H. uses terrapass to offset her car's carbon emissions, and why she loves telling her neighbors all about it.

Click for terrapass Carbon Offsets

I love my Terrapass!

I found out about terrapass almost by accident when surfing the Internet, and I believe that it is an excellent program. Even though I drive a car fueled by biodiesel, offsetting the carbon emissions of my car through the terrapass program is..." click here to read more

Do you have a terrapass for your car? Write a review at SustainLane.com and share!

We Need Your Help

You've reached that part of the newsletter where we at SustainLane ask you to help us make next week's newsletter even better than this one. The theme for that newsletter is "lesser known renewable energies." If you have any experience with or thoughts about geothermal, wave, farm, hydroelectric, or any other renewable energy, please go to SustainLane.com and write a review. It will make us as even happier then this cute polar bear designed to grab your attention.

Upcoming Events

San Francisco Ocean Film Festival:
An event dedicated to enhancing public appreciation for the ocean and its multifaceted importance to the planet.
February 1 - 3
San Francisco, CA
oceanfilmfest.org

Sustainable Biodiesel Summit
The place to be to learn why sustainability is important to the industry, share technical experience and exchange best practices tailored specifically to sustainable biodiesel production and distribution.
February 2-3
Kissimmee, FL
sustainable-biodiesel.org

Adventures in Travel Expo
From safaris to scuba diving, wind surfing to wine tours, here's where you'll discover amazing travel destinations, attractions, activities, luxury goods and services and so much more.
February 9-10
Long Beach, CA
adventureexpo.com

BC Home and Garden Show
Whether you are renovating, decorating, or landscaping, this show will have something for you!
February 20-24
Vancouver, BC
BChomeandgarden.com

Natural Products Expo West:
The largest trade show about natural and organic products. Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase new products, and cutting-edge trends. Watch engaging speakers, and attend informative seminars amidst endless networking opportunities.
March 14 - 16
Anaheim, CA
expowest.com

Down 2 Earth
D2E is Boston's sustainable living expo. D2E is committed to promoting a smarter, greener way of life by connecting eco-friendly businesses with eco-minded consumers.
March 28 - 30
Boston, MA
d2eboston.com

Better Living Show:
A consumer show highlighting eight core topics including: lifestyle, home/garden, transportation, food/beverage, clean tech, eco-adventure, recycling and conservation with food, speakers, and more.
March 28 - 30
Portland, OR
betterlivingshow.org

Green Festival Seattle:
The largest green event in the country hits Seattle for the first time!
April 12 - 13
Seattle, WA
greenfestivals.org

EcoCity 2008 World Summit
Convening an international community of inspired change-makers; courageous individuals who are addressing problems of the world's environment with thoughtful long-range solutions that are truly sustainable, ecologically healthy and socially just.
April 22 - 26
San Francisco, CA
ecocityworldsummit.org

All Things Organic:
An event focused exclusively on organic products--all products on display must be certified organic, made with certified organic ingredients or be approved for use in organic products.
April 27 - 29
Chicago, IL
organicexpo.com