Archive for the ‘Local Economy’ Category

West Michigan Wind Manufacturers

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Wind Turbine Power in Texas 2 West Michigan Wind ManufacturersA regional network of manufactures aims to connect capable companies to the wind turbine supply chain. The West Michigan Wind Manufacturers Network (WMWMN) is composed of sixteen regional companies already working in wind energy. The manufactures have come together to help promote the regions capabilities in the alternative energy industry. The WMWMN has the potential to serve as a one-stop directory for turbine original equipment manufactures (OEMs) to find qualified suppliers. In turn, this should also help bring in low-cost leads and business for the suppliers, allowing them to focus on competitiveness and profit.

The network was formed after an analysis uncovered 800 West Michigan companies that had potential to manufacture wind energy components. The WMWMN will no doubt aim to network companies working the wind energy sector who might not otherwise know each other existed.

Because of the regions expansive manufacturing expertise and the thousands of parts in just one wind turbine, West Michigan can enter the market quickly; building off existing capabilities. The region also has another advantage, experience with integrated systems.  This gives the turbine OEMs the opportunity to consolidate their supply chain by purchasing from as few vendors as possible; a process the manufacturers are accustomed to from the automotive and office furniture industries.

Though the wind energy industry shows great promise, the current demand may not be as impressive as one may think. Policies, government actions and incentives have given the industry some wind behind its sail; but the potential for the industry is considerably lower then estimates so far. As demand in America increases it only makes sense that the components, with their shear size and shipping cost, come from local facilities.

Flexible Plastic Recycling, A Job Too Big?

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Picture from Earth911.comPicture from Earth911.com

Last year a wonderful thing happened in our community,  a local waste management (garbage) company added a flexible plastic recycling bin to one of their recycling stations (a service our local curbside recycling does not support). A station which already contained the typical recycling bins: mixed paper and cardboard, metal and plastic containers (all services, thankfully, our local curbside recycling program does support).

With the addition of the flexible plastic recycling, which included any flexible plastic like: plastic grocery bags, produce bags, bread bags, zip-lock type bags, shrink-wrap, candy wrappers, cerebral bags… anything that is plastic and flexible, garbage waste at home and at work was significantly cut back. I noticed a tremendous change in the amount of garbage waste. Unfortunately, they cancelled the program and I were left puzzled.

A possible solution? Grocery bag recycling at local supermarkets, such as Meijer (my choice) and Walmart. However, that leaves a lot of flexible plastic out of recycling. I’ve contacted both stores in an attempt to gain a clearer definition to the plastics accepted at their facilities because the last thing I’d like to see happen is recycling go to waste or create an issue by including un-recyclable plastics (for this particular application).

Not to my surprise, the local managers didn’t really know. One location told me they except plastic grocery bags only. The next location said the same, until I start probing, then they fumbled into admitting they really weren’t sure. I was then directed, by one store, to a “consumer affairs” number, which turns out to be just a general customer service line. Fair Enough. The customer service was very kind and helpful, though she had even less a clue regarding their recycling program than the local manager. I was then directed to corporate. After filtering through a long list of corporate departments, I found myself back on the phone with the same customer service representative. Uuuurrrrggghhhhh.

After being washed and wrung out of the corporate ringer, and with a little research and intuition, I believe I have it narrowed down; these facilities accept plastic grocery bags and produce bags (or any High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE, flexible plastic bags with the number 2 recycling symbol on them). No zip locks, no cereal bags, no shrink wrap, no bread bags, etc. (most of which are Low Density Polyethylene, or LDPE, plastic with the number 4 recycling symbol). Which, as previously stated, leaves lots of plastic to be thrown unwillingly in the trash.

Why is flexible plastic recycling seemingly such a hassle in my community? Is it really too big a job for facilities to handle? Do other communities have this service available? I know that compared to other states, and even other communities within our state, we have a pretty good recycling program that I have been proud to support and actively participate in. But after noticing how much more can be recycled with all flexible plastic being recycled, it’s a program I think no community should be without. I also have a fellow avid recycler from our local chamber of commerce looking into the issue further.

Biokleen: Cross Country Albuquerque to Dallas, Part 2

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Part 2 of 2:

Nine Banded Armadillo

Nine Banded Armadillo

Texas is a land of cattle, horses and armadillos. The armadillo is a fascinating creature to visitors from the north. They first foraged into Texas across the Rio Grande from Mexico in the 1800’s. Armadillo is Spanish for “Little Armored One”. There are 20 species of armadillos which are distinguished by the number of bands on their armor. They range from the 5 foot Giant Armadillo to the Pink Fairy Armadillo of 5 inches. All species are native to the Americas. In the U.S. the sole resident is the Nine-banded Armadillo.

Armadillos are prolific diggers and build burrows near creeks and streams feeding on ants and grubs. The Nine-banded Armadillo tends to jump straight up in the air when frightened and consequently collides with the undercarriage or fenders of passing cars, unfortunately the reason you see so many fur-belly side up beside the road.

Southwestern Decor

Southwestern Decor

They first came into Texas crossing the Rio Grande River from Mexico in the 1800’s. Interestingly enough they have the ability to remain underwater up to 6 minutes and inflate their stomach with air to float and swim. The Nine-banded Armadillo also serves science through its unusual mammal reproductive system in which genetically identical quadruplets are born in every liter. During the great depression the species was actually hunted for it’s meat in East Texas where it was known as “Hoovers Hog’.

 

Cowboys Limo

Cowboy's Limo

There are interesting energy solutions across Texas including everything from old windmills pumping water to livestock in vast desolate acreages, to big oil wells drilling the liquid gold, to wind turbines converting the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy which is then converted to electricity.

 

Turbines used in wind farms are usually a three bladed tapered airfoil shape and pointed into the wind by computer controlled motors. The blades rotate 10-22 rpms and range in length from 65-130 feet and the steel towers range from 200-300 feet tall – making for an awesome sight across the landscape. All turbines are equipped with shut down features to avoid damage at high wind speeds.

Wind Turbine Power in Texas

Wind Turbine Power in Texas

Saturday May 9th the Windpower 2009 conference was held at McCormick Place, Chicago. It was reported that the 2008 wind energy production was at 25,170MW installed, putting the U.S. as #1 in the world ahead of Germany. Texas with 7116MW accounts for ¼ of that and Iowa second with 2790MW. The wind industry employs 85,000 people in the U.S. The Obama administration wants the U.S. to be producing 20% of it’s electricity from wind by 2030. Amazingly we are on track to do it.

Closer to home, Mas Tech, a small factory in Manistee, is churning out wind turbines helping usher in a new greener era for Michigan manufacturing. According to Next Energy, a renewable energy group in Detroit, “Some 400 other Michigan manufacturers have the capabilities to craft gear boxes, brakes, generators and other parts for utility size wind turbines with the structures selling for two million dollars a piece.” One federal report identifies Michigan as one of the four states that could create up to 30,000 new jobs from wind energy.

Home of the 72oz

Home of the 72oz

Back in Texas, the state is also known for its great steak houses. A popular spot on the trail is the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo. Their claim to fame is the Free 72 oz. steak dinner… if you can eat it all in 1 hour. They say many have tried and many have failed, but reports over 8,000 hearty diners have done it including a 68 year old woman. I think we’ll have to pass, but you never know… maybe next year.

View all Bio-Kleen’s Photos from Albuquerque to Dallas

Retire on Next to Nothing

Monday, May 18th, 2009

With the current state of the economy and stock market, retirement can be a scary and quite possibly an infeasible task. Doesn’t it make the most sense to keep your fixed costs as low as possible so more of your nest egg can be spent on enjoyable things? How low can you go on your monthly bills? One Southwest Michigan man has set out to live on next to nothing.

Randy East has already built his retirement home with all the green planning ahead of time. The 240-square-foot home is currently setting behind his 1,600-square-foot home in the backyard, patiently awaiting it’s turn. He plans on selling his current home and moving the retirement home when the time comes.

East spent only about $8,000 building the energy efficient home. It uses a wood stove for heat, estimated to heat the home for a year with only one cord of wood, and is solar powered. He has had to make some compromises to run on such a budget. He installed a 10″ LCD TV that draws only 1 amp and fitted the home with LED light bulbs; allowing him to wire the structure for 12 volts. The home’s facilities may be a little different then the norm as well. East installed a composting toilet, rated for 2-3 users, which only requires to be emptied three times a year.

We think Randy is ahead of his time and can see more retirees shifting towards a completely sustainable lifestyle. Not only can you feel good about living a green lifestyle, but you can feel good about spending more time, and more green, on the things that really matter in the golden years.

Green Your Partner

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Green Eye

Lead by Design
The ‘ol saying, set a good example. Don’t just buy them reusable bags – make sure you remember yours when you two go shopping together. Most people want to do what looks both fun and right. If you aren’t doing, they’re not going to either.

Knowing is Half the Battle
Educate yourself and your partner; and why not try using electronic media. But not just blogs…books, newspapers, magazines and podcasts. Or give Kindle a try.

Get Up, Get Out and Do Something
Getting involved in your local community can be a fast and easy way to get connected to the world as a whole. A simple trip to the farmers market can help sustain local growers, while introducing you to a new neighbor and encouraging you to eat organic foods. Also, a Saturday spent volunteering at your community garden can help you better understand the use for your own compost or those old tires you were storing in your backyard. One simple act can open the door to new possibilities and actions. Try something new, together, and see where it may lead.

All Systems Ready
Sometimes the hardest part of a project is getting started…so do it for them! If the house you share or the home they have doesn’t already have a recycling system in place, set one up for them. A little surprise recycling overhaul will be just what the doctor ordered to get them jump-started in their new life. But be careful: if it’s their house you are changing, make sure to not make any changes that will turn your surprise into a screaming match instead of a high-five party.

Show Them You Notice
Be encouraging and supportive, but most of all, hold your partner accountable. Everyone needs a little shove sometimes, as well as a pat on the back and some acknowledgment. What might seem like a daily activity to you could be a big deal to them. So make a scene, throw a party, or send them an e-card to let them know you have seen a change – and you appreciate it!

You Know You Got To Have Friends

Taking up a new lifestyle is a great time to meet others in your new mindset. Attending events, shows, expos, concerts and stores that focus on eco-products and culture are great places to meet other couples like you. Take this opportunity to get out into the scene and start to mingle. New friends will open the door to unique options and different things that can spice up your life.

Find Fantastic Alternatives
No one knows your partner’s favorite food, indulgent activities, or wasteful treats better than you. To positively counteract this, find the “eco-alterative” for each and make it even better.

Coffee addict? Try fair trade. Chocolate junkie? Go organic. Love the gas guzzler? Start saving for those new SUV hybrids. Whatever the hang-up, think outside the box – it’s easier than you think. Plus, it shows that you thought it through and are not trying to take away their favorite things, just make them greener!

Take an Eco Trip
After all this work, its time for a vacation, so make it a green one. Whether it’s your second honeymoon, first trip together or just a weekend away, a trip with Mother Nature in mind is a great way to start your new lifestyle off on the right foot. Options in eco-tourism have been growing like wild in the past few years,  representing 11.4 percent of all consumer spending in the travel industry. You’ve done a lot of work, so take a break, and enjoy each other!

Original content by Raquel Fagan, Earth911.com

Insects Cause Climate Change?

Friday, November 7th, 2008

EARTH NEUTRON 150 Insects Cause Climate Change?Can insects cause global climate change? That’s what one researcher from Wayne State University is trying to find out. It makes sense when you think about it. Are the insects out there burning fossil fuels? No. What scientists are trying to understand is the intricate connection between large scale insect outbreaks and global climate change. One outbreak in particular of mountain pine beetles in Yellowstone National Park. Why? They believe this outbreak is altering carbon cycling in forests and they want to find out what effect this alteration may have on global climate change.

Dan Kashian, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will be granted a $306,296 grant from the National Institute of Climate Change Research in the Department of Energy to conduct the study. Kashian will try to determine if climate changes that have already occurred contribute to the current outbreaks, and how the outbreaks may effect future climate change.

P.S. (Don’t ever let your Dad tell you a degree in Liberal Arts doesn’t pay). (BB)

Snowmobile Org Out to Do Good

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

SledBrite snowmobile cleaners recently met up with members of the SnomadS Snofari Club at the Novi Snow Show in southeast Michigan. We donated a Starter Kit of snowmobile cleaners for their biggest fundraiser of the year, a raffle and auction Saturday November 8th in Keego Harbor. We like the various causes they support and are happy to do what we can.

SnomadS is a private non profit, social and fraternal organization dedicated to the advancement of the sport of snowmobiling.

snomadS 175 Snowmobile Org Out to Do GoodIn addition to social and recreational activities, the club supports charitable causes in the interest of public service and snowmobiling citizenship. SnomadS offers snowmobile safety classes through DNR certified instructors and makes continuing safety and technical education available to members and the public through classes and seminars.

The Snomads support Easter Seals of Michigan in the “For Women Only” Snowmobile ride.   This ride raises money to create solutions that change lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs and their families.   Each participant raises a minimum of $500 to help children and adults with disabilities.  The Snomad women get together and have fundraisers all year in order to raise money; including spaghetti dinners, selling cookie dough and the huge raffle and auction this coming weekend. (BB)

Recreational Trails in Jeopardy

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

Bike on mountain 200 Recreational Trails in JeopardyDo you know what the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is? It is a small component of the transportation bill that is up for reauthorization in 2009. Why is it important? RTP funds projects and programs that support motorized and non-motorized trails all over the country. From trail building and restoration projects to education programs such as Tread trainer, the program is vital to keeping the outdoors accessible.

in a recent address from the Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, she singled out recreational trails.

“Our plan also will reform the nation’s transportation programs. We consolidate the 102 various transportation programs that have sprouted up over the past two decades. These programs dilute the effects of federal funsing by forcing state and local officials to fund projects such as recreational trails, while projects that would make a difference for commuters languish.”

The new reform plan shows no evidence to support recreational trails.

This is how much these programs dilute your projects that “make a difference.” Total 2008 RTP Budget = $80 million; 1 Mile of Interstate Highway = $25 million (Source: Americans for Responsible Recreation Access)

If you care about the trails you ride, hike, or bike you should be interested. RTP funds are available to local, state and federa; land managers for projects that might not otherwise be funded. When the debate begins on Capital Hill in 2009, let your representatives and congressional canidates know that you support recreational trails. And be sure to take the time to learn more.

To learn more about the new transportation plan and to comment on it, go to www.fightgridlocknow.gov.

To learn more about issues related to trails, go to www.americantrails.org.

(Content provided by TreadLightly!, visit them at www.treadlightly.org)

Michigan-Not All Treasures are Buried

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Big Mac

Michigan is a Midwestern state named after Lake Michigan whose name is a French adaptation of the Ojibwa Indian term mishigami, meaning large lake. Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world. Michigan is ranked third for the number of registered recreation boats, behind California and Florida. Michigan has 11,037 inland lakes. A person is never more than 6 miles from natural water or more than 87.2 miles from a Great Lake Coastline.

Sleeping Bear DunesMichigan is the only state to consist entirely of two peninsulas. The Lower Peninsula is dubbed the mitten due to its shape. When residents are asked where they live, they often point to the corresponding part of their hand. The Upper Peninsula is referred to as the U.P. and is inhabited by “Yuppers”. The U.P. is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinaw, a 5 mile wide channel that joins Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. The upper and lower peninsulas are connected by the 5 mile Mackinac Bridge which so the third longest suspension bridge in the world. The great lakes that border Michigan from east to west are Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state-about 150. The first lighthouses were built between 1818 & 1822 to project light at night and serve as a landmark to guide passenger ships and freighters traveling the great lakes.

Fall in Atlanta, MIMichigan has a humid Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The dramatic change of the seasons makes Michigan a  beautiful place to live. Michigan is known as the birthplace of the automobile industry but in recent years it has diversified  to a booming biotechnology industry. Some other fun facts about Michigan: It is the 3rd leading grower of Christmas trees, the beverage Vernors was invented here in 1866 sharing the oldest soft drink title with Hires root beer, it is home to more golf courses than any other state, it ranks 1st in the nation in the number of registered snowmobiles with 6,100 miles of trails and it is 3rd in the nation for licensed hunters – over 750,000.

Grand Haven LighthouseWe have toured many states and waterways with the Bio-Kleen boat, but Michigan of course is our favorite. There are over 1,300 public access sites and 80 harbors and marinas throughout the state. Our home port is South Haven, a small town gem with its scenic sandy shoreline, majestic lake vistas and dazzling sunsets. At the Black River Harbor boaters looking to stay have over 1200 boat slips available. At the port of South Haven there is great fishing for trout, salmon and perch. The 105 year old lighthouse is a historical beacon laying claim to the once booming timber shipping port and adds to the overall scenic appeal of the harbor. As the logging industry depleted much of the surrounding forestation, agriculture moved into the cleared lands. Dozens of fruit, vegetable and vineyards offer visitors fresh fruit picking and wine tasting tours. The National Blueberry Festival is held the second week in August, Harbor Fest is on the 3rd weekend in June with it’s traditional Dragon Boat races, and South Haven is a great place to spend the 4th of July with family events and an art festival. A fall color boat tour along the lake shore is spectacular. Winter brings on snowmobiling, snow skiing, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating and hockey. Michigan truly lives up to its name-Winter Wonderland. (DK)

View more photos all across Michigan HERE.

There are so many beautiful  ports, parks  and trails  around the Great Lakes of Michigan to visit. To obtain a guide go to www.Michigan.gov

The Mackinac Bidge

Invasive Species Expansion

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

Maybe many people don’t know about the small and seemingly harmless striped shells that that begin appearing at the bottom of their lakes and streams. Boaters and water enthusiasts in the Great Lakes, and unfortunately the inland lakes of the states surrounding the Great Lakes, know these small, but ever multiplying shells all too well.

Mussel Beach 200 Invasive Species ExpansionWhat I’m speaking of is not just empty shells, but mussels; Zebra and Quaga Mussels more specifically. These species are not native to North America (but in their defense, not much that lives here now, really ever was…). They are, in fact, native to Russia’s Caspian Sea. They’ve taken many long vacations due to international shipping and subsequently have fueled their prolific spread. They were first detected in North America in the Great Lakes region in the late 1980s, traveling on ocean going ships from the Atlantic into the St. Lawrence Seaway and on into the chain of the Great Lakes. Since then the spread has been astronomical, affecting not only the Great Lakes but major US rivers including the Mississippi, Hudson, St. Lawrence, Ohio, Cumberland, Missouri, Tennessee, Colorado and Arkansas.

One thing the mussels due for the waterways is make them much cleaner and clearer, filtering the water. In reality, they are actually filtering out the algae that would be a normal food source for native organisms. They also overwhelm the local mussels, by reproducing exponentially faster, forcing them into extinction and throwing off the entire ecosystem. Their numbers have grown so much they actually clog pipelines, marinas, boatyards, docks and in some places completely cover the natural landscape, whether it be the lake bottom or the shoreline.

How they are making their way across the country is by attaching themselves to boat hulls, drives, trailers and pretty much anything that finds its way into the waters they occupy. According to the US Geological Survey, the costs associated with controlling zebra mussel expansion may soon reach an estimated $5 billion annually, and that’s just in the Great Lakes region. Now, in less than 20 years, the mussels have made their way from one US coast to the next; something a lot of humans can’t even say. Around the beginning of this year, both species of mussels were found in California and causes multiple closures to waterways.

Jetski1 Invasive Species ExpansionSo what can we do? Anyone with a recreational water vessel can help prevent the spread of the species. It has actually been the recreational boater that has caused a major portion of the expansion since they found their way to the US. It can be easily deduced…just look at some of the lakes where the species can be found, much too small for even large recreational boats to navigate. Boaters who trailer their boats from lakes to lake, river to river, spreading this infection each time they launch their vessel. It’s not just the boaters who travel across the country either, but even fisherman and Jet Ski owners who trailer to local lakes. So Yes! Everyone with a water vessel.

Thankfully, the steps to prevent the spread are really very easy and take little time. Simplistically put, careful inspection and a thorough washing and drying of your boat and trailer after removing it from the water: which you should be doing for regular maintenance anyway.

Now, for the specifics: The mussels can be microscopic but typically look like black pepper and feel like sandpaper to the touch. Hulls should be cleaned to remove heavy build-up and thoroughly washed, ideally with hot water and high pressure, ounce far away from fresh water. Any visible plant or animal material should be removed, and water needs to be drained from all areas, including the bilge. Cooling systems also should be flushed with fresh water, and drained as much as possible, as mussel larvae can live in this water. Both hulls and engine compartments also should be thoroughly dried. Ideally, watercraft should be kept dry for a minimum of five days before launching into any new, different body of fresh water. The same steps should be applied to your watercraft’s trailer (Hemmel, Jeff. “Invasive mussels force California closures.” Powersports Business March, 10 2008.).

Sounds like a lot of work, and maybe too much trouble? Think of the alternative – mussel infestations will close your local waterway. On the bright side, I know where you can find some fast, effective, biodegradable Marine Cleaners. (BB)