The Trouble with Wind
Aesthetically Pleasing
More and more people are developing an interest in alternative energy. So why do wind turbines seem so troublesome? The September issue of Backpacker magazine features an article titled “Turbulence Ahead.” The author, Jennifer Weeks, explains the problems with wind turbines, as she portrays the environmental views as well as the naturalist views. Weeks writes that having 30 wind turbines on top of two Maine mountain peaks can produce 9,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year. While that sounds great for the environment, not everyone is thrilled about having turbines in the middle of a natural habitat.
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) state that the proposed wind farm would be visible from as far as 34 miles on the Appalachian Trail. According to the article, the project to build these turbines was rejected in 2007. The AMC and ATC argue that aesthetics are not the only reason as to why they oppose these turbine farms built on mountains. “Mountaintop development requires clearing land and building access roads, which could harm wildlife and damage fragile ecosystems.”
The AMC and ATC are not completely opposed to turbine projects on the condition that short and long-term environmental impacts are considered. Because there are no federal regulations as to where wind farms can be built, the organizations will use GIS data to scope out potential development sites. Although AMC scientist, Dave Publicover, feels it is more appropriate to put a turbine farm where other human uses are already active, he states “If we’re going to find a solution, everybody will have to accept some changes. For hikers, that could soon mean turbine blades spinning on the horizon.”
While environmental protection is very important, I still feel that when it comes to wind turbines aesthetics seem to play a big role. Reading this article reminded me of my visit to the Governor’s Island Science and Art exhibition, where I watched Andrea Polli’s short video, “The Queensbridge Wind Power Project.” In the video Polli argues that turbines on the Queensbridge can actually contribute to aesthetics in numerous ways. They can help replace what was lost by the removal of the lights which were putting a $75,000 price tag on the city. Furthermore, the turbines would not only produce renewable energy to light the bridge, but the walkways of Roosevelt Island, and more. To learn more about the Queensbridge Wind Power Project by watching the short video click here.
A Sustainable Use of the New York City Skyline
Tower of Food
Yesterday’s Science section of the New York Times ran an interesting article on the possibility of using the NYC skyline as an alternative way of growing food. The article, entitled “Country, the City Version: Farms in the Sky Gain New Interest,” explains how “eating local” can have an all new meaning for folks in big cities. The project, which originated at Columbia University in 1999 has attracted the attention of architects in the United States, as well as Europe. Dr. Despommier’s pet project known as the “vertical farm,” has also recently caught the attention of Manhattan Borough President, Scott M. Stringer.
With some city officials becoming aware and interested in the project is a step in the right direction, but still there are others who remain somewhat skeptical. The economic perspective is the reason, as people like Armando Carbonell, Chairman of the department of planning and urban form at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge Mass., asks several questions. The profit of the project seems to be his main concern- “would a tomato in lower Manhattan be able to outbid an investment banker for space in a high-rise?” Carbonell further questions economic principles- whether a vertical farm can in fact provide the energy savings that its supporters claim versus transporting food from afar. Ultimately he thinks that the project may in fact be profitable.
Dr. Despommier says that more research is needed to make this project a reality. There are issues of proper calculations for the energy needs of the vertical farms, and questions of safety. Additionally, there is an aesthetic aspect to these vertical farms, would people be likely to say they want these near their home, or would they be considered an eye sore. I think aesthetics should be the least important, but not everyone feels this way. Although, quite a bit of research is still needed, I hope the project becomes a success. I would love to see “self-sustaining towers where city folks grow their own food.”
“Teaming up and Greening up” at the JPMorgan Corporate Challenge
Teaming up for a Greener Tomorrow
I always manage to discover something interesting on my walks through Central Park. While walking back from my art class yesterday, which was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I saw that the JPMorgan Corporate Challenge was to take place at 7PM. Being a runner I wanted to see the race. But when I saw the massive recycling containers in place by the bandshell, I knew I had to be there to see their “green race” in action.
With my curiosity as to how this race would be benefiting and/or promoting sustainability, I stood by the finish line near the announcer. She mentioned numerous times that this race was part of the “teaming up and greening up” initiative, as they were trying to make this the greenest road race in history- did they make it I don’t know. I must say however, their waste management was in full gear with recycling containers for cardboard, commingled recyclables, mixed paper, wood, and organic waste, which were provided by M&M waste services.
According to the NYC government parks website, each 2008 JPMorgan Corporate Challenge will be designed in a way that promotes sustainability. By this they mean using less energy and paper resources, such as printing their finisher t-shirts with soy-based ink, and aiming at a near 100% on line registration rate, in addition to their on-site recycling. The event also features environmentally-friendly vendors and alternative transportation options to get to the race.
Watching the race volunteers, and employees working diligently around the recycling areas, and knowing that Central Park was benefiting from this race made me all fuzzy inside. I hope to see other races and sporting events really working for this cause, unlike the Nets, “a gas pushing, green company.” To read more about that click here.
