Implement Kinetic Energy (human powered) Programs and Funding
Funding for clean green energy is important because right now everyone wants energy independence but can't afford 30-40,000 to make it happen. I would add to this, that the solar panels of today are tomorrows hazardous waste. They contain cadmium, a known carcinogen. Some companies also use nitrogen triflouride, a potent greenhouse gas. SVTC (Silicone Valley Toxics Coalition) estimates that 1.5 billion pounds of solar panel waste containing 2 million pounds of lead and 600,000 pounds of cadmium will be disposed of in California alone. So solar panels are not the solution yet.
A very under promoted technology is Kinetic energy. (human powered) A good example is the hand cranked flashlights you find in Gander Mountain. Kinetic takes our everyday activity and converts it into energy. Can you imagine a bicycle or treadmill that generates energy? Maybe a playground where the swings and merry-go-round creates energy? How about sidewalks that create energy? Please look up Kinetic Energy.
This can be done on the residential level to the community level. Kinetic energy creates no waste and help communities thrive. This is the goal of self reliant people and what it takes to be a sustainable community.
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Beverly Woodbeck commented
Kinetic Energy supports the ideals of self reliance. Modern science and technology has provided the opportunity for people to generate their own energy. For example, Princeton University has created a device that uses Kinetic energy/Human Power. Also, the U.S. Military uses such devices so soldiers can generate their own power. (also, MEMS/Nanotechnology)
Examples:
'By using out natural body movement, they have (Princeton University) created a small chip that will actually capture and harness that natural energy to create enough energy to power up things such as a cell phone, pacemaker and many other small devices that are electronic.'Alternative Energy "Forget Solar Power, Human Power is the Future" February 19, 2010
'Use your bicycle along with the Pedal-A-Watt Stand (it takes 15 seconds to drop your bike in) and create anywhere from 100 to 300 watts. A home office with a laptop and high efficiency LED lighting can be run for almost three hours on just a 30 minute workout.'
"Stockholm railway station, through which about 250,000 people pass every day, acts as a power plant. Using a special ventilation system, the accumulated body heat passes through a heat exchanger and heats water for central heating. The developers estimate that it reduces the energy demand for office heating by about 15 percent."
Also, MEMS technology-Scavenging energy from ambient vibrations, wind, heat or light could enable smart sensors to be functional indefinitely. Several academic and commercial groups have been involved in the analysis and development of vibration-powered energy harvesting technology. [source: wikipedia but you can also look up MEMS]
Sources:
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/human-powered/
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/human-power-is-the-future/
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pedal-a-watt-stationary-bicycle-generator/
http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Can_The_Human_Body_Be_Used_As_A_Power_Plant_999.html***Just an idea here…we live close to the Detroit River that gives us access to clean energy creation. The natural flow of rivers can be harnessed directly to maximize the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy. Hydroelectric generation often produces little or no waste after being constructed. This would need to be Low head hydro power as not to adversely affect the ecosystem. Government subsidies can be obtained for the implementation of such projects through federal grants such as green energy grants. Currently On the Detroit River, Detroit Edison operates the Conners Creek Power Plant in the city of Detroit, the River Rouge Power Plant and the Trenton Channel Power Plant, which all burn coal. [wikipedia]
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Ondin commented
Kinetic energy creates no waste ????
Are you sure, same electronics are in hand cranked flashlights.