With Earth Day on Friday, we are pleased to see all of the efforts in York County to go green and we would like to encourage our readers to do something this week in honor of the holiday.
The University of New England kicked off an Earth Week on Monday with several events to celebrate the environment and show off the campus’ earth-friendly efforts.
A public open house about solar energy was held on the campus Monday, at which ReVision Energy representatives explained the technology of solar hot water and unveiled the new solar thermal panel system installed on UNE’s Biddeford campus.
UNE’s Sustainability Office received a $50,000 grant in 2010 for a solar hot water system and performance monitoring display at the Campus Center. The project is being administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Energy Programs Division, known as Efficiency Maine, and was installed by ReVision Energy. It is expected to provide up to 50 percent of the Campus Center’s hot water energy supply. A real-time digital monitor provides information about kilowatt hours produced and other data that will enable the university to determine cost and energy savings.
Last week, Kennebunk officials discussed using solar power as well. Solar energy outfitter DSC Energy would provide solar panels to municipal buildings free of charge, and then the company retains the clean energy credits generated from the panel array that can be sold. Selectmen voted unanimously to start the process for a feasibility review.
While towns, schools and companies can take large steps to lessen their impact on the environment, even small steps count, and Earth Day is a great time to start.
From making sure you recycle all the products that can be reused ”“ like paper, cardboard, plastics and glass ”“ to starting a compost system and taking shorter showers, everyone can do their part to reduce their carbon footprint.
People can also take the opportunity to make a permanent change and not just think about their energy consumption on Earth Day.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 30 million tons of plastic waste were generated in 2009 ”“ and only 7 percent of that plastic was recovered for recycling.
Making simple changes like switching to a reusable water bottle that can be refilled saves millions of tons of plastic from going into landfills each year. Also, placing a plastic bottle into a recycling receptacle or brining it home to recycle yourself will at least extend the life of that plastic for use again.
The theme for Earth Day 2011 is “A Billion Acts of Green.” Please remember, this week and beyond, if we all take small steps, we can make a huge impact. To take the pledge on what your act of green will be this Earth Day, visit www.earthday.org.
Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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