AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SHOWPLACE

(Page 2 of 2)

December/January 1994
 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

Landscaping is the jewel of the project, with woodland, wetland, dryland, and grassland covering the site. A stream runs along the property, meandering through a pyramid of bamboo mounted with photovoltaics that power the pump system and into two ponds used for recreation and agriculture. The Hopland location, which parallels Highway 101, is a mixed blessing: high visibility and easy access also means noise. A series of earth berms and "living walls" of plant life create an oasis of quiet along this busy road.

RELATED CONTENT

The site is created to be self-sustaining. At least 90 percent of the energy needs will be met by passive solar power; the remaining will be wind generated. Hydrogen power may come into play down the road. PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) encouraged Real Goods to install radiant coils in the floor for insurance, but Oldham feels sure they won't be needed: "This building will be so well built and designed that I don't think we're going to need cooling or heating systems."

Electric an d natural gas automobile owners aren't in the habit of saying "fill `er up" at the local service station. These proud individuals willingly sacrifice the ease with which the rest of the mobile public goes about their business by making a commitment to alternative energy. But they're not alone. While they won't be joining others at the pump in the near future, they've just received a little roadside aid in the form of the Alternative Fuels for Vehicles Supplies and Services Directory.

Over 200 businesses are listed in the sourcebook, all offering supplies and services for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) nationwide. It also holds reference information about related organizations and publications. While the New York State Energy Authority created the book with business fleets in mind, it proves handy for individuals too. For your free copy, call 1-800-423-7283.

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.