The Mighty Mighty Wind.

Arizona - Could the green movement be taking root in the desert sands of Kingman, AZ.? With recent tragic events surrounding the Japanese nuclear plants, the Gulf which suffered the largest oil spill in U.S. history and rising energy costs, alternative energy resources are taking more of a center stage in an ever growing energy crisis. Western Wind Energy Corporation, based out of Vancouver, Canada has purchased over one thousand acres of land, as well as leasing to the upwards of 22,000 acres to build a wind farm. The Steel Park project, once completed, will generate 215 megawatts of electricity annually, stretching over 1,500 acres.   

This energy revolution has already started in the Great Lakes region. 88 Danish-built windmills stretch 400 feet into the sky just east of Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin. They're capable of producing enough energy from the airstream to power 36,000 homes, according to We Energies. Wisconsin currently has 469 megawatts of total wind capacity from similar projects. Hanging in the balance as Wisconsinites battle over a budget deficit, is 725 megawatts in proposed wind projects across the state. Estimating in over $1.8 billion in new investment comes 2 million hours of construction, electrician, and engineer and mechanic jobs. With high unemployment rates, this may be the deciding factor in the expansion of a more green-collar market in the state. Plans are already in the works to place several hundred more wind turbines along the lake coast.  

According to the WWE website, 50 secure green-collar and tech jobs will be produced for each project developed in the Kingman area. The opportunity to sell the utilities to states like California will help create jobs for not only Kingman, but for the surrounding areas. WWE is also scouting other locations in and around the Kingman area for additional wind projects. It is also said plans for a thermo solar project may be well under way. The potential advantages to planting the turbines all across the country will help spur countless job growth from this eco-investment and will help start repowering America and reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

Can you hear me now?

According to Gartner Group research, the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company, electronics or e-waste is the fastest-growing part of our waste stream today.  Millions of computers, TV’S, cellar phones, microwaves, VCRs, DVD players, Fax machines, Mice and keyboards end up in U.S. landfills each year. That is an estimated 2 million tons. Studies show that up to 80% of the 400,000 tons of e-waste is shipped overseas to third-world countries or other developing nations to be redistributed or disassemble for the components or metals to be recycled.

The environmental importance of recycling e-waste prevents electronics that have been placed in a landfill, incinerated or illegally dumped from releasing toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium and mercury into the soil, ground water and air. In certain areas in China, groundwater has become so polluted around landfills; water must be shipped in from 20 miles away-all a direct result of introducing e-waste into landfills.

What can I E-cycle?

·         Televisions

·         Computer Monitors

·         Computers(Desktop, laptops, netbooks and tablet computers)

·         DVDs, DVD players, VCRs

·         Mice and Keyboards

·         Speakers

·         Modems

·         Hard Drives

·         Mobile devices

·         Cellphones

E-cycling begins with you and it is as easy as hitting the power button on your computer.  Companies like Dell developed the nation’s first completely free recycling program for e-waste. Best Buy, Sony and Samsung have teamed up with manufactures to set up programs all across the country. These programs do not accept televisions which are the most expensive recycled product and is usually unpopular in the market to be refurbished. Other grass-root organizations are Basel, Computer TakeBack Campaign are just a few. Ebay took a large role in e-cycling by promoting its Rethink project with members such as Dell, IBM, Intel and Hewlett-Packard.  To properly dispose of your used electronics, please contact your local municipalities to find out what guide lines are required.