Green Tease

If you have seen my midterm on the Ex Place turbine or done any reading of your own on the turbine, you probably know that there are lots of other ways to create environmentally conscious energy too. During my research I came across quite a few resources that I’d like to share with you. Read on for my tips on where to look if you’re thinking of going green.

1. The Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF)
This website, created by the City of Toronto is a great hub for companies and individuals looking to invest in better sources of energy. The website houses applications for grants to those who want to invest in a new resource. Loan applications are there as well. The government provides links to what the government is working on for the future along with literature on on-going projects. This site is great for someone in Toronto looking for options in green energy or someone who is interested in how effective Toronto has been since the TAF was created in 1991.

2. The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA)
Created in 1999, the OSEA was formed to, “Implement community sustainable energy projects across Ontario.” On the site, companies or individuals can sign up for a membership ensuring they are up to date on all the latest forms of energy along with being included in news on current projects. Supporting memberships are the most basic allowing a member receive the newsletter and attend the annual general meeting (AGM). A full membership allows the right to vote at the AGM as well as the possibility to sit on the board of directors. The site also includes information on educational workshops and other ways to stay up to date on all the current energy issues within Ontario.

3. Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative (TREC)
Formed by members of the North Toronto Green Community in 1998, TREC is now the half owner of Windshare (Toroto Hydro owns the other half). Having conducted three years of research, TREC was the driving force behind the creation of the Ex Place turbine. This turbine is the first co-operatively owned wind source in North America and the first of its kind in an urban setting. The TREC website provides a look at their current projects and statistics on the positive affects of wind energy. Their education section allows for teachers to set up trips and class talks by TREC members and provides online sources for further literature on the issue of green energy.

4. Bird Monitoring Program 2003
This website will open up to a separate file showing a research project done by Toronto Hydro. The study was done is response to animal activists claiming the turbine’s large blades would be detrimental to the birds of Toronto. The results showed that only two birds died in 2003, two years after the turbine went up. The results state, “Local birds appeared to have adapted easily to the presence of the turbine, and simply avoided it. The rate of mortality is absolutely insignificant when compared to the thousands that are killed each year in Toronto at tall buildings.”

5. Green Living Magazine
I discovered this magazine while researching about the Ex Place turbine online. The magazine recently nominated the turbine as one of its winners for 2006 praising the turbine and Windshare for giving off enough energy to heat 250 homes per year. They also gave kudos to GO transit, Mountain Equipment co-op and Wal-Mart Canada for making a green difference in Ontario. The magazine also provides tips on how to live an entirely green lifestyle from beauty and fashion to cooking and business advice. The semi-annual issues can be purchased at stores, or you can subscribe online for less than $10 per year. Check back to the website for daily news on green issues in your community.