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06/24/2007
Cutting the carbonFair-goers find ways to reduce, renew energy
David Collins sets up a solar thermal display unit. Collins is from Huron Valley Solar in Ann Arbor. ONEKAMA — Anthony Mencarelli figured global warming and other threats to the environment weren't going to be solved. Then, the 18-year-old took an environmental science class at Manistee High School and learned about new technology and advances in renewable energy. "It gave me more hope because I always thought the world was doomed,” he said. Mencarelli was interested enough in the subject to volunteer this weekend at the Michigan Energy Fair, where about 130 exhibitors showcased alternative and sustainable energy products and techniques. The event, organized with help from the nonprofit Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, continues today at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama with workshops and vendor exhibits. It's expected to draw as many as 6,000 visitors, whose attention will be focused on energy, conservation and sustainable and green building, said Allan O'Shea, a Manistee County commissioner and fair co-chairman. Two of those visitors on Saturday were Kim Walton and Darryl Tietz of Hastings. Tietz spent decades as an auto engineer and now is starting a business to install solar-powered systems. They think renewable energy products could be Michigan's answer to its struggling auto business. "That industry is going off-shore and dying,” Tietz said. "We have to have a plan B.” Much of the state's manufacturing "could be so easily converted” to fields related to solar and wind energy production, he said. "I think this is going to be the new auto,” said Walton. Char Beesley of L'Anse made the roughly eight-hour drive from the Upper Peninsula to check out the green gadgets and energy efficient gizmos on behalf of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Tribal members are interested in "becoming independent from fossil fuels” and anything else to "reduce their energy usage,” she said. Her trek to the energy fair was a way to learn about all the latest products from an array of installers and innovators. "Up there we are a little bit isolated,” Beesley said. Vendors featured items that ranged from a water-conserving toilet that promised to "set a high bar in flushing performance” to electric cars to cabinets made from "rapidly renewable” sources. Anne Noble of Architectural Elements of Michigan said the Traverse City company makes a line of "green” cabinets, furniture, countertops and other products. Materials used include bamboo and a "green plywood” made with soy adhesive. "People are more concerned about everything that goes into the building,” said Noble. An assortment of folks stopped by the Huron Valley Solar display to scope out solar appliances. David Collins installs the hot water heaters in Ann Arbor and said a heater to serve a family of four costs about $6,000. Collins said the reason why some people are interested in such systems has changed. About 15 years ago, it was about saving money on utilities. "Now, it's about reducing (the) carbon footprint,” he said.
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