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Yesterday Ryan and I managed to spend time at the 2005 Windy River Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Fair. It seems we see the same small group of faces every year. That\'s what I like about it. These are the local shakers and movers for sustainable living. Having a chance to have a good long chat with many of them recharged my enthusiasm.

We are starting to talk openly about the dream that, someday
when people think of alternate energy and better living they will think of Pine River.


Some of the ideas that we were explored yesterday...

Pine River needs a landmark, something that catches attention. Minnesota Power is going to help fund 2 new windmills next year. They are looking for sites that will promote education. We think our campus is a perfect location. We are near the fairgrounds and the high school. We intend to be promoting energy efficiency with everything we do. We will have lots of people around full time to explain what it is and why it helps.

The energy fair should be held in Pine River. We will have usefull and interesting infrastructure, buildings,staff and support year around. The community is helpful. We can use the campus, the fairground, the school. This lets us dream big.

Jim Etzel had a booth at the fair. He plans on doing some heavy composting and bee keeping on our campus.

RReal, Rural Renewable Energy ALliance ( WWW.rreal.org ) had a demo there. These guys are a non-profit charitable organization whose primary purpose is to bring solar heat to low-income households. They don\'t have much money, but they have the most important assets in the world...Passion and Persistance.
Those assets will attract all the talent and facilities they need.
I\'m excited and proud to have them working toward having a small solar panel factory and store on campus.




Modified by Paul Hunt on Sunday, 31 July 2005 12:11 pm