by Suzanne on March 26, 2009
Can alternative energy and beauty co-exist? This is the latest question facing our island.
Martha’s Vineyard has a history of innovation and pioneering thought and action when it comes to being green, but the thought of tall wind turbines marring our scenic views has brought up an issue that is highly charged.
Last fall, Gov. Deval Patrick signed the Green Communities Act, a comprehensive energy reform bill that shows Massachusetts’ actions as a national leader for renewable energy. The law states that Massachusetts will make energy efficiency programs available where traditional energy suppliers are the current norm and will force utility companies to offer rebates and incentives for customers to upgrade lighting, air conditioning and industrial equipment.
The Vineyard is positioned perfectly to harness wind as energy, so when thoughts turn to alternatives, this is where our island heads, But the island’s visual beauty is critical to our existence in terms of tourism, real estate and generally being a wonderful place to live - hence the division.
Currently, on the Vineyard, we are taking steps town by town in terms of wind energy use. But there is one common thread: however this plays out, it has to be done right.
Questions intriguing both sides of this issue include: number and size of turbines, energy efficiency of current and future homes and town stipulations.
As far as real estate goes, pros and cons follow the same flow: green is attractive, but only if it doesn’t affect the view to the water. Energy efficiency cuts costs, but it has to look really, really good. And on and on. This is a smart island, we’ll find the answer…and I know some phenomenal green builders….(if you’re looking…)
by Suzanne on November 3, 2008
As we near election day, I’m paying attention to the things that made the campaign different and full of change. And it’s always a great surprise when the Martha’s Vineyard community is part of the effort.
At the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO, the Democrats held a symposium on all things green, environmentally friendly, alternative energy and sustainable. A Martha’s Vineyard company, EcoMV and its founder and president, Mark Martin, were chosen to both present at the event and provide products to make the convention as green as possible.
EcoMV’s on-island shop, the Bio Store, carries only products that are tried, tested and deemed eco-friendly. These products range from home and personal cleaning, toys, clothes and dishware made primarily of bamboo and help - two materials recognized for their green growing habits (can exist on rain water and grow like weeds) and their sustainability. One of their best efforts to date involves compostable to-go plates, cups, tops, bowls and flatware - which they’ve successfully filled many island restaurants with at this point. They, and we, are hoping for a full sweep by next summer.
At the DNC, Eco MV supplied many of these products and Mark presented and advised the DNC and participants based on his success assimilating green products into the mainstream.
He was quoted in the MVTimes, “We would like to present the Island as an example of what a community can do if they take a personal interest and work together to help the environment. We will be approaching other local groups and businesses to be part of our involvement with the DNC. We want this to become a collaborative event, because it has the potential to make the Island a benchmark for other communities and bring people to the Island, because they know we are an eco-conscientious community.”
Music to my ears - Martha’s Vineyard on the national stage because of our community commitment to sustainability and responsibility to our land, people and planet.
