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I am inspired everyday when I read about the progress we are making here locally and nationally to make our energy and transportation systems more efficient. As an example, our latest newsletter includes an article about the new RenewableGenerations program that now offers rebates now for solar, wind, and hydroelectric generation. Another example is the thriving electric vehicle group here in Reno and the work being done nationally to integrate electric vehicles with the electrical grid. And yet, I wonder if progress is just doing what we are
currently doing more efficiently?
Is progress defined by a country where we still have over-sized homes, more cars than licensed drivers, and TVs that use more energy than our refrigerators? We know that as Americans we use far too many resources and the inequity of resource utilization is at least an environmental issue while also being a social justice one. Progress must mean something other than doing what we do more efficiently if we are to address our over-consumption of resources.
We are living in an exciting time where we have an opportunity to redefine what “progress” means. Maybe progress means developing new transportation methods that can be applied around the world to improve transportation while reducing energy usage. Maybe it means starting a new “Green Revolution” which teaches people to grow healthy food close to home without relying on chemical additives and seeds purchased from foreign corporations. The possibilities are endless.
Sunrise has worked for over ten years to educate and advocate for a sustainable future. As we have seen the adoption of so many sustainable concepts over the last few years, it becomes important that we not loose site of the real sustainable future – one where all 6.7 billion people on earth can have their needs met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Philip Moore, President |
The Sunrise mission is to empower Nevadans to use resources responsibly through education, advocacy and community development.
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Sunrise is a member of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society.
Sunrise is also a 2008 greenUP! affiliate. Please see www.greenUPdays.org for more information about the calendar of events in April and May 2008. |
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© Polly Pitzker |
