What walking the talk looks like
I once read somewhere that people often overestimate what they can accomplish in a year, but underestimate what they can get done in a decade. That thought came to mind as I reflected upon the many steps TS Designs in Burlington has taken to make its business more sustainable -- more specifically, following the triple bottom line of pursuing economic prosperity, social justice and environmental stewardship.
TS Designs hosted on Saturday what they hoped to be the first of many Piedmont Green Galas. The company and its roughly 300 guests that day celebrated the additions of an 8.6 kilowatt per hour solar array atop the roof and biofuel fill-up station outside for members. Inside and outside demonstrated what can happen when a business, organization or family does something... and then something else... and then something else.
In TS Designs' case, they started with getting rid of Styrofoam cups and planting trees. Now, the organic T-shirt-making company composts, brews biofuel and Fair Trade coffee, uses grey water to flush toilets, and gardens to supplement employees' meals.
(Behind garden, visitors check out a solar-powered go-cart.)
While there, I talked to several people about what brought them to the event and what areas of sustainability interest them. Winston Walker, a Reedy Fork Ranch resident, came as a member of the Triad Electric Vehicle Association. He dreams of converting a Geo Metro to run on electricity.
Evan Mickens, a biological engineering student at N.C. A&T, came with classmates to learn about renewable energy. Back on campus, Mickens will help participate in campus recycling and green building projects.
Kevin Lee, a Glenwood resident, said he came to the gala to learn more about solar panels and composting. Listen to part of my interview with him here.
Comments (4)
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I commented on this earlier. Where is it?
Posted on October 6, 2008 5:03 PM
Joel,
I looked for a previous related comment but could not find it, not even in the junk section. It probably did not go through so feel free to try again or e-mail it to me and I can post it. I did, however, see that you posted something else today under the energy independence post.
Posted on October 6, 2008 9:04 PM
I was one of the folks that brought an electric vehicle to the Gala.
I was amazed at how folks immediately dismissed an electric car that could only go 50 miles. I have only owned my car for about a month but I have put over 1000 miles on it. How can you do that? By plugging in where you go.
I now make plans based on where I can charge. IF I can't charge there and its out side the range, I combine that trip with another so fuel is not wasted. It CAN be done!
The biggest challenge in going to a straight electric vehicle was charging at work. The management company that owns the property where I work, (and owns the property next door) will not allow me to charge even if I pay, but, I was able to find a nearby Church that isn't as closed minded and my 22 mile commute each way, solely on electric, is not only attainable, its reality.
I hear about people complaining about gas prices, but yet they are the same folks that get in their car or truck that gets 20mpg and floor it up to the next red light. In the last month, I didn't even know that there was a gas shortage, AND the 1,000 miles of driving was a bit over $20 in electricity!
Unless we want to continue to support big oil, we NEED to embrace alternative fuels as we head into the future.
Posted on October 8, 2008 1:57 PM
Well, I didn't dream of converting a Geo metro. But I do wanna make an electric car of own.:)
That Solectria is a sweet car. Most people never realize they don't even drive 50 miles on a bad day. Yeah, ya have to do a couple of things diffrently, but it's not difficult. You just have to do it.
Posted on October 9, 2008 9:59 AM