Toward a Green Energy Future-
My current and future contribution to a green energy economy is a project called The CONSCIENTIOUS CRUISER - Mobile Environmental Education Center. It is a nonprofit in Michigan with the paperwork in process for 501(c)(3) status.
This project is, as the name implies, a mobile center that comes to the public to educate about choices in alternative energy and fuels, green living/building alternatives, the reduce- reuse - recycle concept, and economy of scale in housing/living areas. In addition, the center itself is enclosed in a 40 foot long, city style bus, that was purchased after a local university sold it. It has a diesel engine that is (generally) fueled with a minimum of B20 biodiesel with the majority of summer months running at a full B100. The two door layout lends itself nicely to a flowing traffic pattern.
The Cruiser has had great response since it went on the road (or into the parking lot) almost two years ago. It has been on display at venues such as farmers markets, parades, schools, the Bioneers Conference, and the (Great Lakes Ren. Eng. Assoc.) Michigan Energy Fair last summer. Last summer alone, The Cruiser had visitors approaching the 1000 mark in Michigan and Ohio. The appearance in Ohio was unique as it was the Flxible (brand-name) Owners International 20th Anniversary Convention where many diesel engine owners were given a first hand demonstration on the cleaner and less foul smelling exhaust, as well as a quiet purr instead of a rumble coming out of the engine compartment from the B100 in the tank. We also transported used deep fryer oil home to transfer to a local biodiesel maker.
A few of the additional points of interest are that The Cruiser also incorporates the components of an RV to demonstrate the economy of scale issue with regard to being able to live in a small area with reasonable comfort. It also will be using excess engine heat to create radiant floor heating to offset the need for other conventional forms of energy usage. An additional source of electric energy will come from laminated solar panels applied to the flat roof surface (just about 300 sq. feet). When complete it will have Energy Star appliances, water saving devices, organic options for bedding where possible, and as green a portrait was we can display. The counters and cabinets are reused from my office, although I will be trying to incorporate display surfaces make from agwaste materials, and the bamboo flooring was donated by another local demonstration center.
I have for many years been moving toward this project as a licensed green builder in the residential arena, Home Energy Rating Systems rater (DOE), organic gardener, and general eco advocate. I have been active in several related groups in my area over the last decade.
In addition to the educational component of The CONSCIENTIOUS CRUISER, I see it as a good “vehicle” for having a long term job that is interesting and unusual and is of benefit to the public. As soon as there is funding, there will be a minimum of two paying positions (mine - Executive “Cruise” Director and the Assoc. Dir.)with the intent of more. The Assoc. Dir. currently works a job that is not as creatively fulfilling as his work with The Cruiser. But, I see the creation of many more jobs in green energy fields with the information I am providing and hopefully an enthusiasm for seeing and embracing a dynamic and life improving future. I personally envision clearer skies, cleaner water and land, and less economic hardship related to energy systems that are strictly money driven.
To get a quick view of what The CONSCIENTIOUS CRUISER’s intention is please go to www.theconscientiouscruiser.org, and you can also read a nice article about us at www.a3radio.com. Scroll down to Amy’s Conscientious Cruiser on the right side of the page. There you will find the article and a few pictures (a little old, but updating soon) of the Cruiser inside and waiting in a parade. Ann Arbor Alive (A3Radio) is a good site to look around in as well. It is run by and associates with a large group of like minded (eco-intent) folks.
Thanks for your time and interest,
Amy
Amy K. Grettum, Executive “Cruise’” Director
The CONSCIENTIOUS CRUISER -
Mobile Environmental Education Center
12 Oak Street, Suite 1
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
734-732-5078
biocruiser600@yahoo.com
www.theconscientiouscruiser.org
Good ideas are not adopted automatically.
They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.
- Hyman Rickover
