On October 31, 2012, The New Century School decided to come clean. As part of an ongoing sustainability plan, TNCS switched off fossil fuel–derived energy and turned on with the environmental-friendly, clean energy provided by Clean Currents. Clean Currents delivers 100% wind- and solar-powered energy, a service that benefits the school; the environment; and, some say, the U.S. economy.
TNCS is fortunate to be located in Maryland, one of a handful of states (see map) currently enjoying a deregulated energy market for both electricity and gas (most states have deregulated one or the other or are not yet deregulated). This means that although Baltimore Gas & Electric owns and maintains the power lines, Clean Currents’ wind energy is what’s coming through those lines to power the school. In other words, consumers can choose not only who provides their power, but also have a choice in what type of power they buy, thanks to companies like Clean Currents.
With choices come advantages. The most obvious benefit to wind energy is its environmental friendliness. “Windustry” ameliorates climate change by not only providing a non-polluting source of energy but also by displacing the greenhouse gas emissions that have already polluted the atmosphere from conventional power. But there are other tremendous advantages, too. By reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, for instance, clean energy also makes us less vulnerable as a nation to the vagaries of the international oil market . . . and to the associated security risks. Moreover, ever-renewable wind is a cash cow for farmers. Wind farming almost effortlessly generates considerable income without taking up land needed for crops as well as creating jobs and boosting the economy.
So, as President Obama has pledged to move the United States toward energy independence, TNCS is doing their part to get there at the community level. Clean Currents was a natural choice for collaboration. Being a “benefit corporation, we have elected to build in commitment to the local communities we serve along with the environment. It’s part of our operating agreement,” says Emily Conrad, Community Outreach Coordinator for Clean Currents.
And TNCS likes a company that is motivated as much by doing lasting good for its community as by its bottom line. The benefits to the school itself are also numerous. Besides going green, TNCS will host Clean Currents workshops with students that will focus on “age-appropriate activities around the world of energy,” says Conrad. This is another way that TNCS can reinforce to students the importance of respecting our world.
Finally, readers, you’re invited to ponder these very wise words:
When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why
But why wonder why wonder
I am green, and it’ll do fine
It’s beautiful, and I think it’s what I want to be . . .
P.S. Stay tuned to learn about the upcoming Green Neighborhood Challenge that will bring green energy to your door. That’s right—TNCS and Clean Currents are partnering to expand clean energy availability to the surrounding community. Look for a post about the Green Neighborhood Challenge in early 2013!
You can vote for Clean Currents for Green America’s People and Planet Award!
http://www.greenamerica.org/green-business-people-and-planet-award/
Voting ends on November 30th at 5pm!
I voted, and I can’t wait for the Green Neighborhood Challenge! Clean energy at home?! Sign me up!
I did too!
Thanks to your vote, Clean Currents won Green America’s People and Planet award! You can read about it here: http://www.cleancurrents.com/index.php/cleancurrently/371-were-green-americas-people-a-planet-winners
Thank you for all your support!
We are really looking forward to supporting the New Century School community in its Green Neighborhood Challenge this winter. Stay tuned for more info soon!
Congratulations Clean Currents! Your recognition is well deserved!
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“A confident Gov. Martin O’Malley kicked off Tuesday his latest effort to promote offshore wind energy in Maryland, telling a supportive State House crowd that enough senators had signed onto his bill this time to get it through the chamber that’s thwarted him the past two years.”
Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/green/blog/bal-bmg-fast-start-for-omalleys-wind-bill-20130122,0,3789275.story
Here is a great story from Clean Currents on the outcome of Governor O’Malley’s efforts to green up Maryland: http://www.cleancurrents.com/more-clean-energy-on-the-horizon-for-maryland/#.Uek3xo592Xs
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Families, with just over 2 weeks remaining to sign up during the Green Neighborhood Energy Challenge, TNCS wants YOU! To go green.
Whether you rent or own your home, switching to Clean Currents takes literally just a few minutes, but the rewards you will reap are enormous!
• NO FEES
• NO INSTALLATIONS
• Quick, easy online registration
• SAVES you money on your electric bill (compared to BGE’s 2013 pricing structure)
• Promotes environmental and economic sustainability
• Measurably reduces your carbon footprint
• Bonus for TNCS with 20 families signing up
Visit http://www.cleancurrents.com or call Emily Conrad if you have any questions at (301) 754-0430 x706, but don’t let this fantastic opportunity pass you by!
This article makes it clear that wind and solar power (such as what Clean Currents provides) is an important part of the solution to the growing energy problem. It might not be the whole answer, but it’s something we can all do RIGHT NOW to reduce greenhouse gases in a significant way.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/12/science/in-search-of-energy-miracles.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
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