How can we get Green?

Traditionally, there have been three R's: "Reduce", "Reuse", and "Recycle". Now, there is a fourth: "Renewable". If we, individually and collectively, take the four R's to heart and implement them in our daily lives, we would make a big positive difference on our environment, our world, and our future. We consulted various sources to pull together a quick and effective primer on the four R's.

Reduce

The definition of the word "reduce" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reduce) is too long for this page, but the idea, as worded by the Environmental Protection Agency, is “reduce the amount and toxicity of trash you throw away.” This means that we should try to minimize/eliminate our trash, particularly our harmful and non-biodegradable waste. The reality is this: We create garbage, and that garbage ends up in landfills. Some garbage breaks down quickly. Some garbage breaks down slowly. Some garbage does not break down. And some of the garbage is toxic and dangerous for us and our environment. It should be easy to see how reducing our waste and garbage production is a critical ingredient to getting green. This is the first ingredient: to cut down on our generation of waste.

Reuse

The next ingredient to getting green is “reduce”. To “reuse” is defined by Merriam-Webster as "to use again especially in a different way or after reclaiming or reprocessing
." This is the second ingredient: if we cannot “reduce” we should try to “reuse” it. This is a simple concept to grasp when looking at such things as containers and boxes, but if we get creative, we can “reuse” just about any product, component, or potential waste.

Recycle

To “recycle” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recycle) is defined like this:
"1: to pass again through a series of changes or treatments: as
a: to process (as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use
b: recover
c: to reuse or make (a substance) available for reuse for biological activities through natural processes of biochemical degradation or modification
2: to adapt to a new use : alter
3: to bring back : reuse
4: to make ready for reuse "
The Environmental Protection Agency has a good page on recycling. This is the third ingredient: If we cannot “reduce” or “reuse” a particular product, component, or potential waste, we should attempt to “recycle” it.

Renewable

"Renewable" is defined
"1: capable of being renewed
2 : capable of being replaced by natural ecological cycles or sound management practices ". This is the fourth ingredient: we should develop, use, promote, and proliferate clean, renewable resources and energy. If we focus on clean and renewable resources and energy, we will make a big difference to our world and our future.

For further reading and information: the Environmental Protection Agency has a great page on resource conservation. In addition, see our links for more great and educational websites.

Case Studies

ACE will be compiling case studies from various green projects. We want to be develop a virtual library of projects that have been successful and of projects that have failed. We feel that, in order to be more successful with future projects, it is imperative to learn from past experiences. What works? What does not work? What factors are essential for success? What trends and signs should be most worrisome? How long can we expect certain kinds of projects to take? How long will a particular stage of a project take? How much will things cost? What do we know about the various developers, installers, and communities that will help us get more green?

Virtual Field Trips

We at ACE feel that one can only learn so much from reading, from looking at photographs, or from studying graphs, figures, and numbers. To help you get beyond words, numbers and pictures... ACE is developing, with the collaboration of others groups, what we are calling "Virtual Field Trips" were we will be able to share videos of real tours of various green energy projects facilities. The intent and hope is that these virtual field trips will help you learn more by putting you deeper into the experience.

Models

ACE will be gathering models and example documents and materials in order to help interested individuals and communities locate relevant and useful information relating to the proliferation of clean, renewable energy. The first of these models is available here now.

• The Massachusetts Department of Energy has prepared a document entitled: “Model As-of-Right Zoning Ordinance or Bylaw: Allowing Use of Wind Energy Facilities”. This Model By-Law was prepared to serve as an example for local use in establishing reasonable standards for wind power development.