103 replies to this topic

[thewizard16]

cowbreath, on Oct 18 2007, 09:33 AM, said:

I read an article on CNN about Ann Arbor going LED with all of its lights.  I wish we could consider something like this considering we want to be a hub of sustainability. Or at least they can start with a burned out street light down the street from me.  Ann Arbor Switches to LED Lights

Speaking of this, I wonder if it is like our walking trails around here where they are getting recognition long before they do all of the light changes.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised we didn't go to LED street lights after they made the switch for traffic signals. I really like that all the traffic lights are LED, we're one of the only cities I've driven through where it's consistent, and not just whenever they replace old ones, but that seemed to be where they quit. It'd be a great move to go to LED street lights on major thoroughfares at least.

[Mith242]

cowbreath, on Oct 18 2007, 09:33 AM, said:

I read an article on CNN about Ann Arbor going LED with all of its lights.  I wish we could consider something like this considering we want to be a hub of sustainability. Or at least they can start with a burned out street light down the street from me.  Ann Arbor Switches to LED Lights

Speaking of this, I wonder if it is like our walking trails around here where they are getting recognition long before they do all of the light changes.

I'd really like to see Fayetteville do something like this as well.  I'd also like to see developers jump on board as well.  Although the city would probably have to find some sort of incentive to get some on board.  I'm sure some would see them as eyesores but I'd like to see more small windmills out on some of lights in the parking lots scattered all over the city.

[thewizard16]

Mith242, on Oct 20 2007, 08:40 AM, said:

I'd really like to see Fayetteville do something like this as well.  I'd also like to see developers jump on board as well.  Although the city would probably have to find some sort of incentive to get some on board.  I'm sure some would see them as eyesores but I'd like to see more small windmills out on some of lights in the parking lots scattered all over the city.

They're not any more of an eyesore than a regular light depending on how their done. LEDs are wonderful, you can incorporate them into anything, or update old systems with the lights in the old housing as long as you have the power supply set up properly (since they don't run at the regular 120v). I think it's a great idea, they could use tiny solar panels at every intersection to power the LED lights for that block, or update the power system to include a line that runs at the proper voltage. I really think it's only a matter of time before houses go to LED lighting (considering the life of the bulbs and the tiny amount of power they use), I see no reason that a city trying to come to the forefront as sustainable area wouldn't look into some partnership to promote LED technology.

[Mith242]

thewizard16, on Oct 23 2007, 12:07 AM, said:

They're not any more of an eyesore than a regular light depending on how their done. LEDs are wonderful, you can incorporate them into anything, or update old systems with the lights in the old housing as long as you have the power supply set up properly (since they don't run at the regular 120v). I think it's a great idea, they could use tiny solar panels at every intersection to power the LED lights for that block, or update the power system to include a line that runs at the proper voltage. I really think it's only a matter of time before houses go to LED lighting (considering the life of the bulbs and the tiny amount of power they use), I see no reason that a city trying to come to the forefront as sustainable area wouldn't look into some partnership to promote LED technology.

Certainly can't argue with you there.

[Mith242]

Looks like Mayor Coody was meeting with the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (South Central US) about environmental sustainability.  Very good move, Europe is way ahead of the US on this.  There are laws there making companies deal with this.  Scandinavia probably leads to pack over there so some possible ties to Sweden and Swedish companies would work out well.  Swedish companies are looking to invest what they've already been doing to other locations and they sound rather interested in NWA.  So hopefully soon some of those Swedish companies will soon have some offices over here.

[Mith242]

Ironically the convention was held in Ft Smith and not Fayetteville.  But there was someone speaking this past weekend about wind power in NWA.  Sounded like he was trying to get more people to consider it for NWA.  I believe our area is probably the best spot for it.  While there are a few other areas that have more consistent winds, like some areas of the Ozarks and Ouchitas.  Most are in remote areas.  NWA isn't too far behind on potential and we have the customer base right here.

[cocothief]

"Twist of Green" Festival to showcase sustainability in Fayetteville this October:

http://www.nwanews.c...wat/News/65648/

[jderose1]

I think there is certainly some potential in "Green Valley" Fayetteville -- especially with Wal-Mart bringing national focus to the area and the sustainability movement.  There was an article that highlighted the idea.  

What would be better than NWA representing this movement?  In response to earlier comments.. I don't see NWA taking quite the economic hit as the rest of the country may.  Green industry jobs could be a great way to buffer the effects of a long recession.

http://www.washingto...7090602689.html

Edited by jderose1, 28 May 2008 - 05:29 PM.

[jderose1]

Mith242, on Jul 14 2007, 06:59 AM, said:

As it's been pointed out earlier, there isn't any center yet that focuses on this. Yes it will be hard work as was also mentioned earlier. But even if Fayetteville isn't THE center, it can still be one of the major sites for this. There are also a lot of misconceptions about going green. It doesn't mean having to totally change the entire world and US economy. While there are some who would want that I think most of us realize it's not realistic. We can all make 'green' decisions that don't make huge changes in our lives but does make a difference to the environment. Lots of small things can quickly add up. Is Wal-mart doing this for their image. Sure, but at the same time Wal-mart has been at the cutting edge of other things as well. I think Wal-mart isn't just doing this to clean up it's image. This is going to be a bigger movement and Wal-mart is smart enough to get onboard early.

I agree.  I used to work for the energy controls company that supplies and operates all Wal-Marts and other large chains.  Wal-Mart has focused on superior energy management long before we heard about the green movement.  I think they are finally at a point where serious changes can be implemented.  Up until now, there really wasn't enough public interest or scrutiny to propel that effort.  I have my criticisms of WM, but I think there is some potential there.  Anything that will save money will be implemented.  Thats how it goes for them.  They could certainly bring national focus to the area and help make NWA a center for sustainability.

Edited by jderose1, 28 May 2008 - 10:44 AM.

[Mith242]

jderose1, on May 28 2008, 11:18 AM, said:

I think there is certainly some potential in "Green Valley" Fayetteville -- especially with Wal-Mart bringing national focus to the area and the sustainability movement.  There was a Washington Post article that highlighted the idea.  

What would be better than NWA representing this movement?  In response to earlier comments.. I don't see NWA taking quite the economic hit as the rest of the country may.  Green industry jobs could be a great way to buffer the effects of a long recession.

http://www.washingto...7090602689.html

Thanks for the link.  I think someone posted a link of that article or something similar to it a while back ago.  But it's nice to be reminded of it.

[Mith242]

jderose1, on May 28 2008, 11:34 AM, said:

I agree.  I used to work for the energy controls company that supplies and operates all Wal-Marts and other large chains.  Wal-Mart has focused on superior energy management long before we heard about the green movement.  I think they are finally at a point where serious changes can be implemented.  Up until now, there really wasn't enough public interest or scrutiny to propel that effort.  I have my criticisms of WM, but I think there is some potential there.  Anything that will save money will be implemented.  Thats how it goes for them.  They could certainly bring national focus to the area and help make NWA a center for sustainability.

Yeah I've been reading more articles recently about how more people are becoming interested in the green movement and that it's not just hippies and such anymore.  There's a lot more 'average' people looking into it.  As I've said before, honestly a lot of it is just common sense.  We're already dealing with a world of increasing prices and demand.  What's going to really drive this is not just the people trying to save the environment but the fact of people wanting to save money.  In most instances going green also means a way for you to cut down on costs.  Whether people truly appreciate it or not, it's going to be a growing movement.

[Mith242]

Sorry to get us a bit off topic.  But I read an article I had read recently and thought I'd share.  Some people are complaining about Wal-mart giving in to the liberal left.  Basically saying they're wasting their time with their 'green incentives' and such.  I find it funny how people still view the environmental sustainability movement.  Although they have made some concessions to be more 'politically correct' I still think a lot of what they're doing is based around efficiency and saving money.  To me it's like saying if you're Republican you have to drive a big gas guzzling vehicle.  And if you go to a smaller vehicle you're 'giving in' to the environmentalists.  Although some people are switching to smaller or hybrid vehicles to be more environmentally sensitive I think most people do it to save money on gas.

[cocothief]

I'm politically conservative, but not a Republican per se.  I see nothing conservative about conspicuous consumption and waste.

[cocothief]

KFSM story about the emerging Green Valley:

http://www.kfsm.com/...mp;rnd=30740295

Edited by cocothief, 02 June 2008 - 01:54 PM.

[Mith242]

cocothief, on Jun 2 2008, 01:25 PM, said:

I'm politically conservative, but not a Republican per se.  I see nothing conservative about conspicuous consumption and waste.

I didn't mean to bash any particular political group.  But the complaints have been coming from some rightwing people.  I just found it really odd some of the things people will find to complain about with Wal-mart.

cocothief, on Jun 2 2008, 02:52 PM, said:

KFSM story about the emerging Green Valley:

http://www.kfsm.com/...mp;rnd=30740295

Hmmm...my computer doesn't seem to like their video.  Anyway thanks for posting it anyway.

[jderose1]

cocothief, on Jun 2 2008, 02:52 PM, said:

KFSM story about the emerging Green Valley:

http://www.kfsm.com/...mp;rnd=30740295

Great news for the Green Valley Ville.  

Video worked fine for me.... Thanks for sharing!

[cocothief]

FIRST SWEDISH "CLEANTECH" COMPANY in Fayetteville....

http://www.nwanews.c...news.php?id=220

Wow, this little trickle of green industry is picking up.  More to come, I am sure.

Its just baby steps but wow.  This whole Green Valley thing may just happen like its predicted.

[Mith242]

cocothief, on Jun 6 2008, 09:56 AM, said:

FIRST SWEDISH "CLEANTECH" COMPANY in Fayetteville....

http://www.nwanews.c...news.php?id=220

Wow, this little trickle of green industry is picking up.  More to come, I am sure.

Its just baby steps but wow.  This whole Green Valley thing may just happen like its predicted.

Sweet, thanks for that link and info.  I knew some Swedish companies were going to be looking at us in the next month or so.  But I didn't think any of them would make a decision so soon.  Guess at least one of them really liked what they saw.  Great news, hopefully we can get some of the others on board as well.

[Mith242]

cocothief, on Jun 6 2008, 09:56 AM, said:

FIRST SWEDISH "CLEANTECH" COMPANY in Fayetteville....

http://www.nwanews.c...news.php?id=220

Wow, this little trickle of green industry is picking up.  More to come, I am sure.

Its just baby steps but wow.  This whole Green Valley thing may just happen like its predicted.

They've updated the article now, the same link will take you to it.  The company apparently mainly deals with asbestos, I'm guessing cleaning it up and such from older buildings.  They apparently already had offices in the US, somewhere in Florida.  But the offices are being moved to Fayetteville soon.

[johnnydr87]

I rarely venture to this side of the Arkansas forum, but let me just say: Wow.  I am impressed by the vision for "Green Valley" by Fayetteville.  I have my doubts that NWA could become a "center of environmental sustainability" for a variety of reasons, but like Mith said Fay could become a regional center.  The Silicon Valley comparison smacks of the hyperbole that seems to cluster around discussions of development in NWA...  

In light of global warming,  environmental sustainability is a mainstream movement.  As has been said in this thread already, WalMart is exercising shrewd business management by jumping on.  The movement is pretty much nationwide: my school appointed a vice-chancellor of sustainability last year, who is developing plans for reducing the school's footprint.  I am living in an Environmental Sustainability housing group next where we will hold events/dialogue on the issue, as well as work with the vice chancellor.  

I have a few reservations for NWA's prospects.  First, UA is the only major research center in NWA (or the state, really).  Other states and regions have larger initiatives with more prominent schools.  In all frankness, some of these other places have more qualified people and hence more brain capital working on the issue.  However, NWA has Wal-Mart, which could very likely be a much bigger influence in making NWA an environmental sustainability center, depending on whether they're interested in civic engagement like that.  But hopefully more assistance is coming:  $1.5M really is not all that much.  

Those hippies in Fayetteville were a step ahead of the rest.

Edited by johnnydr87, 10 June 2008 - 09:28 PM.