Ann Arbor's Environmental Efforts
Submitted by admin on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:11.
Originally submitted by: Administrator
Ann Arbor only picks up 2 kinds of plastic from the curb. So unless you're conscientious enough to drive out to Platt Road and pay to dump the other stuff every week, you're throwing things away. San Francisco has put a ban on all plastic bags. Why hasn't a progressive town like Ann Arbor done so? Many local businesses have good environmental practices, but what if you shop at the big box stores (even once in a while)? The environment is a world issue. But change starts here at home. What are the changes we could make to reduce the environmental risks? Is the environment an ethical issue? Let's talk about it.
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Re:Ann Arbor's Environmental Efforts
Originally submitted by: Hummingbird
That's really cool! I love the new lights downtown too. Does anyone else feel like they're in a video game, though, when the count down starts to let you know the light's turning red? 5, 4, 3, 2, okay, okay, I'm walking as fast as I can!!
Re:Ann Arbor's Environmental Efforts
Originally submitted by: barcode 2x
Why don't they invent button technology that understands urgency?
Re:Ann Arbor's Environmental Efforts
Originally submitted by: bmaloy
Can you elaborate on button technology? I know it's not environmentally freindly, but I absolutely love the Christmas lights on Main Street.
Re:Ann Arbor's Environmental Efforts
Originally submitted by: barcode 2x
The xmas lights everywhere are beautiful and it's very nice atmosphere. By changing the kind of bulbs they use, and advertising it so everyone knows they can do it too, it will be a great environmental push. There are energy reductions we can implement without losing the enjoyment. Non-incandescent bulbs like LEDs or mini-fluorescents will save Americans 13 billion in energy costs over one year. Bush's new environmental bill will eliminate incandescent bulbs, but there is no reason to wait! Buy them now and install them, see if you can feel the difference in your energy costs.
Re:Ann Arbor's Environmental Efforts
Originally submitted by: bmaloy
I just responded but it looks like it didn't get posted. If it did then sorry for the redundancy. When Ann Arbor first started their curb side recycling I believe they were one of the first (if not the very first) cities in the country to offer this service. Unfortunately, as you pointed out Ann Arbor has fallen behind in this area. I hate to say it but I think one of the big reasons is financial. When Ann Arbor started the curb side recycling I have to believe they were in a much better financial situation than they are now. If Iím not mistaken Ann Arbor recently announced that they would be the first city in the country to use 100% LEDís in their downtown district as opposed to conventional street lights. In addition to be environmentally friendly, this is also financially lucrative. From what I remember the city was going to have a capital expense of around 600k. The electrical savings is going to be around 100k per year. A return of around 17%.