Of course some nutcases took their kitesurf/windsurf out… after all when the energy is free and available you take it right?

Earlier today, Jimmy called to ask me if I knew anything about the wind turbine that he had just noticed on top of Grouse Mountain from Cambie Street…Well, I have been putting a lot of efforts lately into keeping myself informed, but I hadn’t heard anything. So I checked out on the internet and here is what I found Grouse Mountain and the quiet revolution. Indeed they kept it quiet… but why? This is so cool that if I was them it’d be the only thing I would be talking about (besides the Olympics of course)

This is what they say about the project on their page:

“Our commitment to embedding the principles of sustainability into every aspect of our lives includes the pursuit of smarter and better energy alternatives to meet our needs. As part of our Blue Grouse philosophy, we believe wind energy offers a proven approach in environmental and economic responsibility, as well as educational and inspirational value for our communities.
The construction and operation of a single wind turbine atop Grouse Mountain would create B.C.’s first viable wind energy solution.
Grouse Mountain diligently followed the District of North Vancouver’s application requirements set out for us in consideration of the necessary building permit to erect this iconic structure. The supporting documents below were presented by representatives of Grouse Mountain and third-party experts (covering wind speeds, wind direction, noise levels and impact on wildlife), at a public information session held at Montroyal Elementary School on September 4, 2008. “

This is so positively overwhelming… I wonder how they are planning to use this energy… power the chair lifts at least?

In another (environmental) news, we finally acquired a compost bin for the house. I pretty much forced the landlords into doing so because come on, the City of Vancouver sells backyard composters for $25 only and a whole lot of information to set it up. I think they are happy about it (the landlords live upstairs so we’ll all be using it). I’ll admit it, I have an hidden agenda (David if you are reading this stop here). Next spring when our compost is ready, I am going to talk them into starting a small vegetable garden… how about that?

This also reminds me that I recently read an article in one of the free papers about a self-powered gym in Richmond. Or maybe it was Burnaby, excuse my Alzheimer… Damn it! I can’t even remember the name of the gym or find it online! Basically the article said that the bikes where generating enough energy to power most of the gym and the houses around it (hold on, I might be making that last bit up). So much so that more and more people are signing up, not because they get discount for the energy they produce (they don’t) but simply because the project is cool and they want to be part of it.

This self powered gym concept has been one of my long running business idea and I am so glad to see that it works (even though I am such a loser for not doing it first)! It’s such a win-win business model: people get to work out whilst helping the environment, the gym gets free electricity, tonnes of membership and a green label!
I promise I’ll come back to edit this post when I find more info about this club… Please, if you readers know which gym I am talking about feel free to let me know in the comments!