Hope for a Renewable, Sustainable Economy No Longer a Pipe Dream

Recently my boyfriend and I had the pleasure of visiting the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. Although most of the buildings on the property were off limits to public visitors, we were able to do a self-guided tour within the visitor center. Several exhibits provided mini examples of how electricity is created, stored, and delivered, as well as examples of several generations of materials and their efficiency ratings. There were also videos showing product testing of solar panels and wind turbines, where they extensively test designs and materials prior to mass production and market introduction. It was quite impressive just how far we have come in terms of inventions and applications despite the uphill battle the industry and NREL have faced in terms of the lack of meaningful and sustained financial support.

Standing in front of these exhibits, I could not help but feel that a dark cloud is lifting, knowing that our new leaders understand fully the urgency of developing and implementing clean, renewable energy sources. Just think, we will soon no longer be facing roadblocks to accelerated progress toward clean, green energy solutions for the common good. Perhaps it is time that we take a moment to celebrate this pivotal change in course and speed, and then immediately jump in and participate in every way possible toward the creation of a newly transforming, sustainable economy and culture.

For more info about NREL, go to http://www.nrel.gov/