BAY CITY — The environment will take center stage at this year’s Tall Ship Celebration in Bay City as organizers look to shine a spotlight on alternative and renewable energy, as well as the preservation of the Great Lakes.

For the first time ever, the American Sail Training Association’s Tall Ships Challenge — a race across the Great Lakes — is being sponsored by Great Lakes United, an international environmental group based in Ottawa.

Great Lakes United hopes to share it message about water quality and other environmental issues during stops in port cities during the race.

In Bay City, Tall Ship Celebration officials will construct a Green Village near Veterans Memorial Bridge in Vets Park to help in the education effort.

“We are particularly thrilled about the Green Village,” said Shirley Roberts, festival coordinator. “Alternative energy is something that is so important to our region and to our state.”

Kevin Dykema, chairman of the Tall Ship Celebration Board of Directors, said the Green Village ties in perfectly with the event.

“Tall ships are the original clean energy machine,” he said. “They rely on wind power to move them and they’re not depleting the earth’s resources at all.”

Mike Kelly, director of the Great Lakes Office of The Conservation Fund, said the display will feature hands-on activities and information on new energy that is sparking the Great Lakes Bay Region.

“It’s going to give folks a look at new products from companies like Consumers Energy and Dow Corning,” said Kelly. “It’s very focused on those products coming to the market place.”

Dykema said products like Dow Chemical Co.’s solar shingles will be on display.

Lauren Cheal, a spokeswoman for Great Lakes United, said the point of the Green Village is to spread the word about what those businesses are doing to protect the Great Lakes.

“People will encounter lots of interactive activities,” said Cheal. “Those activities will give a lot of information about problems facing the lakes, like invasive species, toxins — big issues daunting to the public.”

Kelly said its not only an opportunity for festival-goers to see the new products, but also for the companies to teach the public about alternative energy.

“It’s an opportunity for those local companies to come out and show what this whole green economy means to them and clue in the public on what’s really going on right now.”

The Green Village will be open Thursday through Sunday.

A list of what will be at the village is below:

1 Dow Corning Corporation
See a solar array and the silicon material that is leading the way to a bright new future in our region. Test your skill on a solar race track and be amazed at how much water it takes to make a pair of blue jeans.

2 BaySail
Freshwater ecology exhibit from Bay City’s own environmental education specialists, featuring interactive experiences aboard the schooner Appledore IV and Appledore V.

3 Mid Michigan Children’s Museum
Learn more about the Children’s Museum and try your luck in the fishing pond.

4 National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration
See footage of a real Lake Huron shipwreck and learn more about the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary in Alpena.

5 The Dow Chemical Company
A variety of displays featuring the company’s newest alternative energy technologies.

6 Neighborhood MI Ford Dealers/Ford One Drive Tour
See the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta and the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid with class-leading 41 mpg fuel efficiency. Test your knowledge by playing the interactive “Fusion 41” trivia game.

7 Consumers Energy
Balanced Energy displays highlighting energy efficiency, smart meter technology, green generation and renewable resources including a 6 ft. model wind turbine

8 Saginaw Bay Resource Conservation & Development
An interactive Watershed trailer features hands-on displays about the Saginaw Bay Watershed.

9 Tuscola Student Tech Center Electric Car
A student conceived, designed and constructed electric car.

10 Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy
The Conservancy protects more 5,200 acres of public land. Learn how you can  make a difference through interactive displays and by learning how to make your own rain barrel. Barrels will be on sale and a limited number given away through a drawing.

11 Bay City Electric Company/Renewable Energy Classroom
Get an up-close look at solar photovoltaic, solar hot water, wind turbines, energy efficiency technologies and more in this 44 ft. traveling classroom using real working equipment and displays.

12 Chippewa Nature Center
Touch the furs & insects of animals that live along rivers, learn how fish live in the river and how rain gardens can make a difference to our watershed.

13 Farm Market Association
Learn the benefits of buying farm fresh products—for your health, the environment and the economy.

14 Farm Bureau
Farmers are good stewards of the land they rely on for their livelihood and we rely on for our sustenance. See how changing technology has improved farming efficiency and productivity.

15 Wildlife Recovery Association
Come closer than you ever imagined you could to live birds of prey. Raptor displays and presentations throughout the festival.

16 Mock Rain Garden
A living example of a rain garden you can replicate for yourself, courtesy of Bay Landscaping.

17 Farm Equipment Display
Your chance to see and learn about the latest tractor and spreader technology.

18 Master Gardeners’ Association
Garden composting for that sweet smell of success.

19 MSU Extension
A bio-energy display featuring switch grass and other native grasses.

20 Shedd Aquarium
Timely information from the Midwest’s largest and most respected aquarium.

21 Great Lakes United
There’s a lot of water in the Great Lakes, isn’t there? Learn why it’s so important to conserve the freshwater we have.

22 MI Department of Natural Resources & Environment
Lawn games and information about the new Recreation Passport for MI State Parks.

23 The Saginaw Bay Watershed—A Map
Just how big is the watershed we live in? You’re gonna find out!

It is estimated that our natural resources will be completely depleted within the next 150 years. It is because of this that we as a society need to be actively searching for sources of alternative energy.

Alternative energy, whether it is used to replace fuels such as coal, or to reduce our reliance on petroleum based fuels; alternative energy is one of the most important issues facing society today.

The two most common types of alternative energy are:

* Wind power

* Solar power

Both of these alternative energy sources are harnessed from natural resources, and as such are completely free. Only the equipment and technology cost money, and over time as we advance the costs should be reduced.

It is these free sources of alternative energy that we should be pursuing with the most fervency, so that, eventually, energy can be available to all regardless of income. Below we will take a look at these two most common sources of alternative energy.

Wind Power

Wind power, while a free source of alternative energy, would be the most costly type of renewable energy to power our nation. This is largely in part to the fact that we must first place wind turbines across the country, in enough numbers to provide electricity to communities nationwide, even in areas where the wind velocity is not as strong. The cost of building enough of these turbines to harness the wind’s alternative energy would be staggering.

Also these wind turbines are very unsightly and would ruin very beautiful and scenic parts of the country. It should also be noted that they only produce power 1/8 of the time that they are running. That is not very efficient, but we are on the right track, things just need improvement.

Another problem I see with wind turbines is the amount of profit many companies stand to make for putting them in. Individuals are making millions off of this and that is just not right when our well-being is at stake.

However, if you’re interested in using wind power as your own source of alternative energy, it is a viable option. Many farms and rural communities use these wind turbines to power themselves. In smaller numbers, the cost of building the turbines pays for itself relatively quickly. But wind energy is only one form of alternative energy. Next, we will look at using solar power as an alternative power source.

Solar Power

Solar power is alternative energy derived from the power of the sun. Solar energy is also completely free, except for the cost of installing the equipment necessary to convert the sun’s rays into usable electricity. This equipment is becoming less and less expensive every day. Solar power generally ends up paying for itself within the first few years.

The equipment needed to use solar power as an alternative energy source for your home can be bought at virtually any home improvement store, and can usually be installed in just a few hours. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, there are a great number of contractors available who can install your solar panels and generators for you.

Regardless of which type of alternative energy you choose to use in your own home, the fact remains that we must find a renewable source of energy soon, or be at risk of losing the few natural resources we have left to burn. Contact your Congressman today, and ask what is being done to find a good source of alternative energy; and what you can do to help.

Using an alternative energy is especially important on your vehicle because on cars and trucks that you use regular gasoline, they are adding to the problems with the environment. Do you know what the definition is for alternative energy?

Alternative energy is where energy is formed using sources that don’t harm the environment or deplete the Earth’s natural resources. Now that you know what it is you need to know what the different types are. Here are the different types of alternative energy you can use for your home and especially for your cars.

One: Hydro Power – This is formed by using a small water generator that is known as micro-hybrid turbines that are put into the flowing water’s stream.

Two: Solar Power – This type of alternative energy is made by converting sunlight into electricity using cells make from silicon, which, when it is exposed to sunlight it will create an electric charge.

Three: Wind Power – This energy is created by a turbine that is placed on a tall tower and uses wind to kinetically produce electricity.

Four: Ethanol – This is one alternative fuel that is made to replace gasoline in vehicles. It is made from ethyl alcohol, which is a common alcohol that is made using corn or wheat.

Five: Biodiesel – This is an alternative fuel that is for petroleum diesel and is made from vegetable oils and animal fats.

Six: Hydrogen – This alternative energy is the most abundant element in the world and it can be made from fossil fuels, biomass or by electrolyzing water.

So, as you can see, there are many different types of alternative energy. You want to do your homework about these types of energy for your home and your vehicle. When using alternative energy you will be able to save money on gas and other things, plus you will be helping to keep the environment as clean as possible. Just remember to do your homework first before you choose what types of energy that you are going to use for your home and your vehicle.

Summary: Do you know what types of alternative energy that you can use for your home or your vehicle. There are many different types that you need to know about. It is important for you to learn about alternative energy before you use any of them. Find out more now.

When we talk about Alternative Energy, we are referring to alternatives to Fossil Fuels. Ideally Alternative Energy Sources would be renewable for an indefinite time. The Environment is being constantly damaged by the use of Fossil Fuels and the future harm, which includes the massive increase in Greenhouse Gasses, is something we all need to be made aware of. Alternative Energy Sources would not harm the environment in any way, making them safer for the Planet, and making a much, much cleaner option.

Alternative Energy would be self sustaining, never run out, never become expensive and be readily available for everyone. It is only a matter of time before the large Energy Companies adopt a more environmentally friendly position and actively become involved in the search for Alternative Energy Sources.

The Alternative Energy options being examined today are Wind Power, Solar Power, Water Power, Biomass Power, Geothermal Power and even Tidal Power. Whilst some of theses options have a visible impact on the environment, the overall impact is a negative one as there will be no damage to the environment.

Many of these Alternative Energy options have been used, on small scales, for many years. Wind Power in Holland to drive Windmills. Water Power to drive Water Mills to produce such things as flour, and more.

Today we are used to seeing Solar Power panels taking light from the sun and converting it into energy that will heat our houses, produce hot water and more. Solar Power is also used in places such as swimming pools. This Alternative Energy source is harnessed by covers over the pool that collect the light, convert it and help keep the water warm.

In many parts of the world Geothermal Energy is is used to heat homes. In Greenland most homes are heated by Geothermal Power. Though most Geothermal sites are located near Volcanic regions, some are not. This Alternative Energy source is totally renewable and cheap to produce.

Another Alternative Energy Source is Tidal Power. I use this title to cover Tides, Rivers and Dams. Dams have a one-way system. Water is, basically, stored behind its huge walls and allowed to run through its systems driving huge turbines that produce massive amounts of renewable electricity we all use daily. Tidal Power is mostly two-way. Building a Dam across a River or Estuary, turbines or dynamos are built into the design. They produce power when the tide goes out, and produces power when the tide comes in. There is a lack of power production at both bottom and top tides , called slack tide , but this Alternative Energy Source is already in successful use in many Countries around the World, and a proposed Severn Estuary Barrier is soon to be built near my home in Barry in South Wales UK., producing enough Alternative Energy to power a city entirely, day in – day out, forever whilst the tides run.

These are just a few of the many Alternative Energy Sources being examined today. All these Alternative Energy options must be looked at and perfected and put into use very, very shortly or we will do, if we havent already done, irrepairable damage to the Environment. I do wonder what my children, and their children, will think of us in the near-future. Will they curse us or bless us? Its up to us. Its up to us today.

The world has been noticing alternative energy companies over the last few years. Why, you may ask.The answer is “for many reasons.”

Reason #1: Petroleum products as an energy source create pollution.

Reason #2: Alternative energy companies strive to create pollution free energy.

Reason #3: People fear the danger and instability of nuclear power.

Reason #4: Alternative energy companies strive to use the forces of nature to create energy.

Reason #5: Fossil fuels are a non-renewable source of energy.

Reason #6: Since alternative energy companies use nature to create energy, it is an endlessly renewable source.

Reason #7: The profits from conventional power is cyclicle; they may surge when supplies are short and fall when supplies are great.

Reason #8: Alternative energy companies continue to grow as new technologies are discovered.

There are strong feelings among the public that alternative energy companies will dominate the future of energy creation. Right now, it appears that the oil companies are reaping all the profits.

But the world sees that technological growth is the key to the future. Companies such as Microsoft have set the standard that advances only come through change.

Outdated, inefficient methods must be discarded and new technologies introduced. This is how technology will affect the future. And alternative energy companies will control that technology.

The public is willing to pay for cutting edge discoveries. As the costs of traditional energy continues to sky-rocket, alternative energy companies will be the ones to benefit as they supply alternate technologies to fossil fuel.

Alternative energy companies offer a chance for the world to not only survive, but to grow. For, if things remain the same, we will not be able to continue growing, or, we can grow but burn up all our energy. As we grow using fossil fuels, we are poisoning the earth.

Alternative energy companies can offer a solution that does not require a choice between survival and growth. As we look more and more to nature, we can find better methods to create energy.

Alternative energy companies will use the mechanism of capitalism to create energy through alternate sources.

If each person used nature to create energy, it would take years for the concept to grow. But alternative energy companies rally resources of many to make it happen faster. They are uniting these resources into one whole. They are not only interested in discovering alternative fuel sources, but also in promoting their use. The discovery of these alternates is meaningless if they are not used.

Alternative energy companies inform people of the benefits of alternative energy and try to convince them to use it. If they are able to make a profit in the meantime, all the better. Correct?

Alternative energy companies are striving to have the world recognize that continued use of traditional energy is wrong. They will do this by showing us the “alternate”. They supply the solution to the “don’t grow or grow and burnout” dilemma.

As in a storm, if you move away from the center, conditions worsen; the closer you stay focused in the center, the safer you will be.

If you are concerned about how modernization affects the environment and if you are looking for new investments, investments in alternative energy mutual funds may be the perfect solution.

Alternate energy mutual funds invest in companies that are developing ways to produce energy without harming the environment. You can join the huge movement of people who are interested in making money from alternative energy.

The world comes closer and closer to an energy crisis as the non-renewable sources of energy such as coal and oil, which are are major sources of power, become more depleted. This is the reason so many companies are scrambling to develop alternative sources of energy. They need money to do this, and alternative energy mutual funds can supply the money.

A mutual fund is an investment company that looks for small companies that have growth potential and then it invests in them. Remember the Microsoft story: a small company that was started in a garage.

Alternative energy mutual funds specialize in investing in companies that develop alternative energy. Some do this solely because they believe it is better for the earth. But others see alternative energy as the only option for power for the future.

Alternative energy is culled from the natural resources of the earth, such as wind, sun and air. Unlike the non-renewable sources of energy, these sources will continue into the future. People who invest in alternative energy mutual funds may not have to worry about their future! But there are risks to be considered with alternative energy mutual funds.

But all businesses have risk.

There are some viable alternative energy technologies that are not yet cost effective. The alternative energy mutual funds need to be selective about which firms they invest in. They have to make sure the company meets the environmental standards they may have, as well as the ability to use new technogies.

Change is inevitable, and everything in the world changes constantly, including people, their governments and their policies. These changes affect the companies that alternate energy mutual funds invest in.

How a company develops and grows will be determined by factors such as opportunities available and risks encountered. It is possible to make or lose a lot of money. But this, like everything in life is a gamble.

Alternative energy mutual funds have been primarily investing in other countries so that they can keep their investments diversified and take advantage of growth opportunities. But there are foreign exchange risks in this.

Alternative energy mutual funds are run by human beings, who are always prone to mistakes. One of those mistakes is to think they are investing in a company that has an alternate source of energy when all they are doing is adding additives to change the chemical makeup of the energy source. This is not a joke. Since the regulation of these companies is not strong, scams like this can happen.

There are many more riks that may have to be faced when considering investing in alternative energy mutual funds. But sometimes the end, helping the earth, is worth the risk.

The new trend nowadays for homes is to install alternative energy solutions inside it, from the wind turbines producing electricity and the solar collection cells that include hydrogen cells. This is a new technology that continues in the twenty first century and to be continued. There is a lot of need to become energy independent and therefore, households need to rely less on energy derived from fossil fuels and be able to produce alternative energy. Unstable nations are usually the ones who supply fossil fuels; therefore, there is the constant need to become off grid and thus, become independent from this type of production. The fossil fuel industry is maintained by corporation interests, giant oil company directors and some of them are even involved in background conspiracy, therefore creating a vicious circle which cannot give up relying on fossil fuel. There is therefore, a constant pressure on the fossil fuel industry and many alternative energies are thus, overlooked.

However, as many specialists in the field point out, there is the need to develop the distributed generation of alternative energies. We need to restructure the electricity market and do even more research on transmission, distribution infrastructure and diversify the existing means of producing market. Power providers can diversify their businesses by earning back lost revenues through micro generation in the household energy. Therefore, UK analysts have conducted some research and have found out that there are more and more people trying to adopt alternative energies to suit ever-growing energy demands. This trend into adopting alternative energies is encouraged by government recommendation concerning environmental degradation; there is the desire to become energy independent and this is encouraged at all costs. It is therefore, possible to produce all the energy needed in a household by just using alternative energies, such as solar and wind energies combined. These solutions, the solar panels as well as the wind turbines, are likely to become the next big thing in energy suppliers industry.

Alternative energy companies have presumed until now that since traditional prices for energy have remained at the same levels for some time now, it is then possible for micro generation to come in and institute its own prices. After all, if you plan to produce energy at home then through the solar panels and wind turbines, you will only consume what you produce. Therefore, this will make the alternative market very lucrative and thus, a competitor for the traditional energy market.

Current analyses have pointed out that companies should institute techniques through which to encourage the potential of alternative. By opening up the market, success is more likely to be established. For instance, electrical companies in Great Britain have been researching and discovering idea on how to facilitate the wide scale use of geothermal energy; these companies though that geothermal energy could become the energy norm in the future therefore, they were willing to invest in this idea. Through constant effort, one day, alternative energies will become the norm. Another analysis has pointed out that heating through solar energy can be another lucrative alternative to implement in the future. While initially expensive to install such as system, it would become profitable for the long run to use this alternative in the long term, because the benefits obtained from the technology would eventually outweigh the costs. Therefore, one should pay careful attention before installing such a system and especially, make sure they are really eager to pursue that step and not another.

While solar powers has not yet become cost effective to install at larger scales, for instance in corporations, it has become nonetheless an idea worth considering. There are a lot of downfalls to it nonetheless, because especially at a wider scale, one would have to modify a lot of plumbing systems to implement the foundation for the solar energy heating system. In the home however, individual users can reduce the costs for the long run by constantly saving up money from the bills they pay for energy. Therefore, even though the prices for installing alternative energies remain high, the idea will surely catch on in the future.

Already spending hundreds month-by-month on these rising electricity-bills? It seems like a simple “Alternative Energy Sources” System can easily save you all that trouble. The first impression may not reveal that, but this technique takes no more than just few days to be completed. If you read this article you’ll be able to know more about how this technology can help you to significantly cut your expenses.

Quick introduction

The basic idea behind this “Alternative Energy Sources” System is to teaching you how to assemble Solar-Cells by using materials that can be found at any average hardware store. Some guides can be really useful while others miss their target; check whether it offers the following: clear information, detailed diagrams, video tutorials, and technical support. In any case, here are some key-advantages and tips that can help you out.

Important benefits

We could clearly notice several good reasons to use this one-of-a-kind solution:

* Cuts down on the usage of non-renewable enr. resources.
* Helps our nation on becoming less dependent on external oil suppliers.
* Saves hundreds month-after-month.
* Knowing that we are doing our part to conserve the planet.
* Increases the value of your home by thousands.

Advice

Use high quality materials – you want your unit to hold for many years ahead, don’t try to save a few dollars here and there and after a few months watch how everything falls apart.

Summarizing this article

When we constantly look for immediate and affordable ways to ‘cut’ our elec. expenses, no doubt that “Alternative Energy Sources” System is one of the most revolutionary ideas that can help us achieve that goal. It would be quite easy to find other advantages provided by this remarkable invention, simply because it is innovative. At this point it would be advised to use it as this is the most recommended way that truly enables you to explore the advantages mentioned in this article.

The first thing most people think of in terms of where to go to college are the big name universities. The courses offered at these institutions are geared to getting you into a career where you will earn a salary in the six digits. They have that reputation, but it is still up to the student to be prepared to make it in the business world. So even the students who are invited to attend these elite schools have to just hope they will land that great job.

If you only consider attending one of these types of colleges, you may be limiting your choices and not opening yourself up to an education choice that may be just the right one for you.

What we mean are programs that are offered in community colleges that may not be offered in the large universities. For those who may not be looking for the traditional courses because they may not be the choice for them, these colleges may offer new and different alternatives that may keep the world running.

What we mean are programs in alternative energy.

These are educational programs that focus on coursework necessary for a career in the field of alternative energy. These courses prepare a student for a job in the real world.

Why is it that community colleges offer these kinds of courses?

Community colleges have traditionally focused on non-traditional courses and also those that are more practical in nature. That is why community colleges attract students who are looking for work in the real world.

Traditional colleges and universities charge extremely high tuition for the courses they offer. Since community colleges are subsidized by the government, they can offer courses at lower tuition rates. The reason governments offer subsidies is so that lower income students can have an opportunity for higher education. This is also the reason these schools offer programs in alternative energy

What happens once a student completes such a program?

Students who have completed such a program can go on to work in the field of alternative energy. The need for new kinds of energy is spurring governments and industry to invest in this field. This will create many new jobs that graduates of community colleges in the field of alternative energy will be ready for.

Community colleges who offer these programs will help build a bright future for these students by training them to become employees in a competitive field that will help the world.

During the old hot rodding days,oil was king. It was also only about 25 cents a gallon, and everyone thought there was an endless supply. Then we were hit with the oil shock of the seventies, and we realized that there was not an endless supply of oil (only of lines at the gas tanks) and we had to change our ways. Big, gas guzzling cars had to give way to economy models,and many of the traditional car companies suffered. But continued hish oil usage still threatens the supply.

This fact has forced the world to look at alternative sources of energy to fuel our vehicles. What knd of alternatives are suitable to running cars? Let’s have a look at the facts.

There are many forms of alternative energy, primarily from the forces of the earth: water (tidal or hydroelectric), air,waste (biomass), the sun and the earth itself. But currently, we only meet 10% of our energy needs through these alternative natural sources. Coal, gas and nuclear fuel supplies 88% of our needs, and oil 2% For vehicles, however, oil is by far the biggest source of power. Diesel and gas oils powers most of the cars, trucks and SuVs on the roads today. Biodiesel fuel such as vegetable oil, methanol and ethanol are starting to be used in some buses. Using the same logic, we should be able to make our cars into mini-windmills or mini solar panels. But this use is limited and we nee to find a longer-range solution.

What does the future hold?

Using alternative energy directly in cars is not practical. What’ the solution, if not windmills and solar panels? Hydogen as a source of fuel for vehicles has proven to be the most viable. Many hydrogen powerd vehicles exist today, and more are being developed.

How do we involve alternative energy more in our lives? Hydrogen as a source of power is extracted form a number of different natural resources, such as water, biomass, coal and methane. The best source is water and many cars today are being run on fuel cells that extract hydrogen from water.

There are many processes to extract hydrogen molecules. But, in general, all of these processes require electricity tofunction. As the world’s population grows, the demand for power and energy grows with it. That will help the popularity of hydrogen power, but this type of alternative power will eventually be replaced by other, more efficient types of alternative energy.

So the quest for other, better energy sources for our vehicles will continue. We may see the day when an extremely powerful solar cell or roof mounted turbine will power a car for miles.

For now, the present problem of finding alternative energy solutions to power our vehicles continues. The task is large, but it is certainly is achievable.