Thuppal: Going green should be taken to a smaller scale

Throughout President Barack Obama’s campaign, he repeatedly told Americans that investing in… Throughout President Barack Obama’s campaign, he repeatedly told Americans that investing in green energy and industries would be a major part of his stead in office. Granted it has only been a few weeks into his presidency, but Obama needs to start paying more attention to keeping his word. It’s not as if Obama has completely forgotten about the issue. Rather, he seems to be waiting while other more pressing matters are settled ‘mdash; too bad he can’t afford to. Wind and solar power technologies have taken a drastic hit in recent months as the economic downturn has forced companies within the industry to lay off significant numbers of their employees. At the same time, prices of wind turbines and solar panels are finally coming down. Many banks are pulling their investments out of green industries. Although they are provided with federal tax incentives for financing such projects, obvious troubles within banks have left them without much of an option. Wind farms that need space for large turbines are especially handicapped as they rely on banks to finance large portions of their projects. Solar power is no better off as prices for panels have dropped significantly and continue to do so. As the market for solar and wind energy expanded, suppliers often had difficulties keeping up with the demands of the industry. But now, as prices continue to plummet, the situation has been reversed, as predictions of long waiting lists have given way to canceled orders. Obama’s stimulus package contains tens of millions of dollars set aside for investment in green technologies. Projects such as improving the efficiency of federal buildings and constructing transmission lines for wind and solar plants are expected to employ 460,000 Americans. But these plans won’t show any major results for at least a few years. Rather, the focus of reviving green energy shouldn’t be set on such as large scale. The ability of individuals to organize on a community level ‘mdash; reminiscent of Obama’s campaign ‘mdash; will be the key to boosting sales as well as making homes and workplaces more energy efficient. San Francisco homeowners are currently signing up for a new green energy campaign called 1BOG, which stands for ‘One Block Off the Grid.’ The goal of the program is to convince homeowners to convert to solar energy, one block at a time. Residents created buying clubs that allow members to receive discounts. At the same time, participants try to sign up their neighbors, too. Also, citizens are joining ‘Carrotmobs,’ which seek to reward businesses that make socially responsible decisions.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Virgance, a San Francisco start-up, owns both campaigns and is looking to use activism as a means of promoting their company’s initiatives. The strategy of the start-up, according to The Economist, is a four-pronged approach that includes a volunteer network, a Facebook presence, a team of bloggers and YouTube videos supporting its projects. This type of approach might be what is needed to fast-track green technologies. By promoting themselves through Internet and community initiatives, wind and solar companies might be able to sustain themselves until the impact of federal aid is seen. Although Obama’s large scale moves will greatly help green industries, it is clear that organizations at the local level will effect the most change. The ability to impart the values of green technologies between neighbors will be of greater value than waiting around for the stimulus package results. E-mail Hay at hat23@pitt.edu.