Green People - David Kowalski

Next up in our profiles of Green People is David Kowalski, a local blogger and activist.

Involvement: Hosts a local green blog, Re-ENERGIZE BUFFALO. A member of the Wind Action Group and WNY Climate Action Coalition. Organizer for Nov. 3, 2007, rally at City Hall to draw attention to the need to stop global warming pollution for the sake of the environment, economy and energy independence. We called on political leaders to support a shift to clean, renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut carbon dioxide emissions and grow green jobs. The event was inspired by the national climate action movements, Step It Up 2007 and 1Sky.org.

Suggested green strategy: Buffalo is the second-poorest U.S. city of its size and we need to create new jobs. Use low-cost hydropower to attract green industries, promote on- and off-shore wind power, and attract a wind turbine manufacturer.

Nifty idea: Create a green jobs corps to weatherize existing buildings, recycle and reuse materials, and help lift people out of poverty.

Regional assets to build on: Wind, land, sun, Great Lakes and great people.

Obstacles to overcome: Lack of political will to change from a fossil fuel economy. The misconception that coal power can be clean and cheap. Lack of concern for the environment and well-being of future generations.

Tip for living green: Conserve electricity and fuel: insulate and weatherize; install compact fluorescent lights and energy-efficient heating; buy local; and commute by using mass transit, a fuel-efficient vehicle, a bike, or by walking.

Recommended green book: "Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future," by Bill McKibben.

Recommended Web sites: Clean Energy NOW!  and Re-ENERGIZE BUFFALO

Comments

[Art Klein]

There is little to add to David's portfolio except we all would be better off if we listened a little more closely.

Well done David, keep it p.

[Art Klein]

But I will add one more local need. More elected officials who educate themselves about how to actually lower our carbon footprint and actually take steps toward using less energy.

One step already taken by many progressive cities is to switch all lighting needs in the city and schools to LED. Ann Arbor Michigan has already saved over half its street lighting costs by retrofitting street and traffic lighting to LED.

As with most positive environmental steps you cut the energy use and save money at the same time. But such actions really take some effort and while our leadership is beginning to talk the talk they still cannot walk the walk.

It is nearly too late but any positive action will help.

[Mike]

Art, Art, Art.... How nice of you to use Ann Arbor MI as an example of an enlightened/progressive community. Looking at 2005 Fed data, the estimated medium household income in Ann Arbor was $45,798 and estimated medium house/condo value was $238,100. You know how Buffalo stacked up? $27,311 for income and $60,800 for home value. Buffalo/Erie county can't make ends meet now. Where's the funding coming from? How about that $300 million fund that AlGore has. Until you greens can come up with funding without using tax dollars for all your pet projects, keep quiet.