and, no, we're not talking about the new
Isabella Rosellini movie. This week in the
Boston Globe in the business section there was a
feature-ette on personal renewable energy devices. It touted something called a
"HYmini" which captures wind energy while you walk, run, or bike. This, of course, is a completely silly product and has little or nothing to do with "going green". I was hoping
Walter Sass would write this blog entry, but he was so disgusted that all he could scrawl was "This is green porn. I'm sorry, if you can't figure out that it's incredibly more efficient to hook a generator up to the drivetrain of a bicycle than is to put a little windmill on your handlebars, you shouldn't be writing little energy pieces for the Globe." Remember, kids, this energy isn't free - you have to pedal that much harder. As far as I know, the
first law of thermodynamics is still in effect, although, as Walter said, "with this Supreme Court, you never know".
The discussion inevitably continued to the idea of
harnessing the energy of children to provide energy for the home. There are many anecdotes about parents who
only allowed the TV to operate when powered by energetically pedalling children. Go green, Mom and Dad!
1 comment:
I don't think I read the article. But, I do have a HYmini. It's great for cycling enthusiasts. But, you can simply stand it on its side and let it passively collect wind or solar power. Actually, the solar power collection is quite good and very steady. The wind depends upon, well, the wind. Cheer up. Thinks like this little device make people do little things that make a difference. It's not a total solution. But, it is as good a first step as you can find right now.
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