New Energy Future In The News

WMBD/WYZZ-TV - BLOOMINGTON - For a group in the basement of the Bloomington Government Center, Environmental action starts now. "Our solution is that we make better advantage of the energy we already generate," says of Environment Illinois member Brian Granahan.

The group is a non-profit environmental advocacy group, are trying to spread the word about energy efficiency and its impact on our world. They say demand for energy in the Midwest alone has risen 2-percent each year since 1990. "Something like drilling off shore or building new nuclear power plants isn't an answer to our problems," he says.

The answer could be in the choices you make every day. Experts say just purchasing government approved Energy Star products cannot only save you money on your electric bills, but they can also save energy. "These appliances tend to use 25-50 percent less energy than standard appliances."

Wind and solar power also look promising. Environment Illinois reps say our state could be getting 18 to 20-percent of our energy from wind power by 2025. Jody Nord believes so much in solar power, she's started her own solar business in Bloomington: "I think the us can benefit significantly from re-evaluating our lifestyles and making change for the better."

She's interested in more "green" tips to save some green of her own, and help Mother Nature along the way. "I make it a point to always unplug any cell phone charger, all of our lights are on a power strip. At the end of every night I shut them off."

Environment Illinois has about 20 thousand members across the state. The group is planning four other open discussions like this one, focusing on energy efficiency and global warming.