Perhaps it’s just me, but there seems to be more going on with solar energy, wind power, recycling and green building on St. Croix. Since electric rates in U.S.V.I. are 3.5 times the average of rates in the continental United States the level of interest in alternative energy makes sense. Everywhere I look folks are moving in the green direction. In this article I’ll discuss some of the “good things” we’ve discovered lately.
The Big Picture – The USVI government, lead by Governor DeJongh, is actively trying to make positive changes to the environment through various programs. The VIWMA has started a “Preserving Paradise Campaign” and the VI Resource Conservation & Development Council is working hard and in fact received a 2008 EPA Environmental Quality Award. There is also an environmental educators network if you are interested.
- VIWMA – Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
- VIRCD – Virgin Islands Resource Conservation & Development Council
- VINE – Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators
Alternative Energy – St. Croix USVI has great potential for solar and wind power. It seems a little ironic we also have one of the largest oil refineries in North America, Hovensa, located right on the island. Here are some links we came across…
- St. Croix Solar (wind and solar design and installation)
- West Indies Solair (solar and PV design and installation)
- Premier Homes (green homebuilding on St. Croix)
- VI Renewable Energy Organization (general information)
- Solar Direct (solar design and installation)
- VI Solar Solutions (solar hot water)
- Solar Delivered (solar design and installation)
- VI Solar Depot (solar design and installation)
Recycling – When we first moved here our trash (bottles, cans and paper) all went in the same can. There was no option to recycle. Recently we’ve discovered the St. Croix Recycling Association is making significant progress to change things for the better. Join or learn more at the St. Croix Recycling Association…
Here are some of their initiatives:
- Aluminum Cans & Non-Ferrous Metals Recycling
- Books, Clothing &/or Household Items Recycling
- Car & Truck Battery Recycling
- Cardboard Recycling
- Glass Recycling
- Old Newspaper Recycling
- Packing Materials Recycling
- Plant Pot Recycling
- Plastics Recycling
- Printer Ink / Toner Recycling
- Used Motor Oil Recycling
- Biodegradable Cleaner Suppliers
- Organic Food Suppliers
- Recycled Paper Products
Litter Control – St. Croix has a problem with litter. The road sides are covered with bottles, beer cans and paper. In my opinion, Governor DeJongh has more workers cleaning up litter from roadways these days, unfortunately it keeps coming right back. It’s a shame that such a beautiful island is being trashed. There’s a video out called “Leave Only Your Footprints” produced by the Ivan Butcher of the St. Croix Hiking Association that discusses the problem and perhaps it will help. Check out this St. Croix video called Leave Only Your Footprints…
Bonnie Luria
Thanks for your comment on my blog about the Roseway.
It’s a mighty vessel and our harbinger of winter.
Glad you have so much well presented info on your blog. It gets the good word out.
There’s one more Solar energy company here that you might want to consider adding to this list:
http://www.solardelivered.com
Great products, very professional presentation and customer service.
I’ll keep in touch with your blog for future things to look for.
Eric
Thanks Bonnie. Recently I met Larry Aldrich, the owner of http://www.visolardepot.com , so that’s another. It seems solar is starting to take off!
Your blog and artwork are both fantastic. I’ve been a frequent visitor and a big fan. If anyone reading this would like to visit Bonnie’s blog it’s worth the click… http://bonnieluria.wordpress.com/
Bonnie Luria
Eric- thank you for the lovely comment above and no doubt, in a population of what was less than my old apartment building, the chances are pretty high that we’ll bump shoulders somewhere.
Solar is the wave of the near past and for sure, the path of the future. We’ve had solar hot water for 5 years and love what it’s done for our WAPA payments.
I’m enjoying poking around your blog. The photography is terrific.