People are talking; wondering if there will ever be another SEER, the Solar Energy Expo and Rally. Organized by the Renewable Energy Development Institute (REDI), a grassroots group based in Willits, California, the fair became a popular event for both families and business enterprises. Later evolving to biennial conferences, peaking with the spectacular SEER '94 and opting out of producing an event at all in 1996, REDI has reached a new phase in its development. Current activities range from developing interactive information services on the Internet to planning new transportation modes with local government agencies to siting a four-year university for environmental studies on the North Coast.
The idea of sustainability is central to REDI's nonprofit mission of helping integrate environmentally sound technologies into society. With this goal in mind, it made more sense to the group to diversify and pursue the ongoing, long-term projects that cropped up as a result of the initial events.
The most visionary of these is the goal of a university degree program specializing in renewable energy research and occupations, drawing together and expanding on existing community educational resources. A generous land donation from a local physicist has begun the realization of that dream.
This beautiful 100-acre site, located on the Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, California, is a special confluence of forest, river and ocean, donated to help support REDI's charitible, educational and scientific programs as well as to preserve natural open space. A permanent facility there will be a living-learning center, to be named "The Larry Spring Center for Common Sense Physics."
All this has been a labor of love by a core group of founders and numerous volunteers. REDI came into being in November, 1989, when a small group of inventors, enthusiasts and small business owners planned a solar fair in Willits, California. The goals of this event were to reduce reliance on foreign oil and to improve the environment through the use of renewable energy and clean-air transportation. The first Solar Energy Expo and Rally was held in the summer of 1990 as the United States sent troops to fight in the Gulf War. This dramatically illustrated the need for SEER, which became the largest event of its kind in the very first year and helped to establish a reputation of Northern California as the "Solar Capital of the World." Willits was proclaimed "The Heart of the Solar Capital."
Following this early success, the organizers combined forces with the local Chamber of Commerce, the utility company and local solar businesses in planning for an even larger event. Seer '91 and '92 were held in a park setting, with more exhibitors and attendees. SEER organizers saw the need to create an ongoing structure to operate the event, while at the same time providing a foundation for year-round educational and scientific activites. In 1992, REDI was formed, and by 1994, REDI gained tax-exempt status as a charitable nonprofit corporation. SEER '94 moved to the larger and better-equipped Redwood Empire fairgrounds.
The first REDI conference in 1993 addressed breakthrough issues of utility involvement in solar photovoltaic systems, standards in electric vehicle manufacturing and consumer financing and insurance. REDI provided a forum for all interested parties to be involved in decision making on an equal footing. Small businesses and contractors had not had an opportunity for input into these areas through other channels before. REDI Conference '95 expanded on these themes, with more networking and "cross pollination" between industry, government and research labs.
In 1996, REDI began focusing on year-round programs. The directors decided not to hold the annual events for which REDI had become so well-known. It was time to disseminate to the public the educational information compiled from organizing those events.
Several projects have advanced over the past year. Much development has gone in to Cyber SEER - "The Virtual Solar Energy Expo & Rally" - and REDI.Net, an online resource directory with current information on renewable energy, clean air vehicles, energy conservation, recycling, healthy buildings, green products, permaculture and new energy. Until recently, no software existed to actually search REDI's database from an Internet web site. Thanks to recent breakthroughs in computer technology, Cyber SEER will offer an entertaining, visual tour of "cyberbooths," while REDI.Net will allow browsers to skip the tour and search a listing of companies, organizations and individuals.
Another offshoot is the "OHM Loans" project, a nationwide directory of Off-grid Home Mortgage Lenders for consumers seeking to finance independent residential energy systems. Financing has long been a barrier to widespread use of solar and renewable energy systems by homeowners and consumers. REDI plans to publish the OHM Loans directory in both electronic and print media.
The "Forest Fire Risk Reduction and Materials Utilization Plan" is developing "FIRESAFE" (TM) wood products harvested during fire risk reduction projects. Small-diameter manzanita, madrone, tan oak and other woods are processed into marketable products to cover the costs of the work while providing new jobs for under-employed timber workers. This program creates a model of environmentally sound, self-sustaining small-scale fire abatement methods. Ultimately, a training curriculum and materials will be developed for use in offering classes through the California Community Colleges in timber communities.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Demonstration , or "ZEV Project," is funded by Mendocino Council of Governments, the regional transportation planning agency. This technology assessment study will lay the groundwork for rural transportation planning in anticipation of a new generation of vehicles that is rapidly approaching the consumer marketplace.
A science club in the spirit of Larry Spring is beng born, developing educational kits for hands-on experiments and learning by doing. His theories of energy "magnespheres" and magnetic solar motors are gaining momentum with curious thinkers far and wide.
And finally, for the 21st Century, REDI's vision of a permanent environmental research center is growing from a seed and taking shape. To help and join in this effort, please call (707) 459-1256. By making a tax-deductible contribution to REDI's endowment fund, donors can become cofounders of the Noyo Harbor Ranch.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1997
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