Innovative Approach to Reducing Carbon Footprint
School says acting on climate change offers educational and economic opportunities for Maine
(FAIRFIELD) Spinach, lettuce, and fish called tilapia now co-exist in the greenhouses at Good Will-Hinckley’s Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MeANS) in Fairfield, part of a recently-added aquaponics system that turns the farming of fish and vegetables into a sustainable ecosystem. Fish waste replaces chemical fertilizers, water is reused, and year-round production of local food reduces the fossil fuels normally burned in food transport.
Today the state’s first charter school, which has also installed 110 solar panels that produce 34,000 kilowatts of energy per year, was honored by Maine Conservation Alliance as a “Community Climate Champion” for their innovative effort to reduce carbon pollution while providing students with unique educational opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to be honoring Good Will-Hinckley today for their creative approach to reducing their carbon footprint,” said Beth Ahearn, Program Director for Maine Conservation Alliance. “Climate change is definitely a daunting challenge, but with every problem comes opportunity. There are actions we can all take to make a difference. We’re here today to celebrate one of the many small-scale efforts happening all across our state that will reduce carbon pollution, support our economy, and create a healthier future for our kids.”
The aquaponics and solar infrastructure at Good Will-Hinckley gives students hands-on experience in studying and understanding clean energy technologies that are considered an area of strong growth potential for Maine’s economy.
Glenn Cummings, President and Executive Director of Good Will-Hinckley and The Maine Academy of Natural Sciences stated, “We could install solar panels or aquaponics equipment simply because they’re good for the environment and great hands-on learning components to our unique school curriculum. But beyond that, solar panels are saving us money today and strengthening our finances over the long term, allowing us to invest more in our mission of helping kids graduate.”
“I am personally very concerned about how climate change could affect food production around the globe, especially when the world’s population is growing,” said Desiree Lyon-Johnson, 16, a sophomore from Augusta. “At MeANS, we grow our own food, recycle food waste by feeding it to pigs, have bees on campus for pollination, and are using our new aquaponics system to grow vegetables without using chemical fertilizers. I haven’t figured out my career plans yet, but the environmental work I’m doing at MeANS has definitely changed my interests.”
Today’s event is part of Maine Conservation Alliance’s “Act on Climate” campaign, which includes support for federal carbon standards as well as community-based efforts that reduce local sources of carbon pollution. Carbon pollution is produced primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas. The U.S. EPA estimates that power plants are responsible for almost 40% of the carbon pollution produced in the United States. Transportation accounts for another 30%.
“Power plants are the low-hanging fruit in our national response to climate change,” added Ahearn. “That’s why setting federal limits on carbon pollution from power plants is a reasonable and essential step. It’s just common sense, and it’s long overdue.”
The EPA is expected to recommend first-ever limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants on June 2nd. There are currently limits on how much mercury, arsenic, and soot that power plants can emit, but there have never been limits on carbon pollution. Supporters say the new limits, especially when taken together with investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure, will encourage innovation and job creation. EPA studies show that since 1970, every dollar invested in Clean Air Act standards has yielded $4-$8 in economic benefits.
State Representative Karen Kusiak from Fairfield remarked, “We are responsible for leaving a clean and sustainable world to our children. Research and development in sustainable practices are very necessary to addressing climate change. Educational activities on this campus are vital to the town of Fairfield. As MeANS and KVCC grow and develop, so does our community.”
Health studies show that the carbon pollution causing climate change is responsible for thousands of premature deaths, higher risks of asthma attacks, and hundreds of thousands of missed work and low activity days. According to the American Lung Association’s 2014 State of the Air Report, nearly half of Maine people live in counties with fair to poor air quality.
Cummings added, “MeANS students are the future of Maine. They come from Maine; most will stay in Maine. What they are learning at MeANS will not only prepare them for careers like sustainable agriculture or forestry, but also arm them with a knowledge of climate change that will help them make positive choices in their everyday lives, here on a local level.”
Steve Hinchman of ReVision Energy, Maine’s largest solar energy installation company, was also on hand at the school today to announce that the company will offer an internship to one of the academy’s students next school year. Teachers at the school and company officials will work together to select a student based on his or her interests and career aspirations.
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