Etopia Photo Contest

We're celebrating the wonders and community of Etopia with a photo contest. Contestants may submit any photo on any theme and no limits on how many photos you enter. BUT please remember Etopia is a PG sim, so no adult content. The only requirement is that the photo must be taken in Etopia or Etopia Prime. Judging will be on the basis of creativity and artistry.

First Prize -- $1000L
Second Prize --  $500L
Third Prize -- $250L

Post your entries at http://www.flickr.com/groups/1414971@N23/.
You'll need a Flickr account, but you can create one on the spot there.

Deadline for entries is Thursday, May 13.  We'll announce winners on May 20.

Veterans' Opinions on Clean Energy

An interesting post on Greenbang caught my attention this morning. "A new poll conducted for VoteVets.org, an organisation of recent veterans that aims to be “the voice of the 21st century patriot,” finds that 73 per cent of veterans from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan want the US Congress to pass a new law in favour of fighting climate change and shifting to clean energy sources. A full 67 per cent also believe such legislation would help their own economic prospects."

Read more about it, Clean energy: It's not just for wussies and hippies anymore.

Earth Week 2010

Earth Week celebrations embrace shared values and celebrate our efforts toward creating a sustainable human presence on the Earth. Don't miss out on the fun. Learn a little. Be sure to stop by Etopia for the birthday party on Thursday, 22 April 2010. Dance, sing, eat, drink, and explore the unique features of our island community.

Department of Transportation Policy Shift

Bicycles and walkers are getting the consideration they deserve. This morning's NYTimes Green Inc Blog post, "Transportation Department Embraces Bikes, and Business Groups Cry Foul," reflects the Obama administration's commitment to supporting responsible practices that protect our environment, and IMHO, our economy.

Check out the post at Green Inc Blog and let us know what you think. And while you're online, take a ride on the bike trail at Etopia.

The Ultimate Sustainability Setting

This informative 1-minute video captures the essence and opportunities available on Etopia Island.

Etopia's Large Wind Turbine

The Sustainable Energy Science Lab announces today that it has completed a year-long analysis of the economic viability of Etopia's "Big Turbine," a facsimile of a Vestas V-52, built by Bjerkel Eerie before I was born...let's say, more properly, November 9, 2007. In short, the turbine will pay for itself in 5 more years, easily within the maintenance contract of 15 years. Details of the analysis are given in the attached notecard, and anyone can learn more about the project at our lab, on Etopia Island.

Windy