Still fighting on the front lines: Puerto Rico’s energy warriors

It’s been five months since Hurricane Maria devastated the Caribbean. The rest of the world may have moved on to other news, but Puerto Ricans are still battling mudslides and eroded trees, garbage in the sewers, contaminated water, and limited electricity.

The Sonnen battery at Iglesia Bautista Mediania Alta.

Although there’s plenty of destruction to see this article won’t focus on the destruction. This is a story of problem-solvers.

In November 2017, I went with my team of renewable energy explorers at Vittoria Energy Expedition to visit Puerto Rico. We discovered some truly inspiring stories–individuals and groups fighting for energy independence and security. They are rebuilding an island 1,100 miles off of the mainland United States with limited resources and exceptional fortitude. They are finding new ways to recharge their phones, TVs, washers and dryers, streetlights, and hospitals.

They are Puerto Rico’s Energy warriors and here are some of their stories.

Read the Impakter story by Andrew Polich - “Still fighting on the front lines: Puerto Rico’s energy warriors.”

Recycling crisis: True goal is zero waste going to landfill

After years of doing the right thing by separating our garbage so that our glass bottles, newspapers and plastics can be recycled, Victorians are now being told that all that recycling could be, well, a waste of time.

We are facing a potential waste crisis – and a totally predictable one, too.

According to the Municipal Association of Victoria, a decision by China to place a ban on the import of recycling materials from outside the country has resulted in several councils having their recycling contracts cut back by our waste companies.

Read the comment by Richard Fine in today’s Age - “Recycling crisis: True goal is zero waste going to landfill.”