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An energy tip for all of us

One of the most important things you can do to save energy won't save you any money on your power bill, but it could save energy and money for all of us, today and in the future. It's recycling.

You may think of recycling as something we do to keep our landfills from filling up, but recycling is also an important energy saver. It takes 60 percent less energy to recycle paper than it does to make paper from new timber. Making an aluminum can from recycled metal takes an amazing 95 percent less energy than making new aluminum from scratch. And the energy saved by recycling a glass jar will keep a light bulb burning for four hours.

So the next time you recycle, remember: you're saving energy as well as landfill space!

Source: Environmental Systems of America Inc.

Co-ops sponsor hybrid solar and fuel cell car

Illinois' Touchstone Energy' cooperatives are major sponsors of Lincoln Land Community College's solar powered car, the Prominence II . The Touchstone Energy cooperatives are helping fund the addition of fuel cell technology that will make it the first of hybrid car to be tested.

Carl Painter, faculty advisor for the Prominence II race team, says the maiden race for the hybrid car was at the Formula Sun Grand Prix in May at Topeka, Kansas. Earlier, Painter took a team to Sunrayce 99. Painter says his students were up against teams from major universities from across the country, but their car placed in front of several major schools. "I think ours was one of the most photographed cars from the race," said Painter. "We were the only community college in it and everyone was kind of rooting for us because we were the underdogs."

Another major solar car race is planned for next June and will run from Chicago to Los Angeles. "Our car could be modified for that race. They change the rules every time to pose different design problems for the students. Safety is always a problem. We could make the cars faster if it wasn't for all the safety rules," says Painter. For example, he said, redundant brake systems are required.

Painter said, "We had the batteries behind the driver, but we decided to move them out to each side of the car, outside the frame instead of inside the frame. It gave us more stability and it gave us all this space behind the driver. We decided to use that space later for a fuel cell." The Department of Commerce and Community Affairs and the Illinois Department of Energy are also helping with the fuel cell demonstration in the car.

The car will be on display at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield this August. Illinois' Touchstone Energy cooperatives will also have a display of new technology, including fuel cell technology, at the state fairs in Springfield and in DuQuion.

Carl Painter, (second from right) and his team of engineering students from Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, built one of the first solar and fuel cell powered cars. Up against major universities, the team has placed in previous races demonstrating solar technology.

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Words of wisdom to youth Nearly 300 high school students from across Illinois met their state legislators during "Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day" in April. The tour was an opportunity for the students to learn more about the co-op democratic business model, as well as their state government. Secretary of State Jesse White told the students, "The only time in life you should look down is to tie your shoes. Always aim high. Let every day be a learning experience, because you are going to be our doctors, nurses, teachers, state police; who knows, maybe the mayor of your town, the governor of Illinois or the senator from Illinois."

Camp Little Giant — summer camp for everyone

Remember summer camp? The hickory scent of a campfire at sunset on a summer evening, the sounds of children cheering in the dining hall, and laughter floating over the cool water splashing under the hot sun at the lakefront. Camp experiences last a life-time and shape who we are from our very core.

Nestled in the rich woods surrounding Little Grassy Lake in southern Illinois, Camp Little Giant has served children and adults with varying abilities for nearly half a decade. Located at Touch of Nature Environmental Center, a department of Southern Illinois University, Camp Little Giant is the largest Therapeutic Recreation program at the Center. Also offered at the Touch of Nature facility, however, are conference programs, environmental and outdoor education programs, adventure programs and therapeutic wilderness programs specifically created for children who have been involved with the court system.

Camp Little Giant is a non-profit organization serving children and adults with (dis)abilities in a residential camp setting. Little Giant individually tailors recreational activities to suit and challenge youth and adults based upon their ability level. Campers develop physically, socially, cognitively, spiritually and emotionally.

Last August, Camp Little Giant adopted a new Program Director, Pamela Schadt, a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist), with a degree in Outdoor Therapeutic Recreation. Working with Pamela is a well-trained and certified staff. These young people are working on their degrees in such areas as special education, deaf education, therapeutic education and social work. Also available is a full medical staff.

So, as you or those you know are thinking of their children or family members with special needs as the time for summer camp approaches, remember to tell them about the hidden treasure in Carbondale, Illinois: Camp Little Giant at Touch of Nature Environmental Center. For more information call (618) 453-1121, e-mail camplittlegiant99@yahoo.com, or visit www.siu.edu/~tonec.

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