Guest Editorial
By John Breco

A vertical axis wind turbine called a Windspire rotates in Copemish.
The 30-foot-tall generators are virtually silent. (John L. Russell Special
to The Detroit News)

I can’t help but wonder how many “electric” shocks we, as a society, need before we wake up.  Gas at $4 a gallon. Brownouts and blackouts during summer and winter. Imported oil that shackles us to greed and extortion. Our energy sources are dangerously unstable and unsustainable.

In Michigan we have an asset under our nose but can not see.  We are missing a cost saving and artful answer to our energy quagmire. Nature blessed us with sun and wind. Are we and the powers-that-be asleep at the proverbial wheel?

The “wheel” I speak of has spokes that could move our region forward.  Wind turbines are an incredible opportunity for Michigan. They will work hard for us and are our friends. Yet many oppose them for fear they will ruin our sightlines.

We should be concerned about our coasts and how they look from land and sea. But I believe that designed well, wind turbines can and should be the next “classic” piece of art. They can enhance our landscape and deliver a fiscally prudent return.

Turbines could be beautifully arranged in such a manner that they would be fascinating to watch. If the heights were staggered and colors were in subtle contrast to the nature or cityscapes around them, they could be like a silent orchestra that mystifies. If done with the same precision as a fine terraced landscape, wind turbines could line road ways in mass proportions and be as arresting as the water features at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

They would be functioning “art” due to their design. Think about the many things that would not exist or not bring the enjoyment they do were they not conceived by a designer. From buildings with curb appeal, to civic parks with great sightlines, to the cars that turned heads and put a city on the map. From furniture that changes the way we relate and clothes that set us apart. Design is everywhere and good design drives decisions. Not convinced- take a look at our food packaging industry.

Some in this country feel the need to spend untold fortunes on space.  I suggest we might be a tad better off if we spent money making our land quieter, richer and more comfortable for all those who inhabit it.
The time for wind turbine power is now! Michigan can be a leader. In addition to saving money, and creating jobs – we can even create the infrastructure now without a lot of wear and tear on our land or our budgets. While there is federally funded construction of our roadways- we could put in place the sub structures and arteries for turbines at a fraction of the cost of doing it later.

For these and so many other reasons I ask if not now when? Let’s not be shocked – let’s be shocking!

John Breco, Farmington Michigan
www.brecointeriors.com
Interior designer and artist. Recently repatriated to Michigan and loving it.Guest Editorial