Not in my backyard
David Goldblatt
Windmills for sale, Ventersburg, Free State, 6 August 2003
I saw the above photo at the Stedelijk Museum on Monday, and I suddenly was puzzled as regards to the relation between these windmills and the infamous wind turbine electricity generators –
Somehow these tiny things look so delicate and refined, and do not seem to disturb the grey, dull landscape. They are for sale, indicating people actually do want to go out and buy them, and will use them for something – It is doubtful those shown in the photograph will do anything but turn, but will rather just amuse people and show how fast and from where the wind is from.
We will never entirely rely on wind power or completely green energy, so if we all had a couple of these things, and perhaps even a solar panel on the roof, wouldn’t that spare us the need for massive controversy in our ‘backyards’?
Who decides on whether massive turbines can or cannot pop up and whether people want them in-their-backyards? – My thoughts lead me to think: let’s put a few wind turbines on the front porch next to Granny, or in the living room next to the sofa by the window – the kids will love it!
February 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
If a small windmill like that could be made to generate real electricity, I wonder what would happen? Dirk Sijmons, however, made one clear point: if we want to bring down greenhouse emissions, we will have to use every alternative energy source open to us. What does that mean for us?
Also, you might want to look at some photos of early 20th centruy cityscapes: you will not believe all the wires everywhere!
I’ll see if I can find some.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Have you ever noticed the little wind generator things on sailboats or even normal amsterdam boats ?… Those supposedly recharge some kind of battery…I would think if we had a hundred, 50, or even just a few on our roofs - (or on the front porch :) ) we could lower our energy use?
Stephen Shore’s photography always shows these 1970’s desolate cityscapes with lots of wires, lamp poles, cars, streets, etc…. interesting….