Solar panels located on the Union Square Greenmarket’s van will generate clean power for cooking demonstrations
June 25, 2012 – This weekend, the GrowNYC Union Square Greenmarket became the first New York recipient of a solar installation donation from Green Mountain EnergyTM Sun ClubTM. Green Mountain and GrowNYC officially ‘flipped the switch’ on the solar-powered kitchen during a dedication at the farmer’s market on June 23. The solar array is a donation from the Sun Club, a voluntary program in which Green Mountain residential customers can make monthly contributions toward solar generation systems for non-profits.
The solar array sits on top of the van stationed at the welcome center of the Union Square Greenmarket where GrowNYC staff as well as local farmers host cooking demonstrations using goods found at the market. The solar array is expected to generate 756 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of pollution-free energy each year, avoiding 750 pounds of CO2 emissions. That’s like not taking 298 New York City cab rides!
The iconic Union Square Greenmarket is the flagship of GrowNYC’s network of 54 farmers markets.
“For years, GrowNYC has worked to make our Greenmarkets centers of sustainability, offering everything from textile recycling to food scrap collection, and of course a bounty of locally grown food,” said Michael Hurwitz, director of Greenmarket. “Promoting solar energy falls within our mission as an environmental organization to promote sustainable best practices. Thanks to the solar panels from Green Mountain, we can go one step further in the sustainable shopping experience folks expect at the Greenmarket.”
While the height of the Greenmarket van precludes visitors from getting a good look at the solar panels, there will be information available near the demo area that explains how solar energy works and the specific environmental benefits of the installation. The array was installed by Solar One, a non-profit organization that promotes urban sustainability and education.
“This is one of the coolest donations we’ve done through the Sun Club because it’s such a tangible example of solar power,” said Paul Markovich, president, Green Mountain Energy Company Residential Services. “We’re excited to partner with GrowNYC because the solar-powered cooking demos will supply New Yorkers with ideas for preparing the farm fresh food they buy at the market while also raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy.”
GrowNYC
GrowNYC is a hands-on non-profit which improves New York City’s quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
For over 30 years, GrowNYC’s Greenmarket staff, volunteers and farmers have been working together to promote regional agriculture, preserve farmland and ensure a continuing supply of fresh, local produce for all New Yorkers.
To learn more about GrowNYC’s Greenmarket, gardening, recycling and education programs, visit www.growNYC.org.
Green Mountain EnergyTM Sun ClubTM
Green Mountain EnergyTM Sun ClubTM is a program where Green Mountain residential customers have the opportunity to give back to deserving non-profit organizations through the donation of solar power systems. Direct monthly contributions from customers go toward the funding of solar installations. Since the program’s founding in 2002, Sun Club members have helped install almost 500 kilowatts (kW) of solar power, preventing over 4.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. That equals 4.5 million miles not driven or 10.1 million aluminum cans recycled. For more information, visit www.gmsunclub.com.
Green Mountain Energy Company
Green Mountain, the nation’s leading competitive retail provider of cleaner energy and carbon offset solutions, was founded in 1997 with the mission to “change the way power is made.” The company is the nation’s leading competitive retail provider of cleaner energy and believes in using wind, sun and water for good. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, as well as a variety of carbon offset products and sustainable solutions for businesses. One of Green Mountain’s largest customers is the “world’s most famous office building,” the Empire State Building in New York City. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid over 19.4 billion pounds of CO2 emissions. Visit us online at www.GreenMountain.com and learn more about our campaign for good at www.greenmountain.com/forgood.
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