Wind turbines spin as the wind blows through their blades, converting wind energy into electricity. Traverse City Light and Power owns the turbine pictured above. People in Traverse City decided that they wanted to support renewable energy. They agreed to pay a little more on their electric bills, about $7.58 each month, for electricity generated by this wind turbine just outside their town. It was put into operation in June 1996, and stands 160 feet tall! Each of the three blades is 72 feet long.⁴ It generates enough electricity for 200 homes.

Each home that uses the wind turbine’s electricity prevents the burning of 6,000 pounds of coal that would otherwise have been used to generate their electricity. This prevents the release of 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), 60 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 40 pounds of nitrogen oxides (both cause acid rain).⁵

There are thousands of huge wind turbines like the one above operating in the U.S. and other countries, but only three in Michigan. Two are in Mackinaw City, just south of the bridge. Look for it the next time you drive by. There have also been hundreds of small wind generators installed in Michigan. Think about the possibilities of using nonpolluting wind energy in your neighborhood. We’re just starting to catch the wind.