Expedition Energize Wilmette

Guiding dogsled & ski expeditions to the North & South Poles has given Wilmette residents Annie Aggens and Rick Sweitzer the unique opportunity to see first hand the effects of global climate change. "I can say to you without hesitation that the ends of the Earth are rapidly and irrevocably changing" said Annie Aggens before the Wilmette Village Board on Tuesday 11/28. "The ice is disappearing before our very eyes and whole cultures and habitats are struggling to survive. The most recent reports from NASA suggest that we cannot delay in responding to this global threat."

Everyone knows that climate change is a problem, but most people don't know what steps they can take to reduce it. EXPEDITION ENERGIZE WILLETTE will change this by giving people tools to become a part of the climate change solution.

The Expedition: In January The Northwest Passage Adventures (NWP) is guiding a ski expedition to the South Pole. The team will ski 70 miles across the frozen continent to the very end of the Earth-the geographical South Pole. Follow daily reports from the ice starting 1/2/07 on our Expedition Tracker

The Challenge: For every mile that the team skis across the Antarctic plateau, NWP challenges 1 Wilmette household to offset 1/4 of their energy consumption with wind power. This costs only $7.50 per month and it requires no equipment, no training, to set-up...just the resident's name, address and $7.50 per month which can be automatically charged to any Visa or MasterCard. 70 miles across Antarctica to the South Pole = 70 Wilmette households utilizing wind power.

The Benefit: Global climate change is an immediate global threat affecting everyone. By utilizing wind power a homeowner becomes part of the solution. Purchasing $7.50 of wind power every month is the equivalent to planting 181 trees, not burning 85 pounds of coal, and not driving 193 miles. Participation in this challenge WILL make a difference in the planet that is left to future generations.

The Wind Power: Assisting The Northwest Passage with this challenge is Community Energy Inc., a leading developer of wind-generated electricity in the nation. Community Energy has works with Naperville where over 2600 residents purchase energy generated by wind every month, and Northbrook which is running their water treatment plant off of wind power. The power is generated at the Crescent Ridge wind farm located approximately 1 hour south of Rockford.

How can people sign up? Print a registration form here or stop by The Northwest Passage office at 1124 Greenleaf (yellow building across from Quiznos) and pick up a registration form or call The Northwest Passage at 847-256-4409 to have one dropped off at your house. Community Energy Inc. will supply the amount of wind energy that you choose via ComEd -most people opt for 300kwh/ month for $7.50. This charge is in addition to your monthly ComEd bill.

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