Island Innovation Lab: Earth Day 2023
Published 1:30 am Saturday, April 8, 2023
Submitted by the San Juan Islands Makers Guild.
Island life has many natural wonders to be grateful for and also significant challenges living in a remote location with fluctuations in power grid and ferry access that impact every resident in the San Juans, our economy, and our guests. This past winter has been a time of very clear energy and ferry challenges and fortunately there is a growing determination to find alternative power and transportation solutions.
Come learn about potential options for our islands and beyond at the Islands Innovation Lab in Odd Fellows Hall, 9am-2pm as part of the Earth Day Orcas celebration.Curious about tidal power energy? Come learn about local research and testing plans.
Want to hear about the $40 million in low interest loan funds available to upgrade your home energy system? Can you name the top two carbon emitting activities in San Juan County? Concerned about sonar research impacts on whales? Curious about GIS mapping of our trans-national Salish Sea bio-region?
Thinking about switching to an electric vehicle? Or bike?
On Saturday, April 22 , the first annual Islands Innovation Lab is presenting news on current and planned green and blue technology tools that will help lessen our dependence on carbon-based fuels and energy and help us better manage our impacts on the natural environment.
From global to hyper-local solution developers, you can learn directly from Orcas Island, San Juan Islands, Washington State, North American and E.U. developers and promoters of action-oriented solutions. Doors open at 9am for coffee and muffins, information table conversations are 9am-10 and noon-2pm. EV Jamboree is noon-2pm on lower Haven.
Guest speakers begin at 10am with guests from:The Orkney Islands EMEC lab working on tidal, wave and hydrogen ferry solutions
Olympia, Washington with news on the coming State budget for clean energy solutions
San Juan County level with OPALCO, Earthrise and SMRU on local energy and whale research technologies
Zero in on Orcas Island and learn about the EV Charging Network and Shuttle / Car Share plans underway through the Port of Orcas, Island Rides and the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce
Arrive early to visit the table presenters over coffee and stay for the speakers. Order a picnic lunch and dine on the terrace or down at the EV Jamboree picnic space. EV parking is available nearby and an EV Jamboree meet up with a bring-your-own-lunch picnic is taking place in the culdesac on lower Haven, 12 noon – 2pm. Owners of EV cars, trucks, bicycles and scooters are welcome to come showcase their transportation choices. Non-EV cars can park on Madrona or beginning of Haven and walk-in.
Innovation Lab updates are at https://sanjuanmakersguild.com/islab2023/
Earth Day Orcas information and schedule at https://sanjuanmakersguild.com/eday23/
