At Energy District Conference, one speaker calls for less consumption

The Director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa sparked an interesting discussion Thursday afternoon at a conference in Decorah.

Kamyar Enshayan was one of the speakers at the Iowa-Midwest Energy District Conference, which is being held at the Hotel Winneshiek.  At his presentation he told an audience of around 50 people that there's one energy issue that is little discussed--the need to reduce material consumption.

Enshayan argued that while it's good to discuss how to grow solar energy and other renewable energy sources, the discussion overlooks one fact--"There's a finite planet."  He told the audience "current patterns of living are unsustainable."  Enshayan said we have to make changes in the ways we live.

But one audience member wondered whether such a message of sacrifice would go over well.  Another wondered how it would be possible to get people to change their habits.

Decorah resident Larry Grimstad, who is attending the conference, had the final word, suggesting we each have to take our own steps to live more sustainable lives.  That might not produce large-scale change, but it would get the ball rolling and set examples for others.

The Energy District Conference continues on Friday.