catch the wind...

Almost every morning, before starting the work day, I can be found looking for enviro-centric news to share with others who share my interests in alternate, renewable resource development and preserving precious bits of nature for future generations.

Given the ever-increasing interest in wind turbine development and wind farming as evidenced by the growing numbers over at the Pickens Plan community, it was a pleasant surprise to read, in today's New York Times, of a renewed interest in the restoration of old windmills in the Netherlands.

While these beautiful old structures grind grain rather than produce energy, it was interesting to learn the rapid changes in the Netherlands due to immigration and ever-advancing globalization have caused many of the Dutch people to look toward a return to their roots.

Additionally, it seems the slow food movement may play a part in this as well, as there seems to be a resurgence of interest in traditional food and drink. A baker indicated the windmill-ground grains used in his product produce a bread with a fuller, richer flavor.

In a world where we go ever faster and grow more and more connected, it was a treat to read about the restoration of the beautiful old testaments to Dutch ingenuity. It seems there is a value to be found in early technology, after all.