Publisher's Watch

It's no secret to just about anyone that gas prices are nearing $5 per gallon. It's no secret that the price of oil seems to reach new high every week. It's no secret that the burning of fossil fuel is one of the factors increasing the greenhouse effect.

There are many other no-longer-secret facts as well, and they have simply become things we have to deal with in a changing world. But new solutions are being created every day, and one of these solutions is a remarkably simple plan that's taking shape in a carwash in the town of Wayne, NJ.

Robert K. Burke acquired the Wayne Auto Spa in 2005 and was immediately determined to make it green and eco-friendly. He recycles wastewater and uses biodegradable soaps, and the quick-lube portion of the business employs a special furnace to burn used motor oil. Additionally, much of the energy the business uses is generated by solar panels on the roof of the building. The shop won the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. Sounds great, right?

As an article in New Jersey & Company Magazine illustrates, there is one problem with Mr. Burke's green business plan, and it concerns the wind-turbine he wants to install on the property. The 120-foot tall windmill is higher than the 50-foot height limit established by the town. Although the town has not officially rejected the project, the local community association is holding back his plans. Apparently the shop is next door to a children's school and there are health concerns regarding the wind-turbine and its size.

This is the place where the green movement is ultimately going to be at loggerheads with many communities across the country; the challenge to find the balance point between good environmental practices and the limits to what people are willing to accept in their local municipalities is now at hand. And while we're all complaining about the high costs of energy and the destruction of our environment, the big question concerns the kinds of real sacrifices we're willing to make.

For more information, read Awash in Controversy in New Jersey & Company magazine.

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