Eurodam’s Captain Goes ‘Green’

Captain Jeroen van Donselaar at the helm of his roof.

We just finished posting a three-part interview with Captain Jeroen van Donselaar, master of Eurodam. The captain sent us a photo and some information about what he’s been up to on his current vacation. Well, it doesn’t really sound much like a vacation. As you might recall from the interview, the captain likes to keep busy with home-improvement projects in his time ashore. Here is his account of what he has been up to lately:

My wife Pam and I recently bought a new home on Long Island, New York. While on vacation we have been enjoying many home projects. One of these projects has been “going more green” by installing an electric solar system on our roof. We feel it is vital to take action now and leave a less of carbon footprint by using renewable energy such as solar power.

Other green efforts we have been doing are planting more trees in our yard, using only compact fluorescent bulbs, recycling as much household waste as we can, and using one large recyclable bag for all of our groceries to avoid using the small plastic bags given at the supermarket.

The photo-voltaic system installed consists of 20 panels. Each is rated at 200 watts and is expected to generate approximately $1,000 worth of electricity a year. All depending on the weather of course!

The system is hooked up to the grid, this enables us to literally sell back electricity to the Long Island Power Authority in case we generate more than we use. It is great to see the meter spin backwards. I have also hooked up the system to the Web so I can log in via the Internet from the ship and check on electric production.

Whether on vacation or at home, everyone’s small contributions can make a big difference!