Live in Michigan? If you do, chances are you've got a renewable energy source somewhere near you. From the tip-top of the U.P to Grand Rapids, Lansing and even Pigeon in the southwest corner, Green Energy is certainly a force to be reckoned with.

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A new documentary produced by Northern Michigan University professor Dwight Brady, Michigan's Green Energy Economy highlights how different Michigan businesses, utilities and everyday people are making the switch to different forms of energy, through wind, solar power, and biofuels. The half-hour documentary was featured on a recent episode of the WKAR-TV series Michigan at Risk, followed by a panel of Michigan experts discussing how alternative energy could help Michigan's economy recover from the slump caused by the collapse of the auto industry.

For instance, did you know:

• As a customer of Consumers Energy, you can opt to heat your home via green energy.
• A farmer can make up to $6000 a year by allowing a wind turbine to be built on just an half-acre.
• Or the personal favorite, that stuff that gets flushed down your drains at home can actually power your neighborhood businesses.

Staying true to its roots, the film even offers hope for Michigan's automakers, describing how the Big Three and other companies are working on innovative, cleaner ways of fueling the fleet of America.

Hat tip to Dr. Brady and his production crew (Grant Guston and NMU student Alex Hansen) for their extensive travels all over our great state, and interviews with folks from Governor Granholm, Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, and entrepreneur Rich VanderVeen of Mackinaw Power.

Cleanly shot, with excellent insight into the world of Michigan's Green Energy Economy, the film is visually rich and eye-opening to the most die-hard of fossil fuel fans. Brady and crew show that Green Energy isn't just for the tree-huggers anymore, especially if you've got a home to heat, a car to drive or a business to run.

Interested in other Michigan Alternative Energy info?

• A great place to get started is Michigan Renewable Energy Success Stories, published by Urban Options. This excellent guide offers practical examples of all kinds of residential alternative energy projects.
• Learn about going Green with energy and saving on your taxes (plus lots more!) from the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. Every June, they also host the Michigan Energy Fair.
• Let's not forget about the state government. The Michigan Public Service Commission has established their own program about renewable energy, and thanks to the State Legislature there's also the new Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission.

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