Theme: Energy
Award: N/A
Photographer: Lyna Azzouz
This is a picture of the water-powered Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills, MI. I chose this particular place because I associate it with wonderful memories and delicious tastes. I had my first apple cider at the Yates Cider Mill and I loved its rich and sweet taste. I especially liked the very clean and sustainable energy obtained from the hydropower of the watermill to make the delectable apple cider. This watermill has been operating since 1863! Even though the watermill is a bit old and archaic, it provides a renewable, reliable, and extremely efficient alternative energy to the one produced by fossil fuels. Furthermore, fossil fuels are limited (non-renewable) energy sources that increase global warming (by increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases and depleting the ozone layer) and damage terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The use of such energy sources has raised many questions and issues concerning the future of the Earth and biodiversity. However, the only way we can preserve the environment and the natural resources is by using “green” energy such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower energy, etc. This is exactly what Yates Cider Mill is doing by keeping its water wheel turning and it is what makes this small place in Rochester Hills so enjoyable and fun.