Recognizing a necessary course-correct for Modernity.
Accelerate a symbiotic approach to modernizing.
Utility² began as a simple curiosity…
Why are the most critical processes behind the operation of our society operationally segregated?
How is it that renewable energy and proven, innovative technologies remain at pilot-scales compared to the ‘not-so-cheap’ fossil fuel industry?
What if we could unite the components behind our urban environments and drive sustainable, if not regenerative changes in how we achieve these daily conveniences provided by the science and engineering of generations past…
Those big questions originated during my stint in academia. Lots of changes were happening around this time; 2009-2011 was eclipsed by economic turmoil, the uprising (and unfortunate shuttering) of the 99% movement, the implications of Citizens United v. FEC, the rapid emergence of social media, and the era of tech fully encapsulating the World. However, after leaving university and spending a decade working within various industry sectors, the truth to the curiosity became evident.
The grip of Big Oil and ‘cheap’ energy.
People were convinced that renewable, clean energy was simply too expensive; that environmental protections were making the US less competitive and costing vital jobs, reciting the same remarks:
“Solar will never offset energy density of crude and wind energy is just too unreliable! “
“Al Gore invented climate change to accelerate his political agenda…”
“The liberals are just sabotaging America with these ridiculous regulations and EPA red tape.”
Blanketing statements that ignored Human ingenuity and the decades of scientific studies; disregarding the potential of processes like anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, energy storage, and micro-grids to change the way we harness energy. Ask those same people about the ’97 Toyota RAV4-EV, the ’99 GM EV1, and the acquisition of NiMH battery technologies in a series of mergers and Big Oil shenanigans; they may suddenly recognize The Grip on ‘free-market’ capitalism, and the struggle to make renewable technologies seem feasible.
Or not…
everyone has an opinion; the Earth doesn’t care. Future generations will, however, recognize and lament the obliteration of biodiversity, environment, and culture in the blind pursuit of ‘free-market’ wealth.
One issue was certain; nobody seemed to consider themselves part of the problems we are all facing, myself included! Anger and blame just seem so much easier. Until the process of internal reflection had surfaced, little thought was given to how I could change to better my community and environment. Understanding how individual behaviors and habits translate overall resource consumption must be the first step in reshaping our opinions about Human impact on the Earth. And everyone has an opinion; but the Earth doesn’t care. Future generations will, however, recognize and lament the obliteration of biodiversity, environment, and culture in the blind pursuit of ‘free-market’ wealth.
![[ Origins ]](https://utilitysquared.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC_0113-scaled.jpg "[ Origins ] 1")
Many experiences shaped a wholesome perspective in those ten years, most of them outside the pursuit of wealth. Leaving my small town in Ohio to broaden horizons in The Bay. Meeting a friend that was brought to the States as a child, and had to remain married to validate her citizenship out of fear for deportation. Visiting international destinations, before and after they had been ‘discovered’, witnessing the influx of cruise lines that re-shaped the economy and degraded the aquatic environment. Traveling across India, learning how disposable plastics were suddenly introduced into society, replacing otherwise biodegradable, naturally occurring alternatives. The Utility² Project, a concept design for a Master’s thesis, detailing how to centralize Municipal Utility Services & Infrastructure in developing countries, while building equity through education and opportunity.
The universe continued to communicate messages along my travels to Guadalajara around Jalisco, exploring America’s many natural wonders, before sending me to Seattle, where the mission of Utility² began to materialize through volunteering with local non-profit organizations, seeing true passion make positive impact, and establishing Infrastructure Week 2019.
The process of comparing the Pacific Northwest, to the Bay Area, to my hometown Ohio through each region’s rapid growth heightened awareness of countless issues; none more powerful than the growing importance of compassion and community.
![[ Origins ]](https://utilitysquared.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_20180615_090914192_HDR-scaled.jpg "[ Origins ] 2")
Compare the actions of a tree, to the fluxes of a forest…
![[ Origins ]](https://utilitysquared.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSC01388-scaled.jpg "[ Origins ] 3")
In the months following IW, the path forward necessitated more travel and experience, now under a wide, yet refined lens of observation.
From Seattle to Alaska, around NW Canada, back through the PNW on a motorcycle with nothing more than a tent; then flying down to Guatemala to backpack up the coastline through Quintana Roo. Closing out 12,019 by braving the winter elements along the west coast to reach the many coastlines of Baja California and BC Sur, quenching a thirst for more moto camping. Infinite conversations, lots of tacos, and so much time spent in nature…and often at its mercy.
An amazing adventure, nonetheless, yet also heartbreaking to observe first-hand how Humans are actively degrading our planet’s natural ecosystem, both inadvertently and knowingly. Even more troubling, there are powerful forces actively seeking to dismantle environmental protections, and expand our reliance on ‘corporate compassion’ while developing what little untouched nature remains.
Whether it is the rapid melting of glaciers from anthropogenic climate change, over-allocation of water aquifers, the destruction of habitat in pursuit of economic opportunity, or the global collapse of reef systems through ocean acidification, the Earth as it was, is in peril at the hands of Humans…
From these observations, past and present, we must forge a path forward; unified for the preservation of the natural environment, while meeting the needs of a modern society with sustainable, regenerative infrastructure.
This is the Origin of Utility².
It is no longer my master’s thesis; it is a project scope built for community.
We are an advocate for neighbors everywhere, striving to empower those who are in need through infrastructure. Our team seeks those difficult conversations in effort to develop compassion, building comradery between diverse stakeholders, and striving for commitment towards a more sustainable evolution of society.
We start with infrastructure, guided by its community, to build a better foundation of Modernity. Together.
Send us a message, and connect with me on LinkedIn!
Infrastructure Week
Curious about MUSI?
IW events highlight our role within the urban process and the importance of an engaged community.
Join us for the 5th Annual IW:Seattle event, an opportunity to share infrastructure-related projects, initiatives, and careers. We host conversations surrounding the challenges of urbanization to identify collaborative pathways towards a more regenerative and equitable model for the Gen III Infrastructure evolution…
For Our Environment.
For Our Community.
For an Equitable Future.
