By Andy Curshen, Glen Rock Environmental Commission
It all started with this charming and witty cartoon. Glen Rock resident and master cartoonist Hy Eisman drew it for the Glen Rock Environmental Commission.With a grant from the Community Catalyst Fund, we put that cartoon on one side of a big bright yellow reusable bag.
But we wanted to promote local merchants so on the other side we printed……..
Residents loved them and started using them
Even the Mayor and the entire Borough Council loved them and asked everyone to use them.
We printed posters for merchants to place in their windows to tell people they had bags.
If all of our residents took reusable bags to their local shops most of the time, more than 1,000,000 plastic bags a year would be taken out of circulation and car owners would save gas and reduce their output of carbon.
By Amanda Sayut, Development Officer, Clean Air-Cool Planet
You’re invited to join Climate Ride, an incredible 5-day bicycle ride in from New York City to Washington DC and the best part is that you can help Clean Air-Cool Planet while you’re doing it!
Climate Ride NYC-DC is a grand cycling adventure that connects two of the nation’s most important cities – New York and Washington, DC – by bicycle. The ride begins with an exciting departure from Manhattan by ferry, then travels through charming towns in rural New Jersey and Amish Country. The finale is a hero’s welcome and rally at the steps of the US Capitol. Climate Ride is more than a bike trip – it’s an inspiring journey with 150 like-minded people who are united by their passion for sustainability, renewable energy, and bicycles – the ultimate carbon-free form of transportation. Climate Ride also features an acclaimed nightly speakers series, known as the ‘green conference on wheels,’ where we hear from bright minds in policy, advocacy and innovation.
Everyone who has participated in Climate Ride raves about the tour as a ‘life-changing’ and ‘eye-opening’ experience. What is even better is that you can enjoy this great event, while at the same time helping to support Clean Air-Cool Planet’s mission. Climate Ride has opened up the beneficiary choices so now you can choose to support Clean Air-Cool Planet specifically with your fundraising dollars. If you select us as your beneficiary when you register, we will be the recipient of the funds you raise, which means our efforts will gain even more traction in the future.
Registration for Climate Ride NYC-DC 2012 is $75 (which includes a beautiful jersey and more), and then you raise at least $2400 to participate in the five-day, all-inclusive event. The ride is fully-supported by a team of talented leader-hosts, bike mechanics, medics, and massage therapists. Climate Ride is also one of the ‘greenest’ multi-day charity ride events in the world.
When you sign up, you’ll be joining many other people who want to do something to help create a better future for us all. Climate Ride is a great way to get involved and experience an amazing adventure, powered by your own energy. The best bet is to sign up early not only so you have time to fundraise and train, but also because spots fill up!
Recycling is back at Sandwich Central School thanks to the volunteer efforts of the town’s energy committee and a Community Catalyst Fund grant that provided funding for construction of an outdoor storage shed.
Due to severe space shortages our K‐6 school’s recycling program had been put on hold indefinitely in 2007 and all recyclables were being land‐filled; mixed into the school’s dumpster trash. This included school recyclables as well as any recyclables that were generated by events that use the school building throughout the year such as Town Meeting, community suppers, sporting events, etc.
Our spacious, new Recycle Shed puts an end to that practice! It permanently houses 12 recycle bins which students on the school’s Green Team fill during their lunch/recess from collection bins placed throughout the school. The shed also has space for the collection of the large amount of cardboard the school generates. Both students and the custodian bring the cardboard to the shed. When the shed is full volunteers from the community pick up the bins on their regular household trips to the town’s transfer station where the recyclables are added to the town’s new single stream recycling program used by all residents. The outside location of the new shed makes this process incredibly “user friendly” since no staff members or keys to the school building are needed when bins are transported and volunteers can transfer the materials whenever it is convenient.
The school’s Garden Club will also benefit from the new storage space the shed offers. There is now space to store the tools the students use to work in the school vegetable gardens. No more lugging hoses and pitchforks to the school and home again for each club meeting!
All the white pine lumber for the 6’X10’ shed was sourced from and milled inSandwich. The shed was partially built at the mill site and then transported by local builders to its permanent location at the school. Once on‐site, Green Team students added the walls and designed the layout for the interior storage.
The shed project has provided opportunities for the Green Team students to discuss the concepts of local sourcing and construction, carbon impacts of distant manufacturing and to learn more about the town’s single stream recycling program. These discussions have helped to inform our students’ plans for a school wide campaign to Reduce and Reuse as well as Recycle. The new shed promises to be the starting point for many more positive Green Team projects both withinSandwichCentralSchooland the wider community. Thank you Community Catalyst Fund!
By Bob Walker, Dirctor, Sustainable Energy Resource Group
“I would like to publically thank the Thetford HEAT program and SERG for the wonderful workshop on home weatherization at the Thetford Center community building Saturday Nov. 12. The presenter had a lot of great information to share on how to improve our homes, how to do so safely and how to take advantage of Efficiency VT rebates and the local Thetford rebates. I would encourage those who were not able to come, to ask about having a second workshop at a later date. For a minimal investment wouldn’t you like to save 30% to 50% on your heating costs too? Thank you to Bob Walker and his team for the excellent work.” ~Bernice Clark, Thetford resident
SERG worked with the Thetford, VT, Energy Committee (TEC) to recruit and train 50 volunteers as the Thetford Home Energy Action Team (HEAT) to promote home weatherization in town, using Community Based Social Marketing techniques. Thetford HEAT engaged in a town-wide “Door2Door” canvassing campaign distributing free CFLs, information on energy efficiency initiatives and resources for making upgrades. Volunteers also conducted a home energy survey and offered help in calculating the energy efficiency of the homes visited. Results to date include:
650 homes visited (out of 1100 homes)—60% of homes in town
240 home energy use surveys completed
158 CFL’s installed
31 coupons given out for replacing refrigerators with Energy Star upgrades
37 coupons given out for replacing washing machines with Energy Star upgrades
49 Energy Star coupons worth $150 each toward energy efficiency improvements given out
One of the Community-Based Social Marketing ideas we used was to develop case studies of two Thetford homeowners who had successfully weatherized their homes – one having reduced his energy use by about 40% and the other by 46%. These case studies were then distributed to every home in town, the homeowners presented their results to visitors at our November 5th Thetford Home Energy Expo and we organized a November 19th Open Homes Tour of their homes, so people could see some of the work that took place and learn more about the process and results from both the homeowner and contractors.
One goal for the Thetford HEAT initiative was to triple to 36, the number of homes that get weatherized every year in Thetford, which would put us on par with the state climate action plan. Early results from our efforts look promising for reaching that goal. We will continue tracking results from these efforts for 3 years to identify how many homeowners weatherized their homes, what savings resulted and what drove homeowners to make these improvements so we can successfully replicate this project in other communities.
Posted November 29, 2011 by coolplaneteditor Categories:Uncategorized
Audience members and speakers are streaming in to “Preparing New Jersey for a Changing Climate”, a conference organized by Clean Air-Cool Planet with support from New Jersey’s electric utility PSEG and in partnership with Rutgers University. One of the early birds this morning is Jim Laine of Laine Farms. “Farmers are where the tire meets the road with climate change. According to Jim, farmers have adjusted to modest - but its the sudden severer weather events farmers find a challenge”and we have to find ways to be ready.” Jim will be speaking in the afternoon.
Sarah Kadden, an Educator for the Sustainable Schools Project at Shelburne Farms, Vermont was the keynote speaker. Kadden shared ideas with the 54 workshop participants on how to use sustainability as an integrating concept for curriculum, community connections, and campus ecology.
Participants also had on opportunity to attend two of the following four workshops:
Infusing Sustainability Education into the Curriculum: Susan Quincy, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Education for Sustainability: A Whole School Approach: Sarah Kadden, Sustainable Schools Project, Shelburne Farms, VT
During lunch, fourth graders at Mary Hooker demonstrated how they composted the waste from their cafeteria food and described the environmental benefits of the process.
Participants concluded their day with a tour of the school’s butterfly vivarium, interactive science theater, aquatics laboratory, a greenhouse, and an energy dashboard that shows energy use in real time.
The Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary Hooker has the distinction of having been awarded LEED Platinum status by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it one of the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient schools in the country. Jim Malley, Professor Emeritus at Central Connecticut State University and Chair of the Connecticut Partnership for Sustainability Education said “The school was a perfect venue for a best practices workshop because it provides a 21st century education that connects students to the natural world and teaches them the habits of sustainable living.”
In his official statement designating November 7-11, 2011 National Sustainability Education week, Governor Malloy said that “Sustainability education helps students learn skills, perspectives, and values that can guide and motivate them to seek sustainable livelihoods, fully participate in a democratic society, and live in a sustainable manner.”
Interested K-12 teachers and administrators can find more information about the work of the Connecticut Partnership for Sustainability Education at http://www.ctpse.org/ or contact James C. Malley, 860-674-0411, malleyj@ccsu.edu.
As the second half of the Red Hook 10% Challenge unfolded, energy remained high while energy use continued to decrease. Thanks to the Clean Air -Cool Planet Community Catalyst Fund and lots of faithful volunteers and supportive businesses, the Challenge had a banner year. The initiative is now recognized town wide and many groups have taken on the goals of reducing energy use by 10% and engaging 10% of their friends and neighbors.
Challenge team member, Laurie Husted, supervises Village Trustee Brent Kovalchik, Village Mayor Ed Blundell, and Town Board Member Harry Colgan during bike rack installation.
This year saw the installation of 5 bike racks around town, 22 compost bins put into use, dozens of energy plans created, 30 tree seedlings distributed, artwork solicited, 30 water bottles distributed (ongoing), 12,668 pounds of electronic waste recycled – all on behalf of the Challenge.
10% Challenge Team Members, Brenda Cagle and Laurie Husted, with new bike rack at Red Hook Village hall.
Working with the town’s newly hired energy consultant, outreach was conducted to inform residents and businesses about the latest local and state energy efficiency incentives. Residents learned about the free or low cost energy audits available through the Green Jobs Green New York program. To date, 27 residents have applied.
The Challenge team participated in 4 community celebrations. Families attending the Spring Fling in March created their energy plans while enjoying a respite from the winter weather. Folks at Earth Day/Arbor Day picked up their pre-ordered compost bins or participated in the compost bin raffle. At Apple Blossom Day in May, also National Bike Month, passersby were encouraged to bike more and drive less. In September at Hardscrabble Day, the Challenge offered water bottles, officially unveiled newly installed bike racks, held a free drawing for used bikes donated by Bard College, and sponsored a bike vendor who gave workshops on bike maintenance.
The bike rack project was truly a community wide effort – one that engaged local artists, businesses, municipal staff and officials. The Challenge team bought spheres that will be placed on top of each rack after being decorated by a local artist. Artwork was solicited via the local artists’ network and submissions were on view during Hardscrabble Day. Once winners are chosen, artists will paint their work on the spheres and a local auto body shop has volunteered to “dip” the spheres in a weatherproof coating. The town highway department installed a bike rack at town hall, two local business owners installed the racks in front of their stores and local officials installed the other two racks. The Bard College Sustainability Director coordinated the entire project.
Leveraging resources has enabled the Challenge to accomplish much with little funding – working with community members, using grant funding from the Community Catalyst Fund, having the support of the three local governments, piggybacking on established community events, partnering with Bard College. The 10% Challenge was envisioned as a yearlong program, but with the enthusiasm it has generated and the breadth of participation within the community and the region, the Challenge Team is now working on the next iteration with no plans for dissolving the program or retiring the brand!
By Marianne Gellman, Development Director, Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences
Science Saturdays were held at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences from February to May in 2011. We measured success in the number of people who attended, the rating of the topics and speakers, and the caliber of speakers we attracted. The 2011 winter-spring series was successful in all three areas. The sessions attracted about 30 people each, some as high as 50, over 200 in all. (The island population is less than 2,000 people in the winter.) Evaluation sheets were filled in by attendees. All reflected “very good” to “excellent” for topics and speakers. This year each speaker was video-recorded so the information can be shared at the web site.
The LBIF offers relevant educational and recreational opportunities throughout the year. Science Saturday, produced by the Science Committee, is an interactive lecture series designed to educate the public on the pivotal issues of our time in an easy-to-understand forum. The sessions are related to science projects conducted on location. The 22-acre grounds of LBIF are a “living Laboratory.” Examples include the coastal rain garden, Project Terrapin at our turtle nursery site, alternative energy and energy conservation in the various buildings, birding and marsh tours on our 750 foot long marsh walk and major conferences and events such as Teach at the Beach and Barnegat Bay Day.
The main objective of the Science Committee is to involve people. Anyone with an interest in science or our local environment to is invited to attend any meeting, class, or event.
2011 Science Saturday Schedule:
February 26 Energy Audit (Presenter: Jay Madden, Architect)
Conserving energy:for the LBIF, for yourself, for our nation..
March 5 Wind Power: Offshore, Inshore, and Onshore
You keep hearing about it, but what is the true story?
March 12 Sustainable Fisheries (Presenter: Viking Village)
“We can have our fish and eat it too!” Did you know one of our largest operational commercial fishing seaports is right here in Barnegat Light?
March 19 Climate Change (Presenter: Melanie Reding, Education Coordinator, Jacques Cousteau Coastal Education Center)
How will climate change affect the way of life in the Barnegat Bay watershed?
March 26 Remotely Operated Vehicles and Side Scan Sonar – Applications for Coastal Research (Presenters: Steve Evert, Field Station Manager, Dr. Pete Straub, Professor of Biology, Dr. Mark Sullivan, Assistant Professor of Marine Science, Stockton Marine Science and Environmental Field Station)
Advanced marine survey equipment is being used by Stockton researchers to assess the ecology of New Jersey’s artificial reefs, identify marine debris in estuaries, and map historical shipwrecks in the Mullica River.
April 2 Coastal Rain and Native Gardening for Families (Presenter: Pat Dagnall, Master Gardener, Rain Garden Specialist and Linda West, Master Gardener, Rain Garden Specialist)
You want to help the environment? Here is what you can do!
April 9 Turtle Mania (Presenter: Dr. John Wnek, Marine Academy for Technology Environmental Science)
Project Terrapin, releasing hatchlings safely into the wild.
CFLs save energy and money because they cost less to operate. Using CFLs also helps the environment because, since they use less energy to operate, less pollution from energy production is created. Finally, CFLs save time. A CFL that is used for 5 hours a day should last at least 3 years, while an incandescent bulb used for 5 hours a day will only last about 6 months. Using a CFL instead of an incandescent bulb means fewer trips to the store to purchase replacement bulbs, and less time spent changing burned out bulbs.
Montebello is the first Municipality in Rockland County to become a “Climate Smart Community” in a partnership program with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. By promoting Compact Fluorescent technology, the Village is seeking to conserve electricity, reduce greenhouse emissions and protect the environment.
The Village purchased 480 CFLs and, to date, has swapped out 104 with residents. Over the life of these bulbs, they will prevent about 50 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. The Village has advertised the light bulb swap at our monthly meetings and in our quarterly newsletters. We will continue to advertise this energy saving project until all the CFL bulbs are swapped out.
By Melissa Everett, Ph.D., Executive Director, Sustainable Hudson Valley
Sustainable Hudson Valley was generously awarded a CA-CP Community Catalyst Fund Mini-Grant to capture lessons learned in the pilot phase of our 10% Challenge, by designing and delivering a training session for regional champions who could then scale up the Challenge in their own communities. Through our relationship with the Center for Regional Research, Education and Outreach at the State University of New York in New Paltz, we were able to access a very affordable, spacious conference room and a scrumptious locally-sourced lunch menu including quiche, greens, and apple crisp. Fortunately the menu also included plenty of coffee, because we worked hard.
The schedule was designed to start with strategy and move into hands-on, community-specific planning and problem-solving. Special attention was given to two areas we knew were challenging: measurement and verification, and creating an appropriate business model for sponsorships to support the campaign financially. To address this second issue, we invited the CEOs of several new and original sponsoring businesses to sit in on the session and discuss their thoughts over lunch. Broadly, here is what we covered:
Campaign overview
Reports from the field
Refresher on community-based social marketing: (a) discussion of the framework, role of opinion leaders and modeling, commitments, and supports; (b) “Sustainable Connections” video of a highly successful organization using CBSM for waste reduction, clean energy and buy-local campaigns. Discussion (animated!)
LUNCH and sponsor round table – emphasis on business’ desire to offer their expertise as well as their products and services, and to build community relationships.
Breakout sessions: (a) outreach and visibility; (b) measurement/ verification; (c) focus on behavior change – “the ask”
Besides the original communities, the audience represented the town of Rochester (where the campaign was not adopted due to expected political resistance), the town of Rosendale (which has a very advanced Environmental Commission and is in the midst of its ICLEI greenhouse gas emissions inventory, where the campaign was not adopted because there is so much already going on) and 6 representatives from the Town of Montgomery and its 3 villages of Montgomery, Maybrook and Walden, where the Challenge has been adopted across the board. Representatives came from the Conservation Council, school system, Town Board, the arts and youth, including a prolific local blogger who agreed to devote the next year’s blogging to her audience of 600, to the 10% Challenge! We realized anew that this campaign is not for everyone, but it is for a very special, highly motivated, risk-taking population that we love to draw out of the woodwork.
With a grant from the Community Catalyst Fund, we put that cartoon on one side of a big bright yellow reusable bag.
With a grant from the Community Catalyst Fund, we put that cartoon on one side of a big bright yellow reusable bag.
