We sometimes get requests for help with a do-it-yourself green project that is a little over someone’s head:  maybe a solar space heating project seen in Mother Earth News, or a gray water system that is beyond a rain barrel in the basement.  Several years ago, before we had local contractors in the know, Home Power magazine wrote about a renewable energy cooperative team that went around installing PV panels and solar thermal systems, barn raising style.  So, how about a sort of volunteer Green-it-Ourselves Squad to help with putting together small sustainable projects?  We’d need real DIYers who know what they’re doing, but also people to provide the soup and cookies and put together the supply and scheduling logistics needed to make this work.  If you might be interested, please reply.

Any aspiring farmers out there?  We know there will be plenty of perspiring ones in a few months, but if you’ve got the itch or curiosity about launching a small farm, the Wayne County Penn State Extension has put together a four week, 12 hour coursethat will include dreams and goals, research and risk, steps to take and putting it all together.  And you’ll get to network with experienced farmers and newbies.  The classes meet on Thursday evenings in March, 6:15 to 9:15 and cost $120, including books and materials.  For more info and to register, call 253-5970 ext 4110 or email WayneExt@psu.edu  Don’t put it off since class seats are limited and you want to be ready to “plant” this spring.

A Circular Economy
Now is a good time to talk about cradle to cradle or total cost effectiveness, whether for food, goods, services or housing.  An interesting study out of the National Home Performance Counsel deals with a lot of acronyms including:  TRC (Total Resource Cost), EUL (Effective Useful Life), and NEB (Non-Energy Benefits.)  ROI (Return on Investment) is the one we’ve been interested in the past, but this points out that “cost effectiveness tests frequently undermine important public policy goals, such as carbon reduction, clean air, job creation, national security,” and health and comfort levels.  The study is aimed at government and corporate planners and funders, but it also provokes us to look at our individual and community purchases and expenditures of energy–calorie out, calorie in—right now and projecting into the future.  Another approach, “Towards the Circular Economy”, with emphasis on industrial production, was sent to us by Jet Mermell.  For a discussion of the life cycles of fabric—cotton, fleece, bamboo, whatever—check out Marcia Nehemiah who has begun a series of columns in the River Reporter.

Courses for your Pleasure and Profit
Bioenergy is alive and ……well now is the time to get on the train before it passes you by.  Penn State is offering another Bioenergy Shortcourse at the end of the month and the USDA is announcing another round of Rural Energy for America Program grants and guaranteed loans for renewable energy and efficiency projects.  For more info see the attachment.

Johnson College is offering an introductory course to Solar Photo Voltaic and Green Building for Building Professionals in March.  Contact Marie Allison at 570-702-8924

Whether you are interested in learning more about mushrooms as art, mushrooms as food, mushrooms for “recycling”, or mushrooms as medicine, the Delaware Highlands Mushroom Society meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in at the Honesdale Wellness Center, 602 Church St. The meetings are led by Nathaniel Whitmore and are donation-based.

Transition Honesdale has 3 informative, fun Skill Share’s coming up:
What to Do When the Flu Gets You, led by Jamie Stunkard of Nature’s Grace Health Food Store on Wednesday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Honesdale Wellness Center, 602 Church Street, Honesdale, PA.
Bread Baking Seminar also led by Jamie, Tuesday, February 21 and February 28, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Nature’s Grace, 647 Main Street, Honesdale, PA
Home Brewing Basics Workshop on Saturday, February 25, 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Salem Mountain Farm, 2518 Easton Turnpike, Waymart, PA 18472 Suggested Donation: $15
Registration Required. Donations welcomed.  Learn more at www.transitionhonesdale.org or by calling 570.253.3469 or emailing skillshare@transitionhonesdale.org to secure your spot.

SEEDS forums are starting again in March.  Upcoming topics are More Do-it-Yourself  Home Energy Conservation; Solar PV #3;  Round Building: Living Outside the Box.   Generally held the third Tuesday of each month at the Wayne County Conservation District, 648 Park Street, Honesdale at 7 pm.

Warm regards,
Michele

Michele Sands
Chair, SEEDS
1023 Main Street
Honesdale, PA 18431

570-630-0592
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Looking back over last year some obvious and not so obvious observations come to mind.  First, conserving energy saves money. Might seem like a “Duh” thought to you, but for those who might not be as convinced, take a look at  the Optimal Energy report on the effect of PA’s Act 129.  As you might recall, Act 129 was passed in PA in 2008 requiring utilities to develop cost-effective plans to reduce electricity consumption by 1 percent by 2011, and by 3 percent by 2013. Additionally, the Act requires a 4.5 percent reduction in peak demand by 2013. Optimal Energy found a yearly savings of $278 million for PA electric ratepayers, or an expected savings of $2.3 billion over the life of the efficiency measures employed—the overall cost of which was $281 million, an investment which which will soon be paid off through savings.

To back that info up, a nationwide study by the Edison Foundation  found that in 2010 “Overall, electric efficiency programs saved over 112 TWh (yes, that means “terawatt hour” tera meaning 1 trillion, our note)  in 2010, enough to power over 9.7 million U.S. homes for one year, and avoided the generation of 78 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.” Pretty convincing eh?

Unfortunately, not so much.  And that’s the second observation.  While a lot of people see the statistics and care about the environment and their wallets, they’re not doing anything to conserve.  This year SEEDS is really trying to figure out how to engage these folks.  We are fairly certain it’s not that they don’t care about the environment. Perhaps, like many of us, they just don’t relate to facts, especially facts leading to feelings of a gloom-and-doom, insurmountable situation. Most of the research on conservation and change indicates this; and to find out more so that we can be more effective in bringing sustainability to our community, SEEDS sent Doni Hoffman, and Energy Corp Member, Kayleigh Cornell, to the national Behavior, Energy & Climate Change Conference in Washington DC in November.   They were 2 of 650 scientists, university researchers, energy professionals, planners and students at this Stanford University sponsored conference—and BTW your contributions to SEEDS paid their way, so keep those checks coming in (see address below).  For some more ideas on changing behavior, go to http://www.climateaccess.org/resource/what-it-means-be-green.

So, now we ask you, how do we reach the majority of energy users—your neighbors, family and friends?  These are people who deep down care about the planet and our future, and who value the adage “Save and Have” but who at the same time are  caught up in growth, plenty, and over consumption.  Your thoughts?  Until we figure that out…..read on.

The Lackawanna College, Ecological Sustainability Degree program is entering it’s 2nd semester.  The two year degree program at the Hawley Silk Mill campus of LCCC, prepares graduates to gain entry level positions, go on to a four year college degree program, and excel in a focused career of choice, including environmental education, business, renewable energy, agriculture, culinary, design.  For young people looking to make change in the world and older people looking for a change in career, contact Jaime Reeger at 570-226-4625 or ReegerJ@Lackawanna.edu to enroll.

Are you one of the 99% and want to take your money out of the big banks and put it in a credit union where money works for depositers, not corporation profit? John Jose of Beach Lake suggests the Pennsylvania State Employee Credit Union, open to any PA permanent resident. It’s an online service with a debit card for purchases and withdrawals from local ATM’s (no fee within a certain limit), free basic checking, plus credit card availability.  And, their current auto loans are 1.49%.   If you are not a PA employee, you will need to join the PA Recreation and Parks Society ($10 net)—not a bad idea in itself.  Also, check out John’s site http://www.ottercreekenved.com/schoolyard-habitat-development.html

Transition Honesdale DIY Cleaning Products Skill Share Saturday, January 28, 2012, 3 pm – 5 pm Grace Episcopal Church, 827 Church Street, Honesdale, PA Come make healthy and environmentally friendly cleaning products that really work. Suggested donation $12. Everyone who comes will leave with a sampling of products. Please RSVP to skillshare@transitionhonesdale.org

Also, the latest Transition Honesdale newsletter is just out with juicy articles on money, running for local office and grease cars, among others—and I ask you to come up with a slogan!   Pick up a colorful copy around town, or go to www.transitionhonesdale.org. You’ll also find the full Spring 2012 skill share schedule there to help you plan ahead.

PPL Wallenpaupack’s Saturday Winter Programs have begun:  January 28, Close Encounters with Birds of Prey;  February 4, Annual Winter Eagle-Viewing Trip;  February 11, Family Ice Fishing Program.  All programs are free but registration is generally required.  To register or get more info, contact Jenna at (570) 253-7001 pplpreserves@pplweb.com. or click on Calendar at http://pplpreserves.wordpress.com/

For your winter reading pleasure, before you get hooked on seed catalogs,  SEEDS member, Jack Barnett, suggests this book: Low Carbon Diet – A 30 day program to Lose 5000 Pounds by David Gershon.

For more SEEDS of thought, visit our facebook page.   You’ll find recent posts including energy education & video games, CFL recycling, packaging from mushrooms, sustainable pet keeping, and where to get your beer! Make sure to “like” us when you visit.  And if you really like us, send a few bucks to the address below, made out to SEEDS of NEPA and/or tell us your interests and we’ll try to hook you up with a SEEDS circle to suit.

Happy Martin Luther King Day,

Michele

Michele Sands
Chair, SEEDS
1023 Main Street
Honesdale, PA 18431

570-630-0592
–

Finally, if the holidays are getting you down, join Transition Honesdale on Tuesday, December 8th at 7 pm at the Chamber of Commerce Building on Commerce Street, for a discussion about how to Simplify the Holidays.

And a Happy Sustainable Living to All,

The “speed-dating” contestants/stations consisted of duct and pipe sealing with Phil Buckingham, door and window caulking with Jim Sanders, and ways of reducing electricity use with Michele Sands and Kayleigh Cornell.

One member commented that the “duct and pipe sealing” and “door and window caulking” were both very captivating and informative contestants, but she was looking for a more laid back relationship and had to say that the simple “reducing electricity use” contestant stole her heart. For those of you that missed the forum, you can still learn how to weatherize your home. Caulking is important to seal any air leaks, especially between windows or doors. It is also helpful to prevent water damage. Below is a video of how to apply it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEjb70835AE

The second station consisted of learning how to seal ducts and piping. In most homes, 20 percent of heated or cooled air is lost to weaknesses in the duct system. Here is a video that explains how to seal ducting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0AvDUG8Jn4&feature=related

When it comes to insulating pipes, you can never insulate too much according to Paul. Insulating even cold water pipes will prevent condensation from forming. Here is a clear website that explains the process of insulating pipes:

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-insulate-pipes/index.html#step1

In the last station we talked about reducing energy consumption. One way of being more aware of your energy consumption is using a Kill A Watt, a device that measures how much electricity an appliance may use. Another way of reducing energy use is through using a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can be set so that in the winter the heat is turned down at night and when you are out of the house and increased when you are waking up or present in the house.

There are several ways you can conserve and be more conscious of the energy you use. We hope to see you at the next SEEDS meeting or forum to share with others and work towards this as a community.

SEEDS is hosting a bus tour of buildings in the region that have used renewable energy, high efficiency, and other conservation measures to save money and resources. It will be on Saturday, October 1st, 2011 and run from 8 AM to 5 PM. The cost is $25. per person. SEEDS urges people to sign up as soon as possible as there is limited space, by calling Kathy at (570) 698-6173 or e-mailing Kathy@seedsgroup.net. The bus will depart from the rte. 6 Mall east of Honesdale. Bring a bag lunch. No high heels, please, as green roofs don’t like them. SEEDS has offered numerous forums on conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy over the past three years. This tour is an opportunity to see some of that information put into practice. We will visit both private homes and public buildings.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• Western Wayne School District’s new school in Hamlin, described as the state’s first full-green elementary school, one of whose features is a sewage treatment system that utilizes the cleaning power of wetlands.

• Several residences that feature various efficiency and renewable energy strategies such as passive and active solar, super-insulation and air-sealed envelopes, salvaged materials, geothermal heating and cooling, smart water management, and measures to improve indoor air quality. One house is a beautifully remodeled modular. Another has a solar-vented geodesic dome greenhouse.

• Marywood School of Architecture building, renovated as a LEED Gold-certified structure and designed to teach students about principles of sustainable design. It also has a green roof which will be included in the visit. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized certification system for green building construction.

• A high performance building housing an Animal Hospital, designed by architects Bakker & Lewis, built on a “brownfield” site–formerly a spoil area for construction debris. Among its many innovations are smart storm water management, natural lighting, and energy recovery units.

Partial funding for this trip is provided by Green Field Energy Solutions. “Sustainability: Making Greener Choices in Energy & the Environment” education program funded by DEP Environmental Education Grants Program.

ANNUAL MEETING & POTLUCK: 5:30 – 6:45 PM
Please bring your favorite dish to share and your own place settings (take home and wash later).

FORUM: 7 – 9 PM
“Straw Bale Building For the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions”

Straw bale building is rapidly emerging as one of the most successful responses to the health hazards and negative environmental impact of our standard construction industry and the buildings they produce. Long believed to be only adequate for dry, arid climates, natural builders all over the northeast and mid-Atlantic United States have successfully constructed straw bale buildings to withstand our moist, humid climate. This presentation will cover the history of straw bale building, tips on building straw bale structures successfully in the mid-Atlantic, address some of the common misconceptions and concerns about straw bale building, and how straw bales compare to the products they replace in respect to their environmental impact and performance within the structure.

Mike Belasco will be the speaker. Through designing, building, educating and being mentored by some of the best in the field, he has developed a deep appreciation and knowledge for the straw bale building process. The main appeal of straw bale construction for Mike is that it is low tech, inclusive to all, involves community, building ingenuity, and a sense of earth consciousness. In addition to designing and building in the field, Mike received his bachelor’s degree from Goddard College, where he spent two years strictly studying straw bale design and construction. He received his natural building certification from Yestermorrow Design/Build School, and has also launched his own educational institution in Philadelphia, The ReVerse Foundation, dedicated to to teaching the public about environmentally conscious building ideas and practices.

Mold… it’s one of the lovely things many homeowners must deal with. It can occur anywhere, from the basement to the bathroom. Once those little specks of black start forming, one knows there is a problem. It is easy to get mold, in fact it’s even free! Though, getting rid of this problematic fungus is not easy, and is not free. So, how does a homeowner get rid of mold? First, one must start by finding out what the source is. A degree in secret investigation is not needed for this, but this step may take some problem solving.For instance, if there is not proper ventilation in a bathroom to remove the moisture, then mold is likely to start collecting. Installing a venting system would remove the stagnant moisture from the bathroom and hopefully hinder the spread of mold. After finding and correcting the source, one must treat the mold to actually get rid of it. Here is a link on some ways to treat America’s favorite fungus.

-Liz Danon

Even though it is hot outside, we want you to start preparing for the cold winter ahead.  Find out about new ways to produce and use biomass fuel at our next public forum, Tuesday, July 26 from 7 to 9 at the Wayne County Conservation District Office in Honesdale, Pa.

Farm and forest owners can learn about growing and producing new fuels from switch grass to wood left-overs.  Homeowners will get information about using non-fossil fuels for heat with minimal carbon pollution.

The speakers will be: Bob Thomas, trained in promoting, growing and using native grasses for pelletizing and gasification, and a member of the Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development Council; Paul Reining, Forest Specialist at the Wayne County Conservation District and long time local woodsman and timber harvester; and Phil Buckingham, with 27 years in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, service & installation, has been trained in renewable energies and high efficiency heating.

The forum is free; refreshments will be available.  The Conservation District Office is at 648 Park Street (Route 6 West) in Honesdale.  For more information call 224-0052.

During our first week here the man training us had a 70 page powerpoint that contained all the information that we would have to know to assess these houses. All I could think was that I was never going to be able to remember all of the little details that I would have to know. Then of course I thought I would ruin a sweet families home, making them homeless. But now that I have done several assessments I find that the things making a home leaky and cold are surprisingly easy to find.

Unfortunately, I am now suffering the side effects of learning all this, a disease I like to call the SEEDS Intern Paranoia. After watching the immense slide show made by our trainer, I am now constantly aware of how much energy a building is losing. And after a particularly informative and rather startling video about the danger of mining, in which a mountain exploded every time a light flip is switched, I have become borderline ECO OCD. I find myself sitting in dark rooms, reading by flashlight and weirding out the people I talk to. Because, unfortunately, the mother I babysit for does not really care that a better fireplace cover will prevent air bypass, when I’m holding her 5 month old baby. Nor does my mother understand why the lights are off in the room so that when she comes in I scare the bejesus out of her or she trips on things.

The good news about my new condition is that I have found several things wrong in my own home, and plan to remedy them soon. Such as the absence of aerators on our faucets, low flow toilets and rain barrels on our gutters, all of which are important water conservation techniques. Also, our basement is in need of insulation and a dehumidifier. After a bit of research I found out that the air slipping through the gap between the chimney and the ceiling could be the reason my parents room is always so cold. When I told this to my father he responded, “why are you standing in the dark?”

-Dev