A Mix of New Year’s Green ...
By Ann Christy Dybvik, Correspondent
Monday, January 7, 2008 11:15 AM CST
The year 2007 was one of growth toward uncovering environmental issues, and our role in protecting our planet. “Buy local” food campaigns grew in number, and, in a national public radio announcement during the last day of 2007, it was predicted that local purchasing will be the No. 1 area of growth for 2008.
Despite the benefits of a global society, we are finally coming back to the realization that local, small, community-based enterprise is what makes us connect with our neighbors; creates community and caring across all areas of our lives.
As we enter the new year of 2008, here is a mix of items of interest to anyone interested in the sustainable, green movement. See if you can find something that applies to your life, and go for the green in 2008!
Zero Emission No Noise (ZENN) Car
Congress recently passed a bill requiring better gas mileage for all cars in the near future, but there already exists a car that makes an immediate light footprint on the earth. It is considered a neigborhood vehicle — a small, two-seater, three-door hatchback called ZENN. The ZENN is designed to drive on city streets rather than major highways, getting up to speeds of 35 miles per hour, a great round-about-town electric car.
ZENN is made by Cushman Company and the standard price starts at a modest 12,750. It has front-wheel drive, and charges with a standard 120 volt plug-in. In eight hours it is fully charged and will range up to 35 miles. This car can be one of the future tools we use, as we continue to do more commercial business locally. Along with our feet, bicycles and mass transit, the ZENN offers a way to get about town with low environmental impact. Go to www.tcZENNcars.com for more information.
Recycling old books
For many of us, books are like gold. We collect them, savor their contents, share with others, donate to booksales, and then wonder how we can make room for more on our shelves. A few “earth-friendly” ways to get rid of old books are:
Donate locally to nursing homes, hospitals, senior centers, children’s daycare programs, women’s shelters,and nonprofits.
Check your copyright pages if you have older hardcover books. First editions can be worth quite a bit of money. Compare prices at www.bookfinder.com.
Hold a book swap with friends and co-workers. Or start a lending library at your place of work. Bring a book, take a book.
Across the country, people are leaving books they love but don’t want to keep anymore in public places. Others will then pick them up to read, somewhat like the community bike sharing programs that exist in many cities. To participate, register a book you like with the BookCrossing site. You will get an ID number. Download and print that number and put it in the book. Then leave the book somewhere public for another reader to find. There will be a message on the label you inserted telling of the BookCrossing site and encouraging participation in an online journal report. And the journey continues. See www.bookcrossing. com.
Investments, tax credits for renewable energy
If you intend to invest in renewable energy this year in the form of mutual funds, check out the New Alternatives Fund (1-800-423-8383 or www.newalternativesfund. com). According to Co-op America, this social fund puts emphasis on renewable energy companies.
In addition, there are other socially-responsible mutual funds that invest in businesses that promote environmental standards and screen out those with poor environmental practices.
For a list of companies, along with information on screening companies, you might be interested in, go to: www.socialinvest.org.
If you are ahead of the game and have already made energy-efficient purchases this year in the form of goods or home improvements, be sure to check into available tax breaks. The Alliance to Save Energy Web site lists available green tax credits, www.ase.org/section/_ audience/consumers/taxpayers.
The IRS offers details on which home improvements qualify. Briefly, here are a few:
For installations completed between 2006 and 2007, a 10 percent tax credit is available for the cost of exterior windows and skylights up to $200. They must be Energy Star qualified. This same credit is offered for Energy Star approved insulation and exterior doors, up to $500.
Excel Energy offers an incentive to agricultural customers who install energy-efficient wiring. Projects must be preapproved and then Xcel will cover 100 percent of the first $1,000 and 50 percent of the rest of the cost, up to $8,000. Go to www.xcelenergy.com for details.
If you are a homeowner who installs qualifying Energy Star appliances or lighting before December of 2008, you may be eligible for cash back through the Focus on Energy program in Wisconsin. Utility participation must be available in your area to qualify, but up to $150 could be available for buying Energy Star certified water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dehumidifiers. A total of $2 per energy-efficient bulb for lighting is also available.
There are many more programs becoming available as we learn to think about the effect our living has on the earth.
As we begin this new year, let’s all keep in mind that as we tread lightly we save this planet for future generations.
Happy New Year to all.
Water talk
Sustainable Dunn will hold a public program, “You can make a Difference in the Water in Dunn County,” on Thursday, Jan.17, at 7 p.m., at the Menomonie Public Library.
Whether it is water from the ground or the surface, its quality and quantity affects everyone. A panel of local experts will clarify the meaning of water aquifers, surface water and how to help to maintain and improve the quality of water for the future.
Lakes and rivers are affected by how water is used. Learn how to be part of the solution.
A hydrologist, Neil Koch, has mapped Dunn County’s water flow and will discuss the role of aquifers in this area.
Krista James and Katrina Carlson from UW-Stout are studying surface water in Menomonie and will share that information.
In January, a new storm water management program is starting in Menomonie. Questions arise as to how all of these factors influence the way water is used.
There will be discussion of ways that the public can positively influence water in Dunn County.
Rain barrels and rain gardens will be covered. Methods for building driveways and maintaining nice lawns that don’t negatively affect water will be addressed.
Come with questions and learn more about water in Dunn County. |
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Neil Balthaser wrote on Jan 11, 2008 9:18 AM: