EcoBytes - Volume 3, Issue 1

Welcome to Volume 3, Issue 1 of EcoBytes, the Center for Ecological Technology’s (CET) email newsletter. EcoBytes updates you on CET’s activities in waste, energy, environmental education and sustainable development.

Remember to visit us online at http://www.cetonline.org to learn more about our programs. You can reach us by email at cet@cetonline.org, or call us in Pittsfield at (413) 445-4556 or in Northampton at (413) 586-7350. For mailing list additions and deletions, please send a message to cet@cetonline.org.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Mercury Rising (and Falling)
• Spreading Composting Across the State
• Energy Star® Lights Up the Big E
• CET Welcomes New Director of Communication
• Upcoming Events

Mercury Rising (And Falling)

The first mercury thermometer exchange program in the Berkshires is underway. Partnering with Children’s Health Program, CET is reaching families with young children to reduce the risk of accidental mercury exposure from broken fever thermometers. This spring, families participating in Women, Infants and Children (WIC) can exchange a mercury fever thermometer for a digital model. Brooks Pharmacy supplied the thermometers at a reduced cost. Once the mercury thermometers are collected, they go to the Town of Great Barrington’s mercury products collection shed for recycling. We’re especially excited about the interest this program is generating among other community health organizations. This project is funded by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Fifth and sixth grade students at Hancock School discovered how and why mercury is dangerous though hands-on lessons about air patterns and the water cycle. They learned that coal-burning electric power plants are the largest source of mercury pollution in the U.S. and by using energy efficient lighting, they can help reduce the amount of mercury released into the air. The students surveyed the school for items containing mercury and created posters to be used during the Town’s upcoming mercury thermometer exchange.

Hot off the press...."Mercury in our Environment: A Health & Environmental Hazard", a new CET educational handout is now available. The fact sheet includes an overview of mercury and associated health problems, explains how mercury moves through our environment, lists household items that may contain mercury and provides resources and prevention information. Contact Joy in the Pittsfield office for more information on our mercury programs.

Spreading Composting Across The State

Approximately 160 people came to the 2^nd Massachusetts Organic Recycling Summit, "Growing the Organics Recycling Business," on March 14 in Boxborough to increase composting and manufacturing of animal feed from food waste in Massachusetts. Supermarkets and food manufacturers, waste haulers, composters and feed manufacturers built business relationships in one session. Another session helped municipalities connect with representatives of processing technologies. Attendees networked over a lunch served on biodegradable servingware and the waste was composted nearby. For the Summit agenda and list of co-sponsors, visit: www.cetonline.org/Events/events.php. This event was sponsored by CET, DEP, and EPA. For more information, contact John Majercak in our Northampton office.

Energy Star® Lights Up The Big E

This March, CET sold over 3,200 Energy Star® compact fluorescent lamps and fixtures at the Western Massachusetts Home Show in Springfield. Skeptics in the crowd ‘saw the light’ as they watched an electric meter with a 15 watt compact fluorescent bulb spin four times slower than the meter with a 60 watt incandescent bulb — demonstrating the 75% energy savings from the compact fluorescent bulb that produced the equivalent light. Energy Star® is a DOE and EPA labeling program that educates consumers about energy savings and identifies the most energy efficient products. Rebates for lighting products were provided by participating local utility companies. CET coordinated the Big E promotion with Applied Proactive Technologies (APT) of Springfield. For more information on energy efficient lighting and Energy Star®, contact Alan in our Pittsfield office.

Welcoming CET’s New Director Of Communications

Ruth Dinerman has joined CET as Director of Communications. Ruth will coordinate CET’s varied outreach efforts including publications, education materials, the website and other on-going projects. Ruth worked with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) for five years on land and river protection issues. She also worked extensively on outreach to AMC’s 90,000 members to promote land conservation. Get in touch with Ruth at the Pittsfield office to say hello.

Upcoming Events

The Berkshire Junior Solar Sprint is coming to the Pittsfield Common on First Street, Tuesday May 22 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This event is part of the NESEA Tour de Sol: Great American Green Transportation Festival. Join CET and local 5^th- 8^th graders as they race model solar vehicles they have designed and constructed.

The ReStore Home Improvement Center, CET’s new non-profit store, has a home! The Restore will sell used and surplus home improvement materials. Look for our grand opening celebration this Summer at 250 Albany Street, Springfield. Contact John Majercak in our Northampton office for more information.

A Symposium on "Creating a Market for Green Power in the Berkshires" on May 11^th in Lenox will demystify the complexities of creating a local market for green energy. Space is available on a first come, first serve basis. To attend, contact Nancy or Ruth in the Pittsfield office.

Coming Next Issue:

Tomorrow’s Solar Champions