EcoBytes - Volume 4, Issue 1

Welcome to Volume 4, 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 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, in Northampton at (413) 586-7350, or at the ReStore Home Improvement Center at (413) 788-6900. For mailing list additions and deletions, please send a message to ruthd@cetonline.org.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• The ReStore Bustles with Business
• Greening the Grid
• Regional Household Hazardous Products Collection Wins Award
• Energy Efficiency Comes Home
• CET Welcomes New Staff and New AmeriCorps Members
• Upcoming Events

The ReStore Bustles With Business

The news from the ReStore includes a new heating system, lighting and more display shelving. Add a steady flow of quality goods donated from contractors, homeowners, retailers and manufacturers, word of mouth advertising from "regulars", and it's a recipe for success. The ReStore has helped over 500 customers improve their homes through the sale of nearly $30,000 in materials. Goodwill Industries has information about the ReStore in all its area stores and is now referring potential donors. Thanks to the Lawson Valentine Foundation and the Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation for their support. For more information, contact Holly Milton- Benoit at the ReStore.

Greening The Grid

CET received funding from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (MRET) to make access to "green power" a reality for Berkshire residents, businesses and institutions. People of the Berkshires want more solar, wind and other renewable resources to produce our electricity, as evidenced by recent market research conducted by MRET. This is also borne out by large turn-outs at public forums, tours and community conversations about renewable energy sponsored by the Berkshire Renewable Energy Collaborative and other citizen groups. By pooling this interest and reaching more broadly into the community, CET will develop a product to enable local individuals, business and organizations to purchase power from renewable energy sources, some of which will be located in the Berkshire region. To stay in touch with CET's evolving green energy choice, let us know through our website: http://www.cetonline.org or contact Nancy Nylen or Ruth Dinerman in our Pittsfield office.

Regional Household Hazardous Products Collection Wins Award

Not everyone takes pleasure relieving others of old pesticides, used paint and varnishes. But the 17 south Berkshire rural towns who pool resources to provide more collection opportunities to residents, were delighted that the program received recognition as "the Best New Household Hazardous Products Collection Program in the State". CET is pleased to coordinate and staff the program, serve local communities and help keep toxic products out of landfills and combustion facilities. The MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the award at the 9th Annual Forum on Hazardous Products and Difficult to Manage Wastes. The program was commended as a model of the cost effectiveness of regional household hazardous product collection efforts. The steering committee of Bruce Collingwood from Great Barrington Department of Public Works; Greg Federspiel, Town Manager for Lenox; Dave Steindler from Sheffield; Mark Webber from West Stockbridge; Peter Kolodziej, Director of the Tri-Town Health Department and Arlene Miller from DEP provided project oversight. To learn more about the South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collections, please contact Jamie Cahillane in our Pittsfield office.

Energy Efficiency Comes Home

Since the fall, in partnership with local utility companies and the Conservation Services Group, CET has coordinated energy investments in homes throughout western Massachusetts, totaling ALMOST ONE MILLION DOLLARS! Measures include attic and wall insulation, Energy Star® refrigerators, instrumented air sealing and energy efficient lighting. This work takes on new importance as people and policy makers understand that energy efficiency and conservation are the most effective ways to reduce the impacts of global warming, increase national security, improve public health and protect the environment. For more information, contact Alan Silverstein in our Pittsfield office.

Cet Welcomes New Staff And New Americorps Members

Holly Milton-Benoit is the new manager of the ReStore Home Improvement Center. She oversees all aspects of the store including sales, donations, operations and supervision and training our new AmeriCorps*VISTA members. Her previous experience includes 2 ½ years at Home Depot. Holly received her BA in 1992 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she double majored in Communications and Education.

Dani Kahn is a ‘satellite' AmeriCorps member working with CET through a special partnership with the Berkshire Conservation Team. Dani works on the Business Paper Recycling Services, the Materials Exchange and is coordinating CET's Earth Day Textile Drive. She recently graduated from Smith College, where she majored in Environmental Policy. Dani is based in our Pittsfield office.

And Americorps*Vista At The Restore...

Jose Galarza recently finished volunteer work with Mass Water Watch, providing education on local water quality issues, and participating in river cleanups and stream monitoring. Jose received his BA in English from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, in 2001.

Jason Grooms just relocated from Greenville, NC, where he received his B.F.A. in Theatrical Design and Production from East Carolina University. He has worked in several community theater programs, as a theatrical carpenter and electrician.

Eimy Santiago previously served in AmeriCorps in Springfield, MA where she helped construct low-income housing, landscaped neighborhood parks, and mentored elementary school children through YWCA YouthBuild. Eimy received her GED in January 2001.

Visit the fully staffed and fully stocked ReStore and say hello to all the staff.

Upcoming Events:

• 7th Annual Berkshire County Textile Drive in April.
• Junior Solar Sprint, Reid Middle School, Pittsfield, June 1st.