EcoBytes - Volume 6, Issue 1

Welcome to Volume 6, 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. Visit us online at http://www.cetonline.org to learn more about our programs. For mailing list additions and deletions, please send a message to ruthd@cetonline.org.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• A Bundle of Helpful Information with Each Bundle of Joy
• Who Has Seen the Wind?
• Savings, Savings, and More Savings
• Sunny Forecast from GreenerWatts New England
• Earth Stewards: the Next Generation
• Tooling Around with Hardly a Sound
• Visit the ReStore Electronically
• Upcoming Events

A Bundle Of Helpful Information With Each Bundle Of Joy

Currently, physicians and nurses receive little training in environmental health.Even when they have a general awareness that there are issues, they lack the tools to evaluate and communicate about the environmental health risks and offer steps for prevention.CET, Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association (BVNA) and Sprout, a pediatrician led initiative for children’s environmental health, are embarking on an innovative approach to change this.

In Pittsfield, most families with newborns receive a home visit from a nurse that focuses on the health concerns of mother and baby. CET and Sprout trained BVNA nurses about environmental health issues and specific toxins of concern.The nurses are now educating parents about toxins in and around the home as part of their new baby visit.Nurses coach parents about ways to reduce an infant’s exposure to pesticides, lead, second-hand smoke and solvents. They also help parents understand and follow fish advisories in order to minimize consumption of fish containing mercury and PCBs. These toxins have been linked to asthma, childhood cancers or learning disabilities.Once parents know the risks, they can limit or control their baby’s exposure. Each family also receives a cleaning kit containing vinegar, baking soda and recipes to serve as an alternative to traditional cleansers. Funding for this project is from United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. For more information, contact Ruth Dinerman in our Pittsfield office.

Who Has Seen The Wind?

CET is marketing the energy output and Renewable Energy Certificates from the proposed Hoosac Wind project to Berkshire businesses. Hoosac Wind is a 30-megawatt wind project that is proceeding through the permitting process with the Towns of Florida and Monroe. As a result of strong public involvement to date, CET is optimistic that Hoosac Wind will be an environmentally responsibly sited project. Our goal is to bring the long-term economic benefits of renewable energy and specifically, the Hoosac Wind project, to local businesses and communities.The new turbines will displace 300 tons of sulfur dioxide, 180 tons of nitrogen oxide and 600 tons of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere each year from fossil fuel-fired power plants.CET is partnering with CSGServices, Constellation NewEnergy and enXco in this venture.Hoosac Wind has also received a funding commitment from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.Businesses interested in obtaining electricity from Hoosac Wind should contact Laura Dubester in the Pittsfield office.

Savings, Savings, And More Savings

Over the past two years, CET energy advisors have helped over 450 Massachusetts Electric Company customers make approximately $1,150,000 in energy efficient improvements to their homes. The estimated savings in fuel and electricity total approximately $260,000 a year.Massachusetts Electric Company offers rebates and financial incentives for cost-effective measures including attic and wall insulation, air tightness and energy efficient lighting and appliances. To learn how to invest in energy efficiency, take advantage of utility company incentives, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contact Joan Chapman Bartlett in our Pittsfield office.

A Sunny Forecast From Greenerwatts New England

Who’s surprised that western Massachusetts residents and small businesses are leading and lighting the way in their support for renewable electricity?In the first four months, almost 500 households and small businesses in the four western counties signed up for GreenerWatts New England, a renewable energy offering from CET and CSG.This positive response exceeded our initial goal and represents about 30% of the overall statewide participation in Massachusetts Electric Company’s Green Up program. We’re especially proud of this showing, as western Massachusetts towns comprise15% - 20% of their total customer base. Businesses that support or enroll in GreenerWatts New England will be recognized through links on our web site. For more information, contact www.GreenerWattsNewEngland.com or call 1-800-238-1221 (western Massachusetts) or 1-800-689-7957 (eastern Massachusetts).

Earth Stewards: The Next Generation

“Earth Stewards” students have made recycled paper, model water wheels and windmills, debated renewable energy and learned to read tree rings. For more information, contact Amy Johns in our Pittsfield office.

Tooling Around With Hardly A Sound

What do Jacob’s Pillow, Northampton High School, Shakespeare and Company, Gould Farm, Mass MoCA, Tufts University, Hancock Shaker Village, Norman Rockwell Museum and Simon’s Rock College have in common? They are some of the 15 non-profit organizations, colleges and municipalities that received Global Electric Motors (GEM) zero-emission vehicles as a “re-gift” from CET. By using these pollution-free GEM cars on their properties, these organizations will showcase alternative transportation. Electric vehicles are a viable alternative to full sized automobiles or small trucks for short trips or for use on campus-type settings. They have greater efficiency, no emissions and can operate on tight roads, narrow paths or inside buildings.After about 30 miles, they are plugged into a standard 110-volt outlet for recharging. CET was able to give these vehicles to other organizations after receiving them as a donation from Daimler Chrysler’s GEM electric car division.Cahillane Motors of Northampton supported CET’s application. For more information, contact Alan Silverstein in Pittsfield.

Visit The Restore Electronically!

Check out the ReStore's new website at www.restoreonline.org. Visit us electronically to find photos, descriptions of hot items and a wealth of other information about the ReStore. Sign up for the ReStore Update if you want to know about new items that come in the store every few weeks or receive a quarterly update on ReStore activities by signing up for the ReStore News.In addition to keeping in touch electronically, we’re always glad to have you stop by and browse.

Upcoming Events:

4th Annual Organics Summit – April 22, Boxborough Holiday Inn. Presentations will address current practices of savvy commercial institutions that divert food waste, pioneering collection companies, and successful processing facilities. Information and registration will be posted at: www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/compost.htm

Attend Earth Day events in Berkshire County. Find out where: http://www.cetonline.org/Events/events.htm#earthday

The Center for Ecological Technology is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. CET is proud to be a member of Earth Share of New England, a coalition of leading environmental organizations working to protect and preserve our natural resources and public health.

"EcoBytes" is published by the Center for Ecological Technology. Contact CET is Pittsfield at 112 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Phone (413) 445-4556. Fax (413) 443-8123. Email: cetpitts@aol.com. You can also reach us in Northampton at 26 Market Street, Northampton, MA 01060. Phone (413) 586-7350. Fax (413) 586-7351. Email: cetnoho@aol.com.