EcoBytes - Volume 6, Issue 2

Welcome to Volume 6, Issue 2 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 changes or deletions, please contact ruthd@cetonline.org.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• ReStore Enters “Deconstruction” World
• Wind is in the Berkshire Air
• Spring Cleaning: CET’s Way
• Sun Shines on Solar Cars
• A New Source for "Green" Products
• Mercury –the Intersection of Waste and Energy
• New Website Answers Frequently Asked Question
• Welcome New Field Techni
• Upcoming Events: Wind Tours

ReStore Enters "Deconstruction" World

The ReStore just finished its first two "deconstruction" projects - where buildings are taken apart and the materials recovered for reuse. Working closely with the North Adams Public Library and contractor Souliere and Zepka, the ReStore received 4 1/2 tons of 125 year-old spruce flooring and lumber. The wood was then remilled into beautiful tongue and groove flooring. The Library received points for reuse that will help it meet the LEED standard for environmental buildings. Then, the ReStore completely dismantled a 2600 square foot house in Greenfield. Over two weeks and with nearly 900 person-hours of labor, the house was dismantled, right down to the foundation. Nearly two-dozen truckloads of doors, windows, cabinets and lumber were brought to the ReStore. The net cost to the homeowners was about the same or a just little more than traditional demolition, and the ReStore kept 40-50 tons of useful materials out of the landfill. These materials will save ReStore customers between $30,000 - $50,000 compared to buying new. Not bad for two-weeks work! For more information about deconstruction, contact John Majercak in our Northampton office.

Wind is in the Berkshire Air

CET sponsored two public forums about potential and proposed wind projects in Berkshire County: one in Lenox and the other in Hancock. At both sessions Sally Wright of the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Research Lab provided information about wind power technology and siting issues. Residents heard about the status and next steps for the projects, had their questions addressed and engaged in lively discussions about the benefits of wind power in their communities. As part of an art exhibit, “Earth, Wind and Desire: Wind Farm,” at Kidspace, Mass MoCA, CET and Kidspace staff exposed teachers to creative ways to incorporate the study of wind power into their classrooms. Several of the teachers and over 200 students later toured the Searsburg Wind Farm to learn about the turbines first hand. To see photos of the tour, visit http://www.cetonline.org/Events/events.php#Wind. For more information, contact Nancy Nylen in our Pittsfield office.

Spring Cleaning: Cet’S Way

CET and drop off sites across the Berkshires collected more than 22,000 pounds of used clothing during the Ninth Annual Earth Day Clothing and Textile Drive. The drive was conducted in partnership with Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires to encourage people to donate their used clothing rather than throw it away. Goodwill resells some clothing at their local stores, while other textiles are sold overseas, become usable rags, or are marketed for industrial uses. The textile drive, which has become a CET tradition, couldn’t happen without the generous support of local businesses and volunteers, including Banknorth Massachusetts, Berkshire Bank and the Lee Bank-Pittsfield Loan Office. To find out more, contact Amy Johns in our Pittsfield office.

Sun Shines On Solar Cars

Nearly fifty middle school students from Berkshire County and the Hudson Valley gathered at Reid Middle School in Pittsfield on June 5 to showcase their solar powered model cars in the Berkshire-Hudson Junior Solar Sprint (JSS). With help from teachers and mentors, the students designed and built their cars in the weeks leading up to the race. On the 5th, the students raced their cars, and presented them for judging in four categories: speed, craftsmanship, technical merit, and innovation. The top three finishers in each category were invited to the regional competition in Springfield on June 13th. Support from Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Gas Company, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, and the U.S. Department of Energy, and from many volunteers was invaluable. For more information, contact Amy Johns in our Pittsfield office.

A New Source For &Quot;Green&Quot; Products

If just one room in every U.S. household used Energy Star® lighting, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 1 trillion pounds. To make it easier to reduce energy use, visit our new online storefront through the Energy Federation Incorporated and purchase a variety of energy saving products: www.greenerwattsnewengland.com/ma/ma-deals.html. GreenerWatts New England customers can call us (800-238-1221) to receive a promotion code, to receive a 10% discount on products. Find out more: GreenerWatts New England.

Mercury –The Intersection Of Waste And Energy

When CET replaces old dial-down thermostats with EnergyStar® programmable setback thermostats for residential customers of Massachusetts Electric Company or Berkshire Gas Company, we feel good that people are conserving energy and saving money. Greenhouse gases are reduced along with the environmental impacts associated with burning fossil fuels. The next step is to keep the old dial-down thermostat from getting in the trash, where approximately 3 grams of mercury can end up in our air or water. CET offers to recycle the old thermostats through the Thermostat Recycling Program, a program sponsored by three major thermostat manufacturers. In the past year, CET has collected approximately 100 thermostats for recycling. At the same time, with funding from USDA Rural Development, CET has signed up seven new wholesale locations to collect and recycle mercury thermostats through TRC. CET is also informing contractors throughout western MA about this convenient way to dispose of old thermostats. For more information, contact Jamie Cahillane in our Pittsfield office or visit: http://www.nema.org/index_nema.cfm/664

New Website Answers Frequently Asked Question

Many people contact CET asking for locally relevant information about renewable energy. Now it’s possible to visit the Berkshire Renewable Energy Collaborative (BREC) website to view local renewable energy projects, learn about opportunities for renewable energy in our region and get up-to-date information about tours, workshops and other events sponsored by the Collaborative.

Welcome New Field Technician

Jay Walsh is a new addition to the CET team. Jay started working as a Field Technician for CET’s Home Energy Services (RCS), EnergyStar New Construction and Energy Codes programs. He has passed the Home Energy Rating System exam and expects to be certified early this summer. Stop by our Pittsfield office to say hello to Jay Walsh.

Upcoming Events: Wind Tours

Tours of the Searsburg Wind Farm are scheduled for Thursday, July 15^th at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; Saturday, August 7^th at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Saturday, October 2^nd at 10:30 a.m. and noon, and Wednesday, October 13^th at 10:30 a.m. and noon. For more information, visit: http://www.cetonline.org/Events/events.php#Wind To register, contact Nancy Nylen.