2005 Issues of EcoBytes

Welcome to Volume 7, Issue 2 of EcoBytes the Center for Ecological Technology's (CET) email newsletter. EcoBytes updates you on CET's accomplishments in waste, energy, environmental education and sustainable development. Visit uwww.cetonline.org to learn more about our programs. For mailing list changes or deletions, please contact Ruth.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Clean Energy from the Berkshires to Boston
• CET at the Movies
• Ringing Endorsements for Green Communities
• Tanning Salons Keep Mercury DOWN
• Love Fest: ReStore at the Home Show
• A Welcome to John Grossman
• Upcoming Events

Clean Energy from the Berkshires to Boston

CET is excited to announce that GreenerWatts New England has merged with New England GreenStart. CET is collaborating with Massachusetts Energy Consumers Alliance and People’s Power and Light to offer one clean energy choice from the Berkshires to Boston.GreenStart is now the only renewable energy choice from a Massachusetts-based, non-profit supplier. CET will promote GreenStart in western Massachusetts, as part of our goal to combine education about decreasing our dependence on electricity generated from fossil fuels with affordable actions that increase the supply of electricity fromclean,renewablesources. GreenStart is available to Massachusetts Electric Company residential and small business customers through their monthly electric bills. GreenStart will continue to match participants’ electric usage with 100% renewable resources generated in New England, including solar electric installations in western Massachusetts and wind turbines in eastern Massachusetts. For those who enroll in GreenStart, a portion of the premium is tax-deductible. Communities will also receive matching funds for a local renewable energy project based on the number of residents who are enrolled. The matching funds are available through Clean Energy Choice, a program of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC). Discover GreenStart by visiting: www.cetonline.org/Greenstart/Options.php

CET at the Movies

In March, CET arranged a screening of "The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the American Dream" as part of a documentary film series at the Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington. The film explores the prospects for the American way of life as global demand for oil begins to outstrip supply.As the showing time approached, the demands for seats also outstripped supply, a strong indication of public concern about our dependence on oil. Afterwards, many viewers stayed in the lobby to discuss the many issues raised by the film. To borrow a copy of this thought provoking DVD, contact Raya Ariella.

Ringing Endorsements for Green Communities

CET’s phones rang off the hook during the last two weeks of March. You’d think we were offering free season tickets to Fenway Park! What CET was kindling - through emails, phone calls, radio spots and TV interviews - was enthusiasm for communities to earn money for renewable energy projects. Towns where 3% of residents chose clean energy by March 31^st will receive a bonus of $50 per enrollment. The funds come from Clean Energy Choice, a program of the MTC. CET added to the contest atmosphere by offering an award of $5,000 that will go toward a solar installation in four communities that achieve highest enrollment in GreenerWatts New England (now New England GreenStart). Funding for CET’s award is from the U.S. Department of Energy. The combination of incentives and deadlines certainly caused a surge of "enrollment fever".Over 200 people in western Massachusetts have enrolled since New Year’s. To learn more, contact Peggy MacLeod.

Tanning Salons Keep Mercury DOWN

While students and area residents bronze under the lamps of area tanning beds to get their base tan, Amherst salon owners are taking steps to reduce the amount of mercury – in the trash. A tanning lamp contains four times more mercury than a straight fluorescent tube and each bed uses, on average, 45 lamps. CET worked with the Town of Amherst Health Department to encourage the town’s four tanning salons to recycle lamps.CET followed up by meeting each salon owner to assist them with establishing a recycling program. In just one year, these few salons will collectively keep 17,000 feet of tanning lamps out of the trash. Funding for this initiative is from the U.S. EPA. For more information, contact Lorenzo Macaluso.

Love Fest:ReStore at the Home Show

The ReStore’s Tag Sale Tent at this year's Home Show in West Springfield was a big success. In addition to great sales, including a 20-piece oak cabinet set, the ReStore made hundreds of contacts with potential donors and shoppers. Many people stopped by the tent to say, "I love the ReStore!" We're already busy following up on new leads. The ReStore gives a special thanks to the Home Builder's Association of Western Massachusetts for providing the exhibitspace. Find out more about the ReStore online.

A Welcome to John Grossman

John Grossman is the new ReStore manager. John comes to the ReStore from Boston and brings with him a variety of entrepreneurial and small business experience. Newly arrived in Springfield, he is already planning new growth opportunities for the ReStore that includessalesanddeconstruction. Stop by the ReStore to say hello.

Upcoming events:

CET’s tenth annual Used Clothing and Textile Drive will take place on April 16 & 17. Bring clean, dry clothing, blankets, and shoes in strong plastic bags to 112 Elm Street in Pittsfield.Textiles can also be dropped off at Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington between April 2 and April 17. No rugs, carpets, pillows, or winter boots will be accepted at either location. Package sneakers separately for recycling through Nike’s Reuse a Shoe. Find out more. Come See Us
On Friday, April 22, CET will disseminate information on a variety of subjects, including green energy, composting and energy savings to customers at both Guido’s Fresh Marketplace in Pittsfield and Great Barrington. On April 23, CET will participate in an Earth Day celebration at the Berkshire Coop Market in Great Barrington. Our Solar Harvester will generate electricity from the sun. This display will be accompanied by activities that engage children in renewable energy. Also on the 23, CET will give a presentation about climate change at Wellspring House in Ashfield. CET will present "Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Your Health" at the Forbes Library in Northampton on April 27 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.cetonline.org/Events/events.php.

The Berkshire Renewable Energy Summit will take place on June 7 2005, at the Cranwell Resort in Lenox. Business, cultural, educational and community leaders will gather to learn about local economic and community benefits of efficiency and renewable energy (wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass). The summit is an initiative of CET and the Berkshire Renewable Energy Collaborative. For more information contact Nancy Nylen.