Welcome to Volume 7, Issue 4 of EcoBytes the Center for Ecological Technology's (CET^sm) email newsletter. EcoBytes updates you on CET's accomplishments in waste, energy, environmental education and sustainable development. Visit us online to learn more about our programs. For mailing list changes or deletions, please contact Ruth.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Sunshine Powers Schools and Farms
• Tanning Goes Green
• Greening New Homes
• CETRecyclesPaper PoweredbyBiodiesel
• ReStore Summer Jobs Offer Experience, Community Service & TV Fame!
• Announcements

Sunshine Powers Schools and Farms

Gould Farm in Monterey, Conte Community School in Pittsfield, McCann Technical High School and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams and Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington are doing it. The Howden Farm in Sheffield is prepared to do it. Brookfield Farm in Amherst just started doing it. What is it? Creating clean electricity from sunshine--and demonstrating the value of clean, renewable, local energy sources.

Over the summer and fall, CET helped four Berkshire schools and two area farms install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their rooftops and equipment to monitor the amount of electricity they produce. Howden Farm will soon install a ground-mounted PV system to power a drip irrigation system for their raspberries.

PV systems convert sunlight directly into emission-free electricity. CET coordinated these installations through an incentive program funded by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The U.S. Department of Energy contributed grant support. Funding from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program helped CET assist the three farms. Berkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS) and Conservation Services Group (CSG) served as designers and installers. For more information about these new photovoltaic arrays or other renewable energy technologies in the Berkshires, visit: www.berkshirerenewables.org or contact Nancy Nylen.

Tanning Goes Green

Tanning lamps contain significantly more mercury than fluorescent tubes and do not last as long. The Town of Granby Board of Health, with help from CET, revised its by-laws to require permitted tanning facilities to recycle used lamps as a condition of operation. Granby is the first municipality in the Commonwealth to take this step. The by-law language is serving as the model for other Pioneer Valley Boards of Health. Support for this work comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Find out more, contact Lorenzo Macaluso or visit our bulb recycling page.

Greening New Homes

The U.S. Green Building Council recently launched a pilot program to test a green building rating system for new home construction. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Rating System certifies buildings that use less energy, water, and materials, cause less harm to the environment, and are healthier to live in.CET is participating in a northeast consortium led by the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) to provide technical assistance, training, on-site verification and LEED certification for several homes. CET is grateful to EPA Region I for its support of this innovative project in western Massachusetts. To learn more, visit www.usgbc.org/leed or contact Mark Newey.

CET Recycles Paper
Powered by Biodiesel

This spring, CET started to fill up the Recycling Services truck with B20, a fuel that is 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil and is renewable, cleaner and carbon neutral. Once a week, the truck travels to Springfield to deliver the office paper we have collected for recycling. After the paper drop off, the truck goes to Holyoke to fill up with biodiesel. Although a little bit more expensive, it’s better for the engine and environment and has no impact on fuel efficiency. To find out more, contact James Cahillane.

ReStore Summer Jobs Offer Experience, Community Service and TV Fame

A key part of the ReStore’s mission is to create local jobs and job training opportunities. This summer, we hosted two outstanding teens, Javon Meyers and Julissa Matthews, who were among the hundreds participating in a program that helps Springfield teenagers find summer jobs. Javon spent his days on the ReStore truck doing pick ups of donations, and helped with customer service and general store operations. Julissa focused on customer service and helped keep the store organized and tidy. Public television station WGBY featured Javon and Julissa in Making it Here - Teen Style that premiered this September.

Announcements

Like what you’re reading? Keep an eye out over the next few weeks for our "Annual Fund Edition" of Ecobytes, when we will ask you for your support. If you can't wait, simply go to our secure donations page and make a donation to day. Thank you! Welcome Mark Newey
Mark Newey came to CET in July 2005 from Southface Energy Institute in Atlanta, GA. As CET’s new Director of Energy Programs, he will manage CET’s diverse energy programs. Mark brings to CET extensive knowledge about energy efficiency and green buildings. He is certified as a HERS Trainer and Quality Assurance Designee, and has taught over 100 workshops on energy efficient and green building for builders, architects, heating contractors, and real estate agents. Mark has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Stop in our Northampton or Pittsfield office to say hello. CET Welcomes New AmeriCorps*VISTA
Alison Lesht has joined CET as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member. A recent graduate from Connecticut College, Alison has a BA in biology and internship experience with environmental conservation and education groups. Over the course of her time at CET, she will work on waste reduction and recycling, after-school education, and environmental health projects. Stop by the Pittsfield Office to say hello!