EcoBytes, CET's Email Newsletter

EcoBytes is our quarterly electronic newsletter, and it keeps our friends and supporters up to date on what we've been doing. Here is the latest edition, Volume 10, Issue 1, which went out on Thursday, February 21. You can see the archives at right. Want EcoBytes hot off the press? Sign up now!

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Get ready for a busy 2008
• Your clearinghouse for environmental events
• Getting people to do the green thing
• Now - CET provides MassSave service in all western MA
• Energy independence for western MA
• CET goes to town
• Green doings at MCLA
• Staffing announcements

Get ready for a busy 2008

You won’t miss green drinks, the annual textile drive, household hazardous waste collections, renewable energy workshops, wind farm tours, and much more - when you sign up for our monthly EcoUpdates newsletter. It’s all the news you can really use! And we promise, as always, that we never sell or share our email list.

Your clearinghouse for environmental events

CET is thrilled to announce the launch of our new, dynamic community events page, where environmental groups, towns, businesses and others can add information about upcoming workshops, forums, grassroots gatherings, seminars - really, any eco happening. Simply click on the link that says "Add your event here." We still have our CET Events page, but now we can serve as a resource for publicizing all regional environmental events!

Getting people to do the green thing

In late January universities and schools across the country participated in Focus the Nation - a teach-in on global warming designed to mobilize young people. The event was preceded by The 2% Solution, a live, interactive webcast. CET co-facilitated a break-out session at the Smith College event called The Psychology of Change: How to Get People to Do the Right Thing. We learned that people are motivated to see themselves and be seen as part of a positive group norm—in this case, the growing community committed to living more sustainably.

NOW - CET provides MassSave service in all western MA

In January, CET began providing energy audits for Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) customers who are interested in increasing their home’s energy efficiency through the MassSave program. We’ve been providing these same MassSave program services to National Grid and Berkshire Gas customers in western MA for some time. WMECO’s program offers an optional $75 diagnostic service, which includes infrared scanning and air leakage testing. This added for-fee service demonstrates WMECO’s and CET’s commitment to scientifically-based recommendations for reducing environmental impact.

With a free energy audit, homeowners learn where they need to increase insulation to reduce their use of gas, oil or electricity for home heating; and they receive targeted information about additional ways to reduce their monthly electric bills. Insulating your house may be the most cost-effective way to reduce your environmental footprint and to lower your heating bills. For more information about an energy audit for your home, contact www.MassSave.com or call 1-866-527-7283. WMECO customers can contact Asia at CET: 1-800-666-3303. Berkshire Gas Customers can call Lisa at CET: 1-800-944-3212. National Grid Customers call 1-800-632-8300. You might be eligible for a free energy audit and incentives for energy upgrades!

Energy independence for western MA

When key state policy makers, community and business leaders and passionate citizens gathered recently in Northampton’s Look Park for a western Massachusetts Energy Summit, a consensus emerged that energy efficiency and renewable energy can be drivers for innovation, stronger local economies and vibrant communities. The western MA legislative delegation convened the Energy Summit, and State Rep. Dan Bosley kicked it off with a call for bold and ambitious clean energy goals for the region. CET served as a resource for the legislators in their planning of the event and participated in the day’s conversations. We are excited by the depth and breadth of our region’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. For more information, contact Nancy at 413-458-5688.

CET goes to town

CET applauds towns that are stepping up to the green plate. Northampton, Otis, Easthampton, Chester and South Hadley are among the many western MA towns that will receive energy audits on their municipal buildings from CET. The Energy Audit Program sponsored by the MA Division of Energy Resources identifies capital improvements for long-term energy savings through conservation and looks at procurement and other operational issues for savings. Learn more with this pdf download or contact Laura Dubester at CET (413) 445-4556, ext. 13.

Green doings at MCLA

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams has been working hard to shrink its carbon footprint. With a bit of help from CET, a Green Team was formed that is working on energy, waste and special projects. Solar PV arrays have been installed and hybrid vehicles have been purchased. Recycling opportunities are being enhanced and energy conservation programs expanded. A community garden is planned and a bike sharing initiative will be introduced. For more information on forming your own Green Team, contact Jamie at 413-445-4556, ext. 14.

Staff announcements

Amanda Dubrowski is our new AmeriCorps*VISTA. Amanda will be helping out in schools as well as organizing our annual textile drive in April. She hails from Plymouth, MA and graduated from Clark University. Amanda previously worked for the West Virginia Sustainable Communities Project.

Kara Johnson is our new audit services administrator. She will assist with contractor work and the scheduling of air sealing and inspections. She is also the receptionist for our Pittsfield office. Kara, a committed environmentalist, has a degree in Sociology from Mesa State College in Colorado and experience as a carpenter.

Anastasia Drayton, Asia for short, is our new seasonal audit services administrator. She will handle phone intakes for WMECO customers interested in energy audits, and help with other administrative work in the Residential Conservation Service programs. Asia has a degree in Soil Science from the University of Massachusetts and works as a landscaper in the warmer weather.

Chris Cormier is a new air sealing technician for the Berkshires. Chris has a Plant and Soil Sciences degree from the University of Massachusetts and has worked as a mason tender.

Betsy Mason is our new ReStore staff member. She brings her retail and home improvement experience to us and has been busy cleaning and organizing since she hit the floor.

Natural Nargi is our new, full time ReStore Assistant Manager. She was most recently the head cashier at another local home improvement store and she has lived and worked all around the world. She brings very strong retail management and customer service skills with her.

On a sadder note, Shannon McDonough left CET in mid-February. Shannon was our AmeriCorps*VISTA from August 2006 to August 2007 before joining CET’s waste management staff. She is heading off to pursue her dreams in Boulder, CO. We appreciate Shannon’s valuable service to western Massachusetts communities and CET. Best of luck and come visit soon!