Going green in the Berkshires

This article appeared on WNYT as an In-Depth feature in mid-February 2008

While Vermont may be the Green Mountain State, in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, we found homes and businesses at the forefront of the eco-friendly movement.

Deep inside the Berkshire Mountains is a newly renovated bed and breakfast in Adams.

Eco-friendly at the Topia Inn starts the moment you walk in the door. The clay on the walls is all natural clay. In the rooms you'll find organic sheets and towels and tables made from the bark of a tree that fell in the yard.

All natural shampoos, conditioners and shave gels line the contemporary bathrooms and solar panels on the roof of the B&B convert sunlight into electricity.

"I believe it's a quarter of all our electrical consumption we've taken care of," says John Worth, manager of the Topia Inn.

Hidden in the walls, insulation made from old denim blue jeans. B&B manager, John Worth says it really works.

Why all the trouble of a nearly chemical free business? Worth is sensitive to harsh products. At first they just wanted to make a few, small changes.

"But as things developed it just kept getting bigger. More and more things would come into play," says Worth.

That's also what happened when a Williamstown couple built their dream retirement home clearly an energy efficient home doesn't have to look like a bubble anymore. They call this the hybrid house of the 21st century.

"Net zero energy home, that makes it unique in this area," says Nancy Nylen of the Center for Ecological Technology.

She says it's the first of its kind in the Berkshires. It generates as much energy as it uses with the help of these exterior solar panels.

"It's like having a power plant on your house," says Nylen.

These floors are recycled lumber. The stones in these walls were dug up from this property.

"This is really taking the holistic approach but it's important to take small steps. Whatever people are ready for," says Nylen.

Engineer Michael Tillou was ready for change when he added a second story to his ranch-style home with another unique addition.

"Evacuated tube solar collectors. We make hot water with them," says Tillou.

And with a lot less energy.

"I don't use fossil fuels which is important to me," adds Tillou.

The cost to go green is what holds many people back. These solar panels cost the Tillou family between $10,000 and $15,000 but they will get a $2,500 dollar tax break and say the green investment is worth it.

Back at the B&B, John Worth says his customers may not be able to do all that the Topia Inn does in their own homes but he says everyone walks away with a big smile.

"They see what's here and really appreciate what has been done here," says Worth.

There are other grants and incentives out there to make your decision to go green a little more affordable. We have some links to help you on our website.