A few weeks ago I posted on the Saratoga Local Living Guide's Community CFL Challenge.
The idea is for people to sign up as "Block Leaders", and handout information to their neighbors to encourage them to swap out their old bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFL's).
I was hesitant to sign up as a Block Leader, in part because if people order bulbs online I'm responsible for distributing them. But, after thinking about it, and realizing I had bulbs I wanted to replace, I decided to sign up. Plus, I've been wanting to meet more of my neighbors. I know those who live just across from me, but I've not met any who live even just a few doors up. So I signed up - and glad I did.
Last week I spent a few hours one evening going door to door to my neighbors. How nice it was to meet those neighbors whom I only see passing by in their cars when I'm out in my yard. All my neighbors are really great, interesting people - living and working here as teachers, nurses, etc.
One of the best parts was discovering two neighbors who couldn't participate because they'd already converted all their bulbs to CFL!!! That was great to hear. The others welcomed me in their homes, we chatted about the challenge, and learned about one another. Now when they go by, we feel less like strangers and more like neighbors. So, besides the cost savings and emissions benefits to becoming a Block Leader, there's also the benefit of getting to know the people who share your neighborhood.
The CFL Challenge goes until June 18th. Besides the reduced price in bulbs, some additional benefits to buying bulbs include:
Saratoga Apple- 1 free apple for every bulb purchased (up to 5)
Four Seasons- 2% off for every bulb purchased (up to 20%)
Esperantos- 2% off for every bulb purchased (up to 20%)
Dawgdom- (good if you see they have a dog)- Free dog treat. No purchase necessary. Also 20% off everything in store.
Please consider signing up to become a Block Leader. You'll need to attend a short 1/2 hr informational meeting - but all the other benefits make it worth it.
Here's more info and links on the challenge.
The Saratoga Community CFL Challenge is a 2-month campaign that provides incentive for residents to replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescents (CFLs). The goal of the campaign is to save residents’ $36,000 on utility bills and keep 311,100 pounds of climate changing emissions from entering the atmosphere.
This is a great opportunity to purchase CFL lightbulbs at a reduced price from Allerdice, a locally owned hardware store, reduce your energy bills and get to know your neighbors.
The Community CFL Challenge is a grassroots effort that utilizes a network of volunteers to reach out to the neighbors on their block. Neighbors are given a coupon code to use to purchase bulbs through the Saratoga CFL Challenge website or at Allerdice Building Supply.
Go to www.locallivingguide.com/cfl for more information on how to sign up or become a block leader, reduced pricing on CFL's bulbs, and learn more about the campaign.
For more information contact Jonathan Greene, Local Living Guide Coordinator at info@locallivingguide.com or call (518) 632-6768
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sustainability Events in Saratoga & Beyond
It seems the buzz of living more sustainably is catching on and gone mainstream. As we watch the weeks-long Gulf Oil spill and resulting devasation of this coastal ecosystem, I believe it's the wake up call, or Siren's song, so many of us need to really feel and think more deeply about our reliance on oil and the impact it is having on our earth. And that perhaps, it's time to make a shift. In that regard, there are lots of positive opportunities to learn about how to make this shift. So, get involved and let's work together to make positive change. Below are some great positive events on the topic of sustainability happening here in Saratoga and beyond.
1) The Saratoga Local Living Guide's CFL Neighborhood Challenge, to encourage homeowners in neighborhoods in the Saratoga area to switch out their old bulbs for more energy efficient CFL bulbs is in full swing. To get involved go to Saratoga Local Living Guide website. (I signed up as a block leader - it was fun to meet some of my neighbors and learn that two of them couldn't participate because they had already switched over all their bulbs to CFL's!!!) From now until June 13th get discounts on the price of CFL bulbs and other benefits every time you buy a bulb.
2) Sustainable Saratoga is doing great stuff. This past week they had a great panel on mobility, access and transportation.
Next month's meeting, Tuesday evening, June 22 at 7 p.m., features a community dialogue with distinguished panelists on resilient local economy for Saratoga Springs. The panel includes area experts James Howard Kunstler, Todd Faboozzi, Melanie Beam, and David Hess.
James Kunstler, internationally known author and speaker, who also happens to live in Saratoga, speaks internationally on the topic of peak oil. Check out more at his website, www.kunstler.com. This will be a great event. To learn more about Sustainable Saratoga or how to get involved go to their website, www.sustainablesaratgoa.com. Be sure to join the email list to get all their event and activity updates.
3) Next week, June 1-3, at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont there's a first-time ever conference on developing a Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index in the U.S., sponsored by the Gross National Happiness USA Project. I learned of this from Empire State Faculty member Eric Zencey, whom I recently interviewed for a story. Eric is an economist and studies history of science and political philosophy. He has been researching and writing on 'sustainability', especially from an economist's view point for many years. Part of his current work is writing on something called the Gross National Happiness Index, which he and many others are calling for as a shift to a new way of measuring economic health. An accurate measure would deduct environment damage and loss of natural capital as costs, and could measure good governance, health, and other positive categories. In essence, the GNH measures overall well-being, something our current form of economic measure (GDP - gross domestic product) does not. GDP just measures "the commotion of money" in the economy, to quote Eric. So, check out this link and the conference. As we think about sustainability we need to be thinking about how our "economy is rooted in nature,"
And, it just gets better...
4) “A Conversation on Climate Change: Where do we go from here?”, Saturday, June 5th, at the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, VT, including an exciting panel of nationally and internationally known authors on Climate Change.
The event is sponsored by the Northshire Bookstore, here's their description:
“A Conversation on Climate Change: Where do we go from here?”, featuring some of our nation’s best thinkers, writers, and activists, this vital conversation will focus on the state of our planet and the steps we can take to ensure a future for those who come after us.
Join authors, journalists and activists...
Bill McKibben (Eaarth: Making Life on a Tough New Planet)
Jeff Goodell (How to Cool the Planet: Geoengineering and the Audacious Quest of Fix Earth’s Climate)
Dianne Dumanoski (The End of the Long Summer: Why We Must Remake Our Civilization to Survive on a Volatile Earth)
Elizabeth Kolbert (Field Notes From A Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change)
Sponsored by Northshire Bookstore and Burr and Burton Academy. Begins at 6pm at the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy.
No tickets are required and seating will be on a first come basis.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to join with other members of our community to learn, discuss, and chart new directions for our collective future.
For more information go to
or call 802-362-2200/800-437-3700
1) The Saratoga Local Living Guide's CFL Neighborhood Challenge, to encourage homeowners in neighborhoods in the Saratoga area to switch out their old bulbs for more energy efficient CFL bulbs is in full swing. To get involved go to Saratoga Local Living Guide website. (I signed up as a block leader - it was fun to meet some of my neighbors and learn that two of them couldn't participate because they had already switched over all their bulbs to CFL's!!!) From now until June 13th get discounts on the price of CFL bulbs and other benefits every time you buy a bulb.
2) Sustainable Saratoga is doing great stuff. This past week they had a great panel on mobility, access and transportation.
Next month's meeting, Tuesday evening, June 22 at 7 p.m., features a community dialogue with distinguished panelists on resilient local economy for Saratoga Springs. The panel includes area experts James Howard Kunstler, Todd Faboozzi, Melanie Beam, and David Hess.
James Kunstler, internationally known author and speaker, who also happens to live in Saratoga, speaks internationally on the topic of peak oil. Check out more at his website, www.kunstler.com. This will be a great event. To learn more about Sustainable Saratoga or how to get involved go to their website, www.sustainablesaratgoa.com. Be sure to join the email list to get all their event and activity updates.
3) Next week, June 1-3, at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont there's a first-time ever conference on developing a Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index in the U.S., sponsored by the Gross National Happiness USA Project. I learned of this from Empire State Faculty member Eric Zencey, whom I recently interviewed for a story. Eric is an economist and studies history of science and political philosophy. He has been researching and writing on 'sustainability', especially from an economist's view point for many years. Part of his current work is writing on something called the Gross National Happiness Index, which he and many others are calling for as a shift to a new way of measuring economic health. An accurate measure would deduct environment damage and loss of natural capital as costs, and could measure good governance, health, and other positive categories. In essence, the GNH measures overall well-being, something our current form of economic measure (GDP - gross domestic product) does not. GDP just measures "the commotion of money" in the economy, to quote Eric. So, check out this link and the conference. As we think about sustainability we need to be thinking about how our "economy is rooted in nature,"
And, it just gets better...
4) “A Conversation on Climate Change: Where do we go from here?”, Saturday, June 5th, at the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, VT, including an exciting panel of nationally and internationally known authors on Climate Change.
The event is sponsored by the Northshire Bookstore, here's their description:
“A Conversation on Climate Change: Where do we go from here?”, featuring some of our nation’s best thinkers, writers, and activists, this vital conversation will focus on the state of our planet and the steps we can take to ensure a future for those who come after us.
Join authors, journalists and activists...
Bill McKibben (Eaarth: Making Life on a Tough New Planet)
Jeff Goodell (How to Cool the Planet: Geoengineering and the Audacious Quest of Fix Earth’s Climate)
Dianne Dumanoski (The End of the Long Summer: Why We Must Remake Our Civilization to Survive on a Volatile Earth)
Elizabeth Kolbert (Field Notes From A Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change)
Sponsored by Northshire Bookstore and Burr and Burton Academy. Begins at 6pm at the Riley Center for the Arts at Burr and Burton Academy.
No tickets are required and seating will be on a first come basis.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to join with other members of our community to learn, discuss, and chart new directions for our collective future.
For more information go to
or call 802-362-2200/800-437-3700
Living in tune with nature
The past two days I had to use my car for errands. I'll admit, I love biking but I also love my car. I own a subura legacy with a hatchback. It's great for moving stuff - I've moved small couches, dressers, desks, even hauled compost from the Town of Milton in it (plastic tarp down of course.) But the past two days when I've gotten in my car, it's felt too big and wasteful, and well, unnatural. And I miss it when I'm not on my bike, out in the open air, relying on my own energy and force to get me around. As I read and think about the Gulf Oil spill, and the devastation of that coastal ecosystem, I can only think how much we are the cause for that destruction, due to our endless need for oil. And, how out of balance we've become with nature.
For two weeks I've been diligently working on my garden. I put in two new garden beds, which involved a lot of moving of compost. Finally last night I finished what I call "phase one" of my planting. What a feeling of deep satisfaction. I realized too, for me, as I know is true for many others, gardening is extremely therapeutic. When I'm having a tough day, if I go spend even half an hour in my garden weeding or moving dirt or raking, any worries will wash away. For me, connecting back with the earth, planting, getting my hands in the dirt, centers and grounds me, and reminds me of what is important. There's something so natural and harmonious about working with the earth to grow food.
Last night, I remembered how much growing a garden is an essential part of who I am. One summer during graduate school, I spent the summer doing stream surveys for freshwater mussels. I worked alone much of that time. Each day I'd get up, check in with the biologist (I was living/working out of the Wenatchee National Forest in Eastern Washington State), then head out to the creek. Where I lived was fairly remote. So, in my free time I hiked, put in a compost, and a small garden. Talk about rocky sandy soils. But, for me it was just what I needed to do. Last night reminded me how essential gardening is for my being, and how much I had been missing when I wasn't able to garden.
I really believe half of our socieatal problems are due to our disconnect from nature. We get in our cars without thinking about the costs to our environment, and the health and culture of those communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to or impacted by oil extraction. We buy food, turn on the tap for water, flush the toilet, all without thinking where it's coming from or going to, and the resources of energy and people required to keep these systems going. I think that's in part why growing my own food is so satisfying. Of course, my life is still tied to oil as is many others. But the more and more we think about conserving the resources we do have, the more healthy and better off our lives will be.
In that regard, there are lots of positive opportunities to make this shift. So, get involved and let's work together to make positive change. See my next post for some more great events on the topic of sustainability happening here in Saratoga and beyond.
For two weeks I've been diligently working on my garden. I put in two new garden beds, which involved a lot of moving of compost. Finally last night I finished what I call "phase one" of my planting. What a feeling of deep satisfaction. I realized too, for me, as I know is true for many others, gardening is extremely therapeutic. When I'm having a tough day, if I go spend even half an hour in my garden weeding or moving dirt or raking, any worries will wash away. For me, connecting back with the earth, planting, getting my hands in the dirt, centers and grounds me, and reminds me of what is important. There's something so natural and harmonious about working with the earth to grow food.
Last night, I remembered how much growing a garden is an essential part of who I am. One summer during graduate school, I spent the summer doing stream surveys for freshwater mussels. I worked alone much of that time. Each day I'd get up, check in with the biologist (I was living/working out of the Wenatchee National Forest in Eastern Washington State), then head out to the creek. Where I lived was fairly remote. So, in my free time I hiked, put in a compost, and a small garden. Talk about rocky sandy soils. But, for me it was just what I needed to do. Last night reminded me how essential gardening is for my being, and how much I had been missing when I wasn't able to garden.
I really believe half of our socieatal problems are due to our disconnect from nature. We get in our cars without thinking about the costs to our environment, and the health and culture of those communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to or impacted by oil extraction. We buy food, turn on the tap for water, flush the toilet, all without thinking where it's coming from or going to, and the resources of energy and people required to keep these systems going. I think that's in part why growing my own food is so satisfying. Of course, my life is still tied to oil as is many others. But the more and more we think about conserving the resources we do have, the more healthy and better off our lives will be.
In that regard, there are lots of positive opportunities to make this shift. So, get involved and let's work together to make positive change. See my next post for some more great events on the topic of sustainability happening here in Saratoga and beyond.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
More on bikes
So much happening these days. Planted my garden early this morning, CFL challenge in full swing and I signed up to be a block leader, and now that the weather has turned nice I am back on two wheels.
One great thing about my bicycle is that a few years ago I invested in two metal fold-out carry baskets which hang off the back sides of my bike. They are super easy to use, fold in and out for when I need them or not, and all my "stuff" fits in them - my purse, my carry bag with calendar and notebook, and my computer bag.
I am really trying to ride whenever I can. I was tempted yesterday to drive my car, especially since it was a hot day and I had meetings both downtown and the westside. Instead, I packed a change of shoes (professional look), my water bottle and lunch, filled the two carriers with all my stuff and made my way downtown.
A few weeks ago I noticed that the 'summer' traffic in Saratoga seemed to be picking up. If you've not experienced the joys of getting on your bike and getting around town faster than most cars, I encourage you to try it. I travel side streets and less travelled roads when I can, but I'm also becoming more comfortable with riding in downtown traffic and doing what cyclists call 'taking the lane.' This means riding in the middle of the road as if a vehicle. If traffic is slow enough, it's actually better than vehicles trying to get around you on narrow double-lane roads.
Since May is Bike Month, there's been a lot of bicycle-focused events and activities. Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network's Bike to Work Day last Friday was a great success, with over 200 participants. Below is a video from fellow bike commuter Dave Levesque, recording his bike commute into town that day.
I'm also posting a really cool video of bicycle commuters in the city of Utrecht, the 4th largest city in the Netherlands. I have good friends who live in the Netherlands. When I visited them a few years back, their only mode of transportation was 2 bikes, foot, bus and tram. They raised two young children without a vehicle. Each bike is fitted with a child seat on the front and back, and two paniers on the back. I can write from experience, these are hefty bikes. You have to be in pretty good shape to bike with two small kids and groceries in your paniers. But, they did it. It's difficult to describe what it's really like living in a community where bicyclists and pedestrians have the right of way and transportation planning for automobiles is secondary. Here is the video of a typical morning commute in Utrecht (via a Facebook posting by a friend in Albany.) Enjoy and be inspired!
One great thing about my bicycle is that a few years ago I invested in two metal fold-out carry baskets which hang off the back sides of my bike. They are super easy to use, fold in and out for when I need them or not, and all my "stuff" fits in them - my purse, my carry bag with calendar and notebook, and my computer bag.
I am really trying to ride whenever I can. I was tempted yesterday to drive my car, especially since it was a hot day and I had meetings both downtown and the westside. Instead, I packed a change of shoes (professional look), my water bottle and lunch, filled the two carriers with all my stuff and made my way downtown.
A few weeks ago I noticed that the 'summer' traffic in Saratoga seemed to be picking up. If you've not experienced the joys of getting on your bike and getting around town faster than most cars, I encourage you to try it. I travel side streets and less travelled roads when I can, but I'm also becoming more comfortable with riding in downtown traffic and doing what cyclists call 'taking the lane.' This means riding in the middle of the road as if a vehicle. If traffic is slow enough, it's actually better than vehicles trying to get around you on narrow double-lane roads.
Since May is Bike Month, there's been a lot of bicycle-focused events and activities. Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network's Bike to Work Day last Friday was a great success, with over 200 participants. Below is a video from fellow bike commuter Dave Levesque, recording his bike commute into town that day.
I'm also posting a really cool video of bicycle commuters in the city of Utrecht, the 4th largest city in the Netherlands. I have good friends who live in the Netherlands. When I visited them a few years back, their only mode of transportation was 2 bikes, foot, bus and tram. They raised two young children without a vehicle. Each bike is fitted with a child seat on the front and back, and two paniers on the back. I can write from experience, these are hefty bikes. You have to be in pretty good shape to bike with two small kids and groceries in your paniers. But, they did it. It's difficult to describe what it's really like living in a community where bicyclists and pedestrians have the right of way and transportation planning for automobiles is secondary. Here is the video of a typical morning commute in Utrecht (via a Facebook posting by a friend in Albany.) Enjoy and be inspired!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Bicyclists - see you on the streets tomorrow
Lots of bicyclists have hit the road this week to take part in Bike to Work week. I was in Albany earlier this week and was pleasantly surprised even there to see so many obvious bicycle commuters. So, I am ready to hop on my bike tomorrow for the Annual Bike to Work/School Day.
Just a reminder that the folks from the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network (SHTN) will be in front of the Saratoga Arts Center tomorrow (Friday) morning from 7-9am providing goodies for those who stop by on foot or bicycle as part of Bike to Work/School day.
Come celebrate/support SHTN later in the day at their "Friend-raiser" event at the Olde Saratoga Brewery, from 4-7pm. For $25 you get a membership to SHTN, food, live music, and enjoy the Bike to Work/School awards ceremony at 5:30 (for an extra $5 you can bring along a friend).
I'll save my 'the day I crashed on my bike the one time I was riding w/o a helmet and ended up in emergency care' story for another time (except to say I was lucky to walk away with only a scrape on my head, and achy body for a few days.) But hopefully that will be enough to encourage you to remember to wear a helmet and ride safe. See you on the streets.
Just a reminder that the folks from the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network (SHTN) will be in front of the Saratoga Arts Center tomorrow (Friday) morning from 7-9am providing goodies for those who stop by on foot or bicycle as part of Bike to Work/School day.
Come celebrate/support SHTN later in the day at their "Friend-raiser" event at the Olde Saratoga Brewery, from 4-7pm. For $25 you get a membership to SHTN, food, live music, and enjoy the Bike to Work/School awards ceremony at 5:30 (for an extra $5 you can bring along a friend).
I'll save my 'the day I crashed on my bike the one time I was riding w/o a helmet and ended up in emergency care' story for another time (except to say I was lucky to walk away with only a scrape on my head, and achy body for a few days.) But hopefully that will be enough to encourage you to remember to wear a helmet and ride safe. See you on the streets.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Bicyclists Bring Business - Roundtable Discussion Tonight
Bicyclists Bring Business
Here's an interesting free roundtable discussion tonight for local businesses, community leaders and interested citizens, to discover how to profit from the areas growing trails tourism market.
Monday, May 17, 6-8pm, in Schuylerville
Saratoga Town Hall, corner of Rt 29 (Spring St & Rt 4)
Hosted by Hudson Crossing Park & the Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group
RSVP to Parks & Trails NY, 518-434-1583, B3roundtable@ptny.org
Here's an interesting free roundtable discussion tonight for local businesses, community leaders and interested citizens, to discover how to profit from the areas growing trails tourism market.
Monday, May 17, 6-8pm, in Schuylerville
Saratoga Town Hall, corner of Rt 29 (Spring St & Rt 4)
Hosted by Hudson Crossing Park & the Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group
RSVP to Parks & Trails NY, 518-434-1583, B3roundtable@ptny.org
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May Bike Events
If you've been considering getting back on your bike, the month of May is a great time to do it. Not just because the weather warms up (though the rain last week did damper my riding.) But, because May is Bike Month. The Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network, Saratoga's bicycling & pedestrian friendly advocacy group is sponsoring several events for bike enthusiasts, both new and seasoned riders.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 12th
Free Safe Riding Seminar
6-8 pm, Sussmann Room of Saratoga Library
Learn commuting tips, safe riding skills, and much, much more in this free seminar sponsored by SHTN. This course usually costs $20 per person, so come take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a certified instructor - Tamara Flanders of the League of American Cyclists. This is a great opportunity to learn/relearn riding rules and safety.
Friday, May 21st - Bike to Work Day Challenge
Join SHTN for their Second Annual Saratoga Bike to Work Day Challenge (Friday, 5/21). Companies with workplaces in Saratoga County are encouraged to form Bike To Work teams. Trophies will be awarded in various categories. Go to their website, www.healthytransportation.org to Register and see current team standings!
Check out photos from last year's Bike to Work Day.
Free breakfast for anyone who walks, rides or takes public transportation to work in Saratoga Springs. Stop by the table in front of the Arts Center at Spring St. and Broadway from 7-9 AM.
Last year was a lot of fun. If you haven't signed up yet I encourage you to do so. Last year's team winner was the Quad Graphic's Team. This year I'm signing up with the Empire State College team (the largest team thus far.)
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 12th
Free Safe Riding Seminar
6-8 pm, Sussmann Room of Saratoga Library
Learn commuting tips, safe riding skills, and much, much more in this free seminar sponsored by SHTN. This course usually costs $20 per person, so come take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a certified instructor - Tamara Flanders of the League of American Cyclists. This is a great opportunity to learn/relearn riding rules and safety.
Friday, May 21st - Bike to Work Day Challenge
Join SHTN for their Second Annual Saratoga Bike to Work Day Challenge (Friday, 5/21). Companies with workplaces in Saratoga County are encouraged to form Bike To Work teams. Trophies will be awarded in various categories. Go to their website, www.healthytransportation.org to Register and see current team standings!
Check out photos from last year's Bike to Work Day.
Free breakfast for anyone who walks, rides or takes public transportation to work in Saratoga Springs. Stop by the table in front of the Arts Center at Spring St. and Broadway from 7-9 AM.
Last year was a lot of fun. If you haven't signed up yet I encourage you to do so. Last year's team winner was the Quad Graphic's Team. This year I'm signing up with the Empire State College team (the largest team thus far.)
Friday, May 7, 2010
hanging laundry on the line
Yup, I did it. A few weeks ago I strung the clothesline I bought last fall. Overall I'm enjoying the zen-like quality of the chore of hanging laundry, but it has required some adjustment. I have several small garden beds in my backyard, so when I first hung up clothes on the line I realized they were hanging right over my soon-to-be herb bed. So this morning I went out to adjust the clothesline again, to move it away from the circular bed. As I hung up clothes to dry I could hear my mother's voice, "Girls, one of you hang up the clothes on the line."
Growing up, we had a clothesline in our back yard for as long as I could remember. With seven kids, my mother spent most of her time either cooking or doing laundry. I suppose to save money, she always hung the clothes on the line to dry whenever possible. (Plus, back then, everyone had clotheslines.) She used the outdoor clothesline for half of the year and then an inside clothesline in the basement during winter time. That wasn't always as effective, and when things really wouldn't dry one of us would resort to the dryer. Still, I'm sure she saved a lot of money by not using the dryer.
I realized, as a kid, hanging up the laundry was one of the chores I really never minded. Perhaps it's doing a chore that requires you to be outside and get some fresh air. Or, it may be the zen-like quality of the work, requiring focus on how to hang the item, etc, which brings you right into the moment of what you are doing. Since my first initial "hurrying" to hang my clothes on the line and get to my office, I've now come to enjoy it. It does require some coordination. One day I had to rush home to get the clothes off the line before it rained. I'm still using my dryer some, but much less than I did prior to the clothesline being up.
My initial impetus to get a clothesline were several friends who have them. Last fall when my EcoLocal friend Dave and his wife Brenda were at my house for a gathering, he asked me, "So, where's your clothesline?" He was surprised I didn't have one, and so was I, for not thinking of it. A few weeks later I went out and bought a simple nylon clotheseline (I think from Ocean State.) But, fall arrived and I never put it up. Then, a few weeks ago my friend Heather, who has 3 kids, told me how since she started line drying most her family's laundry (and with 3 kids she has a lot), they've saved close to $60/mo on their electricity bill by not using the dryer. She even bought clothes racks to use during the winter. (She's also the one who pointed out the zen-like quality of the chore.) So, I figured if Heather can dry her clothes on the clothesline with 3 kids, so can I.
It's been fun and relatively easy (minus the weather variable.) I hope to save some $$ and reduce my "carbon footprint" even more. Plus, it's one chore in my own household I really enjoy doing. (Now if I could only find someone who would dust.)
Growing up, we had a clothesline in our back yard for as long as I could remember. With seven kids, my mother spent most of her time either cooking or doing laundry. I suppose to save money, she always hung the clothes on the line to dry whenever possible. (Plus, back then, everyone had clotheslines.) She used the outdoor clothesline for half of the year and then an inside clothesline in the basement during winter time. That wasn't always as effective, and when things really wouldn't dry one of us would resort to the dryer. Still, I'm sure she saved a lot of money by not using the dryer.
I realized, as a kid, hanging up the laundry was one of the chores I really never minded. Perhaps it's doing a chore that requires you to be outside and get some fresh air. Or, it may be the zen-like quality of the work, requiring focus on how to hang the item, etc, which brings you right into the moment of what you are doing. Since my first initial "hurrying" to hang my clothes on the line and get to my office, I've now come to enjoy it. It does require some coordination. One day I had to rush home to get the clothes off the line before it rained. I'm still using my dryer some, but much less than I did prior to the clothesline being up.
My initial impetus to get a clothesline were several friends who have them. Last fall when my EcoLocal friend Dave and his wife Brenda were at my house for a gathering, he asked me, "So, where's your clothesline?" He was surprised I didn't have one, and so was I, for not thinking of it. A few weeks later I went out and bought a simple nylon clotheseline (I think from Ocean State.) But, fall arrived and I never put it up. Then, a few weeks ago my friend Heather, who has 3 kids, told me how since she started line drying most her family's laundry (and with 3 kids she has a lot), they've saved close to $60/mo on their electricity bill by not using the dryer. She even bought clothes racks to use during the winter. (She's also the one who pointed out the zen-like quality of the chore.) So, I figured if Heather can dry her clothes on the clothesline with 3 kids, so can I.
It's been fun and relatively easy (minus the weather variable.) I hope to save some $$ and reduce my "carbon footprint" even more. Plus, it's one chore in my own household I really enjoy doing. (Now if I could only find someone who would dust.)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Community CFL Challenge
Join the Saratoga Local Living Guide's Community CFL Challenge.
The Saratoga Community CFL Challenge is a 2-month campaign that provides incentive for residents to replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescents (CFLs). The goal of the campaign is to save residents’ $36,000 on utility bills and keep 311,100 pounds of climate changing emissions from entering the atmosphere.
This is a great opportunity to purchase CFL lightbulbs at a reduced price from Allerdice, a locally owned hardware store, reduce your energy bills and get to know your neighbors.
The Community CFL Challenge is a grassroots effort that utilizes a network of volunteers to reach out to the neighbors on their block. Neighbors are given a coupon code to use to purchase bulbs through this website or at Allerdice Building Supply.
The first Block Leader meeting is today, Monday, May 3rd at 6pm at 110 Spring St.
Go to www.locallivingguide.com/cfl for more information on how to sign up or become a block leader, reduced pricing on CFL's bulbs, and learn more about the campaign.
For more information conatct Jonathan Greene, Local Living Guide Coordinator at info@locallivingguide.com or call (518) 632-6768
The Saratoga Community CFL Challenge is a 2-month campaign that provides incentive for residents to replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescents (CFLs). The goal of the campaign is to save residents’ $36,000 on utility bills and keep 311,100 pounds of climate changing emissions from entering the atmosphere.
This is a great opportunity to purchase CFL lightbulbs at a reduced price from Allerdice, a locally owned hardware store, reduce your energy bills and get to know your neighbors.
The Community CFL Challenge is a grassroots effort that utilizes a network of volunteers to reach out to the neighbors on their block. Neighbors are given a coupon code to use to purchase bulbs through this website or at Allerdice Building Supply.
The first Block Leader meeting is today, Monday, May 3rd at 6pm at 110 Spring St.
Go to www.locallivingguide.com/cfl for more information on how to sign up or become a block leader, reduced pricing on CFL's bulbs, and learn more about the campaign.
For more information conatct Jonathan Greene, Local Living Guide Coordinator at info@locallivingguide.com or call (518) 632-6768
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