The BEAT News September 2, 2009

Highland Communities Initiative 5th Biennial Conference

The future of the Highlands is in good hands – yours. On Saturday, September 12, join The Trustees of Reservations’ Highland Communities Initiative (HCI) for its 5th biennial conference celebrating the rural communities of our region and the people who are working for its bright and beautiful future.

Held for the first time in Ashfield, the conference will begin at 8:30AM at the Ashfield Town Hall , with morning and afternoon workshops located throughout Ashfield’s gorgeous town center.

In action since 2001, the Highland Communities Initiative has been working with local volunteers and residents of the 38 rural Highland communities between the Housatonic and Connecticut River Valleys to identify and protect their extraordinary natural landscapes and community resources. HCI works towards a broad and ambitious vision: that a network of informed and engaged citizens can protect and preserve important resources, shape and steer new development to meet community needs, and create a forward-thinking and comprehensive plan of action. At this upcoming conference, we invite you to gather with friends and neighbors, celebrate local volunteer successes, and think about the challenges and the course of action that lies before us in this unique landscape.

HCI is proud to welcome Laurie Sanders, host of WFCR’s “Field Notes” radio program, as the conference’s keynote speaker. Also, there will be a diverse and interesting set of smaller conference sessions to choose from, addressing topics such as how to protect our dark, nighttime skies; how local businesses are building community; ways in which farms and the farming experience are being connected to local schools; and news about regional broadband Internet access.

Conference registration is $25 for Trustees of Reservations members and $30 for nonmembers, with a $5 discount for those registering before August 31. Registration fees include lunch and morning refreshments. Please call if you are interested in volunteering at the conference in return for free admission. Attendees are asked to bring their own coffee cups or mugs to reduce the environmental impact of the conference.

For a full description of the conference sessions and registration information, visit:  http://www.thetrustees.org/hci/events-news/index.html

BEAT Note: Jane Winn from BEAT and Shawna Bebo from Berkshire Wildlife Trackers will be leading one of the sessions in the morning – Keeping Track: Connecting Through Wildlife Corridors.
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CET seeks homeowners and businesses for Green Building Tour

Energy efficiency and solar technologies are among the highlights of the 2009 Green Buildings Open House Tour, slated for Saturday, October 3.  During a time of heightened awareness about energy, this eighth annual green buildings event gives the public the chance to tour homes and businesses in the Berkshires to see clean, renewable energy at work and discover the ways people are conserving energy, saving money and protecting the environment.

Owners of homes or businesses that feature green building techniques and who are interested in participating in this year’s tour are encouraged to contact CET at 413-445-4556 ext. 25 or cynthiag@cetonline.org as soon as possible.  Registration deadline to be included in the tour is September 1.

The Open House is part of a region-wide event organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) and coordinated locally by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET). Part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour, the Open House presents an opportunity to learn firsthand how incorporating green elements can help reduce heating costs, increase energy conservation and even generate surplus clean energy.

Some of the varied solar technologies that CET hopes to showcase include roof and pole-mounted PV systems, a self-built hydropower plant and small wind turbine, a net zero energy home, and ground source heat pump systems.  Also older homes that have been retrofitted with green features, like solar for hot water, electricity, heating or natural light, energy efficiency upgrades including high efficiency heating systems, reduced air infiltration and added insulation, as well as renovations using reclaimed wood and copper.

To find out more about the Open House and energy efficient buildings, contact CET at 413-445-4556, visit www.cetonline.org or stop by the CET office at 112 Elm Street in Pittsfield, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tour goers can also visit the NESEA website at www.nesea.org, and follow the links to the Berkshire area buildings under Massachusetts.

CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization that has served western Massachusetts since 1976.  CET receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.  CET is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Support for the Green Buildings Open House in Berkshire County comes from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the SOHN Foundation.
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Massachusetts Based AltE University Bundles Beginner Classes to Make Renewable Do-Able™

AltE University is offering its 101 classes; Renewable Energy Basics, Introduction to Solar Heating for Homeowners, Introduction to Solar Electric for Homeowners and Introduction to Wind Power for Homeowners all within the month of September!
AltE University has had its hands full this year, offering classes to residential homeowners, consumers and installers at the Hudson, Massachusetts based headquarters. Now boasting IREC accreditation for its professional level courses, AltEU wanted to find a way to enhance their consumer and layperson offerings, so they chose to schedule the seminars more closely together to encourage folks to go through a Renewable Energy Back to School Blitz!

“We wanted folks who are local to be able to attend all four of the courses, in succession and within one month. We felt the tighter scheduling would help people to learn about the various renewable energy technologies in one fell swoop – while everyone from Kindergartners to College students are heading back to class,” said Sascha Deri, CEO of AltE.

The four seminars run about 3 hours each, and cover the types of residential renewable technologies, for whom they’ll work best and how to do research on tax credits and rebates available to consumers. Popular among homeowners and DIY renewable energy enthusiasts, some of these classes are also pre-requisites to the more advanced classes offered at AltE U.

“These AltE U classes are specifically designed to create more educated and conscious consumers so they can make smart buying decisions as they implement alternative energy into their homes and businesses. We prepare a balanced curriculum so that when our students leave the classroom, they can make smart and informed buying and installation decisions,” explained, Deri.

The classes cost $45 per session, but if students decide to attend all four classes, a discount is available.

About AltE® University
AltE® University, founded in 2007 is the educational branch of AltE®, offering classes in Hudson, Massachusetts and Columbus, Ohio as well as online seminars and free articles and tips. ISPQ Accredited for Photovoltaic Design and Installation and Solar Thermal Design and Installation courses as of May 2009, AltE® U’s mission is to provide high quality, up-to-date training and information in a timely and effective manner to meet the growing need for qualified renewable energy installation professionals.
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HOME FOOD PRESERVATION MAKES A COMEBACK IN GREAT BARRINGTON
 
Great Barrington, MA – The Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass) is holding a workshop on how to preserve food from the fall harvest on September 19 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the home of Fiona deRis on 1428 Hartsville-New Marlborough Road in Great Barrington. The event is part of the Massachusetts Food Preservation Workshop Day, which has been organized to meet the resurgence of interest in local foods and self-reliance. Similar events will be held in 10 other towns and cities throughout the state on the same day.

“Every year people are making more backyard gardens and enjoying the tremendous wealth of produce available from local farms in the fall. To enjoy this bounty into the winter it’s helpful to re-learn some techniques for preserving food at home that our grandparents probably used but that many of us haven’t learned yet,” said Ben Grosscup, the event organizer. “With this event, we’re offering the public an opportunity to learn from experienced food preservation educators the basic skills they need to get started.”

The workshop in Great Barrington will be taught by a pair of local food preservationists who feel passionate about promoting year-round local eating.
 
Fiona deRis is the proprietor of S.O.L (Seasonal, Organic, Local) Kitchen Catering. She is an avid food preservationist and longtime NOFA member. She’ll be teaching the workshop with her friend and colleague, Elizabeth Coe, who also serves on the board of NOFA/Mass.
 
“Food preservation takes the wonderful autumn flavors and makes them available to be enjoyed long into the winter,” said deRis. “When we do this processing of food at home, it also makes it so that our winter eating can support the local economy just as much as our summer eating can. This is a key part of moving away from shipping food all across the country, especially in the middle of winter.
 
“I will be demonstrating how to take the produce that is immediately available in large quantities and teaching the best ways to preserve it into the winter. Whatever vegetables we have in abundance is what we’ll be working with. Attendees will also get hand-outs about the preservation methods used for the food items we work with.”
 
Coe will demonstrate how to produce a unique non-alchoholic fermented beverage called “fire cider,” which is a delicious beverage that can be used as a tonic to stave off or treat colds and flus.

The workshop will cover the basics of canning, blanching and freezing, and lacto-fermentation. "Incorporating these food preservation techniques into your life helps you save money, lessen your dependence on the global corporate food chain, and provide wonderful flavor and nutrition all year round for your family,” said Grosscup. “The best time to preserve food is the same as when backyard gardens and local farm stands reach the height of the season’s harvest. Savoring fresh summer flavors is an enjoyable way to make it through the winter.”
 
In addition to Great Barrington, workshops are also being held in Brookline, South Natick, Concord, Groton, Princeton, Winchendon Springs, Shelburne, Cummington, Northampton, and Springfield.
 
For information on how to register, visit www.nofamass.org, or contact Ben Grosscup 413-658-5374, <ben.grosscup@nofamass.org>. The workshop cost is $50, and there is a $5 discount for membership in NOFA/Mass. There is also a $5 discount for registration on or before September 5, 2009. Pre-registration is requested, but on-site registration is available for an extra $5 charge. If you are planning to do a walk-in registration, please call in advance to find out if there is space availability A potluck lunch will be shared at the event, and registrants are invited to bring something to share or bring their own lunch.
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Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector
From Water Headlines for August 31, 2009, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water

EPA has published a “Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet for the Water Sector.”  Pandemic flu could affect the capability of water system operators to operate and maintain their systems adequately due to increased absenteeism at their systems and at other interdependent sectors that provide essential materials and supplies.  The flu fact sheet provides information to assist the water sector in
integrating pandemic planning into existing business continuity and emergency response plans and reducing the risk to public health that would be caused by disruption in operation of water systems.  In addition to background information on pandemic flu, its potential impacts, and possible interventions, the fact sheet provides references to tools and guidance materials offered by EPA and
other organizations.  The fact sheet is available at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/pandemicflu.cfm
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Recent "Water Wars" Debates
From Water Headlines for August 31, 2009, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water

On Tuesday, August 18, 2009 the Office of Water sponsored another in its series of “Water Wars" debates in Seattle WA, as part of the EPA Community Involvement and Training Conference.  Top U.S. debate teams – Harvard University, Whitman College, and the University of Puget Sound – debated whether the EPA has achieved its environmental justice mandate in the Puget Sound, or if minority and
low-income groups are still disproportionately impacted by pollution.
The debate was part of a larger training session entitled “Using Intercollegiate Debate to Inform Environmental Policy Discourse in America” that examined ways in which debate enhances organizational effectiveness and public communication on complex and controversial science policy questions.  A panel of experts also discussed debate methodology, examined a variety of models and examples
for using debate to foster communication and understanding, and outlined an agenda for improved decision making through debate. 
For more info on the "Water Wars" debate series contact Bryan "Ibrahim" Goodwin at (202) 566-0762 or goodwin.bryan@epa.gov.
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EPA Seeks Comments on New Information about Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide
From Water Headlines for August 31, 2009, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency it is requesting comments on new information it has received about geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. During geologic sequestration, carbon dioxide is injected underground for long-term storage. This technology can be used to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), EPA protects underground
sources of drinking water from threats related to injection activities. The new information supplements the agency’s 2008 proposed rule that, if finalized, would create a new class of injection well and establish
requirements under the authority of the SDWA to ensure that geologic
sequestration activities do not endanger drinking water sources. The publication reviews research and data on geologic sequestration and presents
an alternative the agency is considering related to the proposed injection depth requirements for carbon dioxide. In addition, the publication announces that EPA is evaluating the need for a more comprehensive regulatory framework to manage the geologic sequestration of CO2.  The agency is requesting public comments for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. More information on
geologic sequestration and how to submit comments: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html
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Local Environmental Group “Green For A Change” Receives Climate Action Grant for “Tap Water For A Change Day”

Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) Executive Director Rob Garrity today announced the award of a Wolfe & Rita Climate Action Grant to Green For A Change for the purpose of educating the public about plastic bottles and their effects on the environment.

Green For A Change’s campaign, Tap Water For A Change, will focus on water bottles although the environmental damage is, of course, the same whatever the beverage.  The campaign will start with library displays throughout Berkshire County, which will portray the waste plastic bottles produce.  There will be ongoing displays at gyms to encourage members to bring their own reusable water bottles when working out.

On Saturday, November 7, Tap For A Change Day, Green For A Change will be setting up a taste test for the public to compare bottled water and tap water near the post office on Main Street in Great Barrington.  Also on November 7, participating retailers will offer discounts on water filters and reusable bottles. On Sunday, November 8, at 11 AM, there will a free film festival at the Triplex featuring films on the subject of water bottles
and their environmental effect.

Americans buy an estimated 28 billion plastic water bottles every year and eight out of 10 of these bottles will end up in a landfill. Corporations that sell bottled water, including Coke, Pepsi, and Nestle, claim that bottled water tastes better and is better for you, but there is ever-increasing evidence of the adverse health effects tied to chemicals leached from the plastic bottle. Green For A Change would like to inform the public of the problems relating to bottled water and the advantages of local tap water.

‘Wolfe & Rita Climate Action Grants provide MCAN local chapters with a supplementary source of funding to pursue climate action projects, education outreach programs and promote climate activism in their communities,’ said MCAN Executive Director Garrity.  “Since 2002 this grant program has provided MCAN chapters with more than $20,000 to pursue local projects reducing energy use, cutting carbon emissions, and educating people about climate change.”

Founded in 1999, MCAN is a growing coalition of 40 locally organized groups fighting the climate crisis in 70 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The network promotes carbon-reducing practices on a municipal and residential level, supports other MCAN chapters and allied organizations in their efforts to build a focused statewide movement and provides assistance to state policy makers as they adopt policies to reduce energy use and address the threat of climate change.  To learn more visit
www.massclimateaction.net.
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The Little Red Hen’s Wheat Patch Project

The bread flour we had been using, as organically labeled as it might be, is road-weary and carries a carbon-heavy burden. Grown in the Dakotas, milled in North Carolina, trucked to us in Massachusetts, it is high-quality but high-priced (in more ways than one) and that is rising every day. Displaced by ethanol-bound corn and soybean crops, the price of wheat is growing in the way the grain should be. Local cultivation, though historically significant, is presently negligible. We need new strategies to address this.
According to some records, Massachusetts was the site of the first wheat harvest in North America in 1602. Within living memory of Amherst resident Steven Puffer (age 93), farmers brought local wheat, rye and corn to his family’s mill on Old Montague Road (now Route 63).
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