Blog : January 2012
New Hampshire Energy Programs - Increase Your Energy Efficiency and Your Bottom Line
Interested in doing well while doing good? New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibilty can help. Since the late 1980's NHBSR has been supporting businesses committed to adopting socially responsible business practices.
As we all know, energy costs are on the rise and putting pressure on the bottom lines of businesses throughout New Hampshire. NHBSR is having a free webinar on how energy efficient programs can greatly reduce your energy costs. These costs could go down as much as 50% and can create a more comfortable environment for customers and employees.
To learn more on how you can potentially save thousands of dollars a year on energy, register for the free webinar here:
New Intern, Joe Cappiello, Joins Green Alliance Team
.jpg)
Since becoming a college student I have wanted to work for an organization that is helping to keep our environment sustainable. That is why I am very happy to be working with Green Alliance. For the past few years or so I have become more and more conscientious of how much energy I use. By doing the little things such as using less water, turning off lights, and buying organic food I strive to lessen my environmental impact and live a sustainable lifestyle.
Currently I am a business-marketing student at the University of New Hampshire. I am passionate about cooking, sports, health, fitness, people, and most importantly the environment. My goal at Green Alliance is to help in any way I can. I plan on writing articles on green businesses and attending events to extend the word on the services Green Alliance provides. All around I am excited to be apart of Green Alliance and look forward to working with them throughout my junior year.
Shawnee Peak announces ShowSports Adventure Camp
Old Man Winter might have taken it easy on New England thus far, but everyone knows it's only a matter of time before he wakes up -- and wakes up anrgy.
Rest assured, when that happens, Shawnee Peak will be ready.
On top of maintaining an always pristine run of slopes and trails, the folks at the Bridgton, Maine ski resort are currently gearing up for the next in a long line of creative program: SnowSports Adventure Camp.
Needless to say, these aren't your grandfather's ski lessons. With a schedule that includes on-mountain scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, lessons on park skiing, and freestyle tutorials, the camp promises a program as fun as it is informative.
Each camp session will run for three days (February 20-22, 23-25, and 26-28), with daily sessions being conducted from 9am to 3pm. All sessions are open to kids age six and over, regardless of ability or experience. Luch and snacks will be provided
To learn more or to register, click here!
Button Up NH workshops teach residents how to stay warm and keep money in their pockets
.jpg)
My Energy Planet’s initiative to teach New Hampshire residents about home energy savings is in full swing. Button Up NH is now in its third year, and now offers participants two different workshops about saving energy at home. Button Up 101 is A Workshop on the Basics of Home Energy Savings, and provides participants with examples of simple actions and investments that can be made to reduce heating, electricity and hot water usage. Button Up 201 is An Advanced Workshop for Controlling Energy costs and is for residents that already have a basic understanding of energy savings and are eager to take their knowledge a step further through things such as do-it-yourself projects.
All Button Up NH workshops will be taught by certified energy professionals, and are free and open to the public. The workshops will be taking place at various locations and times across the state so that more people can take advantage of them. Green Alliance business partner Simply Green Biofuels will be sponsoring and hosting a workshop at its headquarters in Portsmouth at Regeneration Park sometime in March. The Green Alliance is also looking to sponsor one of the Button Up workshops, although the time has yet to be determined. Upcoming workshops will be Button Up 101, taking place on February 1 at 7pm in Sandwich, February 2 at 7pm in Amherst and February 9 at 3pm in Goffstown. My Energy Planet will be updating the workshop schedule regularly, so those who are interested can visit myenergyplan.net/buttonup for more information.
Growing GA Green Jobs Listing proves viability of green locally
(1).jpg)
When you add up the workers and staff for all 98 Green Alliance Business Partners, you end up with over 1800 people employed at area businesses -- no small thing in a tough economy.
Since 2010, the GA has mainted its very own Green Jobs Listing. During the height of the recession, the page was always pretty sparse -- a job here, a job there, usually weeks, if not months, apart.
How things have changed. In the past six months, our Green Jobs Listing has exploded, a testament to the viability and promising prospects of green commerce here on the Seacoast.
For example, Revolution Energy is currently hiring for a Curriculum Developer and Customer Relations pro! And don't forget that our humble little organization is hiring for a new Customer Service / Office Manager!
Check out our GA Green Jobs Listing by clicking here!
Comedian with a heart of green returns to New Hampshire
Supporting a good cause doesn’t have to be a serious affair – and it never will be as long as Mike McDonald is involved. In association Cuzin Richard Entertainment Associates (CREA), the Bostonian comedian will host the 11th Annual Comedy Xxtravaganza this February. As usual, they will donate proceeds to several worthy New Hampshire organizations.
The Xxtravaganza will take place at two venues: February 17th at the Music Hall in Portsmouth and February 18th at the Concord City Auditorium. McDonald, who has appeared on HBO, Showtime and Comedy Central, will belittle and enlighten the audience alongside the likes of “tauntingly contemptuous” Stacy Kendro, the genuinely unbalanced Ira Proctor and DJ Hazard, who once lived out of his car for three years.
“When you do events you can’t use the same people every time,” says Smith, who has been promoting local talent since 1976. “It keeps it fresh and fun. Basically, people are looking to go out and have a good time. They want to laugh. In the middle of February, it’s important to feel good and this show makes it happen.”
But laughing until you herniate various organs isn’t the only reason to attend. CREA, which has a long tradition of supporting humanitarian causes, will donate a portion of the proceeds from each show to two New Hampshire organizations.
Green Happenings at the York County Shelter Programs
For over 32 years York County Shelter Programs have been helping those who are less fortunate. Specifically, YCSP is dedicated to ending homelessness and helping people reach their potential. Currently, YCSP owns a five building, 74 bed main campus in Alfred that houses families and individuals and provides them a barn-set gymnasium, bakery, and comfortable classroom. Every year, hundreds of people benefit from YCSP’s support.
Since late 2010, The Green Alliance has been proud to work with YCSP. It all started with a passionate inquiry sent by Mary Doyle, the Public Relations Director for YCSP. Sarah Brown, The Green Alliance’s founder, was blown away by YCSP’s altruistic values. The very next day Brown scheduled a meeting with Doyle. After an hour or so of discussing the benefits of being a Partnering Business with the GA, Doyle happily agreed to join the organization. Even better, Brown revealed that YCSP would be the first ever to join the GA for free. By joining, the YCSP became the first recipient of the GA’s newly launched Sustainable Commerce Scholarship.
Below is a slideshow of recent YCSP “Green Happenings”. It is an overview of many green practices that have taken place recently at YCSP, which include recycling, composting, energy evaluations, incorporations of solar and alternative technologies, and more.
Revitalizing America's energy economy with industrial efficiency
The Green Alliance is one of the many businesses and organizations that have signed on to support a new campaign by the Pew Environment Group of Pew Charitable Trusts for industrial efficiency. The environmental benefits are obvious; increasing efficiency would save energy and reduce waste, and allow companies to utilize more power from natural gas, coal and biomass.
But the advantages don’t stop there. Harnessing the power generated by manufacturing and industry would create an estimated one million jobs for Americans, according to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It would also save them money and increase our country’s competitiveness.
As stated on the ad campaign, “America’s utilities and factories send up enough heat through their chimneys to power Japan.” The plan would be to capture this surplus energy using existing technologies and use it for heat and electricity. This process is known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP). Recycled power and heat could be used anywhere from the factories where it came, to colleges, commercial buildings and even residential homes. In a time where money is tight and the health of the environment is at risk, changing the way we utilize energy is not only necessary, it simply makes sense.
For more information on industrial efficiency visit www.PewTrusts.org/industrialefficiency
Behrmann hopes PUC board yields growth for NH’s alternative energy sector
To say it’s been a whirlwind year for Mike Behrmann would be an understatement as grand as the budding green entrepreneur’s recent accomplishments.
In December, Behrmann – who co-owns the Dover-based Revolution Energy – was appointed to the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EESE) Board of the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
At 28, Behrmann is – by a good seven years – the youngest member of the now three-year-old committee, established to help both the PUC and state legislature understand the impact of various policies, programs, and initiatives on New Hampshire’s ever-growing green sector.
With a member list that includes the likes of former U.S. Congressman Jeb Bradley and New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association President David Borden, one would think Behrmann might risk a certain level of star-struck intimidation.
While that may have been the case initially, Behrmann admits it didn’t last long.
“When I first got word of the appointment, I had a little rush of nervousness,” says Behrmann with a laugh. “But as soon as you realize the wealth of experience and the tremendous opportunities it poses, it’s hard to be anything but excited.”
For the University of New Hampshire grad, inclusion on the board means an opportunity to help shape alternative energy policy in a state at a green crossroads, of sorts.
“Part of our goal is to be a resource for entities both public and private to vet new ideas, new policies, and to assure that the alternative energy sector in New Hampshire continues to grow,” says Behrmann, who, along with Clay Mitchell, founded Revolution in 2008. “And as a business owner operating here, I’m making it my goal to shed some light on the benefits this industry can have in a whole host of areas.”
February Green Eggs: Heating with Wood; Is this the Future of the Heating Market?
NH Residents Feel the Pinch of Rising Fuel Prices, Home Heating Prices to Hit Record High in Northeast.
These are just a couple of recent news articles, though it doesn't much feel like news anymore. Home and business owners face the challenge of finding more efficient ways to provide heat in the cold winter months, or be susceptible to increasing energy prices. Pat Coon of ReVision Heat has been helping Mainers take control of their energy destiny for the past decade..png)
He will present on the myriad of heating options that are on the market today and which application makes sense based on estimated or calculated heat loads. Pat will also show you a working pellet boiler and speak to why he feels passionate this is the main stream solution for the future of New Englanders.
The presenters: Pat Coon is the founder of ReVision Heat, before that he co-founded ReVision Energy. Pat is a Master Electrician and has spent his career helping people find ways to reduce their energy loads. ReVision Heat provides boiler optimizations to improve the efficiency of your already existing boiler. They also install heat pump water heaters, air source heat pumps, high efficiency gas or propane boilers and wood and pellet boilers. ReVision Heat is your partner on the road off oil!
Recycled Copper, The Green Option To Love
At Greenovations we're huge fans of recycled copper sinks, perhaps because few products epitomize the meaning of green better than this vital fixture of every home. In fact, when thinking green for home building products, sinks are rarely at the top of anyone's list. Odd considering no .jpg)
fixture, nor hardly any other building material gets more use. So, before plodding into our love for recycled copper sinks let me just define "green" for a moment.
Like it or love it, the term "green" has stuck and has evolved to mean more than just eco-friendly. In fact, we think the term green is an umbrella for 3 important factors when assessing the value of any product: 1) Is it eco-friendly 2) Is it healthy 3) Is it produced with fair trade/labor practices.
Some materials meet the concerns of all these factors, some meet just one or two. Whatever the end result, demanding these qualities is better for all of us. Recycled copper sinks, such as Premier Copper hand-hammered sinks, are a terrific example of a product the lives up to the full meaning of Green...
Shawnee Peak to boast best ski conditions yet this weekend
While it hasn't been the white winter many had hoped, Shawnee Peak is gearing up for the season's best skiing conditions to date this weekend. Indeed, with nearly six inches of fresh new powder currently coating the Bridgton, Maine resort, the trails and runs promise to be as cool and crisp as the weather itself.
And with a plethora of fun happenings on the docket, there's never been a better time to hit the slopes.
On Saturday, representatives from Monster Energy Drink will be on hand giving away free samples and offering prizes for Shawnee's Monster Rail Jam, which will take place in the lower terrain between 1 and 3pm. The contest is free and open to the public, with registration happening between 11 and 12.
Additionally, The Sports Hub (98.5 FM) will be broadcasting live from the mountain's bottom, giving away free shwag throughout the day, and hosting an Apres ski party at Shawnee's Blizzards Pub from 4 to 6pm.
Shawnee's also taking this weekend to taut their latest, recession-busting offer: Aptly named the 6-Pack, the deal gives customers six ski days for the price of five. At just $295, the package is perfect for those looking for an all-season pass, but unsure whether they'll be hitting the slopes enough to get their money's worth.
So pack up the fam, load up the van, and take a trip up to scenic Bridgeton, for what promises to be one of the best ski weekends of the young year!
Acorn Organic Salon sponsors hockey benefit for local mom
Next Saturday, the girls from Acorn Organic Salon will be in attendance at the Rinks at Exeter to watch as Team Bosworth takes on a squad of Boston Bruins Alumni featuring Rick Middleton, Terry O’Reilly, Brad Park, Reggie Lemelin, Bob Sweeney, and Bruce Crowder.
While the event promises to offer a day of fun and reminiscing for hockey fans, it also touts a deeper, more important purpose: To benefit Keri Bosworth, a Newmarket mother of two and Bauer Hockey employee who suffered a severe injury last summer.
Acorn’s Laura McKay says the salon – who is helping sponsor the event – was first made aware of the campaign when client and benefit organizer, Mike O’Neil, told her about his friend’s tragic accident.
“Immediately we all said, ‘anything we can do to help, we’ll do it,’” recalls McKay.
For the first two benefits (held earlier this month) Acorn donated a bevy of materials and gift certificates for raffles. This time around, however, the team was eager to lend their name to the cause.
“We thoroughly believe in the idea of community – it’s a huge part of what we do,” says McKay. “Beyond the benefit just being in Exeter, we’ve just always prided ourselves in helping anyone who needs it, whether it’s donations, sponsorships – anything.”
Tickets for the benefit are $10 – they can be purchased either at the door, or at Acorn’s Exeter or Dover locations – with all proceeds going to the Positive Thoughts for Kerry Fund.
To make the donation feel even better, Acorn will be giving away a $10 gift certificate to their salons for every ticket purchased.
Talk about giving back.
“We felt like it was the least we could do for such a great cause,” exclaims McKay.
The event begins at 6pm, and will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, as well as a visit from Max, the mascot for the Manchester Monarchs.
Those interested in contributing directly to the fund can make checks out to "Positive Thoughts for Keri,” to be sent to: Positive Thoughts For Keri, 23 Second St., Amesbury, MA 01913.
Also be sure to check out the benefit’s Facebook page by clicking here.
Children's Museum of NH announces MINI Cooper Car Raffle Fundraiser
The Children’s Museum of NH is starting off this year’s fundraising with the raffling off of one very cool prize. One lucky person will be the owner of a brand new 2012 MINI Cooper Convertible, valued at $29,000.
The model is pepper white with black bonnet stripes, and is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, cold weather package (heated seats, heated power folding mirrors, and heated washer jets), Bluetooth with iPod adapter, power folding convertible top, 121 HP 1.6 liter engine, air conditioning, MINI Boost Stereo, 1-year free Sirius subscription, CD player, power one-touch windows, and power door locks.
This raffle is part of a new initiative by the Museum to raise funds imperative to the operation of its many award-winning programs. These programs are a huge resource for the “community on both local and statewide levels” says Justine Roberts, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of NH. “We serve over 93,000 people a year and nearly half of those visitors are welcomed at no cost or reduced admission. We have free programs for families with children on the autism spectrum, for families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s, and for all Title 1 schools in New Hampshire. We also open our doors to arts, education, cultural management and science professionals as a meeting place and to encourage networking and collaborations. We are launching this new fundraiser so we can continue finding ways to make a difference for New Hampshire’s families.”
The winning ticket will be drawn on March 23, 2012 at the Cheers to Children event, which will include local food, live music, and wine. Those who want a chance at winning the fully-loaded MINI Cooper Convertible can order their tickets at www.childrens-museum.org, at the Museum’s front desk during regular business hours, or by calling the Museum at 603-742-2002. Tickets for Cheers to Children are available at $50 per person, or there is an option to buy the Ultimate Ticket: one car raffle ticket and two tickets to Cheers to Children for just $175, a $25 savings.
Tim Gaudreau shares personal experience with his carbon footprint in “365 Days of Considered Consumption”
Environmental artist Tim Gaudreau spent a whole year documenting every single item he threw away with a photo. Then he did it again, this time including every aspect of his life that added to his carbon footprint. The task was monumental, as Gaudreau quickly discovered. The year left him with over 28,000 photos and the realization that every minute detail of his routine contributed to his impact on the earth.
Gaudreau's installation, “365 Days of Considered Consumption” is separate from his earlier project, “Self Portrait as Revealed by Trash: 365 days of photographing everything I threw out,” but it's an extension of the same idea. The first project considered only one aspect of his environmental footprint, and came to inform his consumption decisions in order to reduce his waste. By the time he started his second year of photographing, this time including everything from vehicle emissions to television viewing, he'd already made some notable changes in his trash-generating habits. He'd adjusted how he purchased food to avoid items with unnecessary packaging, he'd started growing his own food to eliminate packaging completely and circumvent food transportation emissions, and he'd started composting. Still, nothing could have prepared him for the task of documenting every single component of one year's worth of his carbon footprint.
“When I started the project, I didn't realize how deep it would go,” says Gaudreau. “I found that the easiest way to document my impact was through a photo-diary. Once I started photographing everything, I realized how many layers there are to my carbon footprint, and that really everything I do contributes to it.”
Become a Green Alliance member today and START SAVING on local, green goods and services! JOIN NOW
