Join Greenovations for American Clay demonstration September 10th!

Greenovations, a catch-all home building and remodeling store specializing in all green, sustainable products and materials, will be hosting an American Clay demonstration by Lisa Teague of Lisa Teague Studios.

American Clay Earth Plasters are a natural, environmentally friendly way to finish any interior. Non-toxic and made in the USA, these plasters are an alternative to cement, acrylic and lime plasters, offering superior color, richness, texture and depth not found with other finishes.

Located in Bowl-O-Rama Plaza, Greenovations – which opened its doors in mid May – and its owner, Christopher Ring, are as green as it gets. A catch-all building and remodeling depot, Greenovations offers everything from super efficient wall radiators to insulation, floors to countertops, cabinets to wood stoves, paints and coatings to solar tubes, attic fans, plywood and tiles.

The best part? According to Ring, “every single one of Greenovations’ products are manufactured at the highest standards of sustainability.”

While the list of eco-friendly products offered at Greenovations is as long as it is impressive, each of them tells their own uniquely green story: countertops made of 100% recycled paper; Rais woodstoves from Denmark – widely considered the most efficient of their kind on the planet; recycled glass tiles manufactured using half the energy of standard tiles; and insulation made from 85 percent recycled denim and other cotton.

There’s even a butcher block made from wood salvaged from lakes and rivers in Maine – a sapling Ring claims dates to the days of Christopher Columbus.

More reasons to eat local food

Generally, I don't like to blog about the same subject multiple times, but bear with me on this one. As discussed in a previous blog post, there have been a series of food recalls recently, including a massive recall of eggs, as well as a smaller recall of deli meats. Before we get back to the egg recall, we've got a new recall on our hands - one that sickened a few folks from right here in Maine.

You can read the full details here, but the bottom line is that BJ's Wholesale locations in 4 New England states, including NH, ME, and MA, received potentially tainted ground beef prodcued by Cargill, a truly awful company whose products should be avoided if at all possible.

Everyone Needs an Energy Plan, Create Your Own for FREE at Myenergyplan.net

The New England Carbon Challenge (NECC) is proud to present their new sister web site MYENERGYPLAN.NET. Accessible to both renters and homeowners, My Energy Plan™ houses a suite of FREE web based tools that are breaking down barriers to household energy efficiency and renewable energy technology.

Want to learn how to get a home energy audit? There’s a tool for that. Want to know what your energy footprint is? There’s a tool for that. Interested in visiting a “green home” in your area? There’s a tool for that! The tools on MYENERGYPLAN.NET are being developed with two key energy partners, NH Sustainable Energy Association and UNH Cooperative Extension’s Energy Answers program.

Why My Energy Plan™?

Magic Salt - saves you money while saving the environment

Magic Salt is a bi-product of the distillation process of vodka mixed with Magnesium. It is 90% less corrosive, works at a lower temperature, almost no damage to the environment, and only 50 to 60 percent is required to do the job regular salt would.  You are reducing everything from fuel, to salt, to cost with this product. Magic Salt will stay around for a few weeks after application to continue protecting against snowstorms. Watch the video to learn more. For more info on Crescent Snow and Ice Management, click here.

Get Paid for Solar! New Hampshire Passes Forward-Minded Solar Electric Legislation

Guest Blogger: Fred Greenhalgh, ReVision Energy

The Granite State has already been a solar leader in New England with their generous $6,000 cash rebate for residential solar electric systems up to 5kw as well as an average $1,500 rebate for solar hot water.

Now New Hampshire has taken the next step – mandating utilities to pay the customer for excess electric generation! Yes, New Hampshire now requires utilities to pay customers when their solar electric system generates more electricity than they use.

The legislation, House Bill (HB) 1353 states that:

"...the customer-generator may elect to be paid or credited by the electric distribution utility for its excess generation at rates that are equal to the utility’s avoided costs for energy and capacity to provide default service as determined by the commission consistent with the requirements of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 (PURPA)"

Emphasis Added

Smartphones make mixing work and play easier

Guest Blogger: MJ Shoer, owner of Jenaly IT Solutions

With summer comes some long-awaited outdoor activities, including vacation for many.

While you may not want to equate vacation with technology, the reality is that many of us, myself included, work while on vacation or mix vacation with work. Personally, I try to be better about this each year, and I'm making good progress on that, but the reality is that one rarely unplugs these days.

Now the philosophy and psychology aside, if you do mix vacation with work, technology can certainly make the endeavor a whole lot less intrusive on your time and your family or friends.

A smartphone can be a great tool to keep in touch while you're away or just enjoying some outdoor time. Many people use smartphone for e-mail, but they can also be used to review documents, spreadsheets and more. I've talked with several people over the last year who no longer take a notebook computer with them on their trips. They find that their smartphones are more than ample for their needs to communicate verbally and electronically as well as review files while they are away from the office. I even know people who use their smartphone and more recently the iPad, to make remote connections back to their office and work on their business software while traveling.

So if the thought of carrying around a notebook computer is not appealing, you have options. I still carry my tablet computer with me on trips, but I don't use it nearly as often as I used to. They day may come when I no longer need to take it with me, but the jury is still out. I am able to use my smartphone for e-mail, files and even our main business application, but there is still a lot I do on a traditional PC. Having the flexibility is key and it allows me to work around my family's schedule when we are traveling together and I have work to do.

Organic Bonita is offering some great Salon Summer Savings

Now thru July, Organic Bonita is offering great salon summer savings including Mani/Pedi Monday and Sunkissed Foil Friday.

• Mondays you can receive a spa manicure and pedicure for $55
• Tuesday and Thursday save 25% off all salon services
•  Fridays you can receive a Sunkissed Foil for $45 without a haircut and $65 with a haircut (price may vary according to length and texture of hair)!

*These limited specials cannot be combined with the GA discount.

Here's the Latest "Green IT Idea of the Month" from Jenaly Technology Group

Sharing PC’s Can Save Energy & Money

Sharing computers in libraries, internet cafes and other public spots is not a new idea. However, some people are applying this concept at the workplace in their attempt to reduce their energy use by reducing the number of PC’s. This can be particularly effective in the instance of job sharing—1 PC can be used by multiple users at different times. Certainly security issues need to be carefully considered and solutions implemented, but this is a viable solution to greening up your IT.

To learn more about Jenaly Technology Group click here! 

ReVision’s Clean and Efficient “Solar Spill” on YouTube

ReVision is getting the word out about solar energy.  The state of Maine receives an overflowing amount of sunshine.  Sunshine = solar energy. Solar energy can be used to heat your home's water or generate electricity using solar panels.  Watch ReVision's short video below to learn more!

News from Purely Organic Lawncare: Red Thread Turf Disease

Red Thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) is a disease that can occur in the spring and fall during humid periods when the air temperatures are between 50 - 70 degrees F. Fine-leaved fescues and some ryegrasses are particularly susceptible to this disease. The disease has been showing up more and more over the past few weeks because of the weather conditions we have been having. One of the major causes of Red Thread is prolonged leaf wetness caused by humidity, dew and rain.

Red Thread most often develops in circular or irrigular patches from 4 inches to 2 feet in diameter. This area may grow after the turf has prolonged exposure to the disease. The affected leaves in these patches can be tan or bleached-white in color. From a distance, the patches can have a reddish appearance, due to the presence of thick, red strands of fungal growth emanating from the affected leaves. The damage caused by Red Thread is usually superficial as the crown and root systems are not infected. In most cases the turf will eventually grow through the damage.

ReStore offers specials on top-line rain barrels

We all know that when it rains, it pours; and with the right rain barrel, all that rainwater can be saved. Rain water harvesting is important because it decreases the high demand for domestic water in which residential irrigation can account for up to 40% of consumption.

By collecting rain water and storing it a rain barrel you’ll have water for future use, whether it’s for watering the garden or just keeping it handy for emergency situations. One inch of rain fall on a 1,000 foot surface will yield approximately 500 gallons of soft, untreated rain water.

Rainwater harvesting is an entirely new water supply that can be used for irrigation, augmentation, or as an alternative to traditional supplies. Rainwater harvesting is a viable option  and will decrease the population's reliance on dwindling groundwater supplies and reduce demand for surface water. 

To help promote this growing green trend, the Dover ReStore is offering a special on top-of-the-line rain barrels: come in today and get one for just $85!. This 47 gallon barrel has a brass sillcock and a two inch overflow,removable clean out screen, and is built to last.
 

So, go out today and get your Rain Barrel from Southeast NH Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Dover, NH. For more information visit www.senhhabitat.org.

Get the facts on recycling in Portsmouth

Have you ever wondered about how much trash your town generates? Or where the trash goes after you have gotten rid of it? Silke Psula, Solid Waste Coordinator for the City of Portsmouth has provided these interesting thoughts and facts on our waste. Think about these facts next time you go to throw something in your trash can!

The City of Portsmouth averages 12,265 tons of waste annually. This includes municipal solid waste (in general kitchen and bathroom waste), recyclables, yard waste, wood waste, scrap metal and appliances, electronics, tires and concrete. The City's curbside recycling rate is 21%; however if you calculate all the waste that is diverted from the landfill, it is 58.64% - impressive!

Portsmouth's waste goes to the Rochester landfill. A landfill is a lined hole in the ground which goes as deep as it goes high. The landfill averages 300-400 trucks per day of varying tonnage. The City has 2 trucks delivering waste to the landfill 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Portsmouth disposes of an average of 5,258 tons annually at the landfill.

Guest Blog: New Law will Help Weatherize Maine Homes

As seen in Maine Partners for Cool Communities "Cool News April 2010"

A bill recently passed by the Legislature will make clean energy more affordable for Maine homeowners and businesses. LD 1717: An Act to Increase the Affordability of Clean Energy for Homeowners and Businesses, sponsored by Rep. Patsy Crockett of Augusta, will help to establish an innovative financing program for much needed energy efficiency and clean energy improvements in communities across the state.

The program known as PACE or Property Assessed Clean Energy, allows property owners to borrow money to pay for energy improvements. Unlike a loan, PACE financing is paid back over a 20 year period as an assessment on the property tax bill (or similar method) and would stay with the property throughout the life of the loan. Those individuals that pay for energy improvements are the ones benefiting from the savings generated. There are no up front costs and the program is voluntary.

Cardea's Dr. Kimberly Higney on the "Start Feeling Better Now" show with Hal Decker

Tune in to WSCA 106.1 FM, Portsmouth Sustainability Radio, on Wednesday, April 14th from 9-10 AM to hear Green Alliance Business Partner Kimberly Higney of Cardea Chiropractic and Well-being on the "Start Feeling Better Now" show with Hal Decker!

Dr. Kimberly Higney completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. She became a Certified Kinesiologist and Master Personal Trainer and studied whole food nutrition. After moving to the US, she studied chiropractic at Palmer College in Iowa, and interned in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She completed her residency in Physical Medicine at Holzer Hospital in Ohio.

Dr. Higney is Part III certified in the post-graduate technique of Network Spinal Analysis (NSA), and certified in the Palmer Chiropractic Package. She has trained extensively in the US, Canada and Italy, and is nationally licensed in the US and Canada, and holds state licenses in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Ohio.

Jenaly Technology Group- Green IT Action Item of the Month!

Jenaly Technology Group Inc. is constantly educating the public on green IT as well as advocating for greener IT practices. Each month the Jenaly newsletter features a green action tip to help readers maker better IT choices. Check out this month's tip below!

Choose to Download Software Instead of Ordering the CD!

When possible purchase software online and then choose to download the install package instead of ordering the cd. This saves money on packaging, saves time because you get the software immediately and most importantly it reduces the carbon footprint & costs related to shipping the CD. Learn more at: Carbonfund.org

To learn more about Jenaly Technology Group Inc. click here!

Sale this weekend at Re-Store in Dover!

Have you been thinking about remodeling a room in your home? Are you in the market for tools, windows, cabinets, flooring or other materials for your home improvement projects? If you answered yes to either of these questions be sure to check out this weekend's sale at the Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity Re-Store located at 15 Fourth Street in Dover, NH. The sale will take place on Saturday, April 3 from 9 AM to 5 PM. Re-Store is offering 30% off everything in the store as well as 50% off selected items. The folks at Re-Store are looking to clear out a lot of their merchandise in order to make room for some new deliveries, this opportunity should not be missed!

Guest Blog: Peter Ellinwood on calculating payback for efficient lighting

By Peter Ellinwood
GreenPoma.com

Energy saving light bulbs are more sophisticated than traditional bulbs. Inevitably, that means they cost more. But since they also use less electricity and last longer, they save money and reduce air pollution and landfill waste over time -- some would say they even make you money down the road. So how do you determine if a more expensive energy saving bulb is a smart investment?

Using current electricity rates and daily "burn time" assumptions, the annual cost per watt of electricity for residential customers in New England can be calculated. So to determine payback, you simply factor in the watts saved by an energy efficient light bulb, along with its price.

Here’s an example: if you switch from 100-watt old-fashioned bulbs to 23-watt CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) in two table lamps next to a sofa, you’d be saving 154 watts per year. Here's the math: each bulb saves 77 watts (100 watt standard bulb minus 23 for a CFL), so 2x77 = 154 watts.

Now suppose these lamps are routinely on every evening for 3 hours. Using the table below, which shows current energy costs in both Maine and New Hampshire, assume that a watt in New Hampshire costs 18 cents a year. So $0.18 x 154 watts = $27.72 in annual savings.

And that’s just for two small light bulbs in your living room!

That means you can buy a pair of quality CFLs for $8, your electricity savings will pay back your investment in less than four months. If these bulbs have an average rated life of 12,000 hours, you’ll still have thousands of hours of life remaining after payback, during which you’ll boost the return on your $8 energy efficient light bulb purchase every time you turn on your lamps.

Now just imagine the savings if you put CFLs throughout your house. Something to think about….

Peter Ellinwood is a green lighting expert and owner of GreenPoma.com in Concord. He joined the Green Alliance last year as the first Business Partner to join from Concord. Click here to learn more about his business!

16th Annual Seacoast Home & Garden Show coming to Durham

The Seacoast Home & Garden Show is returning to UNH’s Whittemore Center the weekend of March 26 through 28. This year’s show will be putting a special emphasis on updating and remodeling in today’s increasingly eco-friendly world. Attendees can expect to walk away from the show with great new ideas for their home and garden.

The Seacoast Home & Garden Show will feature over 200 exhibitors including some familiar Green Alliance Business Partners! American Ecothermal, MJW Drywall & Foam Insulation, Seacoast Energy Alternatives Solar Store, Simply Green Biofuels and the Green Alliance will all have booths at the show!

Those interested in attending this year’s Seacoast Home & Garden show can take advantage of the $2 off adult admission coupon by printing it from below, or from the event website by clicking here.

For more information on this event, including a full list of exhibitors, click here.

It's a great time to join Zev Yoga!

Have you been thinking about joining a yoga studio? Now is the time to join Zev Yoga located at 16 Market Square in Portsmouth. Jonas Zev Amberger, Director of Zev Yoga studios has had to make the tough decision to raise his monthly membership fees to $120 per month for unlimited classes starting March 21, 2010 (Spring Equinox) in order to ensure the long-term success of the studio. The price for drop-ins will remain at $15 dollars.

As a special deal, those who are already members of the studio will be “grandfathered” at the rate they signed up with, locking their membership fee at either $44 or $50 for life! In addition, those who sign up before March 21 will receive the grandfathered rate of $50 with the commitment of retaining their membership to the end of 2010.

If you have been on the fence about joining a yoga studio, this opportunity should not be missed!

Premium Brands Spring Cleaning Special: Save 50% on a green carpet cleaning!

Just in time for everyone's favorite time of year -- spring cleaning (come on guys, you know you love it) -- Chris Culcasi and the folks at Premium Brands are offering a one-time-only mega deal. Become a Green Alliance member, and save 50% on a comprehensive, clean and green carpet cleaning. That means you can do up to 5 rooms for only $99!

While you're getting all those old dirty slush and snow marks out of your carpet, you can rest assured knowing that Culcasi's Oxi-Fresh system is not only the greenest, but the healthiest as well. Instead of driving a big van and hauling equipment that often requires more than 50 gallons of water to steam your carpet, Culcasi instead uses only 2 gallons of his “encapsulation” product, which crystallizes the dirt and makes it far easier to remove. Not only is the product non-toxic and biodegradable – it costs just the same as a standard carpet clean, without the tremendous waste of energy and water.

Click here to learn more about Oxi-Fresh and the other Premium Brands, and find out why Culcasi's unique team of home surface cleaning services are the cleanest and greenest out there today.