Mary's Musings on Loans, Renewables, Energy Efficiency and more....

Grand Rapids Volunteers and Donors make BMX possible!

Sat, 17 May 2008 06:57:46 -0500

I shared in my post BMX is Back in Grand Rapids Michigan the efforts of local group Helmets On! to bring BMX racing back to the Grand Rapids area.

Guess What!?! TODAY IS OPENING DAY!!!

A VERY hard working, dedicated crew of VOLUNTEERS have poured their hearts and pocketbooks out to make this dream a reality. Transforming this pile of dirt (one man's junk is another man's treasure) which was donated from the Calvin College construction site to this....

which still doesn't look like much....

unless you know what you are looking for!

This crew has fought the Mother Nature and the weather at every turn (no pun intented!)

As the construction equipment was on overtime last night trying to get this track in shape for an opening day race, droves of neighborhood kids, young and old, came by the track to see what was going on....

Tim Irwin, West Michigan Technical Supply says, "It's all for the kids. So many of these kids are great kids, they have just never had a chance to really shine at anything."

Tim has been the instrumental force in spearheading this effort spending the last three years of his life working to secure this opportunity. This track will prove to be a premier track not only in Michigan but in the midwest...quite possibly the nation.

This BMX track sanctioned by the NBL has quite a story behind it...the people, the volunteers, the donations...but mostly the riders. I will be back to write more about these gems we have in West Michigan.

For now, if you are looking for something fun and interesting....

We hope to race today....further improvements on the track will continue to shape this treasure of clay...

and help form the youth of today into tomorrow's leaders. We expect there will be many diamonds in the rough...some of the strongest, fastest riders in the US who will come out of the neighborhoods in the Greater Grand Rapids area.

Kids who have just "never had a chance to shine" can now shine....

Directions can be found here: The track is located in the old Southwest Little League park, between Plaster Creek Family Park and US 131. The address is 580 Kirtland St SW, Grand Rapids, MI.

Registration begins at 1pm, racing at 2:30....

Bring your helmet and your bike....or just participate as a specatator (always free!) and experience the heart and soul that has gone into this project....

As always, volunteers and sponsors are welcome!!!!

More later...there are so many volunteers and sponsors to mention it will take many blogs!!

For now, Riders....Watch the Gate!!!!

Texas Winds Blow Into Michigan

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:46:40 -0500

JaneAnne is a true educator always thinking of new and interesting ways to involve members with current events and regional news. I find reading through the member blogs for JaneAnne's challenges a fun way to keep up with what is going on in other areas of the country!

This month, the April Challenge is to provide links to Green News in YOUR neighborhood.

Here is a snippet of what is going on in my neighborhood - Michigan...and Stephanie's - Texas!

Steelcase (NYSE: SCS), headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan announced in a press release dated March 18, 2008 that they have made a long term financial committment to a U. S. Wind Farm. You can read the Steelcase press release to find out more. The wind farm is in Panhandle, Texas and is being developed by a landowner and John Deere Renewables.

*picture from http://www.eia.doe.gov/

According to the Steelcase press release, "The wind farm will be named the "Wege Wind Energy Farm, provided by Steelcase" in honor of Peter Wege, a Michigan environmentalist, Steelcase founding family member and former board member."

Peter Wege, environmentalist and philanthropist, leads by positive example. If you are unfamiliar you may read about Mr. Wege and the Wege Foundation on the foundation website. The Wege Foundation's main focus is in the West Michigan area and it zero's in on the Grand Rapids area. The five pillars of the foundation are:

Education
Environment
Arts and Culture
Health Care
Human Services

In addition to the financial committment Steelcase has made to the Wege Wind Energy Farm, the company has also committed to purchasing approximately 35 million kWh or renewable energy certificates (REC) annually from the wind farm for at least its first five years of operation. According to Steelcase this makes their company the first company to commit to purchasing all of the RECs from a wind farm still in the financing stages.

You may be wondering what RECs are? Renewable Energy Certificates are also known as Green Tags or Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs). The Maine Green Power website has a very readable explanation of RECs. Basically, when one purchases RECs their power source or utility company does not change. The purchase is for a "green premium" and helps feed more power from clean sources in the grid. This committment by Steelcase will help to advance greatly the green power available in the U.S.

Texas has long been known for its advanced Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Michigan is still trying to pass an RPS. The announcement of Steelcase's committment to the Texas wind farm is a good example of the benefits Michigan could receive by passing the RPS. Michigan's employment arena and economy would be well served by a good RPS.

You can find more information and link to your Michigan legislators from the Michgan Sustainable Energy Coalition website. Another great source of information is the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.

As Rich Vanderveen, Mackinaw Wind Power, a Michigan Wind company says,

"It's not just wind or nothing. It's wind or WHAT?"

So...more GREEN NEWS from Michigan and Texas!!! What is going on in your neighborhood?

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As the Green Tide Rises....Green is RED HOT Contest!!!

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:49:03 -0500

"A Rising Tide Raises All Boats."

This is a very powerful quote I read yesterday as the opening statement in a unique business philosophy. I read it again today. Tonight, I choose to share it with you and invite you to share my musing...ponder the statement in the context of the industry we share, promote and embrace.

"A Rising Tide Raises All Boats."

I learned many years ago in my U.S. Power Squadrons classes that Michigan does not have to contend with tidal waters. Michigan has 1,500 miles of navigable river or streams, more than 11,000 inland lakes and 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline make for great canoeing, kayaking, rafting and tubing according to the Michigan.org website. Tremendous amounts of water and we are fortunate in Michigan that tide is not a factor.

Yet, there is a tide rising in Michigan and throughout the country. It has been called green building. It has been called sustainability. It has been called a FAD.

The media had a field day with the housing market during 2007. Depreciating home values, foreclosures, subprime collapse, and credit freezes to name a few. Housing starts were reported down. Builder confidence was down.

And then there were the reports about

"Green" building,

zero energy homes,

energy efficient homes,

high performance homes

** healthy homes.

All these weird people talking about all these weird ideas...no VOC's, formeldehyde free, isonene, gray water systems, geothermal, renewable....and yet so many ask, "WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT???"

It seems you can not pick up a paper or magazine, turn on a home improvement show, or hear about a new product without hearing that it is "green." Last summer I wrote a series titled, "Can You Afford NOT To Go Green?" You may want to read the series again. In our world of high health costs, asthma, ADD, rising energy costs (if you haven't heard oil hit $110/barrel today - pumps in my area are $3.45/gal regular, $3.99/gal diesel) it is important to remember that a way to contain and cap rising costs is to begin with energy conservation and then enhance the practice with renewable (non fossil fuel) energy.

This is the tide I speak of that is rising in Asheville, in Houston, in Pueblo, in Salt Lake City, in Jackson, Austin, Grand Rapids, and in so many other areas in the US. Just check out the ECO All-Stars on Active Rain sometime. Read the quality posts and find out what is going on in different areas of the country.

This Rising Tide is sweeping the country. WHY? What about this rising tide makes sense to the consumer? Global warming? Maybe, but I think there are reasons that rank higher in most consumer's minds.

I agree with Abbey Ehman, who is involved in helping pilot the LEED for Homes program in Texas who states, "Some [purchase green homes] to show off to their friends. Some do it for the greater good. But Most do it really only if it makes sense for themselves first. Most want it for durablility, comfort, and energy savings. They want to be comfortable, not pay too much for it, and be able to resell it."

I have not met Abbey. I was introduced to her through a report that came out of the University of Michigan Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise titled "Residential Green Building Report: A Market Engagement Framework for Developers and Builders." If you are interested in promoting and embracing this rising tide you may want to read this report. This report is a master's project completed by Jeff Martin, Brian Swett, and Doug Wein, authors.

A theme carried through the report is that partnerships should be formed to advance this RISING TIDE. Some of the ideas Martin, et al discuss are forming partnerships with professionals who share aligned interests in the green building industry. Potential benefits come from collaborative advertising efforts, shared training programs and leveraging skills of the "many stakeholders of the homebuilding value chain." They direct attention to the success of the Energy Star program which has been so successful by partnering with a variety of professionals in the industry. I am proud to say my company is an Energy Star partner.

I was honored to be asked a few months ago to join a similar group of professionals in Grand Rapids called Certified Energy Efficient.

This unique group of individuals has formed a "mastermind" group of professionals from a variety of fields who pursue similar interests in the industry. We meet twice a month as well as by phone when issues arrive. This serves not only as a great resource and referral network; this is a tremendous resource for the consumers who may have issues beyond the scope of the professional who was initially called. Our team seeks to remedy a situation in a home keeping in mind the home is a system. For instance, I may do a site evaluation and find there are energy leaks I can't identify. I will ask Gary or Sam to help me identify those problems and suggest a solution.

I would like to suggest we think of this industry as a system...much like the tidal waters. What I do raises the tide, what you do raises the tide.

"A Rising Tide Raises All Boats."

In the spirit of promoting the industry we come together as a system. As such we create a tide. That tide will raise your boat, my boat, the consumer's boat and the industry as a whole.

As we navigate down this stream together let us be like the THREE Musketeers...

All for ONE

and ONE for ALL!!!

This is a wild journey we are on!!!

Keep the SPIRIT!!!

As JaneAnne says,

Green is Lucky and RED Hot!!!

and I am Lucky to know you!!!!

From one good Irishman....to you....

Erin Go Braugh!!!!

**home rendering courtesy of GreenLife Homes, LLC and Marla Bruemmer

Race Your Winter Blues Away - 2008 Outhouse 500 RECAP

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:55:55 -0600

On the City of Coopersville website, Cindy Timmerman proudly proclaims,

"Welcome to Coopersville, a fun place to visit, a fantastic place to live, and a great place to do business!"

You may ask what makes Coopersville such a fantastic place to live? If you have children, our Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School System may appeal to you!

The State of Michigan website describes the award as having more rigorous standards than the national blue ribbon award.

"The Michigan Blue Ribbon is awarded to schools based on academic achievement, accreditation, school organization and culture, student focus and support, curriculum, quality teaching, and family and community partnerships with the school; whereas, the National Blue Ribbon is awarded on the basis of academic achievement scores alone."

As a parent with two children who graduated from Coopersville High School I can attest that they have both received a quality education which has given them a jumpstart in life.

Today in Coopersville, it was time to show that we know how to have fun!!!

The 4th Annual Outhouse 500 took place today in Coopersville's Historic Downtown District!!!

Lola wrote about the Outhouse 500 a couple of weeks ago.

Lola said, "Well, a small town in Michigan has an event taking place this February 23rd which is oddly descriptive. It is the Outhouse 500...an annual event in which teams parade and race uniquely outfitted outhouses along Main St. "

Today was a unique celebration of winter including a pancake breakfast where neighbors and racers alike could get ready for the race. Dog sled demonstrations were given and the more physically fit raced in a winter 5K. I almost forgot the Toilet Seat Decorating Contest! Mother nature smiled on Coopersville today bringing mild weather (in light of the furious weather pattern we have seen over the past few weeks!) Crowds lined the streets for the Main Event!!!

Racers....take your mark....the Fourth Annual Outhouse 500 delivered fun and laughter for all!!!

This wasn't the NASCAR race that Nieboer's General Store advertises yet generational crowds...young and seasoned alike...came out to take part in this exciting winter festival of sorts...

Where else but in a town whose county dump RECYCLES METHANE would you see....

OUTHOUSES FLYING DOWN MAIN STREET??

It sort of fits...doesn't it!!! (If the seat fits...)

You may ask what happens at an Outhouse 500?

Before I share the pictures I will give a brief description....In short, teams create and decorate OUTHOUSES and race them down a 500 ft runway on Main St... Now...for the visual!!!

Our fantastic E-unit/Fire Department and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department...

Who will get on the scene first?

The Caveman Can!!! Check out that throne! and the Junkyard Dawg Chilli Racers - I tasted the Chilli and thank heavens for the portable outhouse! These ladies were having a great time!!!

Every Event has it's causualty....I don't know who she was but I hope she is ok! She had a lot of help to get her out of the way!

And now...my favorite....This team put their OUTHOUSE together with Recycled and Reclaimed Materials!!! As announcer Donna Dykstra (SOL Travel Provider) said, "Even...though it might be gross...the throne was recycled!!!"

Unfortunately...they became the second casualty of the day...I was just glad the outhouse wasn't full!! Next year these guys need to have some better wheels donated!!! They were good sports! Their casters came off so they ran the last heat!!!

And now for my favorite team of the day...Adema Generator...are these the same guys that rebuilt my starter last week?????

I don't know which team won but they are all winners to me!!! It was fun to watch so many businesses and organizations form teams and come together in a friendly spirit of competition!!! What a fun way to demonstrate that we can all do our personal best and compete while promoting a single cause...in this case...entertainment!!! This would have been a very boring event if there was only one team competing!!!!

I want to personally thank the organizers, volunteers and contestants that made the 2008 Outhouse 500 a great event!!!

Remember the Day...Green building is not NEW...Just Improved!!!

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:56:00 -0600

This drawing was a GREAT FIND !! A few years ago, my aunt and uncle retired from farming. When they moved my aunt gave me a framed drawing that had hung in my Grandma's farmhouse for years. It was drawn by my great uncle Monsignor Maurice Walsh. The art was framed in a beautiful antique frame. I was honored to be the recipient from among 30+ cousins.

The drawing was very hard to see. I wasn't certain if it was faded from so many years or if the glass was dirty so I took it apart to find out. What a surprise! Underneath the drawing was THIS drawing that no one knew existed and as you can see was still in pretty decent shape considering this would have been drawn around the turn of the century...that is, the last century 1900. This drawing is likely 100+ years old. In fact, I need to check into having it preserved for my grandchildren ~ much like I believe I need to preserve our earth for my grandchildren.

The setting would have been the old farmstead in Tyre, Michigan which is in the "thumb" for those of you who recognize the mitten trick Michiganders use to give directions! I can only speculate that this is a drawing of Maurice and his sister Mary returning from the approximate mile and a half walk home from the the school they attended.

The detail in the drawing gives me a lot of insight into life back then...

There is a handpump in front of the home where water was drawn for drinking, cooking and bathing. The house was warmed and food cooked with wood that was cut and split by hand. It is likely it was hard to find wood as a path of destruction was cut through the area by the fire of 1871 and then the Great Fire of 1881 which happened on Sept 5, 1881. Maurice would have been a mere two months old at the time.

There is an outhouse tucked behind the tree on the left side of the drawing...no indoor plumbing! (Something I could not live without!!)

Dinner is hanging in the big tree in front - likely squirrel or rabbit. Do you see it? My mom talks of how excited they would get when Grandpa would bring rabbit home for dinner! The boy in the drawing is carrying his tin lunch bucket and likely had biscuits for lunch at school.

These were hardworking people of faith. My ancestors were lumbermen and farmers and lived off the resources of the land. They did not have public utilities. Lighting was likely lamp oil and transportation was either by horse and buggy or by foot. They were healthy and happy and lived long lives for the most part. Yes there were unfortunate accidents, fires, deaths from "consumption," fevers and childbirth.

My Grandma died in 1998, almost 100 years old (bless her soul.) I attribute her long life to clean living and eating healthy foods grown in organic gardens.

Chris Hall wrote a blog the other day Living Off the Land in Austin. We are much more technologically advanced in this century. We have the ingenuity to build efficient homes that require less energy. We are learning to use materials, much like they did in the early parts of the last century, that don't use chemicals and toxins. Windows have been developed to work with the system of the home to keep them comfortable and free from drafts. We have developed and are continually improving building science to build smarter, healthier homes.

We have further advanced renewable technologies like solar hot water, solar electric and wind to power our homes. This is not NEW technology ~ it has been advanced to be much more effective than it was in the "old" days.

The home in the drawing was likely pretty inefficient and drafty. Yet I find the IDEA appealing. I would much prefer to put my hard earned dollars to work to insure a healthy home and one that reduces my footprint. A home that can create it's own energy and insulate me from the rising costs of energy. I enjoy growing my own veggies, canning my foods and yes! there are a couple of avid hunters in my family!

Like the drawing above I want to preserve the earth for my grandchildren!

Thank you for allowing me to share my GREAT FIND with you!!!

Get Well Card for JaneAnne's Mother(Board)!! Please sign!

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:41:53 -0600

Poor JaneAnne!

I have missed her this past week and was starting to worry. JaneAnne plays such an important part of this group.

Today the mystery of the disappearing Green-o-Lina was solved!!!

JaneAnne's Mother Board is sick!!! Here is a get well card for everyone to sign wishing JaneAnne's Mother Board a speedy recovery so we can all start enjoying her posts and comments once again!!!

It's just not the same without GREEN-O-LINA! LOL! In the meantime if you wish to reread some of JaneAnne's posts you can link to the Green - o - Lina and her sometimes suspenseful and always educational posts!

LEED for Homes Webcast February 13, 2008

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:58:32 -0600

Are you interested in Green Building and don't know where to start?

What is energy star? What is the difference in Green building? Who is USGBC? How can LEED for Homes help my project and help my client???

What is this LEED for Homes all about????

Wednesday February 13 you can find out for yourself.

Gather all your friends around!!!! In the LEED for Homes Webinar Series LEED for Homes 101 will be presented by webcast Feb 13, 2008 at 2pm ET.

From the USGBC website during this webcast you will "Learn how certification recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards, while giving homeowners confidence that their homes are durable, healthy, and environmentally friendly."

Come join us as we learn this new and exciting program that will propel green building growth and have a greater effect on consumers and our environment as a whole! See you there!

Cold Showers....Brrr...No Thanks! Solar Hot Water Rocks!

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:51:47 -0600

Haven't we all heard jokes about taking cold showers?

A recent article in Natural Health touts the benefits of cold showers...cold showers not only save energy but also can improve your health! The article goes on to say research has shown that a cold shower can reduce your risk of a cold by 40%. The article brought to mind a doctor in Saginaw who worked out at the Y with my Dad. The Doc never used soap, yet never had any body odor. When he told my Dad why he said he always uses cold showers which cleanses the body and closes the pores without the need for soap. The doctor, by the way, was well into his golden years when the conversation with my Dad took place! and he didn't smell! I've never forgotten it...but have also never desired to try it!!

I don't know about you, but I have found especially this time of the year when temperatures have been below freezing and we have had crazy snow storms I enjoy my hot showers! Have you ever gotten chilled to the bone and just couldn't shake it? A long, hot shower can cure that!

This morning when my muscles ached from my new workout program (my personal trainer is ruthless and has no mercy!) the long, hot shower helped that! (yup, that's his picture, not me!)

I know I teased you with that title but what I REALLY want to talk about is HOT water!

Let's think about the many uses for hot water...

HOT Shower/Baths - how many people live in your home?
Dishwashing/Sanitizing Dishes - do you run your dishwasher once a day?
Clothes Washing - how many warm/hot loads do you run per week?
Handwashing - I certainly HOPE you wash your hands every time! That gets back to the HEALTH thing!
Can you think of more??

Do you know the typical family of four uses about 80 gallons of hot water PER DAY? Do you know that Hot Water is the second largest energy cost in the average home? Natural Gas which is the most popular fuel to heat water in Michigan is more efficient than electric. It still adds up over the course of a year. And...year after year, price increase after price increase...homeowner's continue to pay for it.

So how can the average duck heat water affordably?

SOLAR DOMESTIC HOT WATER!!!

There has been so much discussion recently about solar and renewable applications. Until I started researching renewables I did not realize that the most affordable way for the average homeowner to start renewable energy is by installing a Solar Domestic Hot Water System - also referred to as Solar Thermal.

I know the burning (pun intended) question in your mind right now is how does solar hot water work?

In a nutshell, the energy/heat from the sun is free. Yes, I said FREE! Collectors on your roof, or on a ground mount if you don't have a good roof site, capture the heat from the sun. That heat is channeled down pipes to a tank where cold water is heated and stored. The storage tank is highly efficient so it will continue to keep the heat in after the sun goes down.

What if I have cloudy days? As long as there is sun some preheating will be done, even through the clouds. Of course, in Michigan the system will not preheat as well in the winter. Michigan still has good solar potential though and even during our darkest months the Solar Hot Water system will offer a great assist!

A Solar Hot Water System is easily retrofitted and tied into your current hot water heating system which will act as a back up system when the solar gain is not adequate. For the average homeowner, Solar Hot Water is the MOST affordable way to start in renewables and has the quickest payback. I am working with forward thinking builders who are adding this to homes as a standard feature! In this day and age of $100/barrel oil it shouldn't even be a question.

Do you need MORE INCENTIVE???

Through Dec 2008 there is a federal tax credit of 30% up to $2000 for homeowners and there is no cap on the credit for businesses. Keep in mind, credits are more valuable than deductions, it is dollar for dollar. State Incentives vary and if you click on my link you can see what your state offers. As I always recommend, if your state is like Michigan and does not offer incentives PLEASE contact your reps and explain how important this is to you!

Just think the effect this could have on B & B's, laundramats and farms! What a very simple and effective way to reduce utilities and help preserve our earth.

Harnessing the heat from the SUN is just COOL!

It goes without saying, contact me for more information...new dealers are welcome!

Energy INefficient Campaigns

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:34:43 -0600

As I watch the Super Tuesday results coming in tonight it makes me ponder...and muse....

With so much focus these days on Energy Efficiency, Global Warming and Renewable Policies...

What are candidates doing to reduce their carbon footprint today?

An ABC article by Clayton Sandell reports that according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change air travel accounts for about 3.5% of the human contribution to global warming.

I understand the importance of candidates getting in front of the public....

but I also understand what is involved in politicians traveling, they are not riding on a scheduled flight but arrange private air...and secret service...and a tremendous drain on local public service employees ... police, fire, etc.

The candidates today are flying from state to state and I don't think they are carpooling!

I know at times the candidates are like naughty children who can't get along...yet humor me!!!

What do you think of the idea....

Of Dems "plane-pooling" with other dems

and Repubs "plane-pooling" with other repubs????

How many voters do candidates actually pick up with these last minute wasteful trips?

OR....skip the plane altogether and broadcast from a virtual network ...

I know. That personal handshake does so much to turn around a voter. (tongue in cheek)

It is interesting to think about it, yea?

**Thank you Acclaim Images for photos!

Are you Confused about the Green Information Highway? Free Workshop!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:34:56 -0600

Do you have clients who are interested in healthy, environmentally friendly homes? Are you confused by all the information on the green information highway?

Chris Hall, CEO of GreenLife Homes, is offering a free workshop Tuesday March 4, 2008 at the Grand Rapids HBA. Chris invites realtors to come with their clients. He has worked out Buyers Agent Commissions with his listing agent, ERA. You can link to Chris' Blog to get the details. Chris has spent years training builders and now he is looking forward to helping realtors and consumers learn more about green building.

This is a free workshop but registration is required. Hop over to Chris' Blog to get registration details and times.

(La Casa Verde rendering courtesy of GreenLife Homes)

Walker Green Drinks January 9, 2008

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:58:03 -0600

It's that time again!

Ring in the New Year with Walker Green Drinks

Have a reNEWable Year!

Production Tax Credit and Small Wind Tax Credit FAIL in Senate

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:08:55 -0600

In an action alert today from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) it was announced that the 2-Year Production Tax Credit (PTC) extension and Small Wind Tax Credit Failed to pass the Senate by ONE vote today.

It is very unfortunate that this did not pass. This would have made renewable energy more affordable to the consumer, provided new jobs and allowed companies to continue producing clean energy.

The AWEA provides a Take Action Link which you can use to send a letter of thanks if your senator voted for the bill and I letter of unhappiness if your senator did not. In Michigan both our senators voted for the Amendment.

Check out the link and let me know how the senators in your state voted!

Walker Green Drinks REminder - Wed Dec 12, 2007

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:37:35 -0600

Hi y'all in Grand Rapids...

I just want to put out a reminder that Walker Green Drinks will be having our second meeting Wed Dec 12, 2007.

This is held at the Shamrock Bar & Grill, 2501 Wilson Ave NW, Grand Rapids. This is on the corner of Remembrance and Wilson. Time? 5:30 - 8:00.

Last month it was requested we start a little earlier for those who have families/functions to attend. Come early or come late, stay a little while or stay later...it's all up to you.

Walker Green Drinks is an informal meeting where people can come together to network. You can find out more at Green Drinks International .

This is a great meeting to attend...never an agenda...just a meet and great and exchanging of thoughts between people interested in sustainability and green growth. It is social networking at it's finest.

Come out and share in the fun!!!

Invite 5 friends...

Come on in and say...

Are You GREEN?

Happy reNEWable Year!

My Pink Christmas Wish List - December Challenge

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:43:52 -0600

This time of year I think about Francis Pharcellus Church, editor of the New York Sun who responded to a letter from Virginia O’Hanlon. Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus has become one of the most reprinted editorials in history.

With that in mind, Santa, I have a Christmas Wish List for my new home….

There are so many things I would like to include but directives on the Dena Stevens - Brad Pitt Pink Challenge dictate 5 features…

The home can be compared to the human body made up of Systems. Each system has several components that make it function optimally. My home would combine the following 5 systems ...

SUSTAINABLE SITE – To minimize my impact on the environment I would like to choose a site for my home that is located near or in a previously developed area. This could be an Edge Development Site or an Infill site. By choosing a site such as these it is likely I will have access to existing public transportation and green spaces. With community resources like these available I will be able to leave my Hybrid Car in the garage and walk, bike or take the bus to run my errands and play with my dog Kodiak because he doesn't like being stuck in the house! The home would also have a very small footprint -- I don't need a lot of space, just SMART space!

ENERGY EFFICIENT – Santa, as a nation we are way too dependent on fossil fuels. When we design my home I will need it to have a tight building envelope, strength, good insulation and thermal mass. My home could be built with products like Durosil or Build Block with fly ash incorporated in the mix to reuse byproducts from the coal industry.

We will pay special attention to the way my home is oriented on the Sustainable Site in a way that I will be able to take advantage of the passive solar energy from the sun. The builders will need to pay attention to proper sealing of my home and will need to include low-e windows with the proper Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient (SHGC) for my location. My home will need to be well-insulated quite possibly using an insulation made from recycled materials like Nu Wool. We will also make use of Energy Star + appliances. Santa, when you build my home with energy efficient features in mind the energy my home requires will be less than the average home.

RENEWABLES – Santa, I would like to live off the grid! The type of renewables we use will depend on the location of my home. I would use a combination of solar thermal, photovoltaics and wind energy system. The combination will depend on the site selection as some sites lend better to solar and some lend better to wind.

In the news today I read the story of the state of emergency in Oklahoma caused by an ice storm. No matter what area of the country we have all experienced a situation that has crippled our region be it ice, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. The home you are building for me will not rely on public utilities for power. I will be able to provide food, water and shelter for others affected by weather systems because I have a strong home that will withstand the weather and my own little power plant to keep my house powered when public utilities fail.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY – Santa, you have built me a home with a very tight envelope so we must pay attention to the air exchange in my home. I will need proper air exchange and combustion venting. This will include sealed combustion appliances, proper exhaust and intake fans, properly sized HVAC. This will make the air that I breathe healthy and clean. This will protect me from radon and mold and as a bonus my energy efficiency will improve even more.

WATER EFFICIENCY – Santa, we are facing a water shortage in many parts of the country and around the world. I would like my home to use less water but also recycle and reuse water. There are several components we could put in place to help achieve this. I would like to start with a live roof that will minimize water run off and also protect my roof from the elements. Other components outside of my home would be prairie grasses and native plants that require very little if any water, a rain capture system and permeable pavement. Inside my home we would implement water savings through low flow faucets and shower heads, dual flush toilets and a gray water recapture system.

There are many components available today that will help my home operate as a lean, mean efficient machine (system!) My wish list has one requirement Santa....with the great technology today I know there are builders out there (I work with some) that have the know how to put a project together like mine in an affordable manner and follow recycling practices to minimize construction waste. By building affordably I don't have to spend all my money on my humble abode. I will have money left over for philanthropy and to help others realize their dream of efficient, healthy and sustainable living.

Happy reNewable Year to all!

Build a Green Home...Get a Green Car!!!

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:59:27 -0600

What if I told you that you could build a Green House and the builder would provide a two year lease on a Hybrid Vehicle?

That is what one company I know of is offering as an incentive to anyone who closes a valid building contract with them to build a healthy, near-zero energy home between now and February 29, 2008.

Yup! That is what my friends over at Green Life Homes are doing! Yes, you read correctly! Any home plan, any lot, any price range. Period.

The partners at Green Life Homes, Chris Hall and Josh Rupp, offer healthy, near-zero energy homes. They do not use green as a marketing gimmick but as a baseline. They work with a third party rater to have their homes certified through Green Built Michigan, LEED-H, and EPA Energy Star.

As true believers that the average working person deserves a healthy, energy efficient home Green Life Homes is designing special floor plans that will be in affordable price ranges. They have an in-house designer who will help customize your home plans.

Chris and Josh are aware it is going to cost them some money to offer a Free Two Year Lease on a Hybrid Vehicle with the purchase of a house but they are committed to bringing the best possible value to their clients.

Chris spent the last few years as Executive Director of Green Built Michigan, the nation's first statewide residential green building certification and education program. Now it is time for him to pick up the hammer.

Chris says, "I've been helping builders across Michigan learn how to build green and now I have the chance to lead the way by example. We have a tremendous opportunity here, to build healthy, environmentally friendly homes. Homes that will last a hundred years or more. That's the kind of legacy we want to leave to our children and grandchildren."

Some of the features in their home will be a tight building envelope, healthy low/no VOC materials, recycled products, solar domestic hot water, photovoltaics. GreenLife Homes is committed to helping the average consumer save money and reduce their footprint on the earth.

Does your home have to be in Grand Rapids, Michigan? Heavens no!! Although the company is based in Grand Rapids Green Life Homes will build your home where you want it.

For more information about their homes and projects you can visit the website of Green Life Homes or contact newbie AR member Chris Hall by email.

Logo and home picture courtesy Chris Hall. Hammerhead courtesty Acclaim Images.

Congress REMOVING Support For Renewable Energy - URGENT Call To Action

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 06:48:44 -0600

The 2007 Congressional Energy Bill is being is being pushed to be passed before Thanksgiving Break.

LAST MINUTE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THIS BILL REMOVING SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

According to a story in RenewableEnergyAccess.com BY Stephen Lacy, Staff Writer

titled US Energy Bill - Early Christmas Present or Lump of Coal?

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi decided to remove a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and all tax provisions benefiting renewables so that they could pass an energy bill through Congress before Thanksgiving break on Friday, November 16."

WHAT????

This eliminates TAX CREDITS for solar and NOT passing RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard.)

The government continues to support fossil fuels : coal, oil and natural gas.

This is yet another irresponsible move by our government. Another slippery last minute move to pull out an important piece of legislation to the chagrin of the public who supports the bill.

In a podcast from the Solar Energy Industries Association Rhone Resch, President explains this year the solar market in the US. Germany passed incentives about 5 years ago. As a result about 45,000 new manufacturing jobs have been created in Germany itself.

For resources you may go to the right side of the page on Solar Energy Industries Association webpage to the ITC Resources to read about the legislation, letters from governors, supporters, etc.

DON'T LET CONGRESS SELL US OUT ON THIS ONE.

TAKE ACTION TODAY!!!

This Solar Nation action alert makes it easy to pull up the phone numbers of your legislators to place a call TODAY!

Read about current bills in Congress here.

Find your senators and contact information here.

Please take these measures to support clean energy. We need to reduce our dependence on foreign companies.

No VIRAL emails on this one that will get lost in someones email box. Forward the information to 5 supporters you know and ask for their personal attention to this matter.

Transformations in Michigan - Spotlight - Cascade Engineering ... UPDATED

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:53:21 -0600

Transforming is

....altering

....changing

mutating...

So many companies in Michigan are making transformations which are beneficial to employees, clients and the environment.

Today I would like to SPOTLIGHT....

CASCADE ENGINEERING headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan who announced in a October 2007 press release that they have achieved LEED EB (Existing Building) Certified "Platinum" by the USGBC becoming the FIRST Commercial building in Michigan to acheive Platinum designation, the highest certification possible.

I was privileged to be in attendence at the Open House Cascade Engineering hosted in October. Had I not already been a fan of LEED the facts and figures given in the presentation by Sam Pobst with ECO Metrics LLC, green building consultants, would have been enough to tip the scales and make me a fan. Sam DID reinforce why I follow this path!

Incidently, Sam is one of the founding members of West Michigan USGBC and currently serves as Chairman. Sam should be applauded for his efforts. West Michigan currently has the highest leed projects per capita in the US.

Cascade Engineering remodeled a building they purchased that was built in 1987 and had fallen victim of neglect. Through the process of LEED certification Cascade Eng realized many of their practices were already in alignment with LEED Standards. To me that speaks volumes about the company and it's chairman, president and CEO Fred Keller.

Among the changes they have implemented are programs to make their campus user friendly to bicycles, carpools and public transportation to reduce pollution and land development impacts by autos. They have purchased a hybrid vehicle which employees can check out for business purposes.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle: Cascade Engineering has recycling stations set up throughout the buildings. They are proud to recycle as much as possible - 91.8% of EVERYTHING is recycled. The list includes

Paper, glass, metal, plastics, cardboard, batteries, etc
Kitchen Scraps!! Cascade Engineering has a kitchen that Goodwill uses to train and cater to outside functions. In fact, the food at the open house was tasty and delicious and was made by the Goodwill Crew! They have a vermiculture composter which Sam says in his case study "is staffed by worms and paid in kitchen scraps."
Cascade Engineering collects items like woman's clothing, children's coats and clothing, old computers, eyeglasses, etc

Employees now empty their own trash into the recycling bins. No longer does a cleaning service take care of that! It was explained that there was a little culture shock at first about emptying their own trash but they have adapted!

Also noteworthy is that due to IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) improvements employee absenteeism is down by 59%. Additionally employees out of pocket health care costs have been reduced by 34%.

Cascade Engineering also

is committed to 100% Green E Certified Power
they are looking to a wind generator in the future
they have planted native prairie grasses on much of the property to reduce landscaping and irrigation costs
they have reduced domestic water by utilizing waterless urinals and sensors
they have occupancy sensors on lights to reduce electricity consumption

There is so much more. When Sam gets the link up to the case study I will update this blog so those interested can download it.

So what is the bottom line?

What did this cost Cascade Engineering to implement and what are their savings?

The cost to implement these features added about $96,000 to their remodeling budget. This number reflects an additional 4% in costs.

SAVINGS??? Based on conservative numbers from data assessment in the first two and a half months the annual cost savings to Cascade Engineering is $476,594.58.

THAT NUMBER TAKES MY BREATHE AWAY!!!

Over 15 years the savings will be in excess of 7.1 Million. The entire capital investment will be recovered in 5 years.

Now THAT is why I like LEED!!! It is better for the environment and better for the business / home owner.

In an Oct 2007 press release Fred Keller concludes, "Maintaining a truly sustainable environment is a continual evolving process that requires taking a close look at all aspects of our operations and community involvement. Thanks to the dedication of our employees we plan to remain at the forefront of these practices for many years to come."

It is great companies like Cascade Engineering and led by people such as Fred Keller that are Transforming West Michigan and make me proud to be a part of such an exciting community!!!!

IMPORTANT UPDATE TONIGHT FROM SAM POBST:
Doing the math manually provides a six-month return, not the two months we had expected. The results are still in the “Phenomenal” category, but it is still a disappointment to find this out so late in the story. We are in the process of recalculating the values, and expect to be able to provide the new data shortly. I will keep you posted. -- Sam Pobst

I will also keep all my AR friends posted when Sam gives us new figures. This is not disheartening...It demonstrates the lengths the people involved in LEED projects will go to provide accurate and detailed information. Thank you Sam for the update this evening!!!

Shhh...Green Michigan News! Exciting!

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:27:31 -0600

We are seeing so many new companies emerging into the Green Scene it is hard to keep up with it. I believe many consumers are being inundated with green messages but don't necessarily understand the benefits.

It is great to see a company who is launching a new resource for consumers and industry professionals alike.

Meet Mike Brennan of MITechNews.com!!!

Mike released (unofficially) some exciting news today!!

Ssshhhhh...

I'll whisper it so no one over hears me!!!

MITechNews.com is a web portal that features stories, information and event listings about Michigan technology companies and entrepreneurs.

MITechNews.com is creating an audio podcast channel to highlight news, event listings, businesses, entrepreneurs and all related information on Michigan Green News !

They are including alternative energy, hybrid vehicle programs, solar, wind recycling and more!

Editor and Publisher Mike Brennan is looking for content and will arrange for all audio interviews to be podcast on the new MIGreenTech blog, which has been created, but not officially announced yet!

The interviews will also be featured at MITechNews.com's News Maker interview podcast site.

All New Maker interviews are promoted in MITechNews.com's Weekly eNewsletter which currently goes out to more than 27,000 email addresses each week.

Mike is offering a GREAT opportunity for your green group, green building, green business, green-business ideas to gain much higher visibility in Michigan and beyond.

All content will be produced at MITechNews.com's expense!!!

Do You Have Green News to Share???

Are you looking for a great way to get YOUR information out there....at THEIR expense??? That's not an offer you get everyday!

If you are interested in learning more and sharing information about your green company, ideas or events in Michigan email Mike: brennan at mitechnews dot com.....Tell him Ma sent you!!!

If would like to preview Mike's podcast I recommend listening to his interview with Manistee County Commissioner Allan O’Shea talking about the success of the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair. It is a great interview!

MITechNews.com currently has an Alternative Energy Section. Next month the name will be changed to MIGreenTech.

Now remember....it's a secret....Shhhhhh!!!

Transformation In Michigan - Spotlight...the little LumberYard that Could!

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:05:46 -0500

Transformation....

from Wikipedia....

Transformation (root transform) may refer to: Transformation is also referred to as a turn.

Have you ever been a part of or truly seen a transformation?

Transforming is

....altering

....changing

mutating...

So many companies these days, are Transforming.

Their transformations are not always for the good of their employees...

Electrolux, in Michigan, transformed to a company of P & L...rather than investing in their Michigan employees, they moved operations to Mexico...leaving the town of Greenville, Michigan also transformed....

THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT!!!!

I would like to discuss in this series some companies I know of who are transforming ... to the positive...to make life better for their clients...

....better for employees

....better for the world

I have been on the upside this year of some companies making positive strides and changes in this depressed housing environment. "Safe is Risky" is what Seth Goodin says in the book Purple Cow. Do you agree?

One of the companies I have watched...and prodded...is Standale Lumber. My good friend Buzz has been blazing a trail through his company to transform Standale Lumber and Interiors from a generic lumber and supply company to the leading green supplier in Michigan.

HOW DOES A COMPANY MAKE THE TURN???

Standale is looking at in house practices first...

In speaking with a recycler (link to be added later) Standale Lumber has realized by changing some practices they can recycle many of their materials and packaging materials to keep these items out of the landfill...

Further attempts will be made in education to builders about recycling efforts such as those Adam Bearup from Hybrid Homes practices...you can read about it in my Trash Talk blog.

The second turn in the track has been changing household products from toxic to friendly. Standale Lumber is one of the few in the West Michigan area to start carrying bio-friendly cleansers...this product line is BioKleen .

BioKleen is a line of cleansers...engine cleaners, degreasers, carpet cleaners, laundry soaps...the list goes on and on....BioKleen is proud make the claim, "Tough on dirt, easy on the earth." How many lumberyards/contractor centers do you know of that are making that transformation?

WOOD IS GOOD!!! That has always been a lumberyard motto!!!

And it is.. New wood is better for the environment....but there are also new building practices that create efficiencies for housing...such as

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF's) Standale has been able to see the vision and the benefits of building with ICF's and has brought this line of product on board. ICF's have been perfected in the past 20 years to create a very solid foundation coupled with a very efficient home...Standale is working on training their sales force to become experts in helping builders and homeowners create sustainable houses in Michigan and neighboring states...transforming a lumber company to a Styrofoam product...now that is transformation!

What??? we don't have enough yet???

Renewables?

Now they are really turning!!!

Standale Lumber has just announced a new line of Renewable Energy Products...yes, a stretch for a Lumber Company...but they are committed to helping the energy crisis our state faces.

To have a Lumber Company in Michigan that can give their builders and homeowners affordability and installation of Solar Domestic Hot Water, Solar PhotoVoltaics, and Wind Power...plus SuperMan windows with Krypton Gas!!! Almost impossible!!!

....I said "Almost" impossible...

Standale Lumber has stepped up to the plate....

They are transforming....

It has been wonderful...

remarkable even.....

To watch the company take on colors.....

The colors of green...

The picture is the same...

transformed from black and white...

and now you see the changing colors....

Aren't they beautiful????

What a difference COLOR can make in the world!!!

Watch for future posts on the Transformation In West Michigan!!!

And PLEASE! post what transformations are going on in your neck of the woods!

the moon

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 21:06:01 -0500

As I stand on the balcony I see the faint light of something off in the distance.

It is barely visible to my eye, yet it exists and it is there... It HAS to be! My camera caught it!

An early twilight moon barely transparent in the sky. It tells us so much... if we are willing to see....

It is lit by the sun....

Without the sun there would be no moon.

It is lit by the earth.....

Without the earth we would see no moon....no sun....

My camera does not do justice to what I was witness to...

Let me set the stage...

Twilight.... early evening....sun setting on the bay... the moon barely visible-- transparent would be my words.

I asked myself the same question I will ask of you...

What is barely visible in your life....what is on the horizon that is so transparent you are not seeing it?

Have a conversation with yourself and find out....

what it is...

you truly....

can do....

Who can REALLY see you... for who you are...

What are your talents? What do you do best? Like the moon transparent above the Michigan bay, you will draw those to you who can see you for what you are!

To Your Success!

Greener Pathways

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 20:02:59 -0500

I set out on a Green Pathway early this year....

I thought I knew everything there was to find.....

Oh was I wrong!!!

On my journey I made many new friends...

...not Tree Huggers! (they went out with the 60s !)

...not activists....(they are fighting other battles.)

I started a meet and greet... and I found ....

The colors are changing......

A spark came out of the sky and I met....

True People....True to their word....Truly concerned about our effect on the environment...

I met Stephanie Edwards. Stephanie is likely one of the best writers out there. Stephanie REALLY cares about you and your home...she cares enough to research and give people background information so some of the footwork is done for you....

I met Joan Mirantz. Joan has a New Hampshire Sunday Morning Feature that is excellent to read. Myself, I have never been to New Hampshire and her articles are tremendous! Joan has been getting into the green scene and should be PAID! for being the social writer about her area! I know more about New Hampshire and what is going on GREEN there since I have been reading Joan's blogs!!!

I have met Jeff Geoghan who is passionate about helping Green Builders AND Green Buildings. Jeff started a conversation in May that ended up ranking in the highest of all time comments on Active Rain.

I have highlighted three....but I have met so many more whose names go unmentioned in this blog....

Search your heart.....

As we head into Autumn and find the colors are changing

Where do you find yourself?

ARE YOU TRULY GREEN??? OR ARE YOU COLORS OF THE RAINBOW IN BETWEEN?

Please understand...

We are not treehuggers.....

We are not activists......

That is not our forum....

Our Forum is to bring out the best

In what our world can be...

We have abused Mother Earth

for far too long....

Take a small look around you,

to see what you can do ...

for yourself....

your children....

and leave some earth....

for your grandchildren

(and beyond!!)

Are your colors are changing???? It is Autumn....the time of year when we see the beauty around us...changing...

Take it in...............and then add YOUR BEAUTY..... to the change in colors....and seasons....

YOUR colors don't have to be green....they just need to be seen....