#renewablesnow — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #renewablesnow, aggregated by home.social.
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[2/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
"Plan Your Errands
Star Island: We run a boat back and forth to the mainland most days of the week, and we recognize the cost of doing so both environmentally and economically. By planning our boat schedule accordingly, we eliminate unnecessary or redundant trips and reduce the number of times we need to go back and forth. This means less diesel to power the boat.
Mainland: When you have errands to do, make one long trip out of it instead of several. Going back and forth from your home is less efficient time wise, but also uses more gasoline if you’re driving. This requires planning, but we know you can do it. You plan to come to Star Island, right?
Star Island: #Walking is how we get around on Star Island. Aside from a few freight trucks used to move heavy objects around the island (like luggage, or trash), people get from A to B by walking. This provides exercise, but also means that we are not using carbon-based fuels for transportation. Walking is an easy way to get where you’re going on island, even if it requires three flights of stairs. The only time we don’t suggest walking on island is if you’re late for a boat, then try running.
Mainland: We recognize that walking isn’t always the most practical form of transportation on the mainland, but we encourage you to think about where you can walk. If you live near your city center, why not walk to go out to eat instead of drive? Or, if you’re driving to a shopping center, park once and walk to several stores instead of driving to each one. Walking takes time, yes, but it’s well worth it. Studies have even suggested walking promotes creativity.
Make Informed Purchases
Star Island: We make purchases mindfully and consider several factors: do we need this item? Is this item energy efficient / #EnvironmentallyFriendly? What’s the quality, will this item last? Are we supporting another local organization? Sometimes we seek alternatives. For example, we mix #vinegar and #BakingSoda together for an all-purpose cleaner and use vinegar to wash windows and mirrors instead of glass cleaner. Also, we consider packaging when purchasing: is the product packaged in bulk? Can we reuse or recycle the packaging?
Mainland: When you’re shopping, think about what you need instead of what you want. You might miss the latest cellphone craze, but you’ll still be able to text and call people, right? Shop second hand. Purchase in bulk and reuse containers (for example: use canning jars to purchase and store dry goods such as coffee, popcorn, oats, and rice among others). Also, consider paper bags instead of plastic bags when making purchases. Or, remember to use a reusable bag or opt out if you’re only purchasing a few items.
Comfort Level
Everywhere: Do what makes sense for you. Don’t walk 50 miles to work when taking public transportation makes more sense. And if you don’t have a yard, growing a garden will be rather difficult. We encourage you to make choices that you are comfortable with, but also to ask yourself if you can do more to make a sustainable impact in your life and for your community. Be creative. Have fun. #GoGreen! "
Source:
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[2/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
"Plan Your Errands
Star Island: We run a boat back and forth to the mainland most days of the week, and we recognize the cost of doing so both environmentally and economically. By planning our boat schedule accordingly, we eliminate unnecessary or redundant trips and reduce the number of times we need to go back and forth. This means less diesel to power the boat.
Mainland: When you have errands to do, make one long trip out of it instead of several. Going back and forth from your home is less efficient time wise, but also uses more gasoline if you’re driving. This requires planning, but we know you can do it. You plan to come to Star Island, right?
Star Island: #Walking is how we get around on Star Island. Aside from a few freight trucks used to move heavy objects around the island (like luggage, or trash), people get from A to B by walking. This provides exercise, but also means that we are not using carbon-based fuels for transportation. Walking is an easy way to get where you’re going on island, even if it requires three flights of stairs. The only time we don’t suggest walking on island is if you’re late for a boat, then try running.
Mainland: We recognize that walking isn’t always the most practical form of transportation on the mainland, but we encourage you to think about where you can walk. If you live near your city center, why not walk to go out to eat instead of drive? Or, if you’re driving to a shopping center, park once and walk to several stores instead of driving to each one. Walking takes time, yes, but it’s well worth it. Studies have even suggested walking promotes creativity.
Make Informed Purchases
Star Island: We make purchases mindfully and consider several factors: do we need this item? Is this item energy efficient / #EnvironmentallyFriendly? What’s the quality, will this item last? Are we supporting another local organization? Sometimes we seek alternatives. For example, we mix #vinegar and #BakingSoda together for an all-purpose cleaner and use vinegar to wash windows and mirrors instead of glass cleaner. Also, we consider packaging when purchasing: is the product packaged in bulk? Can we reuse or recycle the packaging?
Mainland: When you’re shopping, think about what you need instead of what you want. You might miss the latest cellphone craze, but you’ll still be able to text and call people, right? Shop second hand. Purchase in bulk and reuse containers (for example: use canning jars to purchase and store dry goods such as coffee, popcorn, oats, and rice among others). Also, consider paper bags instead of plastic bags when making purchases. Or, remember to use a reusable bag or opt out if you’re only purchasing a few items.
Comfort Level
Everywhere: Do what makes sense for you. Don’t walk 50 miles to work when taking public transportation makes more sense. And if you don’t have a yard, growing a garden will be rather difficult. We encourage you to make choices that you are comfortable with, but also to ask yourself if you can do more to make a sustainable impact in your life and for your community. Be creative. Have fun. #GoGreen! "
Source:
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[2/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
"Plan Your Errands
Star Island: We run a boat back and forth to the mainland most days of the week, and we recognize the cost of doing so both environmentally and economically. By planning our boat schedule accordingly, we eliminate unnecessary or redundant trips and reduce the number of times we need to go back and forth. This means less diesel to power the boat.
Mainland: When you have errands to do, make one long trip out of it instead of several. Going back and forth from your home is less efficient time wise, but also uses more gasoline if you’re driving. This requires planning, but we know you can do it. You plan to come to Star Island, right?
Star Island: #Walking is how we get around on Star Island. Aside from a few freight trucks used to move heavy objects around the island (like luggage, or trash), people get from A to B by walking. This provides exercise, but also means that we are not using carbon-based fuels for transportation. Walking is an easy way to get where you’re going on island, even if it requires three flights of stairs. The only time we don’t suggest walking on island is if you’re late for a boat, then try running.
Mainland: We recognize that walking isn’t always the most practical form of transportation on the mainland, but we encourage you to think about where you can walk. If you live near your city center, why not walk to go out to eat instead of drive? Or, if you’re driving to a shopping center, park once and walk to several stores instead of driving to each one. Walking takes time, yes, but it’s well worth it. Studies have even suggested walking promotes creativity.
Make Informed Purchases
Star Island: We make purchases mindfully and consider several factors: do we need this item? Is this item energy efficient / #EnvironmentallyFriendly? What’s the quality, will this item last? Are we supporting another local organization? Sometimes we seek alternatives. For example, we mix #vinegar and #BakingSoda together for an all-purpose cleaner and use vinegar to wash windows and mirrors instead of glass cleaner. Also, we consider packaging when purchasing: is the product packaged in bulk? Can we reuse or recycle the packaging?
Mainland: When you’re shopping, think about what you need instead of what you want. You might miss the latest cellphone craze, but you’ll still be able to text and call people, right? Shop second hand. Purchase in bulk and reuse containers (for example: use canning jars to purchase and store dry goods such as coffee, popcorn, oats, and rice among others). Also, consider paper bags instead of plastic bags when making purchases. Or, remember to use a reusable bag or opt out if you’re only purchasing a few items.
Comfort Level
Everywhere: Do what makes sense for you. Don’t walk 50 miles to work when taking public transportation makes more sense. And if you don’t have a yard, growing a garden will be rather difficult. We encourage you to make choices that you are comfortable with, but also to ask yourself if you can do more to make a sustainable impact in your life and for your community. Be creative. Have fun. #GoGreen! "
Source:
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[2/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
"Plan Your Errands
Star Island: We run a boat back and forth to the mainland most days of the week, and we recognize the cost of doing so both environmentally and economically. By planning our boat schedule accordingly, we eliminate unnecessary or redundant trips and reduce the number of times we need to go back and forth. This means less diesel to power the boat.
Mainland: When you have errands to do, make one long trip out of it instead of several. Going back and forth from your home is less efficient time wise, but also uses more gasoline if you’re driving. This requires planning, but we know you can do it. You plan to come to Star Island, right?
Star Island: #Walking is how we get around on Star Island. Aside from a few freight trucks used to move heavy objects around the island (like luggage, or trash), people get from A to B by walking. This provides exercise, but also means that we are not using carbon-based fuels for transportation. Walking is an easy way to get where you’re going on island, even if it requires three flights of stairs. The only time we don’t suggest walking on island is if you’re late for a boat, then try running.
Mainland: We recognize that walking isn’t always the most practical form of transportation on the mainland, but we encourage you to think about where you can walk. If you live near your city center, why not walk to go out to eat instead of drive? Or, if you’re driving to a shopping center, park once and walk to several stores instead of driving to each one. Walking takes time, yes, but it’s well worth it. Studies have even suggested walking promotes creativity.
Make Informed Purchases
Star Island: We make purchases mindfully and consider several factors: do we need this item? Is this item energy efficient / #EnvironmentallyFriendly? What’s the quality, will this item last? Are we supporting another local organization? Sometimes we seek alternatives. For example, we mix #vinegar and #BakingSoda together for an all-purpose cleaner and use vinegar to wash windows and mirrors instead of glass cleaner. Also, we consider packaging when purchasing: is the product packaged in bulk? Can we reuse or recycle the packaging?
Mainland: When you’re shopping, think about what you need instead of what you want. You might miss the latest cellphone craze, but you’ll still be able to text and call people, right? Shop second hand. Purchase in bulk and reuse containers (for example: use canning jars to purchase and store dry goods such as coffee, popcorn, oats, and rice among others). Also, consider paper bags instead of plastic bags when making purchases. Or, remember to use a reusable bag or opt out if you’re only purchasing a few items.
Comfort Level
Everywhere: Do what makes sense for you. Don’t walk 50 miles to work when taking public transportation makes more sense. And if you don’t have a yard, growing a garden will be rather difficult. We encourage you to make choices that you are comfortable with, but also to ask yourself if you can do more to make a sustainable impact in your life and for your community. Be creative. Have fun. #GoGreen! "
Source:
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[2/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
"Plan Your Errands
Star Island: We run a boat back and forth to the mainland most days of the week, and we recognize the cost of doing so both environmentally and economically. By planning our boat schedule accordingly, we eliminate unnecessary or redundant trips and reduce the number of times we need to go back and forth. This means less diesel to power the boat.
Mainland: When you have errands to do, make one long trip out of it instead of several. Going back and forth from your home is less efficient time wise, but also uses more gasoline if you’re driving. This requires planning, but we know you can do it. You plan to come to Star Island, right?
Star Island: #Walking is how we get around on Star Island. Aside from a few freight trucks used to move heavy objects around the island (like luggage, or trash), people get from A to B by walking. This provides exercise, but also means that we are not using carbon-based fuels for transportation. Walking is an easy way to get where you’re going on island, even if it requires three flights of stairs. The only time we don’t suggest walking on island is if you’re late for a boat, then try running.
Mainland: We recognize that walking isn’t always the most practical form of transportation on the mainland, but we encourage you to think about where you can walk. If you live near your city center, why not walk to go out to eat instead of drive? Or, if you’re driving to a shopping center, park once and walk to several stores instead of driving to each one. Walking takes time, yes, but it’s well worth it. Studies have even suggested walking promotes creativity.
Make Informed Purchases
Star Island: We make purchases mindfully and consider several factors: do we need this item? Is this item energy efficient / #EnvironmentallyFriendly? What’s the quality, will this item last? Are we supporting another local organization? Sometimes we seek alternatives. For example, we mix #vinegar and #BakingSoda together for an all-purpose cleaner and use vinegar to wash windows and mirrors instead of glass cleaner. Also, we consider packaging when purchasing: is the product packaged in bulk? Can we reuse or recycle the packaging?
Mainland: When you’re shopping, think about what you need instead of what you want. You might miss the latest cellphone craze, but you’ll still be able to text and call people, right? Shop second hand. Purchase in bulk and reuse containers (for example: use canning jars to purchase and store dry goods such as coffee, popcorn, oats, and rice among others). Also, consider paper bags instead of plastic bags when making purchases. Or, remember to use a reusable bag or opt out if you’re only purchasing a few items.
Comfort Level
Everywhere: Do what makes sense for you. Don’t walk 50 miles to work when taking public transportation makes more sense. And if you don’t have a yard, growing a garden will be rather difficult. We encourage you to make choices that you are comfortable with, but also to ask yourself if you can do more to make a sustainable impact in your life and for your community. Be creative. Have fun. #GoGreen! "
Source:
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
[1/2] #StarIsland, #GosportNH - #GreenGosport Initiatives that can be practiced on the #Mainland!
Green Practices
"For centuries, living on Star Island has required a knowledge of conservation and respecting the environment. Since 2011, we have taken a more proactive approach to this with the Green Gosport Initiative — a program designed to educate our island and mainland communities about sustainability, and to serve as a model for others. The efforts we make on island are sometimes huge (we recently installed a solar array), but often are relatively easy to accomplish. Here are some of the things we do on Star to reduce our impact locally while thinking globally. We’ve included suggestions about how you can take what we do on the island and practice it on the mainland.
#ReuseStar Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. Therefore, we seriously consider how we can reuse items on-island before trashing or recycling them. For example, several years ago we collected used glass bottles to line the beds in our vegetable gardens. We also reuse historic furniture and replace small parts instead of replacing entire fixtures. We also reuse food waste to create compost, which in turn helps to grow more food.
Mainland: Instead of throwing something away, ask yourself if you can reuse it. Some simple things to reuse include plastic sandwich bags for more sandwiches, shopping bags as trash bags, and newspaper for kindling or wrapping paper. Random bits of plastic from everyday products and toys might also be great sources for a rainy day art project. And to help you stay hyrdated, use a water bottle to refill instead of buying new bottled water.
Star Island: When you can’t reuse, recycle. We send metal, glass and paper off island to get recycled if we can’t reuse it.
Mainland: Most municipalities have curbside recycling, and we encourage you to take advantage of this easy way to recycle. Also, if you’re ever out and about and need to dispose of something (paper coffee cup, plastic drink bottle), check to see if it is recyclable and find a proper receptacle instead of trashing by default.
Use #RenewableEnergyStar Island: In the fall of 2014 we installed a solar array on Star that has provided an estimated 60% of our energy needs since the 2015 summer. We’re not fully running on solar power, but this renewable energy source is our focus moving forward.
Mainland: Installing solar panels on your home allows you to take advantage of sustainable energy and excess, unused energy can even be back fed into the larger electrical grid. Not only are you taking a step to reduce carbon emissions, but you could also be saving money.
Turn Off Lights
Star Island: We turn the lights off whenever possible. Although lights are left on in certain public spaces such as walkways, hallways, and the main lobby for safety, for the most part the island goes dark at night. We even rely entirely on candlelight for evening chapel services. On Star we’re swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LEDs, and considering sensors for lights in areas that don’t need to be lit when no one’s using them at night (bathrooms, hallways, walkways). Fewer lights means less electricity, reducing the need to use as much diesel to support the solar array.
Mainland: If you’re the last one leaving a room, turn the light off; installing automatic switches can be helpful if you’re apt to forget. Also, question if you really need the light on-daylight is often just fine. Fewer lights means less electricity, which may even reduce your electric bill.
Use Energy Efficient Equipment
Star Island: Replacing equipment with more efficient models has allowed us to reduce demands on our island’s infrastructure. A recent example is the purchase of a new dishwasher, which uses less power during operation and also uses less water. Less water used means less drinking water treated and less used water sent to the island’s wastewater treatment facility. This leaves more water available for other uses, such as guest showers. Water and wastewater treatment are also two of the three biggest electrical uses on-island, so this energy and water efficient dishwasher means an overall reduction in energy use. On Star we’re also swapping outdated bulbs (incandescents) for more efficient LED’s.
Mainland: Replace household appliances with those receiving Energy Star rating. Energy Star products are “certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.” This rating helps you choose household equipment that can help realize energy savings. Click here to learn more.
Star Island: Over the past few years we’ve been generating more produce from the several vegetable gardens on island. This produce supplements the food we order from the mainland. By growing our own food, we are also able to eat fresher, more nutritious food and also reduce the cost of our food bill.
Mainland: Just like a 1940’s victory garden, growing a portion of your own food is a great cause. You are stating that you want to know where your food comes from, and you’re choosing varieties of produce you like. Having your own food in your yard, or in a planter on your porch might also mean less trips to the grocery store.
Eat Your Veggies
Star Island: We know that eating your vegetables isn’t just good for your body, it can be good for the environment, too. Every meal on Star includes a vegetarian option. When you register, just let us know you’ll be choosing the vegetarian option. And while we have your attention, why not consider making your stay on Star a chance to try out being a vegatarian? You’ll still get your protein and iron, don’t worry. Want to learn more? Click here to read about the effects of cattle farming on the environment.
Mainland: Try practicing a vegetarian diet. You might find your grocery bill to be lower than usual, and you might find some awesome recipes that you’ll keep forever. If switching to a vegetarian diet is a bit too much, we suggest trying #MeatlessMondays as a way to incorporate meals one day a week that are less intenstive on the environment.
Star Island: Everything carried to the island needs to be carried off, unless it can be turned into something useful. We separate food waste from trash and compost this to transform it into a beneficial commodity that helps improve island soil in gardens and on the lawn. Chickens also help by eating leftovers such as bread, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes (they love vegetarian pot pie!). Composting food waste helps reduce demands on island boats and provides the island with a reusable product.
Mainland: A small compost bin is easy to use and maintain for household scraps. You can build your own, or check with your town/municipality to see if they participate in a program that offers compost bins for a reduced cost. By composting you reduce the amount of waste that is thrown into landfills. Some municipalities are even starting to collect compost along with trash and recycling. We encourage you to investigate your mainland options including companies that collect compost for you.
Take Fewer, Shorter Showers
Star Island: If you’ve stayed on Star Island you know that we have a shower schedule that provides 3 showers for both staff and guests over a 7-day period. We limit showers because water on-island is hard to come by. Yes, there’s plenty of salt water nearby, but fresh water isn’t readily available (recall the Rime of the Ancient Mariner: Water, water everywhere and not one drop to drink). Fresh water is provided through reverse osmosis of sea water, filtration and disinfection of collected #rainwater, and water delivery by boat (i.e. a lot of work).
Mainland: An every other day shower schedule isn’t just something to practice for water conservation, it’s also recommended for your skin and hair health."
https://starisland.org/the-island/green/practices/
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #RenewableEnergy
#Renewables #RenewablesNow
#GreenPractices #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving #IslesOfShoals -
The Isle of #Eigg: The community-owned island that powers itself
Despite being one of the smallest Scottish islands with just 110 residents, the Isle of Eigg is a model of forward-thinking, sustainable, eco-conscious living.
By Hugh Tucker
31st October 2023
"As the ferry bobbed with the ebb and flow of the tide against the concrete pier at the Isle of Eigg, there was a delay before the passengers could disembark. Boxes and parcels were heaved up from the boat to the waiting hands above, and the bow was double-checked to ensure nothing had been forgotten. Last to be unloaded was a bundle of newspapers, tightly rolled and individually labelled. As they were lifted, one slipped and rolled back towards the steps leading down to the water. It was stopped by the boot of one of the ferry crew just before it reached the edge. Although it was only a paper, even those just arriving seemed to sense the stakes were higher here and shared the relief of the islanders waiting on the pier."Eigg is one of a collection of islands in the Scottish #InnerHebrides called the #SmallIsles. It lies 15 miles from the mainland and is reliant on a ferry that runs a few times a week, weather dependent, for supplies and transport. As such, waste isn't an option here and sustainability is a necessity.
" ' #Sustainability has always been a part of island and crofting life here,' explained Norah Barnes, Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger on Eigg. 'You're a bit more aware of what you're using. You can't just go to a shop down the road to get something. Everything that we want, we literally have to lift off the boat.'
"Combined, the Small Isles of Eigg, #Canna, #Sanday, #Rùm and #Muck have a population of just 150-200 people. Measuring five miles by three, Eigg is the second largest in size but by far the most populous with around 110 residents, and this has helped to foster a community that has collectively been able to take charge of the future of the island."
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Renewables #RenewablesNow #Reforestation #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving
-
The Isle of #Eigg: The community-owned island that powers itself
Despite being one of the smallest Scottish islands with just 110 residents, the Isle of Eigg is a model of forward-thinking, sustainable, eco-conscious living.
By Hugh Tucker
31st October 2023
"As the ferry bobbed with the ebb and flow of the tide against the concrete pier at the Isle of Eigg, there was a delay before the passengers could disembark. Boxes and parcels were heaved up from the boat to the waiting hands above, and the bow was double-checked to ensure nothing had been forgotten. Last to be unloaded was a bundle of newspapers, tightly rolled and individually labelled. As they were lifted, one slipped and rolled back towards the steps leading down to the water. It was stopped by the boot of one of the ferry crew just before it reached the edge. Although it was only a paper, even those just arriving seemed to sense the stakes were higher here and shared the relief of the islanders waiting on the pier."Eigg is one of a collection of islands in the Scottish #InnerHebrides called the #SmallIsles. It lies 15 miles from the mainland and is reliant on a ferry that runs a few times a week, weather dependent, for supplies and transport. As such, waste isn't an option here and sustainability is a necessity.
" ' #Sustainability has always been a part of island and crofting life here,' explained Norah Barnes, Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger on Eigg. 'You're a bit more aware of what you're using. You can't just go to a shop down the road to get something. Everything that we want, we literally have to lift off the boat.'
"Combined, the Small Isles of Eigg, #Canna, #Sanday, #Rùm and #Muck have a population of just 150-200 people. Measuring five miles by three, Eigg is the second largest in size but by far the most populous with around 110 residents, and this has helped to foster a community that has collectively been able to take charge of the future of the island."
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Renewables #RenewablesNow #Reforestation #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving
-
The Isle of #Eigg: The community-owned island that powers itself
Despite being one of the smallest Scottish islands with just 110 residents, the Isle of Eigg is a model of forward-thinking, sustainable, eco-conscious living.
By Hugh Tucker
31st October 2023
"As the ferry bobbed with the ebb and flow of the tide against the concrete pier at the Isle of Eigg, there was a delay before the passengers could disembark. Boxes and parcels were heaved up from the boat to the waiting hands above, and the bow was double-checked to ensure nothing had been forgotten. Last to be unloaded was a bundle of newspapers, tightly rolled and individually labelled. As they were lifted, one slipped and rolled back towards the steps leading down to the water. It was stopped by the boot of one of the ferry crew just before it reached the edge. Although it was only a paper, even those just arriving seemed to sense the stakes were higher here and shared the relief of the islanders waiting on the pier."Eigg is one of a collection of islands in the Scottish #InnerHebrides called the #SmallIsles. It lies 15 miles from the mainland and is reliant on a ferry that runs a few times a week, weather dependent, for supplies and transport. As such, waste isn't an option here and sustainability is a necessity.
" ' #Sustainability has always been a part of island and crofting life here,' explained Norah Barnes, Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger on Eigg. 'You're a bit more aware of what you're using. You can't just go to a shop down the road to get something. Everything that we want, we literally have to lift off the boat.'
"Combined, the Small Isles of Eigg, #Canna, #Sanday, #Rùm and #Muck have a population of just 150-200 people. Measuring five miles by three, Eigg is the second largest in size but by far the most populous with around 110 residents, and this has helped to foster a community that has collectively been able to take charge of the future of the island."
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Renewables #RenewablesNow #Reforestation #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving
-
The Isle of #Eigg: The community-owned island that powers itself
Despite being one of the smallest Scottish islands with just 110 residents, the Isle of Eigg is a model of forward-thinking, sustainable, eco-conscious living.
By Hugh Tucker
31st October 2023
"As the ferry bobbed with the ebb and flow of the tide against the concrete pier at the Isle of Eigg, there was a delay before the passengers could disembark. Boxes and parcels were heaved up from the boat to the waiting hands above, and the bow was double-checked to ensure nothing had been forgotten. Last to be unloaded was a bundle of newspapers, tightly rolled and individually labelled. As they were lifted, one slipped and rolled back towards the steps leading down to the water. It was stopped by the boot of one of the ferry crew just before it reached the edge. Although it was only a paper, even those just arriving seemed to sense the stakes were higher here and shared the relief of the islanders waiting on the pier."Eigg is one of a collection of islands in the Scottish #InnerHebrides called the #SmallIsles. It lies 15 miles from the mainland and is reliant on a ferry that runs a few times a week, weather dependent, for supplies and transport. As such, waste isn't an option here and sustainability is a necessity.
" ' #Sustainability has always been a part of island and crofting life here,' explained Norah Barnes, Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger on Eigg. 'You're a bit more aware of what you're using. You can't just go to a shop down the road to get something. Everything that we want, we literally have to lift off the boat.'
"Combined, the Small Isles of Eigg, #Canna, #Sanday, #Rùm and #Muck have a population of just 150-200 people. Measuring five miles by three, Eigg is the second largest in size but by far the most populous with around 110 residents, and this has helped to foster a community that has collectively been able to take charge of the future of the island."
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Renewables #RenewablesNow #Reforestation #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving
-
The Isle of #Eigg: The community-owned island that powers itself
Despite being one of the smallest Scottish islands with just 110 residents, the Isle of Eigg is a model of forward-thinking, sustainable, eco-conscious living.
By Hugh Tucker
31st October 2023
"As the ferry bobbed with the ebb and flow of the tide against the concrete pier at the Isle of Eigg, there was a delay before the passengers could disembark. Boxes and parcels were heaved up from the boat to the waiting hands above, and the bow was double-checked to ensure nothing had been forgotten. Last to be unloaded was a bundle of newspapers, tightly rolled and individually labelled. As they were lifted, one slipped and rolled back towards the steps leading down to the water. It was stopped by the boot of one of the ferry crew just before it reached the edge. Although it was only a paper, even those just arriving seemed to sense the stakes were higher here and shared the relief of the islanders waiting on the pier."Eigg is one of a collection of islands in the Scottish #InnerHebrides called the #SmallIsles. It lies 15 miles from the mainland and is reliant on a ferry that runs a few times a week, weather dependent, for supplies and transport. As such, waste isn't an option here and sustainability is a necessity.
" ' #Sustainability has always been a part of island and crofting life here,' explained Norah Barnes, Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger on Eigg. 'You're a bit more aware of what you're using. You can't just go to a shop down the road to get something. Everything that we want, we literally have to lift off the boat.'
"Combined, the Small Isles of Eigg, #Canna, #Sanday, #Rùm and #Muck have a population of just 150-200 people. Measuring five miles by three, Eigg is the second largest in size but by far the most populous with around 110 residents, and this has helped to foster a community that has collectively been able to take charge of the future of the island."
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #SelfReliance #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Renewables #RenewablesNow #Reforestation #OffGrid #IslandLiving #EcoConsciousLiving
-
#Carbon14: Another underestimated danger from #nuclear reactors
"There are a number of radionuclides released from nuclear energy facilities. This paper highlights carbon-14 for a number of reasons:
- Carbon-14 is radioactive and is released into air as #methane and #CO2
- Before 2010, carbon-14 releases from nuclear reactors were virtually ignored in the United States. Today only estimates are required and only under certain restrictive circumstances.
- There is no good accounting of releases to date, so its impact on our health, our children’s health, and that of our
#environment remains unknown, yet environmental measurement is possible, but can be challenging under certain
conditions.- Carbon-14 has a half-life of over 5700 years and the element carbon is a basic building block for life on earth. Therefore, “it constitutes a potential health hazard, whose additional production by #anthropogenic sources of today will result in an increased #radiation exposure to many future generations.”
- Like #tritium, it can collect in the tissues of the fetus at twice the concentration of the tissues in the mother, pointing to its
disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable human lifecycle: the developing child.The element carbon is found in all organic substances. Carbon is also a primary constituent of #GreenhouseGases that are responsible for #ClimateChange, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (#CH4). Carbon-14 (c-14) is a radioactive form of
carbon that occurs in nature and is also newly formed in nuclear power processes.
"Carbon-14 is a health concern because it is released from #NuclearPower facilities as radioactive carbon dioxide and methane, traveling readily in the local and global environment."Over time, carbon-14 becomes part of organic material including food, and has a half-life of approximately 5,730 years, decaying by a type of radioactive particle called a beta. Its hazardous life is 10-20 times its half-life, meaning that harmful exposure to man-made carbon-14 can last for hundreds of generations. The radioactive carbon forms as a byproduct of fissioning of uranium fuel, through a process called activation. The final step is a chemical reaction between carbon-14 and oxygen or hydrogen, which forms methane or carbon dioxide. The radioactive carbon-14 formed by this process is brand new and would not exist without nuclear fission.
"During its long hazardous life, carbon-14 could be responsible for gross physical or
mental defects, stillbirths and childhood deaths, embryonic and neonatal deaths into the many millions over the life of the isotope."These millions could be underestimated five times or more. Carbon-14 could also be responsible for #leukemia, bone and other #cancers."
https://beyondnuclear.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/carbon14FINAL.pdf
#NoNukes #RethinkNotRestart #NoNukesForAI #RenewablesNow! #BeyondNuclear #NuclearIsNotCarbonFree
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From the Bretton Woods Project: #Forests
"Finally, the [#WorldBank] ’s #forest policy and #WeakSafeguards on #ForestProtection have also been observed to infringe the rights of local communities and have failed to protect one of the planet’s most important ‘#CarbonSinks’ (see Observer Spring 2017). CSOs have called for the Bank to open up its Forest Notes – which are meant to guide the interface between its lending and forests – to consultation (see Observer Winter 2017-2018). CSOs have also been highly critical of one of the forest initiatives the Bank manages, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), a climate investment fund that supports Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) projects. A March 2017 post in REDD Monitor called the FCPF, 'the most cost-inefficient tree-saving scheme ever,' owing to high administrative costs between fiscal years 2009-2015 absorbing 64 per cent of FCFP’s $55 million expenditure. More generally, the Bank’s overall approach to lending has undermined the protection of vital natural ecosystems in borrower countries. As noted by Bruce Rich in his influential 2013 book, Foreclosing the Future: The World Bank and the Politics of Environmental Destruction, 'When one examines the failures to conserve ecosystems, or to mitigate environmental impacts of development, one finds that failed governance at all levels is almost invariably at the root. …Many of [the Bank’s] problems are associated with a dysfunctional institutional culture in which the relentless pressure to move money out the door, even in violation of the Bank’s own policies and rules, often overrides all other considerations.'"
2017: World Bank policy lending undermines climate goals
"One of the main problems is the Bank’s refusal to adequately assess the social and environmental risks of their policy loans" - Harlem Mariño, Derechos, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
6 April 2017
"A late January report by US-based NGO Bank Information Center (BIC), together with partners in Egypt, Indonesia, Mozambique and Peru, claimed that the Bank is undermining its climate commitments by supporting investment incentives for coal, gas and oil projects through its development policy financing (DPF) mechanism. DPF accounts for approximately a third of all Bank funding and provides resources for programmes of policy and institutional reforms that are agreed by the Bank and the borrowing government (see Update 82). The report argued that the Bank’s financing through DPF contradicts the internationally agreed and Bank-supported goal of limiting the global average temperature increase to 2°C, which according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change would require that at least two-thirds of existing fossil fuel reserves are left in the ground.
"BIC’s report looked at the Bank’s DPF measures in four countries: Egypt, Indonesia, Mozambique and Peru. It found that DPF introduced subsidies for coal in all countries, apart from Peru. For example, the report argued that Bank-supported subsidies for coal infrastructure have helped Indonesia become one of the world’s top coal exporters. It found some DPF support for renewable energy, but argued that the Bank could do more given that all countries examined have potential to develop renewable energy. For example, while Peru’s DPF provides subsidies to public-private partnerships to develop oil and gas infrastructure, it does not include plans for solar or wind power projects."
https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2017/04/world-bank-policy-lending-undermines-climate-goals/
#FCPF #REDD #Ecosystems #ProtectTheForests #EnvironmentalDestruction #ForestDegradation #Deforestation #EnvironmentalImpacts #Egypt #Indonesia #Mozambique #Peru #LeaveItInTheGround #Coal #BigOilAndGas #ExtractiveIndustries #Exploitation #EnvironmentalImpacts
#HumanRights #ParisAgreement
#ParisClimateAgreement #BigOilAndGas #CorporateColonialism #IMFLoanSharks #RenewablesNow -
Scientists test #agriculture and #SolarEnergy on #Illinois #farms
Two experiments in the state are measuring which crops could grow well under these panels.
By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco
Jul 18, 2024, 2:58pm EDT"Thousands of #wildflowers are blooming under rows of solar panels in eastern Illinois. #Milkweeds, #BlackEyedSusans and native #PrairieGrasses catch the sunlight that streams past solar panels on one end of this 54-acre property near Champaign.
"'Obviously, this setting is not perfect for the farming system,' D.K. Lee, a professor of crop sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said about the narrow space between solar panel arrays.
"But this experimental station called #SolarFarm 2.0 could help UIUC scientists determine whether the marriage between Midwestern agriculture and solar power will be a happy one. Researchers are piloting how crops such as grains and #soybeans used primarily to feed livestock grow with solar panels obstructing their full view of the sun. The counterintuitive practice is called #agrivoltaics, a nascent industry that partners solar developers looking for large plots of land and farmers looking to make additional income.
"That’s why two parallel experiments are underway here to find out what can grow and thrive under solar panels. To hit the ambitious clean energy targets set by state and federal officials, solar power will have to increase close to seven times over current capacity by 2035. That will mean millions of acres devoted to solar power — many of which could be in America’s #farmlands. But to make sure that agricultural communities aren’t left behind by the clean energy transition, scientists want to know what it will take for life to persist beneath solar panels — potentially a first step for farmers and solar power to co-exist.
"'We can only farm about 70% of the land here,' said Bruce E. Branham, professor of horticulture at UIUC. 'So we’ve got 30% of the land that would be farmed in full sun that is just vacant.'
"But in just two years and despite physical constraints, initial findings suggest that the #sorghum grain could be a promising crop to grow alongside solar panels. Branham said that so far it appears that combining sorghum with solar panels has resulted in a 59% increase in efficiency. And wildlife, including #birds and #bees, are flocking to the improved habitat. It’s a good start, but there’s still ways to go before solar farms like these are generating serious energy.
"'This is a 54-acre site, and we’re getting 12 megawatts,' Banham said. 'A lot of power plants are much, much greater than that.'
"In all, Solar Farm 2.0 produces close to 1% of the generating power of the #ClintonPowerStation, a #NuclearPowerPlant just a 45 minute drive east. But for Banham and others, this presents an opportunity to combine Midwestern row crops with solar power to generate enough energy to compete with #FossilFuels and other clean energy alternatives."
#SolarPunkSunday #SolarFarms #RenewablesNow #RenewableEnergy #LocalEnergy #NoNewNukes #NoNukes #SolarFarm #SaveTheFarms #IllinoisFarms #MidwestFarms #SolarSundays #Agrivoltaic
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'This is our best option:' #Maine farmers turn to #SolarEnergy due to #contaminated fields
Story by Brad Rogers
7/25/2024ARUNDEL (WGME) – "#PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, have been nothing short of disastrous for hundreds of #Mainefarmers.
"It's ruined their land, made their cattle, milk and eggs unsafe to eat and left many farmers with serious health problems.
"'This farm has been in our family since 1914,' #FredStone, whose #Arundel farm was contaminated with PFAS, said.
"Stone was a third-generation dairy farmer in Arundel until forever chemicals were discovered in his fields, #WellWater, cows and milk.
"The pollution came from spreading #wastewater #sludge on his farm after the state told him it was safe.
"#MaineDEP has identified more than 500 sites where sludge was applied to farmland as #fertilizer.
"In 2017, Stone was the first farmer in the state to have his dairy farm and his pasture shut down due to #PFAScontamination.
"To make up for it, the state offered to buy his farm, but he refused to walk away.
"'We’re not in the farm selling or land selling business,' Stone said. 'Given what options we had left, that brought us to the solar thing.'
"He's been working with #WaldenRenewables to build a solar array on 100 acres of his contaminated farm.
"'It's their best alternative, but for some of these landowners, it's hard to kind of accept the change that they're facing,' Dale Knapp of Walden Renewables said. 'This is an injection of revenue that they desperately need.'
"This week, the Maine Public Utilities Commission [#MainePUC] approved new rules, paving the way for solar development on PFAS-polluted farms.
"'The Act provides that the commission must give a primary preference to projects that are located on contaminated lands,' Carrie Gilbert of the Maine PUC Commission said.
"'This is our best option,' Stone said. 'So reluctantly, very reluctantly I guess, that’s what we ended up having to do.'
"Stone plans to sign a 30-year lease for the solar array.
"After that, his farm may still be contaminated with forever chemicals, but 30 years is a long time for someone to come up with a solution.
"'That might mean that generational farm just goes on pause,' Knapp said. 'And the next generation may have the opportunity to return it to being a family farm someday.'
"'I’m very bitter,' Stone said. 'This is not the way we wanted to see this go. Yeah, I would love to see it continue on as a farm of some kind but damn the state of Maine for putting me in this position.'"
#MaineFarms #SolarFarms #ContaminatedFarmland #Reuse #SolarFarm #RenewablesNow #RenewableEnergy #PFOA #WaterIsLife #PFOS #PFASContamination #WaterPollution #PFASPollution #PTFE #Wildlife #Cancer #Contamination #Chemicals #Environment #GenXChemicals
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Accident Possibilities at #Gentilly2 and Other #CANDU Reactors
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ~ AUGUST 1995
by Gordon Edwards, Ph.D., President, Canadian Coalition for #Nuclear Responsibility
"When Gentilly-2 was built, nobody thought about the possibility that an accident could kill everybody in the control room of the nuclear reactor, possibly resulting in a catastrophic accident. (Even if the reactor is shut down, the heat still has to be removed from the core to prevent a catastrophe -- and that cannot be guaranteed if the operators are dead.) A few years ago, AECB discovered that a sudden break in one of the steam pipes passing over the roof of the control room could, in fact, kill everyone inside and make the control room unusable. Obviously, this improbable situation could be extremely hazardous for the population at large.
"At first, AECB wanted Hydro-Quebec to relocate the steam pipes, but Hydro-Quebec argued that this would be too expensive. Instead they offered to make some substantial alterations to the interior design of the building so as to minimize the effects of such a break in the steam pipes, and to carefully monitor the pipes so as to detect any weakening which might (or might not) occur before such a break would happen. Those corrective actions are still being carried out. Whether they are adequate to eliminate the possibility of a catastrophic accident caused by a steam pipe rupture is a matter of judgment.
"One of the most serious kinds of accidents in any nuclear reactor is a Loss of Coolant Accident, or LOCA. It is caused by a pipe break or an open valve, allowing the water normally used to remove the heat from the core of the reactor to escape. Without adequate cooling, the core of the reactor will overheat and fission products will be released from the damaged fuel, many of them in the form of radioactive gases and vapours. If these materials escape into the environment in large enough quantities, a nuclear catastrophe will result.
"Every CANDU reactor has an Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) which is supposed to flood the core of the reactor with ordinary water in case of a large LOCA to prevent it from overheating. Sometimes, however, the ECCS is not available. The AECB allows the ECCS to be unavailable for up to eight hours in any given year, and in some cases it is unavailable for a much longer period of time. If a large LOCA were to happen at such a time, serious core damage could occur and a nuclear catastrophe could result.
"The first LOCA in a Canadian nuclear generating station was at Pickering, just outside of Toronto, in 1983, when a pressure tube burst without warning in the core of the reactor. A few years earlier, nuclear experts had insisted that a pressure tube could not burst suddenly, because it would begin to leak long before it would break, giving the operators enough time to shut the reactor down and correct the situation. But the experts were wrong.
"Fortunately, it was not a very large LOCA, and the ECCS was not needed to keep the fuel from overheating. Most of the fuel remained undamaged and so not much radioactivity was released. However, repairs to the core of the Pickering reactor took four years and cost more than 500 million dollars. All of the pressure tubes had to be replaced, since many of them were showing signs of serious deterioration and some were developing blisters. If several pressure tubes had burst at the same time, a much more frightening situation would have to be dealt with.
"All CANDU reactors have pressure tubes, and all of them deteriorate with time. But the cost of replacing all the pressure tubes is so great that Ontario Hydro has decided to shut down some of its reactors permanently rather than spend the money needed to repair them. At Gentilly-2, until recently, Hydro-Quebec was also planning to replace all the pressure tubes; but now, to save money, they have decided to try something less expensive -- to re-adjust the "garter springs" which support the pressure tubes inside the core of the reactor, so they will not sag as much and, hopefully, will not develop the same kind of blisters that were seen in the pressure tubes at Pickering. This approach does not halt or reverse the deterioration of the pressure tubes, but it will perhaps slow it down.
"In December, 1994, a second LOCA occurred at a Canadian nuclear reactor. This time, it was not a pressure tube, but a relief valve that broke at Pickering.As the superheated mixture of water and steam escaped through the broken valve, a powerful vibration shook the pipe so hard that it broke, resulting in a large LOCA that required -- for the first time in Canadian history -- the use of the ECCS to prevent damage to the nuclear fuel. Similarly accidents involving broken relief valves in CANDU reactors have also occurred in #SouthKorea, and -- in May 1995 -- at one of the Bruce reactors in #Ontario. In these situations, however, the vibrations did not result in broken pipes.
"In June 1995, the AECB made public its analysis of these accidents. They have concluded that a similar accident could occur at any time at Gentilly-2, and that the resulting vibrations would very likely result in either broken pipes or damage to other valves, thus resulting in a serious LOCA. Hydro-Quebec has made no statement about the situation, and may not agree with the AECB as to the possibility of such an accident or the necessity of undertaking the necessary repair work which would involve redesigning that portion of the pressure relief system."