A Window Dressers insert being installed. Photo courtesy Window Dressers.

This fall Sustainable Woodstock will make free insulating window inserts for community members, and you are invited to join us! From Thursday October 26^th to Wednesday November 1st, we will host a community build at the North Universalist Chapel Society Church (North Chapel), which is generously donating their space for this project. We will construct the window inserts at this build, first gluing and screwing together the wooden frames for the windows, and then wrapping them in this insulating plastic and foaming the outside. No experience is needed to volunteer, and you will be thanked with snacks and lots of community good-will, much like an old-fashioned barn raising. If you are interested in volunteering at our Window Dressers build, please sign up at: https://signup.com/go/ggjUKii

This community build is run in partnership with Window Dressers (WD). WD brings volunteers together to build insulating window inserts for a participating town’s residents. The inserts function like custom interior storm windows, insulating a home to improve the warmth and comfort of interior spaces, lower heating costs, and reduce carbon dioxide pollution. More info is at: https://windowdressers.org/.

All recipients of our Window Dressers build are income-qualifying and are receiving up to 10 inserts for free. We were able to identify recipients through our low-income food security and energy work, as well as by advertising on local listservs. We also found interested families by advertising at the Woodstock Area Food Shelf. The inserts are free of charge to all due to generous funding from the Canaday Family Charitable Trust.

We will construct ~230 inserts for 28 families during our week-long build, which will have multiple shifts during the weekday and on the weekend for people to volunteer—no experience necessary. While you do not need to have any building experience to be successful at a community build, you can still contribute if building isn’t in your comfort zone. We will also need folks to bring snacks and other food and drink for every day of the build, including bigger dishes around lunchtime. This program is a great experience for anyone wanting to help those in our community reduce energy load, save money, and create a warmer living space during the cold months of the year. Last year we were joined by over 80 volunteers–we hope to see you again this year.

Window Dressers is also an important way of addressing energy burden for low-income Vermonters. Energy burden is the share of a household’s income spent on heat, electricity and transportation. According to Energy Action Vermont, some Vermonters spend over a quarter of their income on energy costs. Even worse, most of those expenses are for fossil fuels, which have volatile prices like those that we saw last winter for heating oil and propane. A tighter, well-insulated home is one step towards reducing a home’s energy burden, and to making it a more comfortable space. Window Dressers estimates that on average, 10 inserts will save 105 gallons of heating fuel which, at around $5.50/gallon, amounts to more than $550 in savings per year. This means that our 2023 build saved ~2,467 gallons of fuel, or $13,571 for homeowners.

Each insulating window insert is made of a custom-made pine frame wrapped in two layers of tightly sealed clear polyolefin film and finished with a compressible foam gasket. The foam allows enough give for the inserts to be easily slid into place in the fall and removed in the spring, while holding firmly enough to provide a tight, friction-based seal that stops drafts and adds two more insulating air spaces. This is very helpful in Vermont’s homes, many of which were built in the 1900’s and have old, leaky windows. We heard great things from recipients of last year’s build, including: “The inserts were a breeze to put in and definitely make a difference. Thanks so much for the game-changer!” and “I must tell you that those inserts made a profound quality of life impact! It was so toasty warm inside, that we routinely went outside unprepared for the real cold. And our lpg consumption is way down.”

We invite you to join us anytime October 26^th through November 1st to volunteer at Woodstock’s Window Dressers Build and build community at the same time!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

If you are interested in volunteering at our Window Dressers build, please sign up at: https://signup.com/go/ggjUKii

Contact Sustainable Woodstock with questions at programs@sustainablewoodstock.org or 802-457-2911

The post Help Your Neighbors Stay Warm This Winter appeared first on Sustainable Woodstock.

Electric lawncare equipment looks and functions much like gas-powered counterparts. Photo courtesy of Rooted Gardens.

With summer comes the near constant drone of lawn mowers, weed whackers, leaf blowers, and other lawn equipment. This summer Sustainable Woodstock partnered with Rooted Gardens, the Upper Valley’s first electric-powered landscaping service, to demonstrate alternatives to gas-powered lawn equipment. Our partnership brought an all-electric lawn care contractor to Woodstock for the first time, mowing the Ottauquechee Health Center, Faulkner Park and four private residences every Wednesday. It has been a very successful season, and next year we are looking to expand this partnership to more businesses and residences in Woodstock.

How does Rooted Gardens mow without using gas or diesel? They use a combination of push mowers, riding mowers and smaller equipment such as weed whackers, just like any other landscaper. The only difference is that this equipment runs on electricity in the form of batteries. Rather than fill up the gas tank, Matt, the owner, and his crew replace and recharge batteries to mow all day. The Electric Lawn is one of a list of contractors across the state who are using all electric equipment, and is the first in the Upper Valley. Visit https://www.mowelectric.org/find-a-contractor to see other electric contractors in Vermont.

Electric lawn equipment has advanced quickly– companies are now making commercial grade riding lawn mowers that for 8 hours of run time. Little to no maintenance is required, as there are far fewer moving parts in electric machines compared to gas-powered machines. The low maintenance costs combined with a very low cost to run electric machines (it costs less than $2 to charge a commercial mower that will run for 8 hours) means that the machines cost much less to run.

There are many other benefits to electric equipment. Electric lawn equipment is quieter than gas-powered machinery, which produces constant noise, and which the CDC reports can create long-term health effects including hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and even cardiovascular issues. Noise is considered hazardous when it is 85 dBA or above– If you must raise your voice when talking to someone about 3 feet away, the noise level is probably at least 85 dBA. Consider how often you must raise your voice above the noise of gas-powered lawn equipment, either when you use it yourself or when you’re nearby. Electric lawnmowers are about 30 dB quieter than gas-powered models.

Electric equipment emits no harmful pollutants or smog-forming air pollution. Most gas-powered lawn equipment uses 2-stroke engine fuel, which is a gas-oil mixture that is especially toxic compared to automobile emissions. These emissions include hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides (components of smog), carbon dioxide, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These pollutants and fine particulates linked to cancer, asthma, heart and lung disease, and create smog-forming air pollution. This was the primary motivator for the Ottauquechee Health Center to use Rooted Gardens to mow this summer; in Executive Director Hali Robinson’s words, “we decided to go the electric lawnmowing route so we could encompass the full spectrum of health – which includes environmental health!”

Are you interested in getting involved in the electric revolution? Rooted Gardens has openings for 2024 with neighbor discounts! Contact matt@myrootedgardens.com for more information. Be the leader in your neighborhood.

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Our world is increasingly full of single-use plastics (SUPs) that are intended to be used once for a short period of time and then thrown away. These SUPs can then become microplastics. Microplastic is defined as a small piece of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in length, that occurs in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution. These plastics come from a variety of sources, including fragments that erode from car tires, plastics that shed from clothing, microbeads in personal care products, or any aging plastic object that is exposed to the sun’s UV radiation or ocean waves.

In our modern era microplastics are found throughout the natural world. They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat—children and adults might ingest or breathe in anywhere from dozens to more than 100,000 microplastic specks each day. How these particles effect human health is not yet thoroughly understood, but plastics are known to contain dangerous chemical substances—in the lab microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells. Studies have found microplastics in our blood and deep in our lungs, as well as in human placentas.

Microplastics also effect wildlife—they are found in the stomachs of animals, particularly marine life, from plankton to whales. In 2012, the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal declared that all seven sea turtle species, 45 percent of marine mammal species, and 21 percent of seabird species were affected by eating or becoming entangled in plastic. When ingested, plastics can block the gastrointestinal tract or cause cuts and irritation. Plastic provides no nutrition, so animals that consume it may have a false sense of fullness. There are many nuances to how microplastic affects different species, including what type of plastic they are exposed to, the size of the particles, and the concentration of microplastic.

Tea bags are really just the start when it comes to the ways we are exposed to micro plastics, but they’re also a good starting point if you’re looking to reduce your exposure to these plastics. Steeping a single plastic teabag at brewing temperature (95 °C) releases approximately 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a single cup of the beverage. This data is for a plastic teabag, not the kind made of mixed materials that I have been using– I could not find good data on those. Cutting out teabags made with any type of plastic, and using loose leaf tea instead will limit your exposure. Other tips to avoid microplastic include microwaving food in ceramic or glass containers; BPA and phthalates in plastic leach more easily into food when heated. Avoiding store-bought plastic water bottles and takeaway cups will also help you avoid microplastics. 

Of course, the best way to avoid microplastics is to reduce or eliminate your use of plastics altogether. Use reusable take out containers, thermoses, tote bags, straws, you name it! You can also use refillable bottles for personal care products and bulk foods. If you buy any plastic, pay attention to what number it is. Look at the recycling triangle, often found on the bottom, to check. Plastics that have a #1 or #2 must be recycled in Vermont, and are generally the most commonly recycled plastics. Avoid other numbers when possible, and always avoid black plastic, which cannot be recycled in Vermont. 

According to the IUCN, at least 14 million tons of plastic are introduced into marine ecosystems each year. Over time, larger pieces of plastic are fragmented into countless, nearly microscopic bits of microplastic, which are now endemic to oceans, and the bodies of marine organisms, throughout the world.   Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash

What Can You Do?

• Visit https://dec.vermont.gov/content/how-can-i-waste-less for ideas on how to use less plastic
• Pick up litter and participate in Green Up Day (May 6, 2023) to reduce plastic pollution: greenupvermont.org
• Learn what materials can and cannot be recycled by visiting the Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste Management District’s website, where there is an A-Z guide of what to do with different materials: www.guvswmd.org
• Register to watch the free film screening of A Plastic Ocean April 24th-28th, hosted by Sustainable Woodstock and Pentangles Arts as part of our Climate Change & Sustainability Film Series: plasticocean.eventbrite.com

The post Microplastics Pose a Big Problem appeared first on Sustainable Woodstock.

In addition to the IRA, there are tax incentives and money back deals to get you started on all types of green projects, from home weatherization to electric vehicles. Every New Year brings changes to state and federal incentives to cut carbon emissions– read on for some of the opportunities available to Vermonters in the New Year:

SOLAR

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the most well-known financial incentive for homeowners to go solar. Thanks to the IRA, the ITC will go up to 30%, meaning that 30% of the cost of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, home batteries, or a geothermal system can be claimed on federal income taxes. This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your income tax! As of now, the 30% credit will stay in place through 2034. 

In Vermont, if your solar array produces more electricity than you use at any given time, that power is sent to the grid and your utility company is required to credit your electricity bill by a certain amount. In addition, there is no sales tax assessed on solar installations, and the additional value the system adds to your home is exempt from state property taxes.

ADVANCED WOOD HEATING

In 2023 the Wood and Pellet Heater Investment Tax Credit will cover 30% of the purchase and installation costs of home heating and hot water systems that utilize wood pellets, chips and cordwood. There is an annual cap of $2,000. The State of Vermont also offers incentives for woodstove changeouts and repairs. Incentives of up to $6,000 for stove and $4,000 for repairs are available for new cordwood or pellet stoves that meet certain EPA standards and/or a repair of a chimney or hearth necessary for the new stove to meet fire and Building Safety Code. To be eligible you must remove an existing wood stove that is not EPA certified or more than 20 years old. Depending on income level, 80% or 60% of the cost is covered up to $6,000. Visit rerc-vt.org/woodstove-change-out-and-repairs for more information on this program.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The IRA contains many incentives for electric vehicles (EVs). For the first time there is a federal tax credit for used EVs of 30% up to $4,000, with an income cap for the buyer. Starting in 2024, this credit can be transferred directly to dealerships for discounts at point of sale. There is also a tax credit of 30% up to $7,500 for new EVs, but there are various requirements to receive the full credit. You will need to check that the car is eligible, that you meet income limits, and that final assembly of the vehicle took place in the US.

The State of Vermont also offers additional EV incentives. As of July 1, 2022 there was $12.3 million available for the program. Interested Vermonters are encouraged to take advantage of this offering while funds are available. The amount of your specific incentive depends on income level and whether the vehicle is hybrid plug-in electric, or all electric. It is best to act now, as funding has run out before, resulting in a break before more could be appropriated. 

If you are looking for a used car, Vermont also offers an incentive for used hybrids and EVs, called MileageSmart. The MileageSmart Incentive is worth 25% of the initial price of the vehicle (excluding taxes and registration fees), up to $5,000. The program currently has over $250,000 of remaining incentives.

WEATHERIZATION

Weatherization is on many people’s minds as temperatures dip down to the single digits. Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free home weatherization if you meet household income limits. On average, this program Makes about $8,500 worth of improvements per home and reduces drafts by about 40%. Visit https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/weatherization for more information and to see income guidelines. 

The Home Performance with Energy Star (HPwES) program connects homeowners and certified contractors to assess home energy use and perform energy improvements. Currently homeowners can receive 75% of project cost back, up to $2,000. Income-eligible Vermonters can receive 75% of project cost back, up to $5,000. Available while funds last. Details at www.efficiencyvermont.com/rebates/list/home-performance-with-energy-star. 

There are a myriad of incentives, rebates, and tax credits available for upgrading your energy use in 2023. The opportunities outlined here are just a selection. Visit efficiencyvermont.com to learn about more incentives for technology such as heat pumps, lighting, air conditioners, thermostats, furnaces, boilers and more. On average, each Vermonter is responsible for over 15 tons (30,000 pounds) of greenhouse gas emissions of air pollution per year. Make 2023 the year you reduce your carbon footprint. 

Economic incentives make 2023 a great year for you to harness the immense power of the sun to meet your energy needs. Photo: NASA/SDO

The post 2023 Incentives to Go Green appeared first on Sustainable Woodstock.

The IREC position is run through TRORC and serves seven towns. In 2022 those towns were Barnard, Sharon, Strafford, Thetford, Woodstock, Norwich and Bradford. Each town has a member on the steering committee, which guides the IREC’s focus. The work of the IREC is to lessen overall energy use, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and move to renewable generation of electricity, all while seeking long term cost savings. Woodstock joined the IREC program in 2020, the program’s first year, and thanks to the ongoing support of Woodstock residents and the Selectboard, continued its participation in 2021 and 2022. We hope that the town will continue this support in 2023. 

In 2020 Woodstock passed a Climate Emergency and Action Resolution, with a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. This declaration meant that we as a town were taking this issue seriously and willing to put time, money and energy into solving it; that is the heart of much of the IREC work. As IREC, Geoff completed a municipal GHG emission inventory to understand where the town’s emissions were coming from and track progress towards the town’s net-zero by 2030 goal. Geoff and TRORC also began work to lower GHG emissions in our municipal buildings, developing a proposal to reduce emissions by 12.5% annually by installing new technologies such as heat pumps in municipal buildings and weatherizing. The voters approved the financing for these projects at Town Meeting this past March, and the Select Board will be reviewing the final work scope and pricing proposal at the December 20 meeting. If the proposal is successful, the majority of town buildings would no longer use fossil fuel as a primary heat source.  

Geoff also collaborated with Fire Chief David Green, Efficiency Vermont, and Sustainable Woodstock on the renovations occurring at the Public Safety Facility. The recent work done there is minimizing fossil fuel use at the building through the use of innovative heat pump and thermal storage technology. Efficiency Vermont and Green Mountain Power provided an incentive of over $50,000 to help cover the costs of the energy-efficient, fossil fuel-free equipment. As a result, the town is avoiding over 80% of the emissions that the propane system in the original renovation design would have produced. 

In addition to lowering buildings emissions, The IREC position has also taken action to reduce transportation emissions, which is a high priority in Vermont and the biggest generator of carbon emissions. Geoff facilitated a successful $1.6 million application to the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program with Butler Bus Service and the Windsor Central Supervisory Union. As a result, two all-electric school buses, paid for entirely by the grant, will soon be transporting Woodstock High School students to and from school. The grant will also cover almost all of the cost for new charging infrastructure at the high school to support both the new buses as well as to provide charging for the public.

Lastly, the IREC position has advocated for solar. In collaboration with Sustainable Woodstock, the IREC position worked with Norwich Technologies to secure additional solar net-metering credits to supply the Town of Woodstock, which has an annual savings of around $4,800. This agreement lowers the town’s utility costs, which could support future investments to lower emissions, and supports solar generation in Vermont. Before leaving his role, Geoff and Sustainable Woodstock also began working on siting new community solar arrays in town. This work will continue with the new IREC, provided Woodstock approves funding for the position in 2023.

Woodstock voters have shown again and again that climate action is a priority to our town. The 2020 Woodstock Climate Emergency and Action Resolution is proof of this, as is the recent vote this past March to reduce GHG emissions in our municipal buildings by 12.5% annually through weatherizing and installing new technologies such as heat pumps. With your support, we hope to continue this important climate work with the invaluable help of the IREC position.

Bluebird Vision 2020 Electric Bus. This untouched photo is used under the Creative Commons License 4.0. UniversityRailroad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

The post Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator’s (IREC) Accomplishments in Woodstock appeared first on Sustainable Woodstock.

Give Sustainable Gifts

You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: shop locally! In doing so you’ll be investing in your community and local economy. Many of our local small businesses are selling items made locally, from cheese and jams to wooden cutting board, pottery, and clothing. Some examples of gifts I have given in the past include a wreath made of organic dried flowers from Wood Frog Flowers, jams from Blake Hill Preserves, Darn Tough socks, and a hand-painted lampshade from Lampscapes. There are plenty of online Vermont gift guides if you’re lost for ideas, or head to your town’s local holiday market. As a side note– studies reveal that at least 25% of returned items are thrown in a retailer’s dumpster. They lack staff and time to reshelve their products. It’s better to give a gift card so the recipient gets something they will keep.

If you have a crafting talent of your own, try making homemade gifts such as ornaments, soaps, cookies, jams, scarves, artwork, potted plants, pottery, woodworking… the list goes on. Or, gift an experience– think of all the local BnBs, theatre, films, music, restaurants, and activities to experience. Lastly, the gift idea that truly gives back: donating to charity. There are so many charities in the Upper Valley and Vermont as a whole, and you’re sure to find one that fits the person you’re giving to. 

Recycling and Wrapping Paper

Please, for the sake of our recycling centers, do not recycle your wrapping paper until you have examined what it is made of! It may be called wrapping “paper” but if you look at the actual materials that go into most wrapping paper you’ll find glitter, laminated surfaces, plastic, foil, and other non-recyclable materials. Buy recyclable wrapping paper, or look out for wrapping paper made of 100% paper (100% recycled paper is event better!). Never try to recycle wrapping paper with sparkles, fuzzy material, foil, or anything that feels like plastic. 

Or, you can skip traditional wrapping paper altogether. Go outside the box and try other materials such as: plain brown or white paper, the comic section of your newspaper, old maps, a reusable cloth bag, or a bandana or scarf. Your presents don’t have to be boring to be sustainable– try decorating with evergreen sprigs, pinecones, and dried flowers. 

The Holiday Tree

As someone who celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, and has a birthday directly after Christmas, a “Christmas” tree can represent many things, all of which are celebratory and joyful. But a tree is only as good as its environmental impact. If you want your tree to be the most environmentally-friendly it can be, first thing’s first: Artificial trees may reduce your pre- and post- holiday stress, but there is little about them that’s environmentally friendly. They’re manufactured with PVC plastic and metal, and are typically shipped from places far from the U.S. They can be reused year after year but eventually they will end up buried in a landfill.  As far as we know, there is nowhere locally where they can be recycled.

Photo caption & credit: Harvesting a locally-raised Christmas tree is a tradition that supports local growers and can be done sustainably when the post-holiday tree is returned to the soil (see suggestions, above).  Photo by Julianna Arjes on Unsplash.

Instead, buy a locally-grown tree to minimize transportation and support the local economy. Holiday trees are grown to be harvested and are continually being replaced with new seedlings. Check with your grower to see if they use pesticides, which can spread to the natural environment where the trees are grown, or buy an organic tree. Another option growing in popularity is a living tree, which can live in a pot in the house for under a week, and can then be planted outside. Either way, don’t forget the LED lights. 

When the holidays are over and your tree’s needles are covering the floor, don’t dump it in the trash! Return your dead tree to nature, if you have a forested area to put it in. You can mulch your garden with the boughs of the tree, chip the wood to use on garden paths, or leave your tree in the yard for critters and birds to take advantage of. The Hartford Transfer Station also accepts trees, if you lack yard space. They are added to the brush pile there, chipped, and stay on site. 

We wish you a happy, and sustainable, holiday!

The post ‘Tis the Season for Sustainability appeared first on Sustainable Woodstock.

For several years the bank behind Sustainable Woodstock’s Community Garden at Billings Farm has been eroding and slumping into Barnard Brook. This area, like the rest of Woodstock, was hit hard by Tropical Storm Irene, which only intensified the erosion. The bank is now being “undercut” by Barnard Brook; as the bottom of the bank erodes during high water events, the unsupported upper slope continues to collapse into the brook. (The garden is across from Billings Farm, down past the overflow parking lot on the left as you drive out of Woodstock on Old River Road.)

As the bank moves further and further back, losing soil as it goes, it has begun to encroach on the garden. If nothing is done, additional erosion and movement of the bank is a certainty, and we will lose an entire corner of the garden. The erosion would likely continue past the garden and to the bridge crossing the brook further down on Old River Road. The soil erosion is also causing nitrogen and sediment pollution of Barnard Brook, which is classified as “stressed” due to streambank erosion and loss of riparian vegetation. As a result of the bank erosion, there are high levels of sediment in the brook, which raise water temperature and negatively impact plants, insects, fish and other forms of aquatic life.

This summer Sustainable Woodstock took action to prevent water pollution and preserve the garden. With the support of the Woodstock Corporation, which owns the land, we applied for and were awarded a Design and Implementation Block Grant, funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Initiative Program and administered by Watersheds United Vermont. We used this funding to work with contractors Ripple LCC and Bear Creek Environmental, who developed an alternatives analysis and 30% engineering design to address water quality concerns.

Ultimately, Ripple LLC and Bear Creek Environmental recommended bioengineered streambank stabilization. This will entail stabilizing the streambank by shifting the bank line to its original location and constructing a new slope with root wads (the ball of a tree root and dirt that is pulled from the ground when a tree is uprooted) and then coir-wrapped soil lifts (soil wrapped in coconut fiber mats). These natural materials will hold the bank in place while shrubs and other planted vegetation becomes established. “Rip rap”—the loose stone we often see lining river and streambanks—is not funded by the Clean Water Initiative Program. This is because rip rap tends to increase the speed of water, accelerating erosion downstream and simply pushing the problem to another location. Natural “bioengineered” materials are much better for the environment. 

The next stage of this process will involve applying for a second Design and Implementation Block Grant to fund a final 100% design of the bank stabilization. This will not only enhance stream habitat and reduce sediment and nutrient pollution, but will result in benefits for the larger Woodstock community. The eroding bank is beginning to consume the northeastern corner of the Billings Community Garden, managed by Sustainable Woodstock. This garden provides many benefits to the residents of Woodstock and surrounding towns, including plots dedicated to growing fresh local produce for the Woodstock Community Food Shelf as well as an open public space for outdoor education and recreation. Additionally, the garden partners with Zack’s Place, which offers inclusive enrichment programs to people with special needs, residents of Woodstock Terrace, an assisted living community, and many other local families and individuals who grow fresh produce at the garden. 

The Barnard Brook bank erosion also poses a serious safety concern to community members who use the garden. Every summer Sustainable Woodstock hosts multiple events at the garden, including educational workshops, hands-on learning opportunities, community work days, and Grow Your Own Garden—an annual distribution of seeds and plants to local residents who would not otherwise have the means to create a garden. 

Sustainable Woodstock is grateful to our partners for helping us accomplish the first step of this process. Many thanks to Billings Farm, who manages the property, and the Woodstock Corporation. Thank you to Ripple LLC and Bear Creek Environmental for their excellent engineering work, and to Watershed Coordinator Marie Caduto for her advice. Our gratitude also for this funding. which was made possible by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (VT DEC) Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP), and administered by Watersheds United Vermont. 

Image caption & map credit:  “This topographic map shows the riparian location of Sustainable Woodstock’s Community Garden at Billings Farm. One corner of the garden borders the steep bank of Barnard Brook which is being undermined by severe erosion and slumping—a legacy of Tropical Storm Irene (August 2021). Map Credit: Basemap by Bear Creek Environmental 2022.” 

The post Protecting Our Rivers appeared first on Sustainable Woodstock.

Scientists predict that, as climate change worsens, so will the intensity of hurricanes. In order to form, hurricanes need warm ocean water, moist air, vertical wind shear (change in wind speed as you travel upwards in the atmosphere), and a pre-existing disturbance like a cluster of thunderstorms. The combination of these four ingredients, according to NASA, is what makes the perfect storm, so to speak. In a world warmed by climate change there is more moisture in the atmosphere. Think of a pot of water put on the stove to boil– as the water gradually heats more water vapor escapes into the air in the form of steam. According to NOAA, temperatures in some parts of the Caribbean hovered around 90 degrees (more than 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than usual) as Hurricane Ian was forming, and these unusually warm waters were at least in part responsible for the intensity of the hurricane.

According to scientists, while the frequency of hurricanes and storms is not increasing, the intensity of hurricanes is, and will continue to worsen due to climate change. In the past few years there have been multiple storms that, like Ian, rapidly intensified before making landfall. Rapid intensification occurs when a tropical cyclone’s maximum sustained winds increase by at least 35 mph in a 24-hour period (tropical cyclones are what can become hurricanes). It was once unusual for storms to keep strengthening until landfall, but there are roughly 25 percent more rapidly intensifying storms in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific now than 40 years ago. Noru, which recently hit the Philippines, was one of the most rapid storm intensifications that scientists have ever seen before: the storm’s winds accelerated from 50 miles per hour to 155 miles per hour within a day.

In addition to increasing intensity, research shows that hurricanes are now moving more slowly. This might sound like a good thing, but is far from positive; when hurricanes move slowly, they have the opportunity to drop more rain. The mechanism causing this slowdown is still being debated, but the effects are devastating. 

Sea level rise will also increase the severity of hurricanes, making storm surge flooding even worse for coastal communities. Sea level is predicted to rise 1-12 inches in the next 30 years and anywhere from 2-7 feet by the end of the century, depending on our future greenhouse gas emissions. Rising sea levels will push flooding further inland, causing even more destruction.

As we ride out the rest of hurricane season it is important to acknowledge that hurricanes do not affect everyone equally. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) and low-income people are at a disproportionate risk of hurricanes. These communities are more likely to live in neighborhoods with poor housing stock that are vulnerable to damage from natural disasters. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans communities of color were the most impacted and were more likely to be below sea level. Additionally, though New Orleans called for mandatory evacuation, many low-income residents had no way of leaving the city or lacked the funds to do so; a 2011 study determined that 93% of those stranded in the days following the storm were Black. We continue to see these trends as more hurricanes hit, and it is indicative of an environmental justice problem. Environmental justice seeks to address the disproportionate exposure of historically marginalized communities to environmental harms. We see again and again how disadvantaged communities are the most impacted by climate change, and hurricanes are often a prime example.

It is essential that we curb our carbon emissions now to prevent worse disasters down the line. Cutting emissions would minimize sea level rise, helping to prevent higher flood levels. This would also help preserve coastal wetlands such as the Everglades, which are biologically diverse and fragile ecosystems. Lastly, cutting our carbon pollution would be a way to address environmental justice concerns so that the most historically marginalized and vulnerable people don’t continue to bear the brunt of the climate crisis.

What can you do?

• Donate to the American Red Cross.
• To help victims of hurricane Ian, donate to Feeding Florida, Florida Disaster Fund, and many more.
• To help those impacted by Hurricane Fiona, donate to orgs such as Brigada Solidaria del Oeste or Global Giving’s Hurricane Fiona Relief Fund. 
• Take steps to reduce your carbon emissions.

The post How Climate Change is Changing Hurricane Season appeared first on Sustainable Woodstock.

This fall Sustainable Woodstock is once again participating in Efficiency Vermont’s Button Up campaign. This yearly campaign hosts educational events and offers free virtual home energy visits, where an Efficiency Vermont energy expert can do a walkthrough of your home online. Together, you will check over your house and identify the best opportunities for saving energy. There are also virtual and in-person events where you can get your questions answered. Visit https://buttonupvermont.org to see events and sign up for a virtual energy visit.

Have you been meaning to start the weatherization process in your home, but keep getting cold feet? Here are three common weatherization myths, and tips and tricks to consider instead:

Doing a comprehensive weatherization project costs too much

This is a tricky one, since it depends so much on individual circumstances. However, there are programs and rebates out there to help with weatherization. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a national program run by Community Action Partnerships (CAPs) across the country. In Windham and Windsor counties, SEVCA is the agency administering this program.  Visiting SEVCA’s website or calling will provide the information you need to determine eligibility (www.sevca.org or call 802•722•4575). If you qualify, SEVCA will come in and do a full energy audit of your home, and will insulate important areas like the basement and attic. They can also help replace inefficient appliances. The nonprofit COVER Home Repair also weatherizes homes of income-qualifying residents who are within 45 minutes of White River Junction.

If you do not qualify for free weatherization, there are other great options and incentives. Income-based Home Energy Loans offer as low as 0% interest and up to 100% financing for home weatherization and heating improvements, and can include: cold-climate heat pumps, air sealing and insulation, solar hot water heaters, heat pump water heaters, central pellet boilers and furnaces, and advanced cord wood and pellet stoves. Visit efficiencyvermont.com for more details. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, another program available to Vermonters, allows you to work with an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor to improve your home’s insulation and air sealing and get 75% off project costs up to $2,000 or $5,000, depending on your income. These “money back” programs that offer rebates are common when purchasing a new efficient appliance as well. Visit efficiencyvermont.com for details.

Weatherizing requires working with a contractor

Of course, some things are better left to the experts. That said, you don’t need too much experience to make simple home weatherization improvements. Efficiency Vermont offers $100 cash back on DIY projects, including weatherstripping, insulation, and air-sealing. Eligible projects include weatherizing exterior doors and windows, insulating hot water pipes, and spot air sealing your attic and basement. Visit efficiencyvermont.com to learn more about eligible projects.

Weatherization is all about windows and doors

When I talk to people about weatherizing their homes the first thing they often jump to is the quality of their windows. There are many reasons to invest in new windows, including better visibility, aesthetics, and noise reduction from the outdoors. New windows also improve your home’s energy efficiency, but typically not enough to actually save you money. This is because of the high upfront cost. 

It may be time to replace your windows if they are single paned, have extensive deterioration, are missing parts, or have rotted frames. Otherwise, start with easy window repairs like weatherstripping, filling cavities, replacing cracked panes, and adding caulking around window casings. Consider adding storm windows; there are exterior and interior options. Rather than blowing your weatherization budget on all new windows, these smaller fixes are much more cost effective. They will allow you to focus your energy and money on insulating your basement/crawlspace and attic, which are the areas of your home where weatherization will save you the most energy.

Window Dresser interior inserts are a cost-effective way to realize energy savings and increased comfort at home. Photos courtesy of Window Dressers.

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The most popular example of greenwashing is a practice that I had personally never realized was greenwashing to begin with: the “save your towel” sign that is in many hotels. The sign is meant to encourage guests to save and re-use their towels as a way of conserving water. In reality, this practice helps the hotel cut down on staff expenses and makes very little impact on water use. It is a way for hotels to seem like they are doing good for the environment, which appeals to guests, without having to make a meaningful change in their business practices.

What can you do to avoid falling prey to greenwashing? There are some key signs you can pay attention to that will help you determine if a brand is seriously committed to the environment. First, pay attention to the words and images a brand uses. “Eco-friendly,” “green,” “earth-friendly,” and “all natural” are meaningless without a true environmental commitment backing them. Many brands also use the color green or natural imagery to convey a vague sense of being environmental. Instead, look for eco-friendly logos that signify certain environmental standards are being met, and use third-party certifiers. Examples include: LEED, USDA organic, Fair Trade Certified, B-Corp, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Watersense, Seafood Watch, Ecocert, and many more. These aren’t perfect, but are better than meaningless labels. 

Companies also inflate the environmental benefits of their products, or fail to disclose qualifiers to environmental claims, to make them seem more sustainable. For example, labeling a plastic package containing a shower curtain as “recyclable” makes it unclear as to whether the package, curtain, or both are recyclable, which is deceptive to a consumer who may then buy the product thinking the shower curtain is recyclable. Other examples include irrelevant labels, such as paper made with “all natural materials” (most paper is already made with the natural material we commonly call wood), or labeling laundry detergent as “phosphate free,” since phosphates were phased out of laundry products years ago. These advertising techniques lead consumers to believe that a purchase is better for the planet when it clearly isn’t, and are difficult to spot if you’re not looking for them. 

The last trick to avoiding greenwashing might be the most elementary of environmental principles: reduce, reuse, recycle. One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves as consumers every day is where will the product I am buying end up? When possible, always choose the product that is part of the circular economy. This means that it will not end up in a landfill after one use, like a chip bag, but can be reused (like a refillable water bottle) or recycled. First reduce the amount you consume, then reuse what you can, and finally recycle if you have no alternative. Many products, even those with truly good intentions, must be immediately disposed of after one use– think “compostable” plastic cutlery that cannot go in at-home compost systems, and that larger compost companies in Vermont do not accept. This is not a truly sustainable product, regardless of whether the intentions behind it are pure.

Of course, not all green marketing is greenwashing; many companies are truly dedicated to sustainability and are walking the walk when it comes to their practices. Patagonia has long been known as a sustainable brand. The company offers a repair and reuse program, which repairs and sells used Patagonia clothing, and has published a free repair guide. Recently the founder Yvon Chouinard transferred his ownership of the company, valued at 3 billion, to a trust and nonprofit organization. Rather than sell the company, he and his family made this choice so that company profits will be used to combat climate change and protect land. They received no tax incentives in return. 

Many folks struggle to base their purchases on environmental concerns alone– convenience, accessibility, and cost are huge factors that cannot be ignored. However, if you are someone with the means to prioritize the environment in your shopping, watch for greenwashing. Choose companies you know and trust, and choose to buy local when you can. In the Upper Valley we have the amazing opportunity to walk into many of our grocery stores (or farmers markets) and buy local products and produce, no green label needed.

A little forethought goes a long way toward choosing everyday items that can be reused again and again, rather than being discarded or recycled. Reusable straws come in several long-lasting materials, including glass (left) and metal (right). Bamboo straws (not shown) are reusable and are made from that renewable, fast-growing member of the grass family. This striped paper straw (middle) can be recycled or composted, but can only be used once. Plastic straws are manufactured from polypropylene (for which petroleum is the raw material), cannot be recycled and often end up in a landfill, on the side of the road or in the ocean where they sicken and kill marine wildlife when they are ingested.

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