The recent heat means lots of people are running the A/C, which means peak loads for local power plants. You can help reduce peak loads by participating in Duke Energy’s Power Manager program–they pay you a one-time fee of $25-35 for the ability to notch the energy use of your air conditioner down during peak times, and pay you an additional credit every time they do so. I’ve used this service for a couple of years and have never noticed a difference in performance, so it can be done with minimal impact on comfort. See here for more information: http://www.duke-energy.com/indiana/savings/power-manager.asp
Upcoming events
Bloomington Food Policy Council Meeting July 14 – Help finalize the mission of the BFPC and hear what the working groups have been up to. Thursday, July 14th at 6:30 in City Hall’s McCloskey Room.For more information contact Stephanie Solomon at stephanie@mhcfoodpantry.org or Michael Simmons at simmonsm@bloomington.in.gov.
USGBC webinar on energy efficiency July 14 – This webinar series gives an introductory look at LEED and its uses for achieving green buildings and the processes involved. This is for anyone with an interest in the LEED process, wanting to achieve LEED certification, or concerned citizens looking to improve efficiencies globally. For 1.5 GBCI or AIA/CES hours. 4-6pm, at 908 W 8th St, in Bloomington’s only Platinum-certified home! For more info see the calendar here: http://www.gnnbloomington.com/?page_id=82
WIndiana and the Indiana Renewable Energy Conference July 20-21 -This conference will feature workshops on renewable energy possibilities at both small and large scales. See http://www.in.gov/oed/2629.htm for more information.
Bloomington Sierra Club monthly meeting July 25th – The next monthly meeting of the local Sierra Club will take place on Monday July 25 in Monroe County Public Library – Room #1B from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Contact thomas.mooradian@att.net for more information.
Film screening: Bicycle Dreams, July 31 – Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning film about Race Across America, will be shown at the Buskirk-Chumley theater on Sunday, July 31 at 7 p.m.. The film was recently named by two cycling mags as the greatest cycling film since Breaking Away. http://www.bicycledreamsmovie.com/ for more information.
Hub Ride for the Hungry, August 13 - The Hub Ride for the Hungry is a bike ride you don’t want to miss! Starting in Karst Farm Park the various rides take you through the rolling hills of southern Indiana and offer spectacular views. The event offers rides for bikers of all levels from novice to nuts. All rides start and finish at Karst Farm Park. Proceeds from the ride go to support MHC’s pantry and education programs. 8am – 2pm. For more info, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=tc4e7sdab&oeidk=a07e3t4c637b1526936
Training
Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) program at the Brown County Career Resource Center August 8-13, 2011
The Brown County Career Resource Center, located in Nashville, IN is offering a week long solar electric workshop. The course is designed for people looking to gain basic knowledge with solar PV technology and provide participants to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Exam. Students attending the workshop will learn solar PV electricity basics, solar energy fundamentals, PV module fundamentals, PV site assessment, PV system components, PV system sizing, PV system design, working safely with PV and PV markets and applications. The last day 8/13, will be a 1/2 day review to help students prepare for the exam, then the exam will be administered that afternoon. The workshop is taught by NABCEP certified PV installer, Alex Jarvis, solarindiana@yahoo.com.
2011 Citizens Academy accepting applications until July 18 -This free, nine-week program that gives you the opportunity to learn about the challenges of city government, budget limitations, day-to-day operations and mandates in this fun and educational class. The 2011 Citizens’ Academy will meet weekly from August 18 through October 13. The session will be limited to a total of 30 participants to ensure a quality experience for all participants.The deadline for 2011 Citizens’ Academy applications is Monday, July 18, 2011. For an application and further information about Citizens’ Academy contact Vickie Provine at provinev@bloomington.in.gov or 349-3505.
Other Stuff
Simply Living Fair seeking sponsors – The Center for Sustainable Living is pleased to announce that the 2011 Simply Living Fair will be held on Saturday, September 10th in Third Street Park (also known as the Waldron, Hill, and Buskirk Park). They are seeking sponsors and exhibitors, with a goal of raising $1,500 to cover expenses. This is a great chance to showcase your green business or organization to a crowd of eco-minded folks who are willing to spend their dollars where their values are. Booths are available for $25 for businesses and $15 for non-profits, with sponsorship opportunities starting at $80. Please visit http://www.simplylivingfair.org for more information or contact the Center for Sustainable Living at (812) 332-8796.
Help Indiana get more trees with just a few clicks – It’s quick, easy, and free to help get more trees for Indiana by voting online. Each vote results in a $1 donation from Odwalla to the Indiana DNR for planting trees in Hoosier state parks. Last year around $3,400 was raised through this program. With the Emerald Ash Borer killing trees throughout the state, more trees will be needed this year to offset the damage and grow our forests. Visit http://www.odwalla.com/plantatree/ to vote. More information at the DNR site: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2923.htm
Show tornadoes that they aren’t welcome here!! Donate to the City of Bloomington Tree Fund - During the storms last month, the campus and community lost an estimated 500-700 trees, some of which were 150 years old or more. Help replace these monuments in our green city! Anything you contribute will help send a signal to tornadoes to dissipate into refreshing spring breezes. http://bloomington.in.gov/parkfoundation
ROOMS AVAILABLE IN NEW BLOOMINGTON ECOVILLAGE beginning August 1. – Walking distance to campus. If you are interested in intentional community and sustainable living you may find this to be a very good fit for you! Contact Doug (hanvey@gmail.com) for info.
The City’s Deer Task Force wants to hear from you! - The Deer Task Force is conducting a survey of the community regarding deer in the city. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/CDWLSJS to complete the survey.
To Contact the City’s Sustainability Coordinator, Jacqui Bauer, call 812.349.3418, or email bauerj@bloomington.in.gov
Like the Sustainable Bloomington Facebook page! www.facebook.com/pages/Bloomington-Sustainable-City/145658892126390
Join us for the Hoosier to Hoosier Community Sale and the Bloomington Resale Trail! – August 20, 2011, Gladstein Fieldhouse (next to IU Assembly Hall), http://www.indiana.edu/~h2h