Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Resource! Nature Conservancy DVD's from PPLD



Want to be inspired or motivated?  Check out one of these great movies about nature conservation from your local Pikes Peak Library District facility.

Organization! Clean Energy Collective



From the Clean Energy Collective website:

Clean Energy Collective has partnered with Colorado Springs Utilities to provide community solar for their customers that live in Denver, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, and Summit Counties. Space is limited, so act fast and reserve your panels before they’re all gone!

Event! Arbor Day is May 2



We're celebrating Arbor Day in the Pikes Peak Region May 2!  Plant a tree for yourself and generations to come.  Here's the Arbor Day website.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Event! Grand Opening High Prairie Seed Library



Come to the Grand Opening of the High Prairie Seed Library!! Learn how to "check out" seeds and meet fellow gardeners.

Date: 4/25/2015
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 12:00 PM

Library: High Prairie Library - 7035 Old Meridian Rd.   
Location: HI Study Room (paper sign-in)
Contact: Rhonda
Contact Number: 260-3650

Organization! Green Cities Coalition


 From their website:

Green Cities Coalition Mission

The purpose of the Green Cities Coalition is to promote ecologically, economically and socially healthy cities in El Paso County, for the benefit of present and future residents of the Pikes Peak region. We envision healthy, equitable and sustainable communities, both human and natural.
More than 450 organizations, businesses and individuals have participated with our coalition, developing initiatives in many areas that impact the sustainability of the region. Our 2014 Champions are Jane Ard-Smith, The Bag Ladies, Blue Planet Earthscapes, Colorado College Office of Sustainability, Colorado Springs Public Market, Growthbusters, Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems, Manitou Arts Center, Market Local Food, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission, Ranch Foods Direct, Seeds Community Café and Terra Essentials. Please visit the working group links to see what we have been working on or to join a group that shares your interests.

TOGETHER, WE CAN GREEN THE REGION!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Resource! ERC--Energy Resource Center





About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.
- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.
- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.
- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

About ERC

The Energy Resource Center works closely with Colorado Springs Utilities as well as other utility providers and nonprofits in El Paso, Denver, Jefferson, Teller, Fremont, Elbert, South Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties.

Our mission is to help income-qualified residents make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or apartments that will increase their quality of life, save them money on energy bills. Our efforts help to keep southern Colorado families warm and protect them from the risks associated with dangerously low temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning
We have been helping families save money and conserve energy since 1979.
- See more at: http://www.erc-co.org/about/#sthash.PMxiCjnb.dpuf

Organization! Southeast Colorado Renewable Energy Society



From their website:

The Southeast Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SECRES) is a chapter of CRES, whose members come from the Arkansas River drainage – Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the southeastern section of the state.  SECRES was founded in June 2003 to promote, educate and advocate for solar and renewable energy.
If you’d like to learn more about renewable energy, or connect with the renewable energy community in our region, please join us! 

Vote for the Greenie Awards

You can vote online for winners in five categories.  Show your appreciation for those individuals and groups in our region that make a sustainable difference!

Monday, April 20, 2015

Resource! Energy Myths

Turn off those florescent lights and your computers and monitors.  Don't believe the myths.  The University of Oregon offers this information on common household myths:

Energy Conservation Myths

Friday, April 17, 2015

Resource! Sustainability Quotes


Check out the quotations on this website, one of many collecting the wisdom of the ages about living sustainably:
Sustainable Baby Steps

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Event! Spring into your Backyard Series: Seed Saving Secrets and Seed Exchange



In this exciting presentation you will be introduced to the basic seed saving techniques for common garden vegetables. Topics include the difference between heirloom and hybrid, proper isolation to prevent crossing, and best choices for beginners to start with. After the presentation there will be a seed exchange. Make sure to bring some seeds to share! 
 
Library: Fountain Library - 230 S. Main Street
Location: Fountain Meeting Room
Other Information:
 PPLD sponsered event
Contact Number: 382-5347

Event! Tackle Trash

From the Colorado Springs Independent:

El Paso County is hosting the third annual Tackle the Trash, a County-wide “spring cleaning” event on Saturday, April 25, 2015, and encourages civic organizations, churches, scout groups, schools, families and individuals to participate.

Volunteers will pick up trash in seven specific areas around County parks, trails, town centers, public areas, creeks and roadways. This year a new pick-up area in Manitou Springs has been added to the list. County Commissioners will greet volunteers and assist with cleaning chores at various check-in sites beginning at 9 a.m. The County provides trash bags and safety vests. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves, bottled water and sunscreen.

“El Paso County residents are proud of this beautiful place we call home,” Commissioner Chair Dennis Hisey said. “Tackle the Trash is a great opportunity for all of us working together to spruce up the community.”

Last year, more than 500 volunteers tackled the trash. For additional information including map locations of the Check-In sites and to register for the event you can go to www.tacklethetrash.com or call 520-7871. You can also send an email to: info@tacklethetrash.com. Participants younger than 16 must be supervised by an adult.

Event! This Saturday, Garden of the Gods Earthday Celebration

Don't miss this Saturday's event in Garden of the Gods.  Something for everyone in the family.  See the full schedule here.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Resource! Colorado Springs Utilities Efficiency Rebates


From the Colorado Springs Utilities Website:

Whether you are remodeling your home or just trying to reduce your monthly utility bill, we are here to help with money-saving rebates on energy and water efficient products.

Start by identifying areas in your home where you may be wasting valuable energy and water by completing a free home energy audit and review our water efficiency resource pages. When you take advantage of these efficiency tips and recommendations, you can reduce your usage, lower your utility costs and save natural resources.

Next, you can put money back in your pocket by taking advantage of rebates for efficiency upgrades, appliances, irrigation and renewable energy.
Start saving now.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Don't miss all our March posts!


Many upcoming events, classes, and ongoing resources and organizations are highlighted in our March posts.  Be sure and look back at those as well!  And you can always search by labels listed to the right, all applicable posts.

Event! Tween Shrink Your Carbon Footprint Program



Cheyenne Mountain Library is having a sustainability program for tweens.  Here's the event on their Facebook page.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Event! Bear Creek Nature Center Spring Programs



Bear Creek Nature Center is having a Sustainability series as well as many other great programs.  Check out their spring schedule here.  And be sure to register.