http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53423712-78/bike-lane-protected-grant.html.csp
Recycling Concrete
2 FebI thought this was an interesting and thought-provoking article on efforts to recycle concrete:
[T]he Cement Sustainability Initiative argues that the recycling of concrete can reduce natural resource exploitation and waste going to landfill. The report asks for an ultimate goal of “zero landfill” of concrete…
http://www.greenbiz.com/business/research/report/2010/03/31/recycling-concrete
Green Team Website Featured by Commissioners
30 JanThe subject of this month’s “Commissioners’ Conservation Corner” in the Lewis & Clark County VOICE newsletter is the new Green Team website. The article highlights the website’s changes and the role they will play in helping the Green Team communicate more effectively with County employees and the public. They write:
At the beginning of January, the Lewis & Clark County Green Team officially launched a new website designed to engage County employees and the public with up-to-date information on environmental stewardship in County operations. Visitors will find posts on County programs, local resources, and commentary on environmental issues.
Built on the WordPress blogging platform, the entire Green Team writes and regularly updates the new site. Green Team members post new articles as they discover relevant green initiatives and news. The new website represents a fundamental change in how the Green Team interacts with County employees and the public. It provides readers with more perspectives on environmental issues in government, as well as more timely resources and news.
–Commissioners Murray, Hunthausen, and Brown
Light Bulb Finder
23 JanA useful smartphone app for helping select the most envrionmentally-friendly lightbulbs for any situation:
LIGHT BULB FINDER is a free mobile phone application that makes it easy to switch from conventional light bulbs to energy-saving equivalents with the right fit, style and light quality.
via Light Bulb Finder – The FREE mobile app for an energy-efficient future.
The Energy Detective
10 Jan
The Energy Detective (TED) is an electricity monitoring device designed for home use. TED monitors your household electricity use on a per second rate by measuring inflow of energy to your house, and transmitting that information to a receiving device located in the house. TED can also be set up to measure individual circuits or appliances.
TED can also monitor net metering if you produce your own power through solar or wind and send energy back to the grid. TED is sensitive to 1 watt of power, and is accurate to within 2 %. Studies have shown homes that use a monitoring device such as TED save on average 2%-20% of their energy bills, with TED users coming in at 8%-15%. If you purchase TED you may also be eligible for tax credits.
Optional Software for TED is available that allows you to see your home energy use in real time, as well as side-by-side energy data comparisons over time. TED can store 10 years of monthly energy usage information. You can find out more about TED at its website.
Recycled glass in road mix
9 JanCheck out the news story about local use of recycled glass in road sanding operations.
http://www.beartoothnbc.com/news/helena/16374-recycled-glass.html
Tri-County Small Business Efficiency Program Ramps Up
9 JanBusinesses and nonprofits in Lewis & Clark, Jefferson, and Broad-water Counties can participate in the Tri-County Small Business Efficiency Program. The program funds energy and water efficiency improvements to help reduce utility costs and energy consumption through an EPA Climate Showcase Communities Grant. Most NorthWestern Energy electric customers will qualify.
The Program provides up to $1500 for improvements based on a free energy and water audit conducted through NorthWestern Energy. Participants need only contribute $100 towards the cost.
Interested organizations should contact NorthWestern Energy (800-823-5995) to schedule a free audit and get the process started. Download a PDF form for more detailed instructions.
New Off-Site Recycling Container Locations
6 JanThe City of Helena has recently purchased 2 additional off-site recycling containers. On January 6th, 2012, the containers will be placed at Capitol Hill Mall Parking lot – east end by the old Dillard’s and at the median between the one-ways on the west end of Cruse Ave toward Park Avenue and directly across from Dale Harris Park. These additional containers will accept steel cans, aluminum cans, newspapers & magazines. Cardboard containers will also be placed at each of these locations.
Tags: aluminum cans, cardboard containers, recycling containers
Independent Record Creates Recycling Guide
22 DecDownload the Helena Area Recycling Guide, courtesy of the the Helena Independent Record.
