What’s in the SunriseGuide?

Come for the coupons, but stay for the content.
Part handbook, part coupon book, the SunriseGuide is a resource for learning about, supporting and living in a healthy and sustainable way in southern and coastal Maine.

Content
The SunriseGuide is divided into 6 easy-to-read and informative chapters, plus a special section on weatherization and efficiency.

Click here to see some sample pages from the 2013 edition. (Please note, this is not the complete 2013 edition.)

Food & Dining

Food production has a huge impact on the health of our environment, from the overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers (that degrade soil quality and can run off into our lakes and streams) to the petroleum that is burned in food processing and transportation, releasing harmful greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere and the air we breathe. There are choices we can make to support healthier food production with a reduced impact on the environment.

In this Chapter:

Gluten-free dining in Maine
Quick pickles
DIY: pickled veggies
Top produce to buy organic
Farmers’ markets
Make your own microwave popcorn
Sustainability & Gulf of Maine seafood
Food waste
Maine spirits
Agricultural fairs

Home & Garden

We spend half of our lives or more in our homes. And, our home life habits have a large impact – for better or worse – on our health, the health of our families, and the health of our environment.

In this Chapter:

Composting 101
Incredible edibles
Keeping your lawn green and healthy
Extend the gardening season
Hydroponic gardening
Local, sustainable lumber
Recycling cell phones, computers and batteries

Special Section: Weatherization & Efficiency

The thought of weatherizing your home can be overwhelming, but there are some easy low-cost things you can do right now that can make a difference for your emissions and your wallet. For the more ambitious, there are lots of local resources for professional assessment and monetary incentives.

In this Chapter:

The first step–assessment
Financing upgrades
The “pretty good house”
Debunking home energy myths
Common ownership of wind power
Modular homes go greener
How can I afford solar?

Health & Outdoor Living

We are fortunate to live in a state with incredible resources for getting outside year-round. Whether your activity of choice is walking, biking kayaking, hiking, fishing, swimming, birding, snow shoeing, ice skating, or skiing, chances are there is a place to enjoy that activity nearby.

In this Chapter:

Seasonal fun on Maine farms
Go for a hike
Importance of outside playtime
Acupuncture demystified
Yoga does a body good
Fitness for a cause: Charity races & events

Travel & Transportation

Cars and trucks are the biggest sources of air pollution in Maine, and since every gallon of gasoline burned releases 20 lbs of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, driving probably produces more greenhouse gas than anything else you do! We need to get around, so what can we do?

In this Chapter:

A greener drive
Taking the bus with a child
Travel apps
Public transit
Exploring Maine’s islands and coasts by boat, bike and foot
Family-friendly biking in Maine

Style & Personal Care

Like food production, there is a direct connection between what we wear and the health of our earth. From the pesticides we use to grow cotton and other natural fibers, to the chemicals used to color and treat fabrics, what we wear has a huge impact on the environment.

In this Chapter:

Choosing cloth diapers
The truth about the cosmetics industry
DIY: Turn those old bridesmaid dresses into throw pillows!

Community & Culture

Our connection with our community is an important part of living in a healthy and sustainable way, and the opportunities to cultivate it are endless. Whether it’s participating in your neighborhood association, volunteering for your local school, or helping to develop trails and safe outdoor recreation resources, engaging in community introduces us to people we might not otherwise meet and adds depth to our lives.