Travel apps

Smart phones and apps make excellent travel companions — from finding your way to finding a good place to eat. Here are a few of our favorite apps to help you take your healthy lifestyle on the go.   AUDUBON GUIDES Identify birds, mammals, wildflowers and trees with these field guides to go. Great for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the  outdoors. Free to $14.99   MAPMYRIDE…

How can I afford solar?

How can I afford solar (or any other efficiency upgrade, for that matter)? The real question — can you afford not to? Prices for solar electric systems (PV) have dropped 50% in the past five years and the low prices, combined with the availability of state and federal incentives, make it a great time to…

Modular homes go greener

By Lynne Ascrizzi About 5% of new homes built in this country are modular, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. However, the market share in Maine is much higher than the national average, as it is in other states with colder weather climates, according to the Modular Home Builders Association of Maine. Today, the modular…

Maine Spirits

By Erika Blauch Rusley What better way to enjoy Maine’s diverse array of local foods than with a glass of locally sourced beer, wine, or spirits? BEER Peak Organic Brewery is a leader in local sourcing from the New England region, and many of Peak’s ingredients are exclusively made in Maine. Aurora Mills, in Linneaus,…

Common ownership of wind power

Over 100 Maine farmers and landowners are developing 120-plus mw of community wind – that’s enough power for 39,000 homes. Community wind and landowners especially in the farming and forestry communities have a natural connection. This showcases Maine farmers’ ingenuity and leadership in not only providing food for our tables, but also stably-priced, home-grown electricity.…

Hydroponic gardening

By Lynn Ascrizzi In only a few decades, “hydroponic” has become a household word. Today, commercially grown hydroponic tomatoes, greens and herbs are sold regularly at farmers’ markets and grocery stores in Maine, and elsewhere. One of the beauties of hydroponics is that the system enables fresh, local crop production, year-round. Scott Howard, owner and…