Charging into a new energy future in Maine By Barry Woods Since their re-introduction in 2011, electric vehicles have been captivating the imagination of consumers and clean energy advocates. They provide exceptional driving performance with responsive torque triggered by quiet electric drive motors. The cost of electricity is a fraction of gasoline, such that most consumers…
To celebrate 10th anniversary of the SunriseGuide, we wanted to shine a light on Mainers who are creating real change in their communities. Their efforts have resulted in significant advances in the areas of sustainability, environmental health and wellness in Maine over the past ten years. These champions work tirelessly—often under the radar—improving access to…
It’s hard to keep track sometimes of what can be recycled and where. Curbside and single sort recycling has helped recycling rates considerably. But what about CFL light bulbs, Mercury thermostats, computers and other electronics? The Maine Department of Environmental Protection publishes a searchable map that lists drop off locations statewide for these items and…
Fall is the perfect time to get a jump start on a green lawn in the spring. Here are a few easy steps from the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District’s YardScaping Program, which aims to help Mainers improve soil health, reduce the use of lawn care products, and grow a beautiful lawn with little…
By Heather Foran, Jonah Fertig, Julie McLeod, Lisa Fernandes & Rachel Lyn Rumson Building community stability requires that we re-skill ourselves and share knowledge that may be lost or hidden in our modern society. The following books are some of the titles that we have been reading at the Resilience Hub in the last year,…
An interview with Andy Meyer of Efficiency Maine The SunriseGuide sat down with Efficiency Maine’s Andy Meyer to learn more about heat pump water heaters and why more and more Maine homeowners are making the switch to these new high-efficiency water heating systems. SunriseGuide: Andy, many homeowners have heard about heat pumps. But what is…
By Elizabeth Fraser, Owner of Girl Gone Raw and Co-Owner of Kids Gone Raw Is there one thing that you can do to improve your life right now? You bet there is! Hint: it’s simple, delicious and green. Can you say, “Green Smoothie?” Yep, that’s the ticket to improved health, increased energy and an overall sense of…
By Marie Gardner Have you ever wondered how to instill in your children a curiosity and passion for healthy, nourishing, and sustainable food in a society that makes just the opposite all too accessible? We may live in a nation where the most commonly eaten vegetable is a fried potato, but research shows that kids…
By Barry Woods, Director of Electric Mobility NE Mainers use a lot of oil compared to our neighbors. We devote a higher percentage of our household incomes to oil than the national average. In fact, we spend more per capita on energy than 39 other states. While we know we use too much of it to…
A comfortable place to lay your head in the great outdoors Looking to get away in nature but perhaps camping is just not the right fit this time around? There are plenty of lodging options in Maine and beyond that provide rustic (and some not-so-rustic) accommodations close to the great outdoors, with the benefit of a…