Consider planting an extra row of fruit and vegetables this year and donating it to local soup kitchens and food pantries through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Maine Harvest for Hunger program. Most wanted: fruit of all types, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, winter squash, onions and potatoes. The Maine Harvest for Hunger program is…
Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, you can make eco-friendly changes to your living spaces without breaking the bank or waiting for a landlord to take action. Plus, there are lots of simple, effective ways to conserve energy that don’t involve years of saving up for state-of-the-art solar panel installation. These tips can get you…
Heather Chandler January 3, 2013 This morning, the furniture store came to pick up my new, super sexy, contemporary, sectional sofa, leaving me with an empty living room. The couch arrived less than three weeks ago, wrapped in a lovely, pewter-colored, velvety fabric with a cool rounded “bump out” feature on one end that took…
If you’re concerned about fluctuating energy prices and want to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient, here are some resources to help you finance the improvements. Home Energy Loans Efficiency Maine offers low interest loans up to $25,000 for up to 20 years through its Maine PACE and Powersaver programs (with no closing…
Ryan Link is the Director of Utility Partnerships for the eastern region with 3Degrees. 3Degrees provides green power and carbon offset products and services, including Maine’s new ‘Maine Green Power’ program that allows Mainers to support renewable energy generated right here in Maine. Ryan talks about this new program and how Mainers can participate in…
The recent “Fiscal Cliff” agreement included a “non-business energy property tax credit,” that offers homeowners up to a $500 credit for residential efforts for energy efficiency. In essence, this is a renewal of the energy efficiency tax credits for homeowners that were in place in 2011. The American Taxpayer Relief Act extended the tax credit through…
Thinking about the most economical way to heat your home this winter? Compare your options and associated costs with a simple online tool developed by the Maine Governor’s Energy office. Whether you are renovating, building new or assessing the cost to live in a new home, this online calculator that can help you do just…
Electronic waste (“e-waste”) is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Brought on by the production of cheaper electronics, rapidly advancing technology, and the emergence of popular electronic gadgets, the consumption of electronics is dramatically increasing, while the lifespan of electronics is becoming relatively short. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the…
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…
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…