Friends of Casco Bay suggests things we can all do to ensure clean water. For more information, go to www.cascobay.org. Count how many you already do! Don’t put household chemicals or pet wastes down the storm drain, or they may end up in the ocean. Maintain a green yard for a blue bay—without pesticides and…
By Lynn Ascrizzi To many home gardeners, the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) may be little more than a weed. But, the tall native wildflower is a first line of defense when it comes to naturally controlling the pesky Japanese beetle. This biennial plant is widely found in meadows, roadsides and neglected areas of the…
There’s nothing like the sun to dry your clean laundry! The sun and breeze on a spring or summer day can dry your clothes in about the same amount of time as an electric dryer can—and it costs you nothing while using the earth’s only limitless source of energy. The heat and friction caused by…
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in our homes can be many times more polluted than the air outside. Many things can contribute to poor indoor air quality including building materials, mold, radon and household cleaners. Choosing cleaning products made from all natural ingredients is one way to lessen your exposure to environmental…
There is a growing movement in Maine and around the world that utilizes sustainability as the basis for designing landscape and building systems. Permaculture is a design system that was established over thirty years ago and has been growing ever since. One of the central ideas of permaculture is to design landscapes in a way…
According to a study commissioned by NASA, houseplants don’t just make your home look prettier and more welcoming; they also serve to clean the air of common toxins including benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Sources of these toxins include oils, paints, plastics, tobacco smoke, foam insulation and pressed wood products such as flooring, cabinets and…
According to the New American Dream, more than 100 million trees are used to create the junk mail that we receive each year, and the production and disposal of it consumes more energy than 300 million cars! If that wasn’t bad enough, less than 36% of junk mail is recycled. To reduce your load, check…
There are two primary options when it comes to solar: solar thermal (hot water & air) and solar electric. In many cases, these technologies can be added to a home’s existing systems. Installed properly, they can greatly reduce the use of fossil fuels and usually pay for themselves in 6-10 years. Learn more at the…
To find an energy auditor in Maine, check out: Residential Energy Services Network Maine State Housing Authority
Have you heard of the new PACE financing program? PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) helps homeowners finance energy efficiency upgrades – from insulation projects to alternative energy installations like solar hot water. Homeowners can borrow up to $15,000 at 4.99%. Low monthly payments mean that the savings in your month-to-month energy costs might even exceed…