Brunswick now has two winter farmers markets!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Environmental Happenings
Brunswick now has two winter farmers markets!
Featured Products
Large drying rack $75
42" for doors $19.95
1250 watts $257
Sustainable Living Tips
- January: When upgrading a friend's house or your own to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs), put all of the old-fashioned energy-wasting incandescent bulbs in a box, label it, and store it in the basement, attic, or garage. It's better to replace as many bulbs as possible to start saving money (and the planet) as soon as you can. But don't throw away your old bulbs! Keep a stash of spare bulbs to use in a pinch. More »
- February: According to Efficiency Maine, 75% of electricity used for home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. You can use a Kill-a-Watt meter to test which appliances are "vampires"--sucking electricity all night long. Stop them by unplugging them or putting them on a power strip with a switch. More »
- March: Earthworm castings are a gentle, slow-release, natural fertilizer that works especially well for seedlings. Mix 1 part castings to 3 parts potting soil to start seeds, or line the bottom and sides of seed furrows with 1"-2" of castings to give your little plants a healthy head start. More »
- April: The most sustainable source of fresh water falls from the sky. Try a rain barrel to collect and store rain water. More »
- May: Eating locally-grown food is a delicious way to help save the planet. If every Mainer spent just $10 per week on locally-grown food for six months, $100 million would circulate in Maine's economy. More »
- June: One rechargeable battery can replace up to 1,000 disposable batteries. More »
- July: Instead of gas, oil, pellets or wood, choose clean electricity for your household energy needs. We believe that in terms of sustainability, "green" electricity is the best option today and in the foreseeable future for all household energy needs. Efficient products are on the market now for space and water heating, refrigeration, lighting and all other household activities; it is relatively easy for consumers to go "all electric". Maine's electricity grid is already powered by clean energy sources such as rivers and wind, and through "green" electricity Mainers can choose to support these sources exclusively. More »
- August: Compost year round to ease the burden on your local landfill while building soil fertility in your own landscape. More »
- September: "Weatherizing" your home by sealing air leaks and adding insulation to ceilings, walls and floors is likely the most effective way you can protect both your personal climate and the global climate. More »
- October: As you tighten up your home for winter, it's all the more important to protect indoor air quality by choosing heaters, paints, finishes and cleaning products that don't emit noxious fumes. More »
- November: Save money while saving the planet. Personal thrift promotes planetary well being. But think carefully about every purchase. Don't save money at the expense of the planet--eating at a fast-food chain instead of an organic local restaurant, for example. Instead, find ways to balance your budget that bring global benefits. More »
- December: Shop locally to keep dollars circulating in your community. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, every dollar spent at a locally-owned business creates more than three times as much local economic activity as a dollar spent at a national chain store. More »
News From ReVision Energy
ReVision Energy will be launching their own newsletter this year, so we bid them a fond farewell from Green Tidings! As soon as I have the details for how you can subscribe to their newsletter, I'll share them. In the meantime, you can keep up with ReVision through their blog at http://www.revisionenergy.com/blog/
Friday, January 02, 2009
Seed Starting Class
We will host a seed starting class, "Grow Your Own Organic Food," by master gardener volunteer Brett Thompson on Thursday, January 8, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm here at our store, F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods and Supplies, 56 Maine St., Brunswick, Maine. The talk is free and open to the public.
"We'll show you how to grow an indoor salad and at last have real baby greens!" says Brett Thompson, a master gardener volunteer and F.W. Horch manager.
Attendees will learn how to start garden seeds and build a light stand for under $11 in parts. Including shop lights, the total cost is under $40. With this stand one can start seedlings of organic vegetables, fruits and flowers. Class participants will also learn how to plant seeds directly in trays or in paper pots that home gardeners can make themselves.
Space for the class is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to call the store at 729-4050 to reserve a seat.
This class is part of the F.W. Horch series on sustainable living. Each monthly talk is held at the F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods & Supplies store, 56 Maine Street, Brunswick, Maine, on the second Thursday of the month. February's talk will feature Bob Garver of Wicked Joe's, speaking on the topic of sustainable coffee.
For more information, please call 729-4050.