It’s a great weekend for solar energy events in Vermont!
First, there’s a series of free solar tours around the state this Saturday, June 20th, including several sites in Chittenden County, like South Burlington, Jericho, and our own town solar array in Williston Village. The tours are sponsored by Renewable Energy Vermont, VNRC, 350 Vermont, and the Sustainable Energy Resource Group. For more information, including an interactive map, see http://www.revermont.org/main/celebrate-solar-tours/
Second, on Sunday solar installation and design company SunCommon is offering yoga and live music as a solstice celebration in Jericho:
Sun Salutations & Solar
Community Solar Array (CSA)
35 Old Pump Road
Jericho, VT 05465
This coming Saturday, November 1st is the second annual Button Up Vermont Day of Action; a nascent annual tradition aimed at motivating more Vermonters to “Button Up” in the fall, just like we “Green Up” every spring! Many people waste heat — and a ton of money — because our buildings leak and are not properly insulated. This day of action is focused on mobilizing Vermonters to take steps – simple or significant – to make our homes and buildings more energy efficient.
Here are three things you – or anyone – can do on November 1:
• Seal up your storm windows (or help an elderly neighbor or relative with this important step).
• Visit your local hardware store — many of whom are participating in Button Up Day — and buy some Do-It-Yourself weatherization materials (caulking, weatherstripping, clear plastic sheets to cover leaky windows etc).
• If you haven’t already taken this most important step, call an efficiency-certified contractor to schedule and audit and undertake a deep retrofit — which saves 25-30 percent on an average home’s fuel oil consumption.
If you’d like to see what Vermonters have been doing in preparation for the Day of Action, the Button Up Video Contest got some great entries — funny, clever, artistic, and highly original interpretations of the Button Up theme. (Winners will be announced soon and those winners will be competing for the $300 People’s Choice award.) The videos are all 2 minutes or less. Watch them at ButtonUpContest.org and vote for your favorite!
We need all hands on deck in Vermont to reduce heating bills for homeowners and businesses, save money and take action on climate change. This is an easy, fun opportunity. We hope you and your community will take part!