February 2012
Are Solar Panels in UUS:E’s Near Future?
We very much hope so. Dave Sherman, Janet Heller, and others, with board approval, have submitted a grant application that, if approved, could pay close to 75% of the cost of a solar photovoltaic system to cover the south-facing side of our new roof, generate clean energy on site, and reduce our electric bills by almost 30%. The grant was submitted at the end of December to the new Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) www.ctcleanenergy.com. We expect to know in March if we will receive the grant!
In other news:
- Home Energy Solutions! We have done so much to make UUS:E energy efficient. We know it will save energy, save money and help the environment well into the future. But how many of us have done what we can to our own homes?? If you own your own home, or if you rent and are income-eligible, we highly recommend the services provided when you have a Home Energy Solutions audit. We would also like to hear from you if you have had an audit and services done to your home. Did it help to reduce your energy bills? Did it help reduce drafts in your home? Did it help you know about other efficiency measures you can take? Even if you have already replaced all your bulbs with CFLs, there is still much that this program can do for your home and recommend for you to do further. To sign up or get more information call 877-947-3873 or go to www.CTenergyInfo.com
- Registration is now open for CTNOFA’s Winter Conference on March 3rd at Manchester Community College. If you are a gardener, farmer, locavore, homesteader or just interested in sustainable living and local sustainable food, this is the conference for you! For details and to register, go to www.ctnofa.org. Many other UUS:E folks have attended this inspiring conference in the past. It includes an amazing potluck lunch. The Keynote address will be given by Jeffrey Smith, author of Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette, which will open your eyes to the issues and hidden dangers of Genetically Engineered seeds and food (GMOs)
The Sustainable Living Committee meets at UUS:E on the second Tuesdays of each month. If interested please join us. For more information about the Sustainable Living Committee, Green Sanctuary, or anything in this article, contact the church office at 860-646-5151.
