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MORE NEW HAMPSHIRE CLIMATE HEROES
JUNE'S CLIMATE HEROES When our June Climate Heroes, Laura and Gil Richardson, designed and built their home in 2001, they made energy efficiency a top priority. They decided to build an off the grid home powered by photovoltaics. Their comfortable, sunny home with modern amenities attracted a lot of attention... and people began calling them asking for advice on how they too could live more sustainably. Since there wasn't a program in New Hampshire to educate and advise residents on the issue, Gil and Laura decided to create one: the New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association.
What began as a network of two dozen people in 2003 has become a statewide initiative providing resources and information to residents seeking to use sustainable energy. NHSEA also advocates for legislative action to encourage the implementation of sustainable energy systems and was instrumental in securing the recent passage of HB1628, which provides financial incentives for electricity generating systems built on or after July 1, 2008. Gil and Laura have made a number of other changes to reduce their environmental impact. Their home is super well-insulated and heated with cord wood in a TARM boiler. Gil left his 100+ mile a day commute job in 2007 to focus on Empowered Homes, LLC, their new business that renovates and retrofits distressed homes making them as energy efficient and green as possible. Gil and Laura are careful consumers, avoiding unnecessary purchases, relying instead on their own garden and local foods and products whenever possible.
We asked the Richardsons what they see as the greatest obstacle to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing our climate. They made this observation: "At this point, the majority of folks out there understand on some level that there is a climate - and an energy - disaster approaching. Getting them to connect their own choices to that big picture is by far the biggest obstacle. Even bigger than that is to motivate them to act on that connection. So, apathy is the biggest obstacle. Every choice you make - from a decision about what you'll eat for lunch, to where you live, and what you do for a career, most likely negatively affects the climate. Take ownership of this problem and start doing something significant about it. There are so many ways that you can make a positive difference." Laura suggested some easy ways for people to get started: "Find one easy thing to do, and do it. Whether that is as simple as changing the most commonly used lightbulbs in the house to compact fluorescent bulbs, or driving the speed limit, or cleaning the gunk out from behind the refrigerator, or turning off lights and electronics when not using them, most of the these new habits will improve your carbon footprint, and save you some money. The next step can be fining yourself when you err, so you leave on a light or forget to turn off your computer at the power strip, make up a piggy bank and start dropping in 25 cents each time you forget. That will really boost your motivation to embrace the better habit. Confide in a friend with an equally burdened conscious, and help each other, compete, motivate each other." The Richardsons are a shining example of the power within each of us to take action, actions that can have a lasting and positive effect on the world around us. Recognizing the need to live more sustainably, Gil and Laura just rolled up their sleeves and started implementing solutions. Their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and commitment to protecting our climate exemplify the best qualities in New Hampshire residents. Thanks for all you have done to help so many of us use energy more wisely. We are delighted to know you and to highlight you as our June Climate Heroes!
APRIL'S CLIMATE HEROES When we profiled Rye's Steve and Mimi White as our January Climate Heroes we expected it would be a little while before we returned to this beautiful ocean community. After all, there are 234 incorporated towns in New Hampshire and many worthy people to highlight. But since January, a lot has been happening in Rye that we wanted to tell you about. Rye is taking the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge and their success in engaging residents in household carbon reduction is something that other towns, local energy committees, schools, and other organizations may wish to emulate.
Last fall, the Rye Energy Committee (Jaci Grote, Lucy Neiman, David Doskocil, and Steve and Mimi White) selected the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge as the initial tool they would use to reduce Rye's energy consumption. They mapped out a strategy focused on Rye's elementary and junior high schools.... a month-long challenge in which students compete to see which classroom can have the most participants taking the Carbon Challenge. The Challenge began March 18 with a formal presentation at the junior high school and ends on Earth Day... the class with the most number of households taking the Challenge at the end of the month will be rewarded with a pizza and movie day at the school. The preliminary results have been quite impressive! More than thirty households in Rye have taken the Challenge so far, pledging to reduce their collective greenhouse gas emissions by 327,000 pounds. In doing so, Rye has assumed the lead as the #1 community in New England taking the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge, edging out the venerable Williamstown, Massachusetts and displacing ALL of New Hampshire's larger cities. For those of you who may be curious about specifics, the Rye energy committee has summarized their approach and the Portsmouth Herald ran this story on the Challenge. The school-centered Challenge Rye has developed can be easily implemented in other towns and we would love to see it replicated in towns throughout New Hampshire. Thank you, Rye Energy Committee, for developing a model that other communities can use to reduce their energy consumption. And to the residents of Rye, you set a great example for us all!
FEBRUARY'S CLIMATE HERO We are reaching across state boundaries this month to highlight a New England Climate Hero who has reduced her family's carbon footprint, is helping her town curb its household emissions, and by virtue of a little friendly competition is inspiring towns and cities throughout New Hampshire to do the same.
If you regularly visit our website you've no doubt noticed a curious feature of the community ranking chart on our home page; Williamstown, Massachusetts is consistently ranked among the top communities with households taking the NH Carbon Challenge. Our February Climate Hero, Wendy Penner, has been instrumental in making that happen. Last year Williamstown initiated the Williamstown COOL Challenge, an effort to reduce carbon emissions in Williamstown by 10% below 2000 levels by 2010. Since households comprise over 50% of Williamstown's emissions, the COOL Committee (of which Wendy is a member) needed a tool to help their residents measure household emissions. They selected our Carbon EstimatorTM. The COOL Committee holds frequent public outreach events geared to helping residents "Take the Challenge" and has also sponsored supporting initiatives such as a CFL distribution drive, an anti-idling campaign, and a campaign to promote awareness of residential green energy alternatives. The net result has been that Williamstown residents are indeed digging in and taking actions to reduce their household carbon emissions.
Wendy's own family has taken a number of steps to reduce their environmental impact. They've replaced their light bulbs with CFLs, got rid of their energy sucking halogen lamp opting for a CFL torchiere instead, unplugged an old freezer, and started regularly unplugging their four computers when not in use. Wendy also refrains from buying bottled water, uses cloth bags when grocery shopping, chooses reusable plastic containers when making her children's lunches, and combines errands and carpools whenever possible. Wendy's family recently purchased a large screen rear projection DLP television (that uses an LED bulb), an energy efficient alternative to the gas plasma TV. That purchase had no appreciable increase in their electricity usage, which has fallen from 745 KWH a month to 491 KWH a month since undertaking the actions outlined above. Wendy admits she gets discouraged by the extremely slow cultural response to climate change. "I am very worried about the future. I don't think people realize how important the times we are living in are and how critical their actions are right now. But I take a lot of hope from the young people and others in Wiliamstown who are interested in understanding what they can do and are doing it." We asked Wendy what suggestions she has for residents who want to reduce their household's energy use and environmental impact but aren't sure where or how to begin. "Just get started. Buy one CFL light bulb and then take the Carbon Challenge. Don't wait a minute. Get started now." Wendy Penner's unwavering commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing our climate makes her an ideal choice as our first New England Climate Hero. She's taking action in her home and in her community, she's teaching others about climate change and reaching out to even more people through her Climate Blog. Wendy isn't letting her fears about the future paralyze her... in fact, we think her well-founded concerns are the prime motivator for what she does. Thank you, Wendy. We are delighted to know you!
JANUARY'S CLIMATE HEROES
Switching light bulbs to CFLs, keeping their thermostat at 60 degrees, hanging clothes on a clothesline, buying local produce, driving a little less and driving a bit more conservatively and using power strips to reduce phantom load have enabled Steve and Mimi to reduce their household carbon dioxide emissions by 12,000 pounds a year while saving hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills. Steve is an avid winter hiker and both Steve and Mimi enjoy working in their garden. Their love of the outdoors made them take notice of the visible changes in New Hampshire's climate: the winters are warmer, apple blossoms and lilacs bloom earlier, birds migrate later and return earlier and there is a longer growing season. "The most alarming thing we have noticed is the rise of Lyme disease as well as EEE and other insect related illnesses. Several of our friends have suffered and still suffer from the effects of having had Lyme disease. And we now treat our dog year-round for Lyme and Heartworm", Mimi observed.
After reading that neighboring Portsmouth had adopted several sustainability initiatives, Steve and Mimi were eager for Rye to follow suit. Mimi led the effort to bring the New Hampshire Climate Change Resolution before voters in Rye, and both Steve and Mimi now serve on the Rye Energy Committee. The Whites are encouraged that many of the presidential candidates have been forthcoming with their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "We are hopeful that the next administration will provide the leadership and courage to ask all of us to work on this", said Mimi. Neither Steve nor Mimi believes that the actions they've taken in their home or as citizens of their town makes them "heroes", but we respectfully disagree. Our climate can only be stabilized if each of us takes steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and insist that businesses and government do the same. Steve and Mimi aren't waiting for "other" people to take action. They've reduced their energy consumption and are nudging their town to do the same. Climate Heroes? Yes, indeed!
DECEMBER'S CLIMATE HERO
With his first hand knowledge of building science, Tobias clearly saw the possibilities for radical changes in the way we construct our homes. He has begun to incorporate the technologies of high efficiency construction and heating into his work. "We need to be designing homes with the future in mind. With the ever rising cost of energy and carbon levels, we can't afford the fiscal and environmental damages which follow conventionally built structures. Making use of existing, high-performance building technologies is one of the most sound investments for anyone seeking to build or rebuild."
But integrating his new found passion for energy efficient building was not enough for this NH native. Tobias saw the need for leadership and citizen action in his own backyard. Last spring he joined the Rochester Energy and Sustainability Committee, on the invitation of the mayor. As the committee's new chair, he's bringing his no-nonsense approach to building collaborations and partnerships to NH's fourth largest city. He is also a founding member of the recently launched Barrington Energy Task Force as well as a founding member of the Rockingham/Strafford Energy Committee Alliance (along with Julia Dundorf and our past Climate Hero, Clay Mitchell). "The NH Climate Change Resolution has presented us with a wonderful opportunity to reduce energy consumption on a municipal level. All across NH, volunteers are forming town energy committees. These are truly exciting times. New England's schools and municipal buildings spend almost one billion each year in energy needs. Clearly, our municipalities should be leading the way towards energy independence, a stabilized climate, and a bright future for the generations to come." Tobias is the quintessential Climate Hero – a regular NH citizen digging in where he can and sharing his skills, passion and time to help mitigate the risks of climate change, one action at a time. Thanks for all you do, Tobias!
NOVEMBER'S CLIMATE HEROES It was bound to happen sooner or later.
About three weeks later Diane and Tim received a refund check, indicating that they had been overcharged for natural gas. Apparently, their efforts to control household energy costs were even more effective than they had anticipated. In the end, their total heating cost was approximately $500.00 for the 2006-07 winter, one third of what they had paid in previous winters.
When asked what they had done, they provided a list of some of the ways they were able to save energy:
Other than replacing siding and windows, (an arduous three year project) all of the modifications to their household were rather simple and painless. The most cost effective change was the addition of the woodstove, with free wood. The Tregeas are living proof that when it comes to climate protection, what is good for the environment is also good for our family budget. The Tregeas have reduced their energy costs by over $1000 annually, and in doing so lowered their family's carbon dioxide emissions by over 10,000 pounds per year. Tim and Diane, thanks for sharing your inspiring story with us!
SEPTEMBER'S CLIMATE HEROES
Replacing all lights bulbs with CFLs, replacing a back door with an ENERGY STAR rated door, unplugging or turning off the power strips to all computers, radios, the microwave, coffee maker, TV, and VCR when not in use, and using a whole house fan rather than the air conditioner have netted the Lamberts a monthly savings of approximately 120 kilowatt hours (KWH) and $17 a month. (They had previously replaced several major appliances with ENERGY STAR models). Next, Dave and Heather added additional insulation to their attic and cellar, which resulted in a substantial drop in their oil consumption. They also installed a high efficiency System 2000 oil fired boiler and saw another decline in their oil use. In April 2007, they've added a wood fired pellet stove and are looking forward to seeing their heating bills go down again this year. Their long-range plans include putting solar panels on their home and adding spray foam insulation to the attic.
The many actions the Lamberts have taken to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions show a clear commitment to protecting our environment and we are thrilled to profile them as our September Climate Heroes. Thank you, Dave and Heather, you set a great example for us all!
AUGUST'S CLIMATE HERO We are starting to see an interesting pattern emerge. 
When we approached Amherst's Gail Denemark about being our August climate hero, she, like our previous climate heroes, immediately rattled off the names of several other residents she felt were more deserving and suggested we profile THEM. Heroes, it seems, don't see themselves as anything special... they are just doing what needs to be done. And it's the different actions that they take toward stabilizing our climate that make them interesting people to highlight. Gail's foray into community activism began some time ago when she organized (along with Michael Conley, Cathy Goldwater, and several others) a Step It Up Day of Climate Action. Called A Day of Environmental Education, they had 30 tables of area green businesses and organizations providing information on how everyone can make a difference in helping the planet. Several bands and musicians added a festive component, along with lots of delicious food, face painters and children's activities. Over 400 people attended this event.
Gail took the initiative to "green" Amherst's local Fourth of July parade including a "carbon-less float", powered solely by people-power, with area high school students participating as a wind-powered Lady Liberty and a green Uncle Sam. Author Bill McKibben spoke that day, invigorating the crowd with his "Green is the New Red, White & Blue" talk. Gail recently participated in the March to Re-Energize New Hampshire (a five-day walk from Nashua to Concord (40 miles) and a culminating rally at the Statehouse in Concord) and she's now begun the initial planning of Step-It-Up 2 which will be held November 3, 2007. If anyone has "Stepped-Up" it is clearly Gail Denemark and we are delighted to profile her as our August Climate Hero. Thank you, Gail!
JULY'S CLIMATE HERO Climate change mitigation requires prompt action at all scales: from our federal and
Although Epping did not put the New Hampshire Climate Change Resolution on the ballot, it was nevertheless influenced by the movement in New Hampshire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Clay summarized the view of the Epping Planning Board: "If our energy usage is part of the problem, why are we allowing inefficient development to continue? So we said, what about doing our part and using our influence to make a change in that aspect of the concern (development standards)." The ordinance creates a point system based on the square footage of a building. The larger the building, the more points required. Points are based on a variety of energy efficiency factors, such as HVAC efficiencies, building orientation, reduction in water usage, source of building materials, daylighting and production of onsite electricity. The town is sensitive, however, to the need to encourage commercial development: "It's based on the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) kind of issues that the planning board felt were reasonably achievable. We feel that since we're the first we need to be gentle with people and say this is not crazy, its not rocket science it's not going to cost you a lot of money, we want to go very carefully into this and make sure you build a good building.”
Clay has also championed efficiency upgrades at the Epping municipal buildings. New lighting fixtures, insulation, and better windows have been added, and a new cogeneration boiler (providing both heat and electricity) will soon be installed. The new heating system, implemented at no expense to the taxpayers, is projected to save more than $7,000 a year in reduced heating and electrical costs. All told, Epping expects to save about 30% in annual energy costs. Not surprisingly, Clay has received quite a few inquiries from other towns in New Hampshire (and from other states) eager to follow Epping's lead. Clay is more than happy to assist. He recently co-authored the Carbon Coalition's Town Energy Handbook and he's been active in the local energy workshops that have been held around the state to help residents implement efficiency improvements in their towns. "Once you get beyond the doubt, and you can open your mind to new possibilities, the idea that you can actually help protect the environment, save the tax-payers some money, and jump-start a new stable economy for New Hampshire should remind people of why they enter public service --- to make the world a better place." Clay's unwavering enthusiasm for reducing costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with his eagerness to help other towns implement similar measures makes him a logical choice as our July Climate Hero. Clay, you are truly an inspiration to us all! (Sources: Communities Take Initiative to Combat Climate Change;The Epping Energy Story; Epping Proposes To Go Green)
JUNE'S CLIMATE HERO
Although he grew up in the D.C. area, Patrick spent summers in Center Sandwich and Chocorua, NH, hiking, swimming, and enjoying New Hampshire's great outdoors. As a third generation tree farmer, he gained an early appreciation for the importance of sound forestry and wildlife management practices. Now, as the parents of two small children, Patrick and his wife Pamela have a vested interest in protecting New Hampshire's cultural heritage and scenic beauty. We asked Patrick what over-arching message he has for New Hampshire residents. His response: "Every thing we do to mitigate and adapt -- large or small -- matters. I also firmly believe that we need to find ways to quickly integrate policy and market solutions -- this is not an "either/or" solution -- both policy and market changes will be needed to deal with this problem. We are seeing the effects of climate change in NH now -- we need to get moving on the solutions." While it can be discouraging at times when faced with such a global problem, Patrick's perspective is a great one: "We know what to do and most of the tools are in our tool box!!! We just need to get going. I find people want to do the right thing -- they just need better tools, a carbon friendly marketplace, and stronger leadership from our policy makers." Patrick Miller's tireless dedication to protecting our climate makes him an easy choice as our June Climate Hero. Thank-you, Patrick!
MAY'S CLIMATE HEROES
We didn't have to look very far for May's climate heroes; they are the Steering Committee for the Oyster River Carbon Challenge, the pilot initiative of the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge. These residents of Durham and Lee decided last fall that they weren't satisfied with just taking the Challenge in their own homes; they wanted their communities to take the Challenge, reduce their collective greenhouse gas emissions, and save money in the process.
After a few organizational meetings in January and February 2007, the Oyster River Carbon Challenge had its kick-off event on voting day, March 13th, and has been an active participant in Step It Up, Earth Day, and UNH's Solar Fest. The group continues to meet regularly planning more exciting events for this fall and into 2008.
Now that 158 towns have endorsed the New Hampshire Climate Change Resolution, we expect many other NH municipalities, as they create their local energy committees, will want to engage their residents in reducing carbon emissions. The Oyster River Carbon Challenge is creating a blueprint for other NH communities and their dedication and enthusiasm makes them real climate heroes!
(Photos courtesy Jessie McKone and Bill Burtis)
APRIL'S CLIMATE HERO Voters throughout New Hampshire are weighing in this month on a non-binding resolution calling for federal action on climate change. The resolution has been put forward by the Carbon Coalition, a non-partisan alliance of citizens, scientists, businesses, students, and communities who have come together to advocate for a national energy policy that protects our communities and environment by mitigating the risk of climate change. This grassroots initiative is truly democracy at its finest: 300 volunteers in 180 NH towns appealing to their friends, family, neighbors, and elected officials to support the resolution and galvanize federal action on climate change. All of these volunteers are clearly "Climate Heroes" but we'd like to give special recognition to Seabrook's volunteer, George Harvey. George was born and raised in New York City but after retiring from the NYC Police Department he settled into life in Seabrook NH . Currently George is the Deputy Director of a program aiming to help emotionally disturbed boys ages 13 to 18. He's a world traveler whenever possible, loves hiking in the white mountains, and tries to "lend a hand where it makes sense and can." "I have joined efforts with the Carbon Coalition to bring awareness and to educate people here in my town of Seabrook. The issue of global warming affects all of us on this planet, the science is clear that we have a problem and it strongly points to human behavior. The quality of our life now and in the future depends on what decisions we make today" When George began collecting signatures for the resolution last fall, he encountered some opposition, but he persevered and gathered enough signatures to get the resolution onto the Seabrook town warrant. Since then George has been tireless in his efforts to promote the resolution and the need for federal action on climate change. He posted signs around town, wrote editorials in the local newspapers, arranged for a presentation on global warming at the Seabrook library, and quite literally went door-to-door in a direct appeal to Seabrook residents. On the eve of the vote, he ramped up his efforts (if that's possible) blanketing Seabrook with a personalized request to support the resolution. And on March 13th , George received the outcome he had sought: Seabrook residents resoundingly endorsed the climate change resolution. To date, the resolution has been endorsed by 93% of the towns in NH who have the article on the ballot. "If each one of us contributes to our community we can and will make a difference to serve the greater good", said George. Clearly, George Harvey is proof of that and a real climate hero.
MARCH'S CLIMATE HEROES
John and Cheryl Bergman of Barrington, NH have been concerned about climate change for many years. John especially has been disturbed by the increasingly dire predictions given our current emission rates. John was looking for ways to get involved and be a part of the solution. Although their family had already made quite a few changes in their home, they still took the Challenge. For the Bergmans it was not enough to reduce their emissions by 10,000 pounds. John and Cheryl decided to offset their family's CO2 emissions for the entire year by purchasing 150 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and donating them to the outreach efforts of the NH Carbon Challenge. How about that for both personal responsibility and American ingenuity? Thank you Bergmans, you set a great example for us all!
NOMINATE a CLIMATE HERO . . . do you someone who's gone to great lengths to reduce carbon emissions? . . . maybe to help an entire community to reduce carbon emissions? We want to hear about it. Send us your stories, heroic or otherwise. And SPREAD THE WORD about the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge. TAKE THE CHALLENGE . . .  |
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Gail also worked to help secure passage of the 
