Getting ready: Let s talk trash
By Michele Putko
Many individuals and communities are using a variety of initiatives to reduce their carbon footprints. York EcoHOMES, for example, encourages residents to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and has now enrolled more than 400 households. In recent months, EcoHOMES has helped York residents switch to community solar electric power, obtain free LED light bulbs, and determine the best method to compost household food waste.
It’s never too late to join YorkEcoHOMES or to commit to any of the EcoHOMES actions. All details are available at yorkreadyfor100.org/ecohomes.
The most recent EcoHOMES action, composting, is an excellent way to reduce both your carbon footprint and your waste footprint. The two are very much related.
Opinion/Getting ready: breaking up with biomass
It may be time for Mainers to rethink their love affair with biomass and shift to cleaner renewable energy.
By Michele Putko
About 90% of Maine is forested, the highest percentage wooded area of any state. With cold winters and an ample supply of trees, burning wood to heat homes is an age-old practice in Maine.
Currently, about one in ten Maine households uses wood as the primary heating fuel. Also, Maine generates electricity by burning biomass (wood and wood waste-derived fuels, such as wood pellets). According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, biomass fueled one-fourth of electricity generation in Maine over the past 20 years, the largest percentage in any state. In fact, Maine consumes more energy from burning biomass than from any other energy source, including heating oil and motor gasoline.