With economic challenges restricting budgets, programs around town and on the campus are striving to encourage us to save money, energy and the environment.
The North Adams Take Charge Campaign is asking for signatures on a 5-step-pledge that will help to increase the awareness of local citizens on matters of saving money and energy. This pledge, which 200 people have signed so far, asks endorsers to switch to energy efficient lighting, to turn down the heat, to stop drafts from coming in under doors and windows, to reduce hot water use, and to get a home energy audit. Right now, the Take Charge Campaign (more information is available here) is holding a series of annual workshops local libraries to help people learn how to make these changes in their own homes, and to ensure that a broad number of local people have access to these energy saving techniques.
This fall workshop series is wrapping up Wednesday, October 29th, at 6:30 pm with a session at WIlliamstown Public Library, where Nancy Nylen of the Center for Ecological Technology will discuss how to lower your home electric bill.
On November 5th the Zilkha Center and Human Resources will be hosting a workshop led by Mike Tillou and Charley Stevenson of Tillou Engineering which will suggest ways to reduce fuel use and heating costs in the home. Mike and Charley have worked on multiple sustainability and energy saving initiatives for Williams College and around the country and have years of experience in energy-analysis and efficiency projects.
Weatherization (also known as Winterization), created by Williams College students with the help of the Center for Community Engagement, has in past years helped to prepare 20 to 30 local homes for incoming winter weather. Over several weekends students caulked doors and windows in local homes to reduce drafts, and install plastic lining on windows as insulation.
This year Weatherization has even more ambitions aims: during Winter Blitz on November 15th numerous volunteers will complete the insulating process of 60 local homes in one day, doubling or tripling past productivity. Winter Blitz is recruiting students, faculty, and staff who wish to get involved.
With Williams College’s annual “Do It In The Dark” campaign underway – students can get in on the action through the College’s dorm energy saving competition.
With some attention, it is easy to immediately begin lowering our individual energy expenditures and reducing your carbon footprint.
Here are some reminders:
Turn off lights and appliances when you are not using them.
Turn off lights in empty rooms.
Close your windows when you leave the room.
Dress appropriately for the weather.