Sustainable West Hartford

Sign the Energy Bill, Governor Rell!

2010-05-12T22:14:00.000-04:00

APRIL 10 SOLAR HOUSE TOUR IN NEW HARTFORD

2010-03-11T19:58:00.001-05:00

Sponsored by PACE and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund A low-budget solar house in New Hartford, built with cost-efficient financing, will be open for viewing by the public on April 10 from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), the house tour will be held rain or shine. Vendors and homeowners will be present

West Hartford Seeks Savings With New Energy Plan - courant.com

2009-03-16T21:25:00.002-04:00

The Courant's Josh Kovner reports on West Hartford's new Energy Plan, the product of a small group of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers: “This isn't about dimming the lights. Well, it is —but the energy plan passed last week by the town council seeks to go a lot further —

Gas Tax Hike, Tolls Needed Urgently | Hartford Business

2009-01-16T16:49:00.000-05:00

Today's online edition of the Hartford Business Journal links to Gas Tax Hike, Tolls Needed Urgently, written by Oz Griebel, President and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance. It's about sustainable funding for a smart, sustainable, multi-modal transportation system:A robust transportation system fuels economic growth, and a sustainable funding source drives a robust system. Imagine a Connecticut

Earned Solar Installations Completed at West Hartford High Schools

2009-01-16T09:13:00.002-05:00

Conard and Hall High Schools Generate Clean Energy with Solar ArraysRocky Hill, Conn., January 15, 2009 — The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) today announced the completion of two solar photovoltaic (PV) installations earned by the town of West Hartford under CCEF’s Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program. One of the installations is located at Conard High School and the other at Hall

Hall and Conard Didn't Even Enter?

2008-12-08T07:31:00.001-05:00

In an effort to inspire future generations to use energy more wisely and be more environmentally conscious, CL&P has put up $20,000 for its "Live Green - Win Green" contest for high school students in its service areas. Seventeen schools applied, but it doesn’t appear that West Hartford’s Hall or Conard are one of them. That’s unfortunate and surprising. Contestants were to produce a 2-

Tues Dec 9 Last Day for WHPS to Apply for NEW Funding to Retrofit Diesel School Buses

2008-12-08T07:12:00.001-05:00

In 2007 the state legislature created a school bus clean-up program with over $8 million in funding currently available. DEP just received $500,000 in federal matching funds, and combined with the state funding, a number of communities can retrofit school buses at no cost. DEP sent letters just before Thanksgiving to inform towns of the availability of state and Federal grants to install

But Wait, There's More!

2008-11-29T10:44:00.000-05:00

You may also want to check out West Hartford Looks For Ways To Cut Energy Costs, the companion piece to yesterday's article on WHPS's Conservation Challenge (http://www.whps.org/conservationchallenge/).

Schools In Competition To Cut Use Of Electricity -- Courant.com

2008-11-29T10:38:00.000-05:00

SWH member Heidi Golden's vision and persistence in getting West Hartford schools to compete in energy conservation is paying off. Read yesterday's Courant article at Schools In Competition To Cut Use Of Electricity -- Courant.com.

Town Schools Saved $19K in Less Than 3 Weeks- How'd We Do It?

2008-11-21T16:30:00.001-05:00

CONSERVATION CHALLENGE! Town Schools Saved $19K in Less Than 3 Weeks- How’d We Do It? With budget deficits and unpleasant economic forecasts dominating the news, here’s a bright spot. Throughout November, all West Hartford Public Schools are competing in an effort to conserve electricity, with a goal of reducing electrical consumption by ten percent. It’s good

Two Good Articles on Sustainability in Today's Courant

2008-11-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

…and one of them features SWH’s own Bill Upholt and Mary Lee Morrison! If You Must Remodel, Buy Used First Like many empty-nesters, Mary Lee Morrison and Bill Upholt wanted to trade in their longtime suburban home for something different, perhaps a bit smaller. But instead of buying an upscale condo or moving into an active adult community, they bought a historic Hartford home. And instead of

Home Energy Efficiency Forum - Nov 10th

2008-11-05T21:52:00.002-05:00

Electricity rates are rising. Home heating oil prices are skyrocketing. Natural gas prices continue to climb. What's a person to do? The West Hartford Senior Center, Sustainable West Hartford, the West Hartford Clean Energy Task Force and Clean Water Action invite the public to a forum on home energy efficiency options on Monday, November 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the West Hartford Senior

This Saturday! Residential Electronics Recycling & Small Metal Collections at Brixton Street - Don't forget!

2008-10-30T15:10:00.001-04:00

Residential Electronics Recycling Collection Saturday, November 1st 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Public Works Facility, 17 Brixton Street The Residential Electronics Recycling Collection includes computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, TVs, VCRs, copiers, fax machines, radios, stereos, telephones, electric typewriters, answering machines, copiers, pagers, modems, tape players, compact

Don't Forget! Park River and Trout Brook clean-up part of Source-to-Sea event

2008-10-02T13:34:00.001-04:00

The Park River Watershed Revitalization Initiative and REI West Hartford are partnering on Park River and Trout Brook cleanups that will be held in conjunction with the 21st annual Farmington River Watershed Association Clean-up and the 12th annual Connecticut River Watershed Council’s “Source to the Sea” cleanup on Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at two locations: WHERE: MORNING 9:00am – 11:30 am

Home Energy Efficiency Forum - Oct 8

2008-10-01T22:14:00.001-04:00

Electricity rates are rising. Home heating oil prices are skyrocketing. Natural gas prices continue to climb. What's a person to do? Sustainable West Hartford, the West Hartford Clean Energy Task Force and Clean Water Action invite the public to a forum on home energy efficiency options on Wednesday, October 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street

CT Transit Public Meeting for Bus Service Improvements (Tonight OCT 1, 5:30)

2008-10-01T07:47:00.001-04:00

CTTRANSIT is holding a Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 1, from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Hartford Public Library main branch at 500 Main Street, Hartford. The meeting will give CTTRANSIT bus users an opportunity to make suggestions for changes and share ideas for improvements. CTTRANSIT customers from all areas are encouraged to attend. State, regional and local officials will be there to

Attention Sustainable Cyclists - Public Meetings to Tell DOT How Bicycle Access on State Roads Can be Improved

2008-09-29T11:53:00.001-04:00

“To some cyclists, Connecticut has a reputation as being one of the least bike-friendly places in the country. That's why the state DOT is convening four meetings around the state, starting Wednesday, October 1 in Bristol, Thursday in Willimantic, Oct. 6 in New Haven and Oct. 7 in Stamford to hear what the public thinks of its proposed new statewide bicycle map and goals for improving bicycle

DEP Issues The Municipal Primer - Your Guide to Creating a "Green and Growing" Community

2008-09-27T16:54:00.001-04:00

DEP’s Municipal Primer - Your Guide to Creating a "Green and Growing" Community, contains information on an array of DEP programs that affect the day-to-day functions of Connecticut's cities and towns. The Municipal Primer, a component of the Landscape Stewardship Initiative, is available at www.ct.gov/dep/municipalprimer.

DEP's Pollution Prevention Newsletter - Fall Issue

2008-09-26T08:15:00.001-04:00

The fall issue of the Connecticut DEP's Pollution Prevention newsletter, P2 View, is now available by clicking on the following link: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/p2/newsletter/p2viewfall08.pdf · Find out about possible causes of beach closures and learn how truckers in North Stonington are turning off and staying cool. ·

Daylight Dividends Training Seminar for owners, builders, architects, and engineers

2008-09-19T14:14:00.001-04:00

The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, along with Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating cordially invite you to a... Daylight Dividends Training Seminar · Tuesday, September 23rd, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon in Berlin, CT · Wednesday, September 24th, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon in Trumbull, CT Focused on

Sustainable Lawns and Landscaping Forum - Wed Sept 24, 7 pm

2008-09-16T10:11:00.001-04:00

Sustainable West Hartford invites you to a free forum on Sustainable Lawns and Landscaping, on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 7 – 9 pm West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford Want to save water, energy, and money? Want a green lawn without chemicals and pesticides? Want to help improve water quality and wildlife habitat? Come learn how to do all this with

Portland Clean Energy Task Force Hosts Nobel Winner Yohe for Climate Change Talk (Sept 16, 7pm)

2008-09-15T20:31:00.001-04:00

Gary Yohe: Stories from the IPCC Global Warming is the overriding environmental threat of our time, and the cost to deal with it gets steeper as we delay action. Hear Portland's own Gary Yohe (co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on climate change) explain the economic details. Q & A to follow the presentation. When: Tuesday, September 16, 7:00pm Where: Portland Library, 20

Election 2008 Will the Environment Win or Lose? (Monday Sept. 15@ CCSU)

2008-09-12T08:52:00.002-04:00

A Panel Discussion at CCSU Global Warming. Mass Transit. Energy. Green Collar Jobs. Natural Resources Conservation. Water Quality. Air Quality Monday, September 15, 2008, 7:00 – 9:00 PMCentral Connecticut State University (Davidson Hall, Torpe Theater) New Britain, CT (Campus Map) (Directions)The November 2008 elections are fast approaching. Join us as we engage our political leaders in

Seminar on Biofuels & Other Alternatives for Home Heating: Aug 30 @2 pm

2008-08-05T12:54:00.002-04:00

Thinking of switching to a more environmentally-friendly heating fuel? If you've been thinking about how high your home heating bills will run this winter, or if you’ve been pondering questions like, How can biofuels be used for home heating? What biofuels are available? What’s Biodiesel? What are the advantages of BioDiesel? What are some of the issues and problems to keep in mind? How can I

TONIGHT - Public Forum on Energy Issues with John Larson

2008-08-04T10:09:00.002-04:00

If you missed last week's meeting of the US Select Committee on Energy and Global Warming at Hartford's Mark Twain House, here's another chance to find out more about US energy policy as it develops: United States Congressman John B. LarsonWill Hold a Public Forum on Energy Issues East Hartford Town HallCouncil Chambers740 Main StreetEast Hartford, CT Monday, August 4, 20085:30-7:30 pm

Next S-WH Meeting: Tues 7/29

2008-07-24T19:52:00.003-04:00

The next Sustainable West Hartford meeting will be held on Tuesday 7/29 at 7:00pm. Linda Astur of Greenspace West Hartford will be our guest at the meeting to provide an overview of her group's proposal to create a park adjacent to Blue Back Square (near the police station).The meeting will be held at the Universalist Church, which is located at 433 Fern Street (between Trout Brook and North

Next SWH Meeting June 17th, with Special Guest...

2008-06-05T17:43:00.001-04:00

The next Sustainable West Hartford meeting is being rescheduled from Monday June 9th to Tuesday June 17th at 7pm. The meeting will take place at the Universalist Church located at 433 Fern Street. We will most likely meet in Fiske Hall, which is located in the back of the church. Off-street parking is available behind the church. We will have a special guest from Australia at this meeting

Help at the SWH Booth at Celebrate West Hartford

2008-06-03T16:36:00.001-04:00

Want to help out at the Sustainable West Hartford booth at Celebrate West Hartford? You’ll help encourage people to sign up for clean energy, hand out compact florescent bulbs and explain why they’re better than incandescent bulbs, and encourage people to take the Going Green Pledge. If interested, please email Jennifer Boyd at jennifer@boydproductions.net.

Sustainable West Hartford Meeting Thursday May 22

2008-05-19T16:05:00.001-04:00

The next monthly meeting of Sustainable West Hartford is scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at 7 pm in Town Hall Room 217. Please join us!

Check Out Who's Green in West Hartford

2008-05-17T11:41:00.008-04:00

Climate action starts at home! Check out who's green in West Hartford.Chris Skurkis; Eileen Landry; Erin Conneely; Juliene Phelan; Karen Hollant; Kate Miller; Katherine Bruns; Colleen Hayward; The Galms; Susan Hansen; Bill Upholt; Jo Cohen; Tracey Bissell; Jane Roth; Lesley Morrey; Bruce Hamilton; Tim Parola; Maria Ciccaglione; Liz Roth; Peter B. & Madeleine Janes; Jon Olson; Ronni Newton; Mary

May 14 is Last Community Forum on Town Plan of Conservation & Development

2008-05-12T16:48:00.004-04:00

The final Community Forum on the town's ten year Plan of Conservation and Development will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 7 PM at Town Hall, Room 400. The public is invited.The Town of West Hartford's Plan & Zoning Commission is in the final process of updating the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, the official document that will guide town decisions on conserving and developing land

Today is Earth Day - Take the Going Green Pledge, West Hartford!

2008-04-21T22:10:00.003-04:00

Climate action starts at home! In recognition of Earth Day, why not pledge to make more environmentally-responsible choices over the next year? You’ll help cut down on CO2, save energy, save money, and promote a sustainable future for West Hartford. Go online to take Sustainable West Hartford’s pledge and tell us what you'll do (or what you've already done) to move us toward a brighter,

West Hartford Trailing New Haven in Clean Energy Signups - Help Reclaim the Lead!

2008-04-20T20:47:00.002-04:00

According to the latest data from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, West Hartford now trails New Haven in the competition for clean energy signups. New Haven currently leads with 979 signups, with West Hartford coming in second with 937. In the spirit of Earth Day, West Hartford residents are encouraged to join the push for cleaner air and energy independence by enrolling in the Connecticut

Check Out DEP's Pollution Prevention News

2008-02-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

The Winter 2008 issue of DEP's Pollution Prevention newsletter, P2 View, is out, and you can find it here.Highlights include info on plastics recycling and how to stop unwanted catalogs from cluttering up your mailbox and wasting natural resources. Check it out.

Green: The New Red, White & Blue

2008-01-21T21:17:00.001-05:00

7 p.m., Monday, January 28, 2008Hartford Friends Meeting 144 S. Quaker Lane, West HartfordAll are invited to watch the film and learn more about climate change and social justice WHAT: The public is invited to a showing of the film Green: the New Red White and Blue. Award winning author and journalist Thomas L. Friedman travels the globe to unravel the tangled web of where Americans

SWH Releases Recommendations for Town's Plan of Conservation & Development

2008-01-17T08:23:00.000-05:00

Sustainable West Hartford has prepared a host of sustainability-focused recommendations for West Hartford's ten-year Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), the document that will guide the town's land use, open space preservation and economic development decisions over the next decade.Click here to read our recommendations and leave a comment to tell us what you think.For more on the

Community Forum on Town's Plan of Conservation and Development

2008-01-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, January 16, 7:00 PMWest Hartford Town Hall, Room 400 The West Hartford Town Plan & Zoning Commission is updating the Town’s 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development, a document that guides town leaders on decisions regarding land use. You are invited to a Community Forum on Wednesday, January 16 at 7 PM at Town Hall, Room 400 to voice your thoughts, ideas, recommendations and

New Tool Offers an Inside Look at the Climate Change Impact of Buildings - Energy Star buildings release less carbon dioxide | Newsroom | US EPA

2007-11-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

How much does the commercial building you work in contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?Figuring that out is easier now that the EPA's on-line energy rating system for commercial buildings, Portfolio Manager, includes greenhouse gas emission factors.The updated rating tool shows that Energy Star buildings, which use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings, also emit 35

EPA Green Scene Podcasts - Environmental Discussions On the Go

2007-11-29T10:14:00.000-05:00

Green Scene podcasts are a way to explore environmental issues with EPA's top experts. Through EPA's latest downloadable tool, Agency officials discuss how EPA is helping protect our nation's environment while providing the public with useful tips and information on how they can make a difference in their communities. The discussions will take place biweekly and run roughly five minutes in length

Take the Going Green Pledge!

2007-11-05T21:21:00.000-05:00

Climate action starts at home! Please tell us what you'll do (or what you've already done) to move us toward a brighter, greener, cleaner future.Tell us which environmentally-responsible choices you'll make over the next year to help protect and promote a sustainable future for West Hartford. You’ll help cut down on CO2, save energy – and save money.Click here to go to our online pledge.

Sustainable West Hartford to host screening of the CPTV documentary The Warming of Connecticut on October 4

2007-09-28T13:51:00.000-04:00

The newly formed community group, Sustainable West Hartford, will host the screening of the Connecticut Public Television documentary, The Warming of Connecticut, at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium, located at 50 South Main Street on October 4 at 6:45 PM. In The Warming of Connecticut, Emmy Award-winning independent documentary producer Jennifer Boyd, a West Hartford resident,

Next Hazardous Waste Collection OCT 6

2007-09-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

Did you know that many products commonly found around the house are classified as hazardous and can't be discarded with your regular trash? They need to be disposed of in ways that are safe for the environment, so the MDC has special hazardous waste collections throughout the year. West Hartford's next Hazardous Waste Collection day is Saturday, October 6, 2007, 8 AM to 1 PM, at Public Works,

Residential Electronics Recycling Collection NOV 3

2007-09-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Have any old computers, printers or cell phones lying around? Many people don't realize that items like these contain toxic materials and should not be put out with your regular trash. The town now has periodic "ewaste" collections to ensure that these kinds of products get disposed of in a way that is safe for the environment. West Hartford's next Residential Electronics Recycling

Green Lighting Promotions for 2007

2007-09-27T08:20:00.000-04:00

Looking for energy-efficient lighting at a good price? Check this list of special pricing at various stores in greater Hartford and Connecticut.For a larger image, click on the picture or click here.