Go Green magazine 2010 by Lisa Newcomb

Go Green

Teton Valley News

Go Green 2010

IS GREEN THE NEW BLACK? L greendoesn’t doesn’t mean sacrificiving green mean sacriﬁ cing ing style. can decorate decorate your your style. YouYoucan

home with environmentally conscious

furniture, such as the wares advertised by Eco-furniture.com, which boasts of items made from certiﬁed lumber, recyclables and reusables. For more information, call (877) 204-7336. Green fever has made it into the pages of style magazines as well, as evidenced by San Francisco-based magazine

Organic

Style.

In-depth

features cover topics such as organic cotton farming in India and wildlife conservation in Kenya, and offers a boutique form for ordering order green clothing and accessories. For more information, visit www.organicstyle.com or call (877) 899-2468.

Brought To You By the Teton Valley News

Go Green 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 15 15 15 15 15 15 16 16 17 17 19 19 20 20 21 21 21 22 22 22 22

SaveGreen GreenTo to Make Make Green Green Save Green Living Living Starts Starts At At Home Home Green Who There’s No No Such Such Thing Thing As As Free? Free? Who Says Says There’s Timbers of theRecycle Times Read, Respond, for Driving Green Make-Up ArtistCrazy Says ‘Get Smart’ Live With Live WithLess Lessand AndBe BeFulfilled Fulﬁlled No Paper, Paper, No No Plastic Plastic No Eco Fair Locavore’s Night Out The and Beneﬁ ts Of Driving Right Open Architecture in the Classroom The Green Bottom Line Green At Uncommon A Mall NearSense You Recycling in Teton Valley Survey Says Travelers Are Becoming Earth-Conscious

Teton Valley News

OutOf OfThe TheFrying FryingPan, Pan,Into IntoAa Jar Jar Out A World Without Toilet Toilet Paper? Paper? A World Without Eco-Friendly Bags Bags For For Dog Dog Waste Waste Eco-Friendly Water, Water, Water Water Everywhere? Everywhere? ‘Green Car Car Journal’ Journal’ Names Names Top Top 55 Picks Picks ‘Green Walk This This Way Way Walk START Money A Little Algae Goes A Long WaySaving For Scientists the A Farm Kids, On Green Fun Dinner Match Kids, Green a Fun Match Smart Thermostats For All Smart Thermostats For All Think Small To Clean Big Think Small to Clean Big

Go Green 2010

Save green to make green T

he U.S. government wants YOU to save energy, and reap the rewards in doing so. New energy efficiency tax credits allow homeowners to lower both their monthly home energy bills and their federal income taxes in 2009 as they contend with escalating winter energy prices, the Alliance to Save Energy reports. The tax credits of up to $500 were enacted as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424), signed in October 2008. They are largely the same as those that were in effect in 2006 and 2007, with some new criteria for qualifying products and equipment. Taxpayers who claimed less than the total $500 credit in 2006 and/or 2007 can claim the unused portion in 2009. “The Alliance worked very hard to ensure that Congress would renew the expired federal tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements, and we are pleased that homeowners can once again get some help from Uncle Sam to make their homes more energy efficient and more comfortable,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “With prices for winter heating fuels going up again this winter, and total 2008 home energy costs reaching about $2,350 for the average U.S. household, these new tax credits provide multiple benefits for consumers,” Callahan said. The overall $500 cap can be reached in several ways with the purchase and installation of energy-efficient products:

Windows, doors, and insulation must meet the regional requirements of the 2001 or 2004 International Energy Conservation Code, a model energy code for buildings.

Furnace or boiler for up to $150 toward the full purchase price and/or $50 for an efficient air-circulating furnace fan, including installation cost. Windows, doors, insulation, and roofs must be expected to last at least five years (a two-year warranty is sufficient to demonstrate this). There also is a separate credit, through 2016, for Energy Star qualified geothermal heat pumps for 30 percent of the cost up to $2,000. Manufacturers can certify (in packaging or on the company’s web site) which of their products qualify for the tax credit. Retailers, contractors, and manufacturers should be able to help consumers determine what levels of insulation and what other products qualify. All improvements must be installed in or on the taxpayer’s principal residence in the United States. Condo and co-op improvements are apportioned to the owners. The credit cannot be taken against the Alternative Minimum Tax.

Insulation, exterior doors, or roofs for ten percent of the cost of the product (but not the installation), up to $500: Includes seals to limit air

infiltration, such as caulk, weather stripping, and foam sealants, as well as storm doors. Roofs must be Energy Star qualified metal roofs with pigmented coatings or Energy Star qualified asphalt roofs with cooling granules.

Central air conditioner, heat pump, water heater, or bio gas (e.g. corn) stove for up to $300 toward the full purchase price, including installation cost: Heating and cooling equipment, including water heaters, must meet stringent efﬁciency requirements; not even all Energy Star products will qualify.

Exterior windows for 10 percent of the total cost of up to $200: Includes

For more information, visit the Alliance to Save Energy at www.ase.org/taxcredits or call (202) 857-0666.

DID YOU KNOW...?

skylights and storm windows. All Energy Star qualiﬁed windows are eligible.

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GO GREEN Teton Valley News

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2008 Go Green 2010

Green living starts at home U

se less, save more. Follow this mantra when making your home green, and you’re off to a great start. Throw in using Earth-friendly products around the house, recycling and swapping out old appliances and electronics for new energy-efﬁcient ones, and you’re well on your way to doing your part.

ENERGY

Energy is a major factor when considering green living. There are only a finite amount of fossil fuels on our planet, and by reducing electricity usage you are also reducing pollutants in the air. An essential step to green living is identifying what’s sucking the energy out of your home. Not only is it green, it will save you money. Energy-sucking electronics, adapters and appliances cost Americans about $10 billion a year, 11 percent of the total United States energy usage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many are inefficient because they use energy when they are off. Televisions, for example, use a little bit of power when off to receive remote control signals. To identity energy suckers, the EPA suggests turning everything off in the house as you would normally do, then looking at the your energy meter. Don’t unplug anything you wouldn’t normally unplug. The EPA also recommends disabling adapters and chargers when not in use, using a power strip that can be turned off when not in use and purchasing appliances and electronics with the “Energy Star,” the government’s seal of energy-efficient approval Maintaining temperature control in the home is essential. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, central heating and air use accounts for 45 percent of the average home’s annual energy use. Make sure your home is properly insulated and sealed, use ceiling fans and use central heating and air wisely. The Department of Energy estimates that in the summer each

degree below 78 degrees Fahrenheit increases energy usage by 8 percent. Have your thermostat examined by a professional, keep it well maintenanced and consider purchasing a newer, more efﬁcient one. For advice on the best energy efﬁcient thermostats, go to www.aceee.org or call (202) 507-4000.

WATER

Water conservation is also paramount to keeping a green home. Always be on the lookout for ways to save water. The Public Service Announcement campaign “Water–Use It Wisely” suggests tips such as not using running water when washing dishes and produce and using a broom instead of a hose to clean the parking lot. Check your sprinkler to make sure it is only watering the lawn, not cement. Only use washing machines and dishwashers when they are full to save 1,000 gallons a month. If your showerhead can ﬁll a bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace it with an efﬁcient one. For more ideas on how to save water, go to www.wateruseitwisely.com or call your local water conservation agency.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Responsible shopping and recycling habits can further intensify the green in the home. At the store, opt for Earth-friendly cleaning supplies, paint, paper and plastic products. Institute recycling in the home, and call your local city council if unclear on how or where to recycle products. To reduce junk mail, get off the list by contacting the Direct Marketing Association Mail at www.dmachoice.org or (212) 768-7277, ext. 1500. To opt out of insurance or credit card offers, visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1 (888) 567-8688.

Teton Valley News GO GREEN

Go Green 2010 2008

Who says there’s no such thing as free? Looking

for

the

ultimate

freebie? Hailing the mantra “one man’s

trash

another

man’s

treasure,” the Tucson-based website, The Freecycle Network, connects people with junk to people in need of that junk. The reward? Someone saves money, someone feels good about giving, and the landﬁll gets a little less crowded. Freecycle.org – which includes more than 4,600 groups and carries more

than

million

members

worldwide – operates with the help of volunteer moderators who operate e-mail lists via Yahoo Groups. If you’re within driving distance of the group, you’re welcome to join the conversation. The underlying rule is that everything given is just that – a gift; no charging allowed. “Whether it’s an old door, a pile of dirt or a computer, it’s probably being given away on one of the networks already up and running as you read this article,” says Freecycle spokeswoman Ann Repine.

For more information, visit www.freecycle.org.

Timbers of the times

Reevaluating the building blocks of sustainable homes Submitted by Teton Dwellings

eton Valley is an incredible natural setting, rich with a history of struggle and survival, an emerging but challenged multi-faceted economy, and a vibrant group of interconnected communities. Our people possess a broad spectrum of diversity, culture and outlook. Yet our Valley, region, nation and world are in turmoil. The deep global recession and the accompanying bursting of the housing bubble have led many of us to completely reassess how we approach our lives. Many of us agree that this is a time of rapid change, and the urgency to reinvent ourselves is upon us.

Relevant livability

Let’s be honest. Economic-based development in Teton Valley has led to the building of overpriced trophy homes, slapstick structures that irresponsibly radiate heat through the walls and roofs, and neighborhood designs that are optimized for vehicle-oriented convenience. Those who chose our Valley for a seasonal home and those of us who live and work here throughout the year share a new desire for a home that fits our surroundings, suits an efficient lifestyle, and is more in tune with the realities of today’s world. At teton dwellings, we have a philosophy that supports what we call, “relevant livability.” The premise is simple… integrate the design and building of family residences to support sustainable lifestyles. This prompts our company to listen to the community, and work with developers, design consultants, government agencies, special interest groups, and of course families

with an approach that directly addresses the new realities of our time. We believe there is an opportunity to provide progressive neighborhood and home designs that accentuate the core values inherent in our community. In Teton Valley, as a designated GeoTourism destination, these responsibilities are front and center to our sensibilities. Our concept is simple: address regional needs for residential design, energy consulting, environmental sustainability, modern residential comfort, and affordability.

Reinvention

Teton dwellings has evolved from a traditional log home building company, Grand Teton Log & Lumber. Like other businesses and organizations, we have reinvented the very premise of our business approach to serve the realistic needs of families that want modern convenience, but are interested in more affordable and responsible living. We work with site planners who design neighborhoods which integrate with multiple forms of transportation, and address the need for recreation, safety, and privacy. We are investing in residential home concepts that incorporate “Life-Efficient Designs.” We start by laying out highly

Teton Valley News

Go Green 2010

efficient spaces that optimize the use of a home for active lifestyles, comfort, and privacy, while emphasizing more affordable footprints. In every home, we integrate passive solar elements, clerestory lighting, modern airflow circulation, and methods for lowering overall construction costs. Our homes can have rustic and/or modern overtones and finishes depending on the desired character of the residence and neighborhood.

Cabin-CORE construction

At the heart of our designs, we incorporate “Cabin-CORE” construction. We offer residences that utilize internal, log-built structural walls to enhance thermal mass efficiency, natural ambiance, cost efficiency, and maintenance-friendly use. In addition to optimizing the use of passive solar structure and site design, teton dwellings also utilizes recycled insulation materials and high levels of R-factor in each structure. We provide clients and developers with more advanced energy generation and conservation options, including active solar/geothermal energy systems, Energy Star compliances, and automated control of heating, cooling, and ventilation. Timbers continued on page 14

Crazy for driving How smart land planning can save money and keep us sane

Submitted by Jennifer Zung Harmony Design

t isn’t easy being green. But we try. We pick up the “Go Green” magazine and subscribe to “Mother Earth News” and incorporate all the green tips we read into our lives. We buy organic food at Barrels-n-Bins, shop at the Farmer’s Market, recycle aluminum, paper, tin and glass at the transfer station, and compost our food waste. We turn off our lights, turn down the heat, and replace regular bulbs with CFCs and then replace them again with LEDs. We feel very proud about how far we’ve come and then we take a carbon footprint calculator quiz only to find out we’ve just done a smidge better than the average American, who produces an average 20 tons of CO2 equivalent each year, and are far from the worldwide target to combat climate change of only 2 tons per year. What’s an environmental, carbon conscious person to do?

Of the 20 tons of CO2 we produce each year, one of the biggest contributors is the 34 percent attributed to personal transportation including ownership and operation of our vehicle. In comparison, heating and cooling our houses accounts for 18 percent and farming of the food we eat accounts for only 4 percent of our carbon footprint1. In addition to the impact on the environment, our cars cost a lot of money. The average American spends 18 percent of his or her income on transportation, which is a close second to the 19 percnet spent on housing and exceeds what we spend on food, education or health care. With an average of $6,200 going to our cars each year, that is a lot of money that could be saved in this tight economy. But eliminating our cars from our environmental diet is difficult. Andres Duany,

Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck note in their book “Suburban Nation”, that despite the fact that none of them have yet to give up their cars they are not blind to the fact that “what was once our servant has become our master, and that an instrument of freedom is a very different thing from an instrument of survival.” With residential development segregated from commercial development and suburban sprawl rampant around U.S. Cities; our cars have become our masters. Fortunately there is hope. Through good land planning using Smart Growth principles, we can start changing our environmental and economic Driving continued on page 14

EDGE tM 60 pELLEt FirEpLACE

Teton Valley News

Go Green 2010

EDGE tM 60 pELLEt FirEpLACE

Live With Less And Be Fulﬁlled I

n the face of today’s global economic and environmental challenges, the United States, the land of plenty, is learning how to live on less. Join the movement and follow these tips from Columbia University and www.reduce.org:

require wasting plastic to enjoy. Select local and organic to support food that doesn’t require fuel to transport and doesn’t incorporate the use of harmful pesticides. Plan ahead for meals, buying only what you need, using it up and keeping it fresh.

THE GROCERY STORE

IN THE BACKYARD

Purchase items with less packaging, and avoid goods with unnecessary packaging. Look for the most durable goods, and ones labeled by the government as energy efﬁcient. Don’t use plastic bags in the produce department unless absolutely necessary. Avoid single-serving packages of food, and use reusable bags as opposed to disposable plastic ones. Store leftovers in reusable containers, and purchase pet and household products in bulk to further eliminate unnecessary waste. Choose biodegradable and/ or low- or no-phosphate dishwashing liquid and cleaning supplies. Read labels and buy products that are low in toxicity. You can also use household items such as vinegar and water as cleaning agents. Mercury, found in some thermometers and thermostats, is a toxin that can be dangerous, even in small amounts. Look for digital or alcohol-based alternatives to it whenever possible. Dispose of any mercurycontaining products at your local county household hazardous waste facility. Call your county for details. Toss bottled water for tap water, which doesn’t

Use leftover fruits and vegetables to create a compost pile in the backyard. By composting, you can speed up biodegrading your garbage and fertilize your yard at the same time, reducing fertilizer and water use. To make a compost pile, establish a bin in the backyard, ﬁll it with kitchen scraps and yard waste and mix it up once in awhile with a pitchfork or a shovel. Keep a good balance of greens and browns to get in a good balance of nutrients. Water as you go; the compost should have the wetness of a sponge. For more information, visit www.reduce.org or call (800) 877-6300.

AT WORK OR THE HOME OFFICE

In the home ofﬁce or at work, purchase recycled paper products. Stop junk mail by removing yourself from the Direct Marketing Association list by going to www.the-dma.org or calling (212) 768-7277. Choose digital communication over letters and bills, and arrange for direct deposit at work instead of paper checks. Use a reusable mug for beverages at work such as coffee, tea and water.

CLEANING OUT THE CLOSET

Instead of trashing your old clothes, furniture, tools or appliances, donate or resell them to thrift shops or organize a garage sale within your neighborhood. Similarly, when shopping, try buying used items as opposed to new ones.

FAST FACTS •

Americans throw away enough ofﬁce paper each year to build a 12-foot high wall stretching from New York to San Francisco. That’s 10,000 sheets a person.

•

According to the USDA, 27 percent of the nation’s food supply was wasted in 1995. There are remedies, however.

•

Approximately 572 tons of liquid cleaner and 132 tons of toilet bowl cleaner are washed down the drain each month.

•

Packaging waste makes up about 30 percent of garbage.

1/8 page ad 5” X 2.75”

Teton Valley News GO GREEN

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Go Green 2010 2008

No Paper, No Plastic World re-evaluates use of plastic

he green movement has lead to some pretty peculiar inventions, one of the tops possible being Fort Bragg resident David Leonhardt’s decision to manufacture and market his own line of glass drinking straws. “It’s simply a matter of how we think about the things in our lives – and we can always choose to change how we think,” Leonhardt said, citing environmental and health concerns about plastics that inspired his creations. Perhaps you’re not ready for glass straws, but would still like to make a difference. By using reusable plastic bags at the grocery store and being more selective about the plastics you use, there are ways to avoid the perils of plastic. From health issues to landﬁll and wildlife concerns, a movement is in full effect to reduce the plastic in our lives. Grocers and retailers nationwide are trading the tradition paper or plastic for reusable bags in an effort to reduce our dependency on the oil-based plastics. An estimated 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide every year, according to the website www.ReusableBags.com. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 12,000,000 barrels of oil are required to produce the 100 billion bags consumed annually. Additionally, retailers spend an estimated $4 billion on their plastic store bags, passing the costs on to consumers. “By offering consumers a wide range of smart and stylish products to choose from, we dramatically increase the chances of getting consumers to embrace reusable shopping bags,”

2 Reduce the number of plastic products in your

child’s environment and opt instead for toys and books made with natural wood, paper, cloth or metal.

3 Be cautious of cling wraps, especially for

microwave use. Instead, wrap foods in butcher paper, waxed paper, or paper towels or store food in glass or ceramic containers.

4 Wash plastic containers by hand with a mild said ReusableBags.com founder Vincent Cobb. The site features dozens of photos of plastic bags littering the countryside and cities from Chicago to Paris. Plastic bags do not decompose and disappear, but instead break down into toxic bits, polluting oceans, rivers, lakes and soil. Countless animals, most notably marine mammals, choke to death after mistaking plastic bags for food. Meanwhile, new research reveals links between health risks and bispenol A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), found in common household plastics such as baby bottles, storage containers and plastic wrap. Healthy Child Healthy World offers these steps to avoid the dangers of plastic:

1 Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave,

since unsafe chemicals are released when plastics are heated. Instead, use glass or ceramic containers to microwave food and beverages.

soap instead of dishwashing, as the hot water degrades plastics.

5 Choose safer plastics such as polyethylene

(numbered #1, #2, and #4) and polypropylene (#5), which are less toxic and non-chlorinated. Avoid the use of polycarbonate and polystyrene (#3 and #6) baby bottles and sippy cups. Look for products that state “no phthalates” or “no bisphenol A (BPA).” If the packaging does not identify the plastic, ask the manufacturer or don’t buy it. “Plastics are an affordable convenience,” says Christopher Gavigan, CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World. “Only recently have we discovered that the hidden cost may be to our health. But it’s easy to learn how to use them wisely so we all stay safe.” For more information on safety with plastic, visit www.healthychild.org or call (310) 6940698. For more information on Leonhardt’s glass straws, visit www.GlassDharma.com or call (707) 964-9350.

Plastic by the numbers A petition by Chicago public high school teacher Vishal Moody was launched into Internet stardom after he matched a Pocono Record slideshow to Melissa Ethridge’s “I Need to Change” for his students. The following are highlights from that petition delivered to Illinois lawmakers, including President-Elect Barack Obama. •

Plastic bags will never biodegrade. They will pollute our land and water indeﬁnitely.

•

Less than 3 percent of plastic bags are recycled. The cost of recycling bags is hundreds of times higher than producing new bags.

•

Each year hundreds of thousands of water animals such as sea turtles and whales die from ingesting plastic bags, mistaking them for food.

•

Since 2002, countries all over the world have passed laws to reduce plastic bag consumption, in some cases banning their free distribution or taxing them.

•

San Francisco became the ﬁrst U.S. city to ban plastic bags in 2007. Whole Foods has since followed.

GO GREEN Teton Valley News

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2008 Go Green 2010

ECO FAIR

Saturday, April 24 at Powder Horne Park, Jackson, Wyo. Cost is free. Many area businesses strive to instill strong, sustainable practices into their missions and products. In doing so they create a symbiotic relationship: They support the community and the community supports who they are. Environmentally-conscious businessek seek to educate the public and develop programs that increase environmental and local-minded awareness. An example of one of these programs is the annual Eco Fair held in Jackson, Wyo. The Eco Fair and

Spring Earth Festival began in 1999 to provide communityoriented, celebratory, creative, engaging, and inclusive opportunities for residents and visitors alike to experience the wild character of Jackson Hole. This year’s fair will be hosted by Reduce, Reuse, Recyle Campaign, Jackson Hole Grocer and Slow Food of the Tetons. The event will provide a forum for area businesses and organizations to present their sustainability programs and products to fairgoers. For more information visit jacksoonecofair.org.

A Locavore’s Night Out Tuesday, April 20, 5-9 p.m. at the Wildwood Room in Victor Cost is free Meal, beer and wine available for purchase Come to a Locavore’s Night Out for an evening of good, local food, beer and wine tasting, education and an opportunity to meet those in our community who are working to bring food production and distribution home. There will be educational booths, kids

gardening activities, food samples and products to purchase, a raffle with a change to win great prizes, bar serving local beer and wine, dinner prepared with local ingredients by Bill Boney. This event is a collaboration between the Jackson Whole Grocer, Teton Wellness Institute, Slow Food in the Tetons and Full Circle Education. Sponsors at this time are Grand Targhee Resort, Idaho Perferred, Wildlife Brewing with more to come.

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Vendor booths so far for the 2010 event are Blue Flax Farms, Cosmic Apple Gardens, Grand Targhee Resort, Grand Teton Brewing, Jackson Hole Grocer, Paradise Springs Farm and Robinson Family Farms.

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Teton Valley News 10 Go Green 2010

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Open Architecture in the classroom Teton Valley Community School wins international award

eton Valley Community School in Victor, and architecture firm [Design Collaborative] Workshop received the top award of the 2009 Open Architecture Challenge: Classroom. An emerging practice, [Design Collaborative] Workshop partnered with Teton Valley Community School to design the classroom of the future. Currently based out of a remodeled house, students at Teton Valley Community School are now one step closer to getting a real classroom. “We are thrilled. The evolution of Section Eight’s classroom design for the Teton Valley Community School was a truly collaborative process involving students, parents, teachers, and community members. It exemplifies the school’s philosophy of real

View the winning designs and finalists at http://www.openarchitecturechallenge.org

world learning and community engagement,” Cindy Riegel, president of the TVCC school board said. The need for safe, sustainable and smart classroom design has Teton Valley Community School won an international contest for classroom design. never been greater. Worldwide, 776 million people are illiterate. from around the world. This truly global initiative With less than six years left to meet the UN invited the architecture, design and engineering Millennium Development Goals, the World Bank community to collaborate directly with students estimates ten million new classrooms are needed and teachers to rethink the classroom of the future. to reach its target on education. In addition, tens Designers entering the competition were given a of millions of crumbling classrooms — including simple mandate: collaborate with real students in many in the United States — are in urgent need of real schools in their community to develop real upgrading. Meeting this demand for better learning solutions. Collectively more than 10,000 individuals environments will constitute the largest building participated in this global initiative. project the world has ever undertaken. More than 1,000 design teams from 65 countries In response, the 2009 Open Architecture registered for the competition. The winning design Challenge was launched by Architecture for was selected from more than 400 qualified entries by Humanity and principal partner Orient Global in Architecture continued on page 18 collaboration with a consortium of other partners

Civil Engineering

Landscape Architecture

Land Planning

INTEGRATING ART, ENGINEERING & THE ENVIRONMENT LEED Accredited Professionals on staff Water-wise landscape design Straw bale & alternative material structural design Smart growth & conservation based land planning Low-impact stormwater & floodplain analysis Community outreach & charrette facilitation harmonydesigninc.com Teton Valley News 11 Go Green 2010

110 E Little Avenue, Driggs, ID 83422

208.354.1331

Teton Valley Businesses Tackle

Sustainability with UnCommon Sense Submitted by Heather Burdette Yellowstone Business Partnership

everal Teton Valley and Jackson area businesses and organizations are stepping up what it means to be green by making sustainability a priority in their operations. Harmony Design and Engineering, the Jackson Whole Grocer, the NOLS Teton Valley Campus, Plan One Architects, Silver Star Communications and Vertical Media have teamed up with businesses around the region to confront the often-overwhelming topic of sustainable operations through the Yellowstone Business Partnership’s UnCommon Sense program.

Long-term prosperity

Businesses across the nation are recognizing that a healthy environment and strong communities are vital to their long-term prosperity. Here in Greater Yellowstone, an estimated 28,000 businesses have enormous potential to help shape a positive future for the region. By adopting sustainable practices, each business can help preserve the region’s social and natural assets, strengthen their local economy, and retain their most dedicated employees – all while enhancing their own triple bottom line. UnCommon Sense is a sustainability leadership program in its fifth year, with a proven track record for helping businesses save money while contributing to their community’s social and environmental well-being. Workshops combined with back-home implementation truly help businesses achieve sustainability goals. UnCommon Sense is designed for results, with group and one-on-one support tailored to individual business needs. It offers businesses a way to track changes and quantify savings, to understand if what they are doing is making a measurable difference. “When we began the program, our company had started a few efforts around reducing energy and waste, but it was not a companywide effort,” Jennifer Brannen, marketing

manager for Silver Star Communications and 2010 UnCommon Sense graduate said. “Since then we have created a ‘green team’ and incorporated a Corporate Social Responsibility statement into our mission. The UnCommon Sense program allowed us to organize ourselves and make a real commitment to improving our operations… I am confident that we would not have been able to impact change as we have without the structure of the UnCommon Sense program.” The Growlers, which includes Harmony Design, Plan One Architects and Silver Star Communications, will celebrate their graduation on Earth Day at Chico Hot Springs in Montana. Each graduating business will present their challenges and successes through the program, and outline their sustainability plans postgraduation. The graduation banquet speaker is Brian Back, the founding editor and publisher for Sustainable Teton Valley News 12 Go Green 2010

Industries Journal. Graduation presentations and banquet are open to the public.

Workshops and classes

The spring workshop will follow the graduation event, where the Not So Big Class (including Jackson Whole Grocer and Vertical Media) will look at energy and water efficiencies. This will be the first workshop for the sixth UnCommon Sense class, which will begin their sustainability journey with the Leading the Way and Waste Stream Management modules. Application period for the next class is currently open. UnCommon Sense past program graduates include the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee Resort. The Yellowstone Business Partnership is the only tri-state organization working to resolve the major cross-boundary challenges facing communities in the Yellowstone-Teton region. For more information about YBP and the UnCommon Sense program, visit www. yellowstonebusiness.org.

Teton Valley Community Recycling reduce the waste stream. are several steps still needed to get the recycling facility at the transfer station “Before the county started, we were almost an advocacy group to start here in the Valley up and running. TVCR is optimistic that the Teton recycling in the county,” said Interim Valley will continue to achieve a higher Director Angie Rutherford. “Now the county has taken that on, and our percentage of waste diversion in the future. So much has had to be trucked job is shifting to becoming out in the past. With the help of the more of an outreach county transfer station, so much more program and help increase can be recycled here in the Valley, recycling participation from Margaret Gillentine county residents, schools saving transportation cost and increasing the percentage of waste diversion. and businesses.” “Kudos to Margaret at the transfer station TVCR encourages smart consumer for working so hard to bring a good sustainable purchasing of recyclable products and waste reduction, realizing waste is recycling program.” Rutherford said, referring to County Solid Waste Manager Margaret Gillentine, inevitable. who took the helm of the program earlier this year. TVCR and Teton County have worked More information on TVCR is available at www. together on a grant to purchase a paper baler so that they can collect paper from the schools for tetonrecycling.org. So what can you take to the transfer station recycling as well. to help out? It accepts sorted materials: wood, “One of the important things about the grant application is a collaborative approach between TVRC and the County.” says Rutherford. There Recycling Center continued on page 18

By Shannon Hoffmann Go Green Contributing writer The Teton County Solid Waste Department and Teton Valley Community Recycling are working together to help out in a big way with recycling. Since 1997, Teton Valley Community Recycling (TVCR) has advocated for integrated waste management, municipal composting, Department of Environmental Quality compliance, waste reduction and recycling. In the past year the county has stepped up efforts at the new transfer station to accomplish these goals. With these changes, the mission of TVCR hasn’t changed, but it began working more as an outreach for the County Solid Waste Department to help

Recycling: By the Numbers • 544,000: Trees saved if every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100 percent recycled ones. • 20 million: Tons of electronic waste thrown away each year. One ton of scrap from discarded computers contains more gold than can be produced from 17 tons of gold ore. • 9 cubic yards: Amount of landfill space saved by recycling one ton of cardboard. • $160 billion: Value of the global recycling industry that employs over 1.5 million people. • 79 million tons: Amount of waste material diverted away from disposal in 2005 through recycling and composting. • 5 percent: Fraction of the energy it takes to recycle aluminum versus mining and refining new aluminum. • 315 kg: Amount of carbon dioxide not released into the atmosphere each time a metric ton of glass is used to create new glass products. • 98 percent: Percentage of glass bottles in Denmark that are refillable. 98 percent of those are returned by consumers for reuse. • 51.5 percent: Percentage of the paper consumed in the U.S. that was recovered for recycling in 2005.

Sources: http://planetgreen.discovery.com , EPA, Wikipedia’s aluminum recycling entry, Wikipedia’s glass recycling entry

Teton Valley News 13 Go Green 2010

Timbers continued from page 6

Driving continued from page 7

We can facilitate three stages of “green building” certification:

outlook. Smart Growth is a pro-development movement that emphasizes sustainability in economic, environmental, and social arenas. It looks different in each community and includes features such as walkable, pedestrian oriented plans, mixed use neighborhoods, a variety of housing types, and the preservation of critical natural resources. In Teton Valley this could look like vibrant stores and businesses with residential housing on second floors lining Main Street in the Cities of Driggs, Victor and Tetonia. It might include smaller lots in town with new single-family houses built next to historic homes. Multiple family complexes or townhomes might spring up next to single-family houses and there could be a small corner store to get milk and eggs in a pinch. The community could be connected with a safe and efficient pathway system that facilitates five-minute trips to the store or office as well as longer trips between cities. Well-planned public gathering spaces can help facilitate greater interaction between neighbors. When we live in densely developed downtowns with nearby working and shopping opportunities, the need to drive diminishes saving us money, time, and a little sanity. To help make Smart Growth in Teton Valley a reality, we should add a couple more things to our be-green to-do list. Support your local pathways and development advocacy groups (Teton Valley Trails and Pathways and Valley Advocates for Responsible Development), write your elected officials in support of ordinances that encourage and incentivize development within our existing city centers, ride your bike or walk whenever possible, and car pool. And by moving to within walking distance of stores and businesses, we still might not be able to completely give up our car, but we could try.

• Energy Star: this is an entry level certification level that typically adds less than 5 percent to overall construction costs. Designating these specifications can quickly pay for itself through lower energy consumption and reduce ongoing energy costs throughout the lifetime of the home. • National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and International Code Council (ICC): The National Green Building Standard outlines design and construction specifications that rate features in the following areas: energy, water, and resource efficiency, lot and site development, indoor environmental quality, and home owner education. This can add approximately 5-10 percent to overall construction costs, but will create additional reductions in energy costs throughout the lifetime of the home. • LEED-H Construction Guidelines: LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. Green homes use less energy, water and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants. This can add up to 15 percent + to overall construction costs, excluding more expensive geothermal and active solar energy systems, but will create additional reductions in energy costs throughout the lifetime of the home.

(Endnotes) 1 Henson, Robert, 2008. The Rough Guide to Climate Change. Rough Guides, Ltd, 80 Strand, London.

SUSTAINABILITY

SOCIAL ECONOMIC

ENVIRONMENTAL

Go to www.silverstar.com for more information.

Teton Valley News 14 Go Green 2010

A world without toilet paper?

Out of the frying pan, into a jar

ust like our arteries, water pipes get clogged with grease, says the San Antonio Water System, which says half of its sewage leaks are caused by grease blockage. Follow these tips from SAWS to help prevent such environmentally detrimental spills: • Small amounts of oil (salad oil, frying oil and bacon fat) should be poured into an old milk carton or frozen juice container and thrown in the trash. • Dishes and pots that are coated with greasy leftovers should be wiped clean with a paper towel prior to washing. • Place fat trimmings in a plastic bag, and discard in the garbage can.

Eco-friendly bags for dog waste

here’s a new alternative to toilet paper for those who are serious about going green. The Biffy bidet, developed by Nevadabased doctor Warren Smith, is a personal rinse device said to reduce toilet paper consumption by up to 75 percent. With a ﬂow rate of 1.6 gallons per minute, the Biffy operates for an average of 3 to 5 seconds. By comparison, just one ﬂush of a standard toilet uses a total of 1.6 gallons. The Biffy costs about $100. For more information, including how to obtain a Biffy free for 30 days, visit www.biffy.com or call (877) 422-4339.

ou’re a conscientious dog owner who picks up your dog’s waste at the park. But did you know there’s more you could be doing to help the environment? While dog waste is a major source of water contamination, by using plastic bags to remove the waste, pet owners are creating extra waste for the landfills. Instead, consider FlushDoggy, a biodegradable dog waste bag that can be flushed down the toilet. Bags start at 30 bags for $5.95, or a year’s supply of 360 bags can be purchased for $56.95. For more information, and to receive a sample, visit flushdoggy.com.

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WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE?

H20 becoming more of a commodity Blue gold? The new Texas T?

From military officials in Iraq to Canadian leaders and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water is increasingly being referred to as a growing commodity. “Using water-saving techniques can save you money, and diverts less water from our rivers, bays, and estuaries, which helps keep the environment healthy,” the EPA says. “It’s not just the dry Western areas of the country which need to be concerned with water efficiency.” From the old adage of brushing your teeth without the water running to modern-day gadgetry that promises highly efficient toilets, consider these tips to save a growing commodity.

In The Home

The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California recommends: turning off the

water when you brush your teeth (3 gallons saved) and shortening showers by one or two minutes (5 gallons saved). Fix leaky faucets to save 20 gallons a day and wash only full loads of laundry to save 15 to 50 gallons per load. Do not underestimate the power of new appliances. A family of four can save 14,000 to 25,000 gallons of water per year by replacing old toilets. New energy-efficient washers and dryers use 35 to 50 percent less water than their traditional counterparts. ”Homes with high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances save about 30 percent of indoor water use and yield substantial savings on water, sewer, and energy bills,” the EPA reports. Meanwhile, the WaterSense designation by the EPA highlights water-saving products and makes green specifications for homebuilders. The WaterSense label is on 160 high-efficiency toilets and more than 60 bathroom sink faucets. Nationwide, more than 400 irrigation professionals have been trained in waterefficient design and practices and are certified as WaterSense partners. “Homeowners will save water, money and energy, and communities will have an important new tool for sustainable growth and water efficiency,” said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/ watersense or call (866) 987-7367.

In The Yard

The City of St. George, Wash., recommends watering the lawn between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to reduce water lost to evaporation. If possible, complete the watering cycles before 1 or 2 a.m. so your city’s water supply has time to replenish itself before the 6 a.m. morning rush. Reduce the frequency that you water the lawn by watching moisture levels in the soil. Keep grass bladed between 2.5 and 3.5 inches long. Sharpen the mower blades. A clean cut blade of grass uses less water than one with a jagged cut. Evaluate your sprinkler system to see if it is working efﬁciently. Check with your local water ofﬁcials for more information on ways to audit your watering system. MWD of Southern California recommends installing a smart sprinkler controller to save 40 gallons a day. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks to save 150 gallons each time. Checking your sprinkler system for leaks, overspray and broken sprinkler heads to save 500 gallons a month. When gardening, the EPA suggests selecting plants that are appropriate for your climate and using a suitable landscape and irrigation design. Consider landscaping techniques designed to create a visually attractive landscape by using low-water and drought-resistant grass, plants, shrubs and trees. If maintained properly, climate appropriate landscaping can use less than one-half the water of a traditional landscape.

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‘Green Car Journal’ names top 5 picks T

he BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, smart fortwo and Volkswagen Jetta TDI have been named the top five picks for best green vehicle for consumers in 2008 by the Green Car Journal. The VW and BMW clean diesels are leading models in the advent of efficient, diesel sedans, meeting emissions standards in all 50 states. Ford’s Fusion Hybrid, a full hybrid, is this automaker’s first hybrid sedan. Saturn’s Vue 2-Mode is GM’s first application of its two mode hybrid system in a V-6 front-drive platform. The smart fortwo, a fuel efficient micro car, is new to the U.S. “This is an exciting year for ‘green’ cars because of the many innovative and advanced models now emerging,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “In fact, this year’s selection was more challenging than in years past because of the auto industry’s greater emphasis on greener vehicles and the number of potential vehicles to consider. For the first time, we’ve also seen a pair of clean diesels and a small gasoline model giving hybrids serious competition.” The Green Car Journal looked at fuel efficiency, lower emissions, use of an alternative fuel, or an overall lower environmental load when ranking its vehicle choices. Vehicles using all types of technologies, fuels, and power plants are eligible. To qualify, a vehicle must exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the recognition year. Plus, a potential nominee must be driven by Green Car Journal to allow firsthand evaluation of driving dynamics. Meanwhile, Greenercars.org cited the following vehicles as green frontrunners for 2008: Honda Civic CX, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Corrola, Mini Cooper/Clubman, Ford Focus, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic, and Honda Fit. Greencars.org’s vehicles ranked “meanest” to Mother Earth included the Volkswagen Touraeg, Bugatti Veyron, Mercedes Benz GL 320 CDI, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes Benz R320 CDI, Lamborghini Marcielago/Marcielago Roadster, Mercedes Benx ML 320 CDI, Mercedes Benz G55 AMG, Hummer H2, GMC Yukon 2500, Bentley Azure, and Bentley Arnage.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an interactive guide to choosing a green vehicle. By going to www.epa.gov/greenvehicles, you can pull up all the data you need on green vehicles available in the U.S. Visit the website or call (734) 214-4200 for more information. On the site, all necessary stats are included on vehicles, including road and highway gas mileage and a 1- to 10- rating on air pollution levels. Cars with the SmartWay icon indicate that they have the EPA seal of approval for being kind to the environment.

The Alliance to Save Energy reports that: • Transportation accounts for 68 percent of the oil we consume in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

• When buying a new vehicle, if everyone purchased one of the most efﬁcient models in each vehicle class (passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, minivans), Americans would save more than 20 billion gallons of gasoline in 10 years. • By the end of this decade, the number of hybrid vehicles on the road will nearly double and over 500,000 hybrid vehicles will be sold annually. That’s about one in every 30 passenger vehicles.

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Architecture continued from page 11 a team of interdisciplinary online jurors. Each design was rated on feasibility, sustainability, and innovation in the learning environment. Many schools around the world share the facilities constraints faced by the Teton Valley Community School. Operating out of makeshift classrooms converted from residential use, a lack of space and an environment ill-suited for learning impedes students’ opportunities. The winning classroom design developed by [Design Collaborative] Workshop provides cost-effective and sustainable teaching spaces and extends the learning environment beyond the four walls of the classroom. Movable panels allow students to reconfigure their space as needed. The building itself is designed to be a learning tool. The mechanical room, a building component normally closed from view, can be seen from the science lab allowing students to learn how heating and cooling systems function first hand. Teton Valley Community School will be awarded

$50,000 to undertake the planning and construction of the winning design, and [Design Collaborative] Workshop will receive a design grant of $5,000 to support the school. The school has begun a capital campaign to raise additional funds needed to build their new campus. In addition to the overall winner, the competition recognized entries in each of three competition categories: best urban classroom upgrade design, best rural classroom design and best re-locatable classroom design. Three building partners, Rumi Schools of Excellence in India, Building Tomorrow in Uganda and Blazer Industries with The Modular Building Institute in the United States have committed to build classrooms based on these designs. The Founders Award is awarded to the entry that best exemplifies the aims of Architecture for Humanity and the Open Architecture Network. It was awarded to the entry for The Corporación Educativa y Social Waldorf in Bogota, Colombia, designed by

Recycling Center continued on page 13 sheetrock, manure, glass, brush and metal. Materials such as grass will be used in a composting pile in the spring, the first year of composting for the station. The county has intent to drill a well to provide running water to facilitate the process. “What I foresee happening is that the compost would be used to replace the top floor that was stripped from the transfer site to cover the landfill,” Gillentine said.

Rates for using the transfer station are free for household recycling, up to five, 30–gallon bags. After that the rate it is $30 a ton. Most individuals using the station don’t end up paying a fee since they don’t bring that much in at a time. The transfer station is located at 1088 Cemetery Road, just east of Driggs. Public hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

One thing county staff wants to stress is that they are working hard to get a more complete recycling program up and running and that they ARE recycling. There has been some confusion in the past about stock piling materials. These materials are stored until they can be recycled, not buried. Call the scalehouse at (208) 354-3442 for more information.

Teton Valley News 18 Go Green 2010

Arquitectura Justa. Competition finalists will also receive awards, including AutoCAD Revit 2009, Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2010, Autodesk 3DSMax 9, Autodesk Maya 10th Anniversary Edition from software leader Autodesk; SMART Board interactive whiteboard from SMART Technologies; Google SketchUp Pro 7; copies of the book the Third Teacher by OWP/P, VS America and Bruce Mau Design and an honorarium from partner Curriki for the best use of the competition design curriculum. All the design solutions are now available on the Open Architecture Network for designers and school administrators to learn from and adapt to their own context. An international traveling exhibition of the winning designs and notable entries is set to launch in the fall.

Walk This Way

Or bike, or bus … just break the car habit

ity planners are going to great lengths to get their residents to consider alternative transportation. The beneﬁts – from ﬁnancial to health to environmental – are numerous. Consider these things when opting to walk, bike or bus. In all of the below cases, be sure to stay properly fed and hydrated throughout the day, especially in environments that are exceptionally warm. In colder climates, be sure to dress appropriately, preferable in easy-to-shed layers.

WALKING

The U.S. Department of Transportation urges walkers to use sidewalks or crosswalks whenever possible, keeping an eye on walking signals and staying aware of vehicles making wide turns. Keep out of vehicles’ blind spots and never walk behind a truck that is backing up. Don’t always assume cars will stop for you, or that they will stop in time. Make yourself visible, especially when walking at night. Bright, reflective clothing and flashlights are a good bet, including flashing lights that can be affixed to clothing. Beware of trucks with wide loads; they cannot see you and they take longer to stop.

For fun, go to www.walkscore.com and learn the “walkable” score of your neighborhood. The website takes into account proximity to town centers, stores, schools and parks and contains fun information such as the walkability score, on a scale of 1 to 100, for celebrity homes such as the Western White House (0) and Bill Gate’s house (11). The apartment on the sit-com Friends scores a perfect 100.

BIKING

Bicyclists are equal motorists, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The agency recommends always keeping control of the bike, wearing a helmet, staying visible and alert, and riding with traffic. Make sure your bike is fitted for your size and properly maintenanced. Ride on the right side of the street, but not too far to the right that you hit the curb; you could lose your balance and fall into traffic. Do not veer too far left when avoiding parked cars and other hazards, when lanes narrow, when making left turns, or when avoiding right-turning vehicles. Signal when turning lanes whenever possible. When the lane is too narrow or lacks a bicycle lane

or shoulder, ride in the lane with cars to avoid being passed. Also do this when riding at the same speed as motorists. Bicyclists must obey all stop signs and trafﬁc lights. When making a left turn, look over the left shoulder and signal the turn. Yield to oncoming trafﬁc and position yourself so that vehicles on your left cannot pass you. In multiple lanes, look and signal every time you change lanes, and make a left turn from the left side of the right lane.

THE BUS

The City of Phoenix recommends that you plan, plan, plan when riding the bus. Know and have the bus fare in exact change, and consider buying a bus pass if planning on being a frequent rider. After locating the fare box, ﬁnd a seat or remain standing, holding on to a strap or rail of back of a seat to balance yourself. When your stop approaches, pull the cord so that the bus knows to stop. Exit through the back door. When making transfers, make sure you are connecting to the right bus, and that it’s going in the direction that you need. Do not discard bus pass until completely ﬁnished with all transfers.

Another alternative transportation option, of course, is carpooling. Follow these tips by Arlington County Commuter Services to ensure a smooth ride: • • • • • • •

Determine your route and schedule. Settle on regular stops and times, and distribute them to everyone in the carpool. Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities. Treat carpooling like any other business function. Structure is essential. Establish a method for reimbursing driving expenses. Keep everything on the books and agree to reimbursement methods ahead of time. Be punctual. Agree that everyone must be punctual, and that the carpool will not wait for stragglers. Stay on task. If the carpool is for work, don’t use it for errands or food stops. Establish a chain of communication. Work out a plan if somebody is ill and cannot make it. Decide on the carpool’s primary form of communication. Deﬁne rules such as no smoking, no loud music or no eating in the car. Teton Valley News 19 Green 2010 19 Go GO GREEN 2008

START Saving Money By Shannon Hoffmann Go Green Contributing Writer

ho is riding the START Bus system in Teton Valley? It may surprise you to know that a lot of the people who serve the community take advantage of this moneysaving, eco-friendly system. Funded partially by the Town of Jackson, Teton County and the Federal Government, it began operation in 1978—initially intended to provide transportation for skiers. Now it is utilized by medical personnel, retail clerks, winter and summer resort staff and many others who want to conveniently travel to and fro within Teton Valley, as well as to Jackson. Many START riders have a driver’s license and vehicle but just enjoy the convenience of the service. Even if you are not a regular rider of the START system, you are benefited by it in an ecological sense. For example, the more riders on START, the fewer the cars needed on the roads—reducing pollution and helping to keep Teton Valley vistas pristine. It also reduces wear and tear on vehicles when the service is used, and there is no need to worry

START Bus stops Teton Valley, Idaho:

about finding a parking space when you reach your destination. As our population ages, this transit system also provides more mobility options for those who are unable to drive. The disabled also have more options with the Paratransit bus. Check www.startbus. com for more information on availability. How do you get a pass? They are normally purchased through the office in Jackson. If you are riding from Driggs and would like to buy one you may bring a check when you ride, and the driver may bring a pass back to you on the return trip on some routes. For more information on these services, routes and fares, you may also call Administration and Operations at (307) 733-4521. START is good transportation insurance for the Teton Valley. It’s nice to know that this service is available whether you are in a pinch for transportation, or you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint on the area and saving some money during the economic downturn. Photo courtesy www.startbus.com

• Driggs Community Center • Victor Park & Ride (Post Office) • Victor Gateway

Teton County, Wyo. • Teton Village Road Transit Center • Buffalo Way/Albertson’s • 49’er/Betty Rock Cafe, Antler/Teton Steakhouse • St. John’s Hospital • Snow King Center You can get a detailed schedule of times buses stop and other locations at www.startbus.com. It is currently operating on the Winter Season Schedule through April 4, 2010.

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Teton Valley News 20 Go Green 2010

On the Farm Dinner A magical evening at the Blue Flax Farm Shannon Hoffmann Go Green Contributing Writer

re you looking for something new to do this summer, possibly a new event or night out? Venture off to the East side of Victor, past Mountainside Village, down a dirt road, and across from the old Victor Cemetery to the Blue Flax Farm. Megan Warren operates the farm and works with the “work shares,” volunteers who work for a share of the produce from the garden. The Blue Flax Farm is situated along a small creek at the base of the Tetons. It is a peaceful, beautiful setting that is enjoyed by those who work and visit there. You can join Blue Flax in early spring and enjoy the vegetables and flowers

produced there for about 16 weeks of the year. The Blue Flax also hand pick-up sites in Wilson, Jackson and at the farm in Teton Valley. That’s not all that goes on there though. Last year Megan started the “On the Farm Dinner Series” along with partner and husband Eric Hendersen, which seems to help create awareness about locally grown harvest as well being a delightful night out in a gorgeous setting. Here’s how the dinners came about. Eric had broken his neck skiing in Alaska, but had been catering at the Wildwood Room before his accident. He couldn’t cook full time at that point, so they were brainstorming as to what to do. “We had been thinking about doing it for about a year, but Eric was usually so busy. We came up with the idea and decided we could do side dinners,” said Megan. “It has been great, and he is pretty much back to normal.” It’s really quite unusual in most areas to be able to dine within about 25 miles of where the food being prepared was grown. It isn’t your normal dinner experience, especially for city dwellers. It is also far from your run-of-the-mill dinner on the patio for country folk. The location isn’t the only part of the charm either. Imagine having a chef prepare

locally grown ingredients to the height of their deliciousness, which is what Chef Eric does. The presentation of the food, along with the experience of watching the sun set while dining makes for a truly magical evening that has even become somewhat of a community event. Some of the features for the 2009 series were from H.D. Dunn, Mountain Valley Mushrooms, Cosmic Apple, Teton Mountain Ranch, Alpenglow, Cinder Wines, Snow Drift Farm and the Grand Teton Brewery. The dinner series this year begins on July 30. Event dates from there are scheduled for Aug. 12, 13, 26, 27; and Sept. 9, 10, 24. There are three more event dates scheduled this year than last, but be sure to make your reservation soon as it sounds like the evenings fill quickly. Megan noted that some rain dates have been scheduled just in case of inclement weather. Reservations are needed by the prior Wednesday of each event. Seating is limited to 50 people. Families and groups are welcome. Cost per person is $65, which includes beer and wine. Cost for couples is $120. For reservations call (307) 413-3203 or (307) 690-2984. You may also email them at onthefarminidaho@gmail.com.

Kids, Kids, green green a a fun fun match match W W

ho says being green has to be a drag? Teach your kid about the • Use beeswax candles, which are 100 percent natural and are made out of ho says being– and greenhave hasfun to –bewith a drag? Teach your kid about the •a Use beeswax candles, which are 100 percent natural and are made out of environment green-themed parties, complete renewable source. Traditional candles are petroleum-based and unhealthy environment – and have fun – with green-themed parties, complete a renewable source. Traditional candles are petroleum-based and unhealthy with environmentally conscious toys and goodie bags. to burn. withConsider environmentally conscious toys and goodie bags. to burn. these tips from Little Star Creative Parties on throwing a green• Use environmentally friendly goodie bags instead of the traditional plastic. Consider these tips Little Star Creative Parties on throwing a green•Fill Use environmentally friendly goodie bags instead theastraditional inspired celebration for from children: those bags with environmentally conscious gifts of such handmadeplastic. crafts inspired celebration for children: Fill those bags with environmentally conscious gifts such as handmade crafts and games and toys made with sustainable materials. • Incorporate eco-friendly party utensils such as plates, spoons, forks, cups and games and toys made with sustainable materials. •and Incorporate eco-friendly party utensils such as plates, forks, cups • Try to offer as much organic food as you can. saucers made out of sustainable sources. There arespoons, many varieties of • Try to offer as much organic food as you can. and saucers made out of sustainable sources. There are many varieties of green party supplies made out of 100 percent recyclable plastic. Bamboo • Ditch single-serving boxes of juice drinks for pitchers of lemonade. green party supplies madedisposable out of 100 plastic. Bamboo • Ditch single-serving boxes of juice drinks for pitchers of lemonade. utensils, which are easily andpercent kind torecyclable the environment, are also • If you must add a theme character, buy only the cake plates in that theme, utensils, which are easily disposable and kind to the environment, are also •order If you themeincharacter, buy only the that theme, an option. ormust makeadd thea cake the theme chosen andcake add plates some in themed table an option. order or make the cake in the theme chosen and add some themed table • A cotton-made tablecloth is a must. Find one that is handmade and made of centers. •100 A cotton-made tablecloth is a must. Find one that is handmade and made of centers. percent cotton. Find green children’s party products at Little Star Creative Parties by 100 percent cotton. Findwww.littlestarcreativeparties.com green children’s party products at Creative Parties by • Decorate with green party supplies such as reusable banners and latex visiting or Little callingStar (805) 729-3777. •balloons, Decorate withare green party supplies such as reusable banners and latex visiting www.littlestarcreativeparties.com or calling (805) 729-3777. which biodegradable. balloons, which are biodegradable. Teton Valley News 21 Go Green 2010

Smart Think small to Thermostats Clean Big For All A

s the 38th annual Earth Day approaches, the trend has shifted beyond individuals and companies committing themselves just one day each year to becoming greener. Companies such as Service Experts Inc. will install a free programmable thermostat to every U.S. and Canadian household that schedules a heating or cooling system tune-up during the month of April 2009. Thermostat manufacturers such as Lennox, which is providing thermostats for the campaign, estimate up to 75 percent of North American homes do not have programmable thermostats. Most homes between 15 and 25 years old still use the original mercury-based models, which are toxic if not disposed of properly. Service Experts will remove the home’s old thermostat, and properly dispose and recycle it at no charge. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) say proper use of a programmable thermostat can save homeowners approximately $150 each year in energy costs. Add improved efﬁciency from regular heating and cooling tune-ups to that, and the savings can increase even further. Tune-ups are available in the range of $79 to $149. “This Earth Day, Service Experts is educating homeowners on how to help the environment while saving on their energy bills,” says Ian McKeen, vice president of marketing for Service Experts. “Since many homes aren’t occupied during the day, a programmable thermostat reduces energy consumption when you’re not there – while keeping the house comfortable when you are home.”

t doesn’t take an act of Congress to organize a community cleanup. In fact, according to the City of Oakland Public Works Agency, all it takes is someone tired of a local eyesore, and the declaration that “enough is enough.” They recommend phoning city government to receive tools and further direction on arranging clean-ups. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs recommends a careful selection of a committee, identifying a clean-up site and specifying a date, recruiting volunteers, managing logistics, obtaining donations/inkind support, arranging for media coverage and inviting along VIPs such as public ofﬁcials.

So what are you waiting for?

For more information, visit www.ServiceExperts.com or call (888) 432-8266.

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