Volume One Green 2010

Volume On e’s guide to making lik e a tree, a nd going Editor/Wr iter: Kinzy Janssen & Contributo Trevor Ku rs: Ryne T pfer hornsen & Kelsey Sw Photograp anson hy: Andre a Paulseth Design: B rian Moen

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The Japanese Garden at UWEC VolumeOne.org 25 July 29, 2010

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It’S nOt eaSy beInG some ideas of things you can do to be more green

dOt yOUR I’S and CROSS yOUR t’S

RIGHt OUt OF tHe baG

using less ink with green fonts

why you should always have reusable bags

This spring UW-Green Bay announced that it would save thousands of dollars each year by simply switching fonts.

Though it sounds minor, the university’s change from Arial to Century Gothic uses 30 percent less ink, and a gallon of printer ink runs about $10,000. An even more aggressive option is the Spranq Eco Sans font, which actually has small holes within each letter where ink isn’t used and eyes barely register them. The company that developed it says it uses 25 percent less ink than “traditional” fonts. I wonder how much we’d save by learning the Wingdings language …

The EPA has estimated between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year Less than 1 percent are recycled, and it actually costs more to recycle one than produce one (Christian Science Monitor) One ton of bags costs $4,000 to process and recycle, which can be then sold for $32 (San Francisco Dept. of the Enviro.)

Plastic bags account for more than 10 percent of garbage washed up on the U.S. coastline (Natl Marine Debris Monitoring Program) They eventually break down and contaminate soils and waterways (CNN) Nearly 200 species of sea life die from bags (World Wildlife Fund) Somewhere in the central pacific, between California and Japan, floats an island of trash (mostly plastic bags) larger than Texas. (The Independent)

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By using cloth bags, we save six plastic ones a week.

That’s 288 bags a year. Or 22,176 in a lifetime. If one in five people in the U.S. did this, that’s 1.33 quadrillion bags in a lifetime.

Many countries charge shoppers extra for plastic bags (China, France). Some have banned them entire-

GO green ly (Bangladesh, Rwanda). Ireland placed a tax on bags in 2002, reducing consumption by 90 percent in a year. California is in the process of banning them.

Many area grocers reward you by knocking some money off your groceries (about a nickel per bag) if you bring in reusable bags (Festival, Gordy’s, Mega).

taKInG GReen tO tHe GRaVe options on the new trend of green burial Promession is essentially a kind of composting developed by a Swedish biologist. Bodies are first supercooled in liquid nitrogen, then shattered into small pieces on a vibration table. Then a vacuum removes moisture and a metal separator grabs fillings and so forth. The pieces are then dropped in a container of corn or potato starch, and family members bury the box in shallow topsoil and plant a tree or shrub on top.

Great Britain has more than 250 green or natural cemeteries, and the U.S. is just starting to catch on. The appeal here is, once again, everything biodegrades into the earth without natureharming chemicals, but this time it has a more sentimental traditional funeral feel (and costs half as much). Embalming is not allowed, and burial vaults are prohibited. Instead, they use biodegradable caskets made of wood or cardboard, or burial shrouds with natural fibers.

Gravesites are placed in what looks like a woodland or meadow, and are marked by natural landmarks like trees or indigenous stones. Locations are also

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mapped via GIS (geographic information system) for future generations to find ancestors’ final resting places.

Green burials are becoming so big that the internet is populated with loads of do-it-yourself coffins. Looking to save money as well as the planet, these guides encourage using cheap, biodegradable materials like cardboard and wood, and those who are creeped out by the idea of building a coffin can likely hire a professional to do it and still save money. Plus, these custom-made coffins offer opportunities for personalization that no pre-fab ones can.

ReadInG GReen Ever since iPads and Kindles broke into the marketplace, people have been more and more concerned with saving paper and ink. So for those still attached to the physical book format, greenies suggest the following: buy used books from places like Wax Paper or Crossroad Books; borrow books from friends, the library, or services like BookSwim; and/ or recycle your own books by donating them to libraries, friends, or the garage sale pile. Or else you can support publishers that use recycled paper and soybased inks, and write angry letters to those that don’t.

GO green going through as many as 80 barrels a week, they’ve also been known to recycle them for floating devices and boat docks.

Some Coke sites have done this promotion for a limited time, but ever since a successful rain barrel clinic this past spring, Eau Claire’s branch has continued the program and thus far given away 400 barrels.

They do the conversions on site

(drilling holes and adding spigots), provided you request it ahead of time and pick them up. Do so through Jullie Fuller at the 2020 Truax Blvd location via JFuller@cokecce.com or 835-3147 ext.

5120.

Any donations you make for the barrels and kits will go to support the North High School Adaptive Sciences Class or Starting Points program.

STRIKING VISUAL

Let It Rain local Coca Cola plant recycles syrup drums into rain barrels The Coca-Cola company prides itself on corporate responsibility and sustainability (CRS), from energy conservation

and water stewardship to recycling and promoting active lifestyles. But perhaps nothing exhibits their commitment better than its rain barrel program.

What the beverage company does is take its 55-gallon plastic drums for soda syrup and, for no charge, transforms them into rain barrels that community members can use to gather water for their gardens. With plants reportedly

Though the idea of saving emissions from cars by biking, carpooling, taking the bus, etc. has been hammered into us since Day 1, China found a new way to get the point across. The “Black Cloud” stunt showed commuters the amount of emissions a car adds to the atmosphere on an everyday basis.

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green BUSINESSES A few of the area businesses doing something to be more environmentally conscious

Automotive

Restaurant

Trubilt Auto Body

Mona Lisa’s

In 2012, car maintenance shops the nation over will be required by law to use waterborne paints instead of solvent-based ones. But as of right now there are only a few offering this service, including Trubilt Auto Body and Superior Auto Service (who made the move more than two years ago, the first in the state to do so). There are traditionally four coats in the painting process, and this one takes the previously standard solvent-based colors used in the third coat and replaces them with water-based ones that cut the amount of chemicals in half. More importantly, this change keeps more chemicals out of the landfills, which lead to soil and groundwater contamination.

Regulars of this Mediterranean mainstay of local cuisine know about its seasonal menu, which sometimes rotates as often as every week. Part of the reasoning for this is to keep the eatery’s options fresh, and another is because of the fresh ingredients. Whenever Mona’s can use local ingredients, they do. Between the farmers market and owner Lisa Aspenson’s own personal garden, all of the produce used in their summer/fall dishes are local. Of course, winter makes it tougher to provide local ingredients, but they strive to do so whenever possible. One ingredient that never changes is the organic cream they get from Castle Rock, an item made almost infamous because of Mona’s famed pastas.

Spicy Scallops at Mona Lisa’s

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Interior design by Interior Arts

Interior Design

Old-Fashioned Food Store

Interior Arts

Weavers Country Store

Though she has yet to take on a LEEDcertified project, Designer Susan Jakober is now an accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), an honor created by the U.S. Green Building Council. Available for both commercial and residential projects, Susan says she specializes in finding green locations, building choices, and products. “Product decisions are huge,” she said, segueing into an example. Let’s say you’re thinking about your floor. Well, wood is a far greener option than carpet. You want bamboo? Well, even though bamboo is readily renewable, it has to be shipped from Asia – that’s not very green. What about oak? Well, the trees take a long time to grow, not very readily renewable. You have to go with poplar wood; it’s both local and readily renewable.

“Everybody says they’re green nowadays, but we know that’s not necessarily true.” Susan said even though very few make the jump to LEED (it costs nearly $700 just to be certified), projects all over are taking extra lengths to be more green. And if they aren’t, they should be.

Many of the products at this locally infamous bulk food store in Fall Creek are either locally grown or made/prepared, and buying in bulk also means you’re saving on wasteful packaging.

Celebrating 20 years in business this year, Weavers has local cheeses, milk, chicken, beef, and organic grains and flours. Much of their dehydrated produce is locally grown (except tropicals and peaches/blueberries), and done so with minimal pesticides/sprays. They also have locally made clothing/bonnets, furniture, soaps, towels, crafts, woven baskets, and – if you can believe it – even some of their bulk candy is homemade.

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Real Estate

Edina Realty The National Association of Realtors has a “Green Designation,” and the country has about 3,000 realtors designated as such. The Edina Realty offices covering the Eau Claire area have four – that’s

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GO green more than the rest of the national real estate company combined, according to Jeff “Big Guy” Hoel, one such designee. These agents have been trained in understanding what makes a property green, evaluating the cost/benefits of green building features/practices, marketing green properties, and passing on knowledge of grants and incentives for green homeownership. Hoel himself received a grant last year from NAR specifically to increase awareness among the general public. “The idea is to educate homeowners and make them more sustainable in the process,” Hoel said.

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Electronics Distributor

VIKInG eLeCtRIC SUppLy A company dealing with semi-trucks and electronics may not seem the most “green,” but Viking offers a “BlueWay Recycling Program” for companies looking to responsibly dispose of lamps, ballasts, batteries, and electronic waste.

The program includes three options: Easy Pak is a pre-paid container that businesses can fill and ship to the company for disposal; Bulb Eater is an inhouse option for businesses that crushes

fluorescent bulbs of any size into recyclable material (and captures almost all of the toxic vapors); and their Bulk PickUp option is self-explanatory.

Office Supply

One SOURCe IMaGInG Though small, a printer cartridge is a huge environmental burden that can require more than three quarts of oil to manufacture and can have up to three pounds of reusable parts. With more than 300 million sold last year, and an estimated 85 percent thrown away, that’s more oil thrown out than what the Exxon Valdez spilled in 1989. One Source is doing its part by recycling the cartridges its customers bring in, and did so 15,800 times last year. That’s conservation to the tune of 16,200 pounds of plastic and metal and 6,500 gallons of oil, according to owner Chris Solberg. When a customer brings one in, One Source gets it remanufactured, refilled, and puts it back on the shelf for sale. The other option they offer encourages organizations to collect the cartridges in bulk, and One Source will write them a check for the worth (they can go up to $5 a piece).

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geo METRO an Eau Claire couple gives geothermal energy a whirl

A tree had split and was threatening the house. The grass was inching above the sidewalk level, and the furnace, water heater, and air conditioner were rumbling near the end of their 25- to 30-year lifespan. Then, Larry and Lavonne Krause became aware of a 30 percent tax credit. The puzzle pieces had arranged themselves – last September, they hired Water Source Heating & Cooling, Inc. to tear up the lawn and convert their home heating and cooling system from oil-burning to geothermal.

“That initial cost really scares people off,” said Lavonne of the $17,000 to $23,000 price tag. “But when you consider the tax credit, it becomes attractive.”

Lavonne’s husband Larry has always been interested in the concept of exploiting constant ground temperatures, so when the pair attended a Home & Garden Show at the indoor sports center in 2009, a geothermal booth caught

their eye. “We almost walked by because we thought it would be too expensive,” Lavonne recalled.

Within the realm of geothermal, there are four different configurations of piping. At the Krause abode there is a vertical loop system, in which four parallel plastic tubes go down to 120 feet, then loop up to a connecting piece (manifold) that brings the solution of water and alcohol indoors. As the solution travels the closed underground circuit, it has ample time to absorb the temperature of the ground, which hovers near 50 degrees year-round. In summer, the solution carries heat away from the home and dumps it in the “sink” of the earth. In winter, the earth-warmed fluid gets compressed to a higher temperature and distributed throughout the home. The geothermal system also assists the water heater, ramping it up to beyond the set temperature without

using much electricity.

The couple’s previous oil-forced air system, installed when the house was built, is the least cost-effective method of heating and cooling out there, according to Larry. “We thought it was going to take off into orbit,” says Lavonne of the noisy contraption. The new setup will save them between $500 and $1,000

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a year in energy bills. At 75-80 percent greater efficiency, the new project will pay for itself, so to speak, in about 10 years. As they look toward retirement and anticipate dependency on a fixed income, Lavonne says, “Who cares if oil goes up?”

So what does air cooled deep within the earth feel like? “It’s consistent,” said

GO green

a LOOK at HOW GeOtHeRMaL WORKS Larry. Lavonne agreed. “You can barely thermal systems in the Chippewa Valley. hear it. … You feel it running, but it’s Owner Dan Greene says progress has been gradual, but people are much more not that real cold or real hot where you get a blast; … it’s very comfortable,” aware of it now than when he began in 1983. she said. They were “It’s going to instructed, however, catch on the most by to set the thermostat word of mouth,” says and leave it, since the Larry. The couple unit takes a half day says it’s “the thing or longer to “recover” to do” if you have a substantial number yet to build a home of degrees. and establish a lawn, On the green especially if you have scale, the Krauses large lot. With ample are pretty average. amounts of space, “We’re not extremely horizontal loops are green,” says Lavonne. doable – and these Larry paused, then Lavonne Krause are a lot cheaper jokes, “I like John on their geothermal system than vertical.

Deere ...” But they “It’s the are both proud to say ultimate renewable they recycle everyenergy,” says Greene, thing they can, reuse grocery bags, avoid disposable lunch pointing out that the ground temperature is a constant, as opposed to wind containers, and have made the switch to speeds and direct sunlight. “Seventy-five CFL. But their efficient system is still to 80 percent of your total energy is free, stored solar and heat. Ultimately the sun somewhat of a rarity in the area. So far, put it there,” he says.

Water Source has installed 2,000 geo-

In summer, the solution carries heat away from the home and dumps it in the “sink” of the earth. In winter, the earth-warmed fluid gets compressed to a higher temperature and distributed throughout the home.

It’s consistent. You can barely hear it. … You feel it running, but it’s not that real cold or real hot where you get a blast; … it’s very comfortable.

deptH=120 Feet

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green listings

The following programs, groups, and contractors are not the only ones in existence, but merely act as examples of resources available to wannabe greenies.

GREEN GROUP

Local builders/ contractors

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters

Badger State Inc. • 874-7777 • www.badgerstateinc.

com This plumbing and heating contractor now offers residential and commercial solar water heating.

Bubbling Springs Solar • 231-1885 • www.bubblingspringssolar.com This family owned Menomonie business offers solar thermal collectors for hot water.

Chippewa Valley Alternative Energy • (866) 460-8656 •

www.cvalte.com Dedicated to lowering heating costs using solar thermal, waste oil heaters, and biomass pellets.

Energy Concepts, Hudson • 381-9977 • energyconcepts.

us/ Energy Concepts provides turn-key commercial and residential solutions for all your renewable energy project needs—including wind, solar and high-efficiency Garn wood-burning boilers.

Heritage Builders • 235-7910 • www.heritagebuilders-

menomonie.com This home repair, remodel, and builder from Menomonie is dedicated to making homes more energy efficient.

MEP Associates • 832-8560 • www.mepassociates.com

This consulting firm specializes in designing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, medical gas, and geothermal systems.

Next Step Energy Systems • 830-9337 • www.nextstepenergy.com Specializes in designing and installing radiant heating and renewable energy applications such as solar and wind applications.

Red Cedar Solar • 379-6315 • Certified solar site as-

sessments.

SDS Architects • 832-1605 • www.sdsarch.com This

LEED-certified architectural firm specializes in higher education, industrial, commercial, community, religious, health care, and government projects, while focusing on energy conservation and sustainable design.

Water Source Heating & Cooling • 833-9001 • www.

watersourcegeothermal.com/ Providing geothermal heating and cooling systems to the Eau Claire area.

CHIPPEWA COUNTY TOURISM

Every day, legislators scurry in and out of the capitol building in Madison, working in our service and casting votes, but it’s hard to keep tabs on them – especially when we’re three-hours removed. And while we probably care about our natural resources in theory, it’s hard to know how to convert those rosy intentions into political action.

That’s where Tom Stolp comes in – he’s the Western Wisconsin Organizer for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. Working to turn conservation concerns into legislation at the state level, Stolp helps citizens stay abreast of issues, wading through reams of conservation news and highlighting the most critical. He then informs citizens in a “quick, accessible format” so they can approach representatives with confidence. “It can be cumbersome to figure out who to send what to, and what to include,” Stolp says, well aware that government websites are often maze-like.

The league also serves as a collective body for nature-associated groups all over the state, from “sportsman” groups like Rod & Gun Clubs to “sustainability” groups like the Sierra Club, who each have a stake in passing natural resource legislation.

While the organization’s focus is wider than our city, Stolp’s Eau Claire office holds local events. They just held a “Conservation Scorecard Party,” which shed light on the voting records of our state legislators over the last two-year session.

Each ‘yay’ and ‘nay’ was accounted for and fused into a “grade.” Incidentally, our very own Kristen Dexter and Jeff Smith each scored 100 percent, a tough standard to replicate.

In the two years he’s held the position with WLCV, Stolp has noticed a thing or two about Wisconsin conservationists. “The Birkenstock-wearing hippie is such a misrepresentation of what an environmentalist is in Wisconsin,” he said. “Here, most people are conservationists – people who hunt, camp, and bike on a regular basis. … They are just as likely to drive a pick up and go hunting as to drive a Prius and go hiking.” And they’re pragmatic, too – advocating for necessary regulations – not the extremism of returning to horse-and-buggy days.

Stolp says the Eau Claire conservationist is refreshingly active. “Here’s an interesting way of quantitatively measuring it – at our meetings, attendance levels are 5 percent higher than the rest of the state,” said Stolp, who grew up in Eau Claire.

So if most Wisconsinites are conservationists (whether or not they label themselves as such), where is the opposition? “People who prefer that we relax regulations,” said Stolp. “It’s easier to conduct business and farming without those. It’s not a disregard for public health, but their only standards are their own. We need to make sure we’re being transparent. Natural resources are ours – we should have a say.”

If you give Stolp a call, you can have your say, and your natural resources, too.

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green listings CONTINUED Green Groups

stewardship in collaboration with UW Extension by developing an appreciation for and understanding of horticultural practices for all Master Gardeners and residents of the Chippewa Valley.

Chippewa Valley Sustainable Energy Association •

Chippewa Valley Energy Club downtown Chippewa

www.tyronecoal.com This group concentrates its message on alternatives to fossil fuels in an effort to wean our society and economy specifically away from coal.

Chippewa Valley Master Gardeners Association • 723-

Eau Claire Area Master Gardeners • 878-4585 or 8784981 • www.eauclairemastergardeners.com This UW Extension volunteer group provides horticultural education, community service, and environmental stewardship.

The Eau Claire Master Gardeners community invites you to join its efforts to educate and beautify the area.

Falls, Chippewa Falls • 866-460-8656 • About 60+ members strong, this organization meets bi-monthly to discuss environmental topics with invited speakers as well as touring a variety of renewable energy sites.

6711 • wimastergardener.org/?q=ChippewaValley The goal of this organization is to promote environmental

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green listings CONTINUED Food Not Lawns - The Phoenix Garden • thephoenixgarden.blogspot.com/ Food Not Lawns is an international collective of gardeners, food activists, community organizers and educators whose goal is to transform unused urban space into sustainable food sources for the community. “The Phoenix Garden” is the name dubbed to the growing Eau Claire chapter.

Foodlums • foodlums.blogspot.com/ The Foodlums

make up UWEC’s new academic and social organization serving both the university and the broader Eau Claire community. The organization sponsors events such as public lectures, creates service learning opportunities for Eau Claire and beyond and raises awareness of sustainable, local and delicious foods.

Green Drinks 210 S. Barstow, Eau Claire • 835-4248 • www.greendrinks.org/WI/Eau%20Claire This group meets over drinks to discuss all topics concerning sustainability, eco-friendliness, and the environment.

JONAH • 836-0010 • www.gamaliel.org/Wisdom/Jonah/ default.htm This inter-congregational organization focuses on a variety of issues such as the environment, economics, and incarceration treatment alternatives.

Sierra Club - Chippewa Valley Group • 235-9771 •

wisconsin.sierraclub.org/chippewa Programs vary from slide presentations of trips to talks about environmental issues and suggestions of actions members could take.

Meetings take place at Northstar Middle School.

Sustainable Dunn • www.sustainabledunn.org This

grassroots organization is devoted to promoting decisions that meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Monthly programs are held covering a variety of sustainability topics. Its website includes “green” news, a discussion group, and loads of useful links.

Sustainable Eau Claire • 835-1733 • www.sustainableeauclaire.org This group works to promote energy conservation, green building, water conservation, and initiatives to make Eau Claire a more sustainable community.

The UWEC Conservationists • www.uwec.edu/con-

serve/ The purpose of The Conservationists is to strengthen ecological awareness and environmental ethics in the community and campus. The primary goal is to work with the community and university in restoration, conservation, and management efforts.

WI League of Conservation Voters • 835-4248 • www.

conservationvoters.org/Public/ This non-profit, nonpartisan organization works to connect local conservation groups and individuals with state issues such as managing ground water resources, creating green jobs, an Independant DNR Secretary, and the spread of waste.

Wisconsin Green Building Alliance • 414-224-9422

• www.wgba.org This organization’s mission is to promote ecologically sustainable development practices and provides resources such as an annual conference, educational forums and site visits to demonstration projects.

Programs

Energy Audits • www.xcelenergy.com Xcel Energy offers a Community Conservation Program in which small businesses and area residents can audit buildings to check heating, air conditioning, lighting, windows, doors, and air filtration for energy efficiency. The audits usually cost $300, but are for a limited time offered for $45, and the inspections are done by Focus on Energy program professionals. Last year this was offered to the City of Eau Claire and more than 1,300 people participated. This year it is for those in Dunn County and Eau Claire County (but not the city of EC). According to Patti Darley, residential program coordinator, since the start of the year, more than 430 customers have taken advantage so far. “We’re slightly ahead of last year ... and already we’ve awarded more than $42,000 to customers who have made energy-efficient improvements,” Darley said. In addition, about 45 small businesses in Dunn County have had audits. “The small business program operates on a three-year cycle, so customers have until 2012 to get the audit, make improvements and get matching incentives of up to $5,000 from Xcel Energy and Focus on Energy,” said Rick Kaiser. “Since the program for small businesses started in 2004, we have set up 2,150 energy audits for businesses in 87 communities,” he said, noting that this year, in addition to Dunn County, the program continues through 2011 in Eau Claire County and is in its last year for small businesses in Chippewa County.

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