Hampstead Carbon Challenge Programs
October 22, 2008 at 7PM
Starting with a special program on Wednesday, October 22nd, at 7PM, the Hampstead Public Library is kicking off a month long program called the "Carbon Challenge". This program is an initiative of the University of New Hampshire and is designed to demonstrate how individuals, businesses and governments can reduce their environmental impact and energy consumption.
The library is issuing an invitation to residents, businesses, clubs and organizations, and school and town officials to attend the opening event in Hampstead's Carbon Challenge. Denise Blaha, a founding member of the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge Program, will present a program called "Simple Actions You Can Take to Reduce Your Energy Consumption & Costs". This informative program is of vital importance to every one who is concerned about saving money on energy and reducing the carbon footprint left on the planet. Ms. Blaha will give an overview of New Hampshire's changing climate and present projections for the 21st century. She will also offer simple steps that can be taken to reduce a negative environmental impact and save money at the same time. New Hampshire households that have taken the Carbon Challenge have reduced their energy consumption by an average of 17% and saved as much as $850 a year.
Plan to join concerned community members on October 22nd at 7PM to learn more about what you can do to make a difference. The first 25 attendees to arrive at the library for the presentation will receive an energy saving, environmentally friendly gift. You can also take the challenge survey at http://carbonchallenge.sr.unh.edu/calculator.jsp. Taking the online survey will give you a baseline for improving your footprint.
Composting and recycling are other ways to help the environment, along with reducing energy use. If you�ve ever thought about trying composting but weren�t sure how to go about it, come to the library on Tuesday, October 28, at 7PM for a quick introduction by Stephanie and Bob Nugent of Hampstead to composting so you can get started now for next spring�s growing season. Not only will composting benefit your garden, it will also reduce the amount of garbage you generate thereby saving tax dollars now spent on garbage collection and disposal. Another great way to reduce the amount of trash you generate is recycling. Pat Bracken, from the Solid Waste Committee, will give us tips on recycling in the Town of Hampstead. The library will be collecting ink cartridges, cell phones, CD/DVDs, and batteries during the Carbon Challenge month to help your recycling efforts. The Town is bringing kitchen composting pails for sale for $10.
The Hampstead Public Library has just had an energy audit done! This audit will help us to understand where we can make changes to reduce our energy use. Paul Button, from Energy Audits Unlimited, will present the results of the audit on Monday, November 3 at 7PM. He was pretty enthusiastic after he finished inspecting and measuring and counting, so we�re excited to see how much energy and money we can save. He will also explain what goes into a residential energy audit, and what the typical trouble areas are.
THE SUN, THE WIND, AND THE MIGHTY DOLLAR
November 10 at 7PM
BUILDING A GREEN HOME
November 20 at 7PM
What are the new green technologies of the future? Norman Mancusi, who has been building homes in the area for 25 years, is building a green home in Sandown. On November 20 at 7PM he will tell us about the exciting features in this home, including geo-thermal heating, closed cell insulation, site sustainable landscaping, clean inside air systems, and rainwater collection. His home will be Energy Star and LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute. Come and find out innovation and design come together to create the green buildings for tomorrow.
