Monday, April 29, 2013

Growing Food, Heart, and Soul

By Patty Dickinson

What do I enjoy about the “Shared Harvest Community Garden"? Multiple things! First of all I’d have to say being in the country on 36 acres containing a half mile of the Florida River at 7,000 feet above sea level is a slice of heaven.  This is only due to the generosity of owner Bob Kauer and his wife, Jama of 4 years. Bob has gradually increased his husbandry from dogs, cats and horses to include Scottish Highland Beef cattle and goats. He started this garden in 2001 before Jama came into the picture, because of his desire to share what he had “with like minded people”.

I discovered the garden in 2002 and have been an organic gardener there for 11 years now. This has been a community experience that I so enjoy in several ways (in no particular order):

First to be in a beautiful country setting with animals and the musical sounds of country living;

Second, to garden with other gardeners and meet new friends who aren't on my team but are like minded
with a desire to grow their own food;

Third, to enjoy our bounty with other people. Ever been to a community garden potluck? The food is ammaaaaazing!! Getting a continuing supply of awesome new recipes is always a treat for me;

Fourth, the last four years we have had bumper crops and been able to freeze food, which has lasted me until April of the following year!

It’s important to me to know where my food comes from: from my garden to my freezer to my table to my tummy! Mmmmmmmm.  And having the satisfaction of knowing I had a part in every aspect. My father would be proud! He loved to garden as well and loved animals (I guess that makes me a chip off the ‘ole block). I learned canning from my mother, a Kerr canning book, and trial and error.

Last and certainly not least, the garden is therapy for me. Regardless how I feel when I head out to the garden (even If I don’t particularly want to go at times, I ‘m always glad I did because I feel so much better when I leave. Nothing else exists except that plot of land. There’s just something about getting my hands in the dirt that’s so satisfying. I may have missed my calling as a farmer!!

My fellow gardener Cori says she likes the fact that her daughter can identify broccoli, beets, pole beans, bush beans, chard and rhubarb plants and the way gardening encourages healthy eating habits with children (when they watch it grow for 3 months and harvest it themselves, it somehow tastes better).

"I appreciate the dramatic decrease in fossil fuels needed to bring food to the table," says Cori. "Knowing what is in my food (what went into the soil, whether it was sprayed with something, if it is genetically modified) is important to me, as is learning how to work together with your neighbors, even when you don't always agree."

Cori also says that her family's grocery bill plummets during harvest time and she enjoys being at least partially independent from national social, economic or natural disaster crisis that impact our food supplies.

Amanda, another member of our community garden (and the person who took the pictures in this blog) had the following comments:

"This is my second year in the garden, and harvest time is my favorite. I love walking through rows upon rows of beautiful, organic crops that I helped to grow and harvesting enough fresh produce to make trips to the grocery store and farmer's market extraneous during the summer months. I also love the sense of community that the garden builds. The monthly work parties and potlucks are always a fun and inspiring experience. I love working in the garden with such a large group of people, young and old, singles and families, who have all come together because they are passionate about good food. And the dinners, let me tell ya, definitely the best potlucks I've ever been to."

There’s something about sitting in that garden alone with the birds chirping in the crystal blue sky above, the bees buzzing around the blossoms, an occasional cat crawling up in your lap, the goats bleating and prancing in their large pastures, the horses galloping in the field, listening to the gentle breeze blowing through the foliage all around me, it moves me and touches my very soul...

About the Author

Patty Dickinson began an internship at 4CORE on Oct. 2nd this year sponsored by SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program), a program to assist seniors re-entering the workforce. She came to Colorado in 1978 after graduating from a nursing program, fell in love with the state, went home to northern Illinois, packed her things, moved, and has been here for 34 years. She has worked as an administrative assistant for the State of Colorado and La Plata County after starting her career in nursing. When not training at 4CORE, Patty enjoys hiking, biking, wildlife observation, cooking, organic gardening and studying nutrition. She will begin working on her Nutritional Consultant certification in the near future.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Truth or Dare


The Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP) invites La Plata County to celebrate Earth Day this year with a Truth or Dare Challenge. Contest participants pledge to take on a series of 20 challenges to reduce energy use, and winners will be awarded prizes based on a point system for completing the most dares. 

The Truth or Dare Challenge is a fun and easy way for everyone to get involved and do their part in support of a more environmentally sustainable community. The RSBP invites La Plata County residents, local businesses and employees to take on a series of "Dares", or opportunities to affect positive lifestyle changes designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. Each "Dare" is  accompanied by the "Truth" of what happens if we fail to take action.

The contest is free and open to the public, and participants that accumulate the most points based on completed tasks throughout the month will be awarded prizes for their efforts. Extra points will be awarded for creativity.

The contest kicks off on Earth Day -- Monday, April 22, 2013 -- and will be hosted on the RSBP website and Facebook page. 


After registering, contestants will share images of their efforts by uploading photos showcasing each "Dare" to:
The grand prize winner will take home a commuter bike package, including a Schwinn S1 Cruiser bike and an
Osprey backpack filled with goodies to further encourage alternative methods of transportation.

The RSBP helps local businesses make positive changes to reduce energy consumption, increase worksite wellness and promote sustainable business practices in the workplace. La Plata County residents, businesses and employees are invited to participate in the RSBP by applying online at resourcesmartbusiness.com

The RSBP would like to thank supporters of the Truth or Dare Challenge for helping with prizes, including Hassle Free SportsOsprey Packs and Point6 merino. 

For more information about contest rules and regulations, including "Dares", please visit the website or contact Amanda Saunders with 4CORE at (970) 259-1916.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

DOE Challenge Home Training Opportunity Coming to Durango

DOE Challenge Home Training logo
Training on Net Zero Ready Homes Comes to Durango on May 9th

The Colorado Green Building Guild, a trade organization focused on advancing the craft of sustainable building in Colorado, announces a new partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide dynamic content on the business, marketing, and technical strategies to successfully build net zero-energy ready homes in today’s housing market.

This builder-focused training session features multiple modules covering the business advantages of high performance building, marketing to consumers, advanced building system design strategies and specifications, and gaining recognition through the DOE Challenge Home Program.  This 3 ½ hour course is eligible for AIA CEUs.

“Anyone in the building sector interested in new construction projects should attend,” says Cori Andreatta, Training Coordinator at 4CORE. “These trainings will help position contractors ahead of the curve and give them a marketing edge as we see the building sector start to pick up,” adds Andreatta.

The Guild is collaborating with 4CORE to bring the training to Durango on May 9th, 1:00 to 4:30 pm in the Community Room at Pine River Valley Bank located at 1701 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301. Guild  members can attend for $25 and non members for $50.  Rates go up $25 the week of the event.

For more information on rates, the specifics of the DOE Challenge Home trainings, and other trainings to be held across the state, visit www.coloradogreenbuildingguild.org.

To register for the event visit www.fourcore.org/Contractors/SustainableBuilding.aspx.

About the Guild

The Colorado Green Building Guild is an association of building professionals dedicated to promoting healthier, resource-efficient homes and workplaces. Since 2004 the non-profit organization has grown to over 600 members. The Guild strives to advance the craft of green building, support members' environmentally responsible

Monday, April 15, 2013

Are you Ready for Earth Day?

April 22nd is Earth Day and, in our opinion, is best celebrated with children!

Here are some ideas to get you inspired about this day that is all about the future health of our planet:

Rachel Carson Contest (due June 10)
Submit your entries in the annual poetry, essay, photo, dance, or songwriting contest.
Sense of Wonder Contest 

"Environment in a Day" Photo Project 
Share photos you took on April 22, 2012 for Environment in a Day or everyday photos of life and our environment. Submit them to the State of the Environment project on Flickr. Read more

Commit to protect the environment 

Pick 5 things to do today
7 Kid-Friendly Environmental Activities For Earth Day And Every Day

Sharing, Learning and Teaching

Download lesson plans for Earth Day
More Clean Energy Curriculum 
Discuss making our community healthier with your neighbors and family
Celebrate Earth Day and Let it Take Root

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Features of a "Home Come True"

Think about your fondest hobby- the thing you are most passionate about. Perhaps it is gardening, and you'd love to use a piece of property to feed the masses. Perhaps it is acting and you want to be on Broadway. Perhaps it is painting, and you want to create a master piece.

Chris Calwell's passion is energy efficiency. He has taken all his experience and knowledge and built a home that will produce as much energy as it uses (net zero!). The home includes no combustion appliances that could leak carbon monoxide or other toxic gases (unlike our neighbors from long ago, the Ancestral Puebloans, there is no "fire in the  hole"). This home is his special project, where he and his wife Vicki were able to invest their time and resources for the last year and create a "master piece".
Solar tracking stand and passive solar construction

Steve Kawell from Durango Solar Homes designed and built the home incorporating Calwell’s ideas and input. Passive solar concepts are used with thermal mass to take advantage of the sun's heat. They also incorporated active solar, using a tracking stand by Living Solar and bi-facial solar awnings to shade the porch areas and windows.


Finishes
VOC-free paint
The home features finishes from Light and Tile Art of Durango and paints from Hand Crafted House. The paints contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ensure high indoor air quality.



Foam Insulation

Phase changing material
Insulation consists of cellulose fiber and Icynene foam from Foam Insulation Specialists. Additionally, phase changing material was used in the wall of the sun room and master bath ceiling, to absorb heat during the day and slowly release it during cooler hours.



Phoenix Recyling recycled as much scrap material from the building process as possible, and supplied the wood chips for the garden, which fills almost an acre.


Finally, Zehnder supplied a heat recovery ventilator with a ground tempering loop to help provide fresh air at a consistent temperature throughout the home, without using much energy to heat it up or cool it off.


YOU can get a "behind-the-scenes" peek at this home this Saturday, April 13th from 2 to 6:30 PM. Find more information, and RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Spring Home Spotlight Tour Shines on A New Net Zero Home


4CORE is holding a home tour at the home of Vicki and Chris Calwell on Saturday, April 13th from 2 to 6:30 PM. Durango Solar Homes is the primary sponsor of this new net zero home, which features cutting edge technology and produces as much energy as it uses.

This unique home has no combustion appliances- all heat and cooking come from sources without a flame. The home features passive and active solar, including bifacial solar awnings that collect sunlight that shines directly on them, as well as some that is filtered through and bounces back off the ground underneath. A geothermal tempering loop helps recover heat from the ground in the winter and cool air in the summer. Additionally, Bio PCM Phase Change Material is used in the sun room, which slowly releases heat and warms the rooms as it cools from a gel.



"This home utilizes both simple passive solar strategies and the latest high tech energy systems that future homeowners and builders will be integrating into their projects,” said Steve Kawell, Passive Solar Specialist and Owner of Durango Solar Homes. “It was designed and built for the specific lifestyle of the Calwells and their family, who will be able to easily monitor the home and its performance from a smart phone or lap top."

Zia
The homes are located at 50 Redcliff Lane just off of County Road 250 north of Trimble Lane. The event is free and open to the public. Suppliers and builders will be on-hand to explain the products and processes used to construct the homes, home energy efficiency, and saving money on utility bills. Food is being provided by Zia Taqueria.


“We are pleased to shine a spotlight on this state-of-the-art home,” said Gregg Dubit, Director of 4CORE. “Everything from the layout orientation to the materials incorporated has been thought out and planned with care. This unique home is an awesome example of possible solutions to our energy management future.”


This Spring Home Spotlight Event is sponsored by  Durango Solar Homes, Handcrafted House, Foam Insulation Specialists, Living SolarPhoenix Recycling, Tile and Light Art of DurangoZehnder and Zia Taqueria. 4CORE hosts quarterly Home Spotlight Events as an educational offering for participants to learn the various and creative ways to build or retrofit energy efficient homes. Please visit www.fourcore.org to RSVP and learn more.
Handcrafted House
Icynene
;Living Solar
Phoenix
Zehnder


Friday, April 5, 2013

Resource Smart Business Program Adds Two More Certifications More Certified Businesses


The Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP) is pleased to announce that Brown’s Sport Shoe and Habitat ReStore are now Resource Smart Certified as ‘Ramping Up’ for upgrading their lighting and completing three RSBP assessments. The RSBP process has helped these businesses make upgrades that will ultimately save them money on their bottom line. This is accomplished by making positive changes to reduce energy consumption, increase worksite wellness and promote sustainable business practices in the workplace.

“Congratulations to these businesses for becoming Resource Smart Certified! Their actions directly translate to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and employee health” said Dick White, Durango City Councilman. “Not only does this program help our area businesses improve the environment, but the money they save on utility bills can then be reinvested in our local community.  By cashing in on economic, environmental, and social value, they also serve as models for other businesses.”

Brown’s Sport Shoe upgraded their lighting from T12 to more efficient T8 bulbs and removed an inefficient warehouse wall heater and installed a supply run from a higher efficiency storefront furnace. They will be saving 14,426 kilowatt hours (kWh) and $1,371 in annual utility bills. The Habitat ReStore upgraded their lighting to LED bulbs and anticipated saving 14,126 kWh of energy and $1,582 in utility bills annually.

“We’re excited to be part of a program that makes energy savings possible for so many businesses in La Plata County,” commented Jesse Westback, owner of Brown’s Sport Shoe. “Without the assessments provided by the RSBP we wouldn’t have known what adjustments to make to our systems. It is also great to have the opportunity to get to know and work with other businesses that are working toward similar goals.”

Brown’s Sport Shoe is located in historic downtown Durango at 842 Main Avenue or at brownsshoeco.com/ourStores/durangoSport.aspx. The Habitat ReStore is located in Bodo at 120 Girard Street or at www.habitatlaplata.org. Stop by these businesses to support their choice to become Resource Smart.
 
La Plata County businesses are invited to participate in the RSBP by applying online at resourcesmartbusiness.com. A total of 30 businesses are expected to participate and become ‘Resource Smart Certified’ by the end of 2013.

For more information or to apply for RSBP certification, please visit the website or contact Amanda Saunders with 4CORE at (970) 259-1916.