Environmental Practices

Useful Websites
nari green remodeling homes, conserving the plant

Bits of Wisdom
* Buy local
* Unplug chargers when they're not in use
* Take your re useable bags everywhere with you- not just the grocery store
* Car pool to the NARI meetings :)
* Check out www.enactwi.org a local environmental organization - web site has madison's green events, fun facts, and information on sustainable living
* List your unwanted materials on www.freecycle.org
* Turn off your car when you get to events instead of letting it idle while you finish your phone call or waste time before entering the building. For every two minutes a car is idling, it uses the same amount of fuel to travel one mile, so if you are going to sit in one spot for more than 15 seconds, turn it off!
(from http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling/html)
* Start small when going green, reduce the amount of paper you use daily by: sending an e-mail instead of a letter, use the backsides of used paper for notes, when both sides are used recycle the paper! There are so many easy ways to reduce your waste, start small and soon you will be reducing waste unconsciously!
* Bring your own lunch to work instead of eating out. Not only will this reduce the amount of waste you produce, but it will probably reduce your calorie consumption as well. Have you ever thought of the amount of waste that goes into trip out for lunch? The gas to get there you to your lunch, the plastic silverware, napkins, those awful styrofoam containers and the plastic bag to carry it in. You will do the Earth a favor by bringing your own lunch in reusable containers while saving money, gas and a few calories.

Resources
* George Dreckmann - City of Madison Presentation
* Sam Breidenbach - Best Practices Presentation
* EPA - Renovate Right Brochure

City of Madison News Release

Printable Version

For Immediate Release:
Mar 22, 2011

For More Information Contact:
Rachel Strauch-Nelson
608-266-4611

City Launches Green Madison Program with $7.2 Million DOE Grant

Public Can Now Begin to Apply for Low-Interest Energy Efficiency Loans

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz today joined the Community Development Division, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation and Summit Credit Union to roll out the new Green Madison Program, thanks to a $7.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. A partnership with Focus on Energy, the new program leverages the grant funding to provide low-interest loans to help homeowners take on comprehensive energy efficiency improvements.

"A clean energy economy will create good jobs for workers in our community, save families money on energy bills and reduce our carbon footprint. Starting today, our residents can utilize Green Madison to make it happen," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. "This program gives our residents the professional expertise and financing to make improvements to their homes that will save energy and money."

In addition to low-interest loans, Green Madison will also provide access to local energy advocates that help guide homeowners through the process and connect them with current incentives available.

"This is an example of how Madison comes together as a city to build the modern economy," Community Development Director Bill Clingan said. "Whether you are interested in reducing your monthly energy costs, making your home more comfortable or helping the environment, Green Madison can provide professional expertise and low-interest financing to make it possible."

"WECC is pleased and excited to partner with the City of Madison on this innovative project," Mary Woolsey Schlaefer, Executive Director for WECC said. "Green Madison has real potential to deliver substantial energy savings to a large number of homeowners, while helping to grow jobs in Madison."

"Summit is very pleased to be part of this innovative program that helps people improve their homes, neighborhoods, and the environment," Kim Sponem, CEO/President of Summit Credit Union said. "We look forward to a successful partnership and to helping many Madison homeowners."

For more information about the program or how to apply, please visit: www.cityofmadison.com/greenmadison/.