This Valentines' season, we want to take a moment and remind ourselves why we love living here, even in the coldest months. After all, studies show that appreciation sparks preservation and expressing gratitude may be one of the simplest ways to boost energy. So this month, we plan to enjoy all the places, people, and events in Vermont and hope you can, too!
One way to get started is with the BCBSVT Snow Days event series throughout the state, where you can try cross-country skiing, snow tubing/sledding and snowshoeing for FREE! Healthy snacks are provided and the first 50 attendees receive a free winter hat.
Or head to the Intervale Center for Wintervale Mar 4, 11-3 for FREE ski, snowshoe and fat bike rentals, kids activities and nature walks. There will be a big bonfire and hot chocolate tastings to keep everyone warm. Plus, yummy local food vendors and a chili cook-off to fill your belly!
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APRIL'S CALL TO ACTION
April Christenson, from Writing in the Disciplines, began working toward a more sustainable lifestyle about two years ago. She now manages an eco-friendly living Facebook page for her town!
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CENTRAL CHILLED WATER PLANT IN THE NEWS
A story about UVM's expanded central chilled water plant was recently featured in an international district energy journal. Read the full article here.
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INTRODUCING SUSTAINABILITY AMBASSADORS
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THRIVING IN A CHANGING CLIMATE
Come to EDU@UVM and learn how we are positioning UVM to thrive in the face of climate change. We’ll share current work as well as our vision for the future. Plus, learn how you can get involved and personally cope with the climate crisis.
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WHAT IS YOUR TOWN DOING?
Here are some places to check and see if your town has an existing sustainability group:
VT Energy & Climate Action Network
Transition Town Network
350.org
Meetup.com (keyword search)
Front Porch Forum (archive search)
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GMT'S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES
The two GMT buses being replaced by the new E-bus models have been traveling approximately 30,000 miles annually at 4.25 miles per gallon, using 7,059 gallons of diesel per year. This translates to an avoidance of 78 tons of CO2 emissions per E-bus per year! Learn more here.
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UVM FOR ELECTRIC LAWN CARE
Did you know that conventional gas-powered lawn mowers use about 1 to 1.5 gal/fuel per hour? A 24 horse-power commercial ZTR mower running for 1 hour is equal to 88 cars driving at 55 MPH or 4,840 vehicle miles traveled. That’s the same as driving to L.A. and back! Members of the UVM community are seeking to convert the University's lawn care fleet to electricity. Sign the petition!
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MEETING VT’S TRANSPORTATION ENERGY GOALS BENEFITS OUR HEALTH
A recent study by the VT Department of Health shows that transportation and energy policies are very important to personal health. The analysis of transportation-related health benefits found that changes in transportation use in VT can both reduce greenhouse gases and save $1.1 billion in health care costs and lost productivity.
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ASK SPROUT 🌱
- grow your knowledge -
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Dear Sprout, How can I reduce the energy I use to heat my home during the winter months?
According to Efficiency Vermont, "The average Vermont household spends about $2,000 per year on home heating." That's a lot of money and energy! You can reduce your heating needs through a few simple steps:
- Schedule a yearly heating system check-up and cleaning. Having professionals remove dust, soot, and debris while testing for efficiently each year can help to spot problems before there is an emergency, reducing costs and improving safety.
- Insulate your hot water heating pipes so that they lose less heat as water moves through them. This is an easy DIY task. Instructions can be found on the Energy.gov website.
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat or take the time to turn your heat down when you leave the house or go to bed. Energy.gov claims that doing so can save you up to 10%.
- Cover & uncover your windows when appropriate. When the sun is shining, open your shades to let in the free heat and light. Otherwise, keep your windows covered using blinds, curtains, or winterizing products that seal out drafts.
- Move furniture away from heating sources. Not only is having furniture against heating sources a fire hazard, but it also reduces the flow of heat, making it less efficient.
-Sprout 🌱
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