Conserve Maine Energy E-News

Welcome!

Hello readers! Welcome to the Conserve Maine Energy (CME) E-News, a project of the Maine Energy AmeriCorps Program (MEAP). In our bi-weekly e-news you will find activities, news articles, tips, and facts pertaining to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Each edition will also have a special highlights section featuring Maine organizations that are doing great work, upcoming environmental events Maine organizations will be holding soon or valuable resources. It is up to all of us to protect our environment and do what we can to reduce our impact on our precious planet and its natural resources. Thank you for subscribing to the CME e-news, and be on the lookout for future editions filled with great ideas and information for making a difference!

What is the Conserve Maine Energy (CME) Public Awareness Campaign and Why Does it Matter?
CME is a public awareness campaign dedicated to reducing energy costs for economically disadvantaged Mainers. CME is important for two main reasons. One, it saves Mainers money, and two, it will help us achieve goals towards fighting climate change.

Green Activity of the Month

Are you eager to involve your children in fun and/or educational energy efficiency activities? If so, making some delicious no-bake treats might be a great way to get started. Check out some “green” activities and recipes here.

Special Highlight: Organization Making a Difference

This edition’s notable organization goes to our partner organization, WindowDressers. Located in Rockland, ME, WindowDressers mission is to, “[bring] community volunteers of all economic and social situations together to improve the warmth and comfort of interior spaces, lower heating costs, and reduce carbon dioxide pollution by producing low-cost insulating window inserts that function as custom, interior-mounted storm windows.” Would you like to become a volunteer for WindowDressers? Want to receive window inserts that may be at little to no cost to you? Space is limited for ordering inserts. Contact WindowDressers at 207-596-3073 or info@windowdressers.org today!

Articles

College Students Obtain Degrees To Help Heal The Planet (VOA, April 21, 2021)
"Fifty-one years ago, young people planted trees for the first Earth Day. Today, students are taking part in environmental law, science and other disciplines to heal the planet."

How Green Are You? Check Your Habits Against This List Of Planet-Friendly Choices (Boston Globe, April 21, 2021)
A beginner's guide to climate responsibility.

IEA: Tripling The Speed Of Efficiency Progress A Must For A Net-Zero Carbon World (ACEEE, May 18, 2021)
"The world can eliminate net emissions of carbon dioxide by 2050, according to a report released by the International Energy Agency. The report makes clear that this goal will require rapid scaling of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electrification."

How Forest Bathing Can Help You Heal (Boston Globe, May 21, 2021)
Evidence shows that nature is good for us and forest bathing has important health benefits as well.

Maine's Blueberry Crop Faces Climate Change Peril (Portland Press Herald, June 5, 2021)
"University of Maine scientists found the state has experienced a 1.98 degrees increase in average temperature, but the blueberry fields of Down East Maine have experienced a 2.34-degree increase."

Despite Pandemic, Level Of Carbon Dioxide In The Atmosphere Hits Historic Levels (Washington Post, June 7, 2021)
"'If we want to avoid catastrophic climate change, the highest priority must be to reduce CO2 pollution to zero at the earliest possible date,' one top scientist says."

Green Energy Facts and Tips

FACT:
According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer can save you up to 10% in energy costs each year when using air conditioning. For each degree you raise your thermostat above 72 degrees when using air conditioning, you save up to 3% of your cooling expenses. Also consider setting your thermostat to a higher, less energy-intensive temperature while you're not at home or better yet, use a fan instead of air conditioning.

TIP:
Install and use Energy Star® appliances when possible. For example, the Energy Star® clothes washer uses 25% less energy and 33% less water than conventional washing machines. There is also a $50 rebate through Efficiency Maine you may qualify for.

Check Out our Social Media!

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For More Information
Website: conservemaineenergy.org
Phone: (207) 753-6626
Email: info@conservemaineenergy.org