Sustainable Bainbridge
January, 2010
In This Issue
Sound Food
Sustainable Business Network
Zero Waste Program
Energy Conservation
Board Activities

In this newsletter we list many of the projects of Sustainable Bainbridge, all of which invite volunteers.  We encourage you to include among your New Year's resolutions a commitment to live more sustainably in 2010.  Join us!

 
Happy New Year from Sustainable Bainbridge!

Each new year brings the possibility of making changes in how we live our lives to create the most sustainable future for ourselves, our children and all of the species on our planet.  It is also a time to take stock of what our organization is doing and how we can do a better job of nurturing sustainability initiatives and actions in our own community.
 
This newsletter focuses on current initiatives of Sustainable Bainbridge and welcomes your involvement in our ongoing work and programs.
BALLE
Sound Food is a group of individuals dedicated to growing a local food system on and around Bainbridge Island, Washington. Our work is based on a love of food, our community and the land.

Sound Food began with a Sustainable Bainbridge farm mapping project designed to answer the question: "How can I find local food?"  As we gathered information, we found our vision expanding to include community gardens, pea patches and backyard gardens.  Our next project, the Ferry Farm Stand, made it easier for commuters to obtain fresh locally-grown produce by creating a weekly farmers' market at the Bainbridge ferry terminal.  In 2010, we look forward to finding new ways to expand the availability and accessibility of sustainably grown and produced food in the Westsound area. 

Beginning in January, we'll be meeting the first Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Our January meeting will be held at 9800 Sands Avenue.  For more information, please call Sallie Maron at 206/842-5306 or e-mail sallie@soundfood.org. We'd love to have you join us!

 
SBN Logo-BI
In 2009, Sustainable Bainbridge supported the launch of the Sustainable Business Network of Bainbridge Island to promote a thriving "local first" economy, business practices and policies that promote local independent businesses, healthy workplaces, environmental stewardship, and a strong sense of community. Since August, 47 local businesses/organizations and interested citizens have joined SBN representing a cross-section of retail stores, manufacturing, the arts, professional services, and nonprofits.

We are a member-driven organization!  A meeting for members to participate in developing plans for our 2010 programs and projects will be announced soon - we hope you'll join us!  For more information, to sign up for e-mail, and to become a member of SBN, visit Sustainable Bainbridge, e-mail info@sbnbainbridge.net, or call Kat Gjovik at 206/842-0223.


RRR Earth
Zero Waste Program
The Zero Waste Initiative is a newly formed group of individuals interested in exploring how the concept of zero waste can be applied to the various communities - business, school, government, homeowner, religious, nonprofit, farming, arts - that comprise the make-up of Bainbridge Island.  We're off to a good start with the publication of the Road Map to Zero Waste, found at Zero Waste.  Please join us for the next meeting on Wednesday, January 20, from 7-9 pm at the Marge Williams conference room (221 Winslow Way W.).  If you have any questions, please contact Diane Landry at fallschurchbiker@yahoo.com or call 206/855-9687.
BI Energy Challenge
Community Energy Conservation
Sustainable Bainbridge is working closely with the Community Energy Task Force and Community Energy Solutions in efforts to increase Bainbridge Island energy efficiency. Many island homes have enrolled in the Puget Sound Energy demand response program.  Additional homes are still needed for this program.  It's easy, it's free and it really makes a difference.  Call 1-877-287-3461 and ask to sign up for the Demand Response Pilot Program.

Next steps include comprehensive energy audits for homes. This is where an energy auditor identifies energy saving measures and prioritizes recommendations. Most homes can benefit from this type of analysis, especially those built prior to 1980.  Community Energy Solutions has created a special program bringing auditors and interested homeowners together.  Energy audits normally cost $600-700, but if you participate in this innovative community program, the cost is $400. In return, you help encourage others to take the same path by allowing them to observe the audit at your home. An added benefit is that needed upgrades can be scheduled in concert with other homeowners who have been audited, resulting in possible cost savings for multiple residences.
 
If you are interested in scheduling an audit, please contact Tammy Deets at 206/261-5259.  More information is available at Smart Power

Board Activities
Board members serve for terms of two years.  Leaving us this past December were Chuck Estin, Matt Keller, Molly McCabe and Neva Welton.  We thank them for their dedicated service to Sustainable Bainbridge and the greater community.  New to the board are Todd Johnson and Bill Luria.  Todd brings a strong background in waste management, and Bill will bring strength to our social focus through his expertise in housing.

The Board holds an annual retreat and goal setting meeting in late January.  If you have ideas you'd like us to consider, please let us know via email at info@sustainablebainbridge.net or a phone call to 206/842-4439.
 
Enhance your life and that of your community by becoming involved this year with Sustainable Bainbridge.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sustainable Bainbridge