According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in our homes is often many times more polluted than the air outside. And with the shorter days and colder temps of winter, we're spending a lot more time indoors with the windows closed tightly.

Many things can contribute to poor indoor air quality including building materials, mold, radon and household cleaners.  

We are kicking off a new Expert Conversations series this month with two interviews that help us learn what we can do to prevent indoor air quality issues. Joe Walsh of Green Clean Maine talks about greener cleaning methods and why we should pay attention to what's in our cleaning products (not to mention why dusting is about more than aesthetics), and Richard Burbank of Evergreen Home Performance introduces us to the topic of home performance and how it encompasses a whole lot more than insulation. Full interviews can be found on our website.

And while we're at it, be sure to check out our top ten list of plants that can help clean the air.

The outdoor farmers markets may have come to a close, but have no fear, the winter markets are here! We are fortunate in Maine to have had a great variety of winter markets come on the scene in the past few years. These weekly gatherings offer everything from winter crops and cold storage veggies to meats, cheeses, artisanal crafts and even music. Check these out for a start!

The SunriseGuide is truly the gift that keeps on giving. With 300 serious discounts to the best healthy, local & green businesses in Maine - plus a comprehensive collection of articles, tips and local resources for healthy & sustainable living in Maine, the SunriseGuide delivers a year full of smiles to your recipient. Find a local retailer, order online and ask us about discounts for orders of 10 books or more. What a great way to say thank you to employees and clients!

It's time for our 2nd annual holiday haiku contest. Up for grabs - a FREE 2012 SunriseGuide, a $25 gift certificate to Bonobo, and a sassy stainless steel counter-top compost pail. To help get the creative juices flowing, here's last year's winning entry... "The red-nosed reindeer; gives the SunriseGuide this year; what holiday cheer." To enter, post your holiday haiku on our Facebook wall. Including "The SunriseGuide" in your rhyme will increase the chances of winning big time. We'll pick a winner each week from now through Dec. 26. (That's three chances to win!) Good luck and remember 5-7-5.

Bathras Market in South Portland was recently certified as an Environmental Leader by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

The Animal House, Damariscotta's source for healthy and natural pet supplies, has moved to the Coastal Marketplace shopping center across from Rising Tide Community Market.
 



Core3 Massage has a new website! Check it out at: www.core3massage.com

Apothecary by Design is celebrating 3 years with an anniversary sale. 20% off all nutraceuticals through December 15th.

Congratulations to the recent Juice Conference pitch contest winners! Evergreen Home Performance walked away with $25,000 in flexible debt financing and Turtle Love Co. won $5,000 cash/in-kind services.

December 2011 Green Eggs - Residential Deep Energy Retrofits
Dec 7, 7:30 am to 9:00 am, Maine Audubon Gilsland Farm Center, Falmouth

Eyes on Owls
Dec 10, 10:30 am to 4:15 pm (3 sessions), Maine Audubon Gilsland Farm Center, Falmouth

Interior Storm Window Workshop
Dec 10, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Mid-Coast Energy Systems, Damariscotta

Sweetgrass Farm Holiday Bazaar
Dec 10-11, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Union

3rd Annual Picnic Holiday Sale
Dec 11, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Portland Company Complex

Portland Trading Post :: Monthly Swap Event
Dec 11, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, Portland location disclosed upon registration

Bangor Greendrinks
Dec 13, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Central Street Farmhouse, Bangor

Greendrinks Holiday Fair
Dec 13, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, State Theatre, Portland

Vermiculture
Dec 13, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Urban Farm Fermentory, Portland

E2Tech Forum on Efficiency Maine: Saving Energy in Homes and Businesses
Dec 15, 7:00 am to 9:30 am, USM Wishcamper Center, Portland

For a complete list of events, please visit the Local Events section on our website.

Permaculture (Not-to-be-Missed) Movie Night: Gasland
Jan 3, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, UNE Blewett Hall, Portland

2012 Maine Agricultural Trades Show
Jan 10, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Augusta Civic Center

Making Financial Sense of Small and Medium Community Wind Projects: A Workshop to Help You Understand the Economics
Jan 11, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport

Residential Construction Training from the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council
Jan 12, 7:30 am to 11:30 am, Ramada Inn, Saco

Have a sustainability event we can help you promote? Please e-mail us the details.