The Sunrise Guide - The coupon book for healthy and sustainable living
In this issue...
FREE E-Coupons
Great Maine Outdoor Weekend
Expert Conversations
CSA Fairs Statewide
DEP Governor's Awards
E2Tech Mythbusters
Partner News
Sustainable Living Events
Save the Date

 



 February 2012 
Greetings!  Boothbay Harbor

Winter in Maine is time to hunker down, regroup, reflect and refresh. Maybe you're taking a class to learn a new skill or hobby, or just catching up on reading time. Whether your interest is making home a bit more comfortable this winter or getting out of the house to mix, mingle and learn a thing or two, you'll find plenty in this issue to pique your interest.

This Month's FREE E-coupons


Great Maine Outdoor Weekend logo Great Maine Outdoor Weekend
March 2-4, 2012

The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend is a series of events led by outdoor oriented organizations and companies to celebrate the how, where, and what of being active outside in Maine. The goal of the weekend is to connect Mainers with the natural world and to promote fun, physical activity & good health. Activities are taking place statewide and many are free and at an introductory level.

 This Month's Expert Conversation
With Dana Fischer of Efficiency Maine
 
Dana Fischer of Efficiency MaineBaby, it's cold outside. If winter has got you thinking about making your home a little more comfortable, read on. We caught up with Dana Fischer of Efficiency Maine to learn a little more about Maine's energy efficiency goals and available resources to help homeowners pay for improvements. Read interview.

MOFGA CSA Fair logo CSA Fairs Statewide

Once again, Maine will host a series of events organized to help us meet the farmers and fisherman who bring us our food and learn about the Community Supported Agriculture model, or CSA. Events take place statewide Feb 24-26. Admission to the events is free. Farmers will bring products from their farms to sell in addition to their CSA shares. Light refreshments featuring local seasonal foods will be served.

 DEP is Resurrecting the Governor's Awards

Maine DEP logoThe Maine Department of Environmental Protection is resurrecting the Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence. The awards honor businesses, nonprofits and public entities that have demonstrated innovations in sustainability while investing in infrastructure and creating good jobs. They are given in six categories including four for businesses (various workforce sizes) and one each for nonprofits and public entities. Applications are due by Friday, February 17, 2012 and awards will be announced in late April.

E2Tech logo Mythbusters 2012
An E2Tech Forum

This forum takes on common myths and misconceptions we've all heard regarding environmental issues and gives us the science to set the record straight. It promises to be enlightening and informative, addressing myths such as "Making your house too airtight is dangerous--houses have to breathe," "Industrial chemicals can never be eco-friendly," and "Why recycle? There's no market for it." Myths are costly to business and consumers, while facts inform good decision-making and enable wise use of resources. Thursday, February 16, 2012, 7:15-9:30am, Wishcamper Center, USM, Portland.

SunriseGuide Partner NewsAwake Collective logo

The Awake Collective has moved to a new location, at 222 St. John Street, in the old railroad building in Portland.
Summerfeet Cycling logo
Summerfeet Cycling just launched a brand new human-powered bike tour. Guests will bike, hike, and paddle their way from Port Clyde to Bar Harbor, without ever needing to step foot in the transport van.
El Rayo logo
The brand new El Rayo Cantina has opened, next door to El Rayo in Portland. Yum!

Bathras Market logo We are sad to share the news that Bathras Market, the South Portland neighborhood grocer committed to sourcing local and natural foods, has closed citing stiff competition and challenges of seasonal fluctuations.
Rippling Waters logo
 Rippling Waters Organic Farm has been given a challenge grant. If they raise $3000 by the end of March, it will be matched by an anonymous donor.  Learn more here.

Sustainable Living Event Highlights 

February Greendrinks
Feb 7, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Mariner's Church, Portland

February GreenDinner
Feb 7, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, The Salt Exchange, Portland

Good Night Nature
Feb 7, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Gilsland Farm, Falmouth

National Toboggan Championship Camden
Feb 10, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Camden Snow Bowl

Raw Food Fundamentals Course with Alissa Cohen
Feb 12, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Girl Gone Raw, Portland

Bangor Greendrinks
Feb 14, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Bangor location TBD

E2Tech Mythbusters Forum
Feb 16, 7:15 am to 9:30 am, USM Wishcamper Center, Portland

PechaKucha Night
Feb 17, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, The Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fairs
Feb 24-26, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, 11 Locations Statewide

New Farmer Workshop Series
Feb 28, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, USDA Service Center, Lewiston

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

Save the Date

Great Maine Outdoor Weekend
Mar 2, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, locations statewide

Portland Flower Show
Mar 7-11, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Portland Company Complex

ME2Tech Forum: E2Tech Goes to Augusta to Discuss Current Energy and Environmental Issues
Mar 15, 7:15 am to 12:00 pm, Governor Hill Mansion, Augusta

Maine Maple Sunday
Mar 25, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, locations statewide

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

About Us

Part handbook, part coupon book, the SunriseGuide is a resource for learning about, supporting, and living in a healthy and sustainable way in southern and coastal Maine.

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