Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment
Green Living Challenge Update (Volume 2, Issue 11)


August 10, 2009
Take the Green Living Pledge
How green is your lifestyle? Complete the pledge and get your green grade.
 
Please get involved and check out our upcoming events including the first installment of our Green Film Series featuring Faces from the New Farm on Monday, August 31!
Congratulations to this issue's
Greenovator
greenovator

Barron Collier

I would not consider myself a 'greenie', but I do take small actions everyday. These efforts not only protect the environment, but also save money, taste good, and are fun. One of the easiest things that I try to do at least a few days a week is to take the metro or walk to work and for other errands such as the dry cleaners, library, and grocery store. I also programmed my ENERGY STAR qualified thermostat, automatically adjusting the temperature when I'm away to save energy. I installed house wrap and a radiant barrier in the attic to keep warmth in during the winter and prevent excessive heat from building up in the summer. I am also planning on installing an attic fan to further reduce the heat. My wife and I have found some great deals on furniture at yard sales that can be reconditioned instead of buying brand new stuff. Food-wise, summer is my favorite time of year because of the abundance of fruits and vegetables as well as meats and eggs at the local farmers' markets.
 
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Welcome to 
ACE's Green Living E-Newletter
Through this newsletter, we'll provide regular updates about our Green Living Challenge, local events and workshops related to green living, and tips to green your lifestyle.
Dear ,
sun
With the dog days of summer well upon us, we all know that staying cool isn't easy. However, there are ways to help conserve energy and save money without roasting in the heat. The following are some suggestions for how to reduce your energy usage and keep your home cool this summer:

  • Only use your clothes dryer and dishwasher in the early morning or late evening, to avoid using them in the heat of the day and further heat up your home. 
  • Spend most of your time in rooms that don't get direct sunlight, as these rooms will be cooler. Also, close shades and blinds in other rooms to avoid having the sun heat these spaces up.
  • Caulk and weather strip around windows and doors to decrease the amount of cool air that is lost to the outdoors. 
  • Install a ceiling fan and use it instead of turning on the air conditioning.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances as they will only create excess heat. 
  • Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional range oven to avoid excess heating.
  • Wash clothes in cold water when possible and dry clothes on a clothesline instead of using the dryer.
  • Conduct a home energy audit. By identifying where energy is being lost, you will be able to make your home more efficient. 

For more information about how to save energy this summer, please consult the Alliance to Save Energy's Summer Tips and How Stuff Works: How to Conserve Energy at Home. Visit ACE's Green Home Building and Remodeling Resource Directory for a list of companies that can provide energy audits.

 

Upcoming Events
 
Meet Me on a Sunday. Sunday, August 16, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington. Meet new nature center residents: a hognose snake, a corn snake, a mud turtle, and a box turtle. ACE will be on hand with an exhibit with recipes and tastings featuring local foods. And, enjoy refreshments, games and the nature center's new exhibit called "The Energerium."  For more information, please call 703-528-5406.

Film Viewing and Discussion. Monday, August 31 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a viewing of the movie: Faces From the New Farm at Shirlington Library, 4200 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington. The film chronicles three passionate advocates of local foods riding their bikes from Washington, D.C. to Montreal to raise awareness about local food. Their 2,000 mile journey features urban gardens, farmers' markets, and community supported agriculture (CSA) projects. For more information contact Lily or call 703-228-6406.

Volunteer at an ACE Tabling Events 
-Wednesday, August 12, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Clarendon Farmers' Market. Outside Clarendon metro at the intersection of Highland St., Clarendon blvd., and Wilson Blvd. Crystal Dr. between 18th and 20th St.

-Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23. Arlington County Fair. 3501 S. 2nd Street.

At these events we will be promoting our green living challenge and BYOBag campaign. Volunteer for a one or two-hour shift by contacting Alison Foster via e-mail or at 703-228-7772.

See ACE's web site for more details and additional events.

Sincerely,
Elenor Hodges
Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment

703-228-6427 
 
  
Attention Organizations/Civic Associations: Invite ACE to your next meeting for a presentation on green living. Contact us at office@arlingtonenvironment.org or 703-228-6427.