A friend called last night to ask about information she was unable to locate on the Town's Web Site. We've both been busy and haven't spoken in months, but it's the kind of friendship where you can speak in abbreviated sentences and communicate. We only got to know each other as one of the very positive results of the casino opposition, but that's another blog.
.
After we offered a condensed version of news, I asked if she had been reading my blogs about energy. She hadn't, but proceeded to tell me she wasn't going to pay those high energy prices next winter. So I explained that there was information posted on this site with links to help her reduce her expenses. And then she huffed that last winter they used 200 gallons of oil and she wasn't going to do that again!
.
Well, my friend has a pretty large home, so while that was impressive, we reviewed the check list of things she could do to reduce her consumption further:
.
CFLs? Years ago. Power strips? Years ago.
.
I knew her applliances were all fairly new and the most efficient available. We found several items that she's going to tackle and she's considering solar hot air collectors, maybe even hot water collectors for domestic hot water, and maybe even additional insulation in the attic.
.
It was pretty disappointing to find the following in the Boston Globe that downplays the importance we, as a region, need to place on Weatherization. Because of the aging housing stock, particularly in urban areas, there is a great deal that could be accomplished with aggressive action of the simple basics, like insulation.
.
Home-heating disaster looms
The [Massachseutts] delegation is also seeking an increase in funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program. But while weatherization and replacement of inefficient heating units are useful ways to cut fuel use, the focus this year has to be on getting much more assistance to households as quickly as possible. State and municipal officials must also plan for the possibility that aid does not arrive by preparing emergency sites where families without heat can spend the nights.
Home-heating disaster looms
The [Massachseutts] delegation is also seeking an increase in funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program. But while weatherization and replacement of inefficient heating units are useful ways to cut fuel use, the focus this year has to be on getting much more assistance to households as quickly as possible. State and municipal officials must also plan for the possibility that aid does not arrive by preparing emergency sites where families without heat can spend the nights.
8 comments:
A very dear friend who will be among those with hyperthermia was almost tearful when she talked about heating her home this winter. It cost her $6,000 to heat her home last year because she has no storms windows and no insulation. I told her all the things you have mentioned and she doesn't think it matters and believes someone should bail her out. Just like the Globe article, there is a disconnect between conservation and government handouts.
On the other hand, we're just plain cheap and have done those things over the years and invested the savings. We read the detailed information you posted from Rocky Mountain Institute and NESEA and others and realize that we can do more. We don't want to contribute more than we have to to the oil company profits.
Good points!
When we were apartment dwellers, what incentive was there to insulate? We, the tenants, paid for the heat. This proves the media in general are pretty mindless.
Keep nagging! Each time you remind me, I do a little more. We dread what next winter will cost.
you have posted enough to choke a horse and some people still dont get it.
tuesday nite on Wareham st, there was an amr ambulance (diesle fueled), and 4 police cruisers.
As we drove passed, another cruiser was coming in the oposite direction, slowed down but didnt stop.
How many cruisers do you need for a medical emergency? I cant stand the mindless stupidity. We're paying these people to actually think? Maybe they should do there jobs instead of gawking about.
sorry but I forgot to say the 4 police cruisers that were parked on Wareham st were all running.
Thats what got me. so much for saving fuel.
Jessie: This is a very good thing you've done, I wish I had caught on sooner that you were up to this! We've made an effort to be Green at our home and continue to look for ways to save money and our limited national energy resources.
From a Community Service perspective:
I'll be working this winter with the MHS Key Club and Nichols Middle School Builders Club that the Middleboro Kiwanis Club sponsors, to hold the 3rd annual "Eat to Heat" Program to provide finacial assistance for heat to needy people in our town. The major proponent of this program has been our Key Club Advisor at MHS, Pat Bettencourt. Please lets talk about this, any help you could bring to this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated. I'm most concerned about the young as "Serving the Children of the World" is our main mission, but there's many elderly who will need help as well.
Best Regards,
Bob Kinney-President
Middleboro Kiwanis Club
Bob,
When my detractors read your comments, you will hear audible groans at your home and loud comments about the volume I have posted about energy.
Experts tell us that 20-30% of energy consumption is wasted - just simply wasted energy. It's the "low hanging fruit" that can be easily or inexpensively eliminated - the "vampires" that include the appliances that are always consuming electricity, the incandescent light bulbs, weatherstripping, caulking, the lights we don't turn off and so on.
Bob, we'll talk, but don't hesitate to comment on nemasket.
Wouldn't it be great if Middleboro could be a real trend-setter in reaching out to our neighbors and helping them reduce their energy bills?
On a local level, I think ALL town organizations joining together to focus on weatherization for those who can't afford heat is fantastic. Give me an organization and I'll make a contribution. I work a lot, but can contribute some time. If you make it work, just tell me when and where.
Post a Comment