Ask Eartha Steward: Renewable energy series

The Renewable Energy Series, presented by Renewables in the Summit Environment (RISE) and the High Country Conservation Center, will take place April 21-25.

RISE was formed last fall in order to promote renewable energy use in Summit County. Consisting of businesses, nonprofits, current and past elected officials, and community members, RISE has been meeting monthly to discuss advancing renewable energy in Summit County through the use of photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and hydro systems. Additionally, the High Country Conservation Center is sponsoring the Renewable Energy Series through support received from the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office.

The Renewable Energy Series, which is free unless otherwise noted, kicks off with a “Waste Vegetable Oil and Biodiesel Discussion” on Monday, April 21 at the Frisco Community Center (110 3rd Street, between Main and Granite), from 5-7 p.m. Residents of Summit County who currently use waste vegetable oil (WVO) in their vehicles will talk about their experiences and John Jones from the Summit Stage will discuss the trials and tribulations of using biodiesel in the Summit Stage buses. Jones will also be talking about trends in mass transportation use. So ride the bus and feel good about attending this presentation.

The next day, Tuesday, April 22, Earth Day, you can also take the Summit Stage over to the Ecoasis in Breckenridge to browse the sale goods. From recycled glass art for your honey to energy- and water-saving kits, the Ecoasis can help you walk the talk by picking up items to “eco-fy” your lifestyle. The Ecoasis is located on CR 450 in Breckenridge, right by 7-Eleven, behind the BigHorn paint store; call the Ecoasis for more info at (970) 547-0147.

Also on Earth Day, John Fielder will be giving a slide presentation highlighting the Lower Blue ranches of Colorado at the Silverthorne Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. Currently in the process of photographing 50 working ranches in Colorado, this is a truly special sneak peek into his book that will be published in September 2009. Tickets are $12 in advance at the three Wilderness Sports locations along with the Next Page Bookstore and Copy, Copy in Frisco, Mountain Outfitters in Breck. Tickets will be $15 at the door. Call (970) 468-9013 for more info on the John Fielder presentation.
The day after celebrating Earth Day, it’s back to the Ecoasis in Breckenridge on April 23 from 5-7 p.m., to hear Eric Westerhoff from Innovative Energy give his presentation on solar electric systems. From talking about the basics of installation to rebates homeowners and businesses can receive, this talk is a necessity if you’re interested in learning about renewable energy and how the systems work.

On Thursday, April 24, Bob Kingston from Realign Technology will follow up the solar electric system talk by presenting information on solar hot water systems. Solar hot water systems are a great way to start with solar systems that still show big results on whittling down your energy bills, while being kind to our environment. The talk is at the Frisco Community Center from 5-7 p.m.

And now that you’ve learned about renewable energy options for your home or business, find out about green investing, sustainable financial lifestyles and socially responsible investing on Friday, April 25, at the Frisco Community Center from 5-7 p.m.

“Financing Your Renewable Energy System and Socially Responsible Investing” will be presented by Steve Smith, JD, CFP. Smith is the principal of RightPath Investments & Financial Planning, Inc. a “fee-only” Registered Investment Advisory firm in Frisco. To get the most out of the discussion, please send your questions in advance to Steve Smith at steve@rightpathinvestments.com or by calling (970) 668-5525.

Concluding the whole week of the Renewable Energy Series is the Earth Day Action Fair on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Frisco Community Center. Organized by the High Country Conservation Center, Continental Divide Land Trust, Blue River Watershed Group, Sierra Club-Blue River Group, and Keystone Science School, the Earth Day Action Fair aims to inspire community members to lead environmentally-friendly lifestyles. Whether it’s finding the perfect reusable bag or learning about waste veggie oil vehicles, the Earth Day Action Fair educates a large spectrum of community members on how to take “eco-actions” in their everyday lives.
In addition to the 25 nonprofit and business booths, this year we’ll offer all day workshops, including “Planting for Kids” by Raindrops on Roses, and “Papermaking” with the Keystone Science School. The Green Scene Awards, which recognize community members for their contribution to a sustainable environment, and the Recycled Fashion Show, which demonstrates creative ways to reuse materials, will also be a part of the day’s festivities. Visit www.highcountryconservation.org for complete descriptions on all Earth Week discussions.

<i>Eartha Steward is written by Carly Wier, Jennifer Kirkpatrick and Beth Orstad, consultants on all things eco and chic at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation in our mountain community. Eartha believes that you can walk gently on our planet, even if you’re wearing stylie shoes.
Submit questions to Eartha at eartha@highcountryconservation.org or to High Country Conservation Center, PO Box 4506, Frisco, CO 80443.</i>