Monday, December 1, 2008

In Defense of Food

I just watched Bill Moyers interview with Michael Pollan, author of Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food. It was excellent, full of, not just insightful ideas, but what we can do, now, to reform our food system. You can watch (and read) the whole interview here: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/11282008/watch.html

Cheers and blessings, Marion

Excerpt:

BILL MOYERS: What else? Give me a list, quickly, of what we can do to make a difference in this reforming the food system.

MICHAEL POLLAN: Well, plant a garden. If you've got space, and if you don't, look into a community garden where you might rent a little bit of space, like we saw in East New York.

Cook. Simply by starting to cook again, you declare your independence from the culture of fast food. As soon as you cook, you start thinking about ingredients. You start thinking about plants and animals, and not the microwave. And you will find that your diet, just by that one simple act, that is greatly improved. You will find that you are supporting local agriculture, because you'll care about the quality of ingredients. And you know, whether you're cooking or not is one of the best predictors for a healthy diet. It's more important than the class predictor. People with more money generally have healthier diets, but affluent people who don't cook are not as healthy in their eating as poor people who still cook. So, very, very important. If you don't have pots and pans, get them.

Now people say they don't have time, and that's an issue. And I am saying that we do need to invest more time in food. Food is just too important to relegate to these 10-minute corners of our lives. And you know, even if you would just take, you know, we watch cooking shows like crazy on television. We've turned cooking into a spectator sport. If you would merely invest the time you spend watching cooking shows in actually cooking, you would find you've got plenty of time to put a meal on the table.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Fall, 2008

Schedule for Sustainable Kodiak, Fall 2008

Monday, Oct. 13: 7-9pm Sustainable Kodiak general meeting at Refuge Center meeting room

Monday, Nov. 10: 7-9pm Sustainable Kodiak general meeting at Refuge Center meeting room

Lisa Hupp will present a report on the ICLEI community-wide carbon emissions survey. Not to be missed!

Monday, Dec 8: 7-9pm Sustainable Kodiak general meeting at Refuge Center meeting room

Sustainable Kodiak special guest lecturer Rich Siefert , in partnership with Kodiak College Community Engagement committee: Scheduling still in progress. We hope to have programs including a public awareness evening lecture, focusing on how to take advantage of the energy conservation funding and why it is so important to do so, and a retrofit workshop another day. (It is three hours long and updated since the one last fall.) Another topic which will likely be timely is "Burning wood for heat safely".

!

Meetings of interest


October 11 to November 8

Organic Gardening class. Instructor: Marion Owen. Learn how to reduce your food bills by growing your own vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruiting shrubs. Fall is an important time for every garden and this dynamic class introduces organic methods and materials for ecological gardening practices: soil management and improvement, composting, harvesting, storage, mulching and more. To sign up, call Kodiak College, 486-1235




Thursday, September 18, 2008

Bioneers in Alaska- Sustainable Communities and Kodiak workshop

5th Annual Bioneers in Alaska Conference

"Creating Sustainable Communities"

October 17-19, 2008, University of Alaska, Anchorage

The annual Bioneers in Alaska conference brings together Alaskans to explore practical and innovative ways to live more sustainably and strengthen our communities. Highlights of the 2008 conference include: keynote speakers David C. Korten and Lisa Dolchok, workshops on renewable energy for Alaska, growing community through local food, protecting the health of present and future generations and other vital issues of our times, presentations via satellite from the 19th Annual Bioneers Conference in California and abundant networking opportunities. Bioneers in Alaska is for everybody! Early registration through September 21. Scholarships and Work Exchange opportunities available. For more information or to register, visit www.sustainak.org , or email info@sustainak.org . Phone: (907) 677-9087. Bioneers in Alaska is a project of the Alaska Center for Appropriate Technology.


Community Sustainability Initiatives: Highlights from Anchorage, Homer and Kodiak (day and time to be announced, Theresa Peterson will speak for 10 minutes on Kodiak during this workshop)

Spurred by concerns over the impacts of climate change, Alaskan communities large and small are taking tangible steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the process, communities are engaging in broader discussions of sustainability. In this workshop we will highlight new steps the Municipality of Anchorage is taking to promote a sustainable city and how citizen-led efforts in Homer and Kodiak are helping to shape public policy, fuel local foods movements and stimulate green business development. From expansion of curbside recycling in Anchorage to Homer’s ambitious Climate Action Plan, communities are leading the way to a more sustainable future. This workshop is for anyone wishing to learn more about positive change taking place in Alaskan communities right now and specific ways you can ignite and/or support such efforts in your community.

Kudos to Theresa Peterson for presenting on our own community at this event!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Island Harvester Labor Day Picnic

A summary and catch-up of the Labor Day Picnic

By Switgard Duesterloh

Despite the bad weather during the days before the picnic, it actually did not rain during the picnic and we had a fire and BBQ going (thanks to Hans-Ullrich Tsersich). There were a total of 19 people (incl. 3 children), though some left early and others came late.

We had some great foods, many of which contained locally harvested components. There was a great chunk of white king salmon on the bbq that was donated (ask Hans-Ullrich for the donor's name) and 3 packs of locally made salmon hot dogs who were taken home and enjoyed by several of the attendees. These were donated as samples by the Kodiak Solstix company.

In addition, there was smoked silver salmon, a salmon dip, a potato-salmon-bean salad, a great blueberry pie and locally harvested lettuce. Mary brought some oven-fresh bread with locally harvested poppy-seeds and calendula flower petals, and I had made blueberry juice.

Besides the food sampling there was a great opportunity to sit around a fire and exchange recipes, ideas, and information. Some went to pick salmonberries around the picnic site.

I had organized a plastic/aluminum recycling container from threshold (they have some "event containers" available for loan) but we didn't need it because NO plastic or paper cups, nor throw-away silverware were used at this event!

Overall we would have hoped for more attendance but owing to the rainy and stormy day were pleased about the number of people that did show up. A good time was had by all and when all was over, the rain began to fall again and put out the smoldering remains of our camp fire.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Wow! New AK Home Energy Efficiency Rebates

Thanks to Jerrol Friend


Home Energy Rebate Grant Program Guidelines

The Home Energy Rebate Grant Program will rebate up to $10,000 to a homeowner who improves the energy efficiency of their home. A qualified homeowner must improve the efficiency of the home at least 1 step using the energy rating system. (See additional requirements and the chart below.)

A final rating of at least a 1 Star plus (1«+), or greater must be achieved to qualify for a rebate. This is a one time rebate for any one family or home.

To participate in the program:

  • Find an AKWarm energy rater and get an As-Is AKWarm energy rating. AKWarm energy raters can be found on the AHFC web site by going to: http://www.ahfc.state.ak.us/iceimages/reference/icboraters.pdf
  • Use the Improvement Options Report from the As-Is energy rating as a guide to make energy efficient improvements. The report serves as a guideline for AHFC and the homeowner as to the energy savings, cost of the improvement & return on the energy improvement investment.
  • Make the improvements you have selected from the Improvement Options Report within one year. You may do the work yourself or hire a contractor. Only those items relating to energy efficiency and recommended in the improvement options report are eligible for a rebate.
  • Get a Post Improvement AKWarm energy rating by calling your rater and scheduling the follow up visit. The rater will verify the work completed and provide you with a new energy rating certificate. The rebate amount is determined by the increase in the rating from the As-Is rating. (EG: As-Is 3 Star+ vs. 4 Star Post Improvement rating = 1 steps = $4,000.00).

Maximum Rebate Amounts:

One step - up to $4,000

Two steps - up to $5,500

Three Steps up to $7,000

Four steps up to $8,500

Five or more up to $10,000

  • A homeowner is only eligible to receive a rebate of actual expenses, no matter how many points or steps have occurred. For example, if a homeowner spends $3,500 on energy efficient improvements, and moves two steps, they will only receive a rebate of $3,500, not $5,500.
  • You have one year from the date of the As-is energy rating to complete the energy efficiency work, the Post Improvement energy rating, and turn the completed application into Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.

You are not eligible for the Home Energy Rebate if:

  • You have participated in the Weatherization Assistance Program after May 1, 2008.
  • You have received a Home Energy Rebate after May 1, 2008.
  • If your AS-IS RATING was done before April 5, 2008* or is more than one year old.
  • You fail to provide any of the requested information.

*A rating done between April 5,2008 and May 15, 2008 will be eligible for rebate purposes. These ratings are paid at the homeowner expense, and will not be reimbursed by AHFC. The cost of ratings done after May 15, 2008 will be reimbursed directly to the rater, up to $500 for the As-Is and post improvement ratings.

The energy rater will be paid 65% of the reimbursable cost of the rating ($325) for the pre-, or As-Is rating, and 35% ($175) for the post rating. The rater must have the homeowner sign the rater application form for rater reimbursement.

Energy Ratings and rating points

The amount of the rebate is determined by the number of steps increased between the As-is and the Post Improvement energy ratings.

This chart can help you understand the correlation between your energy rating points and the energy rating stars for your home’s energy rating: (sorry the chart won't post)

A rating of 2 Stars plus (60-67 points), to 3 Stars (68-72 points), would be one step. A rating of 2 Star (2«), to 3 Stars (3«), would be two steps.

Additional Requirements:

To be eligible for a rebate, the final energy rating must be at least one star plus (1«+), and have increased one step and at least five points. This is applicable to all homes with a final rating of three stars (<3«) or less. For homes with a final rating of 3 Star plus (>3«+) or more, at least one step and three points increase is required.

Submit your home energy rebate application with copies of the As-Is and Post Improvement energy rating, receipts, and a property tax assessment or other proof of ownership to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. At:

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

Energy Efficiency Rebate

PO Box 101020

Anchorage, AK 99510-1020

The application must be received within one year of the date of the As-Is rating.

To be eligible for a rebate, the homeowner must be the year round occupant of the upgraded home and apply for the rebate within one year of the date on the As-Is rating. Each family and property is eligible for one rebate only. The person to whom the rebate is paid will be required to submit a Social Security number, and the amount of the rebate will be reported to the United States Internal Revenue Service. An IRS form 1099 will be mailed to you at the end of the year in which the homeowner received the rebate.

Rebate funds are subject to appropriation by the Alaska Legislature, and are subject to funding availability. If or when funding becomes limited, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation may terminate the program. Public notice shall be provided on the AHFC website www.ahfc.us .

For more information contact:

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

PO Box 101020

Anchorage, AK 99510-1020

907-338-6100 (Anchorage)

1-800-478-2432 (toll free statewide)

www.ahfc.us

Friday, April 18, 2008

Energy Legislation Success Story

Greetings! Here’s a success story.

Brigid Dodge, Donna Jones, and Theresa Peterson wrote a letter on Energy Legislation that was sent to Gabrielle LeDoux and other state legislators, and was also published in the Kodiak Daily Mirror, thanks to editor Betsy Lund.

Jerrold Friend had a quarter-hour private meeting with Gov. Palin at which he stressed the same points: put surplus oil money into a conservation and weatherization program, using state agencies and info already in place, and make a permanent contribution to Alaska’s energy savings and independence.

Thanks also to all who may be unknown to us and worked to make these programs come about. There are surely others on the Sustainable Kodiak listserve who contributed to the passing of these bills.

Best,
Donna Elizabeth

From: LIO Kodiak

Addressing High Energy Costs

Expanding Home Energy Conservation and Weatherization Programs

Senate Bill 289 expands two home energy and weatherization programs operated by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to help Alaskan families cope with record high home heating costs.

http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/25/Bills/SB0289A.PDF

Renewable Energy Fund

House Bill 152 creates a renewable energy fund and deposits $50 million per year over the next five years into the Renewable Energy Fund. The Alaska Energy Authority would administer the fund through grants for renewable energy projects. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. AEA would then submit the grants to the Legislature for funding as part of the capital budget process.

http://www.legis.state.ak.us/PDF/25/Bills/HB0152F.PDF

Once signed by the Governor this act would take effect immediately, according to the bill.

Lorna & Heather

Kodiak Legislative Information Office

kodiak.lio@legis.state.ak.us

office (907)486-8116