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Happy April!
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's Spring! We're as busy as bees, so it's only fitting that we launch our WARM E-News this season.
And remember - April 22 was Earth Day, the one day of the year set aside to appreciate nature and to make strides toward conserving it. Opportunities to get involved with Earth Day abound - to find out what's going on around the Detroit area and the state, visit here
Enjoy, the WARM team
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Geothermal Heats up in Detroit
Hands down, Geothermal is one alternative energy application appropriate for the Midwest. A Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system involves installing underground water pipes that form a loop beneath the building; using the Earth's constant temperature, cold water (sometimes mixed with antifreeze) is heated while traveling through the pipes, which can further be distributed throughout the building. The GHP system can also be used for cooling.
There are great benefits to this system, which can reduce energy consumption from 44-72%, depending on the type of preexisting heating. Examples of local organizations that have successfully installed GHP systems include JARC in Farmington Hills and the Odd Fellows Hall in Detroit (owned by Southwest Detroit Business Association.) Stay tuned to hear about other organizations implementing alternative energy projects.
If you think a GHP system might be a good choice for you, or are considering alternative energy systems, WARM is here to help. WARM provides workshops and technical assistance to organizations considering alternative energy options. Sign up for WARM's Greening Your Commercial Building, a workshop-series that explores energy efficiency and alternative energy options for commercial buildings. The series also addresses financing renewable energy systems and determining return on investments. Sign up for a workshop - Click Here.
See this article on WARM's Go Green Blog.
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Upcoming Events
- May 1st, 2nd and 3rd - Green Street Fair, more info
- 86th Annual Highland Park Michigan Week Parade - May 9 at Noon.
- Michigan Green Jobs Conference - Green Today, Jobs Tomorrow. May 11th at the Lansing Center in Lansing.
- Greening the Heartland Conference - May 31-June 2 at COBO Center in Detroit. More info
- WARM Training Center's First Annual WARM Awards in Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Building Practices - June 10 from 8-10 am at MOCAD - call WARM for tickets.
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Energy Efficiency
Q: Who qualifies for new federal and state tax incentives for residential energy savings, and what can they be used for?
- Roseana F., Detroit
The government is offering tax incentives to homeowners willing to make energy efficient upgrades to their homes; with federal incentives providing up to 30% of the cost, and 10% additional state incentives. These incentives cover upgrades from more efficient home appliances to the installation of solar panels, with a myriad of other options in between.
More information here: energytaxincentives.org
See this article on WARM's Go Green Blog.
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It's Spring! Get Your Butts Out
Say what?!
In the UK, rain barrels are called 'Water Butts'. Since it's spring, it's time to get your rain barrels ready to collect those April showers that bring May flowers - oh, and save on your water bill. Set your barrel up under a gutter spout to collect rain water for outdoor usage.
Hook up a hose to green your lawn or grow a garden; marvel at the complimentary downspout diverter; drink in the beauty and convenience of having a personal reservoir (but please, don't actually drink the water).
Capturing and using rain water can save hundreds of gallons each season and show a noticeable difference on your water bill. A Teflon window screen fitted over the barrel opening will keep mosquitoes out. Check here for tips on setting up a rain barrel system at your house!
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In This Issue
Green Spring Cleaning
Toss out your aerosol spray cans, toxic surface cleaners & detergents, and dip your sponge in vinegar, a natural disinfectant & multi-purpose cleaner; use vinegar with baking soda to scour.
Use equal parts vinegar and water to clean your windows.
Add two teaspoons of olive oil to vinegar, shake in a recycled salad dressing bottle onto a clean soft towel, and you have a great wood furniture polish.
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How You Can Help
Each year WARM sees over 3,500 low-income residents who need energy assistance.
Through our educational workshops and home visits we teach people simple ways to reduce their energy costs.
We give each household two energy efficient light bulbs to get them started - they cost $4.35.
We estimate these light bulbs save residents more than $100 over the life of the bulbs.
We use high quality CFLs from TCP, Inc. - try your local hardware store or Michigan Interfaith Power and Light to order them.
If you've seen energy savings consider helping others have the same experience. Donate now to help a family.
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WARM Training Center
4835 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 894-1030
www.warmtraining.org
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