Momentum growing for local energy

After coasting for decades off of cheap, yet environmentally degrading fossil fuels, a movement toward more sustainable, Earth-conscious energy practices has been gaining momentum. Our march toward Sustainable September continues this month with a look at local energy. While Spokane may not at first glance seem to be synonymous with sustainability, new and innovative alternatives are springing up like Johnny Jump-ups. From Community-Minded Enterprises’ Biodiesel Project to Avista’s every little bit” program, to the soon-to-open “values-driven retail business” here, project coordinator Shallan Dawson explained that this newcomer to the soils of the Inland NW requires far less cultivation, irrigation, and herbicide than the conventional biodiesel crop – thus translating to lower diesel prices at the pump. The program’s goal is to integrate the entire seed-to-market cycle into the local economy. By constructing a regional triangle composed of local farmers, processors, and consumers, a truly sustainable community is fostered. The end result is a bolstered, self-sufficient economy with a lessened dependence on finite, environmentally degrading petroleum products. With biofuels rank high as a macro-solution, there remains the issue of how individuals can make an everyday difference. Many in the Spokane area express the sincere desire to learn about concrete steps that can be taken to affect a positive change. The question, “What can I do right now to help?” probably best encapsulates the public’s eager, yet uncertain mindset concerning all that is sustainable, green and renewable. Chris Drake of Avista explained that from renewables to greater efficiency measures, there are lots of ways to reduce costs while saving the planet. “Whether they want to put in solar, or a small wind turbine, whether they want to off-set their own energy with net metering, or sell power back;” no matter the level of commitment, the options are on the table. Avista’s “every little bit” program serves as a gateway for those curious about sustainable energy services such as incentives for replacing old appliances, low-income assistance in retrofitting homes, or an online home energy use audit to fully analyze how much energy you use and what you use it on. The key, Drake asserted, is to use energy wisely. Checking the seals around windows and utilizing a programmable thermostat are examples of steps that are often-overlooked. Other common culprits of unseen energy consumption are those older appliances which languish their final days away in the guest room or the garage. While they seem only to benignly sit and collect dust, when left plugged in, they can put a slow drain on your electric bill and also contribute to climate change. The International Energy Agency estimates that stand-by, or phantom power, produces 1% of the world’s carbon dioxide emission (air travel accounts for slightly less than 3%). While the heightened attention given to the issues surrounding energy use has vaulted subjects like sustainability into the American consciousness, the influx has also brought about a negative reaction in what many see as technology beyond their means. As Juliet Sinisterra, founder of Sun People Dry Goods Co., explained, citizens are faced with numerous road blocks during their quests towards greenness. On the chance that you find a place other than online to buy carbon-easy products, accessing the basic education for their proper use and installation can be next to impossible. With the soft opening of Sun People Dry Goods Co. scheduled to coincide with Sustainable September activities, the Spokane public will soon have one-stop shop for all those sought-after sustainable products. Sinisterra said that while there will be cool items like rain barrels, sun ovens, and permaculture tools, she hoped for the store to inevitably be a resource for the Spokane community. “We are really trying to create behavioral change in people’s lifestyles,” she said. For those seeking edible plants, the store will have a green garden center. Looking for organic bedding? Sun People will have a natural home center as well. But what really sets the place apart is the fact that staff members will bring a level of expertise to each position. Whether trained in organic gardening, or energy conservation, competent staff will make it assured that customers will walk away with useful products and the knowledge behind the utility. Sinisterra said that the store will provide workshops on subjects such as ‘How to live ecologically,’ while also offering training for the usage of products. CME’s Sustainable September and its many programs focusing on sustainability and energy use serve as a virtual arena of innovative ideas wherein willing citizens of Spokane will seek to reshape their behavioral patterns. The greatest boon to the sustainability movement is the public’s deeper understanding of its issues. In learning about the inherent benefits in the use of renewables or the cost cutting to be had through greater efficiency measures, citizens will discover that the soft energy path to sustainability not only fosters environmental stewardship, but also stimulates the local economy and promotes energy independence.