Energy Film - Kilowatt Ours

Highly recommend this film if you are interested in "big coal," the impact of mountain-top destruction by coal mines, and how one family can really cut their energy use.

http://www.kilowattours.org/

“Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America,” an award-winning film about energy conservation was shown at the Franklin Public Library, on Wednesday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m. The program was co-sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library and the Franklin Area Climate Team. The film focuses on how ordinary citizens can take an active role in energy conservation and provides simple solutions that result in health, money and environment-saving measures.

Kilowatt Ours is an inspirational and enlivening film that demonstrates how easy it is to conserve energy that is produced from traditional sources as well as the many ways the average consumer can easily become part of the renewable energy revolution.

“Kilowatt Ours” was chosen as an official selection of the 2008 United Nations Association Film Festival. from environmentalist and filmmaker Jeff Barrie that has sparked a word of mouth sensation, spreading the message of hope and inspiration. With occasional whimsical zest, the film shares how simple changes such as switching incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, using energy star appliances, installing adequate insulation and locating and sealing leaks in air duct systems can have significant results. These changes can result in hundreds of dollars saved on home energy annually, millions of dollars in savings for businesses and communities, as well as dramatically reduced carbon footprints.

“The film provides simple energy saving ideas for homes, businesses and schools that significantly lower utility bills,” said the film’s maker, Jeff Barrie. “With rising energy costs and the potential environmental impact, this is an important and timely issue.”

Barrie asks film subjects if they know where their energy comes from – few are aware that over 50% of our power in the U.S. comes from coal, amounting to more than 5 tons of coal burned annually to provide electricity for the average American home. Personalizing the film’s message, Barrie turns the tables on himself and takes viewers along as he and his wife take steps to reduce energy use in their own home. The film features other stories of individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities that are foregoing traditional forms of energy and encouraging conservation, promoting energy efficiency, reducing waste, buying renewable power and saving money.

Flickr Pool for Metacomet Land Trust!

We now have a Flickr photo sharing group for photos of Metacomet Land Trust's open space properties and our events! If you're on Flickr - check it out and share your shots!

Metacomet Land Trust Flickr Pool

We've just announced a photo contest and invite you to visit our properties this year and submit your favorite scenes from our open space land! Come at least once in each season - a category for winter, spring, summer and fall - plus a special category for members!

While you're on Flickr, check out the pool I've set up for the Taunton River watershed also!!

The Truth Hurts

FACT Yahoo Group

FACT members have set up a Yahoo group to help each other stay in touch as we plan for activities in the fall.

If you would like to become a member of our Yahoo group, email the group admin, Dan, and ask for the link!

We have lots of good ideas for local action to reduce energy use, switch to clean energy options, and help others learn about climate change and global warming.

In the meantime, check out Mass Climate Action!

Earth Day in Franklin

"A Hug for Mother Earth"
Many Thanks to the 300+ Volunteers
at Franklin's Earth Day

We were swamped by so many people who came to help clean up our town, plant spring flowers and learn new ways of protecting the environment!

Please participate again next year!

If you have ideas about how to make Earth Day even better, or would like to help plan the event so that we are prepared for as many people who want to help, please contact Ryan Jette at the Franklin Recreation Department or Denise Zambrowski at the Department of Public Works. A committee will begin to organize in January of 2009!

Thanks also to the many, many sponsoring groups and businesses this year so far include Franklin Teen Girl Scouts, the Franklin Momʼs Clubs, the Franklin Recycling Committee, Franklin Area Climate Team, Drums for One and All, Hillside Nurseries, Franklin Tile-Carpet One, Signs by Cam, Comprehensive Environmental Inc., CDM, Malcolm-Pirnie, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Stop & Shop, Entenmann's, Domino's Pizza, Metcalf Materials, Aubuchon Hardware, Garelick Farms, Whole Foods, Panera Bread, the Franklin Department of Public Works, Franklin Recreation, and my own organization, Metacomet Land Trust.