Go Green - Whidbey Green Guide 2013

WhidbeyGreenGuide

reduce • reuse • recycle • protect • preserve • restore

A special supplement to

Page 2 The Whidbey Island Green Guide • MAY 2013

A septic system is a delicate biological machine. It functions because of the actions of bacteria and properties of the soil. If not maintained, this biological machine could shut down- a very unpleasant and costly setback. Therefore it is crucial to care for your septic system by watching what goes down the drain, reducing water use, inspecting regularly, pumping when necessary and protecting your drain� eld and reserve areas.

• Do have your septic system inspected every three years if it is a conventional gravity system and annually for all other systems.

• Do take the FREE Septic 101 class online or in person from Island County Dept of Health.

• Do talk with a professional to see if your system would bene� t from having a � lter installed.

• Do spread wash cycles out over the week rather than washing many loads on one day.

• Do become familiar with the location of your septic system components.

• Do have your septic tank pumped out as needed.• Do use water-conserving devices. Low � ush toilets and

showers heads are commonly available.

• Do remove or prevent trees with large root systems growing near the disposal � eld.

• Do maintain grass over the disposal � eld to use some of the water and to prevent erosion.

• Do keep surface water runoff away from the disposal � eld.

• Do compost your kitchen waste. A garbage disposal/grinder will require you to have your tank pumped more often and may cause your system to fail prematurely.

• Do ensure you only supply your septic system with human waste to ensure proper function.

• DO NOT wait for signs of failure. Inspect your system regularly.

• Don’t pay $10,000.00 to $20,000.00 for a new system because of lack of maintenance.

• Don’t overload the system with high volumes of water. Septic systems require time for the solids to settle to the bottom or they may be � ushed into the drain� eld causing your system to fail.

• Don’t allow large amounts of fats, oils, grease, chemi-cals or solvents to enter the system.

• Don’t cover the tank or drain� eld with asphalt, concrete or any impermeable material.

• Don’t use any septic tank additives. They are not bene� -cial and even with additives, regular pumping of solids is

still required.• Don’t connect basement sump pumps to the on-site

system.• Don’t connect backwash from water treatment devices

directly to the on-site system without professional ad-vice.

• Don’t enter a septic tank without proper ventilation. Sewer gases can be fatal.

• Don’t allow vehicles or heavy equipment to drive over or park on the disposal � eld. This may compact the soil and crush the piping.

• Don’t put in a separate pipe to carry wash waters to a side ditch or woods.

Septic DOs and DON’Ts

DO NOT FLUSH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS INTO YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM:

• Coffee grounds • Paper towels • Disposable diapers • Tampons • Sanitary napkins • Pesticides • Cigarette butts • Condoms • Fats, grease and

oils • Paints • Disinfectants

• Varnishes • Photographic

chemicals • Waste oils • Pills and unused

medication • Poisons• Dental � oss • Medicine• Kitty litter • Paint Thinners

HOST—Homeowner Septic TrainingNOW available.

If you own a conventional gravity systemor a conventional pump system you may be able to become certi� ed to inspect your own onsite

sewage (septic) system.Attend Septic 101 to get started.

Classes are offered online or in person.

For more information go to:http://www.islandcountyeh.org/Page/105

Brought to you by Island County Public Health and a Grant from the WA State Dept of Health.

Island County Public Health • P.O. Box 5000, Coupeville, WA 98239 Phone: 360.679.7350; From So. Whidbey: 360.321.5111 x7350; From Camano: 360.629.4522 x7350

Page 3MAY 2013 • The Whidbey Island Green Guide

Anchorage Inn

Blue Goose Inn

Boomerang

Coupeville Chamber of Commerce

Chiropractic Zone

Ciao

Coupeville Natural

Honeymoon Bay Coffee Roaster

Island Transit

Northwest Granite and Flooring

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce

Paci� c Rim Institute

Puget Sound Energy

Greenhouse Florist

Sno-Isle Library

Whidbey Coffee

Whidbey Cleaners

Whidbey Sun and Wind

These Whidbey Green Seal Businesses actively implement

resource conservation measures, demonstrate a culture of environmental

awareness in their operational activities and practice social

responsibility in their community.

Visit www.sustainablewhidbey.org

to learn more about WHIDBEY GREEN SEAL

certi� cation and these organizations.

Shop Local.Eat Local.Be Local.

Creative GiftsWonderful BakeryFresh Smoothies

Yummy Ice CreamLocal ProduceSeasonal Treat

The Co-op’s organic Garden Center features seeds,

herbs and veggie starts, � ower starts, soil amendments,

and bouquets. For all your growing needs!

Open daily in downtown Mount Vernon

www.skagitfoodcoop.comA community-owned natural market since 1973

202 South First St., Mount Vernon • 360-336-9777

Solar Now 6

contents

Staff Publisher & executive editor

Keven R. Graves

General ManaGerLee Ann Mozes

editorMegan Hansen

coPy & PhotosMegan Hansen, Nathan Whalen

& contributed content

MarketinGKimberlly Winjum, Gail Rognan & Teri Mendiola

Production ManaGerMichelle Wolfensparger

creativeRebecca Collins & Leslie Vance

Additional copies of the Whidbey Green Guidecan be obtained by contacting:

WHIDBEY EXAMINER | 360-678-8060107 S. Main Street, Suite E101, Coupeville, WA 98239

www.whidbeyexaminer.com

On the COverEbey’s Reserve photo taken by Lorinda Kay

Community Energy 3Challenge

Green Seal 4

Anchorage Inn 5

Waste Reduction 8

Friendly Gardening 9

Efficient Appliances 10

Paper Waste 11

Homeowners and businesses can participate in an energy audit to help identify ways to save through a program organized by Sustainable Connections, the Opportunity Council and the Building Performance Center.

Town of Coupeville is currently publicizing the program, offering an overview in a recent utility newsletter.

“We have already completed 15 commercial energy audits here on Whidbey Island with a total annual savings estimated $3,970,” said Cathy d’Almeida, a consultant for the program. “This is from the early lighting projects. It is possible and likely that these businesses will see more savings as they implement more of the recommendations on their detailed reports.”

For business owners, there is no fee to participate.

The process starts with a walk-through of the facility, where all major appliances, the building envelope, and operational practices are examined and energy saving opportunities are identified.

The audit takes about an hour and a few days later the business owner is provided a report of customized recommendations.

CEC staff can assist in the process of completing them, including connecting

participants with rebates and financial incentives where applicable.

They also help with employee engagement and provide ongoing support and resources to help businesses make long term reductions in energy use.

Currently, the program is finding energy savings of 3-5 percent per business.

There are also funds to provide up to $1,500 of efficient lighting (CFLs and LEDs) at no cost to participants.

Sarah Richards, owner of Lavender Wind Farm in Coupeville, recently completed her audit.

The decision to participate, she said, was in her quest to be come a Whidbey Green Seal member.

“I’ve long been involved in the environmental community,” Richards said. “It’s always been a part of my lifestyle.”

As with many participants, the prospect of saving money is also an appeal.

“I’m doing a lot of things right already,” Richards said. “And I’m going to save a lot of money with changing to LED (lights).”

Richards said she already recycles at her business, while undergoing construction on her new building last year the right amount of insulation was installed as well as low flow water aerators in the hand-washing

stations.Richards already had plans to install

LED lights, but she said she was going to replace them as the old lights burned out.

She was able to utilize a grant through the program to have all the lights replaced at once.

The savings, she said, is almost $500 a year in energy costs.

Participation in the program for residential customers is a bit different.

As with the business side, a home energy assessment, during which a certified building analyst evaluates the current condition of the home, determining insulation levels, air leakage, heating and cooling system function, as well as any other potential energy losses.

Residential participants do have to pay for the program. Cost is $195.

A home energy advisor meets personally with each participant to explain the results and provide recommendations for improvement. CEC can also connect homeowners with financial incentives, a low-interest loan, qualified contractors to make the recommended repairs and provides 100 percent quality assurance on all work done through the program.

The residential portion of the program is just getting started on Whidbey, but the staff is trained and ready to go, d’Almeida said.

Join the challenge and saveWhidbey Island is taking the Community Energy Challenge, saving energy, money at the same time


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A Full Service Farm & Garden Centerwww.bayviewfarmandgarden.com

SR525 at Bayview Road • 360-321-6789

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By Melody KuschnereitThe Whidbey Green Seal

is a certificate program that publicly recognizes businesses and organizations that implement resource conservation measures, demonstrate a culture of environmental awareness in their operational activities, and practice social responsibility in their community.

Supporting local businesses means supporting local friends and families. It also means your sales tax stays local to benefit your community. Whidbey Green Seal businesses also take extra measures to conserve valuable resources and protect beautiful Whidbey Island.

There are more than 60 Whidbey Green Seal participants on the Island already. For the current list of Whidbey Green Seal participants, visit

SustainableWhidbey.org/directoryHere’s what some of the Whidbey

Green Seal participants are doing to build a more sustainable community:

Northwest Granite and Flooring has a water recycling system that allows them to utilize about 500 gallons of recycled water a day. They also donate materials to Hearts and Hammers and purchase Green Power from Puget Sound Energy.

Ciao uses local food whenever possible. From the second floor, customers can see where most of the food on their plate came from.

The South Whidbey Center of Senior Services of Island County has recently completed upgrading their lighting system. Using the PSE incentives, lighting was retrofitted throughout the building including nine offices, four meeting rooms,

the dining room and kitchen area, with low voltage, energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. They are looking forward to lower electricity bills in their future. SSIC is projected to save well over $2,300 a year.

Taproot Architects are transitioning our office to all-LED lighting, and continuing to reduce our footprint on all fronts.

St. Augustine’s in the Woods Episcopal Church provided clean up of Honeymoon Bay Road, including noxious weeds, in Fall 2013.

Best Friend’s Veterinary Center continues to reduce their useage of paper, water and their energy demand throughout the clinic. They replaced two very large windows with more energy efficient units.

Whidbey Playhouse has switched out many of the older stage lighting to the new LED lights. They are continuing to look for ways to improve their green imprint.

Midway Florist started using a computer routing system to route their deliveries as efficiently as possible. Their goal is still to get a hybrid delivery vehicle.

The Whidbey Institute has just completed an energy audit with Community Energy Challenge, and will establish several next-steps with them. They will also be encouraging all staff to sign up for a workplace CSA program.

Clifton View Homes builds “zero energy” homes. They are involved in teaching others how to perform in-depth energy audits of a much more comprehensive nature than those performed by PSE. Though their office was built in 2005, it exceeds current energy codes. All lighting throughout their development used T-8 tubes since 2001. All heating is hydronic. The buildings are passively heated and cooled.

Prairie Perks offers coffee grounds for local gardeners to take home. They also encourage the use of reusable cups with a $0.25 discount!

Wind and Tide Bookshop purchases green power from PSE. They also sell used books, which keeps second-hand books out of the landfill, and saves paper and resources.

For more information on the Whidbey Green Seal program, visit SustainableWhidbey.org or email [email protected]

Shop Green-Shop LocalJust bring your own bag, and look for the Whidbey Green Seal

Recycling, LED bulbs and more highlight conservation effortsBy Nathan WhalenStaff Reporter

With energy saving appliances, recycling and environmentally friendly detergents, the owners of Coupeville’s Anchorage Inn utilize a variety of conservation strategies to reduce waste and power consumption.

Their efforts at being good stewards of the environment make them perfect to participate in the Green Seal program offered by the Sustainable Whidbey Coalition. The Green Seal program is a way to recognize businesses, nonprofit organizations and taxpayer supported entities that implement conservation measures, institute a culture of environmental awareness and practice social responsibility, according to the Whidbey Green Seal website.

The Anchorage Inn is a seven-room bed and breakfast operating out of a Victorian-style home located on North Main Street about a block away from Coupeville’s historic downtown. It also operates the Calista Cottage, which is a house built in 1883 and stands next to the popular inn.

Anchorage Inn owner Dianne Binder is quick to highlight the measures that have been implemented at her bed and breakfast.

Light-emitting-diode bulbs were recently installed throughout her bed and breakfast. Binder said she hopes to see smaller power bills because the new bulbs use less electricity than their predecessors.

The Anchorage Inn also participates in a Puget Sound Energy

program where all of the power supplied will come from renewable energy sources such as wind.

Guests can choose to participate in a towel re-use program and they use environmentally friendly detergents and soaps whenever they stay at the Anchorage Inn, Binder said.

Off course she has always recycled, she said.

The bed and breakfast also has an Energy Star reared washer, dryer and freezer and low-flow nozzles have been installed on faucets..

Binder said the Anchorage Inn had been meeting similar requirements for a conservation program administered by the

Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild, so it seemed to be a good fit to apply to the Whidbey Green Seal.

Once they met the requirements of the Whidbey Green Seal program, She said its been worth the effort to participate.

Her power bill has declined since installing the low-power equipment. In addition, she has a faction of travelers that track her conservation efforts.

She has a Green Seal sticker that she places near the front door of the Anchorage Inn.

Nearly 60 organizations, including a church, numerous businesses and public entities such as Whidbey

General Hospital, participate in the Whidbey Green Seal program, according to information gleaned from the Whidbey Green Seal website.

People interested in participating in the Whidbey Green Seal have to fill out an 11-page application that includes completing a checklist. That checklist includes energy consumption, the types of electrical appliances, whether renewable energy is used, transportation habits and more.

For more information about the Whidbey Green Seal program, go to www.sustainablewhidbey.org/projects/greenseal


www.lavenderwind.com15 Coveland St., Coupeville, WA • 360-544-4132

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Anchorage Inn embraces Whidbey green seal

Nathan Whalen photo

Anchorage Inn owner Dianne Binder shows the light emitting diode bulb along with pointing at her Whidbey Green Seal recognition.


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File photo

Solar installations are popping up all over the island, including a community solar project that started in 2011 at Greenbank Farm.

By Megan HansenEditor

Whidbey Island residents will soon be producing more solar energy than ever before.

Whidbey’s Solar NOW campaign, ran by Central Whidbey’s own Whidbey Sun and Wind, yielded 20 new installation contracts for 128.9 kilowatts of power.

Of those 20, eight are in Central Whidbey, eight in South Whidbey and five in Oak Harbor.

With the new installations, enough electricity will be produced to power 10.5 average homes in our region, said Cathy d’Almeida, consultant for Whidbey Sun and Wind.

The contracts from the Whidbey Solar NOW program represent a 16 percent increase in the total number of net-meter installations on Whidbey Island and a 19 percent increase in the total kilowatt of solar PV installed, she said.

There are many benefits to converting to solar energy including cost savings and it’s

better for the environment.d’Almeida said the new solar

installations will help reduce green house gas emissions by 67 metiric tons, the equivalent of taking 12.4 cars off the road annually.

During the Solar NOW campaign, Whidbey Sun and Wind held workshops to help residents understand how solar energy works, the benefits and current cost incentives to participate this spring.

More than 120 people attended the presentations.

Right now Washington residents who install solar energy units at their home have several incentives to do so.

Installations are exempt from state sales tax until June 30. Also new installers get a 30 percent federal tax credit.

The company also receives tax credits that are then passed down to the customer.

Whidbey residents make use of solar incentives

Cathy d’Almeida photo

Sarah Richards shows off the new solar installation at her home that also serves her lavender business.

Continued on page 7

New contracts under Solar NOW program to help reduce green house gas emissions

MAY 2013 • The Whidbey Island Green Guide Page 7

Give us a call 360.678.7131 www.whidbeysunwind.com

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While the sunlight is stronger and the days are longer, stock up on energy savings for winter. Summer solar power production is high so you can put power back into the grid and build up credit against your winter bills. Take advantage of low component prices, and federal & state incentives.

Join Whidbey Sun & Wind in celebrating the success of our SOLAR NOW program. This program brought 20 new PV systems and more than 136 Mwh per year of clean, renewable energy production to Whidbey Island.

Whidbey Sun & Wind staff is ready to work with you to design a custom solar PV system to meet your energy needs.

Sarah Richards, who operates a lavender farm from her home just North of Coupeville, was the first person to complete an installation under the Solar Now campaign.

“I’d been wanting to put in wind and solar at the farm for a while,” Richards said.

Her property wasn’t quite right for installing wind energy, she said, but solar would work.

“The time with solar was perfect,” she said.

Customers generally see an 8-15 percent return on investments.

It usually takes 8-12 years to get money back after that it’s free energy.

Richards said she anticipates her power bill dropping to nothing by the end of the year.

But it’s not just about cost savings for Richards, it’s about building a stronger energy system.

“By using solar you’re not only using a reusable source, but diversifying the system,” she said.

The first two solar hookups in Puget Sound Energy’s system were started in 1999 on Whidbey Island.

Currently more than 100 businesses and homes on Whidbey Island are connected on the solar grid with PSE.

For more information go to www.whidbeysunwind.com/

From page 6

Solar Now

File photo

The first array of solar panels was installed at Greenbank Farm in 2011. The solar trend continues throughout the island, especially since Whidbey Sun and Wind launced its Solar NOW campaign aimed at using federal incentives on new solar projects.


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Design-Build Homes today need to accommodate active lifestyles, home offices and include flexible spaces. Having the design-build team at Cascade working together ensures your home will be designed and constructed to meet your individual needs, lifestyle and budget. We handle the entire process for you from site preparation, permits, floor plan design, construction, interior finishes and product selection.

Let’s get started on your dream living spaces, call us today to set up a complimentary conceptual meeting.

“Our Cascade Project Manager took ‘ownership’ of our remodel. His ‘pride in ownership’ shows

throughout the competed project. Cascade’s team was responsive, efficient and always professional.”

The White Family

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Home Renovations As a design-build company we offer valuable insight and direction on how to best utilize the spaces you intend to renovate. We work closely with you from the beginning to determine the most cost-effective options and determine if any materials may be salvaged and re-used.

Design-Build Homes today need to accommodate active lifestyles, home offices and include flexible spaces. Having the design-build team at Cascade working together ensures your home will be designed and constructed to meet your individual needs, lifestyle and budget. We handle the entire process for you from site preparation, permits, floor plan design, construction, interior finishes and product selection.

Let’s get started on your dream living spaces, call us today to set up a complimentary conceptual meeting.

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Courtesy photo

Former Waste Wise volunteer Robin Corum maintains a compost bin.

Compost your way to less household waste

Courtesy photo

Volunteer Melissa Russell examines the contents of a compost bin. WSU Extension has three places on Whidbey that have demonstration compost bins.

By Nathan WhelanStaff Reporter

While recycling is a popular way to reduce household waste, there is something else the environmentally conscious can do to reduce waste in their homes.

They can start composting yard and food waste that can be used to fortify gardens and plants in addition to efforts recycling.

Janet Hall, coordinator for Waste Wise — operated by WSU Extension, noted there are three places throughout Whidbey Island where folks interested in composting can get a first-hand look at how to build a compost bin: The Oak Harbor Public Works facility on 16th Avenue, Fort Casey State Park and the Good Cheer community garden on South Whidbey Island.

For food items, everything except meat and dairy can be placed in the compost bin. Meat will become rancid and will attract rodents, Hall said.

For yard waste, Hall recommended people avoid composting blackberry bushes and diseased plants.

She offered a simple rule in deciding what yard waste to throw in the bin.

“If you don’t want it in your garden, you don’t want it in your compost,”

Hall said. She added that

residents living in apartments can have a small compost bin in their home. The can use the compost for hoyusehold plants and it could also be a gift for any friends they may have who are garden enthusiasts.

The Waste Wise programs promotes the idea of “Reduce, reuse and recycle.”

Although Island County recently put the kibosh on a short-lived curbside recycling program, there are several self-haul locations on Whidbey Island for people to drop off recyclables provided they are willing to sort and haul it.

The recycling centers on Whidbey Island will also accept such electronic equipment as computers, laptops, televisions, monitors and e-readers free of charge.

She also offered several suggestions to help a homeowner reduce household clutter. When tackling a home improvement project, she suggested someone might consider renting equipment rather than purchasing and storing something that won’t be often used.

She also suggested people consider using canvas bags instead of accumulating more plastic bags.

Hall also gave a plug for the great thrift stores that are thriving on Whidbey Island, which is a good place to donate unused clothes.

She said items donated to the thrift stores shouldn’t be torn. Another place to drop off unwanted clothes is the blue Northwest Center bins.

For more information about Waste Wise programs and ideas about how to reduce household waste, go to www.county.wsu.edu/island/Pages/default.aspx or call Hall at 360-678-7974.

(StatePoint) Spring is here, which means it’s time to slip those green thumbs into some gardening gloves.

And if you want to feel truly good about what you grow, consider upgrading your garden to be more planet-friendly.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Grow Your Own DinnerGrow the vegetables, herbs and

flowers that you would normally purchase for your dinner and floral arrangements.

Local is more sustainable because it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport. And you can’t get more local than your own backyard!

Encourage PollinationPollination is crucial for

agricultural production and the health of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, many pollinating insects are highly susceptible to environmental changes and have in recent years, suffered major population decline.

You can help local pollinators thrive by planting a variety of native species of varying colors and shapes and reducing your use of pesticides.

Be Bird-FriendlyNo garden is truly complete

without regular visits from birds. Encourage flying visitors by installing a feeder and bird bath.

According to a study published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology, billions of birds die annually worldwide from collisions with windows. So if you are going to send out the mass invite to these beautiful creatures, don’t forget to make it hazard-free for their arrival.

Without affecting the appearance of your home, you can make your windows safer for birds by applying static-cling decals. To create a complete visual barrier, consider filling in the gaps between decals with UV Liquid dots which are invisible to humans, but visible to birds.

CompostBy composting, you will not only reduce your home’s overall waste, you’ll

also create a rich soil that can be used in your garden to cultivate plants naturally.

Be careful what you compost, however. Sawdust from chemically treated wood, diseased plants and even walnuts, when composted, can create soil that’s hazardous to both plants and people.

This spring, make your garden the envy of the neighborhood for more than just its beauty. With a few easy tweaks, you can reduce your family’s waste and create a safe haven for birds and pollinators.


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How to make your garden more environmentally friendly

Contributed photos

Above: Protecting chickadees and other birds from window collisions is one way to make your garden more earth-friendly. Below: Grow your own vegetables and herbs to help reduce your carbon footprint.


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(StatePoint) Whether you are motivated to help the planet or simply want to slash home energy and water bills, there are easy steps to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Today more than ever, we see the environmental impact we have on our communities by the choices we make daily — from the food we eat to the way we run our homes. While it’s easy to pretend these choices don’t matter, it’s even easier to take steps to live more sustainably and feel good about it, says Brett Beitzel, a brand manager at Amana, a household appliances manufacturer focused on encouraging consumers to reduce their carbon footprints.

There are several places in your home where you can take small steps toward a smaller carbon footprint.

KitchenBecome more aware of what you put in your

shopping basket. Include more locally — and organically-grown and raised produce and meat in your diet. Avoid overly-packaged products and eat sustainably caught or farmed fish. These choices are often healthier, too.

You can also make a substantial impact by replacing your old refrigerator with a newer energy-saving model. Compared to pre-2000 models, newer refrigerators can use up to 41 percent less energy. As one of the few appliances that run constantly, that means a lot of energy

and cost savings.Luckily, environmentally conscious home

appliance manufacturers are going above the Department of Energy’s current usage guidelines by making energy efficiency a priority with newer models.

You can also find efficient dishwashers that save water and energy. But even with a newer

model, you’ll want to be sure you’re only running the machine when full. For maximum savings, look for Energy Star qualified models on all appliances.

GarageCars that don’t

have properly inflated tires account for a 10 percent increase on fuel costs. Check tire pressure regularly to ensure optimum performance. And tune up your bike so you can

use it more often.Unfortunately, the garage is also where many

send their old refrigerators to store extra soda. Research shows that 10 million refrigerators cost consumers an average of $1.62 billion yearly in energy costs. For a cool move, make all your refrigerators energy efficient.

Laundry RoomThe way you launder your clothes can impact

local waterways. Look for eco-friendly detergents and opt for the concentrated form to reduce plastic consumption. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and don’t leave them in the dryer longer than necessary.

Consider replacing your washer and dryer with newer energy-saving models. Not only may this qualify you for rebates from state or local utility companies, your water savings and energy savings will add up. Front load washing machines are great choices, as conventional top-load washing machines built before 2004 use 81 percent more energy and 77 percent more water than some newer models.

You can learn more about how to save energy and money by using eco-friendly appliances at www.Amana.com

Easy ways to save energy at home: appliances


Simple WAYS to takebetter care of your planetSimple WAYS to takebetter care of your planet

Switching the way you light your home will save money

and energy. A compact fluorescent light bulb uses 66 percent less electricity

than an incandescent light bulb and lasts ten times longer.

When you’re ready to swap in new CFL buLbs, Ace Hardware carries

hundreds of shapes, colors, transparencies and wattages

for all your lighting needs!

360.679.3533150 SE Pioneer Way • Oak Harbor

CHAnge ligHt bulbs

Cycling or walking is good for our planet and our health. Using public

transportation is another alternative

to consider.

use publiC trAnsportAtion, wAlk, or CyCle

Bicycle Sales and Service. Free trail and road maps.

31780 Hwy 20Oak Harbor

360.279.8919www.bicyclesnorthwest.com

Of all your household appliances, the refrigerator uses the most electricity.

Adjusting the thermostat of your fridge to between 2° and 3° C

and the freezer to between -18° and -15° C will have a big impact.

Adjust tHerefrigerAtortHermostAt

31600 State Rte. 20Oak Harbor, WA 98277

360-675-50201-800-679-3878

www.broadviewappliance.com

Ensuring that your tires are always inflated to the right

pressure enables you to reduce gas consumption by at least 3 percent. An extra 74 litres of

gas is consumed every year if just one tire is 20

percent under-inflated.

CHeCktire pressure

Open Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm

105 Coveland StreetCoupeville

360.678.1746Marty & Juanita Robinett

If everyone is the US who washes their own car took just one visit

to the car wash, we could save nearly 8.7 billion gallons of

water each year.

tAke your CAr to tHe CAr wAsH

436 NE Midway BlvdOak Harbor

(360) 675-3400

Woody's Car Wash

Locally Owned and Locally Operated

The average North American family uses 1,000 plastic

bags every year, 80 percent of which come from food

stores. Taking your own bags considerably reduces the

amount of disposablebags used.

PRAIRIE CENTERMon-Sat 7aM-9pM • Sun 8aM-9pM

408 S. MainCoupeville, Wa

(360) 678-5611 pcredapple.com

tAke yourown bAgs

(StatePoint) Want to go green? One great area to focus on this year is reducing, reusing and recycling the paper waste you generate.

Americans alone use about 71 million tons of paper a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

But with a few tweaks to the daily routine, people can reduce their contributions to this problem. Here are some key ways to eliminate paper clutter:

ReduceWhether you’re looking to live more

sustainably, or simply want a tidier desk, you’re in luck — new tools are making it easier to organize more of life digitally.

For example, a new free tool for saving and organizing your online life called Clipboard, almost completely eliminates the need for a printer. By saving and sharing content online, you can ditch paper travel itineraries, boarding passes, schedules, recipes, check lists, book lists, articles and more, while preserving the visual look, feel and style of the original item. It even includes links and videos.

Services like Clipboard are growing in popularity for good reason. It surpassed 100,000 registered users in December 2012, yielding an average month-over-month growth rate of 40 percent for 15 months since its private beta launch in October of 2011.

Clipboard makes it easier to organize valuable

content — cutting down significantly on traditional paper methods and ensuring all vital information is safely organized all in one place, said Gary Flake, CEO and founder of Clipboard. Using a service like Clipboard is an extremely quick and easy way to go green. More information on how to organize, collaborate and share online can be found at www.Clipboard.com

ReuseWe can’t control all the paper that

enters our homes and workplaces. From junk mail to flyers to memos, we can make better use of the paper waste created by others. Reuse all the junk as scrap paper. Keep a stack by your telephone and bedside to quickly jot down thoughts and notes.

If you’re crafty, consider repurposing excess paper into useful and decorative objects. From origami to wrapping paper to gifts, source your own imagination or get ideas online for ways to reuse excess paper.

RecycleProducing recycled paper takes 40 percent

less energy than producing paper from virgin wood pulp, according to Keep America Beautiful (KAB). And while KAB statistics show that paper

recycling is on the rise, Americans still threw away $2.8 billion worth of paper in 2010.

While you may already be doing the right thing, you can encourage your colleagues and family to follow suit by making recycling as easy as possible for them. Install clearly-labeled recycling bins anywhere paper waste is generated. By the mail center, under each desk and anywhere there is a regular waste basket. Spread the word about the benefits of recycling by sharing these impressive statistics and other tips you can find at www.kab.org

Tips to reduce paper waste in the office and home

For more details call:

Save Energy in Your Home!Save Energy in Your Home!

Choose local businesses taking action for a healthy community. The CEC is proud to support local contractors!

SIGN UP TODAY!SIGN UP TODAY!

The Community Energy Challenge has helped over 1,000 homes and 250 businesses in Western Washington identify opportunities to make energy and money saving upgrades. Now, this successful program is available to Whidbey Island residents!

Improve your home with the One-Stop-Shop!• Sign up for a full home energy assessment

• Receive a comprehensive report prioritizing your energy upgrade opportunities

• Choose cost-effective projects: insulation, air sealing, furnace replacements, & more!

• Work with top contractors and receive 100% quality assurance

• Access cash incentives totalling up to 30% of project costs in addition to utilities rebates

866-444-5028or visit

www.communityenergychallenge.org

Documents

Go Green - Whidbey Green Guide 2013