S.A.V.E. News & Events

Lewis and Clark County to Open a New Landfill

2011-12-12T16:27:00.003-07:00

The newest landfill is dubbed Phase 3, part of a six phase plan to develop the county's landfill out on Deal Lane. The newest addition is 8.9 acres and approximately 40-50 feet deep. In total, the life expectancy of the landfill in total will be approximately 75 years thanks to innovations in storage techniques and technologies, such as impermeable liners and drainage systems. Along with waste storage, other businesses stand to profit from the new addition, including the glass pulverizing machinery run by Headwaters Recycling Cooperative and a tire recycling business. For more information, check out the Helena IR's write-up.

Upcoming Energy Savers Workshop!

2011-11-28T15:51:00.002-07:00

If you would like to learn tips and tricks to help you save on utilities this season, join us this December 13 as the National Center for Appropriate Technologies hosts its Home Energy Savers Workshop at the Lewis and Clark Library from 6-8 p.m. It is free to the public, and requires a simple registration, which can be found here.

Bike Trails Improve Property Values

2011-11-01T10:23:00.002-06:00

An interesting article in The Atlantic this week shows once again that local recreation trails improve surrounding property values and make an area more desirable to live in, despite often being the first programs to have their budgets cut.

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2011/10/how-much-bike-trail-worth/382/

This has some really interesting implications for Helena. The revamped Centennial Trail shows promise, spanning the length of the city from east to west. It not only provides recreational opportunities through multiple neighborhoods, but serves as a transit corridor for residents to get to and from work. Furthermore, it would be interesting to survey the value that local residents put on the trail and try to establish a monetary worth, such as what happened in the article(even though putting a dollar amount on inherent or intangible value is a poor indicator of value).

Frenchtown Mill west of Missoula going green!!

2011-09-07T13:16:00.001-06:00

Check out this article about making the Frenchtown Mill green in the future:

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110906/NEWS01/109060312/Frenchtown-Mill-gets-green-makeover

Pacific Steel and Recycling of Helena supports community events such as the Plastics Drives, Erase Your E-Waste, and Trash For Trees!

2011-09-07T13:14:00.002-06:00

Check out this article about Pacific Steel and Recycling:

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110904/BUSINESS/109040304/Pacific-Steel-Recycling-cultivates-future-leaders-from-within?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

Cycling and the Art of Moving In

2011-08-26T09:34:00.002-06:00

The school year has started once again, but this time there's been a new take on moving in. One that involves bicycles! Check it out:

http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/education/article_839f5f5c-ceac-11e0-b41d-001cc4c002e0.html

Green Roars On...

2011-08-22T13:38:00.001-06:00

Check out Carroll College's new great steps towards sustainability and being green!!

CARROLL’S GREEN MACHINE ROARS ON

In the spirit of cost savings and our institutional commitment to sustainability, the 2011/2012 Carroll College Catalog will no longer be a printed paper document and is all online at: http://www.carroll.edu/academics/catalog/index.cc. It’s easy to use and navigate—check it out!

And, in more green news—this time on the “buy local” front—our campus food service provider Sodexo has instituted its Better Tomorrow Plan (http://www.carrolldining.com/sustainability/index.html) and as part of it has taken reps out in the field to tour the Wheat Montana Organic Wheat Field and bakery. As a result, Sodexo will be using Wheat Montana flour in Sodexo’s homemade pizza dough offered on campus. Sodexo has also switched to using some Wheat Montana breads and buns, plus the Wheat Montana 7-Grain Hot Cereal will be worked into the menu at the Campus Center STAC.

Way to go Carroll College!!! Read more at www.carroll.edu

Cycling Educator Brings Guidance to Helena

2011-08-18T14:21:00.002-06:00

Mighk Wilson, a professional cyclist and educator from Orlando, Florida brought his vision and know-how to Helena to help guide the city's cyclist-friendly development.

http://helenair.com/news/cycling-safety-educator-gives-tips-for-bikers-in-helena/article_ec6f7790-c3e1-11e0-8785-001cc4c002e0.html

Check out this Article About how you can stop wasting water to save energy!

2011-08-11T10:34:00.001-06:00

http://www.grist.org/list/2011-08-04-want-to-save-energy-stop-wasting-water1

Saving Energy and Conserving Water

2011-08-05T13:01:00.002-06:00

Check out this article in the Scientific American Journal about how saving energy means conserving water for the US!

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-saving-energy-means-conserving-water

Helena Expands Recycling!!

2011-07-26T13:51:00.001-06:00

Check out this article with Beartooth NBC about Helena expanding recycling:

http://www.beartoothnbc.com/news/helena/8909-helena-expands-recycling.html

Gray Water Reuse in Missoula!!

2011-07-25T10:48:00.001-06:00

Check out this article about gray water reuse in Missoula:

http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/27512025/detail.html

45,000 Pounds of E-Waste Kept out of Butte Landfill

2011-06-30T12:31:00.002-06:00

Check out this article in the Montana Standard:

http://www.mtstandard.com/news/local/article_de71f774-9c79-11e0-8290-001cc4c03286.html

Value of Solar Power Far Exceeds Its Cost

2011-06-28T12:11:00.000-06:00

Solar power has a monetary value as much as 10 times higher than its energy value, thanks to its ability to reduce peak demand on the transmission and distribution system, hedge against fuel price increases, and enhance grid and environmental security.

Read more at http://www.grist.org/solar-power/2011-06-23-value-of-solar-power-far-exceeds-its-cost

Gray Water Reuse featured in Montana Water News

2011-06-24T13:36:00.001-06:00

Check out this article about Gray Water Reuse in Montana featuring our S.A.V.E. Vista, Marie Phillips!

http://water.montana.edu/mwnewsletter/archives/newsletter_11_06.htm

Free Biodiesel Workshop!

2011-05-17T08:55:00.002-06:00

Montana State University Northern's Bio-Energy Center will be hosting a free biodiesel workshop on May 28th from 9am to 5pm at Salish Kootenai College. Attendees will learn about the chemistry of biodiesel production, lab scale biodiesel production, and will see a biodiesel demonstration. Anyone who is interested is welcome and registration is free!

To register contact:
Charmel Gillin
(406) 275-4968
charmel_gillin@skc.edu

Recycling Business Booming in California

2011-05-10T09:18:00.001-06:00

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The recycling business is booming in California, and consumers are recycling at a rate of 82 percent which is the highest in the nation.

It’s not how most people want to spend their Friday afternoon – lugging and dumping their trash at a recycling center, but this is how people like Warren survive.

“I was working as a network hardware engineer for nine years,” says Warren.

After getting laid off this nicely dressed, well-educated single dad realized dumpster diving was one of the few ways he could put food on the table for his girls.

“Every little bit adds up, digging through garbage cans isn’t fun bit you do what you gotta do,” explains Warren.

Now he earns $40 a week, and Warren is not alone.

According to Cal Recycle, a record number of people are saying, “we’ve already bought the soda, so instead of just throwing it away, why not recycle it and make $2 a pound?”

From laid-off professionals to college students, a record number of Californians are cashing in on recycled cans and bottles, and they couldn’t have picked a better time. Sites like recycling industries are paying more for aluminum than they ever have before.

Read more at http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2011/05/06/recycling-business-booming-in-ca-unlikely-people-cashing-in/

Earth Day Events

2011-04-21T11:39:00.000-06:00

S.A.V.E. Concert and Fundraiser Party!

Help S.A.V.E. celebrate another year of recycling and environmental conservation efforts.
April 22nd ~ 6:00-8:00pm ~ fourOsix (318 North Last Chance Gulch)

Environmental Discovery Days

Join the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at this annual event to learn how you can Become the Difference when it comes to environmental stewardship. Website. PDF Flier.
April 28th ~ 9:00am-1:30pm ~ Capitol Building North Lawn (or Rotunda)

Helena Selected for U.S. EPA's Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program

2011-04-05T09:52:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released their list of 32 locations that have been selected to receive assistance for sustainable community planning efforts. Helena was one of them! They will be performing a walking audit in Helena to assess the "pedestrian environment" and develop a vision for improvements to sidewalks and streets. This is one step closer to creating a more walkable and less car dependent Helena.

Other communities selected will have assistance with sustainable land use audits, smart growth zoning, using smart growth to produce economic health, complete streets, sustainable design, and water quality.

NEW AmeriCorps VISTA Position with SAVE!!

2011-03-30T10:30:00.003-06:00

In an effort to continually provide for and meet the needs of the Helena community, S.A.V.E. has developed a new project to address public transit and non-motorized & alternative transportation in the area. Our AmeriCorps VISTA project has been approved and we are now accepting applications. To apply please see our posting: S.A.V.E. Foundation - Transportation - MLSA -2011 on the Americorps.gov website and create an AmeriCorps application.

Thank you, and we are extremely excited for this new project!

Clever Ways to Reuse Your Refuse

2011-03-02T13:23:00.004-07:00

Rethink what you call garbage the next time you're throwing away your trash. Jennifer McGahan, a former Billings native and Montana State University student, has started a business in Sidney by creating art pieces and fashion accessories out of material that most people would just throw away. McGahan has created everything from purses, children's clothing, satchels, notebooks, baskets, bracelets and more. Every piece she creates is one-of-a kind work of art.

Jennifer produces her works with materials that she finds in her community everyday. Her coworkers have even started collecting their own trash to see if she can find something useful from it. From old cross-stitching projects, scrap quilting fabric, dog food bags, broken glass, cigarette butts and more, McGahan finds uses for much of what she comes across while searching through others trash, giving it a second life instead of going to a landfill. McGahan is currently stocking up her projects, she is looking to launch her own website. She will also have a craft booth at a local community market 'Art in the Park' this summer to sell her wares.

For more information on the original article: http://billingsgazette.com/business/article_d9aafe6f-ad12-5b4d-acf1-37c8508b131d.html?mode=story

S.A.V.E. Update: March Plastics Drive; Montana Students; Legislative News; Recycling boost for Helena Renters; Trash for Trees and more

2011-02-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

S.A.V.E. Update: March Plastics Drive; Montana Students; Legislative News; Recycling boost for Helena Renters; Trash for Trees and more

Plastics Drive ~ March 11-14

Our March plastics recycling drive will be March 11-14 from 8am to 6pm each day at 1100 N. Last Chance Gulch (YMCA Parking Lot). We will be collecting type 1 clear bottles (soda bottles), type 1 clear trays (no, black please), type 2 jugs (milk jugs), and type 2 colored bottles (laundry detergent bottles). Please remove all caps, rinse bottles, and sort before arriving. If you need assistance volunteers will be available to help. The community partnership for this event is made possible by the City of Helena, City-County Sanitation, Pacific Steel & Recycling, and General Services of the State of Montana with additional support from Carroll College, Campus Corps, A-1 Rental, and the Montana Beverage Association.

S.A.V.E. in the 2011 Session

HB 594, a bill to incorporate pulverized glass and reclaimed asphalt and concrete into highway construction passed the Montana House on Thursday with a 77-21 vote. The bill will now be transmitted to the Montana Senate.

SB 265, a bill to establish a tax abatement for new residential construction that includes gray water systems, has been heard in Senate Taxation Committee and will probably be voted on next week.

Visit our legislative page to learn more about these bills and contacting your legislators.

Student Section

The second annual Montana Environmental Students Association (MESA) summit will be held March 4-6 at Carroll College, here in Helena. This is a great opportunity for students to network with others from across the state on environmental issues. For more information, please visit Savemobile.org/MESA or visit the Facebook Event Page. If you are attending or work at any colleges around the state, please download a flier from our website and post them around campus.

The “Green Honors” program at Carroll College is now an official program! There are at least 10 students applying to be graduated with green honors this year. They have been working hard in the Environmental Practicum class to develop criteria for the program to be implemented in the years to come. Congratulations to the class of students who have developed this program!

Carroll College will also be the first in Montana to become a “Tree USA” Campus for their effective management of on campus trees, and their commitment to fostering healthy urban forests. There will be a celebration at Carroll on April 29th in honor of this achievement.

Recycling in Helena for Renters

Currently, you need a transfer station permit to be able to take recycling to the transfer station free of charge, which was only available to homeowners. Now, renters in a 4-plex or smaller within the city limits are eligible to get a recycling permit for their household recyclables!

Permits can be picked up at the City Transfer Station between 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday-Friday. Bring proof of residency (i.e. power bill, water bill, cable bill, etc) to get a permit.

Questions please call the City of Helena at 447-8086. Details about the Transfer Station are available at the city page or S.A.V.E.’s Helena Recycling Guide.

Trash for Trees ~ April 16th ~ Global Youth Service Day!
The spring Trash for Trees drive will be held on April 16th which also happens to be Global Youth Service Day. Items collected include newspapers, magazines, glass, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, and type 1 and 2 plastics, as well as cell phones, printer cartridges, and rechargeable batteries. For more information please visit our Trash for Trees Page. This is a great opportunity for youth to get involved in volunteering in the community, please contact us for more information about volunteering!

Please Donate

S.A.V.E. is a local, effective advocate for recycling and environmental stewardship in Helena and in Montana with on the ground efforts and cutting edge legislative policy. Please take this time to become a member and support our efforts. Visit http://www.savemobile.org/donate.shtml
to print a membership form or donate online.

Support Recycling in Montana with House Bill 594!

2011-02-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I have good news to share. HB 594, which adds recycled materials into highway projects, has passed out of committee yesterday with bipartisan support. Now the bill goes to the House floor. Please take a moment to contact the legislators in your area to let them know you would appreciate their support of this legislation.

Details follow.

Thanks!

Matt Elsaesser
Executive Director
S.A.V.E. Foundation
Savemobile.org

----------

Bill Specifics:

HB 594 will incorporate post-consumer glass, old tires, and reclaimed asphalt and concrete into state road projects if the material is available, meets specifications, and is equal or less in cost. This bill allows recycled materials to be used in state, helps to meet our state's recycling challenges, and paves the way (pun intended) for higher-end uses of the material that will benefit our economy.

How to Call [From leg.mt.gov]:

During the day: Call the Session Information Desk at 406-444-4800 to leave a message for as many as five legislators or one legislative committee per call. Your message will be delivered directly to the legislators. The TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf) number is 406-444-4462.

The Session Information Desk is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to adjournment on Saturdays.

After hours: Call legislators directly using the telephone numbers provided in the legislative roster and in published legislative guides.
Online

During sessions: You may send a message to a legislator or committee using this online message form.

Over 500 Signatures on Bottle Petition at Carroll!

2011-02-18T10:17:00.002-07:00

A group of Green Honors and S.A.V.E. Club students at Carroll College have recently started a petition to add a 5 cent surcharge to all non-reusable cups at bottles sold by campus dining services. The proceeds will go into a fund for sustainable projects on campus. It would help pay for recycling, water filling stations, and student projects. The petition has reached 500 signatures!

Great job to all the hard working students who have helped with this!

City of Helena - Recycling Permits

2011-02-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

RECYCLING PERMITS

Tenants currently occupying residentially assessed properties (4-plex or smaller) within the city limits are eligible to get a recycling permit. Permits can be picked up at the City Transfer Station between 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday-Friday. One permit will be issued per residential assessment. Tenants must bring proof of residency (i.e. power bill, water bill, cable bill, etc) to obtain a Recycling permit. These permits are to be used for household quantities of recyclables from assessed property only! There will be a charge for materials other than recycling. Items accepted at the Transfer Station for recycling are: used motor oil and used anti-freeze (in 5 gallons or less per visit), steel cans, aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines (nothing thicker than a readers digest), corrugated cardboard, and mixed container glass (no lids). Please do not put any plastic bags in the recycling containers at the Transfer Station. The bags contaminate the material and reduce the value of the commodity. Questions please call
447-8086.

This message has been approved by the City Manager for distribution.

Renewable Energy and Nuclear Power Neck-and-Neck in U.S. Energy Production

2010-12-30T10:55:00.005-07:00

RENEWABLE ENERGY NECK-IN-NECK WITH NUCLEAR POWER
EACH NOW PROVIDE 11% OF DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION
BUT NON-HYDRO RENEWABLES GROW 11.5% WHILE NUCLEAR OUTPUT DROPS

Washington DC -- According to the most recent issue of the "Monthly Energy Review" by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), "nuclear electric power accounted for 11% of primary energy production and renewable energy accounted for 11% of primary energy production" during the first nine months of 2010 (the most recent period for which data have been released).

More specifically, renewable energy sources (i.e., biomass/biofuels, geothermal, solar, water, and wind) accounted for 10.9% of domestic energy production and increased by 5.7% compared to the same period in 2009. Meanwhile, nuclear power accounted for 11.4% of domestic energy production but provided 0.5% less energy than a year earlier.

Among the renewable energy sources, biomass and biofuels accounted for 51.95%, hydropower for 31.50%, wind for 10.52%, geothermal for 4.65%, and solar for 1.38%. Comparing the first three-quarters of 2010 against the same period in 2009, hydropower declined by 5.2% but geothermal expanded by 1.8%, solar grew by 2.4%, biomass/biofuels increased by 10.0%, and wind grew by 26.7%; combined, non-hydro renewables expanded by 11.5%.

Preliminary data also show that fossil fuels accounted for 78% of primary energy production. Overall, U.S. primary energy production rose by 2% compared with the first nine months of 2009.

“Members of the incoming Congress are proposing to slash cost-effective funding for rapidly expanding renewable energy technologies while foolishly plowing ever-more federal dollars into the nuclear power black hole,” said Ken Bossong, Executive Director of the SUN DAY Campaign. “The numbers clearly show this would be betting on the obvious loser while ignoring the clearly emerging winner in the energy race.”

And according to EIA’s latest "Electric Power Monthly," renewable energy sources accounted for 10.18% of U.S. electrical generation during the first three-quarters of 2010. Compared to the same period in 2009, renewables - including hydropower - grew by 2.2%. While conventional hydropower dropped by 5.2%, non-hydro renewable used in electrical generation expanded by 16.8% with geothermal growing by 4.9%, biomass by 5.5%, wind by 27.3%, and solar by 47.1%. Non-hydro renewables accounted for 3.9% of total electrical generation from January 1 - September 30, 2010 -- up from 3.5% the year before.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration released its most recent "Monthly Energy Review" on December 22, 2010. It can be found at: http://www.eia.gov/emeu/mer/overview.html. The relevant charts from which the data above are extrapolated are Tables 1.1 and 1.2. EIA released its most recent "Electric Power Monthly" on December 17, 2010; see: http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/electricity/epm/epm_sum.html. The relevant charts are Tables ES1.A and ES1.B.

The quotation in the first paragraph of this release was originally posted by the EIA on its web page accompanying the release of the “Monthly Energy Review” but has since been removed without explanation. The original EIA posting can be found at the following two sites:

http://ehsmanager.blogspot.com/2010/12/eias-primary-report-of-recent-energy.html

http://www.akbizmag.com/from-our-elected-officials.html.

Purple Wind Turbines

2010-12-10T11:51:00.003-07:00

According to a recent publication in the European Journal of Wildlife Research, purple wind turbines attract the fewest insects and therefore injure the fewest birds and prolong the life of the turbine.

Photo Credit: Patrick Finnegan
http://www.grist.org/article/2010-10-18-purple-wind-turbines-would-solve-nearly-all-our-problems

Free All-Local Dinner at Carroll!

2010-10-12T13:05:00.003-06:00

"Eating Our Way to a More Sustainable and Resilient Local Community"

Join Carroll College and the Helena community for a celebration of delicious food, dancing, and learning!

This event is an all-local meal prepared in cooperation with Carroll students, Helena High students, and Helena community members. There will also be music provided by "The Hayseeds."

And its Free!!

When: Wednesday, October 27th at 6:00pm
Where: Carroll College Campus Center

Sponsors of the event include: Carroll College Student Activities, S.A.V.E., The Hunthausen Center for Peace and Justice, The Department of Academics at Carroll, Barnstormer’s Coffee, Sodexho, and the Green Team

See you there!

MSU Billings to Receive Wind Turbine

2010-09-01T11:04:00.004-06:00

Construction is set to begin this Friday at 10:30am on a new vertical axis wind turbine at the Montana State University Billings College of Technology. This wind turbine is not the typical type with large propellers. Instead, it has rectangular panels that rotate around a vertical center pole. This is expected to be finished by Thanksgiving, and in January MSU Billings College of Technology is starting a new sustainable-energy technology program. Students in this program will get hands-on experience with the new wind turbine as well as studying other solar, wind and alternate energy technologies.

For more information see:
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/article_5981b31c-b555-11df-85a2-001cc4c03286.html
http://www.msubillings.edu/cot/Programs/ProgSustainEnergy.htm

Photo Courtesy: MSU Billings

UM Sustainability Lecture Series

2010-08-27T13:22:00.000-06:00

The University of Montana is putting on a sustainability lecture series this fall: “Will Work for Sustainability.” All lectures are on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 pm in the Gallagher Business Building room 122. The kick-off is September 1st. For a full, detailed list of lectures see http://www.cas.umt.edu/evst/sustainability_lectures.htm.

Rebates on New Energy Star Appliances

2010-08-12T11:23:00.003-06:00

If you replace an old appliance with a new Energy Star one, you can get a mail in cash rebate of $100 for refrigerators and washers, $70 for freezers, and $50 for dishwashers. The program will go on for as long as funds are available so take advantage of this great opportunity to conserve energy and save on your power bill.

For more information on recycling facilities and program details visit the Montana ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program website: www.mt.state-rebate.com

S.A.V.E. Demonstrates ALL Electric, Green Powered Vehicle in Butte and Helena

2010-08-11T17:31:00.000-06:00

Starting with recycling at the National Folk Festival in Butte this July, S.A.V.E. has been utilizing and promoting an all electric truck on loan from EcoAuto of Bozeman.

The Vantage EVR1000, produced by Vantage Vehicle International of Corona, CA, is an ALL electric four door small truck that can be charged with a standard household outlet for a emission free range of 30 to 40 miles per charge. The electric vehicle is able to utilize Montana's Medium Speed Electric Vehicle law.

S.A.V.E. is charging the vehicle using a solar trailer owned by the Montana Renewable Energy Association or a resident enrolled in Northwestern Energy's E+ Green Power program. Photo highlights and more information coming soon!

- Savemobile.org

Daily Water Conservation Tip

2010-08-06T16:51:00.003-06:00

Visit Wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve for water-saving tips!

For more tips visit: www.wateruseitwisely.com

GreenGov Webinar: Reducing Federal Energy Use Through Smarter Computer Power Management

2010-08-03T13:20:00.000-06:00

Today the US EPA and the Office of Federal Environmental Executive sponsored a webinar on Computer Power Management. This webinar offered some tips on how to help organizations (and households too!) effectively conserve power and cut costs by making a few adjustments to computer settings. The easiest way to conserve power is to make two simple adjustments:

1.) Set the monitor to go into “sleep mode” after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.

2.) Set the computer to “system standby” or “hibernate” after 30 to 60 minutes of inactivity.

Note: For laptop computers, these same two settings should be applied.

Also, in addition to these Power Management techniques, you can have employees turn off their computers in the evenings and on weekends.

For detailed instructions on how to change these settings please visit the Energy Star website at www.EnergyStar.gov/LowCarbonIT then scroll down and click on “Power manage your computers and monitors” under the “Joining is Easy” heading.

For some organizations there may be conflicts with activating the sleep settings on many computers all at once or ensuring that the sleep settings do not interfere with essential software updates such as security and antivirus. To solve these challenges there are many free and commercial software products that can assist you. For a full list of solutions go to the above website and click on “Implementation Resources” in the “Quick Links” box on the right side of the screen. Also, the Energy Star technical experts are willing to offer free assistance.

For more information about this webinar and future Green Gov webinars please visit: www.fedcenter.gov. This webinar can be found by clicking HERE.

Six-Month Update on Yellowstone Regional Transit Co-Op

2010-07-27T17:08:00.004-06:00

Today there was a six-month update Webinar by the Yellowstone Business Partnership (YBP) on the Greater Yellowstone Regional Transit Cooperative, Linx. The Linx Co-op seeks to link the services of existing transit providers in the region to provide riders with a complete and integrated service for trip planning. This system will allow users to plan trips at linx.coop and track their buses via WiFi on the buses at bus.linx.coop. This year is the pilot period for this project and the launch of the system is scheduled for October 2010.

Many transit providers have already committed and the Helena Area Transit Service (HATS) has opted to join the Co-op. Any providers that wish to be a part of the initial (October) launch of the Co-op should contact the YBP before August 24^th.

The YBP has been the primary administrator of this project and has also been working with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks to incorporate their facilities and services into the system.

In general, the main focus of the Co-op is in the Greater Yellowstone Region, however they are enthusiastic about working with providers in neighboring counties if there is an interest in those communities.

For more information see www.yellowstonebusiness.org/transportation.

Update on S.A.V.E.'s 1,000 New Gardens Montana Project

2010-07-08T08:50:00.002-06:00

The mission of 1,000 New Gardens Montana is to revitalize neighborhood supported agriculture and a new Victory Garden Movement through acts of citizen volunteers who promote sustainable household vegetable gardening by sharing resources, techniques and information throughout communities.

In 2010, two cities competed to propel the most new gardeners. Missoula’s second Dig Day event was a huge success! So far we’ve turned 14 lawns into what will become productive household vegetable gardens. We mobilized 50 volunteers, comprised of Americorps volunteers, University of Montana students, and Missoula community members to help install gardens across Missoula. Planning for 15 gardens, our list of recipients dwindled to five only two days before the event. Many recipients were unavailable upon follow-up, or reconsidered. Despite the high volunteer:recipient ratio, the Dig Day still lasted five hours, with volunteers working non-stop. The gardens that we did install were each unique and time intensive, so what may have otherwise been a situation of “too many hands in the cookie jar” turned out to be a perfect situation.

In Bozeman, volunteers created 35 household vegetable gardens (our specialty) in backyards across Bozeman and Belgrade. We expanded our project to offer volunteer support to other neighborhood initiatives, including a new community garden (25 plots) downtown, and two 1,000 square-foot plots--one to be shared by 6 families at the Eagle Mount and another for clients of the Gallatin Valley Mental Health Center.

This summer we've begun adapting a Missoula-based program called Coffee to Compost. By July's end, we'll have completed a pilot of the program, which is expected to yield valuable estimates for the amount of coffee grounds we'll accumulate. The pilot should also help us troubleshoot any issues we might encounter with local bean shops before we expand the program to more shops during the school year--when most of Bozeman's coffee is consumed on exam eves!

July Plastics Drive Featured on KXLH

2010-07-06T11:59:00.002-06:00

KXLH, the Helena NBC affiliate, featured our July Recycling Drive on their weekend news. To check out the video, visit http://www.kxlh.com/news/save-foundation-sponsors-recycling-drive-in-helena/.

Better Transit for Helena, Support Citizen Initiative for Ballot

2010-06-29T16:44:00.003-06:00

S.A.V.E. has joined a long list of advocacy groups and individuals in support of a Transportation District for the greater Helena area. The formation of the District will improve bus service in Helena, giving citizens better input. The district will help to create better options for individuals to get to work, reduce infrastructure costs, and provide increased health care and more mobility for our senior citizens and those with special needs.

If this measure passes, the buses will be controlled by a board similar to the library, airport, or school board so citizens can take charge. The District could not raise any taxes without another public vote by all citizens within the district.

If 6,000 signatures can be gathered, the decision will be put to the vote in November. Petitions will be available at this month’s plastics drive.

"Helena area needs better bus service" By Deanna Ziesman and Sheree Isola

"Transit district may go up for vote" By Larry Kline

State Recycling Policy

2010-06-29T15:38:00.000-06:00

The public comment period for State Recycling Policy ends on July 2.
An interim committee of the Legislature known as the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) is looking at ways to boost recycling as a proposal brought forth by Senate Joint Resolution supported by S.A.V.E. during the 2009 legislature. The committee’s draft report is available for public viewing at http://leg.mt.gov/content/committees/interim/2009_2010/environmental_quality_council/staff_reports/2010-recycling-public-comment.pdf.
According to a DEQ study in 2004, recycling provided more than $90 million in economic activity with $9 million in wages.
Email your comments on the report or your support of recycling to snowakowski@mt.gov (please put recycling in the subject line).
You can submit your comments in support of state action to foster the environmental and economic benefits of recycling

Spotlight on Rossiter Elementary

2010-06-25T10:44:00.001-06:00

A Closer Look at Rossiter Elementary

By Jen Cullin

Rossiter Elementary is fairly new to a school-wide recycling program. The recycling program, which was started by Speech Language Pathologist Molly Smart, became a part of the S.A.V.E. business recycling route in the fall of 2009. Since then, S.A.V.E. and Rossiter Elementary have continued to work together.

Recycling bins are located throughout the school in classrooms, offices, and the kitchen. The duty of picking up recycling is a school job, which students can apply for. Students collect recycling from all of the classrooms then bring the materials to a centralized recycling area in the school. This type of system is not only beneficial to the school since they do not have to pay someone to do the extra work, but also beneficial to the students, as it gives them responsibility and job experience while preparing them for a lifetime of recycling.

S.A.V.E. and Rossiter continued to work together in the fall when I was able to teach a recycling lesson to Mrs. Estep’s 2^nd grade class and Mrs. Murphy’s 4^th grade class. We talked about what it means to reduce, reuse, and recycle and even had a recycling relay. Students were tested on whether things could be reused, recycled, or had to be thrown away. This activity is extremely entertaining; it is amazing what uses kids will come up with for something that an adult would say to throw away.

This spring I was then asked to be one of the teachers for Rossiter’s Kids College program. The class was titled “Save the Planet” and occurred once a week for three weeks. During the first week we talked about the three Rs of recycling. The second week we learned about litter and how it can be bad for the environment, and then we picked up litter on the school grounds. The kids were amazed to see what kinds of garbage they found around their school! On the final week we played “Save the Planet Jeopardy” as a recap of the things we covered in the previous weeks.

According to Molly Smart, “We have greatly increased the awareness about our environment and how recycling affects our world with help from S.A.V.E. The students are excited about it, they enjoy participating, and it has prompted them to ask teachers and parents what they can do to make a difference.“

Recycling India's e-waste brings jobs to poor -- and health & environmental fears

2010-06-17T13:37:00.005-06:00

Check out the following article on E-waste from the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/11/AR2010061106103.html?referrer=emailarticle

The conditions of the overseas recycling operations described in this article underscore the importance of safe and responsible electronics recycling. Stories like this are not uncommon, which is why we here at S.A.V.E. ensure that the e-waste that we collect for recycling is done with every precaution taken to protect workers and the environment. We work with Tatooine Electronics, out of Billings, MT and Cheyenne, WY each fall to provide an opportunity for electronics recycling in Helena. Their website gives a detailed descriptions about what happens to your electronics when you recycle with Tatooine.

Check out S.A.V.E.'s electronic waste resources here.

Reusable bags help the Earth and save you money!

2010-06-11T10:23:00.002-06:00

One easy way to decrease the amount of waste you produce is to use reusable shopping bags when going to the grocery store, farmer’s market, or even the mall! For some people getting in the habit of using a reusable bag takes some getting used to. Try to leave some in your car or purse at all times, that way you will always have one with you and ready to go. Below is a list of Helena stores that provide incentives for using reusable grocery bags.

Grocery Stores:

Real Foods (1096 Helena Ave) – You receive $0.10 for each bag you use, which they encourage you to donate to Montana Food Share. If you purchase a Real Foods bag and use that for your shopping trips, you will receive 1% off your entire purchase.

Safeway (611 N Montana Ave) – Every time you use a reusable shopping bag you will receive a coupon for 10% off any Bright Green product.

Van’s Thriftway (306 Euclid Ave) – You receive $0.05 for each bag you use, which can be donated to Montana Food Share.

Pharmacies:

CVS (526 Euclid and 603 N Montana Ave) – If you purchase a Green Bag Tag for $0.99 and place it on your bag, you will receive $1 CVS Extra Buck on every 4th visit. You must present the Green Bag Tag and your CVS Extra Care Card each time you use the bag to receive the rewards.

Other Stores:

Target (3303 N Montana Ave) – Every time you use a reusable bag you will receive a $0.05 coupon for use in the store.

If there are other stores that you know provide reusable bag incentives, let us know!

Give bike commuting a try

2010-05-26T11:23:00.002-06:00

Font Size:: Default font size; Larger font size

By Canon Luerkens, Posted Sunday, May 23, 2010 on the IR

Outside Montana, we have long had the reputation of having more cows per capita than people. Living in Montana, we know that one of the best things about our state is the small, neighborly feel of our cities.

In Helena, we are especially lucky that we have the amenities of a city without frustrating hours of commuting in rush-hour traffic or long drives on rural highways. The benefits of living within a few miles of work, schools, stores and downtown are innumerable — the most important of which is being able to ride a bicycle just about everywhere you need to go.

Unfortunately, I feel that few take advantage of the joys and benefits of bicycle commuting. Just as with any type of transportation, there are positives and negatives. Even though the thought of commuting on a bicycle may conjure pictures of the snowy, sub-zero days we had this winter, the benefits of bicycle commuting far outweigh the negatives. With a little planning and patience we can find a better way to get to work and feel great doing it!

Since gas prices increased a few years ago, it seems that people all over America have taken a second look at bicycling as a viable form of transportation for short trips that are often taken by car. Additionally, energy independence is quickly becoming one of our most important economic issues. Bicycling can be a part of the solution; if one out of 10 commuters switched to walking or biking, we’d save 2 billion gallons of gas a year.

Bicycling is also a great form of exercise. In about the same amount of time that it takes to drive to work, bicycle commuters can get to and from work and incorporate daily exercise without having to spend extra time at the gym.

Cities and towns across the nation are beginning to embrace bicycle commuting as an alternatives to driving, making it safer and easier for cyclists everywhere. In March, Federal Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood announced his plans to integrate the needs of bicyclists into federally funded road projects. He also said that state and city projects using federal dollars need to take nonmotorized traffic into equal account within transportation designs focusing on safe and accessible routes.

On Wednesday, May 26, Helenans can learn more about taking advantage of the benefits of bicycle commuting in our own community. Please join me and many others supporting bicycle commuting and alternative transportation by coming to Bike to Work Day. The Capitol Rotunda will host a dozen groups from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. representing many aspects of bicycling. The city alternative transportation coordinator will speak about plans for the city of Helena; Adventure Cycling, the largest international bike touring organization, will have displays about present and future national bicycle plans; the Transportation for America Campaign will describe their coalition’s work to make lasting infrastructural impacts through legislation; and Friends of Centennial Trail will have information about their campaign to raise matching funds to pay for construction of the first inter-city greenway across Helena, the Centennial Trail System.

Others representatives will include the Helena Safe Routes to Schools Program, Lewis and Clark County Obesity Prevention Task Force, Department of Healthcare and Benefits, Helena Police Department, and local bike shops like Big Sky Cyclery, Great Divide Cyclery and Capital Sports. We will also have some brief words from both Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger and Secretary of State Linda McCulloch. There will be prize giveaways and snacks donated by the Real Food Market and The Bagel Co.

Keep on riding your bikes after work down to Alive @ Five and enjoy premier, hassle-free parking right near the entrance. See how fun and convenient it is to ride to an event.

With the weather warming, I encourage all Helenans to give bicycle commuting a try — for saving on gas, for making our community more energy independent, for living healthier and just for plain old fun.

Canon Luerkens is a daily bicycle commuter and chairman of the State Employee Alternative Transportation Committee. He can be reached at cluerkens@mt.gov or 444-9685
.

Trash for Trees Results

2010-05-25T11:50:00.001-06:00

Thank you to those of you who attended or volunteered at Trash for Trees on April 24th! The event, which is hosted by S.A.V.E. and Growing Friends of Helena, was as large as ever and ran very smoothly.

Totals collected include:

Newspaper, Office Paper, and Magazines - 38,895 pounds
Corrugated Cardboard - 7,600 pounds
Aluminum Cans - 2,280 pounds
Steel Cans - 2,700 pounds
#1 Plastic - 2,980 pounds
Milk jugs - 1,749 pounds
Colored #2 plastic - 2,070 pounds
Glass - 27,820 pounds

Thank you to the sponsors that made this event possible: Good Samaritan Thrift Store, the City of Helena, City-County Sanitation, and the Montana Beverage Association.

Capital High Green Club Recycling Competition a Success!

2010-05-21T12:37:00.002-06:00

The Capital High Green Club held it's first recycling competition at our May Plastics Drive. The Green Club provided 8 volunteers between the hours of 12 and 4 on Sunday of the event. The competition was set up so that students from Capital High would bring their bags of plastic to the event during that time period and register the number of bags they brought with the student volunteers. All students participating in the competition were rewarded with a pizza party, and the student bringing the most items received a $25 gas gift card.

Overall 40 students participated in the competition, totaling 208 bags of plastic. The winner, freshman Meg Giddings, brought in 17 bags of plastic! The Green Club hopes to hold another competition in conjunction with one of our fall plastics drives and hopes to get even more students involved!

Bike to Work Day Wednesday, May 26th!

2010-05-17T15:18:00.001-06:00

Show your support of the biking community in Helena by coming to the Bike to Work Day event in the capitol and then riding your bike to Alive at 5 in Pioneer Park!

Come to the Capitol Rotunda to learn about local bicycle plans and check out resources about bicycle commuting and development in Helena. After work, ride down to Alive @ 5 and show your support for bicycling in Helena.

WHERE: Capitol Rotunda/Pioneer Park

WHEN: May 26th 2010
Capitol Rotunda Forum: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ride Your Bike to Alive at 5 after work!

WHAT: Displays, Info, Food, Bilking!

Glass Recycling Day in Bozeman, In Support of Glass Recycling

2010-05-05T09:55:00.000-06:00

On April 24th, the Gallatin Zero Waste Coalition organized "Bozeman Glass Recycling Day." The community response was positive.

Event recycles tons of glass
...."Bozeman does a pretty good job recycling everything except glass," Gompertz said. "Historically, if you don't recycle glass, people don't always recycle other things."....

Chronicle editorial: Bozeman residents want glass recycling; city should listen

The overwhelming response to last week's Bozeman Glass Recycling Day should convince city officials to reconsider the city's lack of a glass recycling program.....

This blog has moved

2010-04-29T08:26:00.001-06:00

This blog is now located at http://savefoundation.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://savefoundation.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Great Video on an Example Gray Water System

2009-12-07T09:32:00.003-07:00

http://permie.net/2009/04/24/home-greywater-system-from-peak-moment-and-trathen-heckman/

This video is part of "Peak Moment"'s series. It features Trathen Heckman, Executive Director of Daily Acts and Green Sangha. It is an involved, step-by-step tour of his home gray water system in California.

He designed his system to be an example of a safe and legal gray water system. This video is long. If you don't have the 27 minutes, I would suggest starting at 4:30 when he starts the tour of his system. He has a constructed wetland, which would probably not be feasible for most Montana systems. He starts the tour of his branched drain system at about 12:00.

The gives you a great idea of the extent to which gray water can be used. These ecological, safe, and legal systems not only save water, but can build community. He references the "bible" for gray water use: Creating and Oasis with Gray Water by Art Ludwig, which provides more technical information for those interested.

As always, we are interested in your thoughts and questions!

-Shelly

Committee seeks comment on energy review

2009-11-23T15:16:00.001-07:00

The Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee is asking the public to comment on the final three issues it will examine as part of its review of Montana's energy policy.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20091121/NEWS01/911210315/1002

Extreme Water Conservation

2009-11-23T09:13:00.004-07:00

The following link is to a slideshow that was put together by a family in California. They drastically cut their water usage though water conservation, gray water reuse and rain water harvesting. There are great pictures of their projects!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/22817380/Extreme-Water-Conservation

Camelina Based Jet Fuel Air Force Contract Signed 'Dramatic' acreage increase predicted

2009-11-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 16, 2009

Sustainable Oils, a Montana producer of renewable, low carbon domestically produced camelina-based fuels, has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract from the Defense Energy Support Center to supply camelina-based jet fuel. The contract calls for 100,000 gallons of HRJ-8 type fuel through 1210, and an additional 100,000 gallons by the end of 2012.

"Once again, camelina is the choice for high-performance, domestically-produced renewable jet fuel," says Scott Johnson, Sustainable Oils president, Bozeman.

"This contract sends a strong signal to growers around the state and across the country that there is a market for camelina," he adds. "We're expecting to see an increase in acreage as a result of this great opportunity."

In September, the DESC awarded a similar contract to Sustainable Oils for a minimum of 40,000 gallons of camelina-based jet fuel with an option to supply an additional 150,000 gallons. Combined, Sustainable Oils will deliver a minimum of 140,000 gallons – and up to 390,000 gallons – of camelina jet fuel to the U.S. military, dramatically increasing the need for acreage dedicated to camelina in 2010.

"This is a great opportunity for Montana farmers to not only drive additional revenue, but also participate directly in decreasing our country's reliance on foreign oil," says Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer. "I know our agricultural community is up to the challenge to supply our armed forces with camelina-based fuels."

Camelina is considered by the Air Force to be the most readily available renewable fuel feedstock to meet their criteria.

Sustainable Oils has the largest camelina research program in the U.S., with most of its crops produced in Montana. The firm also has several field trials in Washington.

For more information, contact Williams at (206) 625-0075 (Ex. 1) or e-mail him at jwilliams@scovillepr.com.

Article copied from http://westernfarmerstockman.com/story.aspx?s=33186&c=9

Gray Water at the Atardo's

2009-11-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

S.A.V.E. recently had the opportunity to visit with a Helena homeowner Pam Atardo, who is taking on major home renovations, many of them of interest because of the steps she and her husband have taken to "green" their home with energy and water conserving installations. They have even installed Helena's first legal gray water system.

The Atardos bought the house, registered with the National Register of Historic Places, 6 years ago, and have recently completed a sizable addition. The plumbing in the new section of the house was done in such a way that the wastewater from the shower and washing machine go into a gray water system, where the water is filtered and sent into the home's toilets. This saves fresh water from being flushed down the toilet.

Pam first started researching gray water systems a few years ago when S.A.V.E. was raffling a gray water recycling system that was donated by Brac Systems. She ended up buying a similar system and hiring a contractor to do the plumbing. An initial thought was that it might be difficult to find a plumber who was familiar with installing gray water plumbing since it is so new in Montana. Pam said that this was not a problem at all; she worked with Clark Plumbing who did the whole job in less than a day. Current Montana legislation does not require any special permitting or inspection to install a gray water reuse system within a home.

The upfront cost of the Brac tank was about $1,500 and the labor cost about $1,000. Although fairly expensive, the good thing about this type of gray water system is that after the initial cost, there is very little maintenance and no operating cost. All you need to do is periodically clean the filter.

In cases like this, where the gray water generated is more than the demand, the Brac system can use a bypass when it fills with too much water. This feature is important because gray water should not be stored for more than 24 hours to ensure that the system is sanitary. Some states require that gray water be chlorinated and turned blue. Although this step is not required in Montana, it might not be a bad idea for some homes. This would be to ensure sanitation and to ensure that toilet water is clearly not mistaken for potable water. This would only require the extra step of dropping chlorine tablets into the tank.

They have also installed radiant heat floors, which help save on energy costs. Rather than using radiators or forced air heating, the heat system is installed below the floorboards and radiates out through the floor. This is such a neat way to make the house cozy, walking through the house on the warm hardwood floors, all while saving energy.

Another interesting installation was that of the Gravity Film Heat Exchanger (GFX) units. These send warm wastewater from showers, dishwashing, and washing machines to a copper coils wrapped around the cold water entering the house. It is a system that makes a lot of sense when considering how to save energy when heating water. The copper easily transfers heat between the hot wastewater to the cold fresh water. GFX claims that by using this system, you can halve the cost of a hot shower and triple the shower capacity of your home. Although the systems are pricey up front, about $500, this is one system that will save you a lot of money in water heating costs in the long run, and requires little to no maintenance.

Excellent article on Recycling

2009-10-22T09:39:00.001-06:00

Nudging Recycling From Less Waste to None

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/science/earth/20trash.html?_r=1&em#articleBodyLink

Holyfield now lean, green

2009-09-24T15:11:00.002-06:00

Heavy weight champion and environmentalist!

ATLANTA -- Evander Holyfield has no intention of hanging up his gloves. In fact, he'll have a new nickname the next time he climbs into the ring.

The Real Deal is now the Lean Green Fighting Machine....

Trash for Trees Oct 3, 2009

2009-09-24T14:36:00.004-06:00

Trash For Trees!

Northgate Plaza
October 3rd
9am-4pm

Trash for Trees is right around the corner, and we need volunteers! Many hands make little work for this upcoming event where Growing Friends and the SAVE foundation are collecting just about all recyclables. Newspapers, magazines and an assortment of other paper products except for phone books will be collected as well as aluminum, type 1 & 2 plastic bottles, glass, and corrugated cardboard will be taken.

For more information click here

or to download a flyer

Australia town bans bottled water

2009-07-10T10:51:00.001-06:00

Campaigners say bottled water is bad for the environment

A rural town in Australia has voted overwhelmingly to ban the sale of bottled water over concerns about its environmental impact.

Campaigners say Bundanoon, in New South Wales, may be the first community in the world to have such a ban.

They say huge amounts of resources are used to extract, package and transport bottled water.

The discarded plastic bottles then end up as litter or go into landfill sites, the "Bundy on Tap" campaign says.

More than 350 residents turned out to vote at the public meeting in the town hall.

Only one resident voted against the ban, along with a representative from the bottled water industry, ABC news reported.

The BBC's Nick Bryant in Sydney says locals have promised not to set upon visitors if they ignore the ban, but they will be encouraged to fill a reusable container from water fountains in the main street.

The reusable bottles will bear the slogan "Bundy on Tap".

Campaigner John Dee said local opinion had been incensed when a drinks company announced plans to tap an underground reservoir in the town.

Environmental impact

"The company has been looking to extract water locally, bottle it in Sydney and bring it back here to sell it," he said.

"It made people look at the environmental impact of bottled water and the community has been quite vocal about it."

The ban has been supported by shopkeepers in the town, which has a population of about 2,500.

"We believe Bundanoon is the world's first town that has got its retailers to ban bottled water," said Mr Dee. "We haven't found it anywhere else."

New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees has backed the cause, ordering government departments to stop buying bottled water and use tap water instead.

Mr Rees says it will save taxpayers money and help the environment.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8141569.stm

2009-07-02T17:02:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Real Food for sponsoring the Green Team!

Home Energy Efficiency and Green Construction Seminar

2009-05-15T15:02:00.002-06:00

Latest techniques in energy efficient home building and green construction.

(HELENA) Experts from the construction industry including Ron Bartsch of Sussex Construction in Helena, NorthWestern Energy and Montana Department of Environmental Quality, will present a new home energy construction workshop on Tuesday, May 19, at the NorthWestern Energy office at 1315 North Last Chance Gulch in Helena from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The session is free and open to the public.

The workshop will provide information on the latest techniques for building energy efficient / certified green homes. Presenters will explain how different systems of a house — insulation, windows, framing, heating and ventilation systems — work together to provide an energy efficient home with good indoor air quality.

Information on the Montana Building Industry Association (MBIA) / National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building program, ENERGY STAR and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) programs will be provided. Besides energy conservation, these programs also consider: lot site preparation, resource and water efficiency, indoor air quality and homeowner education. The session will review the processes to attain various certifications, such as NorthWest ENERGY Star, LEED-H and the MBIA (NAHB) Green.

This session will also include information on the proposed new Montana Energy Code. Montana and federal energy conservation tax credits will also be discussed. Registration will be taken May 19 at the door, beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information contact Paul Tschida at the DEQ ptschida@mt.gov or call 406-841-5232.

S.A.V.E. AmeriCorps Position to work on Recycling Infrastructure

2009-04-30T15:11:00.002-06:00

Montana Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA

The VISTA will work directly with S.A.V.E. to expand recycling opportunities and work with other environmental organizations around the state to develop model, low-cost programs that can be established and dublicated for schools and low-income housing initiatives. This project focuses on community building and increasing the standard of living for low-income residents. The scope of this project would build long-term, model-recycling programs and provide outreach for schools and low-income residents who may not have resources to be involved in current recycling efforts, such as lack of access to a vehicle. This project will partner with residents in Helena and networks across the state that help other organizations working to bring recycling to schools, the elderly, and other non-profit organizations. Positive sentiment for community action can lead to effectively addressing other community and environmental needs including individual awareness to reduce and reuse, as well as recycle.

Time Commitment: July2009-July2010

Trash for Trees & S.A.V.E Fundraiser Saturday and more! / New Daily Habits!

2009-04-23T14:43:00.003-06:00

Earth Day Fundraiser!
S.A.V.E. will be holding an Earth Day Fundraiser on April 25th from 6-9pm at Exploration Works featuring live music by Sassafras Stomp and silent auction by Clay Arts Guild.

Trash for Trees
Trash for Trees will be held from 9am-4pm at Northgate Plaza on Montana Avenue on Saturday, April 25th.

Business Recycling Route
To green your office sign up to be on our business recycling route at www.Savemobile.org/business.html or call us at 406.449.6008!

Energy Conservation Fair at Capitol!
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry will hold an Energy Conservation Fair at the Capitol on Earth Day, April 22nd from 9am-3pm.

Planet Earth Series at Carroll
S.A.V.E. will be playing the BBC's Planet Earth Series at Simperman Auditorium on the Carroll Campus from 7-9pm April 26th, May 3rd, and May 10th.

Legislative Update
An update on bills S.A.V.E. worked on as a primary proponent over the session.

Joint Resolution 28
A joint resolution requesting an interim study on recycling and solid waste recovery.

New Daily Habits!
The latest edition of Daily Habits can now be viewed online at www.Savemobile.org/dailyhabits.html.

New AmeriCorps and Summer Positions with S.A.V.E.
S.A.V.E. still has three summer AmeriCorps positions and one full-time AmeriCorps VISTA position open, visit http://www.savemobile.org/volunteerandwork.html if interested!

For more information on these stories, read below.

Earth Day Fundraiser!
Saturday, April 25th, S.A.V.E. will be holding an Earth Day celebration fundraiser. This event will be held from 6-9pm at Exploration Works in the Great Northern Town Center. This fundraiser will include a silent auction with the Clay Arts Guild, live music by Sassafras Stomp, recycling and policy information, beverages and snacks provided, with beer and wine for purchase. This fundraiser will be in support of our expanding plastic recycling program and events across Helena. We need continued community support as we build a more sustainable recycling program. The economic recession has caused major cuts in our commodity revenues.

Trash for Trees!
On Saturday, April 25th, S.A.V.E. along with Growing Friends of Helena will be holding Trash for Trees from 9am-4pm at Northgate Plaza on Montana Avenue. Items recycled at this event include newspapers, magazines, corrugated cardboard, glass, aluminum and steel cans, type 1 and 2 plastics, cell phones, print cartridges, and rechargeable batteries found in cell phones and power tools. The recycled items will raise money to support expanded recycling and planting trees across the community. Our next Plastics Drive will be May 1st-4th. Volunteers are needed for both events! Sign up at http://www.savemobile.org/volunteerandwork.html or give us a call at 406.449.6008!

Business Recycling Route
S.A.V.E. would like to announce the expansion of our business recycling route! We currently recycle corrugated cardboard, office paper and newspaper, glass, plastics, and aluminum for many businesses around town. If you are interested in greening your office sign up to be on our business recycling route at www.Savemobile.org/business.html or give us a call at
406.449.6008. Pick up fees are between $10 and $25 depending on amount recycled and frequency of pick ups. Bins can also be leased from us for the year!

Energy Conservation Fair at Capitol!
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is proud to sponsor the 2009 Energy Conservation Fair including the latest energy saving technologies, representatives from solar and wind energy companies, insulation contractors, heating companies, Northwestern Energy, and more! Join us in the Capitol Rotunda from 9am-3pm on Earth Day, April 22nd! S.A.V.E. will be recycling at this event and also have our newest edition of Daily Habits and gray water and recycling information!

Planet Earth Series at Carroll
Throughout the month of April and into May, S.A.V.E. is also showing the BBC Planet Earth Series. Join us Sunday Evening April 26th, and May 3rd and 10th from 7-9pm at Simperman Auditorium on the Carroll College Campus. This amazing series takes you from pole to pole, deep in the ocean, to the tops of mountains and inside caves for an in depth look into our amazing planet Earth.

Legislative Update
S.A.V.E. worked on several bills this session, often as a primary proponent. With gray water, recycling, green building, and low carbon fuels, opportunities exist to continue working with rule-making, finding additional partners, and working with local governments. Governor Schweitzer signed or will sign the following bills that S.A.V.E. worked on: HB 285, authorize use of gray water in commercial and multifamily structures; HB 21, repeal termination date for recycling tax incentives; HB 416, exempt biodiesel made from vegetable oil from state road tax; HB 420, allow local governments to adopt incentive based energy conservation codes; SB 73, revise laws on medium-speed electric vehicles; and SB 424, control disposal of mercury thermostats. Joint Resolution 28, an interim study on recycling and solid waste in Montana, has recently passed through the House! At the end of the session, legislators rank all the studies by their priority. The top studies get selected and funded. Please let your legislator know you support this choice!

New Daily Habits!
Our latest edition of Daily Habits has just been printed and will be sent out to our mailing list and set out at businesses around town! This edition includes a Legislative Update, Upcoming Events, Information on an Online Technology Course, and an announcement of our expanded business recycling route! If you would like to view this online visit www.Savemobile.org/dailyhabits.html or sign up for our mail list by calling 406.449.6008 or visiting http://www.Savemobile.org/form.html.

2009-04-03T12:51:00.004-06:00

Gray Water article in the Montana Standard after signing of House Bill 285 on March 25, 2009.

To read the original article click here.

Gray water law is a good step forward

By The Montana Standard Staff - 04/01/2009

On this subject, lawmakers reached near unanimity: If the owners of Montana homes, businesses and apartment buildings want to help conserve water, they should be free to do so.

In that spirit they passed House Bill 285, which allows installation of gray water re-use systems in businesses and multi-family dwellings. A 2007 law made the systems legal for single-family homes.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Michelle Reinhart, D-Missoula, and only one fellow lawmaker voted against it - Rep. Ron Stoker, R-Darby. Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed it into law March 25.

Gray water systems are designed to capture and reuse the flow from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs and clothes washing machines. The water can be minimally treated and then used to flush toilets or irrigate landscaping - just not fruit and vegetable gardens.

Water from toilets, kitchen sinks and dishwashers continues to flow into sewer or septic systems as it does now.

According to the fiscal note on the Legislature's Web site, this bill will have no impact on taxpayers since the Department of Environmental Quality has already drafted rules and design guidelines for gray water re-use systems in all these applications. Existing staff would review systems proposed for new subdivisions in conjunction with review of all other wastewater system components.

A Helena-based group called Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment Foundation was a key backer of both this bill and the one in 2007. S.A.V.E. Foundation Director Matt Elsaesser called the passage "a tribute to the legislative process that has brought forth a great opportunity to conserve water." By some estimates, gray water accounts for between 50 and 80 percent of household wastewater. Re-using it, especially during Montana's increasingly hot, dry summers when rivers and reservoirs can get dangerously low, makes good sense.

Systems are especially ideal for new construction since they require unusual plumbing configurations, but retrofits are possible, especially in cases where pipes run through open, unfinished basements.

Chris Borton of Sage Mountain Center, between Butte and Whitehall, has first-hand experience with gray water reuse for land- scaping. The sustainable living education and demonstration facility also captures rainwater for later reuse.

"Anytime you can collect and re-channel water, it's that much less you have to pump out of the aquifer or that much less you have to pay for if you're on a meter," Borton said.

Rainwater reuse can be as simple as posi-tioning a 55-gallon drum under a gutter, he said. At Sage Mountain, all their downspouts are strategically placed to water landscaping.

As Montana's water resources become increasingly stretched, conservation will grow in importance as a coping strategy. In passing this bill, lawmakers have demonstrated that they're thinking ahead to those days and making sure the law won't get in the way of the right thing to do.

Weekend Trash Pick Up

2009-03-30T13:33:00.004-06:00

Letter to the Editor from the Independent Record on March 29, 2009.
http://helenair.com/articles/2009/03/29/opinions/readers_alley/shipley_090329.txt

Sunday Save

By William Shipley - IR letter to the editor - 03/29/2009

As I drove into town today, I saw something astonishing. There were mass amounts of garbage littered on the side of Canyon Ferry Road. This was only a section of my journey that got the gears turning in my head. Initially, I was watching a National Geographic film, "Strange Days of the World 2." What I found from it was how much of our waste makes it into the ocean. One might think that the plastic bag in their fence will never make it there, so why bother. Well, guess what? It can. Even if it doesn't make it that far, it can still affect our local environment. I am not an extremist by any measure. I am a concerned human being. In light of that concern I am going to take an action and make a proposal to you, the reader, the other human being that may be concerned. My action will be this: For at least one hour, every Sunday, my son and I are going to go pick up garbage and separate plastics, cans and paper for recycling. The money we get from this process will go to a local benefit or charity.

So, would you be willing to join us? I don't know where this will go; I just want to do my part. Bring some gloves, garbage bags and a truck if you have one. We will be starting in the parking lot of Shopko at 2 p.m. today. Just look for the little copper Toyota and the sign that says; "Sunday Save."

William Shipley

3025 Rag Horn

East Helena

2009-02-25T12:44:00.002-07:00

From the Helena Independent Record February 25, 2009:
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2009/02/25/opinions/readers_alley/elsaesser_090225.txt

Low carbon fuels

By Matthew Elsaesser - 02/25/2009

Every gallon we buy at the pump affects our environmental, economic and national security. A significant percentage of our transportation fuel is shipped across oceans and supports unsavory regimes. All of it emits carbon. Our choice at the pump is neither simple, nor consequence-free. Reducing these consequences starts with driving less, choosing fuel-efficient cars and trucks, and selecting the right alternative fuels. We currently have a unique opportunity to guide the development of alternative fuel in Montana. We can make a distinction between Iowa corn-based ethanol and Montana-grown biodiesel from camelina by calculating the full costs of producing and transporting the fuel.

Senate Bill 471 by Sen. Brueggeman, R-Polson, paves the way by having state government reduce the carbon intensity of its fuel purchases. This bill, which creates a Low Carbon Fuel Standard for state purchases, is the best way to determine which alternative fuels have environmental merit. It is also the best way to know if taxpayer dollars are spent on fuel from Montana or the Middle East. Fueling your car is not simple. The true costs are often hidden. The bill exposes the indirect costs to our environment and our nation's security.

Matthew Elsaesser

The S.A.V.E. Foundation

P.O. Box 1481

S.A.V.E. Legislative Update: Green Building Codes, Low Carbon Fuels, and Recycling Updates

2009-02-19T10:31:00.002-07:00

Greetings from The S.A.V.E. Foundation! We have had a very busy February with legislation at the Capitol and another Plastics Drive coming up at the beginning of March! Below you will find a legislative update from S.A.V.E. including gray water, green building codes, and a recycling study. Check out our Events Blog to find the most recent Medium-Speed Electric Vehicles stories. S.A.V.E. is highlighting bill SB 471, which will be in hearing tomorrow at 3pm. We are asking for your support for SB 471, establishing a Low Carbon Fuel Standard for state and contractor vehicles. Please read below to find out how you can support this bill! We recommend you visit our Legislative Page at Savemobile.org and contact your Senators and Representatives. Thank you for your time and support!

March Plastic Drive
The next Plastics Drive will be held March 6-9th at 1100 North Last Chance Gulch from 8a-6p. We will be taking type 1 clear plastic bottles (soda, water bottles), type 2 translucent bottles (milk jugs), and type 2 solid color bottles (laundry detergent bottles). We will also be taking type 1 trays. Please remember to rinse out your containers, remove all lids, and separate the plastics by type. This ensures efficient and economical recycling. To volunteer for this event visit Savemobile.org. S.A.V.E. would like to thank our past volunteers and the following sponsors for making this event possible, The City of Helena, City County Sanitation, Pacific Steel and Recycling, and General Services of the State of Montana.

Bike to Work Tax Credit
A new tax credit available in Montana provides an incentive for employees and employers to bike to work. According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle article, "Pedaling Pays Off," Beginning Jan. 1, employees who regularly use bicycles to get to and from work are eligible for a $20-a-month, tax-free reimbursement from the federal government through their employers for bicycle-related expenses. Employers can now deduct $20-per-employee from federal tax filings for every staff member who commutes to work regularly on a bicycle. In turn, each employee will be eligible for a $20-per-month credit on their paycheck. This is a great incentive to encourage bike-riding to work and to reduce our impact on the environment by commuting on bicycles. This is also a great way to stay in shape! To read this article follow this link: http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2009/01/07/news/000bike.txt

S.A.V.E. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Legislative Page at Savemobile.org
New at Savemobile.org is the S.A.V.E. 2009 Montana Legislative Page where users can track legislation S.A.V.E. will be following throughout the 2009 session. Also, visit this site to see who is serving in the Senate and House of Representatives committees and find ways to contact your legislators about issues you support! Read up on a few of these bills highlighted below or visit Savemobile.org to see a list of all the bills S.A.V.E. is currently following.

Gray Water Passes the House with Flying Colors!

House Bill 285, Authorize Gray Water Use in Commercial and Multi-Family Structures, passed the House in the Second Reading with a vote of 100-0 this past Thursday! The third Reading passed the bill onto the Senate with a vote of 99-1. In the 2007 session, S.A.V.E. helped to make gray water legal for single-family homes. Gray water systems reuse the water from showers, laundry, and bathroom sinks to supply toilets or sub irrigation systems to water the lawn. Gray water is a simple technology that was commonplace on ranch houses and farms in Montana's rural ranching past, when reusing water was common sense.

Low Carbon Fuels
Senate Bill 471, which would establish low carbon fuels efficiency for state vehicles and contractors will have its first hearing on February 19th at 3pm in the Highways and Transportation Committee Room 405. This bill needs your support! Show your Representatives and Senators your support for low carbon fuels in Montana. Many other states are working on Low Carbon Fuel Standards and Montana has the opportunity to develop a program that would provide leadership and resources to many programs around the nation. A Low Carbon Fuel Standard would take into account the carbon content of fuels and consider where the fuel was produced, reducing carbon emissions from our state and fleet contractor vehicles. Accountability of carbon emissions in our fuels, including renewable, and their production is needed to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in Montana working towards cleaner air and sustainable fuels for our future generations. Low Carbon Fuels would bring significant economic benefits to rural Montana as many crops could be used to fuel not only cars in Montana but also around the nation.

Mercury Thermostat Bill
Another bill up tomorrow, February 19, is Senate Bill 424, control disposal of mercury thermometers, in the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Mercury, found in thermometers and fluorescent lights is also a dangerous neurotoxin that has been linked to learning disabilities and developmental delays in children. Too much of it can damage the heart, nervous system or kidneys of adults. The mercury contained in thermometers and other products that wind up in the landfill have the potential to contaminate our groundwater and drinking water resources. S.A.V.E. sees this as a model for dealing with special waste working with all parties involved. We hope to see it expanded to include electronic waste and other priority items.

Local Government Incentives for Energy Conservation Standards
House Bill 420 passed unanimously out of committee this afternoon in House Local Government. This bill allows local governments to work with builders to provide incentives for green building. If the builder elects to take the incentive, the structure would be required to meet the energy conservation standard. By working with the Montana Building Industry Association(MBIA) and S.A.V.E., the sponsor was able to amend the bill to clarify that this would be a voluntary incentive and both entities could support the bill. The MBIA has a strong green building program and has already trained more than a quarter of their work force to build green (http://www.montanabia.com/). This bill provide local governments an important, innovative tool to bring these investments forward.

SJ 28 - Recycling study resolution
SJ 28 is a joint resolution sponsored by Senator Peterson (R-Buffalo) requesting an interim study to evaluate methods for increasing recycling and solid waste recovery in Montana. Increasing recycling in Montana would benefit Montana both economically and environmentally by providing jobs and reducing energy consumption by using recycled materials and reducing landfill use. Recycling infrastructure needs to be established within rural areas and also with electronic waste and other household hazardous waste. The resolution would evaluate funding alternatives to increasing recycling and be presented to a committee designated by the Legislative Council. S.A.V.E. has recently published a Statewide Recycling Guide, which can be found at Savemobile.org or at the Montana Green Directory.

Energy Improvement Districts
House Bill 361, Local Energy Improvement District Financing, would give Montana cities and counties the authority to create Energy Improvement Districts (EIDs). A municipality would then be able to issue bonds in order to make loans to property owners within a District for purposes of installing renewable energy systems for making energy efficiency improvements to residential, commercial, or industrial properties. The bill would create jobs for the construction and renewable energy industries, lower energy costs for homeowners, businesses, and farmers, and improve communities by enhancing private property while reducing environmental impact from energy consumption. The bill had its first hearing on February 5th in the Local Government Committee. Executive Action will be taken this week. The bill has been amended to not include electrical generation systems that could be tied to the grid as net metering or as a qualified facility.

2009-01-16T13:52:00.002-07:00

S.A.V.E. Executive Director Matthew Elsaesser and the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle is featured in George Ochenski's recent column where he discusses Helena budgets, energy issues, and the 2009 Legislature. To read the complete article please visit: The Missoula Independent.

The 2009 legislative session started Jan. 5 and, from the looks of it, will be characterized primarily by fire and ice. The fire comes from the push for more coal-fired power plants and the inevitable heated clashes between the political parties. The budget, meanwhile, will be iced to compensate for plummeting revenues in the ongoing national economic collapse.

With more than 2,500 bill draft requests so far, there are certainly plenty of opportunities to do the right things for Montana’s future—and plenty of opportunities to do the wrong things, too. No one knows how it will all end after the scheduled 90 days of wrangling, but in the meantime, here’s a look at the players, the issues and the likely course of Montana’s 61st Legislature......

Looking forward

A lot of the talk in Helena over the next three months will focus on the unenviable task of addressing monumental problems with scarce resources to help fund solutions. Through that gloomy outlook and the finger pointing that’s sure to follow, it’s easy to lose sight of how the state’s next generation of leaders are stepping up.

Consider Matt Elsaesser, at 26 the youngest member of the Helena City Commission, who firmly believes that “now is the time to make long-range plans.” Elsaesser, who founded and still heads The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to recycling, successfully led the effort to pass the state’s first gray water law last session. That bill allows citizens to re-use non-sewage domestic wastewater for landscape irrigation, thus reducing both water demand and relieving the burden on sewage treatment facilities.

This session, Elsaesser is back pushing for another visionary, proactive measure: an electric car bill that makes registering medium-speed plug-in vehicles, which are primarily for urban use, more affordable.

“We’re looking forward to passing effective bills to establish conservation in our everyday infrastructure,” he says. “We’d like to establish a new model for how households can save water and establish alternative transportation within our current infrastructure using technology that is widely available today.”

Elsaesser says he’s working closely with one of the legislature’s younger members, Sen. John Brueggeman, R-Polson, and is “very encouraged by how many young people I see up there from both sides of the aisle working to address the environmental challenges of our time. We need to step up now to get these things in place. Our strong push for conservation is not entirely realized yet, but we’re the ones who are going to have to do it.”

Elsaesser is just one example of those working hard in Helena. In most cases, citizens like Elsaesser and most of our legislators aren’t professional politicians, but our friends and neighbors, edged into the maelstrom of the legislative arena and doing their best to hammer out solutions to the pressing problems of our time. The best thing the rest of us can do is to track the issues and let our legislators know where we, their constituents, stand on any given issue. Thanks to the Internet, the methods for reading bills, tracking the session and contacting legislators are easier than ever (see sidebar, page 17).

And finally, although you aren’t likely to agree with all of their decisions, don’t forget to at least thank them for their dedication to the difficult process of making public policy. It won’t cost you a dime, but it will mean the world to legislators, who will spend months living on cocktail party chicken wings, to know their efforts are appreciated.

Helena’s George Ochenski rattles the cage of the political establishment as a political analyst for the Independent. Read his weekly column on page 10, or contact Ochenski at opinion@missoulanews.com.

S.A.V.E. Update: Medium Speed Electric Vehicles, January Events, and Legislative Updates

2009-01-16T12:09:00.002-07:00

MSEV One Time Registration
The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment (S.A.V.E.) Foundation supports Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Hawks of Bozeman, which is a new electric vehicle bill that seeks to modify the definition of a Medium Speed Electric Vehicle (MSEV). SB 73 ensures owners will pay a one time registration fee of $87.50, rather than an annual registration fee each year. Similar to street legal quads and motorcycles, which already have similar one-time registration fees, medium speed electric vehicles are specialized vehicles with limited use, as they cannot go on the highway. The bill also proposes to increase the legal Gross Vehicle Weight Rating from 3000 lbs to 5000 lbs. The new proposed bill had its first hearing this past week in front of the Highways and Transportation committee and passed 8-0 and included testimony from S.A.V.E., EcoAuto, MontPIRG, Montana's Department of Justice, and a resident of Bozeman who uses her MSEV for her daily commute into Bozeman.

Plastics update
S.A.V.E. kicked off the new year with another successful Plastics Recycling Drive! We were able to recycle 3800 pounds of plastics from January 2-5th! This year, S.A.V.E. will be holding a Plastics Recycling Drive every other month, with the next event March 6-9th. For more information on plastic recycling or to request a recycling schedule for the year visit Savemobile.org or give us a call at 449.6008 and we will mail you one.

Electric Vehicle for the Week
In conjunction with recent legislation, S.A.V.E. will be driving around a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle for the week. The MILES electric vehicle, which comfortably fits four people, with room in the trunk, runs on six 12 volt batteries, windshield wiper fluid, and a separate battery for the radio and headlights. There is no oil or complicated components, which also cuts down on maintenance of the vehicle. The battery powered engine also means the car starts and heats up much faster in the winter. These batteries can power the car for 40 to 60 miles on a full charge. The full charge takes about 7 to 8 hours. The battery pack needs to be replaced about every 25,000 miles or about every four years. The car is charged by using the outlet on the side of the car to plug into any standard 110V outlet. The car is even equipped with studded snow tires and a battery warmer, perfect for Montana winter conditions! For more information visit http://www.savemobile.org/nev.july29.html

Harvesting Clean Energy
S.A.V.E. will be attending the 9th annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference, January 25-27 held in Billings this year. The conference charts the future of rural clean energy in the Northwest. Discussions focus on the steps to successful project development, including financing, to cut costs on the farm and produce power or feedstocks for market. Technologies covered include wind power, biofuels, biopower, geothermal, solar, and energy efficiency. S.A.V.E. will be coordinating the recycling for this event and will also plan on displaying a gray water system and advocating the electric vehicle at this event.

Repowering Montana Schools
This week, January 14-15, S.A.V.E. will also be recycling at the Repowering Montana Energy Summit at the Colonial Inn here in Helena. The conference is designed for K-12 superintendents, maintenance supervisors, and school boards. Contact School Administrator's Association, www.sammt.org for registration and agenda.

S.A.V.E. invites you to the Fourth Annual Helena Ice Bowl
The Sleeping Giant Disc Golf Alliance presents the Fourth Annual Helena Ice Bowl Charity Disc Golf Challenge this Saturday, January 17th. Proceeds from this event will be going towards The S.A.V.E. Foundation and Food Share. To register be at the Norwegian Wood Ranch by 9:00am on the 17th. To get to the ranch, follow Canyon Ferry Road 20 miles out of Helena. Costs for this charity event are as follows: Masters $35, Open $35, Advanced Amateur $30, Amateur $25, and Kids are $10. All amateur divisions will receive a commemorative disc, and all divisions will receive hot lunch. To raise money, there will be a $5 fee for mulligan shots, and feel free to bring in canned food for Food Share to receive $5 off of the entry fee. Contact Jason Schmidt at 458-1100 for event information.

Recycling Lights at MLK Day
In conjunction with MLK Day of Service, S.A.V.E. will be holding a Holiday Lights Recycling Drive. A box and information will be set up at the Capitol Rotunda in order to responsibly recycle these materials for reuse. Everyday, electronics are thrown into our landfills exposing our groundwater to hazardous materials that are in electronic items. Holiday light strands contain precious materials such as copper that can be extracted at reused. Stop by the Capitol Rotunda anytime between 9a and 5p on Monday, January 19 to recycle your burned out or tangled holiday lights!

Legislative Updates at Blog
Three recycling bills are up today in the House of Natural Resources. HB 21 will eliminate the termination date for existing tax credits and deduction for investment in recycling equipment and material. HB 22 will extend programs for manufacturing, agriculture and development of Montana industry and include an increase in funding for recycling components of the program. HB 35 would create a revolving loans program to fund recycling machinery and equipment. To read the bill text visit http://laws.leg.mt.gov/laws09/law0203w$.startup You can learn more about these bills and write you support at the Natural Resources Committee Page on the Legislative website at http://laws.leg.mt.gov/laws09/LAW0240W$CMTE.ActionQuery?P_COM_NM=%28H%29+Natural+Resources&Z_ACTION=Find.

Thanks!

-S.A.V.E.

Great Falls Tribune, "Bill Benfits 'Medium-Speed' Electric Cars

2009-01-12T13:03:00.002-07:00

HELENA — Electric cars have captured Ron Gompertz's imagination since he saw General Motor's "Futurama II" exhibit at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City.

The exhibit depicted a world 60 years into the future, one in which electric cars ruled the road, humans lived on the moon and people vacationed on the ocean floor.

It's not likely that people will live on the moon or take trips to Atlantis anytime soon, but Gompertz, owner of Bozeman-based Eco Auto, is determined to get more electric cars on the road.

"There have been waves of electric cars over the years, but I think 2009 is really going to be the year of the electric car," Gompertz said Thursday as he stood next to two "medium-speed electric vehicles" outside the Capitol.

Gompertz said vehicles like the ones he brought to Helena — one a small white utility truck and the other a bug-like four-door vehicle that looks like a larger version of a Smart Car — are the future of urban travel. He believes they are the bridge between the conventional gasoline-powered cars of today and the fully electric highway-speed cars of the future.

"Turns out you can't actually buy an electric car in Montana right now that will go highway speed. The battery technology isn't ready for prime time," Gompertz told the Senate Highway and Transportation Committee on Thursday. "Medium-speed electric vehicles are the only electric cars you can go out and drive right now."

In 2007, the Montana Legislature created the nation's first state law specifically regulating medium-speed electric vehicles when it passed Bozeman Democratic Sen. Bob Hawks' Senate Bill 185. That bill challenged federal law, which categorizes MSEVs as "low-speed vehicles" and limited their use to 25 miles per hour. Hawks' bill opened the door for MSEV use in Montana by upping the allowable speed limit to 35 mph, restricting their use to roads with speed limits of no more than 45 mph and requiring state registration.

"By limiting these vehicles to just roads with 45 (mph) or less speed limits, and only allowing them to go up to 35 (mph), you can create a different set of standards," said Matt Elsaesser, executive director of Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment. "There hasn't been leadership at the federal level to do that. As chance would have it, we've had a couple folks from Montana, some innovative small-business people, who brought this bill forward and the (state) Department of Justice worked on it and supported it."

Since then, Washington, Minnesota, Tennessee and Oklahoma have followed suit, and other states are considering similar legislation, Elsaesser said.

Supporters of MSEVs say SB185 was a good first step, but the legislation needs some tweaking. That prompted Hawks to introduce SB73, a bill that amends the 2007 law, in the current legislative session.

"These vehicles are used more as part-time, in-town vehicles, and, therefore, normal licensing costs are a disincentive for people to buy them," Hawks said before the committee hearing Thursday. "We're trying to make their part-time use consistent with licensing of other light vehicles such as motor scooters or OHVs (off-highway vehicles)."

SB73 would modify the 2007 law to increase the allowable gross vehicle weight from 3,000 pounds to 5,000 pounds and create a one-time vehicle registration fee of $87.50 for MSEVs.

Supporters of the bill say the changes would help solidify Montana's commitment to new, more environmentally friendly electric cars, and may push the federal government to include MSEVs in an electric-vehicle tax credit package under consideration in Congress.

That federal package establishes a tax credit for the purchase of plug-in electric vehicles, which may help consumers and manufacturers grow the marketplace for clean, efficient cars and trucks, but it doesn't provide specific incentives for MSEVs.

Elsaesser said that MSEVs can fill an important niche for environmentally conscious motorists until battery technology allows highway-speed electric vehicles to become a reality.

Supporters of MSEVs tout them as a low-carbon, affordable commuter option. The vehicles cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, are emissions-free and are more compact than a regular vehicle, making them easier to park and creating more space on the road, they say.

"Essentially, this bill is just a little incentive for these vehicles, and it'll be helpful for public awareness as well," Elsaesser said. "Certainly, you have the larger companies that are working on the highway-speed electric car, like plug-in hybrids. I just think it's difficult for people to recognize the merit of having a separate category. This bill helps to do that."

To see this front page article on the Great Falls Tribune click here.

Upcoming Events

2008-12-16T14:50:00.006-07:00

Energy Star and LEED at E-Works!
This evening Exploration works will be hosting an ENERGY STAR and LEED for Homes workshop. This is a presentation and discussion for builders, designers, realtors, and the trades on energy efficiency and green building in residential construction. In a tight housing market, it is important to differentiate your product. ENERGY STAR and LEED For Homes can provide that differentiation. These nationally recognized labels represent high performance in new homes. The workshop will be held at 995 Carousel Way, December 16 from 5.30p-8p.

Attendants will learn about, Green building principles and standards, Green building construction techniques, ENERGY STAR Homes Program, and Energy-efficient construction techniques. Presenters include, Casey Dudley of Kath Williams + Associates who is a Vice Chair of the Montana Chapter of U.S. Green Building Council. Casey will present an overview of green building standards and residential green building activity in Montana. Casey is a LEED Accredited Professional and a LEED for Homes Rater. Also, Dale Horton, Architect, NCAT. Dale is the Sustainable Energy Program Manager for the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). He oversees certification of Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes in Montana. He is a licensed architect, a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater Trainer, and a LEED for Homes Rater.

More information: Cathy Svejkovsky, 406.494.8667 or cathys@ncat.org.
Light refreshments will be served.

Presentation by Steve Loken
Steve Loken is a nationally recognized sustainable builder from Missoula. His seminar will focus on presenting the most cost effective ways to invest in home energy efficiency. This event is scheduled for January 29^th at Exploration Works. More details about this event will be forthcoming.

The Fourth Annual Helena Ice Bowl Charity Disc Golf Challenge
The Sleeping Giant Disc Golf Alliance would like to present The Fourth Annual Helena Ice Bowl Charity Disc Golf Challenge. All proceeds this year will be going to The S.A.V.E. Foundation and Food Share. Participants should be registered by 9am on January 17th at the Norwegian Wood Ranch. Tournament fees are as follows: Kids $10, Women $35, Ams $25, AdvAms $30, Open $35, Masters $35. All Am Divisions will receive a commemorative disc. All Divisions will receive a hot lunch. There will be two rounds of 18 holes, and every player can pay $5 for each mulligan unlimited on ANY SHOT.

Directions: Take Canyon Ferry Road all the way out to the Ranch 20 miles from Helena. The S.A.V.E. Foundation will be trying to organize a carpool from Helena for this event. Please stay posted to this site for details. Call 406.475.3229 for more directions. Feel free to bring canned food for Food Share to receive $5 off of the entry fee. Contact Jason Schmidt at 406.458.1100 for general event information.

Please come out to enjoy the winter weather and support the community through this fundraising event!

S.A.V.E. Comments on draft rules for Gray Water in Montana

2008-10-30T18:01:00.003-06:00

The S.A.V.E. Foundation made submitted the following comments to Montana D.E.Q. Click this link to submit your own public comment to Montana D.E.Q. in support of gray water conservation in general or regarding the specifics of the draft documents.

The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment Foundation (S.A.V.E.) supports the use of gray water in Montana. Gray water used for irrigation and waste transfer has great potential to address issues of water quality and water quantity across Montana. While gray water use has a long history in rural agricultural communities in Montana, properly collecting and using gray water in today's structures is cutting edge. We greatly appreciate D.E.Q. staffs time, diligence, and expertise in bringing forth drafts of "Circular DEQ-4 (October 9, 2008)" and "Gray Water Reuse Rules (October 10, 2008)" to allow the benefits of gray water to be utilized while protecting public health and safety.

S.A.V.E. considers these documents to be well crafted, but do have some initial concerns and comments:

1. Soil categorization based on septic or black water treatment requirements for gray water irrigation. DEQ-4 Section 2.0, part B, number 3 states that test holes must be 7 feet deep. New rule language 17.36.103 requires ASTM standard D5921-96el. With gray water typically so close to the surface (about one to two feet), a maximum depth of 50 inches for test holes should be required and the criteria should be based on soil penetration near the surface, as with irrigation in agriculture or landscaping. In the case of a gray water irrigation being installed after a septic is already in place, this requirement could be burdensome and cost prohibitive, while not focusing exclusively on the absorption near the surface.

2. In the General Info Section, number 1.9, of DEQ-4, it states that the non-potable water must be identifiable through the use of "purple piping." We are understanding this to mean that the piping is identified with some sort of purple marking, probably durable tape, as PVC pipe is typically only available in white, black, and green colors. If that is not the case, an option should exist for labeling existing pipes in the case of any retrofit or the lack of availability of "purple piping."

3. Part 3, section 4, sets criteria for surge tanks that "may be incorporated" into irrigation system design. Certain systems, like the Brac line of gray water residential systems, which are readily available, can hold from 39 gallons designed for a home of up to three people (modelRGW-150) and up to 119 gallons for homes up to twelve people (RGW-450). If a system like this is installed and properly utilized for subsurface irrigation, it is important that the system's capacity not be considered a surge tank. A structure built to incorporate gray water systems is likely to have additional water saving features such as low flow faucets, low flow shower heads, and water saving washing machines. If this is the case, the installer should be able to size a surge tank based on less water use and best practices to control water demand. Smaller surge tanks should be allowed in this case.

S.A.V.E. looks forward to attending the Stakeholder/Task Force meeting on gray water this upcoming November 5. Parallel to the development of these rules, S.A.V.E. notes that it is in the interest of the State of Montana to provide resources for professional training, education, and research for this new realm of water conservation.

Sincerely,

Matthew A. Elsaesser
Executive Director
The S.A.V.E. Foundation
P.O. Box 1481
Helena, MT 59624

Daily Habits Newsletter, Fall 2008 - Plastics Edition

2008-10-29T11:43:00.002-06:00

Click here to download S.A.V.E. Fall 2008 Daily Habits Newsletter

This issue features Plastics Recycling in Montana, S.A.V.E.'s Statewide Recycling Guide, Biodiesel Update, Real Food Store Eliminating Bags, S.A.V.E. Heroes, a Legislative Preview, and more.

Click here to view previous Daily Habits.

Thanks!

- Savemobile.org

TABLE OF COMMON PLASTIC RESINS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO THE SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY (SPI) RESIN IDENTIFICATION CODE

2008-10-27T11:02:00.004-06:00

TYPES OF PLASTIC, THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

"The easiest way for a consumer to identify the type of plastic used in a product is to find the resin identification code (also known as the material container code), which is usually molded, formed or imprinted in or close to the centre on the bottom of the container.
This system of coding was developed in 1988 by The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) [www.plasticsindustry.org], which is the Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing the U.S. plastics industry. The intent was to provide plastic recyclers – which urged the industry to develop such a system – with a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics through the normal channels for collecting recyclable materials from household waste.
The coding system is voluntary for plastic manufacturers, but it's use has become relatively standard on plastic products sold in the U.S. and internationally.
The purpose of the coding system is to make it easier for plastics to be recycled, but the codes also provide consumers with a simple, handy technique for identifying the type of plastic resin used to make a particular product. In accordance with SPI guidelines, the code is deliberately placed in an inconspicuous location on the product because the industry intent is not to influence the consumer's buying decision, just to facilitate recycling of the product.
Knowing the code for a particular plastic product, consumers can then inform themselves of the characteristics and potential environmental and health effects associated with usage of that particular type of plastic. Helping consumers in this daunting task is one of the fundamental goals of Life Without Plastic.
The table below is a starting point in this information gathering process. "

plastic_types_jan07.pdf

HEINBERG TO SPEAK IN MISSOULA October 30th, 8pm

2008-10-23T15:54:00.001-06:00

EXTRA! EXTRA! HEINBERG TO SPEAK IN MISSOULA
Blackout: Coal, Climate and the Last Energy Crisis
with Richard Heinberg

Coal is the world's fastest-growing energy source. However, it is the dirtiest of the conventional fossil fuels, and the world's ability to deal with the historic challenge of climate change hinges on whether we burn more or less coal in future years. National and international agencies have assured us that there is plenty of coal, but a series of new studies calls these assurances into question. If these studies are right, the peak of world coal production may be only two decades away. This new information has crucial implications for energy policy, for the world economy, for climate science, and for geopolitics. In this talk, Heinberg will go to the heart of the tough energy questions that will dominate every sphere of public policy throughout the first half of this century.

Click here to download a flyer for your office!

Where: Social Sciences Building, Room 352, University of Montana Campus, Missoula
When: Thursday, October 30, 8:00 pm
FREE and Open to the Public!

Sponsors to date include: the Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO), Climate Solutions, GlobalWarmingSolultions.org, MT Audubon, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), Pew Environment Group, University of Montana, S.A.V.E. Foundation, and Sustainable Obtainable Solutions.

Montana Draft Gray Water Rules Ready for Comment

2008-10-22T11:51:00.003-06:00

The use of Gray Water was made legal with House Bill 259 during the 2007 Montana Legislative Session. More details.

A working draft of the gray water rules (click here to download) and the gray water chapter for DEQ-4 (click here to download) has been made available by Steve Kilbreath, Supervisor, Subdivision Section
Public Water and Subdivisions Bureau of Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Comments to these document should be sent to Mr. Kilbreath at SKilbreath@mt.gov by October 30, 2008.

A meeting of stakeholders to review these comments is scheduled for Room 111 in the DEQ Metcalf Building at 1520 East 6th Avenue in Helena on Wednesday November 5, 2008 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Persons able to attend to let Mr. Kilbreath now at 406.444.3638.

Please let us know if you have any questions about assisting with this process or gray water in general.

Sincerely,

The S.A.V.E. Foundation
Savemobile.org/406.449.6008

Growing Friends Plant Seeds of Volunteerism

2008-10-09T16:55:00.002-06:00

By MARTIN J. KIDSTON -Independent Record - 10/04/08

Read the Story in the IR

Before the stores opened last Saturday and the sun tempered the morning chill, the line of traffic at the recycling bins already wrapped around the parking lot.

Cars arrived full of old newspapers. Trucks carried garbage bags stuffed with tin cans. Minivans arrived with empty beer bottles and milk jugs.

“I think the community is really responding to the recycling needs,” said Growing Friends of Helena member Betsy Nordell, who helped organize last weekend’s Trash for Trees event.

“It’s a win-win situation,” she added. “You get to recycle your material, and the money raised from the event goes into buying trees and planting them in public places around town.”

Growing Friends, a local organization with about 400 members, has planted thousands of trees across the city over the past 19 years, enhancing area streets and parks.

Most recently, volunteers planted 60 trees along Walnut Street in the Sixth Ward. The project, a joint effort between Growing Friends and area residents, helped beautify the historic district and add value to neighborhood homes.

“We’d like to do more neighborhood projects like that one,” said Paul Cartwright, a Helena city commissioner and member of Growing Friends. “There are also numerous parking lots around town that add blight to certain areas. We’d like to enhance those too. These projects require both the business and the city to step up and make it happen.”

Held twice a year, the recycling drive has enjoyed increased participation each season.

According to Tyler Evilsizer, chairman of S.A.V.E., last Saturday’s drive netted more than 21,000 pounds of glass, 47,000 pounds of newspaper, 3,000 pounds of steel, 2,000 pounds of aluminum, 5,000 pounds of plastic and 7,000 pounds of cardboard.

All told, participants recycled nearly 92,000 pounds of material, up from 80,000 pounds during the fall drive of 2007. Spring drives generally net more, with 99,000 pounds of material this spring and 118,000 pounds the year before.

At last weekend’s event, elderly folks arrived with newspapers tied neatly with string. Others brought in a summer’s supply of Bud Light cans. Local plant nurseries even accepted plastic pots to use for spring flower sales.

“There was a long time when you weren’t seeing too many younger people volunteering,” said Cartwright. “But there seems to be a new wave of them. Hopefully, some of them will become interested in planting trees.”

While the organization is eyeing several future projects, it’s also working to maintain the city’s aging boulevards.

Efforts to plant young trees amid older ones — some pushing the century mark and slowly dying — will pay off for future generations.

“Trees last a long time, but they don’t last forever,” Cartwright said. “We’ve started infill planting in various places.”

“Trees are something that makes the world more beautiful,” added Nordell. “It’s something that future generations can enjoy.”

E*Waste Erased

2008-09-17T09:28:00.025-06:00

September has been a busy month for The S.A.V.E. Foundation. After baling and recycling many dumpsters full of plastics, S.A.V.E. headed off to Erase your E*Waste this past weekend. The annual event ran Friday, September 12th from 3-7pm and again Saturday morning, September 13th from 8am-1pm in the Kmart parking lot. The S.A.V.E. Foundation partnered with Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Pacific Steel and Recycling, Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department, Lewis and Clark Water Quality Protection District, Lewis and Clark Landfill, The City of Helena Transfer Station, and City-County Sanitation to make this event possible.
This event drew nearly 400 cars plus several businesses that pre-registered from surrounding areas including a Uhaul that showed up with more than 200 electronic waste items to recycle. Some items are free to recycle such as computer towers and laptops, but many were recycled with a fee to pay for labor to disassemble the components properly. Recycling electronics keeps toxic materials out of landfills, which reduces the potential of substances such as lead and mercury from leaching into our land and water.
Electronics recycling has been an increasingly important issue with technology changing daily, and the consequential desire to obtain the latest and greatest. Television sets were one of the most common recycled items at this event because of the signal change coming up later this year. Unfortunately, electronics recycling may not be affordable to everyone as television sets are one of the most costly items to recycle. This leads to incorrect disposal of these materials.
The S.A.V.E. Foundation will be working on policies to make electronics recycling more practical this upcoming session, but also work to ban these materials from landfills. Many states already have regulations on electronic waste including fines for tossing electronics into the garbage.

Coming up next, The S.A.V.E. Foundation will be working with the Growing Friends of Helena to recycle at Trash for Trees September 27th at Northgate Plaza from 9am-4pm. This event will collect newspapers, glass, corrugated cardboard, steel and aluminum cans, office paper, and some rechargeable batteries (from laptops or power tools). This will also be another opportunity to recycle your type 1 and type 2 plastics! Recycle to raise money for planting trees and support expanded recycling! Volunteers are need for this event. To sign up visit savemobile.org or dial 449.6008. Volunteering makes expanded recycling possible in your community!

Pictured below: Volunteers help to make this event possible. Thanks to all those who came out to help!

Plastics Drive - September 2008

2008-09-11T11:27:00.007-06:00

The S.A.V.E. Foundation has just wrapped up another successful plastics drive, recycling more plastics than ever before. We collected type 1 and 2 plastics including soda and water bottles, milk jugs, and laundry detergent containers. The plastics drive keeps thousands of pounds of plastic out of our landfills, which saves fossil fuels, and money. Collected items were baled at Pacific Steel and Recycling here in Helena, and will be sent to Missoula for processing. Check back, numbers will be posted soon! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped us out by rinsing out their bottles, removing lids, and sorting out the plastic by type. Quality control is essential in order to recycle these items efficiently and economically. This event would not be possible without our staff of volunteers, a big thank you for all your help! The S.A.V.E. Foundation would also like to thank the sponsors for this event; the City of Helena, City County Sanitation, Pacific Steel and Recycling, and General Services of the State of Montana.

S.A.V.E. Update: Plastics, Ewaste, more

2008-08-29T08:50:00.002-06:00

Thank Yous Rockin' the Rivers
This year's Rockin' the Rivers in Three Forks was a huge, green success thanks to S.A.V.E's recycling efforts made possible by our community partners. This festival attracted thousands of campers to see a great lineup including Third Eye Blind, Dennis DeYoung of Styx, Eddie Money, and many more. S.A.V.E. bins were present throughout the entire venue, and S.A.V.E. volunteers worked with Pat Groves cleanup crew after each show to collect hundreds of pounds of aluminum cans, plastic bottles, cups, and cardboard from vendors. The S.A.V.E. information table was completely solar-powered thanks to Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA).
A big thank you to those who made this possible! Thank you Headwaters Recycling Cooperative for providing logistical support and large recycle bins for the campsite, Montana D.E.Q., Power Townsend, Lowes, and Home Depot for providing recycling supplies. Thank you Thompson Distributing for providing transportation with their truck returning to Butte, and Pat Groves and his cleanup crew and all the great event organizers. Thank you for making this event possible! Recycling Rocks! We look forward to working with you all next year!

MREA Trailer
Thanks to Montana Renewable Energy Association, S.A.V.E. has on loan a renewable energy trailer equipped with solar and wind power demonstrations. For the next few weeks, S.A.V.E. will be set up at Alive@Five with this trailer demonstrating the uses of solar and wind energy through the components of the MREA trailer. The S.A.V.E. booth will also be handing out information on conserving energy in your home and lifestyle, and also be selling 'Be Green' t-shirts, CDs, and savemobile bumper stickers.

September Events
September is a big recycling month for S.A.V.E. Three events will be held during this month providing opportunities to recycle what is in your home. The Plastics Drive will run from September 5-9, 8am-7pm, at 1100 N. Last Chance Gulch (In field near parking lot next to Y.M.C.A.) S.A.V.E. will be taking three types of plastics; type 1 clear (water, soda bottles), type 2 natural color (standard milk jugs), and type 2 color plastics (orange juice, laundry, shampoo containers). Please rinse the bottles and remove all lids! Labels are okay, no oil containers, and please separate the bottles.

Erase your E*Waste will be held from Friday September 12th 3pm-7pm to Saturday, September 13th from 8am-1pm at the K-Mark parking lot at 1700 Cedar Street. Now is a chance for you to get rid of those old junky electronics that have been piling up in your attic or garage. Recycling keeps those toxic materials out of landfills and allows them to be reused. Erase Your E-Waste will recycle some items for free, such as computer towers, but most items will cost a nominal charge. Estimated costs and business preregistration can be found in this months water bill (Helena residents only), Savemobile.org, or 449-6008.

The third event S.A.V.E. will be sponsoring is Trash for Trees on September 27th from 9am-4pm. This event will be held at Northgate Plaza on Montana Avenue to recycle to raise money for planting trees and support expanded recycling. Items accepted will be newspaper/magazine, office paper, glass, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, steel cans, and cell phones, print cartrdges and some rechargeable batteries (from laptops or power tools). The plastics reyclcling will be provided by the S.A.V.E. Foundation and will include Type 1 Clear (Water, Soda Bottles), Type 2 Natural Color (standard milk jugs), and type 2 Color Plastics (orange juice, laundry, shampoo containers). Please rinse the bottles and remove all lids! Labels are okay, no oil containers, and please separate the bottles.

(Note: Volunteers are needed for all of these events)

Cinnabar Grant
The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment Foundation has received a $5,000 matching grant from The Cinnabar Foundation for the second year in a row. This means that upcoming donations will be matched. S.A.V.E. is embarking on a major fund-raising effort to bring in its matching funds for this, its largest grant to date. This is a great time to support S.A.V.E.'s effective efforts to make Helena and Montana more sustainable. Donate to S.A.V.E. today and your contribution will have twice the impact.

Thanks!

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation
P.O. Box 1481
Helena, MT 59624

Daily Habits: July 2008 online at Savemobile.org

2008-07-31T13:16:00.018-06:00

The S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3)

2008-07-31T12:17:00.004-06:00

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles by AmeriCorps VISTA Kim Degner

Just noticing electric vehicles myself over the past couple of months, I am very excited to write this article not only to educate myself more on this simple transportation alternative, but also to reach out to others exploring the opportunity to learn more about the amazing world of NEV's or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. NEV's are engines that run on batteries, and while may not be able to travel quite as fast as your standard automobile, yet, can do pretty much everything else you would need a motorized vehicle for. They are also less toxic for the environment through zero emissions and its small dependency on fossil fuels. In fact, with its simple battery operated engine, the driver does not have to worry even about oil changes, which can lead to toxic substances in our water and air.
Instead of adding up miles on a standard car, that has to be pumped up with expensive and dirty fossil fuels every couple hundred miles, an NEV only needs a fraction of this cost by simply plugging the car into a standard outlet at the end of the day. And on those days that the weather conditions may not be suitable for my personal favorite, the bicycle, an electric vehicle can be equipped with windshield wipers and even heat. While an NEV cannot be driven say from Montana to Minnesota (they are not allowed on highways) this is the perfect vehicle for driving around town, which most of our trips may include such as running errands or just short commutes to work.
NEV's are designed for traveling short distances and at slow speeds especially in urban areas where air pollution and traffic may be a problem. NEV's are emission free and are more compact than a regular vehicle, which makes them really easy to park, and provides more space on the road. An NEV can be as simple as a golf cart and can contain features up to the luxury of a standard car such as mirrors, turn signals and tail lights, windshield and doors. Street legal NEV's include the ZENN (Zero Emissions No Noise) electric car, which is gaining popularity through its zero-emission status and low-cost and easily accessible energy sources. With modifications, the electric cars have the potential to go 50-70 mph, but have a 25 mph federal restriction. In Montana, however, you can now legally drive the ZENN 35 mph, the speed limit on many streets through town, and even drive this speed on roads up to 45 mph. The S.A.V.E. Foundation is working to allow the ZENN to go faster and make it more practical for the average Montanan through policy work and environmental advocacy. The electric engine lasts 500,000 miles, but only gets 40 miles on a full charge, which takes 6-8 hours. The car can be plugged into a standard outlet at home to recharge even just overnight.
Even electric trucks are available for purchase. A small electric powered truck was recently purchased from EcoAuto Inc. of Bozeman to do maintenance work around the Capitol Complex here in Helena. The truck costs $17,695 and runs on an electric charge of 70 cents per day and will soon run off of solar powered batteries from the campus boiler plant. Under the truck's hood there are simply six batteries for the truck with a seventh for heating and air conditioning.

Electric cars run on lead-acid batteries, which are similar to those in regular automobiles. Since car batteries are a sealed unit most are recycled in the U.S. Also, with no engine oil, or radiator fluid, the electric engine is less toxic and the carbon lifecycle impact is much lower. This means that it uses less resources and has less of an impact on the environment to ultimately produce and use. In Montana, we currently use both hydroelectric and coal power for electricity, which means fossil fuels are used when we plug these cars into our houses. However, this equals out to only 10 percent of what we are currently pumping into our cars. And if solar or wind energy is used to get the electricity generated in your home, your car could virtually be fossil fuel free. The advantages of the electric car clearly make it an understated option to many commuters around town. And while we still need our regular fossil fuel cars to leave the city, a lot can be done to make the electric car a more viable option. With community interest and the work of S.A.V.E. we will soon forget about miles per gallon of fuel and be able to lessen the impacts we have on the environment on a daily basis. We can instead work towards making electric cars even more efficient and enjoy the simplicity of the vehicle we need just to get from point A to point B.

*Photos Above (Top photo to the left: Gov. Brian Schweitzer uses a ZENN electric car as a desk while signing a bill allowing the vehicles on Montana roadways earlier this year. From left, State Sen. Bob Hawks, D-Bozeman, Ron Gompertz of Eco Auto Inc., SAVE Director Matt Elsaesser and SAVE lobbyist Tyler Evilsizer look on.)
(Bottom photo to the right: the MILES electric vehicle is plugged into any standard 110V outlet for a full charge within 7-8 hours)

July Plastics Drive Shows Incredible Demand for Recycling

2008-07-11T12:34:00.000-06:00

There was an incredible turnout for our July plastics drive. Each successive drive keeps collecting more plastic, even though we have now shifted to more frequent collections. The three bins which the city lent to us were all full within two days. We were able to hold out for the whole weekend, thanks to some Sunday morning ingenuity and a makeshift chicken-wire bin. Also, we'd like to send a big thank you to City-County Sanitation, who dropped off an extra bin midway through the collection. The totals are in: we collected nearly 12,000 lbs. pounds of plastic in 5 days. Thank you, Helena!

March Plastics Drive Collects 11,000 pounds!

2008-04-07T17:43:00.003-06:00

S.A.V.E. finished its March plastics collection last Friday. We recycled almost 11,000 pounds of plastics, a new record! The bottles were split about evenly between type 1 clear (water, soda, juice bottles), type 2 natural color (standard translucent milk jugs), and colored type 2 plastics.
We had a consistent stream of cars coming to and from the event all week, and were especially busy during the weekend. Thanks to our crew of volunteers who meet, greet, and make it all possible!

The next plastics collection is May 2-6!

Counting Carbon - Opinion piece by S.A.V.E. Executive Director Matt Elsaesser

2008-02-26T13:11:00.001-07:00

Every gallon we buy at the pump affects our environmental, economic, and national security. A significant percentage of our transportation fuel is shipped across oceans and supports unsavory regimes. All of it emits climate-harming carbon into the atmosphere. Our choice at the pump is neither simple, nor consequence free. Reducing these consequences starts with driving less, choosing fuel efficient cars and trucks, and selecting the right alternative fuels. When we select alternative fuels, it is vital that we see a full accounting of their environmental merit. This can best be done through Low Carbon Fuel (LCF) accounting as recommended by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee. LCF Accounting includes all "energy inputs and carbon outputs from production to consumption" in transportation fuel. In other words, policies regarding alternative fuels should promote increased efficiency and decreased carbon intensity.

LCF Accounting is the best way to determine which alternative fuels have environmental merit. It measures carbon emissions not just by what comes out of our exhaust pipe, but also the carbon produced over the lifetime of the fuel. LCF Accounting considers all the energy inputs of a fuel: extraction or growing, refining, and transportation to the pump. This accounting system tracks the indirect costs that we pay for fuel. A gallon of petroleum gasoline produced in Montana provides the same amount of useful energy as a gallon of petroleum derived gas from the Middle East. However, the Middle East gallon will have taken much more energy and emitted more carbon because of transportation. The resulting measurement gives us the "carbon intensity" of the fuel we are putting into our vehicles, telling us how much carbon was emitted to yield a set amount of energy at the pump.

The nation is looking for alternatives to gasoline. Recent reports regarding Hydrogen Fuel Cells have created much excitement. Liquid biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel have the potential to allow America to grow its own fuel, which in turn will reduce fuel costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on foreign nations for fuel. However, not all alternative fuels are created equal and many have unintended consequences. Corn-based ethanol requires energy from fossil fuels. In Asia, rainforests are destroyed to provide cropland for biodiesel made from palm oil, causing the loss of "carbon sinks" and biodiversity. Today, using electricity to produce hydrogen for fuel cells is less efficient than using the electricity directly in a standard electric car. LCF Accounting is a tool that can ascertain which alternative fuels being promoted are those with real environmental benefits.

LCF Accounting gives us a necessary baseline to understand the environmental impacts of our transportation fuel choices. It is a vital tool for citizens making choices at the pump and for policy makers looking to lower the carbon intensity of fuels. Fueling your car is not simple. The true costs are often hidden. Let's make it easier with Low Carbon Fuels Accounting.

[Learn more at S.A.V.E. Low Carbon Fuels Page]

Comment on the Climate Change Action Plan

Let the citizen voice be heard! The Environmental Quality Council is seeking public comment on the recommendations by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee. Which areas are important? You can fill out as much or as little of the survey as you want--all comments are counted. The Public Comment Survey is open until February 29th.

Thanks!

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation

S.A.V.E. Green Drinks series starts this Wednesday at Taco del Sol in Helena

2008-02-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

S.A.V.E. invites the Helena community to join us at Taco del Sol (Downtown Walking Mall, Helena) for a presentation and discussion on recycling lead by executive director Matt Elsaesser. Event will start at 7:30p.m. and is free and open to the public. Call 406.431.0815 for details.

Thanks

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation

Daily Habits: Winter 2008 online at Savemobile.org

2008-01-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

S.A.V.E. Daily Habits: Winter 2008

Past Issues of Daily Habits

The S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3)

Low Carbon Fuels memo by S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3)

2007-12-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

A low carbon fuels standard was recently added to Lieberman-Warner Climate Change bill in the U.S. Senate. This is being hailed as a very important environmental component to the bill, which has now passed the Senate's Environmental and Public Works Committee and will be heard on the floor sometime next year.

It sets a positive precedent for legislation dealing with alternative transportation fuels. S.A.V.E. is proud to have been a resource for this amendment and to have been of the primary proponents for Low Carbon Fuel recommendation in the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee. The following memo has more details.

- The S.A.V.E Foundation, 501(c)(3)

Memo: Low Carbon Fuels Standard for Montana / RE: Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC)

By

Matthew A. Elsaesser, Executive Director

(Member of Transportation and Land Use working group for MT CCAC)

Tyler Evilsizer, Policy Coordinator

Board of Directors

S.A.V.E. Lobbyist 2007 Session

The S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3)

Box 1481, Helena, MT 59624

406.431.0815 / Savemobile.org

Matt Elsaesser is founder and executive director of The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment (S.A.V.E.) Foundation. S.A.V.E. works on education and environmental policy in Helena and throughout Montana. S.A.V.E.'s Biodiesel Montana advocacy program has crossed the state on 100% homemade biodiesel and been a resource to citizens and policy makers throughout Montana. The S.A.V.E. Foundation drafted the Low Carbon Fuels Standard for the Transportation and Land Use working group for the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee, on which Matt served.

Introduction:

A Low Carbon Fuel Standard is designed to reduce the content of Greenhouse Gases in transportation fuels. Montana's Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC) recently recommended policies related to Low Carbon Fuels and recommended the adoption of a Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

A Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is based on the net amount of carbon transportation fuels emit per unit of energy they provide. This standard ensures better accounting of fuel and policy impacts, both in terms of environmental objectives and economic ramifications. A LCFS will promote the development of alternative fuels, which are being developed in order to reduce the nation’s dependence on petroleum, reduce emissions associated with global warming.

A low carbon fuel standard will evolve with emerging technologies and new crops, such as the processing of agricultural waste into cellulosic ethanol or camelina oil-seed into biodiesel. In California, where it was first introduced, LCFS was heralded as a "market-driven" approach that allows refiners and automakers to find their own solutions rather than government dictating technologies. Fuel providers may mix and match various strategies to meet the standards and take advantage of new technologies as they are developed.

The Montana CCAC sought specific policy options to support renewable fuels in Montana that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From its initial deliberations , the Transportation and Land Use working group of the CCAC looked to a LCFS as valuable mechanism to reduce CO2 emissions from transportation fuel and at the same support Montana agriculture and Montana’s rural economy.

Recent Events in Montana

During the 2007 Montana Legislature, a standard to include 2-5% Biodiesel in all diesel fuel passed through the Senate with bipartisan support. The bill stalled in a House Committee, largely due to the opposition of the trucking industry, which supports a 5% standard at the national level but was concerned about a “patchwork” of state regulations. Montana's producer tax credit was extended.

The Montana Climate Change Advisory Council released their final report in November 2007. It evaluated strategies for the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions considering Governor Schweitzer’s charge to “save money, conserve energy, and bolster the Montana economy.” Among its proposals were AFW-2, AFW-3 (which focused on promoting biodiesel and ethanol production), and TLU-6, which presented a recommended Low Carbon Fuels Standard to increase consumption of low-carbon fuels.

From executive summary on Transportation and Land Use policy option 6 (low carbon fuels) by the Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee:

The CCAC recommends that Montana seek to increase the use and market penetration of low carbon fuels (LCFs) to offset traditional fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and others derived from crude oil. Additionally, the policy aims to increase production opportunities for LCFs derived from Montana crops and other low carbon transportation alternatives such as hydrogen, natural gas, and electricity. TLU-6 will evaluate the merits of LCFs based on their net carbon impact and will remain consistent with Agriculture, Forestry, and Waste Management Policy Option 2 (AFW-2), which increases biodiesel production in the state. Various options or a combination of options to increase LCF use would include:

• Carbon fuel accounting,

• Fuel quality standards,

• LCF infrastructure development,

• LCF standard and credits for compliance,

• High carbon fuel tax,

• State government fleet ‘leadership’ programs for adoption of LCFs, and

• Carbon reduction requirements.

LCFs demonstrate tangible economic benefits to rural economies. An LCF policy provides for strong, proactive measures to address economic and environmental issues where agricultural concerns yearn for economic sustenance and higher crop prices, or new and higher paying industry jobs to sustain the existing economy.

[Full document at http://www.mtclimatechange.us/CCAC.cfm]

Montana Crops for Low Carbon Fuels:

Cellulosic Ethanol: Agricultural Waste

Biodiesel: Canola, *Camelina, Mustard, Safflower, Sunflower

* Camelina is currently one of the crops with the highest potential for Montana growers, especially for dry land farming in Eastern Montana. Camelina does not require large amounts of water, has natural resistance to weeds (allelopathy), a short growing season, and has several developing markets (. Spring and winter crops are available. (Crops for Biodiesel Research in Montana: Camelina presentation by Duane Johnson) As a relatively new crop, camelina is not yet eligible for traditional crop insurance. Montana officials are working to address this challenge and promote the economics of biofuels in Montana.

More on LCFS:

- Low Carbon Fuels could potentially impact biofuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen (H2), solar and electricity. Biofuels, especially biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol currently provide the strongest possibility for net CO2 reductions in transportation fuels. Other opportunities, such as biobutanol and biodiesel from algae could diversify our transportation fuel infrastructure.

- Links to studies on low carbon fuels from California State: http://www.energy.ca.gov/low_carbon_fuel_standard/

- Help ensure environmental merits of alternative fuels by factoring in transportation emissions (non-domestic fuels crossing oceans rather than being used locally) and negative agricultural practices (rain forest destruction for palm oil).

- "We've got to do something (energy independence), we've got to make sure we do it right" - Montana Farmer at S.A.V.E. Biodiesel Montana event

Carbon Intensity in the U.S. Economy:

Our GDP has grown favorably relative to our energy use, but the carbon intensity of our energy resources has been less impressive. Low carbon fuels represent opportunity for our rural agricultural economies and an opportunity to address increasing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

Here is a good link that documents this trend: EIA - Trends in U.S. Carbon Intensity

Recycling Update / Plastics Recycling Dec 7-14

2007-11-28T22:40:00.001-07:00

Recycling update:

At The S.A.V.E. Foundation’s 4th Birthday Bash last week, we celebrated our successes in bringing recycling and environmental awareness to Helena. Community participation and support allows S.A.V.E. to have a large impact. Growing Friends and S.A.V.E. provided Trash for Trees, which had a fall record of nearly 80,000 pounds of material recycled. Trash for Trees is made possible by the support of the City of Helena, City-County Sanitation, Pacific Steel & Recycling, and The Good Samaritan.

We would also like the thank the sponsors of Erase your E*waste, which collected 80,000 pounds of electronic waste last month. The Helena Transfer Station, City-County Sanitation, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Lewis & Clark City-County Health Department, Lewis & Clark Water Quality Protection District, Lewis & Clark Landfill, and Pacific Steel & Recycling benefited hundreds of Helenans.

The next plastics collection week is Dec. 7-14 next to Centennial Field. We will be accepting type 1 clear, type 2 clear and type 2 color plastic containers. Please remove lids and rinse bottles.

More information about the plastics collection or S.A.V.E.’s programs is available at .http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Tyler Evilsizer

S.A.V.E., Americorps Campus Compact

P.O. Box 1481

Savemobile.org

The ZENN of Driving

2007-11-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

S.A.V.E. Featured in New West Travel and Outdoor Section:

The ZENN of Driving

By Bill Schneider, 11-17-07

link:
http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/the_zenn_of_driving/C41/L41/

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3)

S.A.V.E. Birthday Bash and America Recycles Day Celebration tonight!

2007-11-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

S.A.V.E. will celebrate America Recycles Day and our 4th birthday as a community non-profit this evening at 6:30pm at Exploration Works in the Great Northern Center.

Check out today Helena Independent Record:

SAVE celebrates fourth birthday

By LARRY KLINE - Independent Record - 11/15/07

Thanks!

- Savemobile.org

Free Gray Water Demonstration in Missoula this Weekend!

2007-11-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

Free Gray Water workshop in Missoula this Saturday! Saving water: one shower at a time

[[Missoula Friends, please post a flyer]]

On Saturday, November 10, S.A.V.E. will be holding a public event about gray water at Home Resource from 12-3 pm. Please attend to learn more about gray water options in Montana, see the gray water system for raffle and observe a demonstration on how to set up your own system using resources available from Home Resource. A display and gray water raffle will remain through the 18th.

Water is a precious resource in the Big Sky State. This summer's fires illustrate the crucial need for water. Between agriculture, ranching, and common household use, we use every single drop.

In the last legislative session, a new law was passed to address water conservation. This new law makes gray water systems legal in the state. A gray water system allows homeowners to reuse wastewater for irrigating their plants or lawns. This law was a return to Montana's rural ranching past, when reusing water was just common sense.

Michele Reinhart (D-Missoula) sponsored the bipartisan legislation, gaining support on both sides of the aisle during the contentious Session. "This a good bill that allows an important water conservation measure, especially as continued drought reminds us how important water is to Montana," she said.

The group that came forward with this legislation, The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment (S.A.V.E) Foundation, is based in Helena. The group is now traveling around the state to spread the word about the potential for gray water systems. There will be a gray water display at Home Resource this month. The group is also giving away a gray water system in a free raffle. This system, designed for homes of up to five persons, allows a new home or renovation to reuse their non-septic water for irrigation or flushing toilets. In collaboration with Home Resource and the Missoula Urban Demonstration project, the public is invited to attend two workshops demonstrating how to set up your own gray water system without having to purchase a prefabricated system. On Saturday, November 10, S.A.V.E. will be holding a public event about gray water at Home Resource from 12- 3 pm. Please attend to learn more about gray water options in Montana, see the gray water system for raffle and observe a demonstration on how to set up your own system using resources available from Home Resource.

Gray water can comprise up to three-quarters of a house's water use, includes most wash water, and is kept separate from black water, which comes from toilets and kitchen sinks. Gray water systems installed during new construction or renovation use the water to irrigate lawns and trees (typically sub irrigation) or for toilets. When the system is not in use, a valve directs the water to the normal sewage system. Gray water systems offer low-cost urban alternatives to dams and conventional sewer systems. Gray water systems can protect public health and resources, reduce water use, and direct nutrients to soil where they can be readily absorbed.

S.A.V.E. started as a recycling effort at Carroll College in Helena and is now a non-profit which has greatly expanded recycling in Helena. S.A.V.E. members and activists regularly cross the state with country music and an old truck with their "Biodiesel Montana" program, and work on common sense policy to enable environmental stewardship through the "three Rs" of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

"Protecting the environment is something we can and should do on a daily basis with our choices and habits," said Matthew Elsaesser, S.A.V.E. Director, "measures such as this play an important role."

More information about gray water and S.A.V.E. is available online at Savemobile.org or at 406.431.0815.

America Recycles Day celebration and fundraiser November 15, 2007

2007-11-01T09:24:00.001-06:00

S.A.V.E.'s 4th annual America Recycles Day celebration will be November 15, from 6:30p.m. to 8p.m. at Exploration Works! in the Great Northern Center. Event will include snacks, silent and live auction, and presentations on S.A.V.E. recent successes and upcoming goals. This is a great opportunity to learn about S.A.V.E. and support our efforts.

Thanks!

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3)

America Recycles Day celebration and fundraiser November 15, 2007

2007-11-01T09:24:00.000-06:00

S.A.V.E. Featured on ABC.com: A Better Community!

2007-10-25T14:20:00.000-06:00

link:
http://abc.go.com/abettercommunity/outreach.html

- The S.A.V.E Foundation, 501(c)(3)

Plastics Recycling & Sunrise with S.A.V.E.

2007-10-25T11:03:00.000-06:00

Recycling at S.A.V.E. started at 6:30a.m. this morning with Nicole, Caleb, and Matt using the Savemobile and the Vegi-mobile to move hundreds of pounds of plastics to be baled at Pacific Steel & Recycling.

In addition to a community collection program for plastics held every 3 months (next collection Dec 7-14), S.A.V.E. collects plastics on a regular basis with its business collection route serving downtown Helena and surrounding areas.

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation

Trash for Trees / Erase E-waste / 160,000 pounds recycled

2007-10-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

- This years Trash for Trees (Sept 29th) with The S.A.V.E. Foundation and Growing Friends collected nearly 80,000 pounds of newspaper, office paper, magazine, glass, tins, aluminum cans, cardboard, and plastics. This is a great turnout for the Fall collection. With this collection, S.A.V.E. has recycled more around 15,000 pounds of plastics in one month!

- Erase your E*waste with S.A.V.E., City Helena Transfer Station, City-County Sanitation, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Lewis & Clark City-County Health Department, Lewis & Clark Water Quality Protection District, Lewis & Clark Landfill, and Pacific Steel and Recycling collected 80,000 pounds of electronic waste from across the Helena community and surrounding areas. The collection filled 3 semi-trucks and a moving truck and sets a record for Helena E*waste events.

- New videos and photos are now online at S.A.V.E. new gallery at Savemobile.org

- Mark you calendar for November 15, America Recycles Day and S.A.V.E.'s annual fund raiser which will be hosted at Exploration Works! in Helena.

- The next plastics collection will be December 7-14. The next Trash for Trees will be in April 2008. Details online at Savemobile.org.

Thanks!

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation, 501(c)(3)

Record Plastics Collection Week / Upcoming Events: Trash for Trees, Electronics, America Recycles Day

2007-09-18T16:54:00.000-06:00

S.A.V.E.'s Tyler Evilsizer (Campus Compact through AmeriCorps) and Matt Elsaesser (Director) stand with 5,400 pounds of baled type 1 and type 2 plastics at Pacific Steel and Recycling in Helena.

Plastics Update:
Last weeks plastics drive collected more than 10,200 pounds, nearly double the amount of our previous quarterly collection weeks.For those who missed the collection, plastics will be taken at Trash for Trees on September 29th. The next week long plastics drive will be December 7-14.

Upcoming Recycling Events (Helena):

September 29: Trash for Trees with Growing Friends and The S.A.V.E. Foundation
- 9a.m. to 4p.m at Northgate Plaza
- City-wide recycling drive raising funds going to planting trees and expanding recycling.
- download flyer!
- details at Savemobile.org

Oct 12-13: Erase your E-waste at K-Mart
- (Oct 12: 3p.m.-7p.m. / Oct 13: 8a.m.-1p.m.)
- download flyer!
- details at Savemobile.org

November 15: America Recycles Day Celebration and S.A.V.E. Fund Raiser
- Hosted at Exploration Work in the Great Northern Center
- details tba

December 7-14: Plastics Collection Week
- collection for type 1 clear, type 2 natural color, and type 2 color plastic
- rinse, remove lid, reduce size & collect separately
- details at our plastics page

- The S.A.V.E. Foundation / Savemobile.org

Free Jason DeShaw Concert and Raffle in Bozeman this Friday

2007-09-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

Immediate Release: Gray Water for Bozeman! Find out how at Eco Auto this Friday, Free concert, presentation and raffle

Click here to download a flyer, call 406.431.0815 for more information.

Contacts:

S.A.V.E. presentation on Gray Water Systems in Montana and a Hippie Ki Yi Aye concert and cd signing with Jason DeShaw this Friday, September 14, at Eco Auto.

Join the Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment Foundation (S.A.V.E.), Montana singer Jason DeShaw, and Eco Auto this Friday from 5-6:30p.m. at 920 West Main Street (next to the Coop). S.A.V.E. will be giving a presentation on Gray Water Systems combined with a free concert and cd signing by Jason DeShaw of The Country Way. S.A.V.E.'s vegi-mobile, running on 100% biodiesel, will also be on display.

Gray water systems are a simple water conservation measure that new home and renovations can look to utilize non-septic water for irrigation or flushing toilets. During the 2007 legislative session, Montana joined a dozen other states in allowing gray water, specifically for single-family homes. Having worked on that legislation, S.A.V.E. is now fostering awareness across the state about gray water systems and their environmental benefits in household construction. Gray water includes most household wash water, such as showers and washers, and is kept separate from black water, which includes toilets and kitchen sinks. A gray water system is designed to treat and reuse the gray water.

Jason DeShaw, a native of Plentywood who has twice crossed the state on S.A.V.E.'s Biodiesel Montana Tours, will be on hand with a free concert and to sign copies of Hippie Ki - Yi - Aye, his country music tribute to expanded recycling and conservation in Montana. Jason has been part of S.A.V.E.'s efforts in the community for several years. Jason has played across the US and is recording his fourth album in Bozeman before heading back to Nashville this Fall. Some of his hits include The Country Way, I'll Come Around, The Savemobile, MIssissippi Mud, Down by the River, Wagon Man, and others.

The event will commemorate the start of a free raffle from BRAC W-200 gray water system, designed to allow a household of up to 5 person to harness gray water. The gray water system, information material, and raffle entry will start this Friday and remain at Eco Auto for the rest of September. More details at Savemobile.org or ecoautoinc.com

---- end ---- The S.A.V.E. Foundation / Savemobile.org

Plastics Recycling Week a success, 4 more days

2007-09-10T17:14:00.001-06:00

S.A.V.E.'s plastics recycling week continues for 4 more days, finishing up this next Friday, September 14. Since starting on the 7th, more than 4,000 pounds has been collection (final numbers to be posted later this week), and community participation and quality control has been exceptional. Here are some photos from this afternoon, with S.A.V.E. volunteers Tyler, John and Mel giving type 1 clear plastics a final sort before they are baled by Pacific Steel & Recycling.

S.A.V.E. would like to thank Pacific (baling), General Services of the State of Montana (the location near the Y.M.C.A.), and the City of Helena Public Works, especially the Solid Waste and Recycling division (providing and transporting the bins) for making this program possible.

The next plastics collection with be with Trash for Trees on September 29th at Northgate Plaza on Montana from 9am to 4pm. The next collection week will be December 7-14.

- S.A.V.E. Foundation

Gray Water for Bozeman! Find out how at Eco Auto this Friday, Free concert, presentation and raffle

2007-09-10T16:57:00.000-06:00

Immediate Release: Gray Water for Bozeman! Find out how at Eco Auto this Friday, Free concert, presentation and raffle

Contact: Matt Elsaesser, S.A.V.E. Foundation Director, 406.431.0815

S.A.V.E. presentation on Gray Water Systems in Montana and a Hippie Ki Yi Aye concert and cd signing with Jason DeShaw this Friday, September 14, at Eco Auto.

Join the Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment Foundation (S.A.V.E.), Montana singer Jason DeShaw, and Eco Auto this Friday from 5-6:30p.m. at 920 West Main Street (next to the Coop). S.A.V.E. will be giving a presentation on Gray Water Systems combined with a free concert and cd signing by Jason DeShaw of The Country Way. S.A.V.E.'s vegi-mobile, running on 100% biodiesel, will also be on display.

Gray water systems are a simple water conservation measure that new home and renovations can look to utilize non-septic water for irrigation or flushing toilets. During the 2007 legislative session, Montana joined a dozen other states in allowing gray water, specifically for single-family homes. Having worked on that legislation, S.A.V.E. is now fostering awareness across the state about gray water systems and their environmental benefits in household construction. Gray water includes most household wash water, such as showers and washers, and is kept separate from black water, which includes toilets and kitchen sinks. A gray water system is designed to treat and reuse the gray water.

Jason DeShaw, a native of Plentywood who has twice crossed the state on S.A.V.E.'s Biodiesel Montana Tours, will be on hand with a free concert and to sign copies of Hippie Ki - Yi - Aye, his country music tribute to expanded recycling and conservation in Montana. Jason has been part of S.A.V.E.'s efforts in the community for several years. Jason has played across the US and is recording his fourth album in Bozeman before heading back to Nashville this Fall. Some of his hits include The Country Way, I'll Come Around, The Savemobile, MIssissippi Mud, Down by the River, Wagon Man, and others.

The event will commemorate the start of a free raffle from BRAC W-200 gray water system, designed to allow a household of up to 5 person to harness gray water. The gray water system, information material, and raffle entry will start this Friday and remain at Eco Auto for the rest of September. More details at Savemobile.org or ecoautoinc.com

---- end ----

Upcoming Recycling Events / Erase your E-waste

2007-08-28T14:15:00.001-06:00

Upcoming Recycling Events in Helena:

September 7-14: S.A.V.E. Plastics Recycling Drive near the Y.M.C.A.
- collection for Type 1, Type 2 plastics, please click here for details

September 29: Trash for Trees with S.A.V.E. & Growing Friends
- recycling drive for all standard recyclable (glass, plastic, cans, tin cans, newspaper, magazine, office paper,..) Click here for more details.

October 12 & 13: Erase your E-waste electronics recycling
- Collection of electronic waste will be on Friday (Oct 12) from 3pm to 7pm and http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifSaturday (Oct 13) from 8am to 1pm. Collection includes old computers, television, microwaves, laptops, stereos, power supplies and more. Many items cost money to recycle (labor cost of separation). Price list will be posted soon. Click here to visit our e-waste page.

Other upcoming green events in Helena:
Sept 11-14: Big Sky Greening Conference (Full recycling and compost by SAVE)
Oct 26: Eco-fest by Peak 10:30-1pm (SAVE Table)
Nov. 15: S.A.V.E. America Recycles Day Celebration/Fund Raiser, Exploration Works Building

-