LOW CARBON DIET

Otsego County Conservation Association held its first training session for Low Carbon Diet Eco-Team leaders in April of 2009. The program focused on energy conservation and how associated changes will save money. The Eco-Teams are designed to provide a venue for citizens to get together with their neighbors to discuss ways in which they can reduce energy use, save money and therefore reduce their “carbon footprint.” OCCA partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and the energy workshop was led by Debbie Wojehowski, program educator for CCE. Seventeen people attended the meeting.

Anyone wishing to lead or join an Eco-Team should contact Martha Clarvoe at 607-547-4020 or via e-mail at martha.clarvoe@gmail.com. “Low Carbon Diet” books can be purchased at the OCCA offices (Pioneer Alley, behind Doubleday Café) for $15. For more information about the Low Carbon Diet, click on the above link.

OTSEGO REGIONAL CYCLING ADVOCATES

OCCA has convened a standing committee, Otsego Regional Cycling Advocates, whose charge is to promote bicycling in Otsego County as an enjoyable, healthy, safe, and environmentally-friendly activity for people of all ages and abilities. ORCA's first event, "Bike to Work Day," was held on May 13, 2009. The goal of this event was to get county residents thinking about using alternative, “green” transportation to get to work, not just on “Bike to Work Day” but as often as possible throughout the year. To learn more about ORCA, click on the above link.

LINKS TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESOURCES

• Energy Saving Tips

• Heat Smart, New York

• Looking for a car pool? Click here.

• U.S. Department of Energy: "A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

CLICK HERE FOR THE "GREEN OFFICE CHECKLIST," WHICH WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR EFFORTS TOWARD AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND OFFICE AND ORGANIZATION.