New Year, Fresh Initiative

January’s Community Sustainability Team meeting was full of energy, and participants are eager to get started on the following projects:

Community Greenhouse

The sustainability team is aiming to build a community greenhouse by mid- to late February. They plan to start growing tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables, then expand in to flowers and ornamental plants later in the season.

The greenhouse will generate income in order to sustain itself and fund other projects, but profit is not the team’s first priority. Several different economic plans are being considered, including accepting work and material trades for plants. They would like to give a certain number away for free. (Money and economics will be revisited at the next meeting.)

There are several prospective locations, including properties in Rock Creek, Dry Creek and Seth. A top priority is building the greenhouse on a main road– it will increase visibility and accessibility.

Design considerations include heating/temperature control and water systems. Wood stoves, thermal mass and thermostats are all options for the former, while water can be taken from the river (if the greenhouse is upstream from Sundial) or collected in rain barrels.

Coal River Crafts Brochure

There is rich history, beautiful scenery and talented craftspeople up and down Coal River. The community sustainability team is interested in producing a crafts & culture brochure that will be distributed in the surrounding areas.

First steps include scheduling a meeting of area craftspeople for March, researching grants and setting up a bulletin board at a popular local eatery to advertise crafts and skills. When it comes time to produce the brochure, the team is hoping that a local designer will work on it, alongside SEED volunteers.

Solar and Solar Thermal Installation and Training

Mountain View Builders, based in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., could work with members of the sustainability team to install either solar thermal or photovoltaic panels on a local home. The installation process would serve as an educational event for community members and local students. The cost of installation is $8,500 to $10,000, but could be reduced by up to 30% through tax incentives, making it more affordable.

Mountain View Builders works in energy-efficient building, geothermal heating, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic. The company’s mission is to educate others about renewable energy/energy efficiency and encourage folks to start their own businesses. The sustainability team is interested in meeting with Mountain View Builders to find out more about the work they do.

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