January 2009

I don’t just like saving energy, I love saving money

Have a hard time following through on New Year’s resolutions to lose weight? Here’s one that might work, and you don’t even have to pass up the double fudge brownie. Go on an energy diet! What better way to lessen your home heating and cooling costs, save dollars, and help the environment. To be most successful, have your home evaluated by a certified building analyst who will look at insulation, air infiltration, heating and cooling systems, lighting and appliances and provide you with a detailed report. It will cost you a little green, but in the end, it will be worth it for the energy savings you may realize. If you are a PPL customer, you may quality for a rebate on such an audit. Call 1-866-941-7313 for more details or go here.

Recycle your duds

Got new clothes? Don’t throw out the old. Take your pre-worn duds to a local shelter or a Salvation Army Family Store. Family Stores provide quality clothing, furniture, and other goods to the community at bargain prices and 100 percent of proceeds go directly to support Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers, allowing them to be self-sustaining. Not only will your goods be reused and the impact on the environment reduced, but you’ll help reclaim lives and maybe even enjoy a small deduction on your taxes. Go here to find a Family Store near you.

Ice on or ice off?

Help study how our climate is changing by volunteering for IceWatch USA. In as little as 10 minutes, you can report information that will be entered into a database, shared with interested scientists, and serve as a tool to help analyze climate trends in different regions of the United States. Becoming an IceWatcher is very easy and oh so cool. Icewatch USA is a new program of Nature Abounds www.natureabounds.org and a proud partner of IceWatch Canada.

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Congratulations to Tamara Palmer from Easton, the winner of a monthly drawing from the SEEDS subscription list. Ms. Palmer receives a copy of It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living.

Sign up if you received this e-mail from a friend and would like to add yourself to the Seeds mailing list.

iConservePA is a program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Edward G. Rendell, Governor.

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PAiCon of the month

Meet Robert from Pittsburgh who says “catch and release or don't fish at all.” He enjoys the thrill of the catch without harming the fish. iConservePA is fishing for more PAiCons. Join the growing school and display your conservation colors. It doesn’t hurt a bit. Sign-up here.

Did you know?

Over 300 cabins are available for rent in the Pennsylvania state park system, offering a fun and affordable way to experience the commonwealth’s wild side. January and February are "Cabin Fever" months when rustic and modern cabins at 23 state parks can be booked at discounted rates. Arrive between Sunday and Wednesday and receive the second consecutive weekday night free. Visit here for more information or call: 1-888-PA-PARKS.

Spotlight on…

The Susquehanna County Conservation District — providing information and technical assistance to assist people and communities in the wise use of their natural resources. Through partnerships among non-profit groups and public agencies, the district promotes a cooperative approach to natural resource issues.

     

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

www.dcnr.state.pa.us

© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources