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2009 Lectures and Workshops at the PA Renewable Energy Festival (Update: 9/14/09)
| 2009 Keynote Speakers [CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION] |
Steven Kretzmann - Executive Director, Oil Change International
"Climate Justice and The True Price of Oil" |
Friday, Noon
Mainstage |
Scot Horst
"Federal Level Green Vision” |
Friday, Evening
Mainstage |
Thomas H. Greco, Jr.
"The End of Money: The Soft Path Toward a Sustainable,
Regenerative Economy" |
Saturday, Noon
Mainstage |
Brian Tokar
"Renewing Energy and Renewing Society " |
Saturday, Evening
Mainstage |
Brendan I. Koerner
“Transforming the Grid, Transforming America” |
Sunday, Noon
Mainstage |
| 1 |
The Human-Powered Home - Join Tamara Dean, author of the The Human-Powered Home, to think about a new way of living. Thanks to pedals, treadles, and cranks, our muscles have operated machines since medieval times. Could we once again rely on human power, rather than fossil fuels, to run our lives? How much power can one person generate? Discover the answers to these questions and learn about ingenious human-powered contraptions used around the globe today.
Tamara Dean is a writer with varied interests whose published work includes best-selling technical books, fiction, and essays. She lives in Wisconsin with her partner David in an eco-friendly home they built from compressed earth blocks and reclaimed timbers. They routinely use human-powered devices in the home and garden and experiment with new contraptions in the workshop. |
| 2 |
Lenape Culture Workshop -The workshop will be presented by Shelley Depaul, Lenape Language Specialist and Educator from the Lenape Nation of Pa, and will appeal to educators, parents and children of all ages. Activities include: a hands-on artifact display, Lenape games, crafts, songs and a candy dance, as well as cultural information about the past and present of the Lenape in Pennsylvania and a display of educational materials developed to teach Lenape language and culture. Information will be provided regarding The current exhibit at the University of Pennsylvania: "Fulfilling a Prophesy: The Past and Present of the Lenape in Pennsylvania", which tells the long-hidden story of the survival of the Lenape in their homelands. Organized by Penn Museum and the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, and co-curated by Chief Bob Red Hawk Ruth, Shelley DePaul and Penn Archaeology student, Abigail Seldin, the exhibit features never before displayed objects from the private collections of Lenape people in Pennsylvania. |
| 3 |
Reconnaissance Sampling for Emerging Contaminants in PA - Drew Reif,USGS,
USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center
Recent research has documented that many chemical constituents that were not historically considered contaminants are present in the environment. These “emerging contaminates” include compounds such as pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, hormones, detergent metabolites, flame retardants, and personal care products. Many of these compounds are not currently regulated by drinking-water standards or human or aquatic-life health criteria. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has begun research on analytical methods and reconnaissance data collection to help determine the distribution and concentration of these “emerging contaminate” compounds in various aquatic ecosystems. A national reconnaissance in 1999-2000 found that 82 of the 95 organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) analyzed were detected in 80% of the 139 streams sampled. In the 139 samples the median number of OWCs detected was 7 with a maximum of 38. The most commonly detected compounds were steroids, antibiotics, non-prescription drugs, caffeine, and insect repellents. The USGS and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have begun a reconnaissance data collection program to document the occurrence and concentration of OWCs. Sampling locations in the Delaware River Basin include the Delaware River at Trenton, Schuylkill River at Philadelphia, Broadhead Creek near Stroudsburg, and Jordan Creek at Allentown. |
| 4 |
Reduce Housing Energy Loads: Change your Wall Finishes! - Carol Baumgartel, VP Marketing & Sales, American Clay
American Clay has changed the way we think about our walls and ceilings. Wall finishes are not JUST a coating anymore. American Clay’s patented natural coatings bring the possibility of sustainability and healthful living to every home, school and office.
Beginning in 2002, American Clay set out to transform how we think, feel, and respond to our interior spaces. The beauty of our materials is only one facet of this journey:
We will present a discussion about the energy saving qualities of ‘Phase Change Materials’-- which American Clay is testing at their facility in Albuquerque, NM. This study was in response to a paper presented at Penn State University which posited that the American Clay plasters reduced energy costs in a remodel.
In addition, we will touch on all the features of American Clay’s line which pertain to sustainability, healthful living, energy, and beauty. We will also review all aspects of the economic viability in using our materials in new construction and remodeling. |
| 5 |
Marketing Your Business Effectively - Amanda Kaiser
Learn the fundamentals of marketing in today’s digital age. It has never been easier to establish a web presence. We will talk about branding, integrated messaging as well as digital and traditional marketing tools - how to select the best tools for your business and how to maximize their impact. Learn how to market your business and learn how to market you!
This workshop will be presented by Amanda Kaiser marketing expert in consumer marketing and messaging experienced in big brands and small businesses. |
| 6 |
What is an Urban Permaculture Garden? - Karen Stupski, Education Program Director, Heathcote Community
Permaculture is a design philosophy that offers a systematic approach and practical techniques for growing food sustainably in the urban environment. The workshop will introduce Permaculture and give examples of urban Permaculture gardening strategies such as using rooftops, containers, raised beds, and trellising. |
| 7 |
Permaculture in Your Apartment - Karen Stupski, Education Program Director, Heathcote Community
Permaculture can help you live sustainably even if you don't have a yard! Learn about indoor techniques such as worm composting, sprouting, and recycling graywater! See a demonstration of a small, simple worm bin that will recycle organic wastes instead of sending them to the landfill! |
| 8 |
The Transition movement: Preparing for a Post-Carbon Future - Karen Stupski, Education Program Director, Heathcote Community
The Transition movement applies the principles, strategies and techniques of Permaculture to help communities prepare for a post-carbon future. It is an optimistic response to the triple threat of climate change, peak oil, and economic instability. Through the Transition process, each community can proactively respond to these challenges by creating an Energy Descent Action Plan that will enable the community to transition to a sustainable, low-energy culture while creating a vibrant local economy and fostering supportive human relationships. |
| 9 |
Passion, Vision, Action — Making Sustainability A Reality
Jerry Goldstein, an eco-pioneer who founded the journal Compost Science in 1960, connected the dots between waste recycling, healthy soils and healthy foods early in his career. Fifty years later, there are thousands of examples of communities and individuals who have taken Goldstein's ideas and practical examples and created thriving projects and enterprises that recycle organic wastes into compost, biofuels and renewable power. What have been the key ingredients to moving sustainability forward? Passion, vision and action. |
| 10 |
What’s New In National Organic Standards - Sludge, Nano-Technology, GMO’s and More
Jeff Moyer, 2009 chairmen of National Organic Standards Board, and Rodale Institute brings his 33 years experience at the Rodale Institute to a national level in promoting and defending what issue, practices and considerations deserve National Organic status. Why don’t we want sewage sludge and GMO’s to be considered organic? Should nano-technology, such as imbedding silver in packaging and clothing, be used as a ‘preservative’? Find out what you should know, why you should care and what you can do. |
| 11 |
From the Flush to Your Food Source – Sewage Sludge on Your Food & Water Supply
Darree Sicher, founder and President of United Sludge-Free Alliance, offers a crash course on the implications of pouring 4 million tons of sewage sludge - everything that goes down the drain of homes, businesses, industries and hospitals - on the farms and communities that grow our food and provide our water. Why is sludge called ‘biosolids fertilizer'? Why does the fear of law suits from the state of PA force communities to accept sludge? Learn about sewage sludge and how to protect the future of your family food source. |
| 12 |
Figs in the Cold Climate - Bassem Samaan
Figs, this delicious fruit is known since ancient times. Yet it’s still little known to the average American. It is native to subtropical Mediterranean regions, but it can still be grown in Pennsylvania. Learn the history and description of the Fig as well as what you need to know to grow the exotic fig. |
| 13 |
Growing Exotic Fruit in Pennsylvania
- Bassem Samaan
Have you ever thought of growing something besides the usual apples and peaches in your backyard? There are a few “exotic” fruit trees that can be grown successfully with little care in our area. We will discuss growing Persimmon, jujube, figs and others in the Pennsylvania backyard. |
| 14 |
Behind the Labels: Exploring the Dark Side of Globalization - Chie Abad, Global Exchange
Garment workers struggle to unionize on U.S. Saipan filmed by Chie Abad.
What is a sweatshop, Why do they exist? What can you do? |
| 15 |
The Case Against World Bank and International Monetary Fund - Chie Abad, Global Exchange
World Bank and International Monetary Fund Adjustment Lending on the Philippines and other countries around the world. Structural adjustment programs. A Peoples' alternative. |
| 16 |
The Environmental Depredations of Globalization - Chie Abad, Global Exchange
Globalization and ecological deterioration. Various ways on how globalization and liberalization worsened the global environment. |
| 17 |
Subsidized Sweatshops: The problem and solutions. - Chie Abad, Global Exchange
How do our tax dollars fund the race to the bottom? Get involved. What cities and states can do? |
| 18 |
Practical Hydrogen 1: Cooking with Hydrogen - Walt Pyle, H-Ion Solar
Hydrogen Combustion Chemistry; Diffusion Burners for Cooking with Hydrogen Fuel Gas; Materials for Hydrogen Burners; Drilling Small Holes in Tubing to Make Diffusion Burners; Hydrogen Barbeque with Bar Burner; Needle Valve for Hydrogen Flow Control; Pressure Regulator to Supply Burner Valve with Hydrogen from Storage; Flashback Arrestor for Hydrogen Supply to Burner Valve; Temperature Measurement to Set Hydrogen Heat Release Rate; Starting a Hydrogen Burner by Spark or Butane Lighter; Hydrogen Ring Burner; Hydro-que [T.M.] Tabletop Hydrogen Gas Grill; Conversion of Magma Grill to Hydrogen 2009; Hydrogen Space Heating Using Low NOx Emission Catalytic Combustion; Hydro-Cat [T.M.] Space Heater Prototype [from Platinum Cat]; Measuring Hydrogen Flow to Hydro-Cat Space Heater; Hydrogen Consumption of Hydro-Cat with different Orifice Sizes; Measuring Surface Temperature of Hydro-Cat with Infrared Gauge; Catalytic Mat Surface Temperature Distribution and Orifice Size; Hydrogen Safety |
18
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Practical Hydrogen 2: Production and Purification of Hydrogen - Walt Pyle, H-Ion Solar
Basic PV-Electrolysis System; Chemistry of Electrolysis: Producing Hydrogen [and Oxygen] from Water and Electricity; Photovoltaic System to Supply Electrical Energy to Electrolyzer; 12 cell Electrolyzer with 1 kilowatt Input Power Rating; Electrical Connections to Electrolyzer and Individual Cells; Electrolyte, Hydrogen, and Oxygen Piping Connections to Alkaline Electrolyzer
Water Makeup and Electrolyte Storage Tank; Concentration of Alkaline Additive to Make Water Conductive; Electrolyte Drop Tank and Refill Pump; Need for Purification of Electrolytic Hydrogen before Storage to remove Oxygen and Electrolyte contaminants; Double-Bubbler:Hydrogen Gas Scrubber, Flowmeter, and Leak Detector; Hydrogen Purifier; Flashback Arrestors for Isolation from Ignition Source; Catalytic Recombination of Oxygen for Removal of Oxygen Contaminant
Water Coelescer to Remove Liquid Water Droplets from Hydrogen; Measuring Production Flow Rate with Mass Flow Meter; Measuring Oxygen Contamination of Product Hydrogen with Oxygen Meter; Production of Hydrogen Gas Using Pressurized Electrolyzers; Hydrogen Safety |
| 19 |
Practical Hydrogen 3: Storage of Hydrogen - Walt Pyle, H-Ion Solar
Compressed Hydrogen Gas Storage in High Pressure Cylinders; Transport of Hydrogen in Tube Trailers; Low Pressure Storage of Hydrogen in Re-cycled Propane Tanks; Hydrogen Gas Compressors - Air Driven Type; Hydrogen Gas Compressors - Electric Motor Driven Type; Pressurized Storage of Hydrogen by High Pressure Electrolyzer Filling a Storage Tank; Storage of Hydrogen Gas in Metal Hydrides; Chemistry of Metal Hydride Storage of Hydrogen
Activation of Metal Hydrides; Purification of Hydrogen to Remove Water Vapor and Oxygen Prior to Metal Hydride Storage; Storage of Hydrogen as Cryogenic Liquid; Process for Making Liquid Hydrogen from Gaseous Hydrogen; Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank; Storage of Hydrogen using other Methods; Hydrogen Purity Requirements; Comparison of Hydrogen Storage by Mass and Volume to Other Fuels; Hydrogen Safety |
| 20 |
Biomass for Schools - Ryan Koch, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
This presentation will give a brief overview of the Pennsylvania Fuels for School and Beyond program, its working group, technical assistance, economic and environmental components to promote biomass utilization through outreach and education to the public. Examples of facilities in PA will outline how technical assistance contributed to the construction of alternative heating systems, and how these systems have saved one facility $350,000 in heating costs since 2004, and one facility over $190,000 in one heating season. The Pennsylvania Fuels for School & Beyond program is a statewide biomass energy-use initiative promoting local renewable resources to provide reliable energy for Pennsylvania schools and businesses. The program will provide many opportunities for the expansion of the forest and agricultural resources and industry within Pennsylvania which will include the utilization of low grade wood, wood waste, dedicated energy crops, and agricultural products. |
| 21 |
Community Methane Digester From Whey - Tom WIlson, Wilson Engineering
A community-based anaerobic digester in Mercer County uses cheese whey from the Fairview Swiss Cheese plant in Fredonia, PA and the wastewater from the Joy Cone Company, a manufacturer of ice cream cones. |
| 22 |
Maintaining Health in a Wireless Age: An Inconvenient Truth about a Convenient Technology: I - Dr. Carrie Hyman
Not too long ago, Dr. Andrew Weil made the cover of TIME. He warned that electromagnetic pollution poses the greatest threat to human health in the 21st Century. EMF's/EMR (electromagnetic frequencies or radiation) are a threat that is invisible to the eye and undetectable to our senses; it is tasteless and odorless. Our skin doesn't register its presence and we remain largely oblivious to the silent hum of its toxic frequencies. There is, however, a mounting body of scientific evidence indicating that despite the enormous convenience provided by wireless and wired technology, the total bioaccumulative exposure may prove to have a disastrous effect on public health around the world. EMF's are already being linked to various stress induced responses in the body such as sleep disruption, headaches, brain fog, anxiety, depression as well as autism, ADD, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, various benign and malignant tumors including acoustic neuromas, parotid and malignant brain tumors (note: virtually all brain related.) Precisely what is electromagnetic pollution? Where does it come from? What is the mechanism of harm caused by EMF/EMR to living tissue, particularly to that delicate bioelectrical organ called the brain? And Finally, what can we do to reduce our exposure, mitigate its effects and promote radiant health in a wireless age?
Dr. Carrie Hyman, L. Ac., O. M.D. graduated in the first class of women at Amherst College. She is a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine. She has been practicing Chinese and Naturopathic medicine in California for over 20 years. Dr Hyman was an associate professor at the Calif. Acupuncture College. She has been a frequent guest on various NPR affiliate stations and television shows around the country and had a health column in the Jewish Journal. She is a freelance writer and currently working on a cookbook and a book about Electromagnetic pollution. She is a cancer survivor and past spokesperson for The Wellness Community. Recently, Dr. Hyman has been holding seminars and public health talks around the country, (including last year's Integrative Health Symposium in New York where she'll be speaking in February 2010 with Dr. Devra Davis, author of "The Secret History of the War on Cancer") to educate and inform both lay and medical communities about the dangers posed by ubiquitous and rapidly proliferating electromagnetic toxins as they occur in cell phones and other wired and wireless electronic devises. |
| 23 |
Maintaining Health in a Wireless Age: An Inconvenient Truth about a Convenient Technology: II - Dr. Carrie Hyman
Not all evidence of harm is conclusive. But the preponderance of evidence makes it clear that current global government standards to monitor and limit public and environmental exposure to EMF's are woefully inadequate. Reference will be made to David Gee's "Late Lessons from Early Warnings" which discusses the environmental impact of doing too little, too late to protect our environment and public health. Scientists around the world are predicting that unrelenting ubiquitous and exponentially proliferating exposure to electromagnetic frequencies is already beginning to show signs of a looming, catastrophic affect on plant and animal life . . . from forest growth, migratory patterns of birds and whales and the mysterious phenomenon of CCD (colony collapse disorder) among the world's bee population. I'll explore what we can do to optimize our health and the health of our planet, mitigate further damage and take preventive action to reduce our exposure to electromagnetic fields. An unbiased scientific review of current EMF mitigating technologies will be presented. Political recourse for requiring governments to inform the public of dangers posed by EMF and to require industry to make safer EMF emitting products will also be discussed. There will be an invitation to discuss the sociological impact of living in a wired world . . .the irony of living in the Age of Information . . . as opposed to the Age of Wisdom . . . and how do we get from gratification of access to instant information to the more grounded and healing access of wisdom. |
| 24 |
The Forgotten People of Appalachia - Larry Gibson,resident of West Virginia ,will discuss the Mountain Top Removal of Coal and how it effects the resident's lives,recreation,culture,physical safety , and where they are even able to have a house. Mining Coal not only shreds the fabric of the environment, but also impacts resident humans in many devastating ways. |
| 25 |
How Has Humanity Dealt With Climate Changes in The Past - Bob Giegengack, Earth and Environmental Science, Univ. of Pennsylvania
The long-term history of climate change; the impact of the modern industrial society on atmospheric chemistry; the likelihood that our impact on atmospheric chemistry is having a measurable effect on the atmosphere; the importance of that impact, compared to other anthropogenic environmental impacts; the historical and archeological record of human adaptation to climate change; and the likelihood that proposals now on the table will have any measurable effect on the chemistry of the atmosphere. |
| 26 |
Basic Solar- Question and Answer Session - Heat Shed & Advanced Solar Industries
This informal session gives YOU the chance to ask the experts those troublesome questions: Which type of inverter,Types of solar panels,Which charge contoller,do I have a good solar site?,Grid-intertie or off-grid installation,what incentives are out there.............. |
| 27 |
Invaders in the Commonwealth - Ashley Walter, Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council Coordinator
An overview of various invasive species threatening or present in Pennsylvania, including the emerald ash borer, zebra mussels, rock snot, feral swine, and giant hogweed. Includes basic information on invasive species, where they come from, the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council, the Commonwealth’s response to specific invaders, and how the public can help fight them. |
| 28 |
The Garlic Connection - Michael Phillips, Lost Nation Orchard
If you understand the uses of garlic, you understand 50% of all herbal medicine. Come learn how to successfully grow great garlic, and then how to use this healing plant for effective medicine and delectable eating. Michael hasn’t met a gardener yet who doesn’t derive profound satisfaction from homegrown bulbs. |
| 29 |
The Water Board - Jim Juczak
This presentation is on several ways to get water from a well without using conventional electric power. Well buckets, suction (hand powered pitcher) pumps, deep well hand pumps, wind powered water pumps, solar powered water pumps, rebuilding old fashioned piston pumps, bicycle powered water pumps, finding water, drilled and dug wells, and water filtering and purification are some of the topics that will be covered. Jim, the presenter, is currently working on his second book "Homestead Water Supplies for the Do-It-Yourselfer". |
| 30 |
The Axial Flux Wind Turbine - Jim Juczak
"The answer is blowing in the wind...An axial flux wind turbine is designed to be built by anyone with the mechanical skills of a good 7th grade shop student. That is exactly where the design that has been developed by Jim came from (He was a shop teacher for 25 years). The presenter will explain how an electricity producing wind turbine is made,and will cover things like blade design and construction, how magnets make electrons move, how to wind coils of wire that make electricity, and how to find parts off your hardware store shelf that can be used to make a wind turbine. If you don't know how a wind powered electrical generator works you will after this presentation. |
| 31 |
Food Preservation for the Beginner - Jim Juczak
Dehydration, smoking, lacto-fermentation, pickling, root cellaring, water bath canning, pressure canning, salting & brining, and several other methods of saving what you have harvested in the way of vegetables, fruits and meat will be covered. Jim, the presenter, will cover what he uses to provide a good portion of what his community eats. |
| 32 |
Residential Solar Electrical power - Jim Juczak
The goal of this presentation is to have the audience go "Is that all there is to that?" This was a
comment made by a college student in one of Jim's community college classes. She had no technical experience but had done a block diagram that involved the 5 related parts of a residential solar electrical system. The presenter will be bringing a 'room power system' that was made by his then 5th grade daughter (with his help) to explain how the parts go together. Costs, skills, and safety will also be covered. |
| 33 |
Rachel Carson's Principles Applied to Renewable Energy Systems - Patricia M. DeMarco, Ph.D., Rachel Carson Homestead
We will look at the energy system from the demand side, rather than the supply side, and examine ways to suit renewable resources to energy requirements. I will focus on policies at the local, state and federal level that can move renewable and sustainable energy resources to mainstream rather than "alternative" options.
I will ask people to make a permanent, measurable commitment to change their lifestyle to more sustainable patterns. |
| 34 |
Vegetable Oil Chemical Quality for Fuel: SVO, WVO, Biodiesel - Richard Heiden,PhD
Quality, quality, quality….fuel that meets specifications consistently is the goal of numerous organizations that oversee commercial biofuels. Back in the early 1900’s during the explosion of combustion engine inventiveness biofuels of various types were in vogue. For example, diesel engines ran on various vegetable oils. This was at a time when the petroleum and motor vehicle industries were in their infancy. And, so it was also with our appreciation of the many aspects of fuel quality.Now, bio substitutes for petroleum diesel, particularly biodiesel, have once again garnered considerable attention in efforts to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and emissions of air pollutants including carbon. These bio substitutes offer many advantages over petro, but often at higher costs (at today’s pricing). What are some of the essential attributes of quality in today’s bio alternatives for diesel fuel? Why is diesel fuel quality so important? The answer to those questions is the focus of this presentation. |
| 35 |
The Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden at the Rodale Institute - Eileen Weinsteiger, Shumei/Rodale
I will introduce the new NA garden and the green building/green roof, geodesic greenhouse, and various components of the garden. The main focus will be the principles of NA. This sustainable garden is designed to feed a family of four for most of the year using no outside products. |
| 36 |
The Top Ten Bugs in Your Garden - Casey Sclar PhD, Longwood Gardens
Find out who Pennsylvania's "Most Wanted" are when it comes to pests and natural enemies. We'll talk about pests and ways to manage them using the least toxic, yet effective methods. Also discussed will be how to conserve and best use the natural enemy insects who live amongst your plants. Come find out who should live, who should die, and how to avoid victims of "friendly fire" in the battle against bugs! |
| 37 |
Farm Scale Composting - Casey Sclar PhD, Longwood Gardens
At Longwood Gardens we manage all the organic residuals on our 1000+ acre property through a composting process that utilizes precise equipment, accurate recipes, and skilled labor to produce a product that is utilized in the highest-end display horticulture. We'll discuss in detail how this all fits together and how you could begin farm-scale decentralized composting in your community and stimulate jobs, save farmland, and return that carbon to the soil instead of the landfill. This is not a "heap" - this is the "real deal" - and we've got the numbers to prove it! |
| 38 |
Fibers for Fabrics: From the Field, Farm or Factory - Jill Stark
Fibers used to make yarns and fabrics can be simply classified into three main groups: those that come from animals (such as wool and alpaca), those that are plants (such as cotton and bamboo), and those that are synthetically manufactured (such as acrylic). This talk is about the qualities and uses of various fibers, and the impact on the environment that comes from producing and manufacturing the fibers into finished products. Organic and sustainable methods and innovations will be discussed as well. |
| 39 |
Heirloom Tomatoes and Peppers - Tim Stark, farmer and author: "Heirloom, Notes from an Accidental Farmer
Tim will discuss the cultivation and production of heirloom vegetables. He markets his vegetables from his two farms in Berks County in New York City farmers markets. Heirloom vegetables are a nitch market for small vegetable growers because they preserve the quality of TASTE that is lost in the industrial vegetable growers far away market. Tim represents the future of American farmers who will have to be less dependant on expensive energy-intensive transportation of products to market. |
| 40 |
White Nose Syndrome and Pennsylvania Bats - National Wildlife Federation
White nose syndrome is an emerging and devastating disease affecting bats throughout the Northeast. It was found in Pennsylvania this winter. What are the implications for bats in Pennsylvania, and why should you care? |
| 41 |
Cover Crops for Improved Soil Health:From The Garden Plot To The Farmscape - S.Tianna DuPont,Penn State Extension
We lose approximately 75 billion tons of topsoil each year to erosion worldwide. Growing cover crops not only reduces devastating soil erosion but can also increase the organic matter and water holding capacity of soils, fix nitrogen for crops, suppress weeds and provide habitat for beneficial insects. Whether you have a backyard garden plot or a large farm cover crops may be a good fit for your system. Penn State Educator Tianna DuPont will explain the benefits of cover crops, help you choose which cover crop is right for you, and provide details on varieties, timing, seeding depth and seeding rates. |
| 42 |
The Living Soil: Feeding the Soil Web for Improved Soil Health - S.Tianna DuPont, Penn State Extension
Soils are dynamic ecosystems, rich with millions of species of organisms. Diverse communities of soil bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes and insects are critical to healthy soil systems and healthy plants. For example, soil organisms rip and tear, digest and decay organic material, providing a biotic fertilizer to feed crops. Other beneficial communities attack pest organisms and protect crops. Like us these organisms need a rich and plentiful diet in able to fulfill their role in a healthy soil ecosystem. Penn State Extension Educator Tianna DuPont will describe the tight relationship between roots, shoots and soil biota and how we might enhance the activity of these belowground beneficials. |
| 43 |
Grafting Apples and Pears - Steve Shambeda, Small Fruit Growers Assoc.
The Talk will start with the reasons for grafting fruit trees. The discussion will cover the plant materials that are needed and how collect and store them properly. Tools of the trade will be discussed and demonstrated. There will be an hands on demonstration on several of the more popular methods favored by hobbyists. A question and answer period will follow |
| 44 |
Orchard Health 101 - Michael Phillips
Our primary role as orchardists is to build system health. Understory management that embraces forest edge ecology is critical when it comes to getting a leg up on fruit tree diseases. Equally telling is the nutrient density—and flavor!—of the apples we then harvest for our families and communities. Come learn about fungal allies, root relationships, and the biodiversity that makes good fruit possible no matter what your level of experience. |
| 45 |
Home Orcharding Basics - Michael Phillips
Successfully growing fruit for your family starts off sounding so “awfully complicated” … yet becomes pretty straightforward when you get the basics right. Harvesting sunlight through smart pruning is what renews fruit buds. Fungal disease becomes manageable with wise variety choices and enhanced soil biology. Major insect challenges can be resolved safely and organically when you perceive who, what, and when. This workshop is filled with practical information for growing apples and other tree fruits right! |
| 46 |
Medicinal Uses of Fruit and Fruit Plants - Michael Phillips
Modern research reveals just why an organic apple a day holds so much healing potent. We’ll discuss the antioxidant qualities of many tree fruits and berries, the making of real cider vinegar and its use as an acetous menstruum for mineral-rich herbs, the tonifying powers of hawthorn, and the healing enchantment of elder. Growing tips for fruiting plants will fit in along the way. |
| 47 |
Growing and Harvesting Healing Herbs - Michael Phillips
Individual herbs that suit the small farm niche are a vital part of community medicine. Healing herbs need to be dried in such a way to preserve medicinal integrity along with the very spirit of the plant. Michael will share soil-building tips, plant specifics, wildcrafting do’s and don’ts, drying techniques, and marketing insights about herb farming. |
| 48 |
Holistic Approach to an Influenza Pandemic - Michael Phillips
We can best be prepared to meet the challenges to our immune systems by how we live, and all the more so in these days of a potential pandemic from Avian/Swine Flu. Michael will look at how our immune system deals with virulent influenza and what can be done to support the right kind of immune response. We’ll look at readily-available herbs known for their anti-viral activity and distinguish the timing of their use. Lessons learned from past pandemics point the way to homegrown remedies that are far more equalitarian than government solutions! |
| 49 |
Micro-Hydro For The Common Man And Woman - Samuel Yoder, MAREA
Learn the basics of this very reliable energy source. From Pelton and Francis turbines to waterwheels, Hydro power is one of the most exciting ways to produce power. An introduction to small scale, stream-based hydropower systems, Topics include stream flow and head, turbine sizing and system components. |
| 50 |
Growing Sunflowers Organically For Food and Fuel - Samuel Yoder, MAREA
Oil seed sunflowers have an oil potential equivalent to rapeseed/canola. Learn how to organically grow/cultivate/harvest & press this oil seed so one can grow your own fuel! |
| 51 |
Rebuilding a Legend: The Jacob's Wind Machine - Samuel Yoder, MAREA
The Jacob's wind machines were built simply and efficiently to last for decades. This talk will discuss the refurbishment of a 110 volt, 3 kilowatt Jacob's wind turbine which fell from a Vermont tower in the 1970's and will soon help power the MAREA Fuel Coop oil press. |
| 52 |
Where to Recycle All of That Stuff - Jane Meeks, Solid Waste Authority of Berks County
The roll of the Solid Waste Authority, information on our special collection events - past and future, county recycling centers, reusing and recycling materials, samples of items made of recycled products. |
| 53 |
Basic Wind: Wind Power for the Home - Roy Butler, Four Winds Solar
In this lecture, learn about the interesting aspects of small wind power. Roy will start by describing the wind turbines of the 1920s through 1940s. By understanding some of the difficulties our predecessors faced, we will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the alternatives that are available to us now. He will discuss net metering and the utility intertied windsystems. Hybrid wind and solar systems will also be considered. If you are really going to take the steps toward less dependence on the local utility, get a good start by learning how to choose the best site for your wind generator! |
| 54 |
Small Wind Consumer Education - Roy Butler, Four Winds Renewable Energy, www.four-winds-energy.com
Roy will help consumers of small wind systems become "Enlightened", so they can make smart choices when purchasing their first wind installation.Know the difference between scams and deceptive advertising versus the REAL Thing. A must for any small wind enthusiast. |
| 55 |
Intermediate Solar - Vincent O'Grady, EPV Solar
Vincent O'Grady of EPV Solar received his solar training certificate from the NJ Clean Energy Program in 2002 and attended a Univ of Delaware's PhD Program in Renewable Energy and Green Building Policies. He previously worked at Conergy, the company that built Pennsylvania's only utility scale solar farm in Bucks County. He was project manager for dozens of solar installations while at Conergy and has been doing large scale solar project development for the past year. He is well versed in the intricacies of financing large scale solar projects. |
| 56 |
This is Your Country on Drugs - Ryan Grim, Huffington Post Senior Correspondent
Surprising consequences of the U.S. approach to drugs - find out the facts: Past antidrug campaigns actually encouraged drug use, a few years ago America stopped dropping acid altogether, the meth epidemic peaked a long, long time ago, NAFTA opened the border and created a bonanza for cocaine and meth traffickers, the U.S. government may have inadvertently caused the crack epidemic, kids today are doing fewer illegal drugs than ever before, the fastest growing drug in America is a legal hallucinogen you can buy on the internet. |
| 57 |
Time for a Carbon Tax - Eron Lloyd
The case for a carbon tax for the health and wealth of Pennsylvania is presented by economics researcher Eron Lloyd, who says that we need to be the first state to implement a carbon tax—defined as a tax on the carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. |
| 58 |
Microfinancing Photovoltaics in West Africa - Kira Costanza, SunPower Afrique
SunPower Afrique believes that microfinance is one of the world’s most effective strategies to fight poverty, but its growth is significantly constrained due to a lack of consistent access to electricity. The a nonprofit group is establishing a microfinanced photovoltaic program in Togo, West Africa, where a third of the population listed below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day. |
| 59 |
Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices for Small Scale Production -
Glen Caufmann, Penn State University
The small-scale biodiesel community has enthusiastically embraced making their own fuel. Many resources are available that provide instructions on the process for doing this. However, biodiesel production involves hazardous materials and oils that have the potential to both harm people and the environment if not handled properly.
The Biodiesel Safety Working Group came together in response to the challenges that we saw in alerting the small-scale producer, who has embraced energy independence and has embarked on making biodiesel, to the safety issues inherent in the process. We also wanted to ensure that the small-scale community was aware of the complex regulations that may affect them. We worked over many months to produce a publication of safety and best management practices for the small-scale producer. This talk will cover many of these practices. |
| 60 |
SPIN-Farming®: How to Grow Commercially on Under an Acre - Roxanne Christensen
co-author, SPIN-Farming
In this session you will learn the basics of S-mall P-lot IN-tensive Farming, a franchise-ready vegetable farming system that makes it possible to earn $50,000+ from a half acre. SPIN is -non-technical, organic-based, easy-to-understand and inexpensive-to-implement. Minimal infrastructure, reliance on hand labor to accomplish most farming tasks, utilization of existing water sources to meet irrigation needs and situating close to markets all keep investment and overhead low. SPIN therefore removes the 2 big barriers to entry – land and capital. It works in the middle of urban jungles, on the suburban fringe, or as part of large acreages in the country. It offers part-time or full-time business models that can accommodate any life style or life cycle. You’ll see how you can succeed at this new sub-acre approach to farming, and you will be challenged and inspired to rethink not only how to farm, but what it means to be a farmer today. |
| 61 |
Growing Oil Crops - Glen Cauffman, Manager of Farms and Facilities, College of Agricultural Sciences , Penn State . Numerous potential energy crops are grown in research plots and evaluated for fuel. Crop production potential in Pennsylvania as well as sustainability dimensions will be discussed. |
| 62 |
"Ice cream, Honey bees, and the Importance of Pollinating Insects" - The Berks County Master Gardeners will talk about the connections between pollinators and our food supplies, and what ordinary people can be doing to encourage pollinators. |
| 63 |
Alcohol Fuel - Richard Freudenberger, former Research Director for The Mother Earth News, and Technical Editor, BackHome Magazine. An introductory overview of small-scale alcohol fuel and its place in a Peak Oil future. Home-grown alcohol--produced from crop culls and food-processing waste--is a sustainable, environmentally attractive fuel with many performance benefits. Find out if the food vs. fuel debate is fact, and if it’s economically feasible to make ethanol fuel on your own. Learn about potential feedstocks, fermentation, equipment needs, alcohol co-products, energy alternatives, engine conversions, and cooperative/community ventures. |
| 64 |
Community Solar PV Farms – Archie Follweiler, MAREA
A presentation and discussion on the merits and difficulties of organizing a community solar PV farm. Financial economies of scale regarding installation, selling the power and selling the recs are afforded large scale private business. Let us discuss the merits of organizing homeowners, small business owners and investors to share energy generation in their community. Maybe not putting holes in a residential roof, purchasing an inverter for each home installation, and arguing with the neighbor about their shade tree could be avoided. Promoting community ownership of electric generation might be a wise path for your community. Archie is a co-founder of MAREA, and has 30 years experience as a businessman and community organizer. |
| 65 |
Renewable Energy Credits - Dina M. Deana, LEED AP, Senior Program Manager
Clean Power Markets, Inc.
The discussion will define Alternative Energy Credits, how to register a qualifying generator, and how the AEPS program and market functions with respect to utilities purchasing credits. The discussion will also address the use of brokers and aggregators to assist small facilities in the sale of their AECs. |
| 66 |
Green Tourism - Linda Ingram, Ceiba Nature Tours
What makes travel "green?" Linda Ingram, a biologist who leads eco-friendly tours through South and Central America, takes a look at the green travel industry and what you can do while on vacation to lesson your ecological and carbon footprint. |
| 67 |
Ace Your Space - Colleen Warmingham
Organizing your home or business can reduce stress, save time, and decrease your impact on the environment. Join local green professional organizer Colleen Warmingham for a thought-provoking look at how you live or work in your space. Colleen is the founder of Space Inventors (www.SpaceInventors.com) and is approved by Green America. |
| 68 |
SunnyMoney: The Costs & Benefits of Solar Electricity - Dr Vera Cole, MAREA
See how MAREA’s free on-line calculator can help you quickly & easily estimate costs, savings, environmental benefits, REC income and financial payback for residential solar electric systems in Pennsylvania. Understand how to apply 2009 federal tax credit and new PA Sunshine Program rebate. |
| 69 |
First Time Going Solar: Pennsylvania Homeowner's Guide to Solar Electricity - Dr Vera Cole, MAREA
Dr. Vera Cole will discuss her newly published book which explains, in plain language, what a Pennsylvania homeowner needs to know before purchasing and installing a solar electric system.
How do solar electric systems work? How much of my electricity bill could I eliminate? Will solar electric work on my property? What will it cost after new government incentives? What are RECs and can I sell mine? How much money will I save? Can I make? How much will it help the environment? How does the installation process work? |
| 70 |
Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Law - Cathy Frankenberg, Program Organizer, Clean Water Action.
When other states were committing to a portion of energy from renewable sources and gradually increasing their commitment to these energy sources over time, Our Commonwealth moved to lower the bar. Instead, we created a portfolio of energy sources that included dirty sources like waste coal and trash incineration alongside real renewables, like wind and solar. Hear the story of how the state has tried to make this portfolio even worse by including coal power coupled with unproven and untested carbon capture and sequestration technology. |
| 71 |
Safer plastics: the Bisphenol-A Problem - Cathy Frankenberg, Program Organizer, Clean Water Action.
More and more baby boys are born with reproductive deformities. At the same time, an endocrine disruptor has become more and more prevalent in our environment. Bisphenol-A is an additive in plastics that's released the more often a product gets washed and reused, and it has been documented to cause various birth defects while the plastics industry insists it's harmless, Clean Water Action has been moving bills across the country to curtail its useage. Pennsylvania is currently considering similar legislation. |
| 72 |
Drilling for Gas: Pennsylvania's Sequel to Coal - Brady Russell, Eastern PA Director, Clean Water Action
Pennsylvania has perhaps the nation's largest reserves of deep shale based natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation. While Natural Gas itself is cleaner than burning Coal, the process of getting the gas out of the ground is so dirty that it almost doesn't make a difference. Come see a graphic illustration of how drilling works, what can go wrong and just how bad the gigantic pit you find next to every gas project really is. |
| 73 |
Pennsylvania's Cleanest Streams - Cathy Frankenberg, Program Organizer, Clean Water Action
Pennsylvania has special protections for its most pristine streams. These streams create an enormous amount of economic activity for our state, by attracting tourists (especially anglers). Hear about what it takes to be one of our Cleanest Streams, what's needed to protect them, how to get more streams on the list and what Clean Water Action is doing to clean up the rest of Pennsylvania's fisheries. |
| 74 |
Solar/Wind Hybrid - Roy Butler, Four Winds Solar
Roy will explain the advantages of combining multiple hybrid power sources for on and off grid use. Today Roy will explain a solar PV/wind hybrid installation and describe the advantages this system has to offer. |
| 75 |
Update on Solar and Energy Efficiency Initiatives in Harrisburg - Maureen Mulligan, owner of Sustainable Futures Communications LLC
It's been another busy year. Programs opened, legislation was introduced to promote more solar and other indigenous energy sources and at the time of this printing the outcome is still unclear. Budget woes dominated the landscape but some programs are aggressively going forward. |
| 76 |
Build Your Own Wind Turbine - Vertis Beam, the consumate renewable energy expert will outline the steps to builds a home made wind turbine from new or reused parts. |
| Electric Conversions |
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Saab Electric Conversion by Brandon Hollinger |
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Ford Escort Electric Conversion by Burlington County Technical Institute |
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Mars Electric Historic PPL Electric Version of the Renault owned by Don Young |
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VW Rabbit Pickup Electric Conversion by Al Arrison |
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VW Vanagon Electric Conversion(before and after vehicles) done by Bucks County Renewables |
| Hydrogen |
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Transit Bus done by Air Products |
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| Vegetable Oil |
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VW Passat One Tank System by Sam Yoder |
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Mercedes 300D one tank system by Sam Yoder |
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| Many Transportation Solutions to Improving your Environmental Footprint |
| T1 |
Introduction to Alternative Transportation – Philip Jones, MAREA
For 90 years the gasoline powered automobile has dominated the vehicle market and come to dominate all other forms of transportation. More recently, with the threat of dwindling gasoline supplies and acknowledgement of its environmental impact, the role of the gasoline vehicle has come under question. Consider the alternatives with this overview of alternative vehicles and transportation along with an introduction to what alternatives we are presenting at the Renewable Energy festival. |
| T2 |
Converting your Car to Electric – An Introduction - Jenny Isaacs, Bucks County Renewables www.BucksCountyRenewables.com
Learn about what it takes to make that gas car of yours run totally on electric power. Improve your environmental footprint and find peace in the quiet comfort of an electric ride. |
| T3 |
Toyota Hybrid Drive Technology - Chris Peterson, Toyota hybrid training specialist
Prius and other Toyota hybrid owners have a special relationship with their cars and want to know more about how the motor and engine work together under differing conditions. They also want to know how they can make their hybrids perform better. Chris explains the inner workings and many features of which typical owners are not aware. Program includes the hybrid drive train, using models, cut-aways and actual components. Hybrids addressed include Prius (gen 1, 2 and 3), Camry and Highlander models. This presentation extends over two time blocks for those interested in staying to get more detail.
|
| T4 |
Penn State Research Update on Electric and Hybrid Vehicles – Joel Anstrom, PhD, Director of the Hybrid and Hydrogen Vehicle Research Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University
Penn State has been researching, building and testing hybrid and electric vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cell-electric hybrids and hydrogen fueled vehicles. Get an update on Penn State’s research in hybrid vehicle and Vehicle To Grid technologies. |
| T5 |
An Introduction to Converting Your Diesel to Veggie power - David Rosenstraus, Fossil Free Fuels.
An introductory exploration of how you can convert your diesel vehicle to run on waste fryer oil and sustainable plant oils. Learn about the different bio-fuels, what vehicles work well, the conversion process and obtaining fuels for your vegetable oil powered vehicle. |
| T6 |
Alternate Powered Buses and Trucks, Converting our Infrastructure to more Efficiency
We often focus on our personal vehicles and their environmental footprint. What about our public transportation and our school buses? What are we doing to reduce the impact of our public vehicles? Learn what enterprising individuals and companies are doing to reduce the fuel use of our buses and service vehicles. |
| T7 |
Inside the Prius 2010 – Chris Peterson, Toyota hybrid training specialist
The new Prius 2010 model, also known as the Generation 3 or Gen 3, has expanded the electric range and improved both fuel economy and performance. Toyota has also made efforts to improve the environmental footprint of this new model. Learn from a Toyota expert what features make this an even better version of an already ground-breaking environmental car. Chris will provide the details on the very vehicle you could win in our raffle at the Renewable Energy festival! |
| T8 |
The Best Gasoline Powered Cars for the Environment
There are many high mileage and lower-emission gasoline powered vehicles that can improve your environmental footprint. Learn the differences in fuel ratings and how to compare models to maximize your efficiency and reduce your impact.
|
| T9 |
Comparing the Hybrids - Jesse Rudevsky
Now you have a number of hybrid cars to choose from. After this session you will be able to choose more wisely. Learn about the options and discuss the pros and cons of different hybrid cars for your particular needs. |
| T10 |
The Gen3 (2010) Prius – A technical Critique – Hobbit
The 2010 version (Generation 3 or Gen 3) Toyota Prius has better acceleration and better fuel economy. Go figure. Get an independent critique of all the ins and outs of the latest Prius version, hot off the assembly lines and being raffled at our very own Renewable Energy festival. |
| T11 |
Production Electric Vehicles – Panel
Volume produced electric vehicles are finally starting to arrive. Learn about these new vehicles, such as the Tesla, Mini-E (electric version of the Mini Cooper) and others manufactured originally as electric vehicles that are now being made “available” to you. Learn from EV-neers about how they were able to acquire their vehicles and their experiences with them. |
| T12 |
Going Electric on the Farm - Electric and Organic Yard Care Options - Jim Coate, owner of The Electric Tractor Store [www.ElectricTractorStore.com]
While noisy gas-burning mowers and leaf blowers are commonplace, there are various alternatives available. Electric (and human-powered) options for the homeowner, business owner, and small farmer will be presented. This will include an overview of the organic land care philosophy and how the choices you make in your landscaping can reduce energy consumption.
|
| T13 |
Ellsbett One Tank Diesel to Veggie Conversion – Sam Yoder, MAREA
Discover the advantages of a one tank versus two tank vegetable oil system for your diesel car. While a little more involved to convert, this conversion is simpler to operate and maintain than the two tank conversion. |
| T14 |
Driving Up Your Mileage – Jesse Rudevsky, hyper-miler
You can improve your fuel economy and reduce your environmental footprint in just about any vehicle using the driving and maintenance techniques you will learn in this session. This session will also cover additional special techniques for hybrid cars. |
| T15 |
Alternative Transportation – A Recap – Panel
Several alternative transportation technologies were presented or demonstrated at the Renewable Energy festival. Review the pros, cons and forecast for each in a brief presentation followed by a forum to discuss technologies of interest and what next steps you can take to reduce your transportation environmental footprint and realize your alternative transportation dream. |
| T16 |
Ford’s Hybrid and Sustainability Program - Praveen Cherian, Ford Motor Company Hybrid and Sustainability Program Leader.
Mr. Cherian will address Ford’s programs to reduce Ford’s carbon footprint, including power train alternatives, such as hybrid, electric vehicle and gasoline turbo-charging EcoBoost technologies. Praveen will also address Ford’s sustainable approach to vehicle interiors using suede-like material made in part from recycled plastic pop bottles. |
| |
Transportation Workshops listed below |
| G1 |
Small Steps in the Suburbs, a guide to greening your lifestyle one step at a time - Philip Jones MAREA
So many of us have the older home or the suburban house that just isn’t all that green. Where do you start? And what will the neighbors say? This talk will focus on helping you take the steps that make the most sense for you and for the environment. The presentation will address the most effective energy and water reductions in the suburban home and how they can improve your life and save you money. |
| G2 |
Renovation Choices to Improve Your Energy Efficiency - Philip Jones MAREA
Energy savings can and should be a part of every repair, renovation and remodeling project. Learn about low cost energy saving projects and ways to turn that costly repair into an energy dividend. Whether you have a large budget or a small budget, every project can reduce or expand your future use of energy and resources. Learn about these renovation choices
to help you choose wisely. |
| G3 |
Passive Solar - Dan Brown Eco-Struction
Explore some of the basic concepts of passive solar design. We will look at the different concepts that are use with success. At the same time there have been a lot of poor passive solar designs. The talk will look at what has worked and not worked. You will come away with clearer reasoning about passive solar design. |
| G4 |
Green Building Panel
Ask the experts questions about green building and energy efficiency. There are so many choices to make and huge sales pressure in the industry does not make it easy. Come and ask any question or just sit and watch. Which is better radiant heat or geo thermal? Is paying for green certification a good idea? What are the real choices that make a home energy efficient? What choices affect your dollar? Do you need to replace windows? |
| G5 |
King of Scrounge - Jim Juczak
Jim has been called the "King of Scrounge" and written a book to describe how to get how he learned to do this and reveal some of the easy to do, secrets for getting things like housing, building supplies, food, transportation, entertainment and more during his talk. The arts of bartering, dumpster diving, gleaning free food and how to find and buy a $50 car will be discussed. |
| G6 |
Mortgage Free - Jim Juczak
Mortgage-Free Housing: There are a number of strategies that almost anyone can apply to provide their housing without going through the banking system. The word 'mortgage' is from the old English and literally means 'death pledge'. Jim Juczak will take the participants through a number of practical ways of eliminating the need for using a mortgage as a means for getting a comfortable home. Buying land, building with alternative materials, recycling homes, setting up the utilities, water and waste disposal systems are just a part of what will be covered in this seminar. For those that already have a mortgage he will go into strategies for saving thousands of dollars on that debt. |
| G7 |
Passive Solar Earth Shelters - Vertis Bream
Learn about building a 500yr (really lowers the carbon imprint) earth sheltered high mass house using passive solar based upon annual heat/cool storage design rather than the typical daily passive designs (What do you do about cloudy days?). These houses are fire/flood and storm proof and actually somewhat earthquake resistant unless you are directly sitting on a fault line. |
| G8 |
Energy Independence - Dan Brown Eco-Struction, Passive solar design and energy efficiency consultant.
Concern for your environment, a desire to take responsibility for your home energy use, and thoughts about a future energy crisis: These are reasons we seek energy independence. Full of tips on how to conserve regarding heating/cooling and electrical use, this talk keeps cost effectiveness in mind and gives you a starting point for achieving energy independence. |
| G9 |
"Masonry Heaters: A Traditional Way of Heating with Wood" - Brian Klipfel |
| G10 |
Ground Source Heating and Cooling - Laurie Drebitko and Andrew Drebitko, Jr. NATURALENERGYSOLUTIONSLLC.COM
Ground Source heating and cooling, also called geothermal heating and cooling, is an environmentally friendly and economical way to provide heating, cooling, and domestic hot water for your home. The information session will discuss how the system works, the different types of systems, why the systems are the best option for heating and cooling, how they benefit the homeowner, and how they benefit the environment. The session will compare the costs of running the systems to those of running traditional systems, as well as discuss tax incentives for installing a system.
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| G11 |
Home Energy Audits - Frank Malpere
This seminar will discuss what an energy audit is and what it is not. Why every homeowner needs to have an energy audit. It will also explain many of the upgrades that homeowners can make themselves. Why improving the efficiency of the home is the first step to take before considering renewable energy. Energy improvements have a 10 times higher rate of return then the average savings account. |
| G12 |
Green Building Certification - Frank Malpere
Green home certification is more then low VOC paints and bamboo flooring.
The double “EE’s” in green stand for Energy Efficiency. There are 6 key areas in building a GREEN home from planning to health and safety to operating a green home. Building a green home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Learn from an NAHB Green verifier. National Association of Home Builders |
| G13 |
Solar Hot Water - Dan Brown, MAREA, DBecostruction.com
Come and learn how and way solar hot water works. We will go over the system design that works best in PA. Dan will then go over the parts and how they go together and then explain why they make very good economic sense. Yes solar hot water does pay and can provide most of your domestic hot water needs. After you herd the talk you can then sign up for a 3 day workshop put on by MAREA after the festival. |
| G14 |
The Future of Building Codes: Learning from Boulder, Colorado’s Energy Efficient, Green Building Codes - David Neiger, Principal at Populus Sustainable Design Consulting
Boulder, Colorado
Municipalities throughout the world are adopting green building codes that address issues from indoor air quality to energy efficiency. This new generation of building codes is performance-based in nature, providing flexibility to create green, energy efficient homes. Learn about the implementation of cutting-edge energy efficiency codes in Boulder, Colorado and how municipalities nationwide can drastically reduce home energy consumption and carbon emissions. |
| G15 |
Green Paints & Wall Coverings - Bill Stevens
Come and learn about some green products for the home. Bill will go over some options on paints & Wall Coverings. Learn about what products are good for the environment as well as healthy choices for your home. At the same time you can create a beautiful space to be in with color and clay plasters.
|
| G16 |
Introduction to Strawbale Home Building - Darren Molnar-Port
No pig jokes, please!
Learn about building with locally available, minimally-processed materials to create beautiful, energy-efficient homes that are healthy for people and the planet. We will discuss: The history of strawbale building; Why build with straw? What is straw and what are its building qualities? Understanding straw bale principles; The planning stages; The building stages; Concluding with a photographic exploration of strawbale homes around the world.
Experience how easy it is to stack bales into walls, and learn the basics of straw-bale building (time permitting |
| G17 |
Introduction to Green Building Materials - Darren Molnar-Port
Which has higher carbon footprint and more embodied energy a bottle of wine from France or a bottle from Napa?
Using green materials and products promotes conservation of resources and assists in reducing harmful environmental impacts. Participants in this session will be introduced to one of the main components of green building “Resource Efficiency.” Topics include: Life Cycle Analysis; Reduced material use; Durability; Rapidly renewable, natural and recycled content materials; Recycling construction waste; Embodied Energy of materials; Local and Salvaged Materials; Certified Wood; and Construction Waste Management. Many green materials samples will be available to illustrate the topics above.
Darren Molnar-Port draws from nearly twenty years of environmental responsive design and building experience. Mr. Molnar-Port provides technical assistance and policy recommendations on energy efficiency, green building and greenhouse gas reduction to state government and other public and private entities. Mr. Port has taught classes and lectured nationally on Green Building, Environmental Public Policy and Affordable Housing. As the former (2000-2007) Founding Director of the New Jersey Green Homes Office Darren was responsible for creating the multiple award winning New Jersey Affordable Green Program, which produced nearly five thousand units of green high performance affordable housing. Mr. Molnar-Port is a recognized advocate of Natural Building techniques and has taught Strawbale Construction throughout the United States. As a former industrial designer and product manufacture he brings a unique perspective to understanding the complexities of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Darren is LEED Accredited and Green Advantage Residential certified.
|
| G18 |
Geothermal Heating and Cooling - Alex Bodian, Principal at TeraTherm [www.TeraTherm.com], presents the options and opportunities with ground-source geothermal energy as a proven and popular alternative to current fossil based sources of energy for residential heating & cooling. He will include a brief history of geothermal’s development and how it works with existing residential heat distribution methods. Alex will also cover its strengths and weaknesses and how the future of ground source for residential might appear.
|
| G19 |
Building a Net Zero Energy Home - Toni Lynch, Better World Technologies
Toni will discuss the details of building a Net Zero Energy Home, capable of producing an annual output of renewable energy that is equal to the total amount of its annual consumed/purchased energy from energy utilities. |
Workshops
If a workshop fee is required: (CLICK HERE) to download a registration form or sign up using our secure Paypal account.
Some workshops are limited to number of participants. |
(BACK TO THE TOP)
|
| Workshop Title |
Time/Place |
FEE |
Register |
| W1 |
Alcohol Fuel Production and Use Workshop |
2 Days:
Sat & Sun |
$270 |
[CLICK HERE
TO REGISTER]
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| |
A Two Day intensive workshop presented by permaculture and BioFuels expert and author David Blume, International Institute for Ecological Agriculture, 343 Soquel Ave #191,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (888)737-6228 [READ THE FULL COURSE DESCRIPTION]
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| |
David Blume is the Executive Director of the International Institute for Ecological Agriculture. He is the recipient of the American Corn Growers Association "Truth in Agricultural Journalism" award, is author of the Amazon best-selling book Alcohol Can Be A Gas and is the leading advocate for Alcohol Fuel and the role of the American Farmer in developing a truly sustainable energy and food policy for the post-oil era. Alcohol Can Be A Gas (www.permaculture.com) has recently been selected by Richland College in Illinois as core curriculum for its Innovative Workforce Solutions program to retrain recently laid-off auto, industrial and agricultural workers. It presents an unrivaled look at how alcohol fuel can easily be made from food waste, weeds and green crops and is being used around the world to combat climate change as well as energy and food shortages.
David has been interviewed by Ira Flatow on NPR Science Friday, was featured on NBC WPIX Cable News, recently spoke at the PacRim BioFuels conference in Vancouver BC, and his landmark three hour interview on Coast to Coast radio with host George Noory was selected by the station as a "Best of 2008" program. |
 |
| W2 |
Hands-On American Clay [MORE INFO]
This is a one day 8 hour DIY/Designers class. This workshop is for clients interested in American Clay but not familiar with the product and how it is applied. All aspects of a hands on application will be covered with a final brief demonstration of decorative finishes.
|
All Day Friday
Check In:
9AM
Friday |
$156
MAX 12
PEOPLE |
|
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| W3 |
Spin Farming Workshop |
Sunday
3:30
|
FREE |
|
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| W4 |
Timber Frame Raising Demonstration |
Saturday
2:00
|
FREE |
|
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| W5 |
Timber Frame Construction Demonstration |
Friday
Saturday
Sunday |
FREE |
|
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| W6 |
Small Scale Farming Demonstration with Horses - Tim Aukland, River Run Farm
Tim will demonstrate basic draft horse handling: plowing, disking, harrowing |
Friday
Saturday
Sunday |
FREE |
|
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| W7 |
Biodiesel Demonstration Question & Answer Session |
Friday
Saturday
Sunday |
FREE |
|
|
| W8 |
Solar Site Evaluation
Bill Hennessy - MAREA , NABCEP Certified Solar PV installer, NYSERDA eligible PV & Wind installer
Hands-on experience with using a Solar Pathfinder and the Pathfinder Assistant software for performing solar site evaluations. We will also work with electrical test equipment on solar modules to observe the effects of shading on energy production. |
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
2:30 |
FREE |
|
|
| W9 |
Tour of the 3.7K Skystream Wind Turbine Installation
See a working wind turbine installed by MAREA at the Kempton Community Center |
Sat. 11:30
Meet at Admission Tent |
FREE |
|
| W10 |
Saw Mill Demonstration
Watch a portable saw mill demonstration by Wood Mizer |
Fri/ Sat/
Sun
All Day |
FREE |
|
| W11 |
Veggie Oil Press Demo
KernKraft veggie oil press demonstration pressing oil from seeds for fuel and food
USDA Research & Development Grass Pelletizer
Producing biomass pellets for fuel |
Fri/ Sat/
Sun
All Day |
FREE |
|
| |
| Workshop Title |
Time/Place |
FEE |
Register |
| TW1 |
Converting your Car to Electric - Jenny Isaacs, Bucks County Renewables.
The workshop covers the details of converting a gasoline powered car to run on all electric power. The workshop covers system options, the conversion steps and pointers on how to pursue converting your car or a friends’ car to electric power. Improve your environmental footprint and find peace in the quiet comfort of an electric ride. This workshop has an additional entry charge for attendees. |
Saturday
2:30-5:30
2nd
session:
Sunday
9-12
|
$15 |
|
|
| TW2 |
Converting your Car to Run on Vegetable Oil - David Rosenstraus, Fossil Free Fuels.
This workshop covers a complete conversion process from a diesel powered vehicle to a vegetable fuel powered vehicle. This workshop is hands on Learn how you can convert your diesel vehicle to run on waste fryer oil and sustainable plant oils. Learn about the different bio-fuels, what vehicles work well, the conversion process and obtaining fuels for your vegetable oil powered vehicle. This workshop has an additional entry charge for attendees. |
Saturday/
Sunday
9AM-4PM
|
$50
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