Greetings,

The newsletter's primary purpose is to help people learn about events and initiatives related to sustainability in Central Wisconsin.

If someone you know would like to receive the Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter by email, they can sign up by entering their email address in the green box on our sustainability web page at www.uwsp.edu/cnr/landcenter/sustainability.html.

Here is our recent sustainability news as well as a list of upcoming events.

Businesses Moving Toward Sustainability...

Going Green: Travel Guard’s new building is environmentally friendly
Adapted from Portage County Gazette article
Established in 1985 by founder John Noel, Travel Guard is the largest travel insurance group in the United States. Now, located in the Business Park of Stevens Point, the new four story 126,000 square-foot building will be the official headquarters of Travel Guard for many years to come. With over 600 employees currently working there and the capacity of over 900, Travel Guard has the positive intention of growing and creating jobs right here in Central Wisconsin.

The new Travel Guard headquarters was built following the LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification process which means that strict guidelines were used to improve air and water quality, reduce solid waste, and improve occupants and society’s wellbeing. LEED® certification is a universal standard in developing and designing new buildings for sustainability and high performance. Some LEED and “Going Green” highlights in the building are:

• Water use is reduced by 50% because of efficient plumbing fixtures. This is expected to save over 700,000 gallons of water per year.
• Energy consumption is reduced by 25% thanks to low wattage lighting and occupancy sensors throughout the building.
• 20% of the building materials contain recycled content.
• 90% of the construction waste will be recycled.
• Recycled car tires make up the flooring in the kitchen, vending area, and receiving area.
• Low emitting building materials (such as paint, adhesives, and fabrics) were specified to maintain indoor air quality.
• A white reflective roof will reduce cooling costs by minimizing heat.
• Low flow toilets, faucets and bathroom systems help reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems.
• Building construction diverted 75% of demolition, construction and packaging debris created from renovation to other reusable and recycled forms.
• Environmental impacts are minimized by utilizing high performance building principles to optimize mechanical, electrical, and architectural efficiency.
• Premium indoor air quality is circulated by using high-quality outdoor air and providing adequate ventilation rates, thereby contributing to employees’ comfort, wellbeing and productivity.
• Because of how the building was placed on the site, most trees were preserved. Two hundred new trees have been planted on site.
• The building’s walls, windows, lighting and HVAC systems have been designed to maximize energy performance, which will save $40,000 in utility costs per year.
• Over 20% of the materials used on the project are made regionally.
• The vending machines have many healthy choices which are marked accordingly. Canteen vending reports the healthy choices far exceed other options.
• All eating and drinking utensils are made from recycled products.
• Coffee is Fair Trade

Recent Sustainability News...

State-grown ingredients key to new Central Waters beer
Adapted from the Wausau Daily Herald
When Central Waters Brewing Co.'s new seasonal beer, Sconnie, debuted in September, it will be more than just a new choice for beer drinkers. Made entirely with Wisconsin-grown ingredients, this beer from Amherst is proof that a statewide effort by a handful of breweries to create a market for in-state crops is working. A group of breweries around the state, including Central Waters, formed The Midwest Hops and Barley Cooperative a few years ago to create a link between farmers and brewers. Both crops have a history in the state, but they haven't been grown much recently. But if farmers know they can sell their crop, it could make them more likely to grow the two crops heavily used in brewing.

"We're trying to push to (get) farmers to take a risk and grow brewers’ barley here in Wisconsin," said Paul Graham, president of Central Waters and a member of the co-op's board of directors. "If he doesn't know what to do with the product when it's done, he's probably not going to be apt to go out and grow it." "Eventually, we'd like to be 100 percent Wisconsin-made beer," Graham said, "or at least as much as we can do."

So far, the co-op seems to be working. Central Waters bought the hops for Sconnie from a farm just west of Wausau, Stettin Hop Farms, and organic barley from two others in the state.

Stettin Hop Farms is a perfect example of what the co-op is striving for. The owner, Jonathan Wokatsch, did not begin growing hops until 2008, after meetings with co-op members. Without the assurance that he could sell his crop, Wokatsch said he wouldn't have planted it.

Mid-State Technical College and Energy Composites Corp. in Wisconsin Rapids move toward sustainability
Adapted from the Wausau Daily Herald
Mid-State Technical College classes have begun for two new renewable energy programs, and three others already were in place. Leaders hope to use a $428,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which Obey earmarked within President Barack Obama’s $410 billion budget bill earlier this year, to purchase solar panels, wind turbines and other lab equipment.

Mid-State also is working with leaders at Energy Composites Corp. in Wisconsin Rapids and the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board to develop a first-of-its-kind curriculum for wind-energy and composites training, an endeavor for which the board recently garnered a $100,000 grant from the state Department of Workforce Development. Energy Composites continues its efforts to obtain LEED Platinum certification for its planned 350,000-square-foot manufacturing plant that will produce blades for industrial wind turbines in Wisconsin Rapids, President Jamie Mancl said.

Stimulus funds increase weatherization efforts
Adapted from the Wausau Daily Herald
When the Weatherization Assistance Program was created, it was done so with people such as Angeline Zalewski in mind. Zalewski, 84, lives in a quaint, 100-year-old house just north of Stevens Point. Trying to heat the home, where she has lived for 65 years, was a challenge, with her gas and electric bill routinely costing close to $300 a month. She constantly was worried about how much she was using, and whether she would have enough money for bills that month. But after having her home weatherized by CAP Services, she should see a savings of between 25-30%, with no cost to her..

CAP Services has weatherized more than 9,500 homes since 1975. CAP Services received about $1.4 million from the ARRA, which will allow it to service 172 more homes in central Wisconsin than it could have with only state funds. Homes with the highest energy consumption and lowest income are chosen first by the programs. Then the home receives an energy assessment, which includes depressurizing the house and measuring air flow to identify problem areas where heat is escaping. For Zalewski, "Up in the attic she was lacking a lot of insulation," said Scott Johns, a housing coordinator with CAP Services. "That's standard for weatherization."

Stanton Mead Center receives LEED top certification

Until now, only one building in Wisconsin, the Aldo Leopold Legacy center near Baraboo, had received platinum certification, the highest, in the LEED program. Now there’s another, the Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center in the Mead Wildlife Area. Rudie and Marv Schuette, through Wausau Homes, donated the Education and Visitor Center. Tom Brown of Stevens Point was the architect. The Center has solar heating and cooling, a high-performance building envelope, advanced daylighting, high-performance mechanical systems, wood biomass energy, photovoltaic electricity, wind energy, and geothermal heating and cooling.

UWSP aiming for LEED silver certification for new residence hall
Written by Mike Zsido, UWSP assistant director for building services
The new UWSP Residence Hall will have a minimum silver rating in the LEED certification process. As the demolition of Hyer hall progresses to make room for the new residence hall we are anticipating 85% of all present building material will be recycled or re-used. During the initial stages of demolition our department removed plumbing fixtures, mirrors, appliances, furniture, bathroom stall partitions, electrical quad-plexes, all basement case and decorative woodwork, and the instantaneous water heater for re-use. The glass from all the windows was given to the Art department for student class use.

Wausau becomes an eco-municipality
On August 11th the Wausau Common Council passed a resolution for Wausau to be an Eco-Municipality 12-0. Their resolution is available at www3.uwsuper.edu/sustainability/Eco-Municipality_files/WausauEcomuniResolution.pdf

For further information contact Sara Hinz, Commission for a Greener Tomorrow Chair at 715/841-1911 or shinz@samuelsgroup.net

Book discussion starting about food choices
Eighteen people will be participating in a six-session book-discussion series using a collection of selected writings that includes authors such as Wendell Berry, Michael Pollan and Eliot Coleman. Discussions will focus on how our food choices effect the environment, the local economy and our community. If you would like to join in or get help starting your own discussion group with friends from church or your neighborhood, call Mary at 592-4051.

The Plastic Bag Reduction Campaign
The Plastic Bag Reduction Campaign was launched on September 19 as the fall campaign of the Progressive Action Network – Portage County. It began by meeting with local store managers and decision-makers to see how they might embrace the project’s goal: cutting in half the number of single-use plastic bags by mid-November. P.A.N. stages "Tent” events to encourage shoppers' use of re-usable bag options and provides information and prompts to shoppers to remember to bring their own bags. P.A.N. Volunteers have already made their way to the Stevens Point Farmer’s Market square, the Stevens Point Natural Food Cooperative and all Roundy's stores. When it comes to food gathering and store purchases, P.A.N. hopes to make Portage County a place known for forward thinking solid ecological practices, one bag at a time. Volunteers are welcome - help Portage County kick the single-use bag habit. Contact Michele Bjella at michelebje@yahoo.com to be a part of the effort.

Upcoming Events...

October 2009

October 1
2009 P.A.N. Plastic Bag Reduction Campaign Tent Event
Trig's County Market, Stevens Point
Volunteers are welcome - help Portage County kick the single-use bag habit. Contact Michele Bjella at michelebje@yahoo.com to be a part of the effort.

October 2-3
Wisconsin Solar Tour
Visit homes and businesses with renewable energy systems, sustainable landscaping, energy efficient construction, and more! The Solar Tour features over 15 sites in Central Wisconsin that are open to the public for free tours. Business sites open Friday, October 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and home tour sites open Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Guided bus tours are also available from Stevens Point for $15.00. Please visit www.the-mrea.org to register. The Wisconsin Solar Tour is sponsored by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Focus on Energy (www.focusonenergy.com). It is part of the National Solar Tour coordinated by the American Solar Energy Society (www.ases.org). For a complete listing of tour sites please contact MREA at 715-592-6595 or visit www.the-mrea.org

October 2-4
Hidden Studios Along the Ice Age Trail - locations in eastern Portage and western Waupaca counties.
Generally considered the peak fall foliage weekend in central Wisconsin, October 2, 3 and 4 is also the only weekend of the year that the Hidden Studios open their doors to the public.

• Visit nine studios, showcasing 20 artists
• Free, self-guided: spend the day or the weekend
• Explore winding roads, quaint communities and fine art while discovering the Hidden Studios

www.hiddenstudiosarttour.com/ 

October 3, 9am–3pm
Marshfield’s Green Living & Energy Expo
Mid-State Technical College, 2600 W 5th St., Marshfield
Highlights include: informative workshops for adults (10am – 2pm), kids’ activities (10am-2pm), local vendors and educational displays, free energy conservation kit from Marshfield Utilities (while supplies last), Make your own rain barrel ($20 fee required), electronics recycling (see website for more information) and a free brat fry sponsored by Marshfield Utilities. Visit www.gogreenmarshfield.com for a schedule and more information.

October 3, 9am–3pm
Getting Involved in Local Government: What Role is Right for You? - Portage County Business Council Office, 5501 Vern Holmes Dr, Stevens Point, WI
The Portage County Young Professionals is hosting a morning workshop for residents to learn about roles in public office. This event is co-sponsored by Portage County University of Wisconsin Extension, the Portage County Unit of the Wisconsin Towns Association, and the Portage County Chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Speakers will outline government positions and identify where an individual could get involved. The keynote speaker will be 22-year-old Justin M. Nickels who was elected Manitowoc’s Mayor this spring - its youngest Mayor ever, succeeding Manitowoc’s longest serving mayor. A panel of local elected officials – Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halvorson, Portage County Executive Mark Maslowski, and Town of Stockton Chair Mike Bronks – will offer insights into appointed positions in local government. Jennifer Stewart, the Community Development Educator at Portage County UW-Extension will wrap up the morning with an overview of elected positions in local government.

A registration fee of $10 includes program materials and breakfast from Rockman’s Catering. The registration deadline is extended to October 1st. Registration can be done online at www.portagecountybiz.com or by contacting the Portage County Business Council at (715) 344-1940.

October 3, Registration is 8:30-11am
Ice Age Trail Alliance - Portage and Waupaca County Chapter's Hike-A-Thon 2009
Join us for our 2009 Hike-A-Thon. The starting point is the Iola Winter Sports Clubhouse off County Road MM. Registration is 8:30-11 am. Contact Portage Co. Parks (715-346-1433) or Waupaca Co. Parks (715-258-6243) for more details.

October 3, 7:30pm
CD Release Party for LJ Booth - Jensen Center, Amherst, WI
$10

October 8, 7pm
Winter Film Series: Flow - MREA building, 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI
Flow, an award-winning documentary, will be the first in the annual series of eco-themed films sponsored by Sustainable Stockton and shown free of charge at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. This film investigates the political and environmental ramifications of what many experts refer to as the most important natural resource issue of the twenty-first century: water. As the film points out, this is not just a third world issue. Currently there are 51 known water contaminants in the United States not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Free popcorn! Bring your own beverage. Call 592-4051 with questions.

October 10, 9am-noon
Applesauce Workshop – St. Paul’s UMC, 600 Wilshire Blvd. Stevens Point, WI
Make applesauce for your freezer. Bring plastic containers to hold 2-4 quarts of applesauce. Cost of material donation. *Registration preferred. Call 592-4423.

October 11-12
Wisconsin Interfaith Earthkeeping Conference: Greening Our Faith Communities and Our Lives – Ramada Inn, Stevens Point, WI
Keynote speakers are The Rev. Sally Bingham presenting Global warming: Our Greatest Moral Challenge and The Rev. Dr. David Rhoads presenting Living Responsibly in the Web of Life. Workshops include Wisconsin’s Inconvenient Truth; Season of Creation; Earth-Honoring Worship beyond Earth Day and more. For more info see www.wicec.org or call 608-222-7339.

October 17, 11am-1:30pm
Empty Bowls – Stevens Point Area Senior High, Stevens Point, WI
Empty Bowls is a community project to raise money for local hunger prevention efforts. For $10 you get to choose a bowl created by local potters, community members, and students. These bowls are each unique and a great keepsake! You then fill it with soup donated by local restaurants. The meal includes bread, beverage, and dessert. The event also features a raffle, entertainment, clowns for the children, and a pottery demonstration by a local professional potter.

October 16-17
MREA Intermediate Photovoltaics Classes – Milwaukee, WI
In these classes students will gain a basic understanding of PV system design and installation principles. Topics include: system components, battery connections, safety, basic line drawings, and construction of a small PV system. See their workshop page at www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php for more information.

October 24, 9:30-11:30am
Green and Healthy Schools–Wisconsin – St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 600 N Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point, WI
A presentation for all school staff, parents and other interested people. A voluntary, non-competitive program of the Wisconsin DPI and DNR. Find out how to do a web-based self-assessment to be recognized for what you are already doing to conserve energy and lower costs using “green” practices. This informational program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Stevens Point Area, School Issue & Sustainability Committees.

October 24
350 - Can we do it? – Emy J’s Cafe, Stevens Point, WI
What personal actions can we choose that will most affect the amount of carbon we put in the atmosphere? Join a community discussion on climate change. Speaker, Alan Haney, will lead us through the latest evidence of global climate change and help us choose effective local actions to reduce our carbon footprint. Sponsored by ICE - the Interfaith Community for the Earth. Free.

October 26-27
Will Allen from Milwaukee’s Growing Power visits Stevens Point – , WI
Will Allen, co-founder of Growing Power (www.growingpower.org) and a MacArthur Genius Award recipient, will be here to explore collaboration between Growing Power, UW-SP and the community and to raise awareness about the importance of local foods and potential of year round urban agriculture. Events include:

• October 26, 7:00 pm
  Fresh, The Movie, (www.freshthemovie.com/) - UWSP Dreyfus University Center theater
  The movie will be introduced by Will Allen and a panel discussion including Will Allen, Chris Malek (Malek Family Stewardship Farm and Central Rivers Farmshed), Jasia Steinmetz (UW-SP and Central Rivers Farmshed), and Dick Okray (Okray Family Farms) will follow the movie. The movie is free for students, community members are asked to make a donation to cover the cost of purchasing the movie license. The movie is open to everyone.
• October 26, 9:30 pm
  Reception for Will - UWSP Dreyfus University Center Brewhaus
  
• October 27, 3pm
  Will Allen presents a symposium - UWSP Dreyfus University Center Theatre
  Sponsors for Will’s visit include the UWSP College of Natural Resources, Multicultural Affairs, Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, UWSP Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, UWSP Multicultural Affairs, Central Rivers Farmshed, Portage County UW-Extension, Students for Sustainable Communities and Women in Natural Resources.

October 30-31
MREA Intermediate Photovoltaics Classes – Milwaukee, WI
See their workshop page at www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php for more information.

November 2009

November 5, 7pm
Sustainable Stockton Meeting - Town of Stockton Municipal Building, WI

November 6-7
MREA Intermediate Photovoltaics Classes - Milwaukee, WI
In these classes students will gain a basic understanding of PV system design and installation principles. Topics include: system components, battery connections, safety, basic line drawings, and construction of a small PV system. See their workshop page at www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php for more information.

November 12, 7pm
Winter Film Series: Silence of the Bees - MREA building, 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI
The award-winning documentary, Silence of the Bees, explores possible causes for the mysterious disappearance of millions of honey bees from their hives, leaving billions of dollars of crops without pollinators. Free popcorn available. Bring your own beverage. Questions: call 592-4051.

November 20-21
MREA Intermediate Photovoltaics Classes - Milwaukee, WI
In these classes students will gain a basic understanding of PV system design and installation principles. Topics include: system components, battery connections, safety, basic line drawings, and construction of a small PV system. See their workshop page at http://www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php for more information.

December 2009

December 3-4
Solar Thermal '09 - National Solar Heating and Cooling Conference - Monona Terrace - Madison, WI
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association invites you to the only professional level conference devoted to solar heating and cooling. Whether you are new to the solar thermal industry or an experienced veteran, this conference will show you how to tap into the growing demand for solar water heating systems - and greatly expand the success of your business. Installers, manufacturers, site assessors, dealers, distributors, state agency representatives, and policy makers will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind conference. To register visit www.the-mrea.org or call the MREA at 715-592-6595.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association has many workshops scheduled for central Wisconsin about photovoltaics, window quilts, solar hot water systems and wind systems. See their workshop page at www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php  for more information.

Other

Looking for a hardcopy of the Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter? Recent issues are in a binder kept near the Reference desk at the Portage County Public Library in downtown Stevens Point. If you don’t see it right away, just ask whoever’s at the Reference Desk.

Is there someone at other central Wisconsin libraries who would print and keep copies of the newsletter?

If you would like an event you or your organization is sponsoring to be included in the Sustainability Newsletter, please send submissions to Center for Land Use Education

• Date, time, location, contact information, and a short description of the event.
• Send a brief justification as to why this event is relevant for the newsletter.
• Respond with "Sustainability Newsletter" in the email subject line.

Thank you and please forward this invitation to any who may be interested in advertising in the newsletter.