Sunday, June 28: 'DO IT YOURSELF' CONSERVATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Denise Frangipane at 845-295-2443 or dfrangipane@gerryfoundation.org

Sponsored by the Conservation Education Network

MONTICELLO – A “do it yourself” workshop on energy and resource conservation is being held on Sunday, June 28 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Ted Stroebele Neighborhood Facility in Monticello. The program will feature simple and cost effective ways for homeowners to upgrade their homes to save money and valuable resources.

This is the second in a four-part series of workshops presented by the Sullivan County Conservation Education Network. The program presenters will provide “how-to” resources for families and individuals who want to take specific and practical steps to make their homes and businesses more sustainable, lower their carbon footprint, and save money.

Peter Vargo of Nu-Tech Energy Solutions in Lackawaxen, PA will explain what homeowners can do for energy and water conservation in their existing, new or remodeled homes. A representative of SPECS will outline what can be done to reduce waste at home or in the workplace. Evadne Giannini of HospitalityGreen in Mountaindale, NY, will talk about third party certifications like Green Seal for validating safe, environmentally preferable cleaning products and household chemicals, versus green marketing chatter.

The program is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be provided. The public is encouraged to pre-register by calling 845-482-5400.

Other programs offered by the Conservation Education Network at the Ted Stroebele Neighborhood Facility will include:

· “Community Power” on Sunday, August 23 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Some projects are bigger than an individual or business – wind energy, solar panels on public buildings and hydro-electric dams. Learn the basic steps needed for a community to lower its collective carbon footprint and control its own power.

· “Heating Your Home” on Sunday, October 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. – As winter approaches, thoughts turn to cold winds and snow. New technologies allow homes to be heated by using geo and hydro-thermal systems, space heaters and wood. A serious look at staying warm economically.


The Sullivan County Conservation Education Network is an inclusive partnership that uses education to promote a sustainable environment and commerce. Members include: Bashakill Area Association; Catskill Mountainkeeper; Delaware Highland Conservancy; Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development; Sullivan County Department of Planning and Environmental Management; Sullivan County Office of Sustainable Energy; SPECS (Special Protection of the Environment for the County of Sullivan); and Sullivan Renaissance.