Hanover’s July 4th
SHC members Susan Edwards and Marjorie Rogalski decided “enough with COVID” and joined Hanover’s July 4 event, the first in two years. They staffed a table and provided information about the work of the SHC. A number of people stopped by with questions indicating a clear interest in achievements and ongoing programs.
Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH): An Update
The energy future for New Hampshire is looking brighter. CPCNH is poised to become a major player in providing renewable energy. It aims to “lower electricity costs, procure electricity from sustainable sources, and improve competitive markets for local businesses that can offer innovative energy products and services.” www.cpcnh.org
Getting to Hanover
I came to Hanover in part to plug directly into sustainability issues. I've worked on these in the past, installing electric vehicle charges in South Orange way back in 2013, creating plastic bag recycling programs, reducing energy usage in buildings, greening fleets and so much more. Now, Hanover has gone well above and beyond what most communities have done, especially from an energy standpoint. But now I have to make a decision: where will I put my energy (sorry, bad jokes come with me) on sustainability issues in Hanover?
Farewell Julia!
Joint meeting of Sustainable Hanover and Energy Committee honoring Hanover Town Manger Julia Griffin. Front: Julia, Susan Edwards, Yolanda Baumgartner, Judi Colla; Rear Andrew Hatch, Peter Kulbacki, Rob Taylor, Rob Houseman, Marcus Welker, Ben Steele, Barbara Callaway, Stowe Beam, Dennis Robison
Community Power Status Report
Last July, attendees at Hanover’s Town Meeting voted to adopt the proposed Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) to establish Hanover Community Power, a town-wide municipal electricity aggregation. Adoption of the EAP enabled Hanover to begin working with the Community Power Coalition of NH for the procurement of 100% green power for Hanover “retail” (residential and small business) electricity customers.
WHO KNEW?
These are words that Community Climate Connections or C3, a committee of Sustainable Hanover, has been working with a lot in the past few months. We hope that you have seen our “Who Knews?” in the Hanover listserve every Tuesday, on the Sustainable Hanover website where it can be found under “News,” or on the Sustainable Hanover Facebook page.
EV Future — Enough Chargers?
The number of Electric Vehicles (EV’s) on the road is increasing quickly, spurred on by government subsidies, concern for the climate, and Hanover’s own goal of 100% renewable transportation by 2050. But these cars need to be charged. Most people with EV’s do most of their charging at home, but for people who live in apartments, and for trips longer than the range of the car, there need to be public chargers. That has become the focus of the efforts to move towards electric transportation.
E-bikes Coming to Hanover
The Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library will be in Hanover from June 8 to 28.
Volunteers from Sustainable Hanover and Hanover Bike Walk will offer a mix of two-day rentals and one-hour test rides for community members to experience why electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) are an increasingly popular choice for local travel.
See the schedule and make a reservation (required) online. As in prior years, the event is free.
Help Wanted! Recycling
Hanover’s Recycling Committee is looking for additional members. Our mission is to encourage residents to “reduce, reuse, recycle”. If you are interested or would like to have more information, please contact a committee member or leave a message - sustainablehanovernh@gmail.com.
More Solar, Please!
The Town of Hanover has set a goal of having the entire town operating on 100% renewable electricity by 2030. In alignment with that objective, Sustainable Hanover supports proposed amendments to the Hanover Zoning Ordinance that would make it easier to install solar energy systems.
CCDC Implements Comprehensive Energy Savings Project
In an effort to reduce energy usage, the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College (CCDC) has recently completed lighting updates and a solar panel installation.
Volunteers Build Window Inserts (Part 2)
In the Fall 2021 issue of the Sustainable Hanover Committee Newsletter, Yolanda Baumgartner wrote an article about the Window Dressers project that was taking place in November at the Norwich Congregational Church. This article is a report of how the project worked out.
Clean Energy New Hampshire
Joshua Singer, Program Coordinator of Clean energy New Hampshire, attended the February meeting of the Sustainable Hanover Committee to discuss Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station planning.
Julia Griffin Honored
In recognition of Julia’s efforts, Clean Energy New Hampshire (CENH) awarded her Clean Energy Champion of 2021 and appointed her to the CENH Board of Directors. Congratulations, Julia!
Hanover’s Solar Array - At Last!
On Thursday, October 14th, the Town of Hanover celebrated the completion of the two adjacent ground-mounted solar farms consisting of 4,560 panels near the Town Water Department on Grasse Road.
School Street Sustainability Park
The Sustaining Landscapes Initiative and Hanover Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce that the School Street Sustainability Park is almost complete! It is truly a place for everyone in our community.
I Hate to Waste Food
Rummaging through my refrigerator, I came upon a pear. It was a beautiful yellow-green when I stored in the fridge to eat later. Unfortunately, later never came—or rather, when it did, the pear was a mass of brown pulp. Yuck. I hate to waste food.
Volunteers Build Window Inserts
The Norwich Congregational Church will be buzzing with activity from November 10 to 16 as volunteers gather to build 200 insulating window inserts destined for local homes. By lowering heating bills and reducing CO2 emissions, the inserts will help 28 households achieve a lower carbon footprint while staying more comfortable over the winter.
Recycling Update & Holiday Recycling Tips
Did you know that the holiday season generates about 25 percent more trash? The following tips for using less "stuff" during the Holiday season will not only show you how to reduce, reuse but also how to reduce waste in the Upper Valley.