The Green Design Group is an advisory board to the Township Committee on green initiatives which are economically and environmentally sound. Our charter includes promoting public understanding and opportunities towards conservation and sustainability.
Meetings:
3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm, Town Hall
Current Board of Directors:
N.Dini Checko - Chair
Gracie Diaz - Township Committee Liaison
Scott Danner - Vice Chair
Raj Bansal - Secretary
Keri Benscoter, Alternate
Danielle Heise, Alternate
We already have 15 people geared up for this winter's thermal/fire assessment program. Energy costs are rising and you can cut your winter energy bills by taking some easy measures:
1) Sign up NOW for a thermal/fire assessment to see where the biggest energy escape is happening in your home. Please email gbcamera@yahoo.com with full contact information!
2) Use a programmable thermostat - Ideal winter settings are at 68 degrees F. during the day and 60 degrees F. at night. You can save 3 percent on your heating costs for every degree you reduce the temperature below 70 degrees F.
3) Use smart power strips to cut off energy, since many appliances consume 25% of their power when they are NOT even turned on.
4) Use a hot water heater "blanket". Insulation blankets can save you 10% or more depending on the quality of your tank.
5) Seal duct leaks - why waste money with anything that leaks?
6) Put in more efficient attic insulation such as Green Fiber, and use caulk/foam to seal cracks that let cold air in. Do this by December 31,2010 and you'll qualify for a federal tax credit of 30% of the amount you spent.
15 fantastic videos ranging from changing a furnace filter to weatherstripping. These do-it- yourself projects will save you money and help reduce energy consumption.
Fall 2010 – Green Design Group
Thank you, Green Brook community! You listened and participated when we talked about the Fridge/Recycle program. Because of you, the township received $300 that the Green Design Group plans on spending on promoting conservation and recycling. Program is still available and you will receive $50 and free pickup for recycling responsibly ( www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/refrigerator-freezer-recycling-program ).
Due to a great response, Green Brook Fire Department and Green Design Group are proud to offer the Thermal/Fire Assessment program again this year. As soon as the weather gets chilly, GB Firefighters will come to your home with a special heat sensitive camera. With the trained eye of a firefighter, they can see where heat is escaping, for example through the front door. Then, you as a homeowner can take the necessary steps to seal your front door better which in turn will reduce your energy consumption. The fire department will also offer suggestions to mitigate potential fire hazards. The thermal camera works best when it’s cold outside. The assessment is for informational purpose only and there’s a recommended tax deductible donation of $25 to the Green Brook Fire Department. You will also be given additional information on best websites, current rebates and suggestions to fix energy inefficiencies.
If you are interested or have further questions, please email gbcamera@yahoo.com with full contact information, 3 possible dates and latest evening time available (the assessment takes approximately 30 minutes). This service is only open to Green Brook Township’s Residential Homeowners.
New Jersey American Water recently requested the state for a rate increase for water delivery, which will increase the average customer’s monthly water bill by $7.10 or 23 cents per day. So, it’s important to cut down your water usage starting today. An easy and economical way is to a replace traditional showerhead with a high-efficiency 2.5 –a-gallon-a-minute model. Wondering where you can buy one? Right in Green Brook – please support our local business and check out Energy Saving Outlet (2051 Rt 22E, across street from Toyota Auto mall, 732-529-6588).
Spring 2010 – Green Design Group
We at Green Design Group (GDG) are thrilled to finally have some warm weather and are gearing up for the spring cleaning season.
Tips
What can I do with my old medicines?
Over-the-counter and prescription medications should not be disposed of down the drain. Wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds and they may end up in your local waterways, and may eventually be found in drinking water. Properly disposing of unwanted and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in the trash promotes a healthy aquatic environment and prevents accidental poisoning and intentional abuse. http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/recycle/index.html
What can I do with yard waste and kitchen scraps?
Consider composting – It’s easy and cheap. Somerset County is holding a Backyard Composting workshop on May 11th. For $50 – you get a compost bin and instructions. For more information, call 908- 231-7109 or check out: http://service.govdelivery.com/docs/NJSOMER/NJSOMER_5/NJSOMER_5_20071214_111200_en.pdf
What can I do with that old refrigerator/freezer?
Get $50 back with it – that’s what! To arrange for a free pick up of your old refrigerator/freezer call 877-270-3520 or schedule online at JACO Environmental. Let them know that Green Brook Township is part of the Community Partners program (the township receives referral money). You will save up to $150 a year on energy costs by recycling an old fridge and the peace of mind that it was properly disposed. To learn more about this program and other rebates/promotions: http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/refrigerator-freezer-recycling-program
What can I do with the rest of my unwanted items?
Remember that old adage “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Let’s keep stuff out of the landfill - Join Somerset County NJ Freecycle Network. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/somersetfreecycle/) Their goal is to reduce waste by connecting people who are discarding unwanted items with others seeking the same items. No item is too big or too small; but ALL items must be 100% free. So before you think about tossing anything, think about offering it up for reuse!
What has GDG been up to?
· Well, staying warm was a little bit easier especially when you participated and implemented steps from your home Thermal/Fire Assessment Review. Currently, 20 GB residents have participated in this collaborative effort with the Green Brook Fire Department. Thanks to hard work of our fire department, many homeowners are learning how to make their home more energy efficient and safe from fires.
EXTRA! EXTRA! – GB Township was featured in the Courier News for our innovative efforts: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103020338
· GDG also collaborated with the GB Seniors and held a presentation about recycling and sustainability. About 25 people attended and we asked them to take a “green” pledge and we gave out a box of light bulbs and reusable canvas bags to all.
· We ran a seminar about Sustainability – it’s the latest buzz word but what does it really mean? And why is it important to me? We had about a dozen people attend (some from outside of GB) to discuss this issue. It was great conversation and we are looking to do more of these seminars. If you are interested in joining us, drop us an email.
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Posted from Spring 2010 Association of NJ Environmental Commissions Report
"Fire Equipment Serves Double Duty in Green Brook"
Green Brook Township’s Green Design Group (GDG) and the Fire Department are collaborating to help homeowners save energy and prevent fires. They are offering a combination thermal/fire assessment of residents’ homes using a special heat sensitive camera and the trained eye of a firefighter.
Thermal imaging technology helps firefighters find missing people and identify hot spots. But it can also be used to see where heat is escaping in a building, so homeowners can see where they should seal up cracks and openings in order to reduce energy consumption. (A New Jersey Division of Fire Safety grant program made thermal imaging cameras available to all the State’s fire departments in 2000.)
We want to educate our residents about energy efficiency,” said GDG Chair Dini Checko in an interview with MyCentralJersey.com. “Through talks with our fire department we realized their heat-sensitive camera and trained eyes could locate where heat is escaping from a home.”
As part of the assessment, the Fire Department also offers suggestions to help eliminate fire hazards. This service is being offered in the winter months since the thermal camera works best when it’s cold outside. The assessment is for informational purposes only, and homeowners receive information about helpful websites, current rebates and suggestions to fix energy inefficiencies. The Green Brook Fire Department requests a tax-deductible $25 donation for the service.
The first thermal/fire assessment took place in December 2009 and about 18 assessments had taken place by March 1, earning the fire department about $300 in donations. One of the homeowners had originally thought that all their windows needed to be replaced, but the camera showed the windows were actually in good condition and heat was escaping from two main areas, the garage and basement slab. With this information, they had a much better idea of where to focus their attention. They also learned that specific recess lights in their kitchen were not properly insulated, allowing heat to escape through the ceiling.
According to Checko, this program is truly a win-win for all parties. The firefighters benefit from the opportunity to provide safety inspections, meet residents and collect donations. The homeowners learn how to make their homes safer, and enjoy lower heating bills and greater comfort if they implement the suggestions. by Julie Lange Groth
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- GrEEn Day Photos now posted! Link to:
Mark your calendars for GrEEn Day!
Website address: www.greendaywatchunghills.org
