Energy Conservation Feature

The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 2, 2009 PAGE TWENTY THREE

Farmers hear more good news on the green energy front GUELPH – The recent green energy announcement from the Ontario government provides many reasons Ontario farmers will benefit from the Green Energy Act according to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has the led on this file for the Ontario government, due to complexities involved with regulations, and the OFA has been working with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ministry of En-

vironment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to create opportunities for Ontario farmers in the green energy business.

Earlier this year, Energy Minister George Smitherman visited OFA’s office to gain a better understanding of what agriculture has to offer the province’s green energy initiatives.

OFA lobby effort OFA President Bette Jean Crews said farmers have much to gain. “The Green Energy Act

regulations reflect almost everything OFA asked for, and we will continue to work on improving and enhancing this opportunity for our members.”

One complaint about the wind energy turbines is the possible effect that they have on the health of nearby residents. That ranges from noise to vibrations in the home, to a negative effect on livestock and domestic pets.

The OFA took those concerns into account in its lobbying efforts.

OFA vice president Don McCabe said, “Within the wind energy area, a balance between energy generation and health safety needs to be achieved.

Ontario has responded to

OFA’s concerns to make this province the only jurisdiction compared to eight European countries, all of the American States, and all the provinces with wind programs to have a

minimum setback of 550 metres from a residence.”

The Green Energy Act imposed a 40-decibel noise level limit on wind turbines.

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PAGE TWENTY FOUR The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 2, 2009

OFA lobby obtained limits on noise levels and setbacks from houses cerns, the province is currently seeking a research chair from

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the Council of Universities to investigate that issue.

“OFA applauds this because we don’t want to jeopardize anyone’s health,” said McCabe.

Smitherman declared a prohibition on solar farms on class 1 and 2 farmland, and set a cap for solar farms on class 3 farmland at 6,000 acres to be used to recognize contracts under

the previous program for renewable energy.

“Solar panels will have a welcome spot on farm, commercial, and residential rooftops,” McCabe said.

The province has established the highest rates for farm-produced biogas in North America at 19 cents/kW for operations.

New biomass [unused crop leftovers such as corn stalks, straw, or pods] regulations will provide a base to start an industry for the future using crop scraps along with purposegrown crops [plants grown for the purpose of energy production] from Ontario farms.

Biomass and energy crops create revenue opportunities for farmers.

The province is planning to construct new transmission lines to provide more access to the grid.

That will open up opportunities across the province for agriculture-related projects.

A new renewable energy office has been created to allow onewindow access to the government for energy projects.

“Farmers not only fill Ontario’s grocery shelves but now will be responsible for keeping the lights on,” said McCabe.

OFA is pleased that Ontario agriculture has been recognized by the province as a significant source of energy.

“This on-farm energy generation is the basis for sustainable energy in Ontario,” said Crews.

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The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, October 2, 2009 PAGE TWENTY FIVE

Cutting a home’s carbon footprint ARA - Recycling, driving less, and bringing reusable bags to the grocery stores are great ways to reduce a family’s carbon footprint, but there are ways to reduce the impact a home has on the environment, not to mention the wallet?

Hannah Keeley, lifestyle expert and host on Public Broadcasting System offers energy efficiency tips that can yield big returns for the home, a budget, and the earth.

Fill in the cracks Never underestimate the power of weatherproofing.

Check windows and doors for drafty areas. Caulking holes and cracks keep a home from bleeding heat, not to mention hard-earned dollars from leaking out of the house.

Consider replacing existing doors with more energy-efficient options.

Use less An obvious solution is simply to use less energy.

Raising the thermostat setting a few degrees during the spring

and summer translates into savings in energy usage and utility bills. A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the heat and coolness through the day, helping to control the temperature.

Lower lights Lighting accounts for almost 20 per cent of the average homeowner’s monthly electric bill, but many overlook that opportunity to save energy and money. Homeowners can choose lighting controls.

An incandescent bulb dimmed by 25 per cent will use 25% less electricity and last four times longer than a bulb that has not been dimmed.

Dimmers allow homeowners to set the right light level for the mood and activity in a room.

Dual-fuel systems Installing a part-electric, part-gas hybrid heating and cooling system provides more control over a home’s energy usage by automatically sensing and operating in the most economical mode. As outdoor tem-

perature increases during the day, a hybrid comfort system uses an electric heat pump to efficiently cool indoor air.

When the weather turns cooler and heating with natural gas becomes more efficient, the furnace takes over. With a hybrid comfort system, homeowners can save some serious cash.

Make smarter choices Choosing the right home appliances is vital as well. No matter which room of the house - the kitchen, laundry room, or otherwise - an outdated or inefficient unit can drain the bank account and increase carbon emissions. To combat that, look for Energy Star certified appliances.

Increasing a home’s energy efficiency does not have to be hard work or a strain on the pocketbook. By making a few smart choices, homeowners can sit back and rest, in comfort, knowing they are doing your part to help reduce a home’s carbon footprint.

Five ways to save water at home ARA – Less than three per cent of the Earth’s water is fresh water - and much of that is inaccessible to people.

At least 36 states in the United States anticipate experiencing water shortages by 2013, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Droughts have also been hitting Canada in the past few years, and the Ontario government is concerned enough to pass legislation to protect source water.

If homeowners could easily save water and save money at the same time, why wouldn’t they? The water conservation experts at Kohler - a leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, share their top five tips to save water at home.

1. Clean green Pay attention to the size of a load of laundry and adjust the water level accordingly. Use a broom to sweep debris away rather than using water to clean the driveway, steps, or sidewalk with a hose. Make sure to run the dishwasher when it is fully loaded.

2. Upgrade and repair When it is time to refresh and remodel the bathroom, re-

place the older, less-efficient toilet with a high-efficiency toilet that can save up to 16,500 gallons of water per year. Swap that old showerhead for a lowflow or water-conserving showerhead to save more than 7,700 gallons of water per year. If a bathroom remodel is not in the plans, make sure to fix leaky faucets and install water-saving aerators that can save hundreds of gallons of water per year.

3. Gardens that sip Water the garden early in the morning or after dusk to prevent evaporation, and avoid watering on windy days. Landscape with native and lowwater plants. For indoor plants,

use leftover water instead of dumping a half-empty glass of drinking water down the drain.

4. Short showers Limit the time spent in the shower to 10 minutes or less and turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving to prevent excess water from going down the drain.

5. Water accountability Make sure the home does not have hidden water leaks.

Do a quick check by reading the water meter before leaving for a few hours (with the house is empty). If the meter does not have the same reading when returning, there probably is a leak.

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Big haul - The Fergus branch of TD Canada Trust recently teamed up with Greentec to provide an energy efficient way to recycle used computer equipment

35,400 pounds of material collected at electronic drop off in Fergus FERGUS - There will be a lot less material reaching the local landfills as a result of a recent free electronic waste drop off in Fergus.

The local branch of TD Canada Trust partnered with Greentec to offer the event for local residents.

Peter Baldasso, Branch

Manager, TD Canada Trust said 35,400 pounds of materials was collected from approximately 340 vehicles. The scrap filled two tractor trailers.

Items included monitors, CPUs, keyboards, cell phones, fax machines, and lots of unused TVs, and printers.

He knew of people who

came from Arthur, Drayton, Durham, as well as Fergus, Elora, Salem, and the odd car from Guelph.

Baldasso said, “The response to our success has spawned the same event to take place with other TD Canada Trust branches in Cambridge, London and Windsor.”