Insulating to Better "Green" Your Home  

We all know that electric power and natural gas production from fossil fuels are damaging to the environment and our bodies. So how can a typical homeowner reduce usage of these energy forms in their home? Certainly installing a rooftop solar system, heat pump or better windows can have the most positive impact, but the financial costs for these may be too much for average homeowners. How can you make your home “greener”? 

Doing insulation measures throughout your home will reduce your consumption of fossil fuel. Numerous reports state that most energy heat gain/loss in a typical home" "shell" is through the ceiling. Probably the most “greening” step you can take is to install additional insulation in your attic. Thirteen inches is the minimum recommendation. This is often done by spreading bags of safely treated cellulose fibers or rectangular fiberglass batts. This is not a job that most homeowners should do on their own, however. It is messy and can be potentially damaging to you or your ceiling moving around in your attic. Do typical search methods to find a competent construction laborer, or better yet, an insulation company. The insulation company will most likely blow-in the cellulose insulation with blower equipment.  
 
Windows are the second most energy-wasters in your home. Old metal windows are the worst. There are materials such as plexiglass or heat shrink plastic that can be screwed or taped inside or outside of your windows to provide insulation value. These can be a nuisance though because air ventilation is desired--especially during warm seasons. Replacing slatted blinds and sloppy curtains with close fitting shades reduces fossil fuel heating and cooling use and thus are "greening" tactics, too.  Fabric cellular or pleated shades don’t conduct heat or have the gaps of blinds and curtains that allow temperature transfers. If your budget is limited, make your north and west windows the priorities--north because of our cold winter winds, west because of our blazing summer sun. Storm doors offer insulation benefit, also, because they trap dead air between them and your exterior doors. Existing door openings often have problems so it is usually best to employ a competent contractor to install storm doors.  

Most of us have tank type hot water heaters. They work to keep water hot 24 hours per day. It is thus quite wasteful (and harmful to your tank's life) to keep the temperature setting more than 120 degrees. Run a hot water faucet into a cup for a couple of minutes and then use a thermometer to check your temperature. Water heaters usually have Hot, Vacation and A,B, & C settings on their control knob. Setting B is a good common choice. The best way to help "green" your tank heater is via more insulation with a fiberglass wrap around it and polyfoam pipe wrap on the water lines coming out the top of the tank. These items are readily available for $ 5- $25 at all hardware and home improvement box stores....and any homeowner can install these. (Warning: don't cover the top of a gas water heater nor the temp. dial or metal pop-up lever of the TPR valve high up on the side of the heater).   

If your home has a crawl space or basement you are losing heat in the winter from ground temperatures ( often 10 to 30 degrees down as far as 16 inches below soil top) conducting through your concrete foundation/walls. Your main living space floors are thus cold and your furnace /boiler is using extra fossil fuel energy. The inexpensive help is to drape fiberglass insulation batts or rigid insulation boards along the inside of the foundation or basement walls. Most astute homeowners can do this or by utilizing a young helper. If your main living area floors are cold due to the ducting method of heating in your home, consider stapling insulation batts/sheeting on the underside of your floor joists. This is not a fun job, either, so using an insulation company is worth considering. 

Surprisingly, unless you have a very old home, your exterior walls have reasonable insulation in them and are not typically the big energy gobblers of the rest of your home's "shell". However, if your exterior siding is old or damaged and needs major work that would be the time to make sure that injected foam or rigid insulation board is used in/on outside walls before doing your new siding, stucco, brick veneer etc. 
​
Taking action on all of these insulation methods will save you much financially over a long term and make your home much "greener".

by Ann Barrett, UUCGV Green Team Member

Moving Forward:  Notes from the Green Team
 
The Green Team enjoyed presenting our thoughts to the congregation about our relationship to an Earth centered spirituality.  We would like to continue along this chain of thought to some activities this summer. 

To enlarge our outreach into the community, we are planning to start a kind of book club where we read books that have inspired our members to action on helping planet Earth.  We plan to vote on a book to read at our June 1st meeting to be discussed at our July 6th Meeting.   This will give everyone interested some time to read.  The first book that was suggested we read is:

​“Sacred Nature - Restoring our Ancient Bond with the Natural World” by Karen Armstrong who is considered “one of the most original thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world” and is a profound exploration of the spiritual power of nature – and an urgent call to reclaim that power in everyday life.”
 
A note from Ann Barrett –
During April, several of our Green Team Members, at the invitation of Elizabeth High, took on an “Eco-Challenge” recording actions that we took to build a sustainable world. 
Here’s some information:

ABOUT EARTH MONTH ECOCHALLENGE
For the month of April 2023, we put the SDGs into action to create substantial positive impact. Together, we build a sustainable world and a healthy planet. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a commitment to achieving sustainable development across three dimensions — environmental, social and economic — in an inclusive and integrated way.
For the month of April 2023, we put the SDGs into action to create substantial positive impact. Together, we build a sustainable world and a healthy planet.

Here are some interesting and positive numbers on the Collective Impact of Earth Month:
40,098   meatless meals consumed
1,072,973 pounds of C02 saved
793,222 gal of water saved
  3,367 pounds of waste prevented
25,148 miles traveled by bike          
6,673 lightbulbs replaced
  3,941    hours volunteered                     
875 community events        
8,323 trees planted

Think if we kept track of these types of things we accomplished every month!   For myself, I made a presentation to 2nd graders on pollinators, vowed to cook meatless meals during the week and started a veggie garden. Here’s a link to the site for more information: https://ecochallenge.org/blog/earth-month-2023/

Dennis Myers and Mary McCutchan sit next to one another at the round dining room table. As they take turns telling their stories, searching one another’s eyes, it is easy to see the tenderness between them. It is a feeling that warms the room. It is easy to tell how each puts the other first, how deeply they are bound to one another.
 
Dennis and Mary have been sitting next to each other at the UUCGV for over a decade now. They met at the Arts Festival in Bluff Utah. Dennis says he went to a poetry reading, sat down in the front row, there was an empty seat next to him – and the rest is history. Dennis and Mary do not agree on what constitutes their first date. Was it meeting for coffee, or soaring high above the earth in a hot air balloon?
 
Mary grew up in Florida. It was an exciting time because they lived across from the Space Center during the 60s space race. Mary’s mother was a professional Girl Scout, so she grew up hiking, camping and canoeing. She has a sister that is two years older, who is a writer. Mary’s parents died when she was 20, and she and her sister had to slog through clearing out the house. So, when Mary graduated from Florida State University, it threw her for a loop because there was no home to go back to. Mary’s liberal arts degree in Religion wasn’t of much use in the job market. So, when Mary began searching for a degree that would actually help her get a job, she looked in the directory, saw Radiology, and thought yes – I like to take pictures...
 
Then Mary discovered Radiation Therapy, and decided she would prefer that, because she would be able to see the person over and over and establish a connection. So, Mary moved to Galveston, Texas where she attended radiation school. It turned out to be a good fit, though she struggled a bit because she’d never done anything medical. She studied under an international staff. It was a good program and Mary found it very interesting.
 
Her first job was at a brand-new treatment center. It was exciting to be involved in helping decide how things were set up, and it was great experience. Mary’s job in oncology was in high demand, which allowed her the flexibility to take time off. She had bargaining power, and if a facility refused to give her time off, she would simply quit her job and just – Go.
 
Mary worked five summers for the Forest Service. She was in a hiking club, and did numerous hikes and backpacking trips. She did two 500 mile backpacking trips. The first 500 mile backpacking trip that Mary did was in Canada, in 1989. It was planned out by a couple, and was set up with food drops every 8 to 10 days, where they would restock their food and wash a few clothes. She started out with a 45 pound pack but ended up sending stuff home because of the weight. They didn’t experience any danger from wildlife. They ran into Moose, and pesky black bears that would run away if you made noise, though they did have to pepper spray couple. The most hazardous part of the trip was river crossing. Everything up North seemed huge – enormous rivers and spectacular views. This was before GPS. Trail/route finding was not easy, and though they were able to get back on course, they did get lost a couple times. A couple years after the Canadian hike, Mary was able to take more time off, and plan a hike with her packing mentor, Carl, who was 20 years older than her with a lot of hiking experience. They hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon – starting close to the California border and finishing over the Bridge of the Gods, over the Columbia River. Then, on a later trip they did a portion of the Washington trail.
 
Mary eventually ended up “exiled” in Kansas City for 10 years. She enjoyed her work, but there are few natural areas close by, so Mary found fewer opportunities to stretch her legs in the Great Outdoors. She was longing to be closer to mountains and rivers, so when the hospital system where she worked went up for sale, she looked around. She found three different places that seemed to be a good fit, but was having a difficult time making up her mind. She decided, for the first and only time in her life, to consult a psychic (Mary chuckling). She helped her be positive about making the decision.
 
Mary came to Grand Junction without knowing a single person. Mary attended special events at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Kansas City, so she had an idea what the UU’s were all about. In 2004 Mary attended the local UU congregation to meet like-minded people. She’s been a wonderful addition to our UU community, and she even brought her boyfriend!
 
Mary decided to visit the Bluff Arts Festival because of the inclusion of writing as well as visual arts. The first year she went to the festival, Terry Tempest Williams was ill and couldn’t make it, so Mary was a little disappointed. The second year Mary went to the festival, she met Dennis.
 
Dennis was born and raised in California, but he hasn’t lived in California since 1977. He spent every summer with his grandfather from the time he was two years old until he was a sophomore in high school. Every summer they would to go camping. They would stay the whole summer, and at the end of the summer they would decide where they were going to go next year.
 
So, from a very early age he knew he wanted to work in the Great Outdoors. At the time, he thought he wanted to be a forest ranger, so he pursued that. He got a degree from Sacramento State, although he meandered around for several years first... He got married while he was in college. (He has two children, and two grandchildren. They all live in Washington state.)
 
Dennis worked for a few different agencies, one being the Bureau of Land Management. Dennis and two others were the first three river Rangers that the BLM ever hired (in California). During rafting season, they were on a river every day, seven days a week. He did get to run the dream river in California – the Stanislaus. Dennis retired from Washington State Parks Department, where he worked for a number of years. Among other responsibilities, he was fortunate to be on a couple of beautiful rivers there, and get paid for it.
 
Dennis has been a Whitewater fanatic since the late 1960s. He rode rivers all over the western United States. He’s run rivers in Costa Rica, and New Zealand. Those were fun rivers. New Zealand has no liability laws, so if you’re dumb enough to sign up and do something crazy... The New Zealand trip, was the first and only time he’s ever paid, because he’s always used his own equipment or that of the agency he was working for. One of the New Zealand rivers had 15 waterfalls, the final one being a 21 foot vertical drop. They were warned beforehand that they only run this particular waterfall successfully 50% of the time. There were told to paddle like hell and then upon command hunker down in the bottom of the boat and grab hold. They lost the coin flip, and flipped. Dennis has rafted through the Grand Canyon nine times. He did eight trips, and told himself that was his last trip. But, years later someone called up and asked if he’d be interested in joining a trip down the Grand Canyon. After he hung up, Mary explained that she’d hiked the Grand Canyon in a number of places, but she’d never been through the Grand Canyon on the river. So, Dennis called the person back and asked if he had two spots available. They had a Grand adventure, and they celebrated his 69th birthday on that trip. Though not as often, and with fewer rapids, Dennis is still answering the call of the river. When Dennis started running rivers in college, he could go to any of the major rivers in California and would know three quarters of the people running the river that day, because few people were doing that. Now, the most popular rivers have permitting systems, and when you do get a permit, you sometimes see 60 people putting on the river, and the only people you know are the ones in your own party.
After Dennis retired, he kept telling people he was going to move to Bluff, Utah because he always enjoyed Bluff when he went down to that area for river trips. One day, one of his friends finally asked – well what’s stopping you. About two weeks later, he moved to Bluff. It’s a small town. It’s easy to get to know everybody. When Dennis lived in Bluff, there were about 175 permanent residents. He attended the arts Festival every year but one. One particularly fine year during the festival, Dennis wanted to set up front and listen to several people read poetry, and lo and behold, there was an empty chair beside him. Mary asked if it was available, and the rest is pretty much history. That chair has been taken ever since.
 
Dennis lived in Bluff, and Mary was in Grand Junction. They were going back-and-forth for over two years, until they decided to live together. They decided on Grand Junction, one of the factors being that Mary was still working at the time, so Dennis moved in with Mary. They’ve been living together for 12 years now.
 
Because Mary was a member, Dennis started attending UUCGV before he even moved to Grand Junction, whenever he was in town on Sunday. He found it to be a good fit, and settled into our little community. Not long after, it was an exciting time because the church purchased its first building. The building was a credit union, and then used by the library, so it required an extensive renovation – a reimagining of how to make the space work for our congregation. Dennis got to help with the demolition, and some of the modifications and rebuild. He takes pride in the fact that he helped make the building what it is today. A beautiful, sacred space. (Mary helped with the design of the lighting system).
 
Mary has been a longtime member of the Great Old Broads for Wilderness, which is an environmental action group. They focus mostly on wilderness and lands with wilderness characteristics, and often wildlife because they are interrelated. They also have Great Old Bro’s (Dennis) and Training Broads for the younger women. One of the things Mary likes most about the group is their sense of humor. They are a small group. They do various projects, from hands-on like counting bighorn sheep or planting cottonwood trees along the river, to education and different political actions. Mary also enjoys taking part in the bird counts.
 
Nowadays Mary and Dennis find themselves sitting next to each other on self-guided driving tours, in restaurants and coffee shops, in the middle of the river, on cots in a big tent, on a big rock beside a local trail, lounging in their house – reading, playing cribbage, birdwatching, holding hands wherever the muse may lead, or in the midst of the lively community in the building at 536 Ouray Ave.
 
Life flows on… in endless song…

Have you noticed the Buddha in the back of the sanctuary, emanating lovingkindness? The little Buddha statue was gifted to our congregation by Rev. Maureen White (Mo). She was our interim minister, around the time of 2006 to 2008, when we were renting a building near 10th and Grand. That property is now an apartment complex.
 
What is an interim minister, you ask? An interim minister is hired to help a congregation heal, and begin to envision who they are and what they want to be. At the time, we thought we needed to figure some things out before we hired a permanent minister.
 
When Mo left, we threw her a big farewell picnic-party out at Corn Lake State Park, along the Colorado River. It was also a celebration of our congregation, and even included a short raft trip from Palisade to Corn Lake. I remember it well because I volunteered to lead the planning team for the party. Elizabeth (my wife and driver) was one of the congregants who arrived in the rafts, so I rode the bus to this southernmost stop in Clifton, and then cruised my electric wheelchair/scooter the remaining mile or so. It was a joyous day.
 
When the UUCGV decided to switch locations, and share the building with the Congregational Church in order to save rent, many of our goods had to go into storage, including the Buddha statue. Elizabeth and I were allowed to be the caretakers. The Buddha resided in our guest bedroom/office/meditation room for a few years.
 
Although I practice some Buddhist principles, I am not a Buddhist, and I became very attached. When I meditated or chanted, the Buddha shared my space. One aspect I love about the little Buddha statue is its androgynous appearance. I see a feminine face.
 
When the renovation of our current building was completed, it was time for the little Buddha statue to take its place in the sanctuary where love resides. For me, it was an exercise in letting go; yet, I am now blessed to experience her/his presence alongside our congregation that I so love.
 
So, if you see me guide my power wheelchair to the back corner of the sanctuary and give a namaste bow, this is why.

​From Richard Hyland, UUCGV Green Team Member        

Stephania Vasconez’s passion is to create a world of neighbors helping neighbors. A world of people reaching out, taking the time to lend a hand, a world where within each beatified moment no one is passed by – no one is forsaken. Stephania’s passion is written clearly on her face, beheld in her graceful movement – an infectious beloved energy, emanating outward from her heart. Stephania is mighty passionate. For her, it’s all about compassion. Stephania is mighty passionate – with Mutual Aid Partners.
 
It wasn’t always this way. Ya, it never really is, people change; yet, it is rare to witness such a beautiful break, such a sweet turn around, such a lovely leaning into the heart. Oh what a courageous leap it is to listen truly to the heart, and follow where it leads!
 
You see, Stephania had it all. She was living the ‘American Dream ’. She had a corner office, with a window looking out upon all the people driving their shiny automobiles. She had the skills and the know-how to work the economic system. She had the shake and she had the shimmy, and she was going places. Stephania was set, styling in LA.
 
Funny thing though, Stephania had enough money to travel the world. She has an adventurous spirit and loves to explore. Traveling became her hobby – but she preferred the out-of-the-way places. She started visiting the open-air markets and hanging out with the locals. She noticed the smiling faces, the easy laughter – the joy, despite the lack of many material things. Over the years she learned that what truly inspires her about traveling is connecting with the people. So, while traveling she began to seek immersion within the culture, to live like a local and truly try and experience life and happiness like they did. Stephania began to experience an interesting shift. When she returned from her trips, she began to feel a sort of reverse culture shock. She would return to her life in Los Angeles feeling a sort of disconnect. Something in the back of her mind, within her heart, was letting her know that she longed for a deeper kind of connection. She discovered philanthropy – the value of participating within her community. She joined a group that was mentoring kids and moms from low-income families. She got involved delivering food boxes and collecting school supplies, and painting and cleaning elementary schools. Yet, what felt most impactful for Stephania was the opportunity to volunteer on Skid Row. Her office was in downtown Los Angeles, and happened to be only a few blocks away from Skid Row. The work was incredibly fulfilling, but it was also challenging because it forced her to see the world around her, a world that had been there all along. 
 
One of Stephania’s most memorable traveling experiences was a trip to Myanmar, a country that is truly majestic, yet has had much political turmoil. Everyone is expected to walk barefoot throughout the temples and on any sacred sites. She doesn’t recall wearing shoes at all during that trip. She has never felt more connected to other humans, and to the earth. After returning from Myanmar, Stephania sold and donated almost everything she owned and traveled in an RV for six months.
 
Not long after, she moved to Grand Junction. She began applying at local nonprofits, but because of the pandemic no one was hiring. She was volunteering at a soup kitchen, when one day they had a large amount of leftover food, so she knew that if she didn’t want to see perfectly good food in the garbage, she had to do something. She loaded up her sedan with crates of produce, and she knew that she had to get this food distributed or in a refrigerator quickly. She made many phone calls and sent countless Facebook messages, and she was starting to get worried – until a community organizer with the local Mutual Aid group messaged her back. He mentioned that there was a food distribution event, and told
her to bring the food. So, she did, and when she got there (the UUCGV parking lot) she was told to just ‘jump in’. She’s been involved with Mutual Aid ever since.
 
Stephania started out volunteering, became more and more immersed until the role eventually evolved into a full-time job. She is now the executive director of Mutual Aid Partners. It didn’t happen overnight – it was a soulful organic happening. It was a combination of Stephania’s passion and her skills as an organizer and leader. It happened naturally – after she had been volunteering for a while, and learned all of the ins and outs, other volunteers would come to her with questions. When the media showed up to the distribution event, everyone would point to her. She never set out to create a nonprofit. It is simply where all the signs were pointing. She recognized the need. She realized how the community could benefit. As the founder of Mutual Aid Partners, and now as the director, Stephania envisions the organization’s role as to continue supporting the voices from the community. Mutual Aid Partners is grassroots-oriented and truly community led.
 
Mutual Aid is nothing new; it has been around for ages. It is simply communities coming together and organizing, finding ways to help one another in times of need. It’s about organizing action that builds upon the intangible sense of human connection. It’s about giving people the opportunity to experience the happiness of giving, to realize what truly matters. Everyone has something to contribute. Creativity, innovation, and collaboration are all components of mutual aid. Working together, yet celebrating the individual skill sets to help us all thrive. Stephania believes it is human instinct to care for one another. The human race depends on the symbiotic relationship between resources and each other. She is hoping to help build the sense of community that we are all craving right now.
 
The goal of Mutual Aid Partners is simply to introduce and support Mutual Aid in the Grand Valley community. Stephania’s days as the director of Mutual Aid Partners vary greatly. Her job evolves from week to week. Sometimes it’s grant writing. Sometimes it’s sitting around tables with larger organizations, talking to CEOs and council members, exploring different types of resources and uplifting the voices of grassroots organizations, and underserved populations that are often ignored. She has endless conversations with grassroots leaders and community members of all walks of life. Trying to connect all the resources, and of course – working for donations. Talking to the press. And she still does whatever it takes to coordinate Mutual Aid, including doing direct aid, which includes everything from helping someone navigate the social service network and connecting them with a resource, to going to a gas station because someone is stranded with an empty tank.
 
Stephania loves her job. She has immersed herself in Mutual Aid – it is her (fulfilling) life. Yet, a few months ago she realized that she hasn’t had a vacation in a very long time, that she’s only taken one or two days off in the last year. She realized that this is not sustainable. So, now she’s hoping to find more time to balance and rejuvenate herself. She has two sweet pups that she likes to hang out with. She has a very supportive partner. She likes writing in her blog. Because she’s a community organizer, she gets inspiration by getting out to support the causes of others whom she admires. She enjoys being a mentor. She has a happy-happening group of friends, many of whom are volunteers at Mutual Aid. She likes to ski and gets into going out dancing, or to karaoke. A favorite way to re-energize and center herself Is to get out in nature, simply being in nature, all bound-up in beauty. Because there are so many ugly things in the world that we are faced with – Stephania needs to shift the focus onto the positive. She feels gratitude for the little things. She kicks her shoes off, and walks, barefoot, in beauty.
 
Now, everybody take a deep breath. It’s time to turn around and follow the spiral back, begin again. Time to take Stephania’s story back to the beginning. A few years ago, when Stephania began to take notice of the shift in consciousness, when she was learning to lean into her heart – she also began to embrace her immigrant roots, her immigrant experience. As she started coming into her own, finding herself, she began to claim all the important pieces that make her who she is – including being an immigrant. She began to reintroduce herself as Stephania, started asking for the pronunciation that was written on her birth certificate and driver’s license. You see, when Stephania moved to Grand Junction as a 10-year-old, she soon started to go by Stephanie. It was easier to fit in as Stephanie at school and other social situations, especially because she spoke fluent English. (Google speech only recognizes Stephania as Stephanie.) 
 
Stephania was born in Ecuador. (Her dad was born in Ecuador, both his parents were Spanish, and her mom was born in Chicago, Ecuadorian father and German mother). Most of Stephania’s memories from Ecuador are of family – occasions with her parents, her grandparents, her aunt and her four cousins. She recalls being carefree, running around having adventures, playing at the beach, riding her bike and playing soccer with the boys. She never realized how beautiful the country was until she went back to visit.
 
When Stephania was 10, they moved to the US. They first landed in New York, where a lot of her grandfather’s side of the family lived, and where her dad went to college. They soon moved to Grand Junction because Stephania’s mom’s dad lived here, and said that “Grand Junction was a quaint small family town with nice schools.” Being a 10-year-old kid, Stephania did not realize it at the time, but her mom went through an arduous, year-long process of filling out multiple forms and providing much documentation, so that Stephania could get a certificate of naturalization and attain citizenship. (When Stephania learned about this six years ago it really opened her eyes – if the process was this difficult for an American citizen to claim her child, one that spoke English and was educated – how much more difficult it must be for people who don’t have those privileges.)
 
Stephania went to Grand Junction High School. She had good grades and was active in extracurricular activities – she worked on the newspaper and yearbook, performed in the choir and in drama, and she was voted best-dressed as a Senior – but high school was a difficult time for her. It was not a time in her life that she particularly enjoyed fully. She was bullied. She never felt like she fit in. Her best memories are from her volunteer work. She volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital, in the Oncology Center, and her favorite experiences were through mentorship programs.
 
Stephania attended Colorado State University. She really enjoyed college life. She was able to be more of her authentic self. Fort Collins and the CSU campus are beautiful. She liked the freedom to choose what she wanted to do, and there were so many things to do. She made some great friends. They were a diverse bunch – one of her best friends was from Poland and the other from Iran. She graduated with a degree in psychology and a minor in French. (Stephania speaks three languages – she is fluent in English and Spanish, and conversational in French.) After graduation, Stephania’s mom rewarded her with a trip to Europe. She loved being on her own, touring the old cities.
 
Stephania is very grateful to the people of the UUCGV, for all the love she feels, and for all the support that we give Mutual Aid. One Tuesday, after a long and very difficult day of work, everyone had left and she found herself alone in the UUCGV Sanctuary. She was feeling bereft, and doubting whether she could continue doing this work. She was thinking, I need the universe to give me a sign; what am I supposed to be doing with my life? She just fell to her knees, she was looking at all the plants, the light streaming through the windows…  and a profound sense of calmness came over her. “This is it – this is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is where I belong.”
 
When Stephania left Grand Junction after high school, she told herself she was never coming back. She was not particularly fond of Grand Junction. But then, she kind of got stuck in Grand Junction. Yet, her priorities were much different this time around. She had a completely different perspective. She got involved with Mutual Aid. She met a lot of people who were committed to doing good, committed to being the change they wanted to see in the world. She felt all this positive energy. And she chose to stay. Now, she is so grateful to be a part of this community. She feels like it was meant to be. Following the spiral of her life, she somehow found herself, in Grand Junction, walking barefoot, in beauty – feeling a strong connection to people and to the earth.
 
Life flows on...             in endless song...

From Ann Barrett, UUCGV Green Team Member        

What are Electric Vehicles? EVs are vehicles which use one or more electric motors for propulsion. They can be powered by a collector system with electricity from extravehicular sources or by a battery. They are designed from the ground up differently from gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. EVs currently include passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. Technology is in the works to expand battery-operated surface and underwater vessels, aircraft and spacecraft, as well as freight trucks, buses, delivery vans, even rail transportation. EVs are essentially drivable computers. 

What are Hybrid Electric Vehicles?  HEVs combine internal combustion engine systems with an electric propulsion system. There are various configurations. A “plugged-in hybrid” can be recharged from external electric sources with electricity stored in rechargeable battery packs. “Regular hybrids” cannot be plugged in. Both can be run to use less petroleum.

What are the benefits of EVs on the Environment? EVs have no tailpipe emissions, so no air pollution. Carbon emissions in the production and operation of EVs are less than for conventional vehicles. Internal-combustion engines use far more raw materials to build and maintain over the lifetime of the vehicle than EVs.
Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution in the U.S. Air pollution negatively affects people, animals, and the environment in general. People of color and the disadvantaged suffer more since they often live in areas of greater exposure.  Rates of childhood asthma have risen dramatically due to air pollution. If pollution from new trucks and buses were eliminated by 2040, it’s predicted fifty-seven thousand premature deaths wouldn’t occur.
It’s estimated by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) the cost of U.S. climate-related weather disasters in 2021 was $145 billion. The estimated savings from declining U.S. vehicle emissions from 2008-2017 was $270 billion. There’s an enormous amount at stake for the American people, and the entire world, to reduce the effects of climate change.
To help avert climate disaster caused by air pollution, many things must rapidly change. One way is to now make familiar vehicles, such as the family car and pickup trucks, all electric. Municipalities need to make cities more pedestrian and bike friendly to lessen the use of automobiles. Better public transportation options are essential.

How would an EV benefit me? Besides saving at the pump and not being dependent on fickle gasoline supplies, maintenance costs are very low because little maintenance is required. The automotive computer makes automatic updates to the vehicle’s systems. The main battery coolant needs topping off on schedule, and the secondary battery, a 12V, needs replacing every two to three years. While brake pads and rotors last two times as long on EVs, you do need to check for wear and tear. Brake fluid should be checked every two to five years along with tire wear. Windshield wipers and light bulbs may need replacing, but that’s it!
A key advantage of EVs is regenerative braking. Regenerative braking recovers kinetic energy and restores the electricity to the on-board battery. Electric motors are simple and can achieve 90% energy conversion efficiency. 
EVs are quiet and smooth, with less vibration. To warn pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence when moving under ten miles an hour and while backing, an unobtrusive sound is emitted. EVs are a comfortable ride and come in many family-friendly and sporty styles. 
Safety is a huge benefit in driving an EV. They are built with all-around cameras, alarms, warnings of lane drift, and driver assistance. The frames are reinforced and EVs are almost impossible to tip over due to the low center of gravity. They accelerate quickly, warn of road obstacles, have excellent visibility, with air bags all around among many other safety features. 
One very important benefit to owning an EV is they hold or increase in value. Often used EVs sell for more than new ones. While upfront costs are higher, most analysts predict the lifetime cost of an EV will be equal to that of a comparable gas-powered vehicle by 2025. Information on features, prices, and rebates of new EVs and Hybrids are available using Edmunds.

What’s the range of an EV? In 2022, with projections into 2024, some 85 to 100 models will be available with ranges of well over 275 miles per full charge.

How and where can you charge your EV? More free public electric charging stations are coming to Colorado. Six state highways are now approved for federal grants to build EV charging network to connect more states. Colorado is set to receive 57 million dollars per the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program within 5 years according to CDOT.
On federally approved highways chargers will be built within 1 mile of major roads and are no more than 50 miles apart. These corridors will add nearly 1,000 miles of NEVI-approved roadways to Colorado, a 44% increase per CDOT. NEVI also focused on improving infrastructure in rural Colorado. Highways will include 1-70 plus state highways 34, 36, 287, 385, AND 550. Existing corridors are on: 1-70, 25, 76, 270, 40, 50, 285, 160.  
In-town public free charging stations are becoming increasingly abundant and easily accessed. In Grand Junction, charging stations are located at: 750 Main, Avalon Theater, 135 N. 7th, Main Library, CDOT shop on D Rd., Alpine Bank N. 5th, Los Colonias, 234 Main, 925 Struthers, 225 Main, Alasta Solar S. 7th and Riverside Parkway, Red Rock Nissan, Highway 6, 2814 Patterson road, Grand Vista Hotel, 2740 Crossroads Blvd, Mesa Mall, Red Rock Kia, 2980 Hwy 50, and GVP Station 845 22 Road. All public charging stations feature multiple connections for use. 
On-board computers show charging station locations, types, and distance from where you are. The computer can plan trips by showing all available charging stations on your chosen route. 

In-home chargers for the main battery come with two choices: Level 1 and Level 2. Xcel offers house wiring rebates for Level 2 home charger for $500 up to $1300 with qualifying income.  And by using off-peak charging, you may qualify for an annual $50.00 credit from Xcel. More EVs can be plugged into the electric grid to feedback energy during peak usage, reducing the need for new power plants. They can then be recharged at night when there is lower demand on the grid, providing stability of the electric grid when the EV is not in use. 
Government incentives in the form of rebates at the local, state, and federal levels may help offset the initial costs to purchase and install personal charging stations. The secondary battery is a 12V used to unlock doors, shift gears, run the lights and radio, etc. 
The biggest difference between Level 1 and Level 2 chargers is the speed to fully charge your EV. Level 1 chargers and cord typically comes with the vehicle. It uses your standard household electric outlets, but typically takes 11-20 hours to full charge the vehicle. It delivers 1.2 kW of power. A Level 2 charging system requires 208-240 volt, 40 amp circuit. If your home is not already 240 volt ready, certified electricians can easily install your system. Level 2 home chargers can fully charge your EV within 3-8 hours. They range from 6.2-19.2 kW, most being around 7.6 kW. Electricity received from charging stations is stored in rechargeable battery packs. Power is measured in kilowatts (kW). 
Electric motors can deliver their maximum torque over a wide RPM range. Performance of a 100 kW EV motor exceeds that of vehicles with 100 kW internal combustion engines, which can only deliver its maximum torque with a limited range of engine speeds. Efficiency of charging varies dependent on the types of chargers used and energy lost converting electric energy to mechanical energy.  EVs convert over 59-62% of grid energy to the wheels. 
There are some concerns about the manufacture of EV batteries. Currently, these batteries require rare earth metals: copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and magnesium. However, there have been many advances with lithium-ion batteries. They are safer, charge faster, and last longer, with more improvements on the way. Also, prices are coming down.

What do EVs and Hybrids cost? According to Edmunds, here are some 2022 upfront costs before rebates: EVs in a range such as Nissan models: Leaf S - $27,400, Leaf SV - $28,800, Leaf SV Plus - $32,400 to $35,400. VW SUV - $41,230 and Tesla model S - $69,420, model Y - $62,900, model X - $114,900, model 3 - $48,490 - $61,990.
Hybrids in a range such as Toyota RAV4 - $30, 290, Ford Escape - $30,415, Hyundai Tuscon - $30,595, Toyota Highlander - $40,270.

 Who’s currently on-board promoting EV use? Worldwide, Sweden is experimenting with under-pavement charging capability on major roadways. By 2040 every Hyundai sold in major global markets will be electric, with the goal to be 100% carbon-neutral by 2045. The Department of Environment in Antigua and Barbuda are testing ideas for electric school buses coupled with a bidirectional charger to discharge power back into critical buildings when the main electric supply goes down. Worldwide automakers plan to invest $340 billion in EVs through 2030. In July, the EU proposed legislation requiring all new cars and vans sold to be zero-emissions by 2035. The UK and Canada have announced similar plans.
Closer to home, California is expected to ban the sale of new gasoline vehicles by 2035. More than half of California’s carbon pollution comes from the transportation sector. Xcel Energy is offering rebates for business EV use and plans to replace 20% of their gas-powered vehicles with EVs. They plan to power some 1.5 million EVs by 2030 with home use Level 2 chargers. Some $52 billion is being invested in Michigan as it expects to create over 5,000 new auto manufacturing jobs as it switches to EVs. 
FedEx promises that all parcel pickups and delivery vans will be electric by 2040. IKEA plans all home delivery vehicles to be zero-emissions by 2025. The Postal Service is considering replacing its fleet of delivery vehicles to electric.
Making all new passenger cars and trucks zero-emissions by 2035, including freight trucks and buses, zero-emissions is a hopeful goal. By choosing to switch to an EV, you too can join the growing movement to help the environment as well as your wallet. 

In articles recently published by The Guardian and Business Insider's World Wide Waste series, we learn two newly graduated college students in Louisiana, Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz, upon pitching an empty wine bottle into their recycle bin turned to the problem of recycling glass. They knew the United States only recycles about 25% compared to Europe's rate of 60-80%. 
These young people wondered if glass could be recycled into beach quality sand to help restore Louisiana's badly eroding coastline. Using Go Fund Me, they began experimenting with pulverizing glass to make it more like beach sand. Beach sand is naturally rounded from tumbling in the water, while other types such as desert sand can't be used due to jagged edges. Many trials were held until the finished product met the necessary criteria to be environmentally correct, able to support native grasses and plants, as well as meet wildlife needs. At the same time, they developed a successful recycling program, Glass Half-Full, which grew to provide ample glass.
Using social media, their unique idea soon obtained backing and gained momentum to the point they have already replaced some 15 tons of glass beach sand along the Louisiana coastline. This is part of a new movement on Tik Tok of environmentally concerned you people termed Climate Optimism. Climate Optimism means instead of focusing on what's wrong, finding ways we as individuals can take steps to make improvements. Kind of like lemons and lemonade. Sounds promising, doesn't it?  

Penny Hopkins, UUCGV Green Team Member

We can do our part to help the planet by developing easy and cost effective habits of buying used goods instead of new. Once we are through with these items, by donating we cut back on more things being manufactured, provide income for others, and keep waste from clogging our landfills. Whether you're in the market for a couch, clothes, or a coffee cup, there are many options.

Seeking new-to-you items can cost nothing. Classifieds, such as Craig's List and Facebook, have freebie sites such as "Buy Nothing" and "Mesa County Free and Give-Away." During city clean-up days, usable furniture and household items are often found curbside free for the taking.

For little cost, many donated household items, furniture, clothing and, sometimes building supplies, are available at thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. Buying there gives people jobs and purpose. Other good sources are the ever-present yard sales.

Up the ladder are consignment stores. They are more particular in what they accept for sale.  Consequently, higher end clothing, household items, and furniture may be found. Buying from consignment stores provides income for employees and consignees. Examples are Encore Shop and Ritz Consignment.
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Higher quality clothes, household items, and furniture can also be found at Heirlooms for Hospice. Buying there helps support our wonderful Hospice programs.
Treasure hunters love estate sales, auctions, and antique shops for gently used one-of-a kind finds.
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Many stores carry used books which can be re-donated when read. Friends of the Library holds seasonal used book sales and maintains a booth in the main library. Used book stores are another option. Perhaps set up your own Little Free Library in your neighborhood?
When time comes to downsize or redo, remember these thrift and consignment stores. Donate, hold a yard sale, consign. Get your usable items back into circulation so someone else can feel they've found a real treasure.

Other ways to save are finding new uses for items on hand. Faded sweats make comfy pajamas, colorful dinner plates add a splash of color to your winter garden, soiled shower curtain liners make great drop clothes. Old dressers can hold office supplies and decorative baskets can be put to good use. Use your imagination and see what you can re-purpose.
By developing the habit of using and re-using and by finding new purpose for old things, we can save money, save space in the landfill, and feel good about doing our part. 

- Penny Hopkins, UUCGV Green Team Member