Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate our planet and all that it provides for us by considering how we can give back. At NYCP, we are focused on preserving our natural environment by expanding and utilizing renewable energy, efficiency and EVs, but there are many ways we can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Take this Earth Day to make some eco-friendly changes in your life.
First Steps to Energy Efficiency
A strong start to reducing your carbon footprint is by making sure the energy you already use in your life is being used efficiently, and not going to waste.
1. Conserve Energy: Turn lights, TVs and other electronics off when not in use. Reduce “phantom” power by plugging in your appliance to a power strip and switching it off when not in use. Get a programmable thermostat!
2. Sign up for an Energy Audit: Get an assessment of where your home is wasting energy (free for most New Yorkers)! Check out our Energy Efficiency page for more info & a link to an audit.
3. Do an Energy Retrofit: Add air sealing & insulation to your building & switch to LED lighting.
Renewable Air Source Heat Pump
4. Go Renewable! Sign up for community renewables like community solar. If you get a Con Edison bill check out Power Market community solar, or if you get a National Grid bill check out Common Energy community solar! You can also find a renewable installer near you by visiting our Solar, Wind & Clean Heating and Cooling pages.
5. Choose Clean Transportation
Make your next car electric, take public transportation, ride a bike, walk, or carpool with a friend! And if you have to fly, “offset” the carbon emissions with Green-e® certified renewable energy & carbon offsets.
6. Eat Clean: Whether it’s Plant-based, vegan, vegetarian or meatless Mondays, decreasing your meat consumption & incorporating more plants into your diet is the biggest way to immediately reduce your carbon footprint. And it’s healthier! It is also important to eat organic, locally grown foods as often as you can. Support your local farmers market or join a Community Support Agriculture!
Reduce, Repair, Reuse & Recycle! Saves money and reduces waste
8. Reuse: buy second hand, donate your old stuff, and consider hosting a clothing swap in your community.
9. Repair: instead of throwing it away, try to fix it. Utilize your local repair cafe or start your own!
10. Use alternatives to single use plastic and styrofoam: like reusable water bottles, bags, utensils, to go containers etc.
11. Recycle: in addition to paper, plastic & glass, learn how to recycle your electronics, refrigerator & AC units
12. Get involved! Take action with New Yorkers for Clean Power and other green organizations. You can subscribe to our email list for resources & info about upcoming events. Another great way to take action is by contacting your local elected officials about clean energy & climate action. Your voice and vote matters!
This list was made in collaboration with the dedicated NYCP interns of Suffern High School Environmental Activism Club! You can download this list as a brochure here.
Please support our work by donating to NYCP. Without your support and enthusiasm for a cleaner New York our work would not be possible.
https://nyforcleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Screen-Shot-2019-04-22-at-7.54.57-AM.png5231500Betta Broadhttps://nyforcleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/340x200-NYfCP-Logo-1.pngBetta Broad2019-04-22 07:51:502022-06-15 13:21:27Everyday is Earth Day with these 12 Ways to Take Action
Communities across the northeast are facing the reality of today’s climate challenges and are implementing solutions. The Climate Solutions Summit, on September 21st, provides an opportunity for organizers, students and people from all communities to actively collaborate on the climate solutions needed to protect our society and transition to a sustainable world. Starting at 9:00 AM, the Summit will provide a space to share projects, artwork, case studies, resources, experiences and skills to tackle climate change and implement solutions.
The transition to renewable energy and sustainability from a fossil fuel economy requires a solutions-focused movement. The Climate Solutions Summit fortifies existing momentum while inspiring new advocates to take action and lift up their communities. By inviting young people across New York State to participate in the Summit’s planning and organizing, we are ensuring that workshops and activities engage and empower youth attendees. This Summit’s intergenerational approach will expand the success of today’s environmental leaders while passing on experience to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
Past Summits featured powerful keynotes, panels and workshops on renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, movement building and environmental justice. Like the first two, this year’s Summit will be inclusive and intersectional, inviting organizers, students and advocates from different backgrounds and regions of New York. The Climate Solutions Summit is working its way across the state, with the first summit in Western NY, the second in Central NY and the next in the Hudson Valley at SUNY New Paltz.
If you are interested in participating in a workshop or event planning please contact us! We especially welcome and encourage students and youth to join the Summit planning.
Some of the organizing groups include: New Yorkers for Clean Power, Alliance for Clean Energy New York, SUNY New Paltz, Environmental Advocates of New York, New Paltz Climate Action Coalition, Hudson Valley Regional Council, Sustainable Hudson Valley, Scenic Hudson, NYPIRG, Clearwater, and the Alliance for a Green Economy.
Solar power has become a lot more popular and affordable, however, renters and those who live in apartment buildings may have been feeling a bit left out. Until now, that is! Community solar projects are a new way for New Yorkers to buy renewable electricity — to choose energy that’s clean, plus save some green! Whether installing solar panels on one’s home or signing up for a community solar project, solar saves money! Instead of relying on dirty energy, residents can sign up for free to acquire the electrical output from a local solar project that is fed into the local power grid and credited directly to their monthly utility bill. It’s easy, saves money, and supports local clean energy development.
New Yorkers for Clean Power (NYCP) recently partnered with PowerMarket to help Central Hudson customers choose from a variety of renewable energy projects. In Westchester, PowerMarket launched ConEd’s first Community Solar Project: the Hawthorne Solar Warehouse. 25 households receive 100% of their electricity from clean solar power and the average household saved $255 in the first year, or about 10% on their electricity bills. Founded in 2016 and based out of Brooklyn, PowerMarket makes a wonderful point — “Communities are becoming increasingly focused on local products. We now get our food, and beer locally. Why not electricity?” Sign up here if you’re a Central Hudson customer and here if you’re a National Grid customer and start saving money while supporting local, clean energy! If you live in another region of NYS, check out NYSERDA’s new tool to find a community solar project near you.
Something important to keep in mind with community solar projects is that they are not the same as Energy Service Companies/Suppliers (ESCOs) out there in the market. ESCOs can cost more than standard electric rates and are typically the go-between for residents and renewable energy projects in other states, whereas community renewable projects allow you to subscribe to local clean energy providers for a discount on your current electricity rate.
As we turn our back on fossil fuels in the vital shift to a renewable energy economy, it’s important that the transition is inclusive. NYCP is excited for the launch of a new state initiative to make community solar accessible to more New Yorkers. “Solar for All” is a NYSERDA program that’s specifically geared towards eligible low-income customers; the income limits for participants is $27,816 for a household of 1 person, $36,372 for 2 people, $53,484 for 4 people, and so on. With Solar for All, there’s no cost at all for participation (there are no subscription fees or additional bills- a feature which can be appealing for those overwhelmed in the juggling act to pay bills on time). According to NYSERDA’s Elizabeth Tremblay, “customers will receive a no-cost subscription that will provide them approximately $5-$15 of savings off their monthly electric bill.” This program is a great step in the right direction, towards a clean energy economy that benefits everyone. Here’s to all New Yorkers having the chance to think globally, act locally, decrease their carbon footprint & save some dough in the process!
https://nyforcleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/CommunitySolar_1300.png9751500Betta Broadhttps://nyforcleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/340x200-NYfCP-Logo-1.pngBetta Broad2018-09-17 05:10:332019-05-06 10:16:55Sign up for Solar & Save $!
Everyday is Earth Day with these 12 Ways to Take Action
Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate our planet and all that it provides for us by considering how we can give back. At NYCP, we are focused on preserving our natural environment by expanding and utilizing renewable energy, efficiency and EVs, but there are many ways we can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Take this Earth Day to make some eco-friendly changes in your life.
First Steps to Energy Efficiency
A strong start to reducing your carbon footprint is by making sure the energy you already use in your life is being used efficiently, and not going to waste.
1. Conserve Energy: Turn lights, TVs and other electronics off when not in use. Reduce “phantom” power by plugging in your appliance to a power strip and switching it off when not in use. Get a programmable thermostat!
2. Sign up for an Energy Audit: Get an assessment of where your home is wasting energy (free for most New Yorkers)! Check out our Energy Efficiency page for more info & a link to an audit.
3. Do an Energy Retrofit: Add air sealing & insulation to your building & switch to LED lighting.
4. Go Renewable! Sign up for community renewables like community solar. If you get a Con Edison bill check out Power Market community solar, or if you get a National Grid bill check out Common Energy community solar! You can also find a renewable installer near you by visiting our Solar, Wind & Clean Heating and Cooling pages.
5. Choose Clean Transportation
Make your next car electric, take public transportation, ride a bike, walk, or carpool with a friend! And if you have to fly, “offset” the carbon emissions with Green-e® certified renewable energy & carbon offsets.
6. Eat Clean: Whether it’s Plant-based, vegan, vegetarian or meatless Mondays, decreasing your meat consumption & incorporating more plants into your diet is the biggest way to immediately reduce your carbon footprint. And it’s healthier! It is also important to eat organic, locally grown foods as often as you can. Support your local farmers market or join a Community Support Agriculture!
7. Compost & grow your own food: learn to compost and start a garden that’s eco-friendly! In an urban area? Consider a vertical garden.
Reduce, Repair, Reuse & Recycle! Saves money and reduces waste
8. Reuse: buy second hand, donate your old stuff, and consider hosting a clothing swap in your community.
9. Repair: instead of throwing it away, try to fix it. Utilize your local repair cafe or start your own!
10. Use alternatives to single use plastic and styrofoam: like reusable water bottles, bags, utensils, to go containers etc.
11. Recycle: in addition to paper, plastic & glass, learn how to recycle your electronics, refrigerator & AC units
12. Get involved! Take action with New Yorkers for Clean Power and other green organizations. You can subscribe to our email list for resources & info about upcoming events. Another great way to take action is by contacting your local elected officials about clean energy & climate action. Your voice and vote matters!
This list was made in collaboration with the dedicated NYCP interns of Suffern High School Environmental Activism Club! You can download this list as a brochure here.
Please support our work by donating to NYCP. Without your support and enthusiasm for a cleaner New York our work would not be possible.
3rd Annual Climate Solutions Summit
Saturday, September 21st 9AM
Student Union, SUNY New Paltz
1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY
Click here to register today!
Communities across the northeast are facing the reality of today’s climate challenges and are implementing solutions. The Climate Solutions Summit, on September 21st, provides an opportunity for organizers, students and people from all communities to actively collaborate on the climate solutions needed to protect our society and transition to a sustainable world. Starting at 9:00 AM, the Summit will provide a space to share projects, artwork, case studies, resources, experiences and skills to tackle climate change and implement solutions.
The transition to renewable energy and sustainability from a fossil fuel economy requires a solutions-focused movement. The Climate Solutions Summit fortifies existing momentum while inspiring new advocates to take action and lift up their communities. By inviting young people across New York State to participate in the Summit’s planning and organizing, we are ensuring that workshops and activities engage and empower youth attendees. This Summit’s intergenerational approach will expand the success of today’s environmental leaders while passing on experience to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.
Past Summits featured powerful keynotes, panels and workshops on renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, movement building and environmental justice. Like the first two, this year’s Summit will be inclusive and intersectional, inviting organizers, students and advocates from different backgrounds and regions of New York. The Climate Solutions Summit is working its way across the state, with the first summit in Western NY, the second in Central NY and the next in the Hudson Valley at SUNY New Paltz.
You can check out last year’s program here
If you are interested in participating in a workshop or event planning please contact us! We especially welcome and encourage students and youth to join the Summit planning.
Some of the organizing groups include: New Yorkers for Clean Power, Alliance for Clean Energy New York, SUNY New Paltz, Environmental Advocates of New York, New Paltz Climate Action Coalition, Hudson Valley Regional Council, Sustainable Hudson Valley, Scenic Hudson, NYPIRG, Clearwater, and the Alliance for a Green Economy.
By Michaela Ciovacco, NYCP Organizer
Sign up for Solar & Save $!
Solar power has become a lot more popular and affordable, however, renters and those who live in apartment buildings may have been feeling a bit left out. Until now, that is! Community solar projects are a new way for New Yorkers to buy renewable electricity — to choose energy that’s clean, plus save some green! Whether installing solar panels on one’s home or signing up for a community solar project, solar saves money! Instead of relying on dirty energy, residents can sign up for free to acquire the electrical output from a local solar project that is fed into the local power grid and credited directly to their monthly utility bill. It’s easy, saves money, and supports local clean energy development.
New Yorkers for Clean Power (NYCP) recently partnered with PowerMarket to help Central Hudson customers choose from a variety of renewable energy projects. In Westchester, PowerMarket launched ConEd’s first Community Solar Project: the Hawthorne Solar Warehouse. 25 households receive 100% of their electricity from clean solar power and the average household saved $255 in the first year, or about 10% on their electricity bills. Founded in 2016 and based out of Brooklyn, PowerMarket makes a wonderful point — “Communities are becoming increasingly focused on local products. We now get our food, and beer locally. Why not electricity?” Sign up here if you’re a Central Hudson customer and here if you’re a National Grid customer and start saving money while supporting local, clean energy! If you live in another region of NYS, check out NYSERDA’s new tool to find a community solar project near you.
Something important to keep in mind with community solar projects is that they are not the same as Energy Service Companies/Suppliers (ESCOs) out there in the market. ESCOs can cost more than standard electric rates and are typically the go-between for residents and renewable energy projects in other states, whereas community renewable projects allow you to subscribe to local clean energy providers for a discount on your current electricity rate.
As we turn our back on fossil fuels in the vital shift to a renewable energy economy, it’s important that the transition is inclusive. NYCP is excited for the launch of a new state initiative to make community solar accessible to more New Yorkers. “Solar for All” is a NYSERDA program that’s specifically geared towards eligible low-income customers; the income limits for participants is $27,816 for a household of 1 person, $36,372 for 2 people, $53,484 for 4 people, and so on. With Solar for All, there’s no cost at all for participation (there are no subscription fees or additional bills- a feature which can be appealing for those overwhelmed in the juggling act to pay bills on time). According to NYSERDA’s Elizabeth Tremblay, “customers will receive a no-cost subscription that will provide them approximately $5-$15 of savings off their monthly electric bill.” This program is a great step in the right direction, towards a clean energy economy that benefits everyone. Here’s to all New Yorkers having the chance to think globally, act locally, decrease their carbon footprint & save some dough in the process!
For more information and resources, visit our Solar Power page.