Upgraded appliances, lower energy bills
Have you been wanting to upgrade your home appliances to a more efficient, eco-friendly model, only to find the initial cost too high? The North Carolina Chapter has worked with legislators to bring about a tax free holiday for energy efficient appliances, and that holiday arrives this weekend, November 7th-9th.
Energy Star appliances sold between 12:01 a.m. on Friday and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday qualify for sales tax exemption. The exemption is generally available for products that carry the Energy Star label and meet the energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, including (but not limited to):
Clothes washers
Freezers and refrigerators
Central air conditioners and room air conditioners
Air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps
Ceiling fans
Dehumidifiers
Programmable thermostats
So get out there and green your life! Want more Green Tips from the Sierra Club? Check out the Green Life.
We bid adieu to Christa Wagner, Chapter Lobbyist
With the end of the tumultuous political season, Chapter Lobbyist Christa Wagner will step down in order to pursue graduate studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. Christa's involvement with the Sierra Club began as a volunteer.
Five years ago, she became a Conservation Organizer in Charlotte, where she engaged over 2,000 citizens to help launch Charlotte’s journey as a leader in combating climate change in North Carolina. While in Charlotte, Christa and local volunteers convinced Charlotte city leaders to, among other things, incorporate hybrids into the city’s vehicle fleet - an early success story that gained national media coverage.
For the past two years, in line with the legislative biennium, Christa promoted sound environmental policy in the state Capitol on behalf of the Sierra Club’s North Carolina Chapter. She helped pass groundbreaking legislation such as North Carolina’s (and the Southeast’s) first renewable energy standards and a bill that removes barriers to using solar energy devices on single family homes. She has been a remarkable asset to the Sierra Club. Please join us in thanking her for her exceptional commitment to the environment and her love of our state.
A Small Town with Big Ambition
Mayor Don Davis of Snow Hill will be awarded the Cool City Certificate for his pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ceremony will be November 10th, at 7:30pm during the beginning of the City Council meeting. Come and celebrate with the smallest town to sign-on in the Inner Banks (pop. 1600). Email kara.craig@sierraclub.org for directions or call (405) 208-2953.
The Cool Cities campaign is sweeping through the nation and covering the North Carolina map green. Over 1,200 mayors nationwide have joined. In NC, we have 49 cities or counties dedicated to taking bold action to combat global warming. Your city could be the 50th!! For more information or to start a Cool City campaign near you, email Kara Craig, NC Cool Cities Coordinator, at kara.craig@sierraclub.org or call her at (405) 208-2953.
Outings
Sat, Nov 15 NC Outings Leader Meeting (North Carolina Chapter)
If you are an Outings Leader in NC, an Outings Chair in NC, or a Sierra Club member interested in leadership and training this meeting is for you!
Sun, Nov 16 Grifton, Pitt County. Contentnea Creek Paddle Trip (Cypress Group)
Paddle through the lovely Contentnea Creek cypress-gum swamp forest to its confluence with the Neuse River, then float the Neuse to the take-out at Maple-Cypress Landing
Sat, Dec 20 Hanging Rock State Park Day Hike (Foothills)
We will hike portions of the Lake, Chestnut Oak, Cooks Wall, and Wolf Rock Trails. These trails will give you an idea of how important our state parks are in preserving North Carolina's natural heritage as well as preserving a place of peace and solitude.
Thu, Jan 1 - Sun, 4 Art Loeb Trail Backpack (Capital Group)
Follow the premier trail in the Pisgah on a Winter Backpack.
The NC Chapter is now offering Beginner Backpack classes in the fall of 2008 and the winter of 2009. If you are interested in this "doorway to the backcountry" then please get in touch with Chapter Outings Chair Chris Plummer. We hope to offer one class starting in November 2008 and a second class in 2009, most likely starting in March. Training will involve several classroom lectures on bringing the "right stuff", backcountry navigation, and other skills like Leave No Trace. Upon completion of our classes we will take you out on three outings to progressively introduce you to backpacking.
Can't wait for our next issue? Check out the NC SIERRA CLUB BLOG for conservation links, green tips, volunteer insights, and local and regional news relevant to all our members and supporters.
For upcoming club events and meetings, take a look at our Chapter Calendar.
And be sure to join us on Facebook.