Experts offer energy saving ideas

Transition Salem offers The Home Energy Lecture Series to educate and encourage homeowners to make energy and cost-saving decisions.

Held on the campus of Willamette University, the series hosts lectures on April 2, 9, and 16.

"We have three goals: enable homeowners to make smart energy choices, prepare them for upcoming programs working their way through state and federal government legislature that could offer up to $8,000 in matching home star funds, and teach them about neighborhood solarization projects," Transition Salem member Roy McCormack said.

Brady Peeks, a principal with Northwest Energy Works, presents the first lecture entitled "Home Energy Conservation and Efficiency." Peeks explore how changes in habits and technology can reduce energy footprint and help homeowners prepare for the federal Home Star program.

Christopher Dymond, the Technical Developer for enXco's Distributed Solar Generation Division speaks on "Renewable Energy," explaining the options available to harvest solar energy while increasing a home's value.

This is where solarization fits in. Transition Salem wants to encourage Salem to follow in Portland's footsteps where neighborhood groups get together to buy solar panels in bulk and hire one contractor.

"Initially it costs about $6 a watt, after tax credits and cash incentive, they end paying about $1 per watt," McCormack said.

Alex Glenn, a Home Performance Account Manager at Energy Trust of Oregon, wraps up the series. He's speaking on "Making Home Performance with Energy Star Par of Your Energy Plan." He'll talk about the benefits of hiring contractors.

All three of the energy lectures begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the Paulus Lecture Hall.

Help yourself

One local entrepreneur has a simple solution for consumers to do just that. Kesha Thomas takes the average paper coffee cup sleeve and adds some flair. Her Etsy store, Cupcandy.com, combines her love of sewing and her desire to be eco-friendly into one.

"For some, having a coffee in hand is as common as carrying a purse or cell phone. So, like a cool phone or cute purse you can look somewhat trendy while drinking your coffee or hot beverage," Thomas said.

The cup insulators are made from various designer fabrics and use a soft insulator fabric to keep the drinker's hand protected from the hot temperatures of a steaming beverage. They are hand-washable, allowing reuse. Each sleeve costs $5 and is hand-sewn and made locally in the Salem area.

Check out her designs at www.cupcandy.com.