Sustainable Rutland | Rutland, Vermont

Rutland featured in Seven Days

2012-02-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

Caleb Kenna photo

Check out this story about Rutland's renaissance in this week's Seven Days. Thanks to Kathryn Flagg for this strong profile on our community.

Thanksgiving Localvore Challenge 2011

2011-11-07T21:41:00.001-05:00

Sustainable Rutland and the Rutland Area Farm Food Link’s Everyday Chef are partnering up for our third annual Localvore Challenge. SIGN UP HERE!

Say what?? LOCALvore challenge. Our challenge to YOU to use more local ingredients in your Thanksgiving dishes and meal. We’re talking local cranberries, fresh greens and squashes, carrots and potatoes from the farmers market, cheeses from the co-op, a locally raised turkey…you get the idea.

How it works: Sign up and commit to taking either a SMALL BITE or a BIG BITE of the challenge. Either way, you’ll get a handy Localvore Challenge toolkit to help you out, including a bunch of recipes, coupons to local restaurants and stores with local food, and more.

SMALL BITE: Commit to cooking a localvore DISH for Thanksgiving, either to add to your meal or to bring to your family’s event.

BIG BITE: Commit to cooking a localvore MEAL for Thanksgiving. It’s way easier than you realize!

RULES, EXCEPTIONS, AND WILDCARD ITEMS
1. For the challenge, LOCALVORE means grown or produced either in Vermont or within 100 miles of where you live.

2. Spices, locally-roasted coffee, salt, and pepper are freebies.

3. For anyone taking a BIG BITE, you are allowed three wildcard items. Choose carefully: these will be your only non-local ingredients you will use in your Localvore Thanksgiving Feast!

Registration: Sign up HERE. All we need is your name and e-mail. Once you sign up, we’ll let you know where and when you can pick up your LOCALVORE TOOLKIT. Questions? E-mail kris[at]rutlandfarmandfood.org.

Will this send me to the poor house? Nope. While local food is sometimes thought of as more expensive, in reality food bought directly from farm stands or farmers market is usually priced competitively with bigger grocery stores: sometimes it’s a bit cheaper, sometimes a bit more expensive. It depends on the year, the farm, and a million other factors. Don’t fall into the assumption that local food is too expensive for your budget!

Want proof? Check out NOFA-VT’s price comparison study about farmers market prices vs. grocery stores. Remember, when you buy from local farms you’re supporting the local economy, local jobs, and your neighbor.

And be sure to check out the Everyday Chef blog for updates, recipes and the latest Localvore Challenge news.

Water UPDATE from Alderman Ed Larson

2011-09-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

Alderman Ed Larson posted this last night to Restoring Rutland's Facebook page:
We are not out of the woods yet with our Water Supply; however Mayor Louras just sent members of the Board of Alderman an email, some of which I will share with you. "Lew Hotaling installed a volumetric flow measuring device into the outlet pipe from the emergency supply system into the reservoir and has determined, given the current EMERGENCY rate of flow and water CONSUMPTION, coupled with current reservoir level, that he have a 32 day supply of potable water." Additional information was contained about some additional non chlorinated water supply that could be utilized. However please CONTINUE TO CONSERVE WATER you're efforts are working. Way to Go DPW.

Water Conservation in Rutland

2011-09-02T17:50:00.000-04:00

Sustainable Rutland and the City of Rutland are reminding everyone to conserve water for the next 30 days. Today, we asked City and Town restaurants to do their part by not setting tables with water glasses and loading their dishwashers as full as possible, and overall being as efficient as possible while maintaining appropriate health/sanitation standards. Our request has been greeted with enthusiasm by local restaurants. Thanks, for you support. City residents can do their part by conserving as well. We'll have more info on how you can do so soon. In the meantime, visit this site. For additional Irene response information in Rutland County, visit Restoring Rutland.

Trash2Art 2011: RESULTS

2011-08-16T12:55:00.002-04:00

Our third annual Trash2Art Contest & Exhibit was on Friday, and the results are in. Many thanks to all who participated for making this another great success. We had over 20 entries to the contest and each one was a great example of how creative people were able to get with things that might otherwise end up in the landfill. It was surely a difficult choice for our judges to decide on the winners. A lot of time and effort went in to the submissions, and this year's Trash2Art really shows that one's trash is another's treasure! We'll be posting more pics on our Facebook page this week so be sure to check in there, too. See the winners after the jump.

Adult Category

1st Place

Erica Baron- 1,000 Cranes

2nd Place:

Kurt Kretvix- Robo Sapien

People's Choice

Northwest Tapestry Program - Paper mache tiger

Youth Category

1st Place

Seamus Murray - Juggernaut for a Cleaner Planet

2nd Place

Alyssa Czanecki - Crocheted plastic bag purse

People's Choice

Kasey Thompson - Flying Bug

Special thanks to Judges Mary Crowley, Mayor Christopher Louras and George Nostrand, and a big thank you to our sponsors:

Schoolhouse Rock! "Energy Blues"

2011-08-05T11:19:00.001-04:00

Remember the Schoolhouse Rock! videos? Thanks to our friends from Efficiency Vermont for posting this old gem on their Facebook page. We liked it so much, we thought we'd share it, too.

Florida's Finest Orange.... Juice?

2011-07-30T14:23:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder why orange juice tastes the same regardless of what season in the year it is? An article from Food Renegade tells the truth about most "Orange Juices"

The article also points out the juices just don't make sense. The actual fruit itself is much more nutritious.

Click here to head over to Food Renegade to read the article.

Smart Cities and the United States

2011-07-29T18:09:00.000-04:00

Bruce Katz discusses America's slow adaptation of the "Smart City". He compares urbanity in America to the urbanity in developing nations like China.

According to Katz, we are lagging behind those countries for several reasons.

Click here to read the Katz' blog post

Cable Boxes Draw More Power Than You'd Expect

2011-07-24T13:53:00.000-04:00

You might not expect this, but cable boxes have become the single largest draw of power in many homes in America.

Together, an HD Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and an HD Cable Box use 10% more power than an average refrigerator.

Click here to head over to The New York Times to learn more.

Hydro-fracking on 'Colbert'

2011-07-14T10:18:00.000-04:00

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Stephen Colbert gives a humorous report on the very unfunny practice of hydro-fracturing.

CVPS to merge with GMP

2011-07-12T10:46:00.001-04:00

The below is from press release issued this morning by Central Vermont Public Service:

The leaders of Central Vermont Public Service Corporation (NYSE: CV) (CVPS) and Gaz Métro Limited Partnership (Gaz Métro) today announced that a definitive agreement for the sale of CVPS has been signed. This clears the path for the combination of CVPS and Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP), a subsidiary of Gaz Métro, into one stronger utility for Vermonters. The new agreement provides significant benefits for customers, community, employees an d shareholders, including $144 million in customer savings over 10 years, a Vermont ownership interest in VELCO, and the establishment of the Headquarters for Operations and Energy Innovation in Rutland.

The all-cash transaction will provide CVPS shareholders $35.25 per common share, a 45 percent premium over the closing price of $24.32 immediately prior to the announcement of the previous agreement CVPS had reached with Fortis Inc. (Fortis). The CVPS Board has terminated the agreement with Fortis after deeming "superior" the offer from Gaz Métro.

"CVPS and GMP will together become a stronger, more efficient enterprise, built on our deeply held mutual commitment to Vermont," GMP President and CEO Mary Powell and CVPS President and CEO Larry Reilly said. "We believe that this is not only a tremendous opportunity for CVPS and GMP, but for Vermont's economy at this critical time. Our combined resources will allow us to continue to provide competitively priced power, which is necessary for vibrant communities and a growing economy, and strengthen our commitment to low-carbon electricity in sync with the environmental ethic of our state."

"The CVPS Board, first and foremost, had a legal responsibility to ensure the best possible deal for shareholders, but the board also wanted to ensure the best possible outcome for our customers, employees and the communities we serve, Rutland in particular," said Bill Sayre, chairman of the CVPS Board of Directors. "GMP shared that vision, and our agreement serves all of these constituencies, and ensures CVPS's historic commitment to Rutland will continue."

One stronger enterprise is good for customers and Vermont's economy
The agreement provides a number of unique benefits for customers. First, the combination of the two companies will deliver $144 million in savings for customers over the next decade -- with even greater savings continuing into the future. These savings will be achieved through more efficient distribution of resources, equipment and facilities throughout a more contiguous service territory, regulatory savings and improved purchasing leverage with vendors and service providers. Savings will not be achieved through layoffs -- other than some executive officers -- but instead through natural retirements and turnover, which will allow for the smooth integration of both companies' workforces.

"When we deliver $144 million in savings for families, businesses and communities that frees up $144 million that can be reinvested to strengthen Vermont," said Mr. Reilly and Ms. Powell. "We have an obligation to the public that we operate in a transparent manner and keep costs as low as possible."

"Also, through the contribution of VELCO stock to a public trust, this deal presents a dual benefit by helping our neighbors in need, as well as giving Vermonters an important ownership stake in the operation of the state's most important transmission asset," noted Mr. Reilly and Ms. Powell. The establishment of a public trust with $1 million in annual income to support a low-income rate program is made possible by an annual dividend generated through a contribution of VELCO stock, as well as an annual charitable contribution from the combined entity. The contribution of VELCO stock to the public trust means that the new combined entity will hold less than 50 percent of VELCO voting stock, and control of VELCO will remain with Vermont entities.

Finally, there are a number of important ways that the combination of CVPS and GMP will improve reliability and service for Vermonters. A contiguous service territory and one Operation Headquarters will streamline storm response to restore power faster and reduce the overall frequency and duration of outages. Also, with the benefit of the combined utility's information technology resources, it will be able to move basic services online more swiftly, and allow customer service representatives to provide more personalized service, which will be especially important for the implementation of the statewide Smart Grid initiative.

New benefits for Rutland
The companies agreed that CVPS's historic commitment to its hometown of Rutland will remain part of the new utility's corporate culture. To ensure that commitment, the merged company will locate its Headquarters for Operations and Energy Innovation in Rutland, and pledge to build on CVPS's extensive community support efforts.

"When the communities we serve succeed, we succeed," said Ms. Powell. "In talking with local leaders in recent weeks, I can't help but be excited about all that is happening in Rutland. Making sure that the Rutland region maintains a strong utility presence is important -- but it is as important for us to be a catalyst for job growth. With the right mix of public and private sector support, I know that Rutland will be a strong economic engine in our state."

The Headquarters for Operations and Energy Innovation will be the combined company's command post for utility operations. On the energy innovation side, the headquarters will include staff focused on creative generation solutions, such as distributed generation and renewable energy projects. The nature of the work will mean enhancing appropriate staff at the Rutland headquarters.

In addition to locating the Operations Headquarters in Rutland, the combined company will:

Commit to no layoffs other than some executive officer positions due to the consolidation, nor the mandatory relocation of Rutland employees. Under the combined company's plan for customer savings, natural retirements and turnovers will be proportional between CVPS and GMP;
Work with local leaders to find space in the downtown for a new facility -- with a strong preference towards rehabilitating vacant downtown space -- and work on a plan to repurpose existing CVPS facilities;
Create a $100,000 "Open for Business" fund, to be administered by Rutland's Downtown Partnership, to help continue the revitalization of downtown Rutland by subsidizing rent for several new businesses for up to two years. CVPS will provide half the funds immediately, with GMP providing the second half at closing;
Create a $100,000 "Green Growth" fund, to be administered by the Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), to support specific initiatives to advance green sector jobs and technologies. CVPS will provide half the funds immediately, with GMP providing the second half at closing;
Kick-start a significant new "Solar City" program in Rutland. Building on CVPS's renewable energy success with CVPS Cow Power™ and other programs, GMP will bring its expertise in solar power to develop ideas such as a commercial-size solar orchard, small-scale backyard and rooftop solar, and deployment of other renewable energy technology. In the coming weeks, a committee of Rutland region leaders and interested residents will be announced to help develop these ideas and recommend a direction for the effort.

"GMP has clearly listened to and addressed concerns Rutland leaders and residents have voiced since their offer was made public," Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras said. "Ultimately I would have preferred that CVPS remain an independent company headquartered here, but through the agreement, significant, meaningful commitments to Rutland are made, especially related to local jobs, and therefore, I endorse the merger. Making Rutland the Headquarters for Operations and Energy Innovation is important to the region, and the commitments to downtown, REDC, solar development and ongoing community support have convinced me that the new merged company will be a leading corporate citizen just as CVPS has been. GMP's commitment to a plan that any positions unfilled through natural turnover and retirement will be proportional, that CVPS will not face disproportional losses, and that relocations will not be used to reduce local jobs, was also critical to me and the City of Rutland."

"We are committed to Rutland and the unique and meaningful community programs CVPS has developed here, including Shareheat, the Gift-of-Life Marathon, osprey conservation and the company's corporate giving program," Ms. Powell said.

"We are also mindful that this new statewide utility will be serving more than 250,000 customers located across Vermont: from St. Albans to Bennington, Brattleboro to St. Johnsbury, and west across Route 2 through the capital district back to Chittenden County -- and most of the towns in between," Ms. Powell noted. "These communities are important economic drivers for Vermont, so our services and focus must be statewide."

Maximize employee knowledge and experience
"Both CVPS and GMP are blessed with great employees, and it will be a privilege to meet and work alongside the CVPS staff," said Ms. Powell. "As we write the next chapter in the story of these great companies, we must harness the experience and know-how of all employees to be the best-of-the-best for our customers."

To achieve the maximum benefits of a combination of GMP and CVPS, a transition committee, to be co-chaired by Ms. Powell and Mr. Reilly, will be created. The committee will look at the operations and business processes of each company in detail, identify best practices and craft a plan to provide customers of the combined company with the best service possible. Through this process, a combined organizational structure will be developed, which will be staffed by the strongest team of executives and professional staff available -- regardless of which legacy company they came from. This substantial effort will begin soon, but will take months to complete.

"This combination is a unique opportunity that will allow employees at both companies to provide quality service to our customers well into the future, while maintaining the important local bonds that set Vermont utilities apart," added Mr. Reilly and Ms. Powell. "That's why the CVPS and GMP teams are committed to working closely together during this transition to ensure that our customers benefit directly from this combination. We want to be sure that when the merger is complete we deliver tremendous value for our customers, exciting opportunities for our employees, and the same deep commitment to our communities and Vermont."

Shareholder benefits
In addition to customer and community benefits, CVPS shareholders will also benefit as a result of the agreement between CVPS and Gaz Métro. Not only is the purchase price of $35.25 per common share, a 45 percent premium over the pre-Memorial Day closing price of $24.32, CVPS shareholders will retain the right to receive CVPS's regular quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share until closing.

"Gaz Métro is excited to expand its operations in Vermont through the combination of CVPS and GMP," said Gaz Métro President and CEO Sophie Brochu. "We believe that the combination of CVPS and GMP will prove deeply beneficial to our customers. Both companies share a vigorous commitment to community and customer service that is consistent with our corporate approach."

"Our philosophy is to rely on experienced local management and provide them the capital they need to grow and thrive," added Ms. Brochu. "Mary Powell will be the president and CEO of the combined company, and she will assemble a strong local leadership team to guide the company forward."

The sale is subject to approval of CVPS common shareholders, and U.S. federal and state regulators, and is expected to be completed in approximately six to 12 months. Following the completion of the transaction, CVPS and GMP's combined operations will join Vermont Gas Systems and Portland Natural Gas Transmission Systems under Gaz Métro's wholly owned Vermont-based subsidiary, Northern New England Energy Corporation.

BMO Capital Markets acted as Gaz Métro's financial advisor. Legal counsel to Gaz Métro was provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Lazard Ltd. advised CVPS. Legal counsel to CVPS was provided by Sidley Austin LLP, Loeb & Loeb LLP, and Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC.

About Central Vermont Public Service
CVPS, the largest electric utility in Vermont, serves nearly 160,000 customers in 163 cities and towns across Vermont. CVPS has 530 employees. The company is a three-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's national Emergency Recovery Award, and CVPS Cow Power™ won the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Utility Green Program of the Year Award. CVPS has been listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the most trusted companies in America for 60 straight months.

About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power generates, transmits, distributes and sells electricity in Vermont and is a leader in wind and solar generation. It serves more than 96,000 customers. www.greenmountainpower.com.

About Gaz Métro
With over $3.6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is Quebec's leading natural gas distributor. Its 10,000 kilometer network serves 300 municipalities. Gaz Métro has operated in this regulated industry since 1957 and is the trusted energy provider to its customers in Quebec and Vermont, who choose natural gas for its competitive price, efficiency, comfort and environmental benefits. Gaz Métro is also present in the electricity distribution market and is involved in natural gas transportation and storage, the development of projects such as wind power, natural gas as fuel for the transportation industry, and biomethanation. Gaz Métro is committed to the satisfaction of its customers, partners, employees and the communities it serves. www.gazmetro.com.

More Rutland-Area Farms Selling Directly to Customers

2011-07-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

The abundance of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has increased tenfold over the last decade in Vermont. A large portion of that growth has been in Rutland, primarily due to the popularity of the Rutland Farmers' Market.

Nina Keck from VPR interviewed a couple people who are playing key roles in Rutland Area's CSA.

Click Here to view the interview.

VIDEO: Wind Farms Pose Dangerous New Risk

2011-07-09T11:43:00.001-04:00

In The Know: Coal Lobby Warns Wind Farms May Blow Earth Off Orbit

FYI: This video comes courtesy of The Onion. We hope it'll give you a chuckle.

Are you reading 'Market Watch'

2011-07-07T15:07:00.000-04:00

"Market Watch" is a weekly column that appears every Tuesday in the Food section of the Rutland Herald, which highlights farmers' markets and seasonal produce in the Rutland region. "Market Watch" is written by Sustainable Rutland volunteer Kris Smith and is part of our efforts to support local agriculture. Have a market tip or some feedback about the column? Email Kris at kris[at]rutlandfarmandfood.org.

Weeding Party at Radical Roots Farm

2011-07-07T14:49:00.000-04:00

From our friends at Radical Roots Farm:

Farming with a broken ankle can be a bit challenging. While the bone is healing and I am still on crutches, I am not as quick or capable as I used to be – which is a fancy way of saying “THE WEEDS ARE GETTING OUT OF CONTROL!!” Therefore, we are inviting everyone to a Weeding Party on Sunday July 10th, anytime between 10am and 6pm. If you are interested, please come to the farm for any period of time (1 hour? 2 hours? 3 hours? whatever works for you) and work at your own pace pulling weeds and helping us get the farm back to its original (pre-broken ankle) shape.

Thanks to the Domestic Diva, there will be snacks and drinks available for everyone.

If you are interested, please send us an email (radicalrootsfarm@gmail.com) or leave a comment telling us approximately what time you will be coming. There is plenty of work for everyone – but it will help us be ready for you if we know who is coming and when. Our only request is that this be an adult-only party. It is not the time and place for children under 12 years old.

It is such a wonderful thing to know we can call upon our community like this. Knowing that we are not alone means the world to us. It is why we love living in Rutland so very very very much. Thank you in advance for your caring and support.

Greening up the little things

2011-07-07T14:46:00.000-04:00

This story by Sustainable Rutland Coordinator Jim Sabataso comes from the July 30 issue of the Rutland County Express.

It’s not easy being green. Then again, it’s not that hard either. Recently, I spent a morning with several volunteers from Sustainable Rutland cleaning up the rocky moonscape of a parking lot on the corner of Wales and Center Streets in downtown Rutland better known as The Pit.

The clean-up was in preparation for Friday Night Live, which will use the space several times over the course of the six-week summer series. (By the way, FNL held its opening night on June 24 and will return after an Independence Day weekend break on July 8.)

As we combed the edges of the lot and the steep, green hills and fished various items out of the Bomoseen-sized puddles, I noticed that the litter we were collecting was not so much the deliberate kind as it was the absentminded kind: cigarette butts by the fistful, gum and candy wrappers of all flavors, bottle caps ground into the dirt like seashells buried by the tides.

It’s odd, but sometimes litter can be beautiful — shattered beer bottles, pulverized by car tires into green and amber mosaics shimmer in the daylight. For a fleeting second, they are striking until you realize the carelessness with which they were created.

I was particularly stuck by all the beer cans — evidence of “road sodas” discarded by the late-night bar crowd as they disembarked for a night on the town. Knowing their origins, I imagined, rather humorously, that the cans were left by daytime workers who sneak out each afternoon to crush Budweiser tallboys on their lunch breaks.

My good humor, however, was short lived. Cigarette butts and beer cans are easy to pick up. Styrofoam shards, on the other hand, are impossible to collect entirely. The shards, remnants of castoff coffee cups and takeout containers break down into infinitely smaller bits, but never fully degrade. The result is a dandruff dusting of toxic white particles that, while dispersed to near invisibility, never go away.

At the end of the cleanup, we convened at the center of The Pit to share our grossest discoveries. A used Band-Aid was the winner.

Inspecting our work, the casual observer might not notice a difference, but the 30-gallon bag says otherwise.

As I said, the type of litter we collected was not large or purposefully deposited there; we didn’t find bags of trash, broken TV sets or tires.

True, we found a stray Grand Union shopping cart, but in Rutland I consider these a form of indigenous wildlife. (I’m happy to say the cart has since been collected and safely returned to its natural habitat on North Main Street.)

The carelessness is what got to me. The nonchalant way with which people will discard those tiny pieces of trash — a wrapper here, a bottle cap there, a cigarette butt everywhere.

Admittedly, in my smoking days, I was just as guilty of this type of littering. Then, I learned about the consequences of that act: discarded butts can get into the water supply, the harmful chemicals trapped in the filter leak out, and the butt itself can take anywhere from 18 months to 10 years to biodegrade according to various sources.

To that end, Sustainable Rutland is continuing its outreach and awareness-raising efforts to get people to think about the impact each one of us has on the environment each and every day. (Full disclosure : I work for SR.) We will once again be at Friday Night Live where our Trash Ambassadors will be helping people easily recycle and compost waste generated by the event. Be sure to look for them at our trash stations each week during FNL.

While one cigarette butt might not matter, remember, it’s never just one. It adds up. In The Pit alone, we found scores of them, and that’s just one parking lot. Take a stroll past the bars on Center Street next Saturday on your way to the Downtown Farmers’ Market, and you’ll see scores more. Fortunately, many of these are swept up by the city and by business owners conscientious enough to do their part.

But at the end of the day, the solution lies in each one of us. Like, I said it’s not that hard to be green. The next time you smoke a cigarette, don’t toss the butt. The next time you reach for a stick of gum, keep that wrapper in your pocket until you can throw it out.

You may think those little things don’t add up, but the 30-gallon bag of litter we collected from The Pit says different.

Green Mountain College Receives Climate Leadership Award

2011-06-28T12:07:00.003-04:00

Green Mountain College received the Second Nature Climate Leadership Award at the fifth annual Climate Leadership Summit of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in Washington D.C. on June 23.

The college has been investing heavily in its environmental stewardship since it declared its environmental mission in 1995. . It has constructed a biomass plant,invested in energy efficiency projects, and has an innovative partnership with Central Vermont Public Service. Just this year the college achieved climate neutrality. Over the past decade the college has invested an average of $1.2 million annually in projects to improve energy efficiency.

For more information on the awards, click here

For more information on Green Mountain, click here

TRASH 2 ART returns Aug. 12

2011-06-22T09:51:00.008-04:00

CALLING ALL ARTISTS…
Trash 2 Art is back again this year at Friday Night Live in Downtown Rutland on Friday, Aug. 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Print you entry form NOW.

The 2011 Trash 2 Art Contest & Exhibit is open to EVERYONE of ALL ages. No artistic background is necessary. Participants can enter as individuals, teams or families. This is an art contest and exhibit of durable art of any size made from found objects, surplus materials, used items, trash or anything else that might find its way into our landfills.

Learning to reduce, reuse and recycle is an important part of everyone’s life and an essential component of a healthy environment. This project encourages everyone — no matter your experience or lack of experience with art — to turn trash into art and have fun doing it.

All submissions will be judged and exhibited during Friday Night Live, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This is an outdoor, rain or shine event, held under a tent. Because this is a family-friendly event, the organizers reserve the right to exhibit controversial submissions at a separate venue during this exhibit.

Trash 2 Art is open to anyone of any age. An entry fee of $10 (free for those under the age of 18 years; $5 for college students), entitles participants 18 years and older to a time-limited special access pass to the Gleason Road Transfer Station, to search for materials for your piece. Participants will also have access to visit Mac Steel at 286 N. Main St. (please call ahead at (802) 773-2911). Participating teams and families which include at least one person 18 years or older will be required to pay the $10 entry fee.

All adult submissions will be judged for “Best In Show” winner and “Runner-Up” by a panel of community members and artists. There will also be a “People’s Choice” awards for both adults and youth. All youth submissions will be judged for a “Best In Show” winner in two (2) age categories — Ages 12 & under and Ages 13-17. Teams or families that include at least one person 18 years or older will be eligible only for the adult category of prizes.

All ADULT entries will be eligible for the following cash prizes:

Best In Show – $300
Runner Up – $250
People’s Choice – $250

All YOUTH (under the age of 18) entries will be eligible for the following prizes:

Best In Show – $50 US Savings Bond from Key Bank
Best In Show – $50 US Savings Bond from Key Bank
Youth People’s Choice – $50 US Savings Bond from People’s United Bank

NEW THIS YEAR: Pieces will be considered for permanent installation in Downtown Rutland.

Deadline: ALL ENTRY FORMS MUS BE RCEIVED BY AUGUST 5, 2011

Print your entry form right now by clicking HERE.

For more information, please email us here.

Thanks to our 2011 Trash 2 Art sponsors:

Volunteer at the Rutland Farmer's Market

2011-06-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

The Rutland Area Food and Farm Link (RAFFL) is looking for volunteers to help out at the Rutland Farmer's Markets.

Volunteers are needed on Saturdays from 1-3 pm. No experience or training is necessary. Volunteers can help out as many or as few days as possible.

RAFFL currently needs volunteers for the following days: June 18, June 25, and in July 2, 9, 23, and 30.

Also, volunteers will be needed every Saturday in the months of August, September, and October. Another call will be sent out for volunteers as those months near.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Rutland Farmer's Markets, please email Garland Mason at masong@greenmtn.edu.

To receive RAFFL's monthly newsletter, click here

"Bag" the Plastic

2011-06-16T11:15:00.000-04:00

This video is a trailer for the film "Bag It" by Susan Beraza.

Perhaps stores should begin telling customers to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag).

What do you do with your plastic bags? Let us know in the comments.

More information about the film and Beraza can be found by following these links:
Bag It Intro from Suzan Beraza on Vimeo.

Produce's "Dirty Dozen"

2011-06-16T11:12:00.000-04:00

You might not know this, but all produce is not created equally. Many of the produce found in modern supermarkets is plagued with pesticides.

The Environmental Working Group recently published their annual lists of produce's "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean 15" . You may be surprised to see what made the lists.

Click to see the lists

Pack the Paramount is this Friday, Saturday

2011-06-14T14:55:00.001-04:00

Don't forget, the Pack the Paramount Food Drive is THIS FRIDAY.

From our friends at CVPS:

As local food shelves feel the pinch more and more every day, organizers of the Pack the Paramount Food Drive are working to counter record demand by setting a 20,000-item goal.

"The need is great, but the greater Rutland community has shown repeatedly that it can do great things when it sets its collective mind to something," said CVPS spokesman Steve Costello, one of the organizers. "As we've done with the Gift-of-Life Marathon, we've set an ambitious goal in hopes of inspiring the community to turn out."

This year's food drive will run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 17, and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. Donors can bring non-perishable food items to the Paramount Theatre on Center Street in Rutland. The objective is to fill every seat with a box or bag of food, demonstrating the hundreds of families who need assistance in the Rutland area. The food will go to BROC, the Rutland Community Cupboard and the Salvation Army.

Central Vermont Public Service, Catamount Radio, the Paramount Theatre and Omya are teaming up to organize the event, which will be broadcast live on various Catamount Radio stations from end to end. WJJR will be broadcasting Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 94.5 The Drive will be broadcasting Friday 7 to 10 a.m.

"We know it's a tough economy and a lot of people are hurting, so we want to encourage people to do whatever they can," WJJR personality Terry Jaye said.

Pierre Masuy of Omya said the company partnered on the project for the third straight year because of the tremendous need in Rutland County. "We all need to do what we can to help our neighbors get through these difficult times," Masuy said. "Pack The Paramount offers a great opportunity for everyone in the community to participate and support each other."

Event planners are encouraging student groups, classes, clubs and teams from the Rutland area to use their teamwork to gather up food items for donation. A friendly student-group competition has been created, and CVPS will donate $500 to the school group that brings in the most items.

All types of non-perishable food are appreciated, but certain items are in great demand. Peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, hearty soups, macaroni and cheese, cereal, coffee and tea, instant potatoes, rice and bottled juice are most popular. Other items, including baby food, toilet tissue, paper towels, hygiene products and large-size items for families, are not as frequently donated, but greatly needed. Cash donations, which will be used to purchase food for the participating food shelves, will also be accepted.

"The Paramount belongs to the people of this community," Executive Director Bruce Bouchard said. "I can't think of a better use for the building than Pack the Paramount or the Gift-of-Life Marathon."

Get TRASHY with Sustainable Rutland this summer

2011-06-14T14:05:00.002-04:00

2010 Trash Ambassadors Steve and Jessie

Sustainable Rutland is once again coordinating trash and recycling at this summer's Downtown Rutland's Friday Night Live series. Last year, our excellent Trash Ambassadors helped raise awareness about waste by promoting Zero Sort recycling and composting at this popular community event. This year, we're looking to do it again, but we need your help. Do you have what it takes to be a trash ambassador?

Sign up for a shift or three by contacting us here.

Each week, Trash Ambassadors work in 2 shifts: EARLY (5:30 - 8 p.m.) and LATE (8 - 10:15 p.m.). Ideally, we need 6 volunteers per shift, though, more are always welcome. If you know anyone else who might be interested, bring them along. Sign up by clicking here (be sure to indicate which dates and shifts you'd like to do).

Friday Night Live 2011 dates:
June: 6/24
July: 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
August: 8/5, 8/12

Fresh Water- Is the Tide Receding?

2011-06-14T12:19:00.000-04:00

Alex Prud'homme, the author of "The Ripple Effect: The Fate of Water in the 21st Century", was a guest on The Daily Show recently. He discusses how regulations are not keeping up with new types of pollutants.

Catch the video:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Alex Prud'homme

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

NeighborWorks, Sustainable Rutland on WCAX

2011-06-13T10:27:00.000-04:00

Video via WCAX from Sen. Sander's visit to NeighborWorks in West Rutland to discuss the HEAT Squad initiative.

Sen. Sanders visits NeighborWorks

2011-06-10T16:30:00.000-04:00

Sen. Bernie Sanders stopped by NeighborWorks HQ in West Rutland today to help them kick off their HEAT Squad initiative and home efficiency competition in Rutland County. You'll be hearing more about the program from us in coming weeks as we help NeighborWorks in their effort to make our county's homes more energy efficient.

Greening Your Home talk at Rutland Free Library

2011-06-06T14:04:00.001-04:00

Sustainable Rutland has teamed up with the Rutland Free Library for a series of talks called "Greening Your Home," which will focus on how to make your residence more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and affordable.

Join us for the first talk on Wednesday, June 15, at 7 p.m. in the library's Fox Room. This talk, given by John Blittersdorf, owner of CV Solar & Wind, will be an overview of solar technologies, how electricity from the sun can save money or produce income, and find out what living "off the grid" means. Blittersdorf is a board member of SolarFest in Tinmouth, owner of CV Solar & Wind in Rutland, and has 30 years of experience in energy efficient living

College: Connected Naturally ad on YouTube

2011-05-18T10:52:00.001-04:00

Check out our ad promoting our College: Connected Naturally student incentive program courtesy of some very creative Castleton State College students.

Sustainable Rutland wants YOU!

2011-05-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

As the summer season approaches, we have a number projects and opportunities for you to get involved. In addition, we have created several standing committees that will meet regularly to develop ongoing campaigns around some of our most exciting projects. Find more after the jump.

Zero Waste @ Friday Night Live
We will once again be coordinating recycling and composting for this season's FNL series. We are looking for volunteer Trash Ambassadors to help us set up and staff the Zero Waste Stations for 2-hour shifts at each FNL starting on June 25. All ages are welcome to volunteer.

Rutland Volunteer Garden Service
Need help starting your garden? The Rutland Volunteer Garden Service (RVGS) helps Rutland youth develop job skills while working on home gardens for individuals who are having trouble gardening for themselves. RVGS is looking for individuals who want help with their gardens — including anyone with physical restrictions, elders, people with chronic illness, or people with temporary problems — as well as young volunteers who want to make a difference in their community. Contact Kate at rutlandgarden@gmail.com for more information or to enroll. Get more info at our blog. RVGS is organized by Kate Thomas and made possible by Sustainable Rutland, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, and the VT/NH Schweitzer Fellows Program. Get more info here.

Bag the Bags
We are in the process of forming a volunteer committee to continue or Bag the Bag Campaign. This campaign is an effort to promote the use of reusable bags in place of disposable and environmentally harmful plastic and paper bags. The committee will brainstorm and implement activities, projects, and various demonstrations aimed at raising awareness around the issue, and will also discuss and explore the possibility of citywide ordinances aimed at discouraging use.

Idle-Free Rutland
This is a project we've been quietly working on for the past year, and now we're ready to take it to the streets with your help. Vehicle idling is bad for our health, bad for the environment, and bad for your wallet — idling your car or truck get 0 miles per gallon as well as adds to unnecessary wear of your vehicle. Help us to raise awareness and get people to turn off their cars and trucks through outreach and educational projects.

To sign up for any of these committees, email us here and we'll give you all the details.

Free garden help for homeowners

2011-05-16T14:19:00.003-04:00

Here's a very cool project we're supporting in conjunction with RAFFL as part of the Schweitzer Fellows Program.

Starting this month, Kate Thomas and a yet-to-be-completely-formed group of Rutland youth will begin a summer-long work party. The mission: to provide Rutland homeowners who have physical restrictions the labor they need to enjoy a garden this season.

Thomas, a rising 2L at Vermont Law School, was named a Schweitzer Fellow this past spring. The Albert Schweitzer Foundation awards stipends to law and medical students who organize projects that promote the health of their community. Thomas’ project proposal was one of five selected at Vermont Law School.

The proposal was to create Rutland Volunteer Garden Service (RVGS) — a group of 16-21 year old Rutland youth who will provide free labor to homeowners who want a garden but who, due to physical restrictions, cannot do the installation, weeding, and/or harvesting.

The organization is also looking for Rutland youth who want to build job skills.

From Kate:

I hope that all sorts of people will take advantage of this program. We’re looking for homeowners who have either temporary or permanent physical restrictions that prevent them from installing their own gardens. It can be a broken arm or arthritis — anything that makes it so the person shouldn’t do this work. Naturally, we’re looking for homeowners who also enjoy the age group that will be serving them. We hope this can be a way for Rutlanders to get to know some of their young neighbors, and vice versa.

Sign up to be a volunteer right now! All ages are welcome to volunteer. Homeowners can call Kate at (802) 747-0479 or reach her via email. You can also download a brochure with more info.

Way to Go! Commuter Challenge returns next week

2011-05-11T11:16:00.000-04:00

For nearly a decade, Vermonters have pledged to try a new way of commuting during the week-long Way to Go! Commuter Challenge. The Challenge is an annual event promoting economical, environmentally friendly, safe alternatives to driving solo. Businesses and individuals can sign up now at the Way to Go! website: www.WayToGoVT.org.

Next week (May 16-20), make a commitment to bike, walk, carpool, telecommute, or ride transit. The Bus is offering 10¢ fares all next week, with free rides on Fare-Free Friday. All fares collected will support the Rutland Area Community Cupboard. The Bus offers six circuits in Rutland City plus routes to Proctor, Killington, Brandon/Middlebury, Poultney/Fair Haven, Manchester, and Ludlow. See schedules online at www.TheBus.com. Get more info and tips after the jump.

The Best Ways to Go in Rutland County!

1. Walk - Tips
2. Bike - Tips (all buses are equipped with bike racks)
3. Carpool - Connect with fellow commuters or find a Park & Ride lot
4. Telecommute - Pajamas optional
5. Take the Bus for only 10¢ - Schedules and route details are online at www.TheBus.com.

Way to Go! in Rutland County is sponsored by Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Marble Valley Regional Transit District, and Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition and is part of the Rutland County Energy Challenge.

Farmers' Market Parade this Saturday May 14

2011-05-09T14:18:00.000-04:00

Farmers' Market Parade 2009.

On Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m., downtown Rutland will host the Farmers’ Market Spring Into Summer Parade to celebrate Rutland’s farmers’ market community as it returns to Depot Park for the summer market season.

The procession will depart from the market’s winter home on at The Rutland Area Food Co-op on Wales Street, down Center Street and into Depot Park where Mayor Christopher Louras will officially kick off the summer market with the ceremonial radish toss.

The parade will feature animals, musicians, and various other revelers all on hand to welcome another growing season in Vermont.

At the market, a raffle with hourly drawings for prizes from a variety of market vendors as well as an additional drawing for a Downtown Rutland Farmers’ Market gift certificate.

The Downtown Rutland Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. May through October in downtown Rutland’s Depot Park. And check out the Vermont Farmers' Market Facebook page for all the latest market news and events.

Help us beat RAFFL on Facebook

2011-05-05T11:32:00.001-04:00

As you in the Facebook universe may have heard, Sustainable Rutland and the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link have a little wager on who can get to 600 "likes" on their Facebook page first. While we haven't settled on a specific bet, both sides like the idea of seeing the losing staff singing and dancing in vegetable costumes at Friday Night Live. Help us make sure beat RAFFL to 600 by liking our Facebook page and suggesting it to you friends. You can also click "like" on the Facebook plug-in in the right-hand column of this page. (It's that easy!)

'Blood in this Town' screening, forum at VBSR conference in Burlington

2011-05-05T11:22:00.001-04:00

From Great Jones Productions:
The Rutland-based documentary The Blood in this Town will be featured at the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility’s 2011 Spring Conference during the workshop “Rutland: The Drive for Economic Revival” on May 12 at the University of Vermont Davis Center. The workshop, coupled with clips from the film, will share Rutland’s revitalization story with state business innovators and feature Rutland’s grassroots leaders as they talk about some of the successful initiatives they helped lead. VBSR’s Spring Conference is one of the largest annual gatherings of socially responsible businesses in the country.

The aim for The in this Town continues to be the development of an outreach program that will bring the film plus revitalization know-how to struggling towns across Vermont — so that local advocates can host their own screenings and forums, utilizing a tool to engage citizens in revitalization projects.

Sustainable Rutland talks to Osher

2011-05-03T12:41:00.000-04:00

Here is a short recap of our March 2011 talk to Osher courtesy of PEGTV's Access.

Local farmers to help Japanese farmers

2011-05-02T12:00:00.003-04:00

From our friends Carol and Dennis at Radical Roots Farm:

Farmer to Farmer: Vermont to Japan is an opportunity for Vermont farmers to help Japanese farmers affected by the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. We are asking ALL VERMONT FARMERS to donate between 5-10% from opening day (or another day) of Farmers' Market.

All donations will be given to:

- The American Friends of Asian Rural Institute (AFARI), a sustainable, organic agriculture techniques, leadership and community development institute. www.friends-ari.org

- ShelterBox USA, which provides aid boxes to supply extended families with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. www.shelterboxusa.org

Get more information and find out how you can give HERE. Endorsed by Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), Vermont Farmers Market Association and the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL).

Castleton State College celebrates Earth Week

2011-04-25T14:40:00.001-04:00

The Castleton State College community will celebrate Earth Week April 24 through April 30 with a commemoration encouraging participants to embrace the ideals of sustainability. Sponsored bymembers of the Castleton civic engagement program, this observance plans to showcase campus wide recycling and energy conservation projects.

Castleton students will create a “What Could Have Been Recycled” and “What Can Be Recycled” installation to be displayed on the campus green. Other highlights of the week’s activities include a residence hall energy-use competition, and presentations by distinguished conservation experts.

The highlight of the festival activities will occur on Thursday, April 28, beginning at 10 a.m. with a Brough Pond clean-up, live music at 3 p.m. and a celebration luau at 5 p.m. In addition, this day-long celebration will feature sustainability information tables and food vendors along the campus walkways.

All events are free and open to the public.

'Blood in this Town' screening and discussion at Rutland Free Library

2011-04-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

From Great Jones Productions:

The Blood in this Town, the Rutland-focused documentary about community revitalization, will have a free screening and community-building panel at the Rutland Free Library as part of the film’s ongoing outreach program. The event will take place in the Fox Room at the Library on Tuesday, April 26, at 7 p.m.

The free screening will be followed by a community-building discussion featuring Jim Sabataso of Sustainable Rutland, and Steve Costello, Director of Public Affairs at Central Vermont Public Service and a driving force behind Rutland’s famed Gift-of-Life Marathon Blood Drive. The panel will explore Rutland’s innovative community-based initiatives to revitalize the city and create new paths to economic development. It will also focus on how community members can get involved with current initiatives.

“There are still many people in Rutland who don’t know about all the good things going on around the city,” says Director Art Jones. “The more people know about Rutland’s successes as a community, the more they’ll want to join up and pitch in themselves.”

The Blood in this Town is an 80-minute documentary chronicling Rutland's drive to revitalize itself during America's economic crisis. The film uses the town's record-breaking Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive to explore how a struggling, post-industrial city can revive itself from the grassroots up. From initiatives like the Rutland Creative Economy and a year-round Farmers' Market to entrepreneurial startups and the world-class trail system in Pine Hill Park, Rutland’s citizens are creating a new way forward.

The filmmakers have begun a Vermont-focused Outreach Program, aiming to bring the film and Rutland’s models for revitalization to other hard-hit towns, helping local advocates engage their communities in renewal and community-building projects.

More information about the event can be found at the Rutland Free Library website. Visit The Blood in this Town film website here.

Sustainable Rutland seeks summer intern

2011-04-05T12:18:00.000-04:00

Zero Waste Trash Ambassadors, 2010

Sustainable Rutland is seeking a passionate, talented, and dependable student intern for the Summer and/or Fall 2011 terms. This internship, based in Rutland City, would have responsibilities and opportunities to work on new and ongoing projects, such as the Trash 2 Art Showcase (summer only), Zero-Waste Initiative (summer and/or fall), and Idle-Free Rutland (summer and/or fall). The intern will also be responsible for assisting in management of and generation of content for the organization’s outreach tools including social media, email, blog, and a monthly e-newsletter. Supervision and coordination will be provided by Sustainable Rutland Coordinator Jim Sabataso and Board President Carol Tashie.

Compensation: Sustainable Rutland cannot offer any financial compensation for internships.
Scope of Work: To be determined, based on student’s areas of study and Sustainable Rutland’s needs.
Hours/Dates: TBD

Interested individuals should email a resume and cover letter to Jim Sabataso. Any questions may also be sent via email.

Dr. Alan Betts to give lecture in Rutland

2011-03-30T11:06:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, April 9, at 2:00 p.m., atmospheric researcher Dr. Alan K. Betts will lead a lecture entitled, "Earth, Vermont, and the Future" at Merchants Hall, 40 Merchants Row, in Rutland. Using the seasons as a guide, the lecture will explore the changing climate of Vermont and glimpse what the future holds now that human society is driving the Earth's climate system. What new skills and businesses do we need and how will we manage the great transition we face? Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy coffee and tea, as well as art, which will be in the space from the Hall's Installation Series. $5 requested.

REDC's 2nd Annual Greener Mountains show returns Nov. 5

2011-03-30T10:58:00.002-04:00

From the Rutland Economic Development Corp.:
Save the Date for REDC's Second Annual Greener Mountains event on Nov. 5, 2011. The Greener Mountains invites community members and businesses alike to discover how "green" can improve homes and businesses. This free admission event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Holiday Inn in Rutland.

"The Greener Mountains" will showcase a wide variety of green vendors. The day will also include: workshops presented by Rutland Regional Planning Commission geared toward benefits for the home and business; children's activities; and much more.

If you would like to become a vendor or sponsor of The Greener Mountains, please contact Mary Kay Skaza at 802-773-9147 or visit www.rutlandeconomy.com. More details to follow.

Additional Support of The Greener Mountains is provided by Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Sustainable Rutland, The Bus, SolarFest, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, Rutland Herald and Holiday Inn. The event is also a project of the Rutland County Energy Challenge (www.rutlandcountyenergychallenge.com).

Vermont Yankee forum in Rutland on April 5

2011-03-29T10:34:00.002-04:00

From the Citizens Awareness Network:
There will be a forum to discuss Vermont Yankee closure and clean-up on Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. at the Rutland Public Library.

What will happen when Vermont Yankee stops operating in March 2012? What can happen before that date? What can citizens do to make sure Vermont Yankee is properly dismantled, cleaned-up and radioactive waste is safely stored?

The Citizens Awareness Network is sponsoring a forum to discuss the issues surrounding the decommissioning and clean up of Vermont Yankee. The presenters will also give an update about the nuclear disaster in Japan.

A panel discussion will be followed by an open Q&A discussion. The panel will include: Deb Katz, executive director of the Citizens Awareness Network; Rosemary Bassilakis, technical advisor for CT Citizens Awareness Network; and Bob Stannard, citizen lobbyist for the Vermont Citizens Action Network

This event is co-sponsored by Citizens Awareness Network, the Safe & Green Campaign, and Nuclear Free Vermont by 2012. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Deb Katz at 413-339-5781.

'The Blood in this Town' to appear at the Green Mountain Film Festival

2011-03-21T11:24:00.002-04:00

Here is some info from the Rutland Creative Economy and Great Jones Productions about the upcoming festival screening of The Blood in this Town:

Film director Art Jones and Donald Rae, Executive Director of the Green Mountain Film Festival announced recently that The Blood in this Town, the forthcoming Rutland-focused documentary about community revitalization, will appear at the festival in a sneak preview to drive discussion on community-building in Vermont. The event will take place at the Pavilion Auditorium in Montpelier on Saturday, March 26, at 6:15 p.m.

The sneak preview will be capped by a community-building panel and Q&A moderated by Paul Costello, executive director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development, and featuring the film’s director Art Jones, Tara Kelly, executive director of the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, Paul Gallo, president of the Rutland Creative Economy, and Steve Costello, director of public affairs at Central Vermont Public Service and a driving force behind Rutland’s famed Gift-of-Life Marathon Blood Drive.
The panel will further explore Rutland’s innovative community-based initiatives to revitalize the struggling city and create new paths to economic development. It will also focus on how other Vermont towns battered by recession, loss of jobs and flight of young people can engage their own communities in renewal efforts.

Looking to the future, Great Jones Productions aims to bring The Blood in this Town to national and international film festivals, en route to the eventual goal of theatrical release and national broadcast via outlets such as PBS, the Sundance and IFC channels. In parallel, the filmmakers have begun laying the groundwork for a Vermont-focused outreach program. The aim is to bring the film and Rutland’s models for revitalization to other hard-hit towns, helping local advocates engage their communities in renewal and community building projects.

Beginning in January, Art Jones and his co-producer Lauren Morgan have been traveling Vermont, meeting with community groups and leaders – including the staffs of Sens. Leahy and Sanders, the Vermont Arts Council, Vermont Community Fund, Vermont Business for Social Responsibility and key business leaders – beginning dialogues to create potential partnerships and distribution channels that will help drive the film’s outreach program across the state.

Tickets are now on sale online via the festival website and by mail. Tickets are now on sale for walk-ins at the ticket office and via (802) 262-FILM. Tickets are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $7 for students. Additional ticket information is available here.

Visit the official The Blood in this Town film website here.

Rutland Free Library hosts seed swap

2011-03-21T10:53:00.000-04:00

The Rutland Free Library is hosting a community seed swap on Wednesday, March 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Fox Room of the Library.

Speakers from the Rutland Recreation and Parks Department will be talking about community gardens in Rutland, Rutland Area Farm and Food Network will discuss their Grow-a-Row program, and the Rutland County Master Gardeners will be talking about their certification program and community volunteerism.

A seed swap is an opportunity for folks to try growing something new or different, usually from last years’ saved seed. Ed Graves, librarian at Rutland Free Library, will talk about how to save seeds and share the library’s seed collection with attendees. Other gardeners and growers are invited to bring seeds to share too.

“We’re hosting a handful of speakers to encourage volunteerism, community gardening, and a crosspollination of springtime enthusiasm to create community abundance,” says Graves. “Seed saving is one of the ways that people have preserved cultural traditions historically, and we’re hoping to at least mention locally adapted varieties.”

The library is located at 10 Court St. in Rutland. For more information contact the library by phone 773-1860 or email programs[at]rutlandfree.org.

RAFFL hosts annual Farmers Gathering

2011-03-18T11:44:00.000-04:00

From our friends at RAFFL:
The Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL) will host its sixth annual Farmers Gathering on Tuesday, March 22. Co-sponsored by Green Mountain College and Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District, the event provides opportunities to discuss and engage with the region’s local food system.

The Farmers Gathering begins with workshops on relevant agriculture issues and ends with a community meal sourced by local farms. This year’s workshops will discuss on-farm composting, expanding farmers’ markets, scaling up farms to meet Farm-to-Plate initiatives, and more. Local, state, and federal organizations will also be on hand to discuss land-access issues, promotion and development, farm financing, and available agricultural services. Registration is required for workshops and includes a $20 fee (register here).

RAFFL will end the day with its ever-popular community meal featuring a presentation by Ellen Kahler, executive director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, on “What the Farm-to-Plate Strategy means for Rutland County.” The meal is free and open to the public. See a schedule after the jump.

Farmers Gathering Schedule of Events:

Workshops (1:30 – 5:30pm) - To register and view full descriptions, click here.
Resource Fair (4:30 – 6:30pm) - Learn about agriculture services and resources provided by local, state, and federal organizations
Community Meal (6:30 – 9pm) - Localvore dinner featuring Ellen Kahler, Executive Director of Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

For workshop descriptions, a full list of displays and organizations, and registration links visit www.rutlandfarmandfood.org or e-mail info[at]rutlandfarmandfood.org.

Rutland Winter Farmers' Market on WPTZ

2011-03-09T14:14:00.000-05:00

Check out this video from WPTZ's Jill Glavan about the Rutland Winter Farmers' Market. Best market in the state? Yeah, we think so.

Idle-Free Rutland PSAs

2011-03-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Here are two PSAs produced for Sustainable Rutland by students at Castleton State College.

Giorgetti VOTE is tomorrow

2011-02-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

Support for Giorgetti in the Rutland Herald

2011-02-24T10:25:00.002-05:00

Dana Rec. Center (Nina Keck photo)

Sustainable Rutland Coordinator Jim Sabataso has an op-ed in today's Rutland Herald supporting the Giorgetti arena project. You can read it here.

Sustainable Rutland on PEGTV

2011-02-23T13:04:00.000-05:00

Check our Sustainable Rutland Coordinator Jim Sabataso talking about sustainability in Rutland County with Saskia Hagen-Groom on PEGTV. Patty Kenyon of SolarFest and Ed Bove from the Rutland Regional Planning Commission we also interviewed. View the interview on demand at PEGTV's website (Search for "Sustainable Rutland" under "PEGTV 15 - Talk Shows").

Sustainable farming discussion at Rutland Free Library

2011-02-23T10:55:00.001-05:00

What is the value of environmentally friendly farming? With increasing discussions concerning food production and sustainable food systems in Vermont, it is an important time to assess the demand for environmentally minded farming. Graduate student Jake Claro is looking to do just that by asking Vermonters, via survey and discussion, how much they value environmentally minded farming. Claro will be conducting a survey session in Rutland, amongst other locations, in order to gauge public demand for agricultural practices that not only produce food and fiber, but fulfill key environmental objectives as well. Each session is open to all residents of Vermont who are 18 years or older, and no prior knowledge of agriculture or environmental issues is required.

The date and location for the Rutland survey session is Monday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rutland Free Library Fox Room. For more information, contact Jake Claro, Bard Center for Environmental Policy.

Sustainable Rutland SUPPORTS Giorgetti Arena

2011-02-23T10:19:00.001-05:00

Sustainable Rutland is committed to promoting environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability throughout the Rutland region. As such, we strongly support the proposal to renovate and expand Giorgetti Arena, and we also strongly encourage everyone to become well-informed about the proposal by attending the forum (details below) and visiting www.rutlandcommunitycenter.com

While we understand the concerns of people who question the timing of a bond issue on the city ballot this year, we believe the benefits of a recreation center are well worth the approximately $15 per year per household the initiative will cost. The benefits to the community's citizens (including our children), businesses (who believe the center will help with recruitment), and health and well-being are in sync with the mission and work of Sustainable Rutland. We hope you support this important proposal.

To that end, the Recreation and Parks Dept. will host a forum discussing the project tomorrow evening, Thursday Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Dana Rec. Center.

Follow the conversation on the project's Facebook page, and see more media coverage of the issue below:

"Rutland residents consider renovating Giorgetti Arena" (WCAX)
"Rutland To Vote On New Recreation Center" (VPR)
"Yes on the Center" (Rutland Herald editorial)
Time is Right for Giorgetti Project" (Rutland Herald, op-ed Rutland City Mayor Christopher Louras)
Captstone of Rutland's Renaissance" (Rutland Herald op-ed, CSC Pres. Dave Wolk)

Rutland BoA Forum recap

2011-02-18T09:55:00.002-05:00

Cassandra Hotaling photo

On Wednesday night, Sustainable Rutland and the Creative Economy hosted a Rutland City Board of Alderman Candidates Forum live on PEGTV-21. It was a very interesting and enlightening discussion about issues of community volunteerism and development. You can watch the whole 90-minute forum streaming on demand on PEGTV's website. Also, check out Rutland Herald Editor Randal Smathers' blog post about the forum, and read the Herald's coverage. Bi thanks to PEGTV for all their help, to Randal for moderating, and the Herald for being a co-sponsor.

Rutland City Board of Aldermen Candidates Forum LIVE on PEGTV

2011-02-11T09:53:00.001-05:00

This year there are 10 candidates vying for seats on Rutland City's Board of Alderman. And, like you, we want to get to know them better so we vote with confidence and knowledge. To that end, Sustainable Rutland, the Creative Economy, and the Rutland Herald are hosting a Candidates Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The forum will be broadcast LIVE at 7:30 p.m. on PEGTV Channel 21 (the forum will be replayed on PEGTV until election day). Candidates will discuss the Creative Economy and issues of sustainability in this forum which will be facilitated by Randal Smathers, Editor of the Rutland Herald.

And we are asking YOU, our SR members, for any questions you might have for the candidates relevant to our current initiatives or questions about broader issues of sustainability in Rutland. Please email us your questions. Remember: there only so much time in the forum so we will not be able to get to every question, but we'll do our best.

We hope you tune in. For updates and info, please check back here or visit our Facebook Page.

Rutland Area Colleges: Connected, Naturally on Facebook

2011-02-08T19:06:00.001-05:00

Our college student incentive program now has a Facebook page. Check it out at Facebook.com/RutlandCollegeConnection. To get your business signed up, drop us a line here. And for more info visit our college page.

WATCH the new trailer for 'The Blood in this Town"

2011-02-08T19:01:00.001-05:00

"THE BLOOD IN THIS TOWN" TRAILER from Great Jones Productions on Vimeo.

Check out the latest trailer for The Blood in this Town. Stay tuned for news about BITT in the coming weeks.

Castleton State College Campus Center gets LEED certification

2011-01-03T09:56:00.004-05:00

From our friends at Castleton State College:
The Castleton State College Campus Center has recently been awarded LEED Gold certification as established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. There are only 11 other LEED Gold or Platinum Certified buildings in Vermont.

The $7.1 million Campus Center, which opened in the fall of 2009, was designed as a high performance green building. To construct the new building, the old Campus Center, which was built of cinderblocks in the 1970s, was totally renovated and incorporated into the attractive and enlarged design.

Castleton President Dave Wolk said, "This is an example of Castleton's dedication to sustainability. We took a building that was inefficient and uncomfortable and turned it into a gem."

The original goal of the project was to achieve LEED Silver certification, but JMZ Architects and Planners of Glens Falls, N.Y., exceeded those expectations.

Bob Joy, a managing principal of JMZ, said, "The design team found innovative ways to reuse or repurpose 97 percent of the materials in the existing building, which reduced construction waste. They also incorporated an extremely efficient building envelope, high-efficiency interior lighting, advanced heating, ventilating and air conditioning and control systems, innovative water use technologies and sustainable materials throughout."

"The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO, and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council.

"The work of innovative building projects such as the Castleton Campus Center is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement," he added.

Rutland High School eco-club holds holiday green gift wrap fundraiser

2010-12-13T11:30:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Rutland High School Environmentally Conscious and Active Club will be holding a Holiday Green Gift Wrap fundraiser at LuLu’s Artisan Gallery (also on Facebook) at 34 Strongs Ave. (next to The Palms). For a small donation, the Club will gladly wrap all your holiday presents in environmentally friendly, recycled and repurposed materials, creating funky, unique and one-of-a-kind packages. We're also looking for any wrapping materials you might have that you would like to donate to the club. You can drop donations off at LuLu's all this week (Tues-Thurs 10-6 and Fri-Sat 10-8). This is a fun event, and all the proceeds go to the Club's future projects. So grab your presents and head down to LuLu's, or buy something there, and help support a great club and a local business.

REDC Greener Mountains PHOTOS

2010-12-06T10:47:00.001-05:00

A shot of our booth from REDC's inaugural Greener Mountains held over the weekend at the Holiday Inn in Rutland. In addition to our info booth we also held a Sew-in (see below), sold CFLs thanks to the Rutland UU, and had a kids Trash 2 Art activity table courtesy of Hands On Minds On.

Thanks to Blake from RHS' Environmentally Conscious & Active Club for joining us to make some great reusable bags. The bags will be on sale later this month at the club's Green Gift Wrap Depot at LuLu's Artisan Gallery (34 Strongs Ave.)

Casellas offers E-Waste recycling this Saturday

2010-11-30T15:25:00.001-05:00

E-Waste (electronic Wwaste) recycling will be held at Casella’s facility on Smith Street (off from Green Hill Lane) from 8 a.m. to noon. Look for signage. Limit 2 items per person. A small fee will be charged for each additional item. Please no light bulbs or appliances. Acceptable items include: CDs and DVDs, cell phones, computer monitors, desktop computers, DVD players, laptops, MP3 players, office machines, stereo equipment and speakers, toys with a power supply, televisions (box-style and flat screen), VCR players, video systems and games.

REDC's Greener Mountains this Saturday Dec. 4

2010-11-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

The Greener Mountains invites community members and businesses alike to discover how green can improve homes and businesses. This free admission event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Holiday Inn in Rutland.
The Greener Mountains will showcase a wide variety of green vendors. These will include home improvement, automotive, energy efficiency, new technologies, service providers and local food programs.

The day will also include: children’s activities presented by Hands-On Minds-On Children’s Art Studio, demonstrations, and workshops geared toward benefits for homes and businesses presented by Rutland Regional Planning Commission.

Each workshop will be held two different times during the day:

9 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Heating with Wood Pellets, CVPS’ Smart Grid (home and business focused), and Living With Solar (home and business focused)

10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Farm Fresh Delivery to your Worksite, Zero-Sort Recycling (home and business focused), and Home Energy Retrofits (home focused)

11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Principles of Green 101 (business focused), Energy Efficiency – 101 Basics (home and business focused), and Green Building for Renovations and New Construction (home and business focused).

E-Waste (Electronic Waste) Recycling will be held at Casella’s facility on Smith Street off from Green Hill Lane from 8 a.m. to noon. Look for signage. Limit 2 items per person. A small fee will be charged for each additional item. Please no light bulbs or appliances. Acceptable items include: CDs and DVDs, cell phones, computer monitors, desktop computers, DVD players, laptops, MP3 players, office machines, stereo equipment and speakers, toys with a power supply, televisions (box-style and flat screen), VCR players, video systems and games.

REDC would like to thank you to their sponsors: Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Rutland Herald, Rutland Regional Medical Center and IKON.

Additional Support of the Greener Mountains is provided by Sustainable Rutland, The Bus: Marble Valley Regional Transit District, SolarFest, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, and Holiday Inn of Rutland. The event is also a project of the Rutland County Energy Challenge (www.rutlandcountyenergychallenge.com).

Rutland Boys & Girls Club Localvore Thanksgiving Dinner

2010-11-24T19:43:00.000-05:00

Some happy diners at last night's Thanksgiving Dinner at the Rutland Boys & Girls Club. The Club took our Localvore Challenge this year, and Chef Ian delivered a delicious meal to the B&G community. Big thanks to Ian, Brooke and everyone else at the Club.

WPTZ covers Thanksgiving Localvore Challenge

2010-11-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

Our Thanksgiving Localvore Challenge was on WPTZ tonight. View the video here. You can also check our WPTZ's Jill Glavan's Living Localovore blog to see how her year-ling localvore challenge is going. And big props to the Rutland's own Domestic Diva, Hilary Adams-Paul (left) for being an awesome interviewee. Happy Thanksgiving!

VIDEO :: The Story of Electronics

2010-11-15T12:29:00.003-05:00

Check out the latest video from Annie Leonard and the Story of Stuff Project. See the Projects other videos and get more info at the following links:

Story of Stuff's YouTube channel
StoryofStuff.com

Localvore Challenge on WCAX News

2010-11-07T20:39:00.002-05:00

Our Thanksgiving Localvore Challenge was on WCAX's Channel 3 News on Friday night. Get more info on the challenge and sign up here.

Take the 2010 Thanksgiving Localvore Challenge

2010-11-04T12:07:00.001-04:00

This Thanksgiving, Sustainable Rutland and Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL) are once again inviting you to celebrate in the spirit of the first Thanksgiving feast and support your local economy and farmers by preparing a meal with ingredients grown and produced within 100 miles of where you live.

In the Rutland Region, there are many reasons for us to be thankful. One important reason is the abundance of delicious, healthy locally grown and produced food – much of it available year round. The Challenge is an opportunity for you to see how simple and rewarding it is to create a local meal.

And to make it even easier, this year we've launched an interactive blog, RutlandLocalvore.wordpress.com, where you can find and share information, including recipes and suggestions on where to purchase local ingredients.

Sign up for the Challenge below.

(REMOVED)

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

NOFA Vermont to hold annual meeting in Rutland

2010-11-04T10:48:00.001-04:00

From NOFA-VT:
Please join NOFA Vermont staff, board, members, and friends for our Annual Meeting and Potluck. Come and celebrate, network, and laugh with friends old and new.

Saturday, November 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Trinity Church on West Street in Rutland.

The meeting is free and all are welcome. Every NOFA member who brings a non-member guest will receive a raffle entry for each friend they bring. Raffle prizes include wool, vegetables, and meat from NOFA Vermont staff and board members. Please help us grow our member community.

Please RSVP. Contact the NOFA office at info@nofavt.org or call (802) 434-4122. Visit NOFA-VT's website for more information. View the evening's activities after the jump.

5-6 p.m. - Hors d'oeuvres and discussion
2011 will be NOFA Vermont's 40th birthday. Join us to look at highlights of the past 40 years and discuss our priorities for the next 40. We will also elect new Board of Directors members.

6-7 p.m. - Taste of Vermont Pot-Luck Dinner
Please bring a (non-dessert) dish to share that features flavors from your garden, farm, or kitchen. Local pies, made by Hilary Bushee of Sunrise Hill Organic Farm in Poultney, and Strafford Organic Ice Cream will be provided for dessert.

7-8 p.m. - "Planting the Seeds of Solidarity and Self-Reliance."
How are farmers and individuals in Vermont learning from and contributing to communities outside of Vermont? John Hayden, farmer at The Farm Between in Jeffersonville, VT and NOFA-VT Board Member, shares his experience as a small farmer in Vermont and his work with resource-limited communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

8 p.m. - Raffle drawing

Localvore Challege on PEGTV's 'What's Cooking Rutland'

2010-11-03T21:18:00.001-04:00

Check out the most recent episode of PEGTV's What's Cooking Rutland. Sustainable Rutland board president and Rutland Area Farm and Food Link board member Carol Tashie teamed up with the Rutland Herald's editor-in-chief Randal Smathers to prepare a localvore meal for the upcoming Thanksgiving Localvore Challenge. Stream the video here (search for the Oct. 25 episode under the "Cooking Shows" category). Thanks to WCR host Karen Schneider of UVM Extension for having us. More details about the Challenge to come.

Rutland Economic Development Corp. to host green show in December

2010-10-25T09:54:00.002-04:00

The Rutland Economic Development Corporation is very excited to announce its first annual “The Greener Mountains” event. “The Greener Mountains” invites community members and businesses alike to discover how “Green” can improve homes and businesses. This free admission event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Holiday Inn in Rutland.

“The Greener Mountains” will showcase a wide variety of “Green” vendors. The day will also include: workshops presented by Rutland Regional Planning Commission geared toward benefits for the home and business; children’s activities; and much more.

If you would like to become a vendor or sponsor of “The Greener Mountains,” please contact Mary Kay Skaza at (802) 773-9147 or by e-mail. There are limited spaces available so please register early.

Additional Support of “The Greener Mountains” is provided by Rutland Regional Planning Commission, Sustainable Rutland, The Bus, SolarFest, Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, and Rutland Herald. The event is also a project of the Rutland County Energy Challenge.

To download vendor and/or sponsor forms or for more information, click here.

'The Blood in this Town' sneak preview in Rutland this weekend

2010-10-18T14:28:00.002-04:00

"THE BLOOD IN THIS TOWN" TRAILER from Great Jones Productions on Vimeo.

Mark your calendars, Rutland, this Saturday Oct. 23 the Paramount Theatre will host a sneak preview of "The Blood in this Town." the documentary by New York Filmmaker Art Jones, which chronicles the Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive and Rutland’s drive to revitalize itself in the face of international economic troubles. It’s a true story of grit, determination and victory over adversity – with a cast of more than 1,000 mostly-locals filling the screen. Besides the blood drive, the film includes such successes as the all-year farmer’s market, the creation and expansion of the trails at Pinehill Park, Friday Night Live, and others.

The special sneak preview will be on Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. The evening will include a screening of the entire film, along with a reception, discussion and Q&A with Jones. Tickets sales benefit the Paramount Theatre. To order tickets, call 775-090 or click here to order them online.

SYNOPSIS
Once a boomtown built on railroads, quarries and manufacturing, Rutland, Vermont is a blue-collar town that’s been written-off and forgotten, like thousands of struggling small towns across America. Yet Rutland is also the town that could provide a blueprint to revive America. When Rutlanders learned that one pint of blood can save up to three lives, they rolled up their sleeves and broke all blood-donation records. When they realized that no one was coming to save them, they decided to do it themselves.

Localvore Potluck in Pittsford on 10/10/10

2010-10-06T15:53:00.001-04:00

10/10/10 Carbon Footprint Checklist

2010-10-01T17:55:00.005-04:00

Here's our 10/10/10 Checklist to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint, part of 350.org's Global Work Party. Download this checklist and keep it close by this week as you check off each one of these simple tasks. Then, on Saturday Oct. 9, bring the completed checklist to our tent at the Farmers' Market in Depot Park to be entered in a drawing for local prizes. You can also cut out a copy of the checklist in the Rutland Herald print edition on 10/3, 10/4, and 10/5. Email us with any questions, and good luck!

Is this list too easy for you? Take a crack at our ADVANCED LIST. This week, try some of these suggestions for really reducing your carbon footprint. To participate in the drawing, submit the above entry form with "ADVANCED" written somewhere on it. Good luck!

Go LOCALVORE or VEGAN (or try being "vegan until 6 ") all week.
Forgo your clothes dryer and hang your clothes out to dry all week.
Forgo buying anything with plastic packaging all week.
Replace ALL your the bulbs in your home with CLFs or LEDs.
Leave your car at home; walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving at least 3 times this week. (If you must drive, lessen your footprint by carpooling.)
(We'll be adding some more, but get started on these.)

And click here to CALCULATE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT.

Rutland 10/10/10 UPDATE

2010-09-29T10:35:00.000-04:00

We've been getting a lot of questions lately asking if Sustainable Rutland is participating in 350.org's 10/10/10 Global Work Party. The answer is YES. There's some kind of glitch on 350's website so we haven't been able to officially register, but we definitely have a couple things planned. Get the details after the jump.

The first event is a Work Day at the Rutland Community Gardens on Woodstock Ave. Volunteers should meet at the gardens at 9 a.m. Parking is available across the street at Rutland High School unless you are bringing a significant number of tools as parking is very limited at the gardens. Dress appropriately and any of the following tools you can bring would be greatly appreciated: clippers, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, gloves. Thanks to Cindi and the Rutland Recreation & Parks Dept. for organizing this for us.

The second event will be a week-long project that we're asking all of you to participate in. Over the weekend we'll be posting a Carbon Footprint Checklist that will ask you to complete 10 simple task that will help you reduce your carbon footprint. The list will also be printed in the Rutland Herald next Sun., Mon., and Tues.

Simply complete this checklist during the week, and drop it off at our booth in Depot Park on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to be entered in a drawing for local prizes.

The official list/entry form will be posted this weekend, but here's a preview:

Replace 5 light bulbs at home with CFLs or LEDs.
Use only reusable bags all week.
Eat and/or prepare at least 1 localvore meal.
Inflate your tires.
Don’t idle your vehicle for more than 30 seconds all week.
Bike/walk/bus someplace you would normally drive to.
Set up a recycling station in your home.
Don’t drink/buy bottled water all week.
Unplug your electronics/chargers when not in use.
Conserve water (turn off the faucet when washing dishes/brushing teeth/etc.)

More details to follow.

Rutland Public Schools serves locally-sourced lunch

2010-09-18T18:11:00.000-04:00

Genetically Engineered Salmon: coming soon to a plate near you

2010-09-15T14:20:00.004-04:00

A message from our friends at NOFA Vermont...

"The FDA is considering approval of genetically engineered (GE) salmon, with a hearing set for this Sunday, September 19. If approved, there is no policy in place that would require GE salmon to be labeled as such.

"While Vermont farmers aren't threatened directly by GE salmon, of course, this is the first GE animal to be considered for human consumption, and will set a precedent for more to come. In addition, genetic engineering violates the principles of organic production, and its environmental and human health risks have not yet been thoroughly researched. For salmon specifically, the threats to wild salmon populations - already endangered - and the amounts of antibiotics likely to be administered to these "macro-mutants" should be cause for serious concern.

"We urge you to take action and voice your opposition to GE salmon. The Center for Food Safety will deliver comments in person and electronically at the hearing. To submit your comment, please visit their website."

Learn more about GE salmon:
Greenpeace
GE-fish.com (Center for Food Safety)
Food and Water Watch

Pete Seeger: "Garbage" (VIDEO)

2010-09-14T14:24:00.006-04:00

Thanks to Don from the Downtown Rutland Partnership for sending this our way. Read the lyrics here.

Rutland City parks go SMOKE FREE

2010-09-08T10:39:00.002-04:00

Last night, the Rutland City Board of Aldermen passed a tobacco ban for all city parks. Naturally, this ban will rub some people the wrong way, however, as Aldermen Notte noted, it is a "quality of life measure." Smokers' rights end where non-smokers (especially, children) lungs begin. Enacting a smoking ban in city parks is a measure that benefits the majority of citizens. (Though, enforcement and the question of how to handle more complicated public spaces like Center Street Alley will surely be a challenge.)

Still, we found the BoA's decision somewhat surprising given their past reluctance to support bans and ordinances. For both plastic bags and recycling -- two significant quality of life measures, in our opinion -- SR has been told not to go down the road of bans and ordinances because the BoA wasn't in the business of telling the public what to do. Certainly, recycling is an improvement to Rutland's quality of life -- to say nothing of the long term economic benefits of a comprehensive recycling program (recycling extends the lives of landfills as well as saves residents money on trash disposal). Despite what some may argue, having a mandatory and accessible recycling program is imperative. It's 2010. It's time to take the leap.

Hopefully, last night's decision marks a new era in the BoA's willingness to step in and make important decisions that will ultimately improve the quality of life in Rutland.

The Majestic Plastic Bag (VIDEO)

2010-09-07T15:47:00.002-04:00

A well-done mockumentary about the life cycle of a plastic bag. (Narrated by Jeremy Irons!)

Sustainable Rutland in the Rutland Business Journal

2010-09-07T14:13:00.000-04:00

Check out our story in this month's issue of the Rutland Business Journal. Jim and Carol discuss our transition to a state nonprofit and some of our current initiatives.

Remembering Steve Eddy

2010-09-02T10:44:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, Rutland lost one of its best. Steve Eddy was a business leader, community advocate, and friend. Carol and I first worked with Steve on the Rutland City SEEDs group, an ad hoc committee of downtown business owners and volunteers, which served as a precursor to the current makeup and mission of Sustainable Rutland.

When Carol and I became co-chairs for SR, Steve and the City SEEDs group served as a sounding board and think tank of sorts for our early initiatives. Steve had no shortage of ideas. Our Bag the Bag campaign grew out of our time with City SEEDs, and was a project that Steve was instrumental in helping us roll it out.

During this time we got to know Steve as a kind, passionate, and active citizen with a keen mind and a sharp wit. Committee meetings with Steve in the room were never short on laughs.

In retirement, Steve eagerly devoted even more time to to the community, volunteering with RAFFL's Grow an Extra Row as well as serving on its board and on the boards of the RRA, DRP, and the Library.

Steve was an inspiration. His contributions to the Rutland community are appreciated. Rutland is surely a better place because of his being here. We'll miss you, Steve.

- Jim.

Read the Herald article and the obituary.

Sustainable Rutland on the radio

2010-09-01T14:43:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend, SR Coordinator Jim Sabataso sat down with Nanci Gordon from Catamount Radio to discuss some of our current initiatives including Colleges: Connected, Naturally. Listen to the program, which aired on WSYB, WJJR, and Cat Country HERE (search for "Sustainable Rutland").

Trash 2 Art '010 redux

2010-08-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

Trash 2 Art 2010 has come and gone. Once again, we saw some very creative works of art. Congrats our winners, and thanks to partners: the Downtown Rutland Partnership, the Rutland County Solid Waste District, Rutland Public Schools, Hands On Minds On Children’s Art Studio, Rutland Creative Economy and the Chaffee Arts Center. And props also to our sponsors: Rutland County Solid Waste District, Celebration Rentals, Rutland Herald, Timco Jewelers, Casella, Earth Waste Systems, Sensible Solutions & Support, LuLu's Artisan Gallery, and People's United Bank. Thanks also to our judges: George Nostrand, Patty Kenyon, and Mayor Christopher Louras. See more photos and the winners after the jump.

The WINNERS

Good Looking Garbage: "Action Horse 1" by Kurt Kretvix

Sculpted Scrap: "Temple of Incongruities" by Terry Scott

Trash Talk: "Surrender" by Freda Mengel

True Trash: "The Bags, The Herald, and the Tree" by Irene & Thomas Walker

YOUTH WINNERS

Artist age 9 and under: "Dog" by Grace Church Summer Camp

Artist age 9-13: "Tightrope and Circus Bird" by Naomi Merrill (top of image)

Artist age 14-18: "A World in..." by Hannah Kretvix

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

Youth: "Robot" by Grace Church Summer Camp

Runner up: "Feline Fountain" by Edna Morris Donahue

Winner: "Big Bird; or Crowned Crane" by Kurt Kretvix

See more photos at our Facebook page.

Trash 2 Art is this Friday

2010-08-16T14:17:00.000-04:00

Our 2nd annual Trash 2 Art contest & exhibition will take place this Friday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. Come down the the final Friday Night Live of the season. We'll be in the Pit showcasing this year's crop of amateur and professional trash art creations. You can view the pieces from 6 to 8:30 when the winners will be announced. Be sure to stop by and vote for your favorite piece in our People's Choice category. We'll see you there!

Rutland Long Trail Festival on August 7

2010-07-22T11:33:00.001-04:00

[From our friends at RLTF] The Rutland Long Trail Festival, a free event and awesome day of home grown Vermont music outdoor adventures and fun geared toward the whole family is happening right in the heart of Rutland City on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Vermont State Fair Grounds on Rt. 7. Now in its fourth year, the festival’s mission, “a celebratory gathering to inspire individuals to participate in the outdoors,” has expanded its scope to include all outdoor activities, with more exhibitors and non-profit organizations getting involved. The festival showcases Rutland’s close proximity to the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, with lots of long distance hikers visiting for the weekend and willing to share information on their travel adventures.

The very popular Children’s Camp led by Jen Hogan of Rutland’s Hands On Minds On Children's Art Studio is also expanding its very popular all-day program with Rutland Recreation’s Theater Program performing “101 Dalmations.” All day outdoor activities culminate in a “s'more” fest campfire scheduled for the early evening. With the festival utilizing the back lawn of the State Fairgrounds, children have lots of space to move around while their parents can enjoy the entertainment and activities all around them.

Award-winning singer and song writer, Phil Henry continues to head up the festival’s entertainment venue, and showcasing the superb talent of Vermont musicians is also putting this festival on the map and making it a must stop for local residents as well as vacationers, outdoor enthusiasts and their families as they come through Vermont this summer. Phil remains deeply committed to this festival venue encouraging and showcasing the superb local talent of Vermont musicians, which is helping to foster the Rutland region as a music center of Vermont. The Starlight Rhythm Boys will be making their music at the festival this year with 10 other bands performing through out the day on two stages .The open mic competition at the festival has become the talk of the town in helping local musicians nurture their passions for making great music and children will get in the act this year with a new stage set up in the children’s area.

The Rutland Long Trail Festival made a big leap in 2009 with national recognition by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in their summer issue of AT Journeys highlighting Rutland City as a trail town and referring to our festival as “an awesome day of festivities, education activities and relaxation geared toward the whole family” Admission is free and camping on site is available for $5 per person for the weekend. Last year , Backpacking magazine also cited Rutland as “the best place to raise children as thruhikers.”

In the spirit of community service and in promotion of environmental stewardship, festival organizers will again collaborate with founder Bob Peoples of the Tennessee Eastman Club, the Green Mountain Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to schedule a “HardCore” volunteer workday on Sunday August 8, 2010. In 2007, the “HardCore” work crew worked on the Appalachian Trail (AT) Thundering Brook Falls relocation project in Killington which helped finish the first handicap accessible AT section in New England. In 2008, over thirty volunteers helped to repair the suspension bridge over Clarendon Gorge. Last year, volunteers replaced the roof on Tucker-Johnson Shelter at Killington. As a city sponsored event hosted by the Rutland Recreation and Parks Department (RRPD), any financial contributions made to the festival are tax deductible.

Giving back to the community is an attribute fostered and encouraged with this festival and we are always seeking new volunteers to lend a hand. For more information on performance schedule, see www.longtrailfestivalvt.com.

Get on the Sustainable Rutland BUS

2010-07-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

Eggplants at Rutland Middle Garden

2010-07-13T22:16:00.000-04:00

SolarFest this weekend

2010-07-13T09:42:00.004-04:00

SolarFest, Vermont’s largest energy festival happens this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in our own backyard – Tinmouth. Selected workshops with regional ties are listed after the jump, or see the whole three-day schedule of workshops and performances at www.SolarFest.org.

Sunday, 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Rutland County Town Energy Committees Forum and Panel Discussion
Members of Rutland County Town Energy Committees will describe the activities taking place in their towns, and engage in a discussion with audience members about how volunteer town energy committees can reduce energy consumption and encourage investment in residential renewable energy systems. Presenters: Annette Smith, Tim Chila, and members of Rutland County Town Energy Committees

Sunday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Rutland: The Connected City
As Rutland City seeks to reinvent itself, it is finding strength in its connections. Connections to surrounding farm lands, connections between people within the community, and connection to statewide efforts and trends. In this workshop, the presenters will share some of what's happening - and seek input from the audience about how a small city in a rural state can build toward a sustainable future. Presenters: Mark Foley, Jr., Tara Kelly, Jim Sabataso, and Mike Coppinger

Sunday, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Funding and Supporting Community Change
Come and talk with Cheryl Fischer from the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund, Gaye Symington from the High Meadows Fund, and Jen Peterson from the Vermont Community Foundation about funding and other resources available for organizations working for social change. Pick their brains about where to find funds, what makes a good grant proposal, and ways to build support for your work. Presenters: Cheryl King Fischer, Gaye Symington and Jen Peterson

Zero Waste at Friday Night Live, Week 2

2010-07-06T10:50:00.000-04:00

Our Trash Ambassadors were out in force at last week's Friday Night Live one Center Street in Rutland. It's not too late to sign up for a shift or two. Contact us here.

If only we could all be more like scarecrows

2010-07-01T10:36:00.000-04:00

From Don at the Downtown Rutland Partnership. He snapped this photo over the weekend at the Vermont History Expo.

Zero Waste, Friday Night Live on WCAX

2010-06-28T15:09:00.002-04:00

Zero Waste at Friday Night Live, WEEK 1

2010-06-28T11:30:00.001-04:00

Week 1 of our Zero Waste project at Friday Night Live was a big hit. Thanks to our "Trash Ambassadors" for all their hard work. We'll be back next week, and for the rest of the FNL season. If you're interested in volunteering, contact us here. And check out more photos on our Facebook page.

BIG NEWS from Sustainable Rutland

2010-06-25T11:08:00.001-04:00

Sustainable Rutland, an initiative of Rutland's Creative Economy, is excited to announce our new status as a state nonprofit organization. In recent months, we have discussed the future of SR. In order for us to more effectively grow our mission of promoting environmental, economic, and cultural sustainability throughout the Rutland Region, we concluded that the logical step was to transition from a committee of volunteers into an actual organization. We have written for and received several grants to fund a coordinator position, which has been filled by co-chair, Jim Sabataso. Our other co-chair, Carol Tashie, will now act as president of our board. Be sure to check this blog and our Facebook page regularly to get the latest SR news, and see how you can get involved. We look forward to continuing to work together with you and the rest of the Rutland community as our organization continues to grow. Thank you.

CVPS Solar Project & Renewable Education Center grand opening

2010-06-22T13:11:00.004-04:00

Here's a couple photos from today's grand opening ceremony of Central Vermont Public Service's Solar Project and Renewable Education Center in Rutland Town. The site will serve as a solar demonstration project and learning center. Students from Stafford Technical Center contributed to the installation or the solar array. See more photos on our Facebook page.

L-R: Lyle Jepson (Stafford Technical Center), Matt Lash (IBEW), Bob Young (CVPS), Gov. Jim Douglas

Rutland Middle School Garden UPDATE

2010-06-09T16:49:00.001-04:00

Sustainable Rutland is please to welcome Katie Ross to the Rutland Middle School Garden. Katie is a masters' student at Antioch University New England where she is studying Environmental Studies and Integrated Learning. As part of her program, she will be interning at the garden this summer where she will work with Tapestry and Summer Academy students. In addition, Katie will be spending some time over at the Vermont Achievement Center's garden with Sheldon Academy students. You can follow Katie's work in the garden at her blog, Natural Grow. Regular garden updates will also be posted on this blog. Welcome, Katie. And good luck!

Visit to Rutland Middle School Garden

2010-06-08T14:15:00.001-04:00

We stopped down to see how the Rutland Middle School Garden was coming along today. It's still early, but there's already a little bit of green.

Do-It-Yourself Weatherization Skillshop Comes to Rutland Region

2010-06-08T10:56:00.001-04:00

Here's some news from the Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC):

Are you ready to…

Make your home more comfortable?
Save on your home energy costs?
Take advantage of financial incentives to weatherize your home this year?

Find out more after the jump.

One of the challenges for folks who want to make their own energy efficiency improvements on their homes is getting the proper guidance and training on how to achieve meaningful energy savings. Good news is here! Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) is organizing a series of day-long Weatherization Skillshops in nine locations statewide for do-it-yourselfers on how to weatherize their homes. These skillshops are being organizing in partnership with the Adult Technical Education Centers throughout the state. Rutland will host a skillshop at Stafford Tech on Saturday, July 10.
Skillshop participants will learn the core fundamentals and hands-on techniques needed to improve building efficiency on their own, including background on building science, how-to demonstrations, and hands-on skill building. The weatherization skillshop consists of three distinct modules:

- Air-sealing and insulating attics,
- Air-sealing windows and doors, and
- Air-sealing and insulating basements.

Participants will learn how to choose the right energy saving products and tools for basic projects and how to safely and effectively use materials. The cost of the skillshops is $150 – which includes $100 in weatherization tools, supplies, and resources – and lunch. CVCAC gratefully acknowledges the support of the High Meadows Foundation for underwriting a portion of the costs of the skillshops. We have only space for 15-20 participants at each workshop – so please encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up today through the following link www.weatherizationskillshop.com or by calling Laurie Fielder at 802 476 2093 x116.

At each skillshop, participants will get the opportunity to sign up for the DIY Home Energy Efficiency Pilot Program, a new program being launched to help do-it-yourselfers work under the guidance of a certified home performance contractor and gain access to home performance incentives. CVCAC has partnered with Efficiency Vermont to ensure that the homeowner's work meets efficiency standards and thus qualifies for incentives.

The schedule for the skillshops is as follows:

June 12 - Barre Technical Center, Barre
June 19 - St. Johnsbury Academy, St. Johnsbury
June 26 - River Valley Technical Center, Springfield
July 10 - Stafford Technical Center, Rutland
July 17 - Center for Technology, Essex
September 11 - Windham Regional Career Center, Brattleboro
September 18 - SW VT Career Development Center, Bennington
September 25 - River Bend Career and Technical Center, Bradford
October 2 - NW Technical Center, St. Albans

For additional details, visit www.weatherizationskillshop.com or call Laurie Fielder at (802) 476-2093 x116.

Call for Zero Waste VOLUNTEERS

2010-06-01T12:08:00.000-04:00

Sustainable Rutland is looking for VOLUNTEERS to help implement a Zero Waste Project at Downtown Rutland's Friday Night Live series.

In collaboration with the Downtown Rutland Partnership, the Rutland County Solid Waste District, Casella Waste Systems, and Foley Distributing, we are working to significantly decrease the amount of trash that is generated during Rutland's Friday Night Live. One step in the right direction: the city will be putting out recycling and composting bins each Friday night. To support these efforts – and to make sure people understand what goes where and why – we are looking for volunteers to help educate the public by "staffing" those recycling and compost containers.

Friday Night Live runs every Friday (June 25-August 20) from 6 to 10 p.m. on Center Street in Downtown Rutland. Volunteers would need to arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 to help set up. Note to middle and high school students: this is a great community service opportunity. Also, volunteering does not require an 8-week commitment; just let us know when you are able to help, and we will put you on the schedule.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help, please contact us. And as always, please pass this note along to any and all other interested parties.

Trash 2 Art 2010 POSTERS

2010-05-20T10:39:00.001-04:00

The 2010 Trash 2 Art posters are hot of the (digital) presses and ready for download. Help us spread the word by printing one (or more) and posting it someplace where people with see it. Get yours HERE (8.5x11) and HERE (11x17). And don't forget to download your ENTRY FORM, too. Thanks!

Trash 2 Art 2010

2010-05-13T21:36:00.007-04:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS, Trash 2 Art contest and exhibition is returning for its second year on FRIDAY, AUGUST 20 at Friday Night Live. With over 50 entries and hundreds of visitors, last year's event was a huge success. This year, we're hoping to make it even bigger with MORE categories and BIG CASH PRIZES! Get all the trashy details and download your entry form after the jump.

UPDATE: Trash 2 Art POSTERS are now available. Please feel free to print and post them at your favorite coffee shop, store, community center, or wherever else you can (Thanks!). Download them HERE (11x17) and HERE (8.5x11). And don't forget your ENTRY FORM.

Learning to reduce, reuse, and recycle is an important part of everyone’s life and an essential component of a healthy environment. This project encourages everyone – no matter your experience or lack of experience with art – to turn Trash into Art and have fun doing it.

The 2010 Trash 2 Art Contest and Exhibit is open to EVERYONE of ALL ages. No artistic background is necessary. Participants can enter as individuals, teams, or families.

This is an art contest and exhibit of durable art of any size made from found objects, surplus materials, used items, trash, or anything else that might find its way into our landfills. This year, there will be 6 prize categories for adults, as well as a People’s Choice award. Please see the guidelines on the entry form for full description of the categories. You must submit your art under one of these categories.

All submissions will be judged and exhibited during Friday Night Live, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 20, 2010 in Downtown Rutland. This is an outdoor, rain or shine event held under a tent. Because this is a family-friendly event, the organizers reserve the right to exhibit controversial submissions at a separate venue during this exhibit.

Participants are responsible for transporting their art into and out of the exhibit space on the day of the contest/exhibit. Set-up is from 1 to 5 p.m. Breakdown of the exhibit will occur at the end of Friday Night Live. If necessary, an indoor storage location, convenient to downtown, will be available for storage of art prior to and immediately after the event. Individual arrangements may be possible
for those needing assistance with set-up and/or breakdown.

ENTRY FEE: This contest and exhibit is open to anyone of any age. An entry fee of $10 (free for those under the age of 18 years; $5 for college students), entitles participants 18-years and older to a time-limited special access pass to the Gleason Road Transfer Station. Participating teams and families which include at least one person 18-years or older will be required to pay the $10 entry fee.

CONTEST/PRIZES: All submissions will be judged by a panel of community members and artists. Adult prizes will be awarded in each of 6 categories according to the guidelines. Youth prizes will be awarded in 3 age-specific categories. There will also be a People’s Choice award for adults and youth. Teams or families which include at least one person 18 years or older will be eligible only for the adult
category of prizes.

CATEGORIES: The winning submission in each of the following adult categories will receive a $150 cash prize.

Recycled Cycles: this category will accept submissions of art made of old bicycle parts and/or of bikes created using trash materials. Judging will be based on the adherence to category, as well as creativity and aesthetics.

Good Looking Garbage: this category will accept submissions of any form of Trash 2 Art. Judging will be based on aesthetics and creativity. Sponsored by Timco Jewelers and Gallery.

UnPlugged: this category will accept submissions made of old electronics such as telephones, mp3 players, TVs, computers, cell phones, etc. Judging will be based on the adherence to category, as well as creativity and aesthetics. Guidelines for appropriate handling and use of electronic materials will be provided to anyone who plans to enter a submission in this category. Sponsored, in part, by Sensible
Solutions and Support.

Sculpted Scrap: this category will accept submissions made of at least 50% scrap metal. Judging will be based on the adherence to category, as well as creativity and aesthetics. Sponsored by Earth Waste Systems.

Trash Talk: this category will accept submissions that make clear visual statements about pressing issues of the day. All submissions must be titled. Judging will be based on the strength and the clarity of the statement, as well as creativity and aesthetics. Sponsored by the Rutland Herald.

True Trash: this category will accept submissions that are created 100% (with the exception of adhesives) of “true trash” (materials that cannot be recycled and would end up in the landfill). Judging will be based on the best use of non-recyclable materials, as well as creativity and aesthetics. Sponsored, in part, by Casella Waste Systems.

All adult entries will also be eligible for the following prizes:
People’s Choice: First Place - $300 prize
People’s Choice: Runner-Up - $200 prize

YOUTH (under the age of 18 years old): One prize will be awarded in each of the following categories:

Artists under 9 years: $50 US Savings Bond, donated by Chittenden Bank
Artists ages 9-13 years: $50 US Savings Bond, donated by Chittenden Bank
Artists ages 14-18 years: $50 US Savings Bond, donated by Chittenden Bank
Youth People’s Choice Prize: $50 cash prize

To enter, download the ENTRY FORM. All entry forms must be received by August 13, 2010.

For more information, please contact us here. And be sure to check the blog for updates.

Brought to you by: Sustainable Rutland, with support from the Downtown Rutland Partnership, the Rutland County Solid Waste District, Rutland Public Schools, Hands On Minds On Children’s Art Studio, Rutland Creative Economy and the Chaffee Arts Center.

Work for RAFFL, ask us how

2010-05-11T11:50:00.002-04:00

From our friends at RAFFL:
RAFFL is excited to announce that we are again expanding as an organization serving local farms and food in the Rutland Region! There are currently two open job positions within our organization. Full details here.

We are looking for organized folks who are passionate about our Region's local farms and food system. Join us by rolling up your sleeves and contributing your skills as we continue to ramp up our programs' services and impact!

Program and Administrative Coordinator (20 hours a week - room for growth)
Responsibilities include program support; volunteer coordination; membership, foundation and donor coordination; administrative duties and event planning.

AmeriCorps Outreach Position (full time, 11 month commitment)
The AmeriCorps member for this project will work with RAFFL to increase knowledge of and access to local foods in the community. The member will be involved in program design, promotion and outreach, and direct delivery of services within three primary work areas:
1. Public Outreach and Education
2. Gleaning and Food Rescue Efforts
3. Educational programming in area schools