Greetings,

The newsletter's primary purpose is to help people learn about events and initiatives related to sustainability in Central Wisconsin. This issue reports on great steps by local businesses moving toward sustainability – including Café 27, Northwind Renewable Energy, Rethink Ink Design and The Wisconsin Wool Exchange. Under recent sustainability news we have updates from Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, MREA, UW-Stevens Point, local state legislators working on groundwater laws and more. This newsletter wraps up with a variety of upcoming sustainability events including winter farmers’ markets, radio shows, workshops, movie showings, a CD release party, and a few locally written books.

If someone you know would like to receive the Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter by email, they can sign up by entering their email address in the green box on our sustainability web page at www.uwsp.edu/cnr/landcenter/sustainability.html.

Happy holidays and happy reading!

Businesses Moving Toward Sustainability...

Café 27 offers locally grown food options
By Denise Heimstead
The local food movement is alive and well, and growing, in Stevens Point. Inspired by Rose’s Bakery in Paris, Café 27 joins the company of Earthcrust Bakery, Café Espresso, Kristin’s Riverwalk, Christian’s Bistro and the CPS café at the University, with food sourced from local farmers and made fresh on site. The menu offers a simple selection of bakery items, soups, salads, tea, beer and wine, and includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. At Café 27 sustainability extends further than the food; the premises emphasizes natural light and uses solar heating and semi-permeable cement that allows rain to pass through it, so you can be sure your entire experience will be environmentally friendly. Café 27 is locally owned and operated, so stop on down to 945 Clark St and say hi to Denise and Tom. Learn more at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stevens-Point-WI/Cafe-27-in-Stevens-Point/173195437557 or by calling 544-4730. You can also listen to Denise Brennecke’s interview about Café 27 from Eric Olson’s Terminal Moraine radio show at http://drop.io/terminal_moraine_nov_4_2009.

Renewable energy company sees bright future on the way
Adapted from Central Wisconsin Sunday
There are three major renewable energy systems on the market today: solar electric, solar hot water and wind electric. North Wind Renewable Energy in Stevens Point has three employees who each specialize in one of the major systems. The company, which Josh Stolzenburg founded in 2007, is carving out a large chunk of the industry. As the only one around that offers all three systems, North Wind has been able to attract a lot of interest in both residential and small industrial installation. North Wind designs, builds and installs unique systems at each of its sites. To learn more call 715-630-6451 or see www.northwindre.com. 

Rethink ink designs
This Stevens Point company makes it easy to be environmentally responsible while still showing your style and personality with rethink ink design’s eco-friendly cards, invitations and announcements. All of their designs are printed on 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled papers and envelopes. These papers are Forest Steward Council (FSC) certified, made with renewable green e-certified energy and manufactured chlorine free. Custom designs are also available. Learn more at http://www.rethinkinkdesign.com/. 

The Wisconsin Wool Exchange in Amherst Opens
The Wisconsin Wool Exchange turned over the “Open” sign for the first time on October 2nd. The Exchange carries a few local fibers and more from around the state. We have both natural colored & naturally dyed Icelandic Yarn from Heartbreak Farm in Amherst. It is lovely, two-ply, and warm! We also have buttery Surrey alpaca yarns in natural luster-y colors from Peaceful Acres in Custer. Learn more at 824 - FELT or http://www.wisconsinwoolexchange.com 

Recent Sustainability News...

Farms could fill empty buildings
Adapted from Stevens Point Journal
Will Allen sees new growth inside Sorenson’s Greenhouse vacant, 20,000-square-foot building in Stevens Point. Allen, a 2008 MacArthur Fellow and urban farming dynamo, thinks the building -- abandoned in summer 2008 -- could be the perfect place for an indoor garden that could sustain legions of local residents. Allen toured the greenhouse and the vacant Jackson Elementary School in October as part of his visit to the city and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

More than 50 people toured the greenhouse. Mayor Andrew Halverson and representatives from local nonprofits, such as CAP Services, learned from Allen that a farm at the greenhouse could create 15 full-time jobs in the first few years of operation. After the tour, Allen said he was impressed with the building, but said any urban farming operation of that size would have to be led by a professional.

350 event hosts speaker and distributes trees
Approximately 50 people gathered at Emy J's on Sat. Oct. 24 to celebrate International Climate Change Action Day. Ecologist, Alan Haney spoke about the effects of climate change and what actions can be taken to reduce carbon emissions. Live trees were given to participants to take home and three trees were planted in Stevens Point by members of the Interfaith Community for the Earth, the group who sponsored the event.

Waupaca Sustainability Forum hosts Tom Boldt and Jay Moynihan
On October 16th at the Waupaca Center Fox Valley Technical College, the newly found organization, Working Together for Waupaca County, held a Sustainability Forum for what they hope to be the first in a series of collaborative meetings. It assembled elected officials, utilities and business representatives, farmers, and realtors. The morning session included welcoming remarks from Henry Veleker, Waupaca City Administrator, a keynote address from Tom Boldt, CEO of Boldt Company, and a presentation by Shawano County UW-Extension coordinator, Jay Moynihan. The four sustainability objectives from The Natural Step for Communities served as guideposts for afternoon break-out sessions and the participants generated practical ideas aiming to increase sustainability.

Marshfield Green Living and Energy Expo – A GREAT SUCCESS!!

On October 3, 2009 residents from Central Wisconsin came together to celebrate Marshfield’s 1st annual Green Living and Energy Expo. It is estimated that nearly 600 people were in attendance. The expo was held at Mid-State Technical College in Marshfield, and drew over 30 local vendors focused on selling green products and services.. Eighteen different workshops were held, including ‘Wisconsin’s Changing Climate’ to ‘Making Rain Barrels’ to ‘Home Sealing and Weatherization.’ There was also a computer and electronics recycling station, nature hike, green bus tour, and plenty of activities for the kids! Attendees also enjoyed the FREE energy conservation kits with many goodies donated by various local businesses. Keep an eye open for next year’s expo where you can learn to save green by going green and how to help the environment!!

The expo was organized by the Sustainable Marshfield Committee. Special thanks go out to the sponsors of the expo: Mid-State Technical College, Marshfield Utilities, MSA Professional Services, Inc., UW-Extension, and the Office of Energy Independence.

Wisconsin Rapids making 'green' progress
Adapted from an article by Joe Ancel for the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune
In the past few months, much has been accomplished both by the Citizens for a Clean, Green & Welcoming Community (CCGWC) and by others. Some of the accomplishments:

• Wisconsin Rapids initiated recycling at Lunch by the River.
• CCGWC's Recycling Rangers began recycling at community events such as the soccer tournament at Washington School, Cranberry Festival, Fourth of July festivities by the river, the Balloon Rally, the Labor Day picnic at Robinson Park, and the Grand Affair. Their efforts kept more than 23,000 cans and bottles out of landfills. The Recycling Rangers could always use some volunteers. If interested, contact Carol Davis at 423-3863.
• The Port Edwards Lions provided recycling opportunities at the Port Edwards Fun Fest in August and at the annual Collectable/Tractor Show in September.
• Choose to Re-Use was done at the public schools in Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa and Port Edwards at the conclusion of the last school year. This initial effort was successful with the collection of 100 boxes of school supplies. These supplies were either given to teachers or to the Stuff the Bus program. Also, ODC got about 75 pounds of crayons they use to make fire starters.
• Community raised-bed gardens were started at Centralia Center and at some churches and assisted living facilities. They were also given to low-income residents.
• Changing Wisconsin Rapids One Bulb at a Time is a program started by volunteers from the Heart of Wisconsin Leadership class to replace traditional light bulbs with new free energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Their first target area was from Chase Street to the zoo on June 6.
• At Port Edwards Elementary School, the fourth grade "Green Team" does lunchroom composting; after it matures, it gets put on the school butterfly garden to fertilize the soil. The students also do vermicomposting and recycling to help the environment. Alternative energy sources are explored with the creation of solar ovens and the use of CFLs.

Some on-going and up-coming projects related to sustainability are:

• Efforts to encourage the city of Wisconsin Rapids to become a sustainable community.
• Efforts to promote recycling and composting are being undertaken at East Junior High.
• Investigating transportation issues with a focus on transportation for the general public, including the Ride Share program and a potential intercity bus.

See the full article at www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20091112/WRT06/911120452. 

Stevens Point signs grant for hybrid buses
By Susan Lemke
The City of Stevens Point has a signed ARRA Stimulus Grant from which three Hybrid Buses and one Hybrid support vehicle are scheduled to be purchased. The contract was signed by Mayor Halverson on October 19, 2009 and by Mark Wolfgram, Administrator for the Division of Transportation Investment Management on October 23, 2009. Stevens Point Transit will piggyback onto a contract Kenosha Transit Authority has in place with Gillig Bus, Inc. Stevens Point Transit’s current fixed route bus fleet consists of seven 30’ low floor diesel Gillig buses. The anticipated arrival date for the Hybrid buses is Spring/Summer of 2011.

MREA Receives $3.3 Million Award!
From MREA website
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it had selected the MREA to provide solar energy training and resources to technical and community college instructors across the Midwest. With $3.3 million in funding over five years, MREA will work with training partners in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and Minnesota to offer instructor training institutes, provide instructional resources, and organize a network of Midwest solar training programs. This effort is part of a national initiative by the DOE, in which eight other organizations have been funded to advance similar efforts in other regions of the country. The trainings and resources will help advance instruction about solar electric and solar heating and cooling technologies, increasing the quality and availability of training programs across the U.S.

Dr. Tehri Parker,MREA executive director, is excited about this ‘new era’ of solar training. “Training in solar electric and solar thermal technologies belongs in every technical and community college across the country. It should be a fundamental component of degree programs that focus on electrical engineering, HVAC, plumbing, and related fields.” To find out more about the Department of Energy’s solar market transformation initiative, including the solar installer instructor training network, visit www.eere.energy.gov. 

UW-Stevens Point Environmental Station taking the lead on sustainability initiatives
Adapted from WisBusiness
The Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES) is setting the bar high for the rest of the university by creating a more sustainable business model. According to CWES Director Scott Johnson, over the past few years he and his staff have made a concerted effort to keep CWES and its operations green from top to bottom.

Johnson said there has been an ongoing concerted sustainability effort since 2007 when CWES began using only shade-grown organic coffee from Café Bean, an organic coffee supplier based in Costa Rica. In 2008 CWES contracted for local beef through Pine Grove Meats in Scandinavia (WI), and this year CWES began purchasing soda in returnable bottles from Twig Beverage of Shawano and buying recycled plastic garbage bags manufactured by Wisconsin Film and Bag in Shawano. Johnson is looking into lighting upgrades to help reduce electricity usage throughout CWES. Earlier this year, two composting initiatives were launched through a UW System solid waste student research grant. A dual, rotating composter was purchased for $500 for vermicomposting and the health lodge was retrofitted with a composting toilet.

The environmental station is open year-round and located 19 miles east of Stevens Point on Sunset Lake. To learn more about CWES and its many programs, visit http://www.uwsp.edu/cwes.

Greenest residence room at UW-Stevens Point
Adapted from Channel 7, WSAW, Wausau
Two students living in the greenest resident room on campus at UW-Stevens Point are generating awareness about how even more people can live environmentally friendly. Derek Ertel and Tyler Fuller were chosen to live in UWSP's greenest room and live an Eco-friendly lifestyle. Each product they use is organic, natural, recycled, or recyclable. "The carpets are made out of recycled bottles, all of our appliances are Energy Star approved, the dressers and desks are made from sustainable forest and have green guard certified surfaces on them," says Derek Ertel, who lives in the greenest room. The guys say it's simple to live a green lifestyle once you get started.

UW-Stevens Point University Dining Services moves toward sustainability
University Dining Services:

• Supports local businesses, such as Earthcrust Bakery, Lowland Bison Ranch Screen Masters, and GEM uniforms, all in Stevens Point, plus Malek Family Farm in Rosholt, and Loffredo Produce in Madison.
• Develops client-specific catering menus based on seasonality and local availability of ingredients, including the option of organic, free-range meat from Beltie Beef in Milladore.
• Partners with Heath Farms in Coloma to supply salad greens during the winter months. We are purchasing 300-400 pounds per week.
• Filters cooking oil into large tanks so that it is later used in various recycling efforts, including biodiesel creation.
• Offers only Pura Vida Coffee which is certified as being shade grown, Fair Trade and Certified Organic.
• Utilizes energy saving light bulbs, low-flow water adapters, motion sensor lights and Energy Star rated appliances in the DUC.
• Utilizes fully-biodegradable wares for grab n’ go containers.
• Purchased bikes for staff to use for traveling between dining buildings to reduce car use.
• Provides an opportunity for local farmers and businesses to market their products to the University.

See more at www.uwsp.edu/centers/dining/roundtable/planet.asp 

Wisconsin Green Building Alliance creates state map of LEED certified buildings

Central Wisconsin has four buildings included on a recently created map of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings. They include:

• Boldt Wisconsin River Valley Office in Stevens Point – silver certification
• Health Sciences Center in Wausau – silver certification
• Wausau Windows & Wall in Wausau – silver certification
• Mead Wildlife Visitors Center in Milladore – platinum certification

An interactive version of this map with photos and addresses for each building is available at www.batchgeocode.com/map/?i=b840070d4370f0a8528bfa966ce2f029 Learn more about the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance at www.wgba.org 

Lawmakers do research for water-protection bill
Adapted from the Stevens Point Journal and the Portage County Gazette
A group of state lawmakers toured central Wisconsin on October 23 to gather information to help draft new groundwater protection laws. The Legislative Groundwater Working Group saw firsthand a lake suffering from dropping water levels because of drought and groundwater withdrawals, a business leading the way in responsible water use, and a nonprofit organization working to improve water systems. At a stop along the Little Plover River, George Kraft, a professor of natural resources at UW-Stevens Point said that every year since 2005 the river has dried up because of the demand for water from irrigation and municipal wells.

"Central Wisconsin is a poster child for why we need a new water law, with the many types of water usage here," said Louis Molepske Jr., D-Stevens Point. The battle for water usage, and one the legislators must resolve as they draft their bill, will come down to competition among agricultural, municipal and recreational interests, Molepske said.

Video about dry lakes and streams in central Wisconsin
George Kraft from the Central Wisconsin Groundwater Center at UW-Stevens Point is featured in a segment of Wisconsin Public Television’s “In Wisconsin” program on the topic of groundwater and the drying up of area lakes and streams. The 9-minute video is at http://wpt2.org/media.cfm?id=961&category=iw 

United Way Portage County creates holiday giving guide
This guide provides information about how community members can give time, food or other gifts to local organizations that help others, as well as places where people can get additional holiday help such as meals and toys for children. http://unitedwaypoco.org/media/2009_Holiday_Give_Guide.pdf 

Upcoming Events

Ongoing Events

Local radio shows
Two local radio shows airing on WWSP 90 FM feature sustainability topics and speakers. Tune in to

• The Tuning Fork by Holly Petrillo on Mondays from 6-7 pm focuses on local food issues
• The Terminal Moraine by Eric Olson on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 pm focuses on other local sustainability issues. Learn more at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stevens-Point-WI/The-Terminal-Moraine/136368426397

Show times may change when UWSP starts second semester in late January.

Stevens Point year round market
The Market at Emy J’s will continue through the winter. The vendors provide a variety of products including meat, produce, canned goods, honey and maple syrup, llama fiber and yarn, soaps and lotions, paper products, jewelry, fabric products and pottery. All vendors at the market are local & are the producers of the products that they are selling. Sara Raikowski of Raikowski Farm stated “initially this started with the idea that the area needed a year round market. The community has been so receptive and that is what is making this market successful.” She also added, “We are thankful to Guy Janssen of Emy J’s for working with us to provide and indoor facility during the cold months”. Market hours will continue to be Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Customers can contact Sara Raikowski for weekly details (715) 457-3491.

Wausau winter farmers’ market
Six vendors with items such as baked goods, locally grown apples, squash, potatoes, maple syrup, root beer and cheese will be at the indoor market from 10am – 2pm Saturdays at Cedar Creek Mall. This market will go through December 19 and may be extended longer. For more info, contact Johanna Vang at 340-5514 or johannapoint@yahoo.com. 

Citizens for a Clean, Green & Welcoming Community
This Wisconsin Rapids area group meets the first Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. in the McCourt Room of McMillan Memorial Library. They are looking for people who can help with the current projects and who can come up with exciting ideas for new projects.

MREA workshops
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association has many workshops scheduled for central Wisconsin about photovoltaics, window quilts, solar hot water systems and wind systems. See their workshop page at www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php  for more information.

Applications for the 3rd edition of the Central Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlasare being accepted now through the middle of January. Farms, businesses and sponsors who provide sustainably-grown, local food or related services are encouraged to submit an application. An on-line form can be accessed here. For more information, contact Jasia Steinmetz at 715-346-4087 or Sue Anderson at 715-592-4423.

November 2009

November 28, 7pm
Benefit concert by Art Stevenson & Highwater
Theater @ 1800 (Sentry Theater), Stevens Point
Tickets are $10 and are available at the University Box Office in person or on-line, or at the door. The proceeds will go toward the Steven Point Skate Park.

December 2009

December 3, 7-9 pm
Introduction to rustic furniture and crafts
Art Village, downtown Stevens Point
You can learn the type of plants you can grow for this purpose and how you can make useful items from plants in your own backyard and from neighborhood waste wood. Acquire the knowledge to create gifts and decorations for the holidays. Part of the Better Lifestyles through Sustainability Series. Class is $15 each or $8 with student ID. Class size is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space email tom@landscapes4life.com or call the Landscapes For Life Foundation at 715.344.1730

December 5, 9-11am
High Tunnels/Solar Greenhouses
Eco-building & Forestry, Mosinee
Learn techniques, equipment and plants for winter growing as well as for extending the normal growing season in an active high tunnel. Part of the Better Lifestyles through Sustainability Series. Class is $15 each or $8 with student ID. Class size is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space email tom@landscapes4life.com or call the Landscapes For Life Foundation at 715.344.1730

December 10, 6:30 pm
Science Fiction vs. Science Fact – ‘The Great Squeeze’ Film Screening and Discussion
Dreyfus University Center Theater, UWSP
Have you seen ‘2012’ or ‘The Road’ in theaters yet?? Did the doomsday scenarios scare the bajeesezz out of you? Well you’re invited to take a look at a doomsday scenario that is based on science fact, not science fiction, and is happening right NOW!! “The Great Squeeze’ is a documentary about how our reliance on fossil fuels has created endless consumerism with dramatic social and environmental consequences. Some of these consequences may even be dangerous enough to generate a factual doomsday scenario within our lifetimes. Students for Sustainable Communities, a student organization at UWSP, will be showing this film, followed by a panel discussion talking about the issues presented. The panel members include Eric Olson, professor of land use at UWSP; Samantha Kaplan, professor of geography/geology at UWSP; and Kevin Hite, active student and environmentalist at UWSP. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Join us for this one of a kind event and learn more about the real “doomsday” we may be facing.

December 12, 8:30-10:30 am
Advanced rustic furniture
Eco-Building & Forestry, Mosinee
You can create fun and practical items from branches and waste wood. Construct a simple project or start a larger one to finish at home for yourself or as a holiday gift. Some supplies and safety equipment are required or are available to purchase. Part of the Better Lifestyles through Sustainability Series. Class is $15 each or $8 with student ID. Class size is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space email tom@landscapes4life.com or call the Landscapes For Life Foundation at 715.344.1730

December 12, 11am
CD release party for children’s CD: We’re Friends – All Year Round
Stevens Point
Fran McKinney's CD Release Party for her new children's CD We're Friends--All Year Long. There is no charge, so come join us in the downtown mall near the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum to help Fran and her musician friends celebrate her collection of original music. The songs will take children and adults on a musical ride through the familiar activities and experiences of the seasons. Learn more and listen to the songs at http://franmckinney.com/

December 15
Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Energy Fair exhibitor sales open
All exhibit spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will sell out. Please visit http://www.the-mrea.org/fair_exhibitors.php to reserve your booth

January 2010

January 6, 6:30 pm
New Discussion Group: Voluntary Simplicity
Downtown Portage County Library, Prairie Room
Join this organizational meeting to begin a discussion group using Voluntary Simplicity, a book of selected readings published by the Northwest Earth Institute. This seven-session series will focus on the concept of "living more with less" and will include readings from work by Wendell Berry, Joe Dominquez and Vicki Robbins (Your Money or Your Life) and many others. Readings will explore ideas such as "precycling" and "living lightly" from diverse perspectives. If you'd like to participate and can't be at the organizational meeting or if you have other questions please call Lynn Markham (346-3879) or Mary Maller (592-4051). The book discussions are co-sponsored by Central Rivers Farmshed and Sustainable Stockton. Copies of the book will be available on loan or participants will be able to a copy for their own use.

January 14, 7pm
Eco-Themed Film Series: Food Inc.
MREA building, 7558 Deer Road, Custer
This film reveals surprising truths about what we eat, how it’s produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here. Questions: call 592-4051.

February 2010

February 11, 7pm
Eco-Themed Film Series: Fresh
MREA building, 7558 Deer Road, Custer
This film celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system.

New books about sustainability topics by local authors

Your Eco-Friendly Yard; Sustainable Ideas To Save You Time, Money And The Earth
By Tom Girolamo of Eco-Building & Forestry
Your Eco-Friendly Yard is 260 pages in color of advice and projects that create independence and benefits from your own property. The most unique part of the book is that the reader can find his/her personality and match that with a landscape and lifestyle that fits them. Learn to take control of your landscape, to create the perfect setting for having fun or just relaxing. Learn more at http://eco-buildingandforestry.com

The Magic Goggles: Discovering the Secrets of the Lake
Written by Lynn Markham & Illustrated by Anne Horjus
The rich, detailed illustrations and descriptive text about a sister and brother duo exploring the lake will boost readers’ understanding about the importance of forests around lakes, while luring them to discover their own magic at the lake. Learn more from UW-Extension Lakes at 715-346-2116 or www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/publications
Also available at the UW-Stevens Point bookstore.

Other

Looking for a hardcopy of the Central Wisconsin Sustainability Newsletter? Recent issues are in a binder kept near the Reference desk at the Portage County Public Library in downtown Stevens Point. If you don’t see it right away, just ask whoever’s at the Reference Desk.

Is there someone at other central Wisconsin libraries who would print and keep copies of the newsletter?

If you would like an event you or your organization is sponsoring to be included in the Sustainability Newsletter, please send submissions to Center for Land Use Education

• Date, time, location, contact information, and a short description of the event.
• Send a brief justification as to why this event is relevant for the newsletter.
• Respond with "Sustainability Newsletter" in the email subject line.

Thank you and please forward this invitation to any who may be interested in advertising in the newsletter.