Greetings,

The newsletter's primary purpose is to increase public awareness of events related to sustainability* in Central Wisconsin.  We're excited that there are many upcoming projects and events!

Here is a list of upcoming events as well as recent sustainability news.

Recent Sustainability News...

Inspired Citizens Help Educate Stevens Point about Rain Barrels
By Michelle Grimm
Last winter I joined one of the eco-municipality discussion groups. We read and met weekly to discuss Natural Step for Communities, by Sarah James & Torbjorn Lahti. We were inspired; we wanted to make a difference. We came up with projects that we could do here in Stevens Point. Susan Ermer suggested that we write for a Wisconsin Environmental Education Board Grant. We did, and it was funded.

On September 16th we hosted our first of three workshops for the community. 48 people took time out of their evening to listen to Bill Ebert from Golden Sands RC&D and members from our committee to learn about the benefits of rain barrels and how to build one.

We also decided to use our grant money to help our neighbors purchase a rain barrel by receiving $10 off for attending the workshop. The Golden Sands RC&D and Portage County Master Gardeners are selling rain barrels as a fundraiser we felt that supporting them was a great way to help our local environment.

Rain barrels for sale
Golden Sands RC&D and Portage County Master Gardeners are working together to make and sell rain barrels made from used, 55 gal. food-grade quality barrels, fitted with locally purchased parts. The cost is $52.75 per barrel. Limit 2 per customer, while supplies last. They are assembled as ordered. Delivery time is based on barrel availability and may take up to 4-6 weeks. Barrels are NOT delivered and must be picked up at the Golden Sands RC&D office. Customers will be notified when their order is ready for pick up. There are no expressed or implied warranties. To order barrels, send your name, address, phone and email to Golden Sands RC&D at 1462 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481 or call (715) 343-6215.

Food preservation workshops
Farmshed organized 5 Food Preservation Workshops this past summer/fall to assist residents in eating local foods all year long. Partnering with the Extension Service, Interfaith Community for the Earth and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Stevens Point, many aspects of food preservation were covered including drying, freezing, canning, root cellaring and making applesauce. We hope to expand the workshops next year to include more food preservation techniques! If you have a particular area of food preservation you would like to learn about, please contact Sue Anderson at (715) 592-4423 and we’ll see what we can set up.

The Central Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas - Volume 2
The new atlas is under construction and should be ready for release to the public in print form by November, 2008. The Atlas contains information and locations for nearly 30 local farms that sell directly to consumers, and includes venues such as farmers markets, restaurants and retailers who buy, sell, use or produce a local product sustainably. The goal of the Central Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas is to showcase local, sustainable, farms and other businesses; and help them connect with consumers. Volume 2 will again be distributed to participating businesses, farms, public areas and forums, farmers markets, rest areas, visitor centers, chambers of commerce, convention and visitor and other locations throughout Central Wisconsin where the public gathers or seeks information. Contact Bill Ebert at Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) at (715) 343-6214

Chef on the Square
October 4th concluded the popular “Chef on the Square” events at the Stevens Point Farmers Market. Six chefs demonstrated how to cook healthy, seasonal, local food and provided free samples to attendees. The events attracted approximately 700 attendees. Chef on the Square is organized by Central Rivers Farmshed as a way to enhance the Stevens Point Farmers Market to educate market attendees about eating locally.

Plover Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market
The Plover Farmers’ and Artisans’ market had a successful year. The market was expanded over last year and featured 5-10 local farmers, bakers, and artisans who sold their goods on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. Throughout the summer, a committed customer base was developed and expectations are for next year to see continued improvement in the market. A group of market vendors with assistance from Central Rivers Farmshed oversee the market and have developed guidelines for vendors.

Sustainability program DVDs available at Portage County Public Library
“I.C.E”, Interfaith Community for the Earth, has DVDs available of their monthly programs on sustainability. Each program is approximately one and a half hours long and features guest speakers with expertise in everything from food preservation to environmental spirituality. These include:

• Alternatives to Front Lawns with Dan Dieterich
• Why Caring for the Earth is a Spiritual Issue with ICE panel members
• Plant Your Garden with Bill Ebert and Ross Cohen
• 100 low cost ways to save Energy with Jeff Knutsen

Now in its second year, I.C.E. consists of community volunteers with the following mission statement: “We are people of many faiths working together to educate ourselves and others as we advocate sustainable practices for the well-being of the Earth.” ICE welcomes the community to its presentations which are free and open to the public. If you have questions about ICE, contact Susan Zencka at (715) 341-3040.

Natural Step study circles start in Wisconsin Rapids
Study circles based on the Natural Step began in Wisconsin Rapids on October 1st. The original three groups have been condensed to two with about seven people attending each group. Sessions are facilitated by members of the Wisconsin Rapids League of Women Voters. Contact Joe Ancel with any questions.

Organic Fertilizing at UW-Stevens Point
By Chris Brindley, UW-Stevens Point Grounds Supervisor
Two exciting things are happening. The UW-SP grounds department made its first batch of compost tea and it was applied to the campus lawn on October 2nd. It is a process of having 250 gallons of water being circulated in tank with a 10 lb bag of compost submerged into the water. The nutrients and micro-organisms are extracted from the compost and is then applied to the lawn. No chemicals used.

The second part of the equation is I have received my "red wiggler" worms and we will be doing a small scale vermicomposting program. What this entails is taking food waste from the Debot center and feeding it to the worms. The bi-product is worm castings which makes great compost for the compost tea machine.

Green living makes an impact at this year’s Sustainability Fair
By Sam Feld, UW-Stevens Point Science & Outdoors Reporter
Hundreds of people traveled through the Dreyfus University Center of Friday, Oct. 3, for the largest sustainability fair that UW-SP has ever seen. The UWSP Sustainability Task Force sponsored the event, which aimed to help teach students, faculty, staff and community members how to go “green” in their day-to-day lives. The keynote speaker, Chris Paine, was director of the movie Who Killed the Electric Car? Other speakers talked about living green, local food and envisioning your future.

In hopes of giving visitors ideas on how to live more sustainably, the fair showcased a mock "green room." Included in the display were desks made from sustainable wood, recycled mattresses and a rented loft, as well as ideas such as reusing water bottles, using compact fluorescent light bulbs and using environmentally-friendly laundry detergent.

Biodegradable dishes available through the Midwest Renewable Energy Association
The MREA sells biodegradable dinnerware; plates, silverware, straws, and hot/cold cups for your next party or function. These items are to be picked up at our facility in Custer, as shipping will not be available. Just an example of pricing would be 100 16oz cold cups for $10, but please call for exact pricing. To order please call at (715) 592-6595 or e-mail MREA

UW-Extension hosts Building Communities Series: Focus on Sustainability – Available at 4 central WI locations!!
This 9-part series about building sustainable communities explores the social, economic and environmental aspects of our communities. Each session will connect participants with presenters via audio and internet, and allow discussion with other participants from around the state and country. Each session is from 11:30am-12:30pm. Topics are:

• October 21, 2008 — Setting the Stage: Sustainability and Sustainable Community Development
• November 18, 2008 — Energy Efficiency
• December 16, 2008 — Renewable Energy
• January 20, 2009 — Sustainability and Comprehensive Planning
• February 17, 2009 — Sustainable Business Practices and Strategies
• March 17, 2009 — Green Collar Jobs: Sustainable Work in a Low Carbon World
• April 21, 2009 — Local Food Networks: Food Localization as a Sustainability Strategy
• May 19, 2009 — Sustainability Indicators and Measurement
• June 16, 2009 — Community Organizing for Sustainability

Offered at 4 central Wisconsin locations:

• Wisconsin Rapids - Courthouse Room 101 (Auditorium), 400 Market Street. FREE. Call (715) 421-8440 to register
• Marshfield - Room 101 UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W 5th Street. FREE. Call (715) 389-6520 to register.
• Wausau - 212 River Drive. $5 per session or $35 for the full series. Register by calling (715) 261-1241.
• Stevens Point - UW-Stevens Point College of Professional Studies, Room 104. FREE.

You're invited to these upcoming events...

October 2008

October 17, 6 pm
Study circle about The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices – Emy J’s, Stevens Point
This study circle is a small group of people learning together by reading and discussing The Natural Step for Communities and applications in their community. This group will meet once a week for 8 weeks. To join, show up or email Joe Kottwitz.

October 18, 10 am
Film screening: Escape from Affluenza: Living Better on Less
Sponsored by the Interfaith Community for the Earth (ICE). Pinery Room, Portage County Public Library, downtown Stevens Point.

October 20, 8 pm
Study circle about Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future – Emy J’s, Stevens Point
This study circle is a small group of people learning together by reading and discussing Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future and applications in their community. This group will meet once a week for 5 weeks. To join, show up or email Jeremy Solin.

October 21, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Communities Webinar Educational Series: Focus on Sustainability: Setting the Stage - Sustainability and Sustainable Community Development
Presenter: Kelly Hawke Baxter, Executive Director of The Natural Step Canada
While a growing number of community initiatives are emerging to address sustainability, there is often no clear understanding of how they can or should relate to each other. How does a community make the most strategic use of its limited resources? Where should it start? How does it compare the alternatives? What are the appropriate roles for the private and not-for-profit sectors? Communities need to build the capacity to understand and move toward sustainability on their own. This session will help frame these questions, offer a variety of approaches for communities to consider, and provide examples. Offered at 4 central Wisconsin locations:

• Wisconsin Rapids - Courthouse Room 101 (Auditorium), 400 Market Street. FREE. Call (715) 421-8440 to register
• Marshfield - Room 101 UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W 5th Street. FREE. Call (715) 389-6520 to register.
• Wausau - 212 River Drive. $5 per session or $35 for the full series. Register by calling (715) 261-1241.
• Stevens Point - UW-Stevens Point College of Professional Studies, Room 104. FREE.

October 25
Creating a Local Food Economy, Tomorrow River Chautauqua - Jensen Center, Amherst
A half day event featuring farmers market; keynote by Ellis Jones; breakout sessions; local food dinner; and musical entertainment. Visit the Jensen Center for details.

October 25
Green Workplace Auditor – MREA, Custer
Looking to make your workplace or business more sustainable? There is still space available in an upcoming MREA course! Participants in this workshop will learn about and see basic green practices that can be applied to most businesses. Emphasis will be placed on how these practices can help save money, improve employee health, and reduce the carbon footprint of the company. The morning will be spent at the ReNew the Earth Institute, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Travel Green Certified demonstration site in Custer. At the Institute participants see working renewable energy systems, and cover the fundamentals of developing a green workplace. At midday we will break for lunch that will feature locally grown, organic produce. After lunch, participants will travel to two other businesses in the central Wisconsin area that utilize green building practices. At the completion of the workshop students will receive a Green Workplace Auditor certificate and checklist for auditing their place of business. Call the MREA at (715) 592-6595 to register.

October 26
Got Beets? Or any other fine, local overwinter fare? Let’s make a deal! By Farmshed
Where: East Lodge of Jordan County Park off Hwy 66 east of Stevens Point
To Bring: Stuff to trade, dish to pass, $5 donation Please bring only locally produced food and goods to trade in equal exchange. If you’re going, email Farmshed, or call (715) 340-5705

October 27, 5-9 pm
Home Energy Makeover....a workshop to help you save energy in your home
212 River Drive, Wausau
Energy costs are rising for Wisconsin families and with the winter heating season upon us, there isn’t a better time to assess how energy is used in your home. Registration fee of $5 per person includes meal and materials. The registration deadline is one week prior to workshop. Call (715) 261-1230 to register. Sponsored by Marathon County UW-Extension, Wisconsin Public Service and Commission for a Greener Tomorrow.

October 28, 7 pm
Green Drinks: Emphasis on how we can create a sustainable Christmas in Stevens Point
Kristin's River Walk on Strongs and Clark in Stevens Point
Green Drinks is a monthly social gathering of people in the Stevens Point area who are concerned about the local and global environment. We met to share beverages and stories. Come to network, make new friends or promote an upcoming event.

October 29, 7 pm
Sustain Central Wisconsin meeting
A coalition of citizen groups, communities and businesses in Central Wisconsin. Emy J's, The Garage in Stevens Point.

October 29, 11:30 am-1 pm
Power Lunch: Becoming a Sustainable & Energy Independent Community
MSA Professional Services at 214 W. Second Street, Marshfield
At this Power Lunch you will learn about: effective planning for sustainability and energy independence; the costs and payback of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives; and Wisconsin's Energy Independent Communities Grant Program (applications due 12/15/08). Presenters are Jason Valerius, AICP, MSA Professional Services, David Blecker, P.E., Seventh Generation Energy Systems, and Richard Hasselman, GDS Associates. Lunch will be provided; seating is limited. Please call Nancy for reservations at (715) 384-2133 or toll-free (877) 204-0572.
Registration deadline: October 27.

November 2008

November 1
Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
MREA, Custer

November 2
Solar Space Heating Systems

November 3, 5-9 pm
Home Energy Makeover....a workshop to help you save energy in your home
Hatley Elementary School, Hatley
Energy costs are rising for Wisconsin families and with the winter heating season upon us, there isn’t a better time to assess how energy is used in your home. Registration fee of $5 per person includes meal and materials. The registration deadline is one week prior to workshop. Call (715) 261-1230 to register. Sponsored by Marathon County UW-Extension, Wisconsin Public Service and Commission for a Greener Tomorrow.

November 4
Election Day!
The Eco-Municipality of Stevens Point, Sustainable Stockton and the Commission for a Greener Tomorrow have teamed up on their first regional project -- "CFL and Vote"! On Tuesday, November 4 (election day) there will be opportunities for folks to pick up a CFL (compact fluorescent light bulb) at their polling locations. All they need to do is give their name and address --- and the bulb is theirs (please keep in mind one bulb per household). The regional team thought this would be a fun way to partner on a project, support the right to vote and distribute CFLs.

All of the municipalities in Portage and Marathon counties were contacted for this project, however because of this being a presidential election year -- not all municipalities were able to host the project -- The team will be at the following locations for the distribution (please note the times)--

Portage County
Town of Stockton (7 am to 8 pm)
Stevens Point (4 Polling Locations)
          -Hi-Rise Manor (7 am to Noon)
          -Portage County Health Care Center (7 am to Noon)
          -Dreyfus University Center (3 pm to 8 pm)
          -National Guard Armory (3 pm to 8 pm)

Marathon County
Village of Stratford (7 am to 8 pm)
Town of Spencer (10 am to Noon)
Village of Athens (TBA)
Village of Green Valley (TBA)

**One exception is the City of Wausau -- their distribution will be on OCTOBER 29 (7am to 4pm) for voter registration -- Stop by the Wausau City Hall for a CFL!!!

In addition to the distribution some of the municipalities have agreed just to have information on CFLs -- These include: Village of Whiting, Village of Park Ridge and Town of Lanark in Portage County.

November 8
Introduction to Masonry Heaters
MREA, Custer

November 8
Wisconsin Land & Water Conservation Youth Poster and Speech Contest
Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point
The poster contest is for K-12 students with this year’s poster theme being "Water is Life." Topics to research include: Water in your ever day life, water cycle, groundwater, sources of drinking water, amount of water on Earth, watersheds, stormwater runoff, drought, flooding, and water used to grow food. The speech contest is for students in grades 5-12, and topics should address soil and water conservation issues.

November 10
Central Rivers Farmshed 2nd Annual Farmer Appreciation Dinner
Christian's Bistro, Plover. Visit Farmshed for more information

November 11, 5-9 pm
Home Energy Makeover....a workshop to help you save energy in your home
Country Aire, Stratford
Energy costs are rising for Wisconsin families and with the winter heating season upon us, there isn’t a better time to assess how energy is used in your home. Registration fee of $5 per person includes meal and materials. The registration deadline is one week prior to workshop. Call (715) 261-1230 to register. Sponsored by Marathon County UW-Extension, Wisconsin Public Service and Commission for a Greener Tomorrow.

November 11, 7 pm
Bill McKibben presents in Ashland; MSTC working to broadcast talk in Wisconsin Rapids
Bill McKibben presents at Northland College in Ashland. Mid-State Technical College is working to get his presentation broadcast in Wisconsin Rapids. Contact John Anderson for more details. Bill McKibben frequently writes about global warming and alternative energy.
McKibben’s 2007 book Deep Economy: the Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future addresses what the author sees as shortcomings of the growth economy and envisions a transition to more local-scale enterprise. Learn more about McKibben and his books at McKibben's website

November 12, 10 am-3 pm
Food Marketing Essentials: Accessing Local Markets
Stevens Point

November 12
2008 Governor's High School Conference on the Environment:
Student Power: Conserving Your Future with Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Dreyfus University Center, UWSP.

November 12
Non-Res. PV Site Assessor Training
MREA, Custer

November 13
Video/Discussion: The Future of Food
Join community members at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) building, 7558 Deer Rd. in Custer. We will provide popcorn, please bring your own beverage. All are welcome. Sponsored by Sustainable Stockton and MREA.

November 18
Communities Webinar Educational Series: Focus on Sustainability: Energy Efficiency
Presenters: Ingrid Kelley: Project Manager, Energy Center of Wisconsin, Focus on Energy Renewables Program, author: Energy in America: A Tour of Our Fossil Fuel Culture and Beyond
In this time of record-high energy prices and recognition of the ties between national security and energy independence and between utility system reliability and global climate change concerns, energy efficiency is a key approach among the remedies. But how does a local government or business act strategically to make the most of every Btu? This session will describe how to measure current energy use and to create an energy plan with the technologies, practices, programs and policies that maximize energy efficiency and cost savings. Offered at 4 central Wisconsin locations:

• Wisconsin Rapids - Courthouse Room 101 (Auditorium), 400 Market Street. FREE. Call (715) 421-8440 to register
• Marshfield - Room 101 UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W 5th Street. FREE. Call (715) 389-6520 to register.
• Wausau - 212 River Drive. $5 per session or $35 for the full series. Register by calling (715) 261-1241.
• Stevens Point - UW-Stevens Point College of Professional Studies, Room 104. FREE.

December 2008

December 4, 7 pm
Sustainable Stockton monthly meeting
Join us at our monthly meetings on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm at the Stockton Town Hall. This meeting will include a short business meeting followed by a discussion on eco-friendly holiday ideas led by Mary Maller.

December 12
Climate Change Summit - Wisconsin Communities Take Action
UW-Stevens Point
You will hear from renowned leaders, participate in real-world breakout sessions on adapting to climate change, reducing your carbon emissions and energy consumption, increasing potential for renewable energy.

December 16
Communities Webinar Educational Series: Focus on Sustainability: Renewable Energy
Presenter: Don Wichert, Director, Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program
Renewable energy is part of a strategic approach to energy that reduces carbon emissions, improves energy reliability and may protect against escalating fuel costs. This webinar examines the renewable energy technologies available and how to choose the options best for your community or your site. Questions to be considered by the presenters include: Is it affordable? Who are the service providers in my area? How do I proceed? What renewable installations are already operating? Offered at 4 central Wisconsin locations:

• Wisconsin Rapids - Courthouse Room 101 (Auditorium), 400 Market Street. FREE. Call (715) 421-8440 to register
• Marshfield - Room 101 UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W 5th Street. FREE. Call (715) 389-6520 to register.
• Wausau - 212 River Drive. $5 per session or $35 for the full series. Register by calling (715) 261-1241.
• Stevens Point - UW-Stevens Point College of Professional Studies, Room 104. FREE.

January 2009

January 8-9
3rd Wisconsin Local Food Summit
Hotel Mead, Wisconsin Rapids
On January 8 we are offering breakout sessions on a wide range of topics of interest to those who are concerned about local food issues including, updates on the Farm Bill; how to implement a local food program; Information Technology options for local food; innovative food regulation ideas, etc. Dr. Kate Clancy will be the keynote speaker and will help everyone to better understand how to create and strengthen local and regional food systems. On the morning of January 9 we will be offering World Café interactions, during which we will all have the opportunity to express our visions for the future of local food, find collaborators and further explore ideas for local food systems development. Networking opportunities will abound during the summit. And, of course we will be serving delicious local food prepared by Chef Randall Smith throughout the summit. Check the Wisconsin Local Food Network for more details which will be available very soon. Or, contact Jane Hansen, Price County UW-Extension, (715) 339-2555.

January 15, 7-9 pm
Video/Discussion: Escape from Affluenza
Join community members at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) building, 7558 Deer Rd. in Custer. We will provide popcorn, please bring your own beverage. All are welcome. Sponsored by Sustainable Stockton and MREA.

February 2009

February 12, 7-9 pm
Video/Discussion: Crude Impact
Join community members at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) building, 7558 Deer Rd. in Custer. We will provide popcorn, please bring your own beverage. All are welcome. Sponsored by Sustainable Stockton and MREA.

February 15-16
“Greening our Faith and our Lives" Conference – Ramada, Stevens Point
Wisconsin Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign will be holding its statewide conference and the keynote speaker will be Rev. Sally Bingham, founder of the Regeneration Project/Interfaith Power and Light -- a national interfaith organization which focuses on climate issues. There will be workshops on: evaluating and improving your congregation's carbon footprint, local interfaith environmental work, extending earth-oriented worship beyond Earth Day, local food movements, establishing a Green Team/Creation Care team in your congregation, state and national policy issues for voters to consider, and many more. There will also be opportunities for "cafe conversations" in order to deepen connections both locally and across the state with other individuals and organizations in the interfaith environmental movement. Registration will begin November 15. Contact-- Rev. Susan Gilbert Zencka, Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church, Stevens Point at (715) 341-3040.

March 2009

March 12, 7-9 pm
Video/Discussion: Power of Community
Join community members at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) building, 7558 Deer Rd. in Custer. We will provide popcorn, please bring your own beverage. All are welcome. Sponsored by Sustainable Stockton and MREA.

Book Review
The New Science of Sustainability: Building a Foundation for Great Change
By Dr. Sally J. Goerner, Robert G. Dyck and Dorothy Lagerroos
Review from New Society Publishers

Modern civilization is on the verge of self-destructing, but a parallel worldwide cultural shift is underway with the sustainability movement at its fore. The New Science of Sustainability uses history and a powerful, scientific framework to formulate an integrated explanation of where we've gone wrong and how to make it right, including emerging reforms in:
          * Education
          * Economics
          * Democracy
          * Social justice
Packed with practical tools for measuring and defining economic sustainability, The New Science of Sustainability points the way to a positive and enlightened future.

Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credits Extended
by Midwest Renewable Energy Association staff
Federal renewable energy tax credits that were set to expire at the end of this year have now been improved and extended for 8 years. The new law extends 30% solar tax credits through 2016 and removes the overall incentive cap for residential solar electric installations. The new law also adds tax credits for solar water heating and small wind installations that will be available through 2016. The renewable energy incentives were passed as part of the controversial bailout bill. It will also extend research and development tax credits. These federal incentives can be applied to systems above any state incentives. Details on federal and state tax credits and incentives can be found at dsire.org and Focus on Energy.

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.

*We are currently using the following definition for sustainability: "Sustainable development is...development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

World Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common Future, 1987.