Sustainability in the Community

Column by:  Ovidiu Cocieru

Many people wonder if solar panels are right for their homes, but before considering solar panels, you must consider other upgrades. Rooftop solar is a significant investment, and ideally, you would want to install a system that uses the minimum number of panels while reducing your electricity bill to a minimum. This is why, before installing solar, you should plan to electrify your home and make it as energy efficient as possible.

Start by making your house more energy efficient. Think about making energy-saving upgrades such as air sealing and improving insulation, using LED lights, and a smart thermostat. When it’s time to replace your refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine, choose energy-efficient appliances, such as the ones that have an Energy Star rating. If you can, replace your windows with higher-performance ones to reduce heat loss over winter. Basically, reduce energy waste with every chance you have.

While making your house more energy efficient, also plan to fully electrify your home. Consider replacing your furnace with an electric heat pump, which is typically more energy-efficient than conventional systems and can heat your house during the winter and cool it over the summer. When the time comes, consider replacing your water heater and cooking appliances with ones that use electricity. They work great and keep the air in your house clean.

Once you make your house more energy efficient and electrify your home, then you can think about choosing the most cost-effective solar system that delivers the most financial savings over time.

To make all those things happen, make a multi-year plan about which upgrade you want or can afford each year. The good news is that there are tax incentives to help you achieve this and awesome guides to make it simple for you.

One of my favorite tools explaining which tax incentives are available for you is Rewiring America’s Incentive Calculator. Each household’s situation is different, and the calculator makes it easy to know which tax credits you qualify for each year. Meanwhile, you can use this great guide from Heatmap to help you determine how to electrify your house or apartment.

Editors Note: To start the process making your house more energy efficient, you might consider asking SEEDS for a free energy efficiency assessment. This is presently offered to households in Lackawanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties. We do our best to complete all requests in a timely manner! Go to https://seedsgroup.net/energy-efficiency/ to sign up.

Plastic Pollution: A Hidden Threat from Rural America

You might think that living far from the coast means you’re not contributing to ocean plastic pollution. However, the truth is that plastic waste from rural areas can have a significant impact on our marine ecosystems.

How Does Rural Plastic Pollution Reach the Ocean?

• Improper Waste Disposal: In many rural areas, there are limited waste collection services. This can lead to improper disposal, such as littering or burning plastic.
• Wind and Water Erosion: Wind and rain can easily carry lightweight plastic bags and other debris into waterways, eventually leading to the ocean.
• Overflowing Trash Cans and Illegal Dumping: Overfilled trash cans and illegal dumping sites can contribute to plastic pollution as items are scattered by animals or weather conditions.

The Devastating Impact of Plastic Pollution
Once plastic enters the ocean, it breaks down into tiny microplastics. These microplastics can be ingested by marine animals, leading to a variety of health problems, including:

• Ingestion: Animals may mistake microplastics for food, leading to digestive issues and malnutrition.
• Entanglement: Larger pieces of plastic can entangle marine animals, causing injuries and death.
• Toxic Contamination: Microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants, which can then be transferred to marine organisms and ultimately humans.

Taking Action to Reduce Plastic Pollution
While the issue of plastic pollution may seem overwhelming, there are steps we can take to reduce our impact:

• Reduce Plastic Use: Opt for reusable bags, water bottles, and food containers.
• Properly Dispose of Waste: Always dispose of waste in designated bins.
• Support Recycling Programs: Encourage local recycling initiatives and participate in community clean-up events.
• Spread Awareness: Educate others about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable practices.

There is so much we can all do locally here in Wayne County and our neighboring counties to help limit the amount of plastic bags ending up in our streams and lakes.

If interested in more information, please reply to the “Ask SEEDS” column to expand the discussion. Just send an email to info@seedsgroup.net

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   WELCOME OUR NEW SEEDS ASSISTANT CHAIR: 

Mark Moore is a Project Development Manager for Prospect14, a solar development company based in Ardmore, PA, focusing on community solar sized projects to bring affordable renewable energy to low-income communities. Mark has developed or consulted on over 500MW of commercial solar and wind installations throughout the US and is passionate about growing renewables, while increasing energy reliability and independence. With a BS in Energy and Sustainability Policy from Penn State University, Mark has a strong foundation in renewable energy, sustainability, and circular economy principles. Mark lives in Salem Township, PA with his wife and four dogs, and joined SEEDS because his values align with the SEEDS vision and mission to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable living in our communities. Mark & his wife enjoy hiking at Lacawac Sanctuary or any state forest, gardening with mostly native plants, and going to Bethel Woods for a great concert!

#SEEDSGoodNews

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