eartha steward's green guide to high country living

RECYCLING & COMPOSTING GUIDE • SUSTAINABLE FOOD • ENERGY & SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

TO HIGH COUNTRY LIVINGGREEN GUIDE

Simple Solutions for

SUSTAINABLE Living!

SOLAR GARDENS TO VEGETABLE GARDENS

Grow your own energy and food

MAKE GREEN PAYHow locals are

succeeding

highcountryconservation.org

2 2012 GREEN GUIDE

SUMMIT HABITAT RESTORE970.423.7445

15 Huron Road, Breckenridge, Corner of Hwy 9 and CR 450

[email protected]

Wed - Sat 10am - 5pm 970.468.2446

www.comfortbykodiak.com

Providing Energy Conservation Services

Energy Auditing . Home Energy Ratings

Air & Duckwork Leakage Testing

Carbon Monoxide Testing . Combustion Testing

Indoor Air Quality . Total Building Solutions

Weatherization . Insulation Systems

Air Sealing . Ventilation SystemsDAVID R. KOONS

Is Your Home Solar-ready?

twork

HIGHCOUNTRYCONSERVATION.ORG 3

Welcome to the 6th Annual Eartha Steward’s Green Guide to High Country Living. We created this guide to showcase local green services and businesses, as well as to provide tips on how to live more sustainably.

We often get asked if all of the attention on being green is

just hype or if Americans are making meaningful changes to

protect the environment. We know that in Summit County,

residents and visitors have made changes that are having a

positive local impact.

All Summit County schools are now composting, creating

a nutrient-rich soil amendment from lunch food scraps. And

these students are going home and asking their parents to

start composting, expanding local composting far beyond

the classroom. Local governments, businesses and individuals

also banded together in the past year to support the

development of a Summit County community solar garden

in 2012, which will create clean energy locally. Community

gardening and sustainable food production has also become

front and center in the past year, with passionate locals

proving that food is easily grown at over 9000 feet!

None of these accomplishments occurred overnight. The

seeds were planted years ago, with small steps taken along

the way. Through the hard work of many individuals, we’ve

reached major sustainability milestones in our community. In

the same way, you – as a consumer and community member

– can infl uence positive change. Your buying decisions, and

the way you live every day, combined with your neighbors’

efforts will foster a greener community. We hope that

this Green Guide inspires you to patronize local green

businesses and incorporate one or two sustainable actions

into your daily life. For more tips on sustainability in Summit

County, please visit highcountryconservation.org.

WELCOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 WASTE REDUCTION

16 SUSTAINABLE AND LOCAL FOOD

18 ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

24 SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PROGRAMS

27 GREEN LIVING

For specifi c program information, please contact the following staff members at the High Country

Conservation Center:

JENNIFER SCHENK» Executive Director

[email protected]

JENNIFER SANTRY» Community Programs Director

Recycling & Composting Programs, Sustainable Food [email protected]

MATT WRIGHT» Energy Operations Manager

Energy Audits, Home Energy Ratings, Energy Star and Sustainable

Building [email protected]

LYNNE GREENE» Energy Programs Manager

Community Energy Effi ciency and Renewable Energy Programs,

Business [email protected]

4 2012 GREEN GUIDE

PUBLISHERMATT SANDBERG

[email protected]

MARKETING & SPECIAL PROJECTSMAGGIE BUTLER

[email protected]

DESIGNERMALISA SAMSEL

SUMMIT DAILY NEWS40 W. MAIN ST.

FRISCO, CO 80443970-668-3998

WWW.SUMMITDAILY.COM

EARTHA STEWARD’S GREEN GUIDE 2012

Published in partnership with

On Paper. Online. On Summit County.

AUTHORS: The staff of the High Country Conservation

Center: Jennifer Schenk, Jennifer Santry, Lynne Greene and Matt Wright

HAVE HEALTHY TREES AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT!

BEETLE BLOCK® is an FDA approved, eco-friendly alternative to spraying.

Simply install the packets yourself 1-2 weeks before the pine beetles fl y.

Learn more and order online atALPINETREESERVICES.COM

CALL US ABOUT OUR LOW IMPACT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TREE REMOVAL SERVICES!

www.talkingtrashinc.comP.O. Box 43, Dillon, CO 80435

We Care Because We Live Here

(970) 389-0101

• WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL SERVICE - RECYCLING INCLUDED• ON-CALL SERVICES • ONE-TIME PICKUPS• ROLL-OFFS• COMPETITIVE RATES

Locally owned and operated since 1999

TRASH & RECYCLING REMOVAL

Summit IndependentBusiness Alliance


Waste Reduction• Recycling and Compost Facility Tours

• Waste Audits & Recycling Consultations for

Businesses

• Zero Waste Event Services

• Zero Waste Party Packs for Small and

Mid Sized Events

• Composting in the Schools Program

Education and Community Outreach• Green Living Workshops

• Master Mountain Composter Program

• Gardening Classes

• Sustainable Business Workshops

• “Ask Eartha Steward” Column in the

Summit Daily News

• Annual Earth Day Action Fair

Sustainable and Local Food • The Living Classroom Greenhouse and

Community Gardens

• Summit County Food Policy Council

• Annual Harvest Dinners

• Sustainable Food Resources

Sustainable Building and Energy • Home Energy Audits

• Local Solar Gardens

• Sustainable Business Programs

• Energy Star Certifi cations for New Homes

• Home Energy Ratings (HERS)

• Summit Sustainable Building Code

WHAT IS THE HIGH COUNTRY CONSERVATION CENTER?

HIGH COUNTRY CONSERVATION CENTER

FOUNDED IN 1976 AS SUMMIT RECYCLING PROJECT, the High Country

Conservation Center is a community-based, nonprofi t organization working to provide practical solutions

to waste reduction and resource conservation in our mountain community for over three decades. The

Conservation Center connects residents, visitors and businesses to create a more sustainable community. Some

of our programs and services include the following. For more info, visit highcountryconservation.org or call us

at 970.668-5703.

CONSERVING RESOURCES TAKES RESOURCES!

We rely on the volunteers and fi nancial support of our community to make these programs happen. Please consider volunteering your time or making

a tax-deductible donation to the High Country Conservation Center.

For information on any of our programs or services or to fi nd out how you can help, please stop by our

offi ce at 518 Main Street in Frisco, call us at (970) 668-5703, email us at [email protected],

or visit us online at www.highcountryconservation.org.

6 2012 GREEN GUIDE

WASTE REDUCTION

Breckenridge Recycling Center County Road 450, at the corner of

7-Eleven on the north side of town,

¼ mile on left; OPEN 24 hours a day,

7 days a week

Frisco Recycling Center – Across

the street from the County Commons

building, next to the Colorado State

Patrol, off Highway 9 just south of

Frisco; OPEN 24 hours a day, 7 days

a week

Dillon Mobile Recycling Trailer

Dillon Town Hall parking lot, from

U.S. Highway 6 turn on to Lake Dillon

Drive, ¼ mile on left, cattycorner to

the Dillon Post Offi ce OPEN 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week * = not accepted in Dillon

Summit Cove Mobile Recycling Trailer - North parking lot at Summit

Cove Elementary School, 727 Cove

Boulevard; available only the fi rst full

week (Monday through Sunday) of

every month * = not accepted in Summit

Cove

Waste Management Recycling Center - Brian Ave. at Third St. in

Silverthorne; open 8:00am to 4:30pm,

7 days a week

For more directions, please contact the High Country Conservation Center at 970-668-5703 or visit www.highcountryconservation.org and look under “Waste Reduction” and then “Recycling Services”.

SUMMIT COUNTY RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTERS

Keystone Gulch

9

Montezuma Road

Swa

n M

tn R

d

Swan River

6

991

9

Boreas Pass Road

Swan Mountain 10,796

70

70

To Denver

To Loveland Pass

To Montezuma

To Vail Pass

To Leadville,Freemont Pass

To Blue River, Fairplay,Hoosier Pass

To Heeney and Green Mountain Reservoir

Blue River Trail

Ten Mile CanyonRecpath

Frisco-Farmers Korner Recpath

Blue River Recpath

Swan Mtn Recpath

Snake River Snake River RecpathRecpath

Snake River Recpath

Snake River Recpath

Vail PassRec Path

Dillon DamDillon DamRec PathRec Path

Dillon DamRecpath

Royal Mountain 10,502

Brewery Hill 11,370

Humbug Hill 11,031

Mineral Hill 10,890

Prospect Hill 10,704

Gibson Hill 10,400

Tenderfoot Mountain 11,441

Buffalo Mountain 12,777

EAGLES NEST WILDERNESS

PTARMIGAN WILDERNESS

SCRAP

Wichita Mountain 10,855

Uneva Peak12,522

Ophir Mountain10,199

Peak 112,800

Peak 312,640

Peak 412,866

Peak 512,855

Peak 612,560

Tenmile Peak12,933

Summit CountyColorado

Road

Mountain Peak

Colorado County Vicinity Map

Recreational Pathway

Water TaxiSilverthorne

Elevation 9,035' DillonElevation 9,111'

FriscoElevation 9,075'

Wildernest

Dillo

n Re

serv

oir

Copper MountainElevation 9,712'

BreckenridgeElevation 9,600'

KeystoneElevation 9,173'

Montezuma Spur Recpath

The Summit County Recycling Program collects over 20 types of materials at the drop-off centers located in Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon and Summit Cove. By recycling locally, you can help keep dollars in local recycling and waste reduction programs – like composting, special event recycling, household hazardous waste collection, electronics recycling, and more. Find out where your recyclables go—and choose local recyclers!


Material Yes NoMIXED PAPER

PETE - CLEAR PLASTICBOTTLES ONLY!

MILK JUGS & SOLIDCOLORED BOTTLES ONLY!

MIXED METAL CONTAINERS

CARDBOARD & PAPERBOARD

MIXED GLASS

BROWN GLASS

BATTERIES*

USED MOTOR OIL*OIL FILTERS*ANTIFREEZE*

SCRAP METAL*

Newspapers & Inserts; White & Light Colored Offi ce Paper; Envelopes; Notebook Paper; Magazines; Phone Books, Staples, Paper Clips, Tape OK

Soda bottles & water bottles labeledwith a #1 only!

Milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shampoo bottles labeled with a #2 only!

Aluminum Cans; Aluminum Foil & Pie Plates; Tin Cans

Cardboard; Paperboard (cereal boxes & six-pack containers); Brown Paper Bags. Staples & Tape OK; PLEASE FLATTEN

Bottles & Jars; Clear, Yellow, Green, Blue Colors

Bottles & Jars – BE A GOOD SORT – PLEASE SEPARATE YOUR BROWN GLASS!

Please sort into marked bins: Alkaline; Rechargeable (please tape terminals); Lithium Ion; Lead Acid Batteries (Auto, Marine, Computer Back-up Units)

Antifreeze and oil accepted in original containers with lids

Available at the FRISCO & BRECKENRIDGE DROP-OFF CENTER ONLY

Neon Colored Paper; Tissues; Napkins; Paper Plates or Cups; Brown Paper Bags; Cardboard; Paperboard (Cereal Boxes); Plastic Bags

Plastic bags; Tubs; Styrofoam; Numbers #3 - #7 plastics of any kind!

Plastic bags; Tubs; Styrofoam; Numbers #3 - #7 plastics of any kind!

Scrap Metal

Milk or Soy Milk Cartons; Wax-Coated Cardboard; Other Paper

CERAMIC DISHES, Window Glass; Drinking Glasses; Pyrex

CERAMIC DISHES, Window Glass; Drinking Glasses; Pyrex, other colors of glass

Other Household Hazardous Waste

Oil/water mix, antifreeze or other fl uids.

Appliances, propane tanks, fuel tanks, barbed wire, 55 gallon drums, batteries, computers or TVs

* = NOT ACCEPTED IN DILLON OR SUMMIT COVE

Please see pages 10-11 for a list of where to take hard-to-recycle items.

8 2012 GREEN GUIDE

Household & Commercial Recycling Collection Services

Talking Trash Summit County 970-389-0101

Waste Management

Summit County 970-468-2475

The Summit Recycler


Timberline Disposal


Faction & Company (Compost) Summit County 970-389-1611

Appliance Recycling & Freon Removal

Greer’s Appliances

Silverthorne 970-468-6940

Jimbo’s Appliances


Deconstruction & Construction Recycling Services

Got Trucking Recycling


Summit Roll-Offs


Timberline Disposal


Waste Management Summit County 970-468-2475

Paper Shredding/Document Destruction

The Balance Sheet

Frisco 970-668-3515

Miscellaneous Recycling ServicesMailboxes & More (Packing Materials)

Frisco 970-368-4949

Summit Greasecycling (Veggie Oil)

Breckenridge 970-485-4900

UPS Store (Packing Materials)


UPS Store (Packing Materials)


Consignment & Thrift StoresFor Pet’s Sake


Funky Trunk

Frisco 970-668-9266

Horse Cents Thrift Store


Matchless Treasures

Leadville 719-486-9512

Mother Lode

Alma 719-836-0401

Rags to Riches

Frisco 970-668-3775

Rainbow’s End

Dillon 970-262-2376

Summit Thrift & Treasure

Dillon 970-262-2461

Furniture Consignment & Thrift Stores

A Furniture Find

Dillon 970-409-9310

Alpine Accents

Frisco 970-668-3113

Encore Home Appliance

Leadville 719-486-3006

Fairplay Furniture Consignment Fairplay 719-836-2534

Habitat for Humanity ReStore


Sporting Goods ConsignmentRecycle Ski & Sport

Frisco 970-668-5150

Wilderness Sports Second Tracks


Outdoor Activities & EventsBYOB Eco Golf

Westminster 214-416-2595

Colorado Tents and Events


HC3’s Zero Waste Services

Frisco 970-668-5703

Used Building MaterialsHabitat for Humanity ReStore



Denver 303-722-5863

SUMMIT RECYCLING RESOURCES

SUMMIT FREECYCLE GROUP

Just fi nish a remodel project and have useful items to get rid of? Can’t fi nd a home for your old couch but hate to send it off to live for all eternity in the landfi ll? Join the Summit County, Colorado’s FreecycleTM group. Summit Freecycle is a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free. Whether it’s a chair, fax machine, piano, or an old door, it can be posted for free on Summit Freecycle. To learn more about Summit Freecycle visit groups.yahoo.com/group/SummitFreecycle/.

To learn about Summit County recycling opportunities, visit www.highcountryconservation.org

WASTE REDUCTION


Reuse! Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without

Before springing for a new couch, pair of boots, or lighting fi xture, remember Eartha Steward’s handy guidelines for living a low impact eco-life: reduce, REUSE then recycle. Reuse, in the broadest sense means any activity that lengthens the life of an item. Reusing an item not only keeps materials out of the waste stream but saves the energy associated with manufacturing a new one. There are many ways to fi nd gently used items in Summit County for free or at a reasonable discount. From thrift and consignment to reused furniture and home goods, check out the recycling resources on PAGE 8 for suggestions.

Slow Money, Slow Food, Slow TrashSpeed up, faster please, hurry now, go, go, go… Although

Americans are famous for life in the fast lane, there is a relatively new movement urging people to step on the brakes and slow it down. Slow trash builds on the principles of slow money, slow food, and slow living. Slow trash challenges you to slow down consumption and connect with the purchase. Consider how long it will be until that oh-so-new item is on its way to the landfi ll. What’s the average useful life of your item of purchase — 5 years, 5 weeks, 5 days, 5 minutes? Slow trash is all about taking a snapshot of the lifecycle of a particular item. Where was this made? What is it made out of? Do I really need this item? Can I make it myself? Can I do without? If we took the time to ask these questions before we simply pull out the credit card, we could easily shift our investments to reusable, recyclable, and sustainable.


Eagle 970-328-1119


Buena Vista 719-966-6004

Home Resource

Steamboat 970-879-6985

ReSource

Boulder 303-419-5418

ReSource

Fort Collins 970-498-9663

Virtual Trade & Online OptionsCraig’s List

http://rockies.craigslist.org

Summit Freecycle

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/

SummitFreecycle/

Repair ShopsAspen Upholstery in The Summit Silverthorne 970-468-2323

Bluebird Window Restoration

Nederland 303-258-0808

Crystal Clear Auto Glass


Rocky Mountain ResoleSalida 719-539-1455

Teri’s Upholstery


10 2012 GREEN GUIDE

WASTE REDUCTION

Antifreeze, Oil & Oil FiltersAccepted at SCRAP and the Frisco and

Breckenridge Recycling Centers.

Appliances (Dishwashers, Hot Water Heaters, Washers/Dryers) Accepted at SCRAP*

Refrigerators & Other Freon-Containing AppliancesFREON MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE

RECYCLING or DISPOSAL! Once

you have a certifi cate for Freon removal

with your refrigerator, you can recycle it

at SCRAP* or contact a local appliance

retailer to have

it recycled.

BatteriesAlkaline, carbon, zinc, lead, nickel, cadmium,

rechargeable, marine and car batteries

accepted at the Frisco & Breckenridge

Drop-off Recycling Centers.

Waste Management customers can

recycle dry cell batteries through

WM’s Think Green from Home kits

- 9 volt and smaller used alkaline,

carbon-zinc, NiCad and NIMH

batteries only.

Cell Phones, iPods, and Ink Cartridges

All Summit County Town Halls and

Police Departments collect cell

phones for Advocates for Victims of

Assault (668-3906)

Summit County Builders Association

recycles cell phones and the money

goes to the State’s charity fund to

build homes for people in need

(668-6013).

Old iPods and iPhones are accepted

at Apple stores or you can

request a free pre-paid

envelope to mail your

iThing back to Apple for

recycling

You can send ink

cartridges back to

manufacturers or take

them to Offi ceMax -

accepts all brands

(468-9155).

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) and TubesAll fl uorescent light bulbs including

CFLs & tubes contain a small amount

of mercury & must be handled and

recycled carefully. CFLs: BigHorn

Materials 1241 Blue River Pkwy in

Silverthorne (513-1575) – free!

•

•

•

•

•

Fluorescent Tubes: SCRAP ($1 per

tube)

Fluorescent Tubes & Bulbs: Waste

Management (WM) customers can

recycle bulbs and tubes through

WM’s Lamptracker kit (468-2475).

Computers & TVsTVs, computers, and computer monitors

host toxic substances such as lead,

mercury, cadmium, and zinc. These toxins

can contaminate groundwater when

landfi lled. Please DO NOT throw them in

your trash or recycling bins!

Accepted at SCRAP*

Waste Management customers can

recycle electronics for free at the

Silverthorne facility (468-2475)

Construction and Demolition WasteClean wood waste from construction

sites. Raw dimensional lumber only – no

painted, stained, or treated wood.

Accepted at SCRAP* (surcharges will

apply for contaminated loads)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)Paints, pesticides, mercury thermometers,

cleaners, adhesives, and chemicals should

NOT be thrown in the trash or down the

drain.

Accepted at SCRAP*

Please plan ahead – the Summit

HHW Program operates May

1 through October 31. During

winter months please call for an

appointment

(468-9263 x0)

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Hard-to-Recycle Itemsand Other Unusual Materials for Recycling

SCRAP {Summit County Resource Allocation Park}Home of the Summit County Recycling Center, High Country Compost Facility, Household Hazardous Waste Program, Electronics Recycling Program, and the Landfi ll. Located on Landfi ll Road – Off Highway 6 near Keystone. Hours: Monday through Friday (7 a.m. – 4 p.m.) CLOSED SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS. Contact: 970-468-9263 x0 or visit www.co.summit.co.us


ManureAccepted at SCRAP for composting*

Packaging PeanutsClean, dry packaging materials are

accepted at these local stores for reuse.

UPS Store, 211 Summit Place,

Silverthorne (468-2800)

UPS Store, 400 N Park Ave,

Breckenridge (453-8080)

Mailboxes & More, 842 N Summit

Blvd #24, Frisco (368-4949)

Plastic BagsClean and dry plastic bags can be taken

back to Wal-Mart, Safeway, Target, and

City Market. Please contact each store

for specifi cs.

Walmart (668-3959)

Safeway (668-5144)

City Market, Dillon (468-2363)

City Market, Breck (453-0818)

Target, Silverthorne (468-2268)

Plastic Bottles and Containers #1 through #7

Accepted at the Waste Management

Silverthorne Recycling Center

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Prescription DrugsNever fl ush pharmaceuticals down

the drain. Flushing or trash disposal of

medications can cause pollution of our

waterways. Safely dispose of medications

in secure collection bins at: City Market in

Breckenridge (400 N. Park Avenue) and

City Market in Dillon (300 Dillon Ridge

Road).

Allowed substances for collection

boxes include:

Prescription Medications (except for

narcotics or controlled substances)

Over-the-counter Medications

Pet Medications

Vitamins

Liquid Medication in Glass or Leak-

proof Containers

Medicated Ointments and Lotions

Inhalers

Slash and Wood DebrisClean slash from lot clearing or fi re

mitigations efforts.

Accepted at SCRAP* (surcharges

will apply for contaminated loads)

•

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•

•

#6 Polystyrene or StyrofoamSummit County recycling centers DO

NOT accept any kind of polystyrene

packaging including coolers, peanuts, take

out containers, cups, cartons, and packing

blocks regardless of number or recycling

label. Please do not leave #6 polystyrene

or Styrofoam at the recycling centers.

Sadly, it is TRASH!

TiresNot accepted at any of the recycling

drop-off centers, plus you can’t throw

them in the trash (it’s state law)! Please

bring them to one of the following

locations for recycling. Fees may apply.

Summit County Landfi ll* (468-9263)

Meadow Creek, Frisco (668-5686)

Big O Tires, Frisco (668-1446)

Used Vegetable OilSummit Greasecycling (485-4900)

is a local company dedicated to collecting

and recycling used vegetable oil into

various forms of alternative energies.

•

•

•

¤ Electronics contain a host of toxic substances including lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

If placed in a landfi ll, these materials can contaminate our groundwater.

When you recycle e-waste at the Summit County Resource Allocation Park, you can rest assured that your obsolete electronics will be demanufactured, disassembled, and properly recycled in the USA.

DID YOU KNOW?

* Fees apply. Visit highcountryconservation.org or call 970-468-9263 x0 for info.

12 2012 GREEN GUIDE

Bags, Bottles, and Boxes: How Disposables can be a Real Downer!

Ditch Disposable Bags: Can’t live

with them, can’t live without them. Or

can you? Relying on disposable bags is

a downright dingy habit. While single-

use bags might provide short term

convenience, they’re a major source

of pollution in production, use, and

disposal. Together, paper and plastic

single-use bags represent a major draw

on resources, both physical and fi nancial.

All of which could be avoided if more of

us opted for reusable alternatives.

Please remember to BYOB –

Bring Your Own Bag every time

you shop.

Bye-Bye Bottled Water: The useful life of a plastic

water bottle is very similar

to that of the plastic

bag. They both provide

about 15 minutes of

convenience, and then

we no longer need them

or want them. Bottled water

is as convenient as bringing your own

reusable stainless steel bottle with

one big difference - one purchase of a

reusable bottle can save you hundreds

of dollars in bottled water bills and keep

hundreds of plastic bottles out of our

landfi lls and oceans.

Phase Out Foam: Styrofoam is bad

news for the environment. It’s made

from petroleum, litters our favorite

places, and takes up landfi ll space.

With a useful life of about as long as it

takes to get your leftovers from the

restaurant to the refrigerator, foam

take-out containers are pesky

polluters! In addition, Styrofoam

has been known to leach toxic

chemicals into our food

and drinks especially when

heated. Next time you

order food to-go, demand

a better alternative like

aluminum foil or bring your

own container.

Easy Steps to Stop Junk MailMore than 109,000,000,000 (that’s

a Billion!) pieces of junk mail are

delivered in the U.S. each year.

Want to get a whole lot less of it?

Then start here:

Sign up for a service for $20 a year that will stop your junk mail. Our favorite is www.

catalogchoice.org. You can probably

ignore the other tips if you are

willing to spring for the twenty bucks

annually.

Use the magic words “Please do not rent, sell, or trade my name or address.” Memorize,

say and write this as often as

possible!

Get on “in house” credit card lists. Call your credit card company

and ask them to keep you on their

in-house list, which is not traded or

sold to other companies.

Don’t sign up for contests and free offers.

Prevent charity solicitations. Ask them to send you email

donation requests.

Say No Thanks. When you get an

unsolicited offer or catalog, spend 30

seconds to call their 1-800 number

and tell them to take you off their

list to stop the spreading of

your contact info.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

WASTE REDUCTION


¤ Bottled water is a waste of oil and resources. It is estimated that over 17 million barrels of oil are wasted annually to produce around 900,000 tons of plastic to meet the demand for bottled water in the United States. Even more alarming is the massive amount of waste - 86% of plastic water bottles aren’t recycled. While the demand for bottled water is up in the U.S., the EPA has found that 90 percent of domestic tap water is safe to drink. Furthermore, studies show that at least 40 percent of bottled water is just tap water anyway!

¤ North Pacifi c Garbage Patch - Twice the size of Texas, the fl oating continent of plastic trash wreaks havoc between California and Hawaii. Like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, experts have found that in this plastic “soup” zone, there are 46 times more man-made plastic than nature-made plankton. The only solution is to stop adding to the pile and cut back our single-use plastic habits.

DID YOU KNOW?

14 2012 GREEN GUIDE

ZERO WASTED!

The goal at every zero waste event is to plan ahead and use only materials that are reusable, recyclable or compostable (not materials that will end up in our landfi ll). Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning your waste-free event:

What is composting anyway?Composting is a natural process of

transforming food waste, paper products,

and organics (things that were once alive)

into a dark, rich healthy soil that can be

applied to community gardens, trees, and

landscaping and reclamation projects.

Why do we compost?Contrary to most belief, the landfi ll is not

a gigantic composting system. In fact, all of

your leftovers, yard clippings, and organic

waste that go into the garbage produce a

hazardous gas called methane in a landfi ll

environment. Methane is a greenhouse gas

72 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

By keeping organics out of our landfi ll, you

help combat climate change.

What happens to the compostable products?

Summit County is very fortunate to

have a large scale composting facility (High

Country Compost) located at our landfi ll

near Keystone. Compostable and recyclable

materials are collected from zero waste

events and travel a short distance to the

Summit County Resource Allocation Park

(SCRAP). Compostables are ground up

and mixed with wood chips and turned into

compost in a matter of weeks. This unique,

closed-loop system includes compost

collection from zero waste events, school

lunch waste, and participating restaurants.

A nutrient-rich soil is then contributed back

to the community through local community

garden projects.

WASTE REDUCTION

Eartha’s Tips on Ways to Party More and Waste Less


Containers and Foodservice Products that are OK for COMPOSTING and RECYCLING

Uncoated paper plates, boats, and bowls that are not coated with plastic, and paper napkins (compostable)#1 and #2 plastic bottles & jugs (recyclable) and #7 compostable PLA cups (compostable)Cornstarch cutlery, including spoons, forks and knives (compostable)Waxed paper products (compostable) and aluminum foil (recyclable)Paper (compostable) and reusable bags

Containers and Foodservice Products that are DESTINED FOR THE LANDFILL

Styrofoam (polystyrene) – not recyclable, regardless of the recycling symbol on the productAny #1-#7 plastic tubs, cups, and deli cups, #3-#7 plastic bottles, jugs, or clamshellsPlastic cutlerySaran wrapPlastic bags

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SUMMIT COUNTY

ZERO WASTE GUIDELINES

ECO-PRODUCTS, A PROUD SPONSOR OF HC3’S ZERO WASTE PARTY PACK PROGRAM

Where can I fi nd compostable products?

Many grocery stores sell compostable

products (uncoated paper plates, napkins,

bowls…). You can also fi nd these products

online or at the High Country Conservation

Center in Frisco. All compostable products

must be BPI Certifi ed (Biodegradable

Plastics Institute) to be accepted at the

community compost facility. If you are in

doubt, please visit www.bpiworld.org for a

database of certifi ed compostable products.

How do I host my own zero waste party?

From educational materials to compost

supplies and collection containers, the

High Country Conservation Center has

everything you need to make your next

big bash waste-free. HC3’s services allow

you, the green-thumbed host, to sleep easy

knowing that your event is creating a pile

of nutrient rich compost and recyclable

materials instead of a mountain of trash.

Contact us at 970-668-5703 to learn more.

DID YOU KNOW?¤ Colorado Mountain College now offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainability Studies. This novel program balances the theory and practice of Sustainability and prepares students for the professional world awaiting them beyond graduation. Gain scholarly experience, leadership, and engage in your mountain community with Sustainability Studies at Colorado Mountain College. Visit www.coloradomtn.edu to learn more.

Farm to Table Our community’s journey to local

SUSTAINABLE AND LOCAL FOOD

Who knew that something our grandparents used to do would come back as the new hip trend? People across the nation are turning their televisions off and turning soil instead. These backyard homesteaders, urban farmers, and garden junkies have found empty windowsills, community gardens, decks, and street lots to grow edibles.

Why local? The journey of food to our

plate often consists of hauling most fruits

and vegetables in refrigerated trucks from

all parts of the world. Most of our food

travels between 1,500 and 2,000 miles

before it reaches the market, let alone

our plate.

There is so much potential for our

community to learn the story of food. The

fi rst step is acknowledging where your

food comes from and the energy involved

in growing, harvesting, transporting,

refrigerating, storing, and landfi lling.

It’s also about education, hands-in-the-

dirt experiences, and pulling carrots out of

the ground in early fall after planting tiny

seeds in the spring. Whether it’s growing

your own food, eating locally, or making

sustainable food choices, we’re here to

help you fi nd the resources. Sometimes,

there is nothing more local than a sunny

window or your backyard. If you really

want freshness and vegetables with zero

travel impact, grow your own!

Food Policy Councils - How Local Policy Can Grow Local Food

The concept of food policy is just about

as sexy as a fi ling cabinet. What if I told

you that food policy can include advocating

for community gardens, backyard chickens,

healthy school lunches, farmer’s

markets, and sustainable farming

practices? Food policy is the

backbone of the local food

movement at the national, state,

and local levels. In fact, the 2012

Farm Bill is extremely important

federal legislation affecting our

country’s food system. It is

accountable for the

USDA’s

annual $90 billion spending budget for

food, feed, fi ber and fuel. If you care

about the food you eat, the Farm Bill

affects you. Here in Summit County, we’re

demanding a Fair Farm Bill in 2012! We

want a stronger, more local food system

that supports environmental stewardship

and sustainable farming practices. In

our community, we have a voice as the

Summit County Food Policy Council. To

get involved or to fi nd out more, please visit

highcountryconservation.org.

Mountain Farming: We Want Chickens, We Want Bees…

Urban farmers thrive on city chickens,

rooftop bees, and potted tomatoes. On

the urban farm, lemon trees fl ourish

in sidewalk slits while garden beds are

resurrected on small patches of green and

asphalt. Whether you’re in downtown

Denver or rural Summit County, urban

and mountain farmers have one thing in

common – fi nding ways through good

ol’ self-suffi ciency to feed themselves

and their families. As a leg of the Summit

County Food Policy Council, the Urban

Farming Task Force was created via

community input and public forums to

oversee potential new regulations to

facilitate community gardens, backyard

chickens, bees, and goats in Summit

County. If you envision a future of urban

farming in Summit County, please sign our

online petition and consider joining the

task force. Visit highcountryconservation.

org for more info or email

[email protected].

Summit County’s Community Gardens

On most summer afternoons, you can

fi nd friends, co-workers, neighbors, and

even strangers gathering at local gardens

to tend to their plots, talk about seeds

and vegetables, or listen to a workshop on

composting or gardening. You can spend

several hours watching gardeners take

care of their plants as if they were their

own children. Watering, feeding, weeding,

observing, smelling, cutting, and sowing

are just a few of the blissful activities taking

place at our local gardens.

DID YOU KNOW?¤ You can grow your own food even at 9,000 feet! Food and garden workshops and classes are offered throughout the year from Silvana’s Community Garden, Nancy’s Community Garden, Alpine Earth Center, and The Living Classroom at the High Country Conservation Center. Various topics include composting, soil amending, season extenders, harvesting, canning and preserving, and more. Please check www.highcountryconservation.org for information on upcoming workshops or contact your local community garden.

16 2012 GREEN GUIDE

The Living Classroom Community Garden and GreenhouseAt the High Country Conservation Center518 Main Street in Frisco

highcountryconservation.org

[email protected]

Thanks to the following sponsors for

making TLC such a success: Matthew

Stais Architects, Colorado Garden

Show, Inc., LiveWell Colorado, Town of

Frisco, Summit County Government,

Breckenridge Grand Vacations, The

Hydro Shack, First Bank, and Summit

Landscaping.

Silvana’s Community GardenSouth of the Silverthorne Recreation Center247 Rainbow Drive in Silverthorne

silvanascommunitygardens.org

[email protected]

Nancy’s Community GardenAt the Frisco Community and Senior Center0083 Nancy’s Place in Frisco

[email protected]

Dillon Valley Elementary GardenAt Dillon Valley Elementary 108 Deer Path Road in Dillon

[email protected]

Local Farmers Markets and CASsIf you’re not ready to try your hand at

high country gardening, be sure to check

out Summit County’s Farmer’s Markets.

The 2012 Dillon Farmer’s Market runs

June 8 to August 31 on Fridays from 9am to 2pm and is located on Buffalo Street

(by Town Park) in downtown Dillon.

The Breckenridge Sunday Market runs

Sundays from June 17 to September 9 at

the Main Street Station Plaza.

Another good source for local and

regional food is through community-

supported agriculture (CSA). CSAs allow

consumers to purchase shares in a local

farm’s annual production. CSs encourage

people to become active participants in

the production of the food they eat while

developing a more personal relationship

with the farmers who grow their food. A

few CSAs that are currently operating in

Summit County are Grant Family Farms and Door to Door Organics. You can also

check out The Rocky Mountain Growers

Directory for an online list of CSAs in

Colorado - www.localsustainability.net.

Food Not Lawns!Okay folks, it’s time to lose the lawn!

Across the country, homeowners are

wasting precious energy on lush green

grass - gas up the mower, buy the

herbicide and insecticide, spray the weeds,

add the synthetic fertilizer… a weekly (but

detrimental) ritual. Why the dis on lawns?

First of all, lawn chemicals are highly toxic

to people, the environment, wildlife, and

our pets. Lawns are also water-intensive.

It is estimated that a typical 1,000 sq. ft.

lawn requires over 10,000 gallons of water

every year. Let’s think about the pollinators

(and the hungry); try investing in vegetable

and herb gardens, drought-tolerant plants,

and Neighborhood Supported Agriculture.

This summer, turn your lawn into an edible

garden oasis.

Close the Loop: Purchase Locally Produced CompostHealthy soil is necessary for healthy

gardens! If you don’t have the time to

make your own, you can purchase fi nished

compost at the Summit County Resource

Allocation Park. Your purchase of High

Country Compost supports a program

that recycles food scraps into a nutrient

rich soil additive. The High Country

Composting Facility produces two types

of compost; both products are equally

great for soil amendments. High Country

Compost (HCC) is made with biosolids

- and the second - No Biosolid HCC is

made from food waste. Both products

are mixed with chips from mountain pine

beetle kill - one solution to deal with a

substantial amount of the tree kill. Call

SCRAP at 970-468-9263 x0 for pricing

and more information.

SUSTAINABLE AND LOCAL FOOD

Sustainable Food - Stores, Restaurants, & Farmers Markets

Amazing Grace Breckenridge 970-453-1445

Alpine Natural Foods Frisco 970-668-5535

Dillon Farmers Market

Dillon 970-468-2403

Grant Family Farms (CSAs)

Delivers to Summit 970-568-7654

High CSilverthorne 970-262-6831

Natural Grocers at the Vitamin Cottage

Dillon 970-262-1100

Vinny’s Restaurant Frisco 970-668-0340


18 2012 GREEN GUIDE

Summit County

Community Solar GardenClean, locally produced power, sent straight to your energy bill. You can subscribe now at highcountryconservation.org/SummitSolarGardens.htm.

The combination of two proposed

solar gardens, available to all Summit

County citizens, will produce enough

clean energy to fully power over 900

homes and businesses and reduce green

house gas emissions by more than 2,800

tons annually.

A huge thank you to the Town of

Breckenridge for providing land for

the project and for being the anchor

tenant that ensures the rest of us have

a community solar garden to subscribe

to. Thank you to subscribers, including

Summit County Government, Town of

Silverthorne and Town of Dillon. You can

subscribe too.

The National Renewable Energy

Laboratory estimates that only 27% of

rooftop area is suitable for hosting on-

site solar production. For the rest of us,

the community solar garden is a great

option.

Check out our project champion

the Clean Energy Collective at

easycleanenergy.com. They recently

installed an 800 kilowatt solar garden in

Garfi eld County. Cool remote metering

software allows you to read your share

of solar output from your phone.

Green Building Consulting

The term ‘green’ is tossed around a lot these days, and “greenwashing” by those who overpromise and under deliver is defi nitely a concern. Another concern is a lack of understanding by some building professionals with good intentions. What works elsewhere in the country will not necessarily work in the High Country. If building or remodeling green is truly important to you, be sure to use a professional that is certifi ed by a nationally recognized organization.

The High Country Conservation

Center is proud to offer consulting and

verifi cation services for the following

programs. Contact us to help you make

the right decision.

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for Homes

LEED is a rating system that measures

how green a building is. All around the

world, LEED is the standard for green

buildings: offi ces, hospitals, schools,

stores - and homes. LEED for Homes

certifi cation incorporates criteria that

evaluate innovation and design, site

sustainability, water effi ciency, energy,

materials and resources and indoor

environmental quality.

ICC 700 National Green Building Standard

The NGBS is the fi rst and only

residential green building rating system

to undergo the full consensus process

and receive approval from the American

National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Builders must meet requirements

in the areas of site development,

water, resource effi ciency and indoor

environmental quality.

ENERGY STAR for New HomesTo earn the government’s ENERGY

STAR rating, a home must meet strict

energy effi ciency guidelines set by the

EPA. ENERGY STAR qualifi ed homes

are quieter and more comfortable, have

lower utility bills and maintenance costs,

and help protect the environment by

reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDING


SUMMIT COUNTY ENERGY PLAN

Summit County-wide energy and sustainability goals:Reduce greenhouse gases 20% by 2020 Reduce energy use in buildings and operations 20% by 2020 Increase county-wide renewable energy production Decrease vehicle miles traveled and fuel used Increase waste diversion rate to 50% by 2020

The plan is supported by every town and Summit County government. We have made great progress this year. Check it out online at highcountryconservation.org.

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HOME ENERGY RATINGS:MILES PER GALLON (MPG) FOR OUR HOMES

You wouldn’t buy a car without

knowing its MPG rating, so why would

you buy a home without knowing its

energy use?

A Home Energy Rating includes the

same inspection items as an Energy

Audit and also considers building

and window dimensions, as well as

the solar orientation of the home.

The Home Energy Rater enters the

customized information from the

inspection into an energy modeling

computer program to “rate” the

homes performance using the HERS

Index (see graphic below).

What can I do with an energy rating?When buying a

home, a rating

allows you

to compare

homes

according to

their energy effi ciency

A rating allows you to know the

energy performance of your

home and identifi es cost effective

improvements that you can make

to increase your comfort and

home’s performance.

A rating is required to qualify

the home for an energy effi cient

mortgage.

A rating is required for a home to

be labeled as ENERGY STAR.

For more information contact the

High Country Conservation Center at

highcountryconservation.org.

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An Energy Audit is a comprehensive whole-house perspective on your home’s energy effi ciency, health and safety.

An audit includes:Insulation inspection, with special

attention to attics and crawl spaces.

Evaluation of electrical consumption.

A Blower Door test to measure air

leakage.

Infrared Camera scanning to identify

air leakage and insulation performance

problems.

Combustion Appliance Safety Testing

to check for effi ciency and potential

carbon monoxide emissions from

furnaces, boilers and water heaters.

An in-depth report detailing issues

and prioritized solutions specifi c to

your home.

The High Country Conservation Center

is pleased to provide affordable Energy

Audits for our mountain community.

Rebates are available for Xcel Energy

customers. For more information or a

quote, please call 668-5703.

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What is an Energy Audit?

20 2012 GREEN GUIDE

ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE BUILDING RESOURCES


Energy Auditors About Saving Heat Denver/ Summit 303-549-6900

Active Energies (Both)

Eagle County 970-376-3720

Alpine Solar Design


Colorado Mountain Home InspectionsPark County 719-459-3969

Comfort by Kodiak


Deeper Green Consulting

Denver/ Summit 303-550-7380

Energy Smart


Green Competitor Consulting, LLC

Lake County 720-940-6900

Headwaters Energy

Buena Vista 719-395-9255

High Country Conservation Ctr. Summit County 970-485-3509

Home Energy Raters Active Energies

Eagle County 970-376-3720

High Country Conservation Ctr. Summit County 970-485-3509

Renewable Energy ServicesAffordable Solar Power

Denver 303-567-4850

All American Heating

Carbondale 970-963-3985

Alpine Solar Design


Dominator Plumbing and Heating


Heatmeister


Innovative Energy


Kennedy Plumbing & Heating


Low-Energy Systems


Mechtech


Paragon Solar


Rader Engineering Inc.

Avon 970-845-7910

Re-Align Technologies


Sunshine Solar and Mechanical Summit County 970-418-0569

Vowel Plumbing


Alternative TransportationColorado Mountain Express

(airport shuttle)


Green Limousine (luxury biodiesel

limos) Summit County 970-331-5032

Jake’s Mountain Shuttle(summit county shuttle)


Peak One Express (airport shuttle)


Summit Express (airport shuttle)


Ski Carpool www.skicarpool.org

The Summit Stage (our free public bus!)


Green Builders & Energy Star Builders

Alternative Building Solutions


Apex Mountain Homes


Arapahoe Construction


Campbell Construction


Carlson Builders


Colvin Construction


Compass Homes Development Summit County 970-547-5047

Decker Custom Homes, Inc.


Elevation Building Group


Hedges Mountain Homes


Green Living Renovations


J&E Development


Kodiak Enterprises


Level One Building Co. Inc.


Mathison Custom Builders, Inc. Summit County 970-485-5912

McCrerey Fine Homes Summit County 970-668-0686

Mount Royal Builders


Mountain Log Homes of Colorado Summit County 970-468-8683

Pinnacle Mountain Homes, Inc. Summit County 970-453-0727

Powder River Log Cabins


Raptor Construction


RJB Development


Spirit Builders


Traditional Neighborhood BuildersSummit County 970-668-5075

Wheelock Construction


Verdigris Group 800-805-2830

Energy Retrofi ts About Saving Heat

Denver/ Summit 303-549-6900

Comfort by Kodiak


Fish Builders


Mill Creek Carpentry and Retrofi t Lake County 719-293-1912

Saunders Company


Green Remodelers & Retrofi t Altitude Garage Door, Inc.


Arapahoe Construction


Jeff Schelker



‘Your Source for Indoor Gardening

Supplies in the High Country’

Stop by and ask us how you can earn

$$$ shopping at The Hydro Shack!

753 Ten Mile Dr., Frisco, CO 80443970*668*0359

20% off Everything in the Store

4/20 thru 4/22 2012

Green Building Supplies

Bighorn Materials


Bighorn Paint Stores

Frisco & Breckenridge 970-513-1575

Breckenridge Building Supply


Centennial Woods

866-778-8762

Vintage Wood Supply


Local Beetle-Kill LumberGreenway, LLC

Lakewood 303-981-0996

Hester’s Log & Lumber Mill

Kremmling 970-724-3868

Green Interior Design & Creations

Associates 3

Denver 303-534-4444

Blue Feather Metals


Breckenridge Blinds


Harmony Interiors

Frisco 970-668-0291

Todd Buckendahl Custom Welding DesignDillon 970-513-0968

Wild Sage Interiors


Green ArchitectsArapahoe Architects


La Montagne Architects


Matthew Stais Architects


TerraSun Design


EcoBrokers (Real Estate Agents)Betty Stielow Summit County 970-368-7000

Deborah DarbyLake County 719-486-1409

22 2012 GREEN GUIDE

You ask us so many questions about energy! Here are a few that you keep asking:

What systems don’t work well in the mountains (but somebody from Denver may tell you they do)?

High effi ciency windows that contain

argon gas do not work at elevation.

High altitude sites require ‘breathing

tubes’ between the glass and all argon

gas escapes. Electric heat pump water

heaters and tankless water heaters are

two other items that often don’t work

well here in our cold climate.

Should new windows be on the top of my list when improving the energy effi ciency of my home?

Everybody wants windows, but usually

the answer is no. Windows take 20-30

years to pay for themselves from energy

savings, and are quite an investment.

Noticeable drafts at your windows

typically happen where the window

meets the framing behind the trim. This

usually can be remedied easily with a little

caulk.

What are the most cost-effective energy upgrades?

In most homes sealing up air leaks and

adding insulation, as well as upgrading

your lighting to CFLs or LEDs, will be the

most cost effective. If you really want

to see signifi cant savings, use a Home

Energy Auditor certifi ed by the Building

Performance Institute to perform a

whole house analysis. See the short

article “What is an Energy Audit?” on

page 19 for more details.

Is it better to leave fl uorescent lights on if I am leaving the room for just a few minutes? Will it wear out the ballasts?

The short answer is no. The ballasts

will not wear out. The energy a T8

fl uorescent lamp uses does jump slightly

while turning on, but not enough to make

a difference if the light is on for more

than a few minutes.

Is the mercury in a CFL (compact fl uorescent light) a hazard to me?

For the CFL, some mercury is emitted

when the CFL is broken or disposed. This

is the mercury released in your home if

you break the bulb. EPA continues to tell

us the levels are not harmful. A few years

ago, a CFL contained an average of 4 mg,

now it’s less than 1 mg. For comparison,

thermometers contain about 500 mg of

mercury and older thermostats contain

3,000 mg of mercury. Yes, it is toxic,

and should be disposed of properly. You

don’t need a hazmat suit, just get rid of

the broken pieces (don’t use a vacuum

if possible). Our local Big Horn Ace will

take broken or unbroken CFLs to recycle

for free, and so will the Summit County

Resource Allocation Park (for a small fee).

Why the focus on solar in Summit County? What about other renewable energy sources?

The sun is very powerful here in

Summit County. High elevation combined

with cold temperatures, aid in effi ciency

of power production. The opposite is

true of wind power production at high

elevation. Solar currently appears to have

the best return on investment in our

region and the tie in to the grid makes

it feasible to ‘store’ power. Nearly all of


EnergyQ&A


We are committed to being an environmentally friendly and green carpet cleaning company. We practice water conservation, use biodegradable chemical free cleaning agents, have energy efficient machines, and recycle both in the field and in our office.

For an average house, our green carpet cleaners use only 5% of the water a typical steam cleaner uses. That means for every hundred homes cleaned, Oxi Fresh will use 200 gallons of water or less, while other systems will use up to 4,000 gallons. When it comes to getting a natural carpet cleaning that is safe for both you, your children, pets, and the environment, you’ll want to go with Oxi Fresh.

CodeGG2012

Summit County is classifi ed as ‘poor’ for

wind power production. Most people tell

us their backyards are windy, but generally

speaking consistency is lacking. Don’t

believe us? Get an anemometer and check

it out for yourself. The exceptions are

mountain tops and high elevation ridges.

And what about biomass and geothermal?

Biomass has shown some real promise

and feasibility is currently being explored for

larger scale applications. Geothermal too

has potential on a smaller scale in Summit

County, but larger scale applications are

limited to geothermal hot spot regions

(not us). To see state-wide R&D on this

topic, check out the Governor’s Energy

Offi ce Renewable Energy Development

Infrastructure (REDI) report, available on

their website: rechargecolorado.com.

Is the proposed Community Solar Garden funded by tax dollars?

Partly. Solar gardens take advantage of

the 30% renewable energy tax credit. This

helps to lower the cost of the system and

is paid for by the Federal government. The

solar garden investors also receive money

from Xcel Energy for every kWh produced.

This money comes from Xcel Energy’s

renewable energy fund, which is paid into

by every Xcel Energy user. The next time

you look at your bill, check out the line

that says renewable energy adjustment,

and that’s the amount going into the fund,

generally 2%. Why? The state says Xcel

has to produce 30% of its power from

renewable sources by 2020 and they are

on track to do so. Why? Because we want

clean locally produced energy!

Why can’t I just pay monthly as I pay my energy bill and get clean energy instead of dirty?

You can pay monthly for roof-top solar

in the mountains. While lease options

have existed in California (where energy

prices are higher) and Denver (where

operations and maintenance costs are low)

for years, it’s new in our mountain regions.

You can now lease a system with a variety

of payment options, including no money

down and low monthly payments rather

than a large up front expense.

The Frisco Clean Tracks Business Program recognizes and supports businesses that are actively incorporating sustainability into business decision. It is funded by the Town of Frisco. In 2011, collectively ten Frisco Clean Tracks Businesses saved over 25,000 kWh annually, increased internal diversion rates from 10-75%, and diverted many tons of trash from the landfi ll. Changes in the way these businesses operate amount to over 50,000 lbs of carbon reduced from our atmosphere annually while saving them thousands of dollars.

CHECK OUT THEIR GREEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS:www.highcountryconservation.org/FriscoCleanTracks.htm

2011-2012 Frisco Clean Tracks Businesses

Alpine Market and Deli

Butterhorn Bakery

Gatherhouse Glassblowing

Maximum Comfort Pool and Spa

Medical Marijuana of the Rockies

Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters

Shoe Inn Boutique

Buyer’s Resource

Woods Inn

Rivers Clothing Company

ECO-PRODUCTS, A PROUD SPONSOR OF HC3’S ZERO WASTE PARTY PACK PROGRAM

The FriscoClean Tracks business program

NEW 2012 Frisco Clean Tracks Businesses

Alpine Bank

Backcountry Herbal Apothecary

The Barnyard

Envy Salon

Holiday Inn

Stork and Bear Co

McCrery Fine Homes

The Moosejaw

Mountain Log Homes

Peppino’s Pizza and Subs

The 2011 Green Champion Award goes to Shannon Murray and Wallace Plowden at the Shoe Inn Boutique, 610 Main Street in Frisco. They cut their energy bill in half and reduced their waste by 75%. Half the cost of upgraded lighting materials was covered by the Frisco Clean Track program.

Shoe Inn Boutique began composting tissue paper from shoe boxes and other packaging materials and found that their waste stream was reduced by 75%. Compost is sent to the Summit County commercial compost facility and turned into soil for local sale and use.

DIVERSION RATE WITH COMPOSTING: 75%

ENERGY SAVINGS: 6181 kWh and $620 annually

2011 GREEN CHAMPION AWARD

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PROGRAMS

24 2012 GREEN GUIDE

Steps For A Sustainable Future.


A voluntary program for businesses that want to decrease energy use, reduce waste and save money in the process. Businesses that join the program are provided with the following services funded by the Town of Silverthorne.

Technical assistance, energy and waste assessmentsMoney for energy and waste improvements Marketing and public recognition

Did you know that Red Buffalo Tea and Coffee is going zero-waste in 2012! They will be composting all cups, plates and utensils. Check out how much energy, waste and money these businesses have saved at our website:www.highcountryconservation.org/SilverthorneEnergySmart.html

2012 SILVERTHORNE ENERGY SMART BUSINESSESAlpine Earth Center, Alpine GardensBrooks FurnitureColorado AnglerDays InnLocal’s Liquor Deli on the Blue, Peak ProvisionsLa Quinta InnQuality InnRed Buffalo Coffee and TeaTwin Season Vacations

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SILVERTHORNE ENERGY SMART BUSINESS PROGRAM, NEW FOR 2012

The Resource for Sustainable Business in Summit County is a series of forums by business and for business. The Resource is the only professional gathering of its kind in Summit County. It exists to provide information about the valuable trades and services available in our community that follow sustainable principles. Be prepared to hear and share great ideas with peers in a relaxed environment.

JUNE 13, 5:30-6:30PM AT THE HOLIDAY INN IN FRISCOMake Green Pay: How to Make Investments Work for YouHost: Holiday Inn

Co-Presenter: Larry Stone, CPA

SEPTEMBER 27, 5:30-6:30PM AT ALPINE EARTH CENTER INSILVERTHORNEWinter Survival for BusinessesHost: Alpine Earth Center and Alpine Gardens

The Resource for Sustainable Business

BRECKENRIDGE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PROGRAM, NEW FOR 2012

This program will recognize and support Breckenridge businesses for their efforts at sustainability. The Town of Breckenridge is working with a local task force of businesses and the High Country Conservation Center to develop this program, which will be released this Spring.

Interest has been strong and space is limited. Call or email us to fi nd out more: [email protected].

26 2012 GREEN GUIDE

Sustainable business programs fi ght for energy independence. Want freedom from the grid? Become more energy effi cient and use clean alternative energy sources. We need powerful local economies to make our country strong! Sustainability can help us get there. When businesses reduce your energy, waste and materials they reduce costs, increase profi ts and cash fl ow. Going green can reduce risk to your business and investors while boosting brand integrity. That’s so American!

Good Old American

Values

COMPOST AT YOUR BUSINESS….because burying organics stinks!

Cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and reduce waste. It’s now made easy by composting at your business. Is it gross? Nah. Is it awesome and easy to implement? Yes!

To set-up an initial waste consultation or to learn more about commercial composting call the High Country Conservation Center at 668-5703.

ARAPAHOEBASIN.COM888.ARAPAHOE

ARAPAHOE BASIN’S ENVIRONMENTAL POLICYAs stewards of an exceptional mountain environment, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is committed

to providing quality outdoor recreation experiences. Our staff and guests realize Arapahoe

Basin is a priceless natural treasure. We strive to continually improve our environmental

performance in order to provide enjoyment of Arapahoe Basin for future generations

of snow and mountain enthusiasts.

All proceeds benefit The High Country Conservation Center

Sign up at the A-Basin Season Pass Office

$20Join A-Basin’s Snow Huggers club and receive 50% off

a lift ticket, rental and lesson plus additional savings

on retail items, food and beverages—all while

making a positive impact on your mountain

and the environment.

SAVE THE SNOW AND SOME DOUGH

970-406-1289 for service | 970-453-7369 for bi l l ing

Are you working on a "BUILT GREEN"project in Summit or Park Co?

Then call Summit Roll-offs!

ONE OF SUMMIT COUNTY'S ONLY construction site recycling companiesFIRST TO OFFER DIVIDED ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS- separate your wood waste from your trash and save money and the environmentCUSTOM BUILT ROLL-OFFS - we have a variety of sizes to fi t your project.

•

•

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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATEDResidential, Commercial, Construction SitesWE HAUL: trash • slash • stumps • trees • snow • bio-solids • horse manure, etc.Slash loading available-CALL FOR DETAILSFULLY INSURED, AFFORDABLE RATES

•••

••

970-468-8189998 Blue River Parkway, Silverthorne

www.alpineearthcenter.com

BUY LOCALMENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE A

Native Plant Material, indoor plants,

organic seeds, veggie starts, fertilizers,

and biological pest control.

Indoor growing and gardening

supplies

•

•

Fairy Garden Earth Day SALE.

- 15% off any fairy garden items.

Offering gardening, yoga, art, and

wellness classes

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Alpine Gardens

FREE2.5’’ POT OF HERBS WITH ANY PURCHASE

OFFER EXPIRES

JUNE 15, 2012


GREEN LIVING

Whether your wedding is hosted in a historic barn or a newly built hotel, there are affordable and sustainable options to make the event the best day of your life. Unfortunately, most decorations, leftover cake, and cut fl owers are destined for the landfi ll. Reused, recycled, and repurposed is one way to liven up the party and lighten your impact on the planet.

SHABBY CHIC Appreciate the appearance of age, wear and tear. Try reusing antique

rusted watering cans, tea pots, and glass milk jugs for centerpieces. Add a personal touch

to the decorations such as heart-shaped rocks, old photos, love notes, and poems.

DO-IT-YOURSELF Instead of cut fl owers, plant live succulents in reused pots or arrange

dried wheat, barley, and lavender sheaves on the tables. Small bouquets of native fl owers

intertwined with sunfl owers from your garden are both simple and beautiful.

UPCYCLED AND FABULOUS Repurpose recyclables into invitations,

decorations, and party favors. You can also upcycle vintage wedding attire

into glamorous accessories.

MAKE SOIL, NOT WASTE Food, plant, and paper waste can be

avoided by composting. Wow your guests with compostable

cups and cutlery made out of renewable resources like

sugarcane. Better yet, bypass the waste by renting dinner

ware or mix and match plates from the thrift store.

Green Salons, Spas & Beauty Supplies

Ambika Healing MassageBreckenridge 970-368-3270Blue Sage SpaBreckenridge 970-453-7676Bodyworks SpaFrisco 970-668-5859 Envy SalonFrisco 970-668-3689Serenity SpaKeystone 970-513-9002Samadhi Healing Art StudioBreckenridge 970-445-8450

Naturopaths & Natural Healing Ctrs.A Balanced CraneBreckenridge 970-547-9415Backcountry Herbal ApothecaryFrisco 970-668-1700Mountain River Naturopathic Frisco 970-668-1300Mountain Rose Acupuncture Frisco 970-333-9027Prescription AlternativesFrisco 970-668-8482Qi Gong Institute Silverthorne 585-281-2002

Growing, Gardening & Landscaping

Alpine Earth Center Silverthorne 970-468-8189Alpine Tree ServicesSummit County 970-389-4964Beetle BlockersSummit County 877-748-7337Elk Mountain Trading CompanyFrisco 970-668-0495Mountain Roots Gardening Summit County 970-485-0339Neils LuncefordSilverthorne 970-468-0430Petal and Bean FlowersBreckenridge 970-547-0018The Hydro ShackFrisco 970-668-0359Summit Landscaping Garden Ctr.Breckenridge 970-453-1039

Green Banking & InvestingAlpine BankSummit County 970-468-4701 Right Path InvestmentsSummit County 970-668-5525

Green CleanersA Greaner CleanerSummit County 970-485-0291Colorado Mountain CleanersSummit County 970-262-1182Green Clean! LLCSummit County 970-389-7356Green-SolSummit County 970-547-2728Karen Cleans GreenSummit County 970-485-3131Mountain PrideSummit County 970-453-1012Organic HousekeepersSummit County 970-949-9010Summit Green CleanSummit County 970-668-3940

Misc. BusinessesArapahoe BasinKeystone 970-468-0718Town of Silverthorne/Rec CenterSilverthorne 970-262-7370Colorado Mountain College www.coloradomtn.edu Breckenridge 970-453-6757Dillon 970-468-598AGB10Westminster 303-469-9221

Eco-Style It! My Green Wedding Secrets…

DID YOU KNOW?¤ Only 20% of all chemicals in cosmetics are ever tested for safety by the FDA. Ingredients in personal care products, from lotion and mascara to nail polish, are sold to consumers with no restrictions and no requirement for safety testing. Beautify your body and your mind by using the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics: www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.

28 2012 GREEN GUIDE

DID YOU KNOW?¤ All eight of Summit County’s elementary, middle, and high schools are composting their food and paper waste in the cafeteria! The Composting in the Schools program is designed to educate students, teachers and parents about the importance of composting and waste-free lunches. The program has benefi ted the entire community—and our environment—by reducing the waste generated in local schools, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (through methane reductions from landfi ll gas), and through the production of a local soil amendment for backyard and community gardens.

NOW OPEN in Breckenridge

$20 off your fi rst service when you mention this ad $45 60 minute Swedish

massage

off any services that are predominantly organic!

off for locals all year long!20%10%

additional

A sustainable approach to wealth and investment management and financial planning.

Promoting the financial well-beingof individuals and businesses in Summit County.

Your financial health is my passion… My community is my business.

Steven R. Smith, JD, CFP®

970-668-5525www.rightpathinvestments.com

Socially Responsible Investing and Planning

Sustainable Health & WellnessAt one of Eartha’s GREEN TRACKS Businesses.

NEW LOCATION! 507C Main St. Frisco, CO

Justin Pollack, NDKim Nearpass, ND(970)688-1300

Lizzie Johnsen, LMT& Laura Eilers, LMT(970)688-8155

Cybil Kendrick, LAC, C.SMA, LMTAcupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine & Massage Therapy • (970)485-3839

Tea, Herbal Medicine,Body Care (970)668-1700

AGBIO inc.www.agbio-inc.com

westminster. CO 80031303.469.9221 | 877.268.2020

eco-friendly pheromone repellent in controlled release dispenserbeetleblock is alternative to insecticide sprays

pine, spruce, Ips, beetle control pinefirsprucepinyon

easy application. staple to treeslongest lasting repellent dispenser available

successfully used multiple years by forest service, US Parks, BLM, HOA’s, towns, homeowners,Aspen Smuggler Mt.


Clean it Up Eartha’s Top Toxic Cleaning Offenders

Cleaning products can often harbor a number of toxins that impact our health and the environment. Unfortunately, unregulated labels and false claims have made it diffi cult for the consumer to understand what is actually in the product. Label hints like POISON, WARNING, and DANGER are indicators that a product is toxic. Beyond simple warnings, how do you know what is safe and what to avoid?

HERE ARE THE TOP “TOXIC CLEANING OFFENDERS” TO LOOK OUT FOR:

1. Greenwashers – Greenwashing

is the process of using fancy graphics or

earth-friendly terms to deceptively promote

a product as organic, natural, or eco-

friendly. Since labels aren’t regulated and

terms like non-toxic and biodegradable are

freely used, greenwashed cleaning products

can be just as harmful as their chemical

counterparts.

2. Phthalates – Phthalates are

endocrine disrupters that are common to

fragranced products like air fresheners and

dish soaps. A healthier alternative is to make

your own deodorizers with essential oils like

lavender, vanilla, and lemon.

3. Triclosan – Many hand soaps and

liquid detergents labeled “antibacterial”

have triclosan. Triclosan is an endocrine

disrupter, known carcinogen, and can

promote drug-resistant bacteria.

4. Ammonia – From glass cleaners

to bathroom polishing agents, ammonia is

a strong smelling chemical that has been

known to contribute to asthma, chronic

bronchitis, and lung issues. A healthier

alternative is vodka or white vinegar to

get that special shine in your windows and

mirrors.

5. Chlorine – Often found in toilet bowl

cleaners, laundry whiteners, and scouring

powders, chlorine produces strong fumes

and skin irritations. Our favorite alternatives

are baking soda, white vinegar, and borax.

��

From business to sustainable agriculture, �� gives you the foundationyou need for ��

��

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USING ALL ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE, EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - FREE ESTIMATES!

CALLNOW!

GET CLEAN & GREEN!

Reliable,DetailedCleaning

Longtime

SUMMIT GREEN CLEANPolly J. Schwan, Owner

H (970) 668-3940C (719) 289-1587

Specializing in Luxury Homes, Residential and Condo Rentals

10%OFF

YOUR 1ST

CLEAN

LocalCOLORADOWe use environmentallysafe products

ZL

WHO IS EARTHA STEWARD?Ms. Eartha Steward resides in a cabin high in the mountains near Summit County, Colorado. She likes her anonymity, but spends lots of time tending vegetables in her garden during the summers and exploring the backcountry in the winter. Eartha also writes a column each Thursday for the Summit Daily News. You can send Eartha your questions about anything “green” at [email protected].

30 2012 GREEN GUIDE

®

Build GREENLive GREEN

Builders of quality homes in Summit County, Boulder and the Front Range for over30 years. We are here to offer you the best in Quality, Craftsmanship and Service.

Boulder / Frisco, COContact Mark McCrerey 970-418-1455

Office 970-668-0686 | mccrereyfinehomes.com

PHOTO BY BLUE SKY PHOTOGRAPHY

McCrerey Fine Homes, LLC.NAHB Certified Green Professional

CARPET • UPHOLSTERY • AREA RUGS • BLINDS • TILE & GROUT

BRINGING GREEN LIVING HOME by offering an eco-friendly alternative for carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning

Mountain Pride Cleaning and Restoration offer a variety of eco-friendly products and services to help you maintain a clean and healthy home.

Our Green Seal™ Certified Products are:• Eco-friendly, Plant Derived Cleaning

Solutions• VOC Free (Volatile Organic Compounds) • Biodegradable • Non-toxic and Phosphate Free• Provides Environmental

Protection and Sustainability

Visit us online www.mountainpridecleaning.com

ALLOW US TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLEANING NEEDS

970-453-1012

We are Breckenridge’s only eco-friendly “GREEN” Carpet Cleaning Company

Mark Rusciolelli, Owner

Riding the Summit Stage saves fuel and lessens our dependence on foreign oil

A recent study conducted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), found that public transportation use saves

our country 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually and can reduce household expenses by as much as more than $10,000

annually* – that is more than the average household spends on food each year. Households that use public transit drive

and average of 4,400 fewer miles than households who continue to use personal automobiles. This equates to an individual household reduction of 223 gallons of gasoline annually.

Riding the Summit Stage provides critical relief for traffic congestionAs more vehicles crowd our nation’s roadways, traffic congestion has an increasingly debilitating effect on our quality of life. Across America, people, business and industry, the economy and the environment pay a higher and higher price for mounting congestion through delays, lost opportunities, higher costs, pollution, frustration and much more.The data are clear: Providing fast, affordable, safe and reliable public transportation is essential in blunting the crippling effects congestion and providing relief that:

Protects personal freedom, choice, and mobility

Enhances access to opportunity

Enables economic prosperity

Protects our communities and the environment

Riding the Summit Stage helps reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissionsCompared with private vehicles, public transportation produces 95% less carbon monoxide (CO), 92% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), 45% less carbon dioxide (CO2), and 48% less oxides of nitrogen (NOx). And all of our new buses produce 90% less NOx emissions and 97% less particulate emissions than our older buses.

Riding the Summit Stage reduces accidents and injuriesAll modes of public transportation are far safer than personal vehicles. Public transportation trips result in 190,000 fewer accidents, deaths, and injuries per passenger mile traveled annually than trips by car. Riding the bus is 170 times safer than automobile

travel according to the National Safety Council.

Riding the Summit Stage reduces Road StressThe average American driver may spend over 450 hours – equal to nearly 11 workweeks – behind

the wheel annually. The stress of driving in congested conditions is directly linked to a long list of health problems. Riding public transportation provides commuters with opportunities to

read, relax, or even catch up on work that are not available to drivers stranded in traffic.As a further commitment to the environment of the High Country, the Summit Stage also uses

clean ultra-low sulfur biodiesel fuel in all of our buses. The Stage also remains committed to new programs to further protect our mountain environment using alternative fuels and promoting

efficiency within our operating facilities.

Take a ride on the Summit Stage!Your Green Transportation to your destination.

eartha steward's green guide to high country living

Documents

local food

local green businesses

local composting

sustainable food production

sustainable actions

energy star

clean energy

local green services