Climate Solutions

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support) promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable living.  For more information visit SEEDS website at: http://seedsgroup.net/ ​
The Cooperage Project was founded on the premise that strong communities are built upon strong relationships. This belief, which has now become our guiding principle, first found expression during the summer of 2009 through the work of our local farmers who brought their weekly harvest to market and offered it for sale to the folks from town.

Local Farmers' Markets:
Main Street Farmers' Market at the Cooperage Project (Honesdale)
Climate Solutions     
In order to have an impact on climate change, we need to think globally and act locally. In your community there are many things that can be done to adapt to climate change in different ways.

Energy Efficiency: 
Reduce your energy usage by installing energy efficient appliances.

Renewable Energy Structures: 
Invest in renewable energy. Install solar, wind, or geothermal in both old or new houses and business buildings. There are several local West Michigan businesses that provide free consultations and assessments for homes. For more information on renewable energy structures such as small wind systems click here.

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support) promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable living.  For more information visit SEEDS website at: http://seedsgroup.net/ 
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Food: 
  • Have meatless meals at least once a week. Livestock requires more water and energy than fruits or vegetables do.
  • Support local farmers and grocers! The less distance food travels to us, the less fossil fuel emissions are consumed. 
  • Start a garden with food for our pollinators and your family. 
  • Plant native fruit and nut trees to provide free food for you and generations to come.

Transportation: 
  • Properly inflate your tires and routinely change your oil to allow your car to run at its maximum efficiency. This will help you fill up your tank less often too!
  • Talk to your coworkers about ways to reduce and eliminate waste in your workplace by organizing a carpool. Biking!​

Business:
  • Turn off computers, printers, and other electronics at the end of the work day to reduce energy consumption.
  • Install a smart thermostat to automatically adjust the office to an appropriate temperature.
  • Upgrade to motion-activated lighting to ensure that lights are never accidentally left on.
  • Print double sided and email documents whenever possible, or even better - Go paperless!