| Sourced From |
RYE A community-wide energy initiative geared toward challenging homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint is slowly proving that home is not only where the heart is, but it’s also where the art is.
Each summer for the past three years, the Rye Energy Committee has designed an art/energy project that encourages residents to reduce their carbon footprint in various ways, according to Mimi White, committee chairwoman.
The first project was called “Wash Day” and drew the attention of more than 30 residents who committed to hang out their laundry outside to dry. The next year, the committee organized the “Home Grown” initiative, which pushed townspeople to grow their own vegetables and fruits.
This year’s project is titled, “Honor Your Home: small steps matter.” White said so far 23 households have signed up and the list continues to grow.
“‘Honor Your Home’ asks Rye residents to take three actions to tighten their homes and/or take personal actions that will help reduce their carbon footprint,” White said.
Once a person commits or completes the actions, White said an area artist will then come to their home and paint a “lovely rendition of their home.”
White said the most special part of the energy project is the continued collaboration with area artists.
“We believe that art transforms behavior and that when others view these lovely paintings, they too will be inspired to take energy savings actions,” she said.
White said the decision to focus on making homes more energy efficient during this year’s program was sparked by the town taking the initiative at its many buildings and facilities.
Earlier this year the town received a $377,561 Energy and Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the state Office of Energy Planning. The funding was awarded to Rye for three building efficiency and two renewable energy projects. White said the town received perhaps the largest grant in the state of all towns that applied.
“The town of Rye has shown great leadership is taking actions to tighten up our municipal buildings,” she said.
White said the program is not restricted to homeowners but extends to those who rent. She said participants can take the simplest of actions like changing light bulbs and much more. In addition, the Energy Committee is offering a Green Saturday Morning program at the Seacoast Science Center.
“We are also collaborating with the New England Carbon Challenge, asking those residents who participate to take the NECC as one of their actions,” White said.
Local artist Lynda Kodwyck is co-chair of the program. The Rye resident said she is one of 14 artists who have signed on to the initiative with the Rye Energy Committee.
Kodwyck said the way the project works is artists will reach out to participating residents and set up a time for them to visit and begin to paint a portrait of their home or landscape.
“Quite often we’ll have a different idea of what sparks our interest as artists,” Kodwyck said. “It’s kind of cool and the homeowners are not obligated to buy anything, but they do have the opportunity to see their homes or portions of their homes painted.”
Having participated in the program for the past three years, Kodwyck said the combination of art and energy go “hand in hand.” She said not only does it give homeowners the opportunity to better the environment, but also gives artists a chance to paint new locations and showcase their work.
The program will progress throughout the summer and subsequent paintings will be exhibited and available for sale at the Seacoast Science Center, at a gala opening planned for Nov. 12.
Related posts:
- Kingston panel seeks to reduce town’s carbon footprint
- North Queenslanders encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint
- San Lorenzo Adds Real Estate with Smaller Carbon Footprint
- Ill. police station trying to reduce carbon footprint
- Green Construction Code Could Increase Energy Efficiency, Reduce Carbon Footprint