The Sun is Shining!
We are excited to see an increase in sun here at Artha. We had our first installation workshop of the year this weekend and were happy the participants got to walk on grass instead of snow. Our workshops are filling up fast and we just keep adding onto this year’s schedule. People are thirsty for the solar knowledge! Please visit our calendar for a list of workshops and we hope to see you at this years Midwest Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair on June 20th, 21st and 22nd. To find out more, or to sign up for one of Bob Ramlow’s many solar thermal workshops please visit www.the-mrea.org. Enjoy the sun!
For the Earth,
Artha Sustainable Living Center llc
Should You Buy Bottled Water?
The amount of energy going into just making the bottles that contain the water should answer this question. In the US more then 17 million barrels of oil are needed, that is equivalent to the amount of oil needed to fuel 1 million cars for 1 year. The bottle of water that takes only 3 minutes to drink will take up to a thousand years to biodegrade, and only 33.5% of these bottles are being recycled. In addition fossil fuels are burned to fill bottles and distribute them, some coming from thousands of miles away.
Where does the water come from?
More then 25% of bottled water comes from a municipal supply. It is treated tap water, not much different then what comes from your faucet. The amount charged to us, the consumer is more then we pay for gas, and it is often virtually free tap water labeled as spring water. Testing done by the NRDC found some bottled water to contain bacterial or chemical contaminants including carcinogens in levels exceeding state or industry standards. The NRDC also found some to contain phthalates which block or mimic hormones affecting the body’s normal functions.
Are the bottles bad?
It is when the plastic sits around or gets warm that the chemicals from the plastic bottles leach into the water. Chemicals include Antimony, which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bisphenol A, that is in hard plastics like sport-water bottles can cause neurological and behavioral problems in babies and kids and affects the brain, female reproductive system and immune system in adults.
The solution: Put your tap water (filtered if you prefer) in a stainless steel or glass container!
 
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Workshops and Events
May 2008
Solar Water Heating Installation Lab May 12 - 14th, 2008 Mon - Wed : 8am - 4pm
A hands-on workshop that includes both theory and installation practice. Two systems will be installed on a training roof, drainback and pressurized closed-loop systems. This class will qualify you to be on the Focus on Energy Full Service Installer List.
Contact Midwest Renewable Energy Center for registration information and cost. http://www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops.php
June 2008
Living Sustainably $65
June 14th, 2008 Sat. 1-5pm
A workshop on sustainable living and energy conservation in the home. Learn how to live with less impact on the earth's resources.
Midwest Renwable Energy Fair Mrea Site
June 20th-22ndth, 2008
The Fair features hundreds of workshops and exhibits all emphasizing clean energy & sustainable living and is fun for the whole family. Held just 20 minutes from Artha. Stay at Artha B&B while you attend. See us at our Booth at the fair. |
Artha Web Site Calendar
Contact Us
New Attempt to Extend the Federal Solar Tax Credit
The Clean Energy Stimulus Act of 2008 is another attempt to extend the solar tax credit, which is currently due to expire on December 31st, 2008. This bill will extend the credit for one year and removes the $2,000 cap. The bill needs 61 co-sponsors to even have a chance, and currently has around 30. We want to encourage you to contact your Senators and let them know you would like them to co-sponsor this bill; it is bipartisan, authored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Ensign (R-NV).
“From New Hampshire to Michigan to Oregon, this bill provides a much-needed shot in the arm for our ailing national economy. This legislation will create thousands of jobs, unleash billions in investment and prevent a major disruption in this fast-growing sector – all at a time when we need it the most,” said Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
The bill contains provisions that would:
- Extend the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit's (PTC) placed-in-service date through 2009 for facilities that generate electricity from wind, closed-loop biomass, open-loop biomass, geothermal energy, solar energy, small irrigation power, landfill gas, and trash combustion.
- Extend the solar energy and fuel cell investment tax credit through 2016.
- Extend the 30% residential energy-efficient solar property credit through 2009 for purchases of qualified solar property used to generate electricity or heat water.
- Extend the 10% energy-efficient credit for existing homes through 2009.
- Extend the energy efficient new homes credit through 2010.
- Extend the energy-efficient commercial buildings deduction for property placed-in-service through 2009, and increases the maximum deduction amount from the current US $1.80 to $2.25 per square foot.
- Extend the energy-efficient appliance credit for appliances produced in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
- Authorize an additional US $400 million of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds and extends authority to issue such bonds through 2009.
Create Your Own Retreat! Come for the weekend or a week, pick from the list of many fun activities and we will help you create and unforgettable vacation. Bring your family or friends, the house sleeps 13 and you can also rent the studio space, gazebo and grounds.
Options: Private Yoga Class, or day long workshops, Reiki sessions, herbal workshops, hiking, cross country skiing, biking and meal catering! Check our website for all of the workshop options, or we can create one just for you.
Have Your Event At Artha! Weddings, Reunions, Meetings, Parties and more. Call for rates and availability
Event planning services: $45 per hour. Artha Sustainable Living Center llc -- 9784 County Road K,
Amherst, Wisconsin 54406 USA
Telephone: (715) 824-3463 --- Fax: (715) 824-5389
email address: info@arthaonline.com
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