Soup Kitchen Saves with Solar

Tucson, AZ- October 3rd, 2011- Casa Maria Soup Kitchen announces the completion of its rooftop solar power system. The 3.87 kW solar electric (photovoltaic) system was paid for by a grant from Technicians for Sustainability, an incentive from Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and private donations. Producing over $70 dollars worth of electricity each month, the solar array will allow Casa Maria to use a greater proportion of its budget to go toward feeding those in need, their primary mission.

Located on an old adobe home at 352 E 25th St, the 18 panel solar array is a visual reminder of how solar is spreading in southern Arizona, even to places as unlikely as a soup kitchen. The cost for the project was around $22,000, with $7,750 offset by TEP’s incentive program, Sun Share. Casa Maria Soup Kitchen was also awarded a solar grant, worth over $7,000, through Technicians for Sustainability (TFS), a local solar installation company. The rest of the system costs were made up through private donations resulting in an entirely free solar array for Casa Maria.

"Solar in Tucson is not limited to huge public installations or large homes. We are a DOE Solar America City because of the strong solar community that has developed in Tucson. One important aspect of that community is helping non-profits go solar. This solar grant program from TFS is a good demonstration of the strength of the Tucson solar community", says Bruce Plenk, City of Tucson Solar Coordinator.

The newly solar powered soup kitchen subsists entirely off of private donations, and manages to feed hundreds of hungry Tucsonans daily. The significant utility savings resulting from the solar energy production will free up approximately $36,000 over the solar array’s 30 year life span, helping the kitchen to dish out its mission to the many needy individuals served each day. According to Casa Maria volunteer, Jerry Gill, "This solar system gives us an opportunity to extend our commitment to serving the poor with justice and in harmony with the earth. We already participate in recycling day old food donated by various food stores and restaurants, as well as used clothing from different private donors. We also grow some food of our own. Now, not only will we be able to save a considerable sum of money, but we will lessen our carbon footprint at the same time."

About Casa Maria

Casa Maria’s mission as part of the lay Catholic Worker movement, founded in 1930 in New York City by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, is to practice daily the love and compassion of Jesus and to implement the teachings of his Sermon on the Mount by being in solidarity with the poor. At Casa Maria they are committed to acts of mercy, voluntary poverty, pacifism and to the work of justice for the poor.

At their Free Kitchen, they daily serve lunch to 600 single persons, many of whom are homeless, and they provide a family food bag to more than 200 families who are on the edge of poverty. They also have a free Medical Mobile Clinic twice every week, a program for Vaccines for Cats and Dogs, and offer American Citizenship Lessons in Spanish and leadership and Community Organizer Training also in Spanish. Brian Flagg has been the director of Casa Maria for over 25 years.

About Technicians For Sustainability

Technicians For Sustainability (TFS) is a locally owned, mission-driven business, committed to walking their talk. They provide businesses, public institutions, and residential homeowners with high-quality, clean, renewable energy systems, helping to translate environmental values into a practical reality. The company employs proven technologies to meet customer's specific needs, including solar electricity and solar hot water heating. TFS has installed over two megawatts of solar power in southern Arizona. For more information about Technicians For Sustainability visit tfssolar.com

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On the Web:

www.tep.com/Green/

tfssolar.com/about-us/community-involvement/

Contacts:

Jerry Gill	Joe Salkowski	Kevin Koch
Casa Maria Volunteer	Tucson Electric Power	Technicians for Sustainability
520-762-0807	520-884-3625	520-740-0736
jslats@att.net	jsalkowski@uns.com	info@tfssolar.com

Sustainability Matters, Does It Make Cents?

The Metropolitan Pima Alliance, with TEP Bright Solutions and the University of Arizona Tech Park Solar Zone are sponsoring an event called Sustainability Matters, Does It Make Cents? Policy, Design and Implementation.  The sustainability and building forum will feature speakers from both the public and private sectors on how they are adapting to the shift towards sustainable building, including how our major utility companies are responding, and will feature Kris Mayes, an Arizona Corporation Commissioner from 2003 - 2010, as the keynote speaker.  The event will take place on Tuesday, August 30th from 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm at Westward Look Resort.  Tickets will be $40 for members, $45 for non-members.  For more information, please view their website.  Contact: 

Metropolitan Pima Alliance mpa@mpaaz.org (520) 878-8811

Introduction to Permaculture Design

On Saturday, October 1st, join the Sonoran Permaculture Guild in a class, an Introduction to Permaculture Design.  The class, which costs $59, will last from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and includes all course materials, handouts, and a delicious mesquite bread snack cooked in a solar oven.  The class will be taught by Dan Dorsey.  There is also a coresponding child's Introduction to Permaculture class, so bring them along!  For more information, please call (520) 624-8030 or dorsey@dakotacom.net.

Introduction to Permaculture for Kids

On Saturday, October 1st bring your kids to learn about Permaculture with the Sonoran Permaculture Guild.  The class will last from 8:45 am – 4:45 pm. This class includes a lunch break at the same time as the Intro to Permaculture class for adults, so kids and parents in class can get together for lunch.Cost: $29 – includes all course materials, a craft to take home, and a native food snack. Call or e-mail Leona for registration or information. (520) 205-0067 or leonafdavis@gmail.com.

Designing a Home Greywater System

On Saturday, September 24th, join the Sonoran Permaculture Guild to learn about how to design a greywater system for your own home.  The class will be from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and will cost $49 which includes all course materials, handouts, and a formal plan you will produce on a greywater system for your own residence.  To learn more, please visit the Sonoran Permaculture website, or you can call or e-mail Leona for registration or information. (520) 205-0067 or leonafdavis@gmail.com.  Directions and more information will be sent with registration.

The Last Mountain, Sponsored by the Loft

Join the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce and The Loft Cinema for a one-night screening of The Last Mountain, a documentary written, directed and produced by Bill Haney.  The only showing in Arizona will be at the Loft Cinema on August 24th at 7:30 pm.  Following the movie will be a discussion with local environmental experts.  Admission is $10 for the general public and $8 for Loft members.  "In the valleys of Appalachia, a fierce battle is being fought over a mountain, a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal. It is a battle with severe consequences that affect every American, regardless of their social status, economic background or where they live.

"The mining and burning of coal is at the epicenter of America's struggle to balance its energy needs with environmental concerns. Nowhere is that concern greater than in Coal River Valley, West Virginia, where a small but passionate group of ordinary citizens are trying to stop Big Coal corporations, like Massey Energy, from continuing the devastating practice of Mountain Top Removal. The citizens argue the practice of dynamiting the mountain's top off to mine the coal within pollutes the air and water, is responsible for the deaths of their neighbors and spreads pollution to other states. Yet, regardless of evidence supporting these claims, massive profit allows Big Coal to wield incredible financial influence over lobbyists and government officials in both parties, rewrite environmental protection laws, avoid lawsuits and eliminate more than 40,000 mining jobs, all while claiming to be a miner's best friend. As our energy needs increase, so does Big Coal's control over our future.

"Written, directed and produced by award-winning documentary filmmaker Bill Haney, THE LAST MOUNTAIN is a passionate and personal tale that honors the extraordinary power of ordinary Americans who dare to fight for what they believe in."

For more information about the film, please visit the Last Mountain website.  To learn more about the Tucson showing and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit the Loft website.

Prickly Pear Foods and Medicines Workshop

The Bean Tree Farm is hosting a workshop on August 13th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm which will include a harvest of prickly pear fruit and pads, both native and heirloom varieties, followed by preparation, discussion and sampling of the cactus in sweet and savory forms. They'll also explore the cactus' uses to promote and maintain health, its value in rewilding and regenerating urban landscapes for wildlife, beauty and food production, and share a feast of local food and drink. Workshop is $50 with lunch.

More info? www.beantreefarm.com  or beantreefarm@gmail.com

More great classes and workshops at: www.sonoranpermaculture.org

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection Hosts Tucson Festival Stop:  Wild & Scenic Film Festival The Wild & Scenic Film Festival brings together a selection of films from the annual festival held each January in Nevada City, CA. The films speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet. “Films featured at Wild & Scenic give people a sense of place,” says Tour Manager Susie Sutphin. “In our busy lives, it’s easy to get disconnected from our role in the global ecosystem. When we realize that the change we need in this world begins with us we can start making a difference.”

Featured films of the evening include Bag It, Walking the Line, and Wild vs. Wall. Bag It seeks to unravel the complexities of our modern plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effects on our waterways, oceans, and our bodies. Walking the Line follows thru-hiker Adam Bradley as he walks 500 miles of a proposed transmission line – a line through some of the West’s most remote landscapes – to find out how our country’s transition to renewable energy will affect the land, wildlife and people. Wild vs. Wall examines the environmental impact of the current border policy. Created by the Borderlands Campaign of the Sierra Club – Grand Canyon Chapter, this film addresses the ecological effects of enforcement and infrastructure in the four states that share boundaries with Mexico.

The festival is a natural extension of the work of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. The Coalition, comprised of 39 conservation and community groups, works to create a community where ecosystem health is important, nature and healthy wild animal populations have value, and where visitors, children and future generations can all drink clean water, breathe clean air, and find wild places to roam.

This year’s festival is being held in conjunction with Tucson Audubon Society’s first annual Bird & Wildlife Festival. Visitors from all over the world will be converging on Tucson for a week of birding and wildlife-related activities and the Coalition is excited to share the film festival as one of the featured evening programs.

The film festival offers an opportunity to entertain and engage the community while supporting the on-going work of the Coalition. Special thanks go out to local event sponsors Summit Hut and Betts Printing, the event’s major national sponsor Patagonia, as well as other local and national sponsors.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Wednesday, August 17th - 6:30pm

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona

Tickets: $8 in advance at Summit Hut, Antigone Books, and the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop / $10 at the door and online at www.sonorandesert.org For more information contact Gabe Wigtil, gabe.wigtil@sonorandesert.org, 520-388-9925 or visit http://www.sonorandesert.org/ .

Understanding PV

Ed Eaton will be presenting a workshop on solar electric systems.  This workshop is designed to provide the attendee with an in depth overview of photovoltaic system design and installation. The workshop is presented to help homeowner builders, architects, green home builders, government employees, NGO workers and especially those interested in “off-grid” solar systems. National Forest, BLM and all park service employees working or specifying solar systems should attend. More information can be found at http://solarenergyclasses.com.

Is Solar Hot Water Right for Your Home?

Need some help understanding the financial ins and outs of solar hot water?  If you are considering installing a solar hot water collector, the following table will give you some tips about the best way to take full advantage of your investment. TFS strongly believes that getting hot water from the sun is the best way to go, but in some cases, the conventional options may be more financially feasible.  This all depends on your water consumption, how many people live in your home and your current method of hot water generation, whether it’s an electric or gas water heater.  We based our calculations on the following water use patterns: the typical American two-person household will use approximately 40+ gallons of hot water a day.  A three-person household will use approximately 55+ gallons of hot water a day.

Things to take into consideration: These are numbers based on the usage patterns of standard Americans.  Also, they assume constant natural gas and electricity prices: it is important to note that these prices are likely to go up.  Experts assume electricity prices will increase on average 2% a year, which will increase the return on investment (ROI) significantly.  The same is true of natural gas prices.  When looking at the long term investment, it is important to take these trends into consideration.

Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board

As the solar industry continues to shine in Southern Arizona, a new organization, known as the Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board (SASSB), has been introduced to ensure that consumers receive professional, quality service when solar equipment is installed at their homes. Why? With the tremendous growth of the solar industry in southern Arizona, Tucsonans have seen the local industry expand from around 17 solar companies in 2007 to more than 100 today. As the industry expands, consumers are increasingly at risk of poor installations, shoddy workmanship, and unsavory business practices.  This rapid growth has sometimes made it difficult for consumers to know which businesses are qualified to properly install solar energy systems.

Who? Enter SASSB: a 501(c)3,  locally grown out of a solar installers’ “best practices” group, and later adopted as a program of Pima Association of Governments.  SASSB is working to strengthen the local solar industry in two ways.  First, by increasing the level of installation quality through the creation of industry standards, and second by informing and educating consumers so they not only pick the right installer, but the right system for their particular needs.

How? SASSB has developed standards for professionals installing photovoltaic or solar hot water systems.  Companies are eligible for membership and accreditation contingent on meeting the core requirements and agreeing to adhere to industry best practices as they are defined by SASSB. Standards include:

• Having at least one full-time employee certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
• Being in business for at least two years and having completed at least 10 utility-verified solar system installations
• Being in good standing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
• Being deemed an "approved installer" with applicable utility companies
• Being properly licensed through all applicable southern Arizona entities
• Offering customers a 10-year workmanship warranty and data monitoring for all systems

Consumers interested in solar are able to choose from a list of SASSB accredited installers, thereby adding some peace of mind to the selection process.  SASSB has also published a list of Buyer Tips & Steps for the Consumer as well as a Useful Definitions page on their website.

To find out more about SASSB’s mission and local accredited installers visit http://www.solarstandards.org/

Bisbee Solar Cook-Off

Stop by the Bisbee Farmers Market on Saturday, June 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to find out how to cook with the sun and what else the sun can do for you.  There will be a free half hour mini class in Solar Cooking 101 at 10 a.m. and a solar potluck at noon.   Show off your solar cooking skills or just get started cooking with the sun with sun ovens, solar cookbooks and solar cookware for sale.  The Solar Cook-Off will also feature information on solar electricity, hot water, pumps and cooling.  Come and listen to lively music to get your toes a’tappin’ by San and Lauren Jones, fiddle and guitar sensations accompanied on drums by Darrin Wood.  You can also enjoy home-style food, Mexican cooking, and baked goods at the shady outdoor café.  Bring a cooler to shop for fresh local produce and grass-fed meats, as well as honey, pickles and jellies, desert plants, herbal remedies and lots of unique handmade arts and crafts. The Solar Cook-Off is coordinated by Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture. For more information: (520) 678-8577 and valerie.mccaffrey@bajaaz.org. Directions: From Bisbee’s only traffic circle take the Bisbee Rd. exit to Vista Park opposite Warren Ball Park.

Urban Farming pt. 2 - How to Grow Food at Home in Tucson

Nothing beats walking right out your back door to pick that fresh organic tomato off the vine- but how do you grow it in Tucson? On June 25th, learn the basics of soil, sun, water, planting, and harvesting during this discussion around the technical aspects of desert gardening with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jenna Rhea.  Meet them at the Main Joel Valdez library from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.

Intro to Urban Farming

How does the way we grow food affect our health, economy, and society? Discuss the benefits of growing your own food, even in the Sonoran desert, and learn the basics of soil, sun, water, planting, and harvesting during this discussion around the technical aspects of desert gardening with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jenna Rhea.  Join the discussion on June 23rd, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Martha Cooper Library.

Urban Farming pt. 1 - The Homegrown Movement

The way we grow food, distribute food, and eat has rapidly changed in the last 50 years, and with it has changed our environment and physical health as a society. Now, many people are reversing the trend towards commercialized agriculture by growing food at home and distributing it in their own community. Join this discussion with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jennifer Liu around how our commercial food system works, and how the local food movement in Southern Arizona is changing our soils, our economies, and our own physical health.  They will be speaking on June 18th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Joel Valdez Main Library.

Intro to Water Harvesting

On June 11th, from 10:00-11:30 pm at the Mission Library, explore and discuss the core principles of rainwater harvesting and a variety of strategies, from cisterns to earthworks, with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank. We will be calculating how much rainfall you will receive off your home roof and on your landscape, and how you can best use this water on your site. Participants are encouraged to bring a base drawing with measurements of their house, roof and yard.

Intro to Water Harvesting

On May 25th, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Martha Cooper Library, explore and discuss the core principles of rainwater harvesting and a variety of strategies, from cisterns to earthworks, with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank. We will be calculating how much rainfall you will receive off your home roof and on your landscape, and how you can best use this water on your site. Participants are encouraged to bring a base drawing with measurements of their house, roof and yard.

Chicken Raising Basics

Chickens can provide ample entertainment, require minimal attention, and, most of all, produce fresh, nutritious eggs! Learn and discuss the basics of home chicken raising with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer and egg producer Noel Patterson.  Join them at the Mission Library on May 14th from 10:00 am - 11:30 am to learn about how to raise chickens here in Tucson.

Amity Foundation

Amity Foundation is seeking a grant from TFS to install a solar energy system at their Circle Tree Ranch campus located in Tucson, AZ.

Social Actions

Amity has provided treatment services to the men, women, and children of Tucson for over 42 years. Intent on addressing the needs of the most marginalized individuals of our society, particularly substance abuse treatment and all of its attendant issues: poverty, prejudice, violence, trauma, homelessness, and family restoration, Amity has been at the forefront of efforts to lead individuals into transformational change using the Teaching and Therapeutic Community (TC) model. Amity firmly believes that sustainable living is not only integral to personal responsibility, but also integral to the future of our global community.

Amity descended from the Tucson Awareness House (TAH), incorporated in 1969 to address the crisis of narcotic use amongst local adolescents, and later evolved to meet community needs.  In the mid-80’s TAH changed its corporate name to Amity and is the oldest, dedicated substance abuse treatment agency in Arizona.

From 1980 through today, Amity has allowed children of parents receiving residential treatment to live with them, and was one of the first treatment programs in Arizona to recognize the need to allowing children to stay with their mothers.

Environmental Actions

* Amity Foundation has implemented an energy and resource conservation program. In 2007, Amity Foundation took the lead among Therapeutic Communities in practices promoting environmental sustainability. After analyzing the agency’s vehicle gas expenditures, the findings prompted us to trade in most of the leased vehicle fleet in favor of fuel-efficient hybrid models.

* Amity also integrated a greywater system to irrigate its Tucson campus’ 55-acre, natural desert landscape, and are working to ensure that new construction on Amity campuses meet LEED’s Gold standard for certification. Light bulbs throughout the campus were changed to either LED or energy-saver bulbs, reducing the campus electric bills by nearly 40%.

* During 2010, Amity lead more than 300 participants through the Awakening the Dreamer: Changing the Dream symposium, a half-day workshop designed to awaken and inspire people to take action in pursuit of a fair, peaceful, and sustainable future.

* Amity recently installed recycling receptacles in its dining room and offices, to enhance recycling efforts. Commercial recycling bins have been on the campus since 2007. Bottled water is no longer purchased through our food services department, and the back part of the property is being prepared for gardening to supply the campus with organic produce.

* Additionally, preparations are being made to send faculty and students to papercrete workshops in hopes of integrating this sustainable construction into future renovations.  All students and faculty are encouraged to practice sustainable living in their own homes, and environmental sustainability has been added to all employee awareness training.