The Commons Energy Collaborative taking orders for window inserts

Are you keeping warm this winter? While the days are getting longer, the coldest time of winter is approaching. Now is the time to order low cost, energy saving window inserts that can increase the comfort, and reduce energy use of your home and save money on heating fuel. Window Dressers, in partnership with a new local organization The Commons Energy Collaborative, is starting early this year to take orders for the 2019 workshop for the towns in the Penquis region.

The Commons Energy Collaborative formed to increase collaboration among groups in the Penquis region whose missions are complementary both in the arena of energy saving and environmental sustainability and in the support for improving the quality of living for all people in the region, regardless of income. Its major partner, Window Dressers based in Rockland, is a successful and growing non-profit that will continue to be the provider of the resources to build the inserts. However, the local group hopes to expand its participation by residents and to improve coordination with other local groups who are interested in making homes more comfortable, livable and energy efficient. The Commons Energy Collaborative particularly wants to increase the number of low income clients who can access the energy saving inserts.

Window Dressers inserts benefit many in the community including non-profits who hope to reduce energy usage and heat loss in their buildings, homeowners, renters, and landlords. While the cost of the inserts is very low and can be recouped in two to three years in heat savings, eligible low income clients can receive up to 10 inserts for free. Everyone wins with these low cost, reusable, simple to install inserts.

The organizers are pleased to announce that this year they have received a “grow grant” from the New England Grassroots Environment Fund to increase access and participation particularly of low income residents. New England Grassroots Environment Fund awards help solve the problems and realize the promises in addressing climate change and energy action, local food, environmental health and justice, land and water, and local economies. For more information, please visit grassrootsfund.org or call 603-905-9915.

The Commons Energy Collaborative is looking for community volunteers who are willing to help with such things as public outreach to new clients, distributing fliers, helping develop and maintain a social media site, phone calling, measuring, and program development. Even a few hours of help over the season would be tremendously valuable. This is a great opportunity for students and those wanting to do community service. For more information on The Commons Energy Collaborative, if you are an organization who would like to become a collaborator for this project, or to request information on window inserts, call Lesley Fernow at 992-6822 or email lmfernow@rcn.com.