community news briefs

Cooking Oil now being accepted full-time at CHaRM
Eco-Cycle will now accept used cooking oil on a full-time basis – effective immediately – at the Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM).

The oil will be sent to a local refiner to produce biodiesel, an environmentally-friendly alternative to diesel for cars and trucks. This service is open to both residents and businesses at no charge. Businesses regularly generating large quantities of cooking oil are encouraged to call Rocky Mountain Sustainable Enterprises at 303-544-1500 to set up a regular pickup schedule.

Here’s what they will accept:
YES. Any kind of oil used in cooking, such as vegetable, canola, sesame, sunflower and olive oils. Oil from food production, such as grease from cooking meat, is also accepted.

A barrel is set up for recyclers to transfer oil from their containers into Eco-Cycle’s. Eco-Cyle asks that large solids be strained out (anything that won’t easily fit down a funnel--solids can go into the on-site compost container). Eco-Cycle cannot recycle or dispose of used oil containers, and encourage recyclers to take containers home for rinsing before either reusing or recycling.

NO. Motor oil or any type of oil that is used for purposes other than cooking will not be accepted.

It’s important to recycle cooking oil rather than disposing of it down the drain or in a landfill; not only is cooking oil a valuable natural resource, landfilled cooking oil can contribute to groundwater pollution and greenhouse gases emissions. Learn more about why cooking oil should be recycled. As with other CHaRM materials, cooking oil will be accepted ONLY at the CHaRM location, 5030 “old” Pearl St., in Boulder. The Center is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Outstanding Passive Solar House Built
One of Doerr architecture's finest passive solar homes, the Finch House, was completed in 2005. With ample properly shaded southern windows, great thermal mass and excellent green construction detailing, this Colorado home is expected to reduce its heating and cooling bills by 90%. View the Project: http://doerr.org/architecture/residential/finch.html

H&H Builders, LLC brings home 1st Place CARE Award in for Green Remodel
A jury of professionals in the remodeling and renovation industry chose a select few as winners in the 19th Annual Colorado Awards for Remodeling Excellence. This is the largest awards program in Colorado to focus exclusively on the remodeling industry. Presented by the Remodelors Council of the HBA Metro Denver, this program recognizes excellence in design and construction of residential remodeling and renovation projects.

Favorite Gardens brings innovative new ideas, techniques and environmentally friendly landscaping to Boulder
Toni McErlane, the principal designer, has landscaped for many years in a variety of locations, including Australia, India, New Zealand, and the United States, where water-wise gardening and logical sustainable designs are essential for success. Designs are aspect based and utilize existing micro climates. This ensures the plants' success to survive and thrive in extreme conditions. It also lends itself to very original and individual designs. We look forward to working with you! www.favoritegardens.com

PACE Certifies Sustainable Green Industry Professionals
Three years ago, the first Partners for A Clean Environment expanded PACE certification for landscaping. This is a first program of its' kind within the United States. Read more

Get off the Grid with Namaste
With new financial incentives passed in November 2004 and volatile energy prices, solar power is becoming more attractive and affordable to residents and businesses. Based in Boulder and operated by Ray Tuomey, Blake Jones and Wes Kennedy, Namaste Solar Electric recently made a commitment to install a solar-electric system for KGNU 88.5-FM, Boulder’s independent community radio station. The company also submitted a winning bid to place a system in the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. Call 303-447-0300 or visit www.namastesolar.com.

Interview with Kurt Buss of ReSource2000
In just nine years, ReSource has established itself as a Boulder institution. ReSource general manager Kurt Buss tells why it's so popular, where it's headed and how it benefits anyone who remodels or builds a home.

VaST Earns Green Advantage Environmental Certification
Interested in environmentally friendly building? C. Joseph Vigil IV, President of VaST (VIGILarchitectureSTUDIO), recently earned a Green Advantage Environmental Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (www.greenadvantage.org). VaST focuses on high-performance green designs, and the company received this certification for its work in residential construction. E-mail joseph@vast-o-vision.com or call 303-442-3700.

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