Harry, where are you located? Typically local farmers' markets have a grass-fed meat vendor. Also check on Local Harvest for farm listings near you or ones that ship. Next I'd look for a local, artisan butcher. We have Saugatuck Craft Butchery in Westport, CT. Next try Mrs. Greens or Whole Foods.

Hi Tanya, Yes, there are a couple programs in the state of Connecticut. Home Energy Solutions is a program started and supported by the CT Energy Efficiency Fund and the utility companies that subsidizes energy audits for homes. This is a good way to get started and to find out what efficiency improvements make sense for your home. Connecticut, through the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority , also has up front rebates to invest in solar electric and thermal for your home. These, along with a 30% tax credit and financing options allows you to make an affordable investment in solar. For more information please give us a call at (203) 642-4105 and we can help you get started. Thank you, Chris Lobdell PurePoint Energy (203) 642-4105

There are details to be worked out but it certainly can be done. These details include (but are not limited to (just got to love that legalese): funding, who owns the land, what is it zoned for, is there remediation needed, who covers liability issues, taxes owed if any, etc. These details will be different state-to-state. As far as funding is concerned, you can start on the internet under grant funders like the TKF Foundation.(410 Severn Ave. Suite 216, Annapolis MD 21403, www.tkffdn.org) In many towns and cities, officials may be willing to work a deal on a space because a community garden will help with local appeal and property values. It may also get a blighted spot of their books because of the volunteer work needed to clean up a site. (the soil should be tested so you don't grow anything in tainted ground) Abandoned property can be a good place to make a deal with the city if the city wishes to pass on the clean up and liability issues to someone else willing to take them on.

Hello Cathy, I believe one of the most challenging things that the average consumer faces when going green is dealing with higher costs. It requires some creative thinking, shopping around and making compromises. But the more we support "green" products the lower the costs will be. Thank you, Etta

That is an excellent question. The only source of such information would be the town. 1990 levels for a town or for most states are just a guess. At the national level, the US submitted its 1990 level as part of the UNFCCC. To find out about Albany, I would suggest asking town officials if any Greenhouse Gas Emissions survey exists. If they did one for a recent year, it is possible they have created an estimate for the past.

Lisa here are some websites to help you find a local builder who specializes in green building techniques, materials and designs. 1. The National Assoc. of Home Builders (NAHB) has a Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation for builders. Here is a link to find local CGP’s in your region. http://www.nahb.org/directory.aspx?sectionID=1434&directoryID=1415 2. The National Assoc. of Realtor’s also has a Green designation for real estate agents. http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/find_an_nar_green_designee.cfm 3. U.S. Green Building Council has LEED AP Homes designation for architects, builders, consultants. https://ssl12.cyzap.net/gbcicertonline/onlinedirectory/ https://ssl12.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/tool 4. Energy Star program for homes by the US government. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=new_homes_partners.locator

Lisa, I'm currently building a house with multiple certifications,located in Old Greenwich Connecticut. I would be interested in taking a look at your plans. Pete F. www.preferredbuilders.biz

Go to your local U.S. Green Building Council and they will send an email out to the members their region http://www.usgbc.org/FindaChapter/ChapList.aspx. You could also find LEED homes in your area by searching the database at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147#Lists . Each home project is assigned a LEED Rater and they can give you some references as well. http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2528

Hi Avery Sounds like a great trip and a better way to see the world. There may be many Sierra members who would enjoy this kind of "vacation," however, I would have to check with our national office about the liability of advertising such a trip through our chapter. Call me when you get the chance: 860-236-4405 John C

our produce is 100% organic. We try and get food at the farmers market when we can. We order from Baldor Organics, Sid Wainer as well

Which Green Drinks?

Hello to Michael D'Angelo. I am passing your inquiry along to the web-meisters right now. What zip code/town do you represent, please? Thanks. Best, -- Patrice Gillespie of Clean Air Cool Planet in CT; pgillespie@cleanair-coolplanet.org

Looks like we all are suggesting techniques used by the U.S. Green Building Council. You can download their free LEED for Homes guide at http://www.usgbc.org. If you want more detail you can purchase the expanded edition that goes into more detail. I've LEED registered my 1956 Frank Lloyd Wright home as a gut rehab. See my checklist at http://green-cincinnati.com/category/flw-boulter-house/.

Lexi, #1 When choosing cabinets you want to have formaldehyde free glues and low volatile organic compounds that give off little or no toxic fumes. #2 For countertops using there are quite a few manufacturers that incorporate recycled paper, recycled glass and limestone. here is a example. http://www.squakmountainstone.com/ #3 Choose Energy Star appliances which will save your utility costs and may provide rebates for your refrigerator, dishwasher along with water sense approved faucet fixtures. Here is a useful link http://www.energystar.gov/ I hope this serves you well! Pete F,

Lexi, my links did not come through on my first comments. To find USGBC chapters ~ http://www.usgbc.org/FindaChapter/ChapList.aspx To find Certified Green Professional Builders at NAHB ~ http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=1434

Kitchen Remodeling. Lexi I totally agree with Andrew: 1. You want to reduce waste as much as possible by reusing or giving away 2. Try to use renewable products and/or recycled products 3. Natural light with high efficient gas filled windows. I would also suggest: • Energy Star appliances that will continue to use less energy. • Efficient light fixtures such as LED’s that will give you great task lighting. • Find a ‘green’ contractor; try the NAHB website or your local USGBC chapter for accredited professionals. • Pick out all your materials before hand, have proper blueprints drawn so there are no miss communications. If we can be of any further help please send e-mail, good luck.

lexi: 1. divert as much of the waste from the demolition away from a landfill as you can. an increasing number of waste management facilities have diversion programs for construction waste that can reduce the impact on the landfill. not sure if there is a habitat for humanity "re-store" near you or a place that takes in used building materials and re-sells them for profit. we have one in our community and its a good feeling to leave something there, i also buy stuff there too. also consider re-installing the old cabinets in a garage, basement or other area of the house (or a friend's house). 2. use materials with low-energy or recycled content. cork flooring, countertops with easily renewable core materials, tile made from recycled glass. the neat thing about all of these is that so many manufacturers have jumped into the game, your kitchen doesn't have to look dull or strictly earth-tone... 3. bring as much natural light into the space as is feasible, which can greatly reduce the amount of time the lights are on. consider the layout and how frequently used task areas (sink, cutting board) may be placed near a window or under a skylight. best of luck, let me know how it goes ...

Thanks for your question. For more information about ICLEI, please visit http://www.iclei.org/ Thanks! Daphne

Thanks so much for your question. Please provide more details. Thanks! Daphne

This is a great question! Please visit your town page where you will find the farmer's market initiative, which will identify the farmers' markets closest to you. Please let me know if you are able to find one. Thanks! Daphne

Thanks for your question! Please check out your town page where you will find your nearest community garden. Please let me know if you are able to reach someone there. Daphne

Thanks so much for your question. We are reaching out to many organizations. What is your interest in George Soros and Van Jones and how do you seen them contributing to GreenTowns? Daphne

Awesome!

To find your nearest community garden, go to your town page and look through the community garden initiative for the one closest to you. Please let me know if you are able to find one nearby! Also, consider joining your town page! Daphne

Thanks for your question. Having an urban chicken ordinance can be done, but it takes time and persistence. As a next step, I would suggest that you contact the mayor and meet to discuss the subject. Please keep me posted on your progress! Also, consider joining your town page and include info about this idea in your profile. Daphne

Marina Marchese has a facebook page with a discussion board here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marina-Marchese/145898545466768 I hope this helps!

Dear David I'm sorry I don't have Marina's contact info. I know she lives in Weston (if that's the same Marina we're talking about) but that's all.