March 2010
Issue #52

Mind (and newsletter), Disrupted

I’m not sure how many of you noticed, but I was unable to produce a February newsletter. Here’s why: I was busy designing and producing a 36-page, full-color report, a 30-plus-page website, an executive summary, and seven fact sheets for the “Mind, Disrupted” project — all in seven business days, from start to finish.
      “Mind, Disrupted,” a biomonitoring project with leaders of the learning and developmental disabilities community, tested the project participants for the presence of a set of synthetic chemicals and heavy metals, including: bisphenol A (BPA), lead, mercury, organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perchlorate, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and triclosan. Twelve leaders and advocates from the learning and developmental disabilities community stepped forward to have their bodies tested for the presence of these known or suspected neurotoxic or endocrine disrupting chemicals. “Mind, Disrupted” is a synthesis of the results of these tests and the experiences of the participants.  
     To view the website or download the report, executive summary, or fact sheets, go to www.MindDisrupted.org.

Something new under the sun

I have been designing the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s magazine for more than a decade. Northeast Sun is the major regional magazine promoting responsible use of energy for a stronger economy and cleaner environment. NESEA is the Northeast’s leading organization of professionals working in sustainable energy, whole systems thinking, and clean technologies. It advances the adoption of sustainable energy in the built environment.
     This month, the Sun took a big leap forward — finally, it is being printed in full color, and just in time for its unveiling at NESEA’s Building Energy Conference in early March. This makes for a considerably easier read and helps bring better notice to the products of NESEA’s many loyal advertisers. We used this upgrade as an opportunity to spiff up the design a bit as well. To view a copy online or to learn more about NESEA, go to www.NESEA.org.

Something free under the sun

My friend Catherine wrote to me recently because she knows I work with a lot of Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations. She recently started working at GreenBridge Energy Consortium (www.greenbridgeenergy.com) and she thought I might want to alert folks I know about a wonderful opportunity. GreenBridge is currently underwriting the cost of solar photovoltaic installations for Massachusetts nonprofits with roofs that can collect 35–200kw/year. GreenBridge offsets the cost with federal tax credits and its own capital. Participating nonprofits enter into a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with GreenBridge, thereby buying clean energy harvested by their roofs at a reduced cost. The benefits of this arrangement are many. Nonprofits obtain solar PV panels at no cost, take advantage of abundant solar energy, reduce their energy costs, and lock in a fixed escalation utility price (which is much lower than the historic rate of energy inflation). All participating organizations receive an educational display indicating in real-time the production of solar energy generated by their panels and its impact on their carbon footprint. This is an extraordinary opportunity for nonprofits who are looking to install solar panels but do not have the resources to do so. For additional information, contact Catherine Coleman at ccoleman@greenbridgeenergy.com. And, please, spread the word.

Some final notes

In my last newsletter, I invited you all to an a cappella fundraiser for a local nonprofit theater company. The show was wildly successful. Our celebrity hosts included Robin Young from NPR’s daily “Here and Now” program, and Joyce Kulhewik, a nationally recognized arts and entertainment critic. The headliner, Ball in House, thrilled the three packed houses. And my group, Working For Scale, was very well received. These concerts marked the debut of our first CD as well. It’s not too late to hear some of what you missed. To order our CD online, go to www.WorkingForScale.com.