In this issue:
Microwaves save money and CO2 (and brains)
Microwave ovens use half as much energy compared to gas. So, using your microwave saves you money and lowers your emissions - more so if your electricity comes from renewable sources.
Furthermore, gas stoves can generate unsafe levels of indoor air pollution (vox). Take note if you have kids or want to protect your own gray matter:
“….research has linked ongoing NO2 exposure to reduced cognitive performance, especially in children. This 2009 study concluded that “early-life exposure to air pollution from indoor gas appliances may be negatively associated with neuropsychological development through the first 4 years of life, particularly among genetically susceptible children.”
There’s plenty of good recipes out there for those of us who didn’t progress past microwave popcorn. If you are feeling ambitious, try Microwave Thanksgiving.
Proper pumpkin disposal
1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are sent to landfill every year. Because they get buried and rot anaerobically, they emit methane. And methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.
One solution: compost them at home. If you keep your compost well-aerated, they’ll release CO2 instead of methane as they rot. A fair trade-off.
Assistance with energy bills
This winter, fuel poverty will lead to many excess deaths due to the health effects of under-heating. Here are some of the assistance programs available.
State Aid Credit - $200 for electric, $450 for heat
The NH Legislature has approved allocating $35 million to NH residents earning from 60% to 75% of the state's median income ($75,000 to $93,000 per year for a family of four). Those who are eligible and apply will get $200 credits on their electric bills and $450 for heating assistance. Residents with incomes below that threshold already are also eligible for other funds.
Derry (603) 965-3029: (Derry toll free 1-855-295-4105)
Salem (603) 893-9172 (Salem toll free 1-800-939-9172)
Portsmouth (603) 436-3896 (Portsmouth toll free 1-800-639-3896)
Seabrook (603) 474-3507 (Seabrook toll free 1-800-979-3507
Raymond (603) 895-2303 (Raymond toll free 1-800-974-2303)
Eversource payment assistance
Eversource payment assistance link.
Electric Assistance Program
Typical eligibility requirement for a family of 4 is an annual income of under $74,000. Link.
Help for renters
The NH Emergency Rental Assistance Program will cover up to 15 months of rent, heating costs and more.
Energy tips from Eversource
Eversource have generously plowed a portion of their record-breaking $1.2Bn profits into publishing a page of energy-saving tips. Thanks, Eversource, for this quality content.
Elections
We were going to write a candidate comparison piece, rating their stances on climate issues. But the differences are so stark it would be a waste of energy itemizing them.
The Dems are polling behind in the Senate race. So be sure to turn up for this election (and bring 100 friends).
Events
NH Saves ButtonUp workshop at the Portsmouth library, Nov 3rd, 6.30pm (live + Zoom)
The Rye Energy Committee and the Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee (PEAC) are hosting this free workshop for area residents. The workshop is a 1.5 hour presentation for NH residents wishing to use energy more efficiently, conserve energy and save money on their heating and cooling bills. In person in the Levenson Room and via Zoom. (Register in advance for Zoom option.)
Deploying the Inflation Reduction Act: Building Heat Nov 16, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What does the Inflation Reduction Act mean for NH? The third session of the multi-part webinar series: Building heat.
News & Links
Conservation Law: New Hampshire’s Ten-Year Energy Strategy Misses the Mark
The plan ignores the role state policy plays in spiking electricity costs while calling for more polluting natural gas.
A New York Times columnist went to Greenland and discovered fossil fuel talking points (Heated)
From Emily Atkin’s excellent newsletter HEATED. A great explanation & example of how climate denialism has morphed into “delayism”.
Conservative New York Times columnist Bret Stephens has spent years writing columns questioning climate change. So it was a surprise when, earlier this week, he announced that a recent trip to Greenland changed his mind.
[…]
The Times marketed Stephens’ piece as if it were a fresh and important new approach to tackling climate change. In reality, it is a collection of discredited talking points from the fossil fuel industry, and a prime example of delay discourse.
In short, the fossil fuel industry seeks to a) discredit renewables and b) promote natural gas as the solution. Which would mean no Net Zero, overshooting 2 degrees, and catastrophe.
Support the newsletter
We’ve added a subscription feature to this newsletter. It’s entirely optional and helps us cover our costs. Any excess will be used to pay for some climate-related initiatives. For instance:
Buying an air pollution monitor so we can report on air quality in the region.
Hiring an IR camera drone to identify uninsulated buildings.
Planting trees at a forest reserve.