Call to order 7:00 pm
2. Approval of May meeting minutes.
3. Treasurer’s Report: After all revenues and expenses related to Energy Faire tallied, Energy Faire cost SM $217 (includes long term investment of canopies that can be re-used and rented). Total SM funds, net of all expenses to date: $1,725.
4. Approval of Proposed Agenda: Added July 4 to report/discussion.
5. Announcements: List provided on Proposed Agenda. (see below)
* One of our members: announced she may be moving with family to WA this summer.
* Project Green (St. Mary’s): Their representative reported on this project by St. Mary’s students, focusing on Recycling, Energy (campus use evaluation and change), and Organics. They have initiated an “Eat Local Challenge” on campus, with the initial objective of eating food grown within 150 miles of Moraga, with progressively closer radius goals. Also experimenting with Perm culture, a dense growing technique for maximum land/crop health and efficiency; as well as a composting project, and an Environmental Film series at Rheem Theatre in the fall. They have 20-30 members currently.
Project Green members have offered to partner with SM in our independent and joint projects (e.g., community education). Discussed St. Mary’s as venue for speakers, films, joint events, etc.
* Parents for a Safe Environment (PFSE) raised issue of pesticide use at St. Mary’s, and suggested Project Green research/evaluate Pesticide Reports provided to State.
* Bio-Diesel Pilot: Two Lamorindans have initiated projects to bring bio-diesel to Moraga. Bio-diesel can be used in place of diesel without conversion apparatus. Cost is around $2.19/gallon. Closest bio-diesel access now is in Berkeley.
* PG&E Energy Smart program: New program from PG&E to offset carbon output: For extra payment to PG&E (up to $5.00), they will use the additional money to fund alternative energy research/use in CA. Dean signed up, talked with PG&E rep, confirmed it’s up and running.
* Energy Faire Survey: From vendors, mixed reviews: too windy, parking lot venue not the best, need more marketing, shouldn’t be separate from the “main” event at Rheem. SM planning next year’s, suggested Commons as better venue.
* .Town Council Letter follow-up: Didn’t discuss, put on next month’s agenda.
6. Committee Reports:
* Energy Faire: Costs and Survey covered above.
* CFL Bulbs: Distribution Ideas:
- Table at the Commons during summer concerts
- In Realtor bags: These bags would include “green” materials from Moraga Hardware (CFLs, Green bag, cleaning products) and informational flyers about energy conservation, SMG, other resources. The cost is estimated at about $50/bag, to be given to Moraga home buyers using Olsen Realty. Discussed SMG subsidizing a portion of the bags. Estimated 2-3 bags/month.
- How/Where to Get CFLs/Strategy for Distribution:
-Grant opportunities from Clif Bar: Discussed issues related to grant application, e.g., how much to request, where to buy them, at what cost, whether to sell or give them away, how many CFL’s we should expect to distribute.
- Decided to try for getting one bulb into at least ½ of the 6,000 households and businesses in Moraga – so, 3,000 bulbs.
- Decided to research best bulbs since there is apparently a wide range of quality. We want to use the best possible so people will have good initial experiences with them.
- Goal is to create awareness of the advantages of CFL’s, and to initiate a change in buying practices. We recognized that most people in Moraga can buy them, but don’t. At $3-$8 per bulb, people need to have a reason to buy them – i.e., to change expectations about cost, long term usage, environmental benefit.
- DM conducted initial research by calling several manufacturers. RF/DM to do add’l research on companies, costs, quality, mercury levels, domestic manufacturing/availability.
- Issue about high energy cost of manufacturing in China, transport to U.S.: We think ~90% of all light bulbs are made in China, and are concerned with the energy inefficiency/cost of getting them to the U.S. While not ideal, we decided that since the majority of all other products are also coming from China (including incandescent bulbs), then, using CFL’s is still an advantage, all else being equal.
- Also discussed subsidizing the sale of CFL’s at local merchant(s). Advantages include supporting local retailer(s), promoting usage through advertising at store and perhaps on Moraga Shopping Center marquis. Also helps address inventory storage.
- Safe disposal: Discussed need for local retailer to have safe container for used CFL’s. Grant may include subsidy of container/transport. Continued research on disposal ideas.
- Discussed incorporating the Town in CFL promotion as well.
- CFL committee to meet at Lafayette C Center, 6/10, 3:30.
* Battery Update: Letter drafted to SWA Board to notify them of SMG’s disappointment with their initial collection efforts, which are well below SMG’s collection amounts.
* Membership: Welcome emails went out to everyone who signed up at Energy Faire. Need to include them in general mailing list.
* Green Bag Sales: Booming! Decided to change shifts to 1 per weekend, 10 – 12 Saturdays in front of Safeway. Suggestion to integrate Orinda and Lafayette through Farmer’s Markets and other venues. BD to research Orinda Farmer’s Market opportunities.
* July 4: SMG will have table/canopy at July 4 in the Commons. Committee formed to organize; meeting 6/11, 7:30, RF house. Need ideas for kid activities. Can give away CFL’s (Judy has extra), Cliff Bars, tomato plants.
* New Project: SM attendees voted on to projects for the remaining year; CFL’s, Education (covering various subjects), Carpooling were the top choices. Others included continuing bag sales, battery follow-up, Palos Colorados, Town Council meeting attendance, school projects and a green lawn (fertilizer) program. Green Landscaping Campaign to be put on agenda for next month.
* Next Meeting: Normally on 1st Wednesday of the month. July 4 is 1’st Wed. Meet July 5, Thursday, 7:00, Library.
Announcements
Letter – The president presented to TC on 4/11 asking for ICLEI and Mayors CPA
Voted YES A SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On 5/9
April 15 planning commission meeting presentations & reactions
The PC voted to approve the conditions of approval without any input from the attendants regarding sustainable guidelines. Several groups studied the benefits of filing an appeal of the PC decision to the TC.
After much discussions and talks with TC members, the group felt that on-going negotiations were the best route
Environmental science speaker report; the president
Spoke with Campo class on 5/22
Spoke with 4 classes at Miramonte on 5/31
The president sent out a post faire survey to gain valuable feedback on our past event, for next year
The president is working with a vendor to hopefully set up a bio-diesel depot in town, to fuel diesel cars with zero-carbon emissions ‘fuel
The president is working with ACE hardware to get another SWA composting event at the Moraga farms
The president to attend Lafayette’s Task Force mtgs on implementing green initiatives in their towns
Ordered 250 more bags (sold 200 bags in 3 weeks (5/5 – 5/26)
President to draft TC letter on ICLEI & Mayors agreement follow-up and SMC intern
Board proposed forming a Sustainable Lamorinda contingent/group to have better exposure/membership
NEED JULY 4 Booth Volunteers (3 shifts)