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  • 5 Tips For Going Green From Maryland Community Solar

    5 Tips For Going Green From Maryland Community Solar

    5 Tips For Going Green From Maryland Community Solar

    As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s time for spring cleaning and getting outside! Here are 5 great tips for going green to help sustain the environment we love:

    1. Plant a Tree
      Spring is the perfect time to garden or plant a tree. Trees offer shade when temperatures are hot and provide privacy for your family while entertaining and playing outdoors. Trees also provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals as well as oxygen for all living things. 
    2. Ditch Single-Use Plastic
      The water bottling process releases 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. Disposable water bottle waste washes into the ocean and kills 1.1 million marine creatures each year.
    3. Use Reusable Bags
      Reusable bags are not only better for the environment, but they can also save you money. More and more stores are beginning to charge for the use of plastic bags. 
    4. Bike to Get Around
      A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Taking a bike ride is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying quality time with your friends and family. It is also cost-effective and a great way to exercise.
    5. Use Renewable Energy
      The cheapest times to use electricity are during non-peak hours. Non-peak hours vary a little between electric providers but generally range from 10:00 pm – 5:00 am. Of course, you don’t need to switch to the graveyard shift in order to save money on your electric bill! Simply turn lights off when they are not in use or set up timers or smart home automation. In addition, CFLs and LEDs are great alternatives to incandescent bulbs, with LEDs taking the crown for the most efficient lightbulb on the market. Combine these changes with 100% clean, renewable energy from a local solar farm for the most advantageous energy consumption. How is this possible? Solar energy can you an additional 10% on your electric bill.

    One small change can make a huge difference. 💚

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  • Becoming a Vampire Slayer: 4 Practical Steps to Combat Wasted Energy

    Becoming a Vampire Slayer: 4 Practical Steps to Combat Wasted Energy

    Becoming a Vampire Slayer: 4 Practical Steps to Combat Wasted Energy

    You probably think you’re doing everything right: using energy-efficient bulbs, turning off lights when not in use.. but energy-suckers, also known as vampire energy, are everywhere – and the effects can be dramatic. The consequences extend beyond just wasted energy and exorbitant electric bills. Vampire energy also contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases, which exacerbates climate change and further depletes our planet’s resources. Fortunately, there are simple, helpful strategies to combat vampire power and reclaim wasted energy. Here are the 4 key steps to becoming a vampire slayer:

    • Unplug or Use Power Strips: Unplugging any unused items is highly recommended to avoid standby power consumption. However, with so many electronic devices in our homes these days, this can prove to be a tedious, monotonous task. Consider using advanced power strips. Smart power strips sense energy flow and ensure maximum efficiency by automatically shutting off power to devices when not in use.
    • Choose Energy-Efficient Devices: These devices were created with vampire power in mind. They were designed specifically to reduce power-suckers and to promote energy efficiency by using less energy even during standby mode. Look for the Energy Star symbol when purchasing appliances like dishwashers and w/d units. Their upfront costs are greatly out-weighed by their long-term savings.
    • Embrace Solar Energy: Studies have shown vampire energy can easily attribute up to 20% of your electric bill! As discussed, unplugging unused items, using power strips, and utilizing energy-efficient devices are great ways to help combat the energy-suckers in your home. However, solar energy is the clear solution to helping combat pesky electronic leakage and overall energy use. The average household that enrolls in a local solar farm has the same impact on carbon emissions as planting 100 tree seedlings! Plus you save up to 15% on your electricity costs in the process.

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  • The Dark Side of Green Grass

    The Dark Side of Green Grass

    The Dark Side of Green Grass

    Having a vibrant green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners. It adds beauty and charm to our surroundings and creates a soothing, inviting atmosphere. But at what cost? 🤔

    Well-manicured lawns can actually contribute to rising temperatures. The constant watering and maintenance of lawns can lead to something known as the “heat island effect.” This means that grass, particularly in urban areas, absorbs less sunlight and releases heat at night. This is what contributes to higher local temperatures. 

    Maintaining a perfectly green lawn requires substantial energy and resources as well, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are key contributors to carbon emissions. And don’t forget the fuel used for the lawn mowers and irrigation systems! Those only further add to your carbon footprint!  

    So what can you do? We’ve put together 4 easy tips for sustainable gardening that’ll help reduce your carbon footprint without leaving your landscape lacking. 

    1. Embrace Native Plants: Native plants adapt to the local conditions and reduce the need for chemicals. They also attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, which aid in plant reproduction. 
    2. Reduce Grass Area: Consider using grass seed instead of fertilizers to keep your grass lush and weed-free, and add areas of mulch or gravel to reduce the overall size of your lawn. This will also reduce the heat island effect and allow water to infiltrate the ground naturally. 
    3. Leave Clippings as Compost: When mowing your lawn, leave the clippings and leaf mulch as natural compost to nourish the soil. 
    4. Use Water-Efficient Techniques: Opt for water-efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation or smart sprinkler controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions. You can also collect rainwater to reduce the need for additional water sources.

    By adopting these eco-friendly gardening practices, homeowners, farmers, and gardeners can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas contributions while also creating vibrant, beautiful landscapes. Let us take these steps together and create a greener, more sustainable future for our planet!

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  • 8 Easy Steps to Going Green At School

    8 Easy Steps to Going Green At School

    8 Easy Steps to Going Green at School

    In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, it’s no surprise that many individuals are looking to follow suit wherever possible, including when going back to school. Whether you’re attending one class or an entire school year, here are 8 easily sustainable tips on going green at school: 

    1. Eco-Friendly Transportation: Consider eco-friendly transportation options like biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation to get to school. These choices reduce your carbon footprint and help alleviate traffic congestion.
    2. Digital Learning Materials: Embrace digital textbooks and online resources whenever possible. They not only reduce paper waste but also make it easier to access course materials from anywhere.
    3.  Reusable School Supplies: Invest in reusable school supplies like refillable pens, notebooks, and binders. Opt for recycled paper products and eco-friendly stationery items to minimize waste.
    4. Sustainable Eating Habits: When it comes to meals on campus, choose dining options that prioritize local, organic, and sustainable food. Bring your own reusable utensils, water bottles, and food containers to reduce single-use plastic waste. For bonus points, dine at one of the many local restaurants that have already enrolled with a local solar farm.
    5. Eco-Conscious Living: Make your office or study space more sustainable by using energy-efficient lighting, turning off appliances when not in use, and reducing water waste. BONUS TIP: Decorate with plants to improve air quality.
    6. Join Green Initiatives: Get involved! Many universities and business establishments have eco-focused clubs or programs where you can engage with like-minded individuals and participate in environmentally friendly projects. You can also join us at one (or all!) of our weekly events. We are very active in the community and would love for you to join us and help spread the word about the benefits of renewable energy.
    7. Minimize Printing: If you need to print documents, use both sides of the paper and print in draft mode to save on resources. Also consider whether it’s really necessary to even print at all; digital files can often suffice.
    8. Advocate for Sustainability: Use your voice and knowledge to advocate for sustainability within your school community. Encourage your institution to adopt more eco-friendly practices and engage in discussions about sustainability in your classes. This PDF is a great tool to use in your discussions, You just might inspire your educational institution to adopt renewable energy solutions!

    Incorporating these sustainable practices into your routine not only reduces your environmental impact but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards the planet. By making conscious choices, you can contribute to a greener and more eco-conscious future, one school day at a time.

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  • MARYLAND COMMUNITY SOLAR CONTINUES RAPID GROWTH WITH EXPANSION INTO DELAWARE

    MARYLAND COMMUNITY SOLAR CONTINUES RAPID GROWTH WITH EXPANSION INTO DELAWARE

    MARYLAND COMMUNITY SOLAR CONTINUES RAPID GROWTH WITH EXPANSION INTO DELAWARE

    NEWS RELEASE

    COLUMBIA, Maryland – Maryland Community Solar, a leading organization advocating for and providing access to community solar programs for the people of Maryland, is expanding into neighboring Delaware.

    The company is focused on educating consumers and businesses about the state’s community solar program and helping them join a local solar farm. As awareness and solar farm capacity grows throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region, Maryland Community Solar has seen demand for its services increase rapidly.

    “Now that our team is established and has built a great reputation in Maryland, we are ready to serve the people of Delaware,” said Sean Lennon, Regional VP of Sales. “Community solar is going to grow fast in Delaware and there is a huge need for our services to help consumers and businesses benefit from the program.”

    Through the end of Q3, the Maryland Community Solar team will be serving both markets while we hire local team members and establish an office in Delaware.

    “We are thankful and excited to bring the benefits of community solar programs to a growing number of people in the Mid-Atlantic and to provide fulfilling career paths to people in local communities,” said Tony Napolitano, CEO of Maryland Community Solar.

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