Tips for Getting Cleaner & Going Green

Ultimately, this page will provide detailed information and tips for decreasing your dependence on conventional energy sources and increasing your reliance on cleaner and renewable ones. To reduce the true costs associated with your energy consumption right now,

You can conserve energy and use it more efficiently:

• Click here for tips on wise use of energy at home, on the road, at work, and in your community.
  

You can buy green power products:

• The Cape Light Compact offers Cape and Vineyard consumers the best deal on boutique green power in Massachusetts—click here for information.
• National Grid offers Nantucket consumers a variety of boutique green options—click here for information.
• Tips for choosing a power supplier and evaluating power supply options are available here.
  

You can use alternative fuels for home heating:

• Biodiesel fuel blended with regular fuel oil burns cleaner without requiring any changes to existing fuel storage tanks and heating systems. For information on bioheat deliveries on the Cape and Vineyard, contact Cape & Islands Self-Reliance at 508.457.7679.
• Seasoned wood, wood pellets, and other fuels based on organic materials can reduce use of oil, natural gas, propane, electric, and other heating systems—but these bioenergy sources must be burned in stoves or furnaces designed to generate heat efficiently, otherwise they may create pollution without producing a lot of useful energy. Check your Yellow Pages under headings such as "Heating," "Stoves," or "Wood."
  

You can install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for electricity production and/or a solar thermal system for water and space heating:

• Local nonprofit organizations coordinate installations of rooftop- and ground-mounted solar energy systems, facilitating access to site assessment, cost-performance analysis, installation, operations, and maintenance services as well as rebates, tax incentives, and other money-saving options:
  • On Cape Cod, contact Cape & Islands Self-Reliance at 508.457.7679 or click here.
  • On Martha's Vineyard, contact the Vineyard Energy Project at 508.693.3820 or click here.
• Check your "yellow pages" under the "Solar" heading to identify local dealers, consultants, and installers or visit the Sustainable Yellow Pages maintained by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.
  

You can use a biodiesel fuel blend instead of regular diesel fuel in vehicles and other equipment:

• Biodiesel pumps are available on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, and bulk fuel deliveries can be arranged. For information, contact Cape & Islands Self-Reliance at 508.457.7679.
  

You can apply green building and sustainable design practices in new construction and remodeling projects:

• Funding is being pursued to support the development of a local "green pages" directory. In the interim, visit the Sustainable Yellow Pages maintained by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.
  

Click here if you would like to contribute information to this page or to be notified when its content has been updated.

Last updated 03.03.06

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