A Consumer's Guide to Wind Turbines
This workshop will focus on developing a consumer's knowledge on how to make informed decisions in purchasing a wind turbine system. Understand what problems to avoid and how to get the most from your investment.
Steve O'Rourke is Operations Manager of The Energy Savings Store, a certified installer of solar and wind systems.
Backyard Poultry Basics
Learn the basics of raising and managing poultry—from chicks to chickens. See examples of coops, feed equipment and meet Michelle's chickens!
Michelle Berri grew up participating in 4H and currently oversees the poultry group for Jefferson County's 4H. She is continually educating herself about caring for poultry and works at Windy Hill Farm and Feed Supply in Cedar Hill, MO.
Beekeeping Basics
An introduction to the craft and science of beekeeping and the role of bees in the natural world. This workshop is for anyone curious about honey bees or beginners who want a broad exposure and sense of direction.
Robert Sears has kept bees as a hobby for over 15 years. He is President of the Eastern Missouri Beekeepers Association. He writes extensively on beekeeping topics and is active in organizing and conducting beekeeping workshops.
Building & Living with an Electric Vehicle
Join several members of the Gateway Electric Vehicle Club as they discuss their electric vehicle experiences and answer your questions.
Energy Efficiency Policy for Missouri
Energy efficiency is often considered the low-hanging fruit in the quest for clean and secure energy resources. Despite the importance of energy efficiency, Missouri ranks 45 of 50 states on energy efficiency. Attend this workshop and learn the "best practice" recommendations for Missouri efficiency policy based on what's succeeding in other states.
Erin Noble is the Energy Policy and Outreach Coordinator for the Missouri Coalition for the Environment.
Gardening with Native Plants
Learn how native landscaping can reduce maintenance, save streams, attract wildlife and beautify your landscape.
Scott Woodbury is the Curator of the Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve of the Missouri Botanical Garden. He has developed the Whitmire garden over 18 years and began the Native Plant School three years ago. He also serves on the board of Wild Ones Natural Landscapers.
Geothermal 101: Is Geothermal Right for You?
Geothermal basics including loop design, equipment and application.
Ed Davis is the territory manager for Enertech manufacturing, a geothermal manufacturing company based in Greenville, Illinois.
Government Incentive Programs for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The federal, state, and in some cases local governments, have many tax credits, deductions, grants and other incentives for commercial and residential energy usage and renewables—learn more in this workshop!
Gary Steps is the founder and president of Butterfly Energy Works, a company dedicated to creating energy efficiencies that will change the way you think, work, and live. Gary has degrees in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, and business focused on project management.
Green Homebuilding: From Concepts to Details
A review of green rating systems, the reasons to go green and the details to make it happen.
Richard Reilly is a LEED Accredited Professional and COO of Boa Construction. He has been in the homebuilding industry 30 years and helped build almost 30 LEED Platinum Homes in the St. Louis region.
Greening the Interior of Your Home
A guide to using paints, fabrics, and carpeting for a healthier indoor environment.
Diane Rosen has been in the interior design industry for over 15 years. She is an Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers and is a LEED Accredited Professional. She brings her years of experience and energy to create beautiful and affordable environments for clients' home and office spaces.
Home Composting: Experiencing the Magic of Waste Conversion to Soil Amendment
This workshop will provide effective composting tips and step-by-step instructions for setting up a compost bin and a worm bin. The presentation will also include composting process, solutions to common composting problems, and compost uses.
Hwei-Yiing Li Johnson has managed Lincoln University Compost Facility for four years and has successfully converted tons of cafeteria food waste to compost. She also keeps a back yard composting bin and a worm bin at home.
How Energy Audits Help Save You Energy and Money
Learn what a whole home energy audit is and what it can do to improve home comfort, reduce energy use and save money.
Marc Bluestone is president of Home Green Home, a company dedicated to improving the energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality of houses.
Living Off Grid, Really!
Learn real, fun, interesting, and low cost ways to start living off grid now. Start Simply, Start Now!
Aur 'Da Energy Mon' Beck, chief tech of Advanced Energy Solutions, empowers YOU to get energized
with renewable energy.
Look Ma, No Fossil Fuel: Running Your Car on Biofuel
Join a panel of biofuel users to learn how they've converted their vehicles, acquire fuel and incorporate a biofueled car into their every day lives. Panelists are: Terri Zeman, Dave Smith, Daven Schanche, and Michael Banvard.
Passive Solar Design
Take advantage of the sun—it's free! Attend this workshop to learn about the basics of passive solar design principles.
Tim Michels has been teaching and practicing Passive Solar Design since the late 70s. He is a local energy efficiency expert as well. His book, Solar Energy Utilization, was published in 1979.
Preserving Food & Eating Locally Year-Round
Make the most of fresh, local, in-season produce by preserving it now. Learn techniques that make it last until the next harvest comes in.
Annette Beach grew up in a farming community and has participated in farmers markets for over 10 years. She is president of St. Louis Community Farmers Market (a winter market in Tower Grove) 2007–09 and the Market Master for the 2009–10 season.
Rain Gardening
Rain Gardens can be successfully integrated into residential, institutional, and commercial settings by homeowners, property managers and developers adding both function and beauty to the landscape. Learn how adding a rain garden to your landscape can improve water quality, habitat, and the environment, as well as your property value.
Cindy Gilberg owned and managed Gilberg Perennial Farms for 28 years in West St. Louis County with her husband. She now consults on horticulture and garden design, teaches and works part-time at Shaw Nature Reserve. Jennifer Lewis has worked with Conservation Districts since 2002. In 2008, she founded the ShowMe Rain Gardens Initiative as an innovative, regional movement to address water quality.
Secrets of Bicycling for Transportation
Get started using your bike both for fun and to do errands. In this workshop you'll learn the best kept secrets of those who are nearly car-free!
Dave Lloyd lives in the Shaw neighborhood in St. Louis and uses his bike to meet most of his transportation needs. Equipped with a cargo bike adapted to carry his two young children and to pull a trailer for his third, he pedals his way all over town and for all kinds of reasons.
Solar Electric Systems: Your Personal Power Options & Applications
A discussion and review of solar electric systems and how they work in Missouri with a focus on grid connected systems and how systems can be integrated into both residential and commercial applications.
Dane Glueck is President of Missouri Solar Living, LLC and is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer.
Solar Hot Water in Your Home
An overview of the history of solar hot water systems as well as the basic designs and consideration for installation.
Henry Rentz has been designing and installing domestic and commercial solar hot water and heating systems in Missouri for over 8 years and has been in the building industry for over 35 years. A pioneer in the advancement of the solar industry in Missouri, Henry was one of the driving forces behind the Easy Connection Act and is currently participating in the rulemaking process for Prop C.
Utility Incentives and Tools That Lower the Cost of Efficiency Updates and Energy
Local energy utilities can be a resource for rebates, energy savings tips and financing. Learn what local utilities, AmerenUE and Laclede Gas, offer so you can become more energy efficient in your day-to-day lives.
Cara Dolly is the Senior Program Manager of Residential Programs at AmerenUE. She is excited to work with customers to reduce our energy use in sustainable ways that will benefit us in the long term. Tom Schultz manages the special marketing programs on energy efficient building system design for commercial and residential green building programs at Laclede Gas Company. He has over 30 years experience in engineering building consulting and energy system analysis.
Weatherization & Air Sealing Basics for the Homeowner
Learn how to implement simple fixes in your home that will save energy and money!
Paul Englert is a Home Energy Auditor Training instructor for St. Louis Community College and a Certified BPI (Building Performance Institute) Building and Envelope Specialist. He has been in the home repair business for over 15 years.