Everett, Wash. Published: Thursday, September 27, 2007
the buzz
Visit solar homes, energy fair: The Sustainable Energy Fair & Solar Tour 2007 is a hands-on, family-oriented day of "enlightening solutions that sustain our lifestyles while preserving our natural environment" organized by Green Everett and many other local groups.
Check out exhibitors, panel discussions and a 10 a.m. keynote address by Cecile Andrews, founder of the Phinney EcoVillage and author of "Slow is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure, and Joie de Vivre." Zippy's Java Lounge and the Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op will provide refreshments.
Fair hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 6. The Solar Tour, held in conjunction with the energy fair by the Washington chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at area homes and businesses.
The Snohomish PUD headquarters, 2320 California St., Everett, is the fair location as well as the jumping off point for the solar tour.
Fair admission is either an old cell phone, an empty ink cartridge, a laser-printer cartridge, clean plastic grocery bags or a suggested donation of $5. See www.sustainableeverett.com or www.solarwashington.org for schedule details or call 360-862-9087 with questions.
Chimney safety: Before you use your fireplace this fall, commonsense safety measures can help make sure the hearth isn't a hazard rather than a happy source of warmth.
Maybe it should go without saying, but here's a key reminder from the Chimney Safety Institute of America: Never leave a fire burning in the hearth unattended.
Other refreshers:
Get an annual chimney check done by a professionally trained technician.
Keep chimney and hearth clear. Keep furniture and decorations at least 3 feet away from the hearth. Outside, keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.
Use a metal screen in front of the fireplace. Outdoors, install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house and check batteries in spring and fall when you change clocks for Daylight Saving Time; this year Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 4.
Never burn trash, Christmas trees or treated wood in your fireplace.
With commercial fire logs, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, burning only one fire log at a time.
