FREE Energy Conservation Workshop

 

North Carolina Cooperative Extension E-Conservation Program and Appalachian Voices

is offering a

Free Energy Conservation Workshop

Get a free energy kit, learn about ways to conserve energy, and apply for participation in our home energy efficiency upgrade program.

Thanks to State Energy Office funding, workshop attendees can qualify to receive $700 in energy conservation upgrades for their home! 

September 30th   5:30 - 6:45

Location: Agricultural Conference Center,

252 Poplar Grove Rd., Boone NC 28607

Please pre-register at http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/form.cfm?testID=25364

You’ll learn about energy-efficient strategies that will:

·        Reduce utility costs

·        Improve the health and comfort of your home

·        Lessen your overall impact on the environment

·        Receive a free energy kit with a CFL light bulb and low-flow showerhead

If your home does not exceed 2,200 square feet and was built prior to 2006, you qualify for the Home Assessment and Energy Retrofit Program valued at $800 ($100 paid by homeowner and $700 covered by a State Energy Office grant). This service retrofits your home with energy efficient measures such as air sealing, water heater insulation, new air filters and CFLs/LEDs. Learn more: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/?p=307710 

Fall 2014 Drug Take-back Days

Help us keep pharmecutical and control-substance drugs off the streets and out of the rivers! No questions will be asked, and any prescription and over-the-counter medications and medical supplies can be turned in anonymously. 

WATAUGA COUNTY

Saturday, October 25th

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Food Lion, Boone (Blowing Rock Rd)
• Food Lion, Deep Gap (HWY 421)
• Food Lion, Blowing Rock
• Foscoe Fire Department 

Appalachian State University

Monday, October 20th

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

         Plemmons Student Union

         For more info visit SustainASU

Make Breakfast Too Easy to Skip

If you are too rushed to eat in the morning, or just don’t feel hungry, you’re not alone. According to a marketing research company study (NPD Group), 14 percent of children aged 14 - 17 skip breakfast. Eighteen to 34 year old males have the highest incidence of skipping (28 percent). Older adults skip breakfast the least (11 percent for males, ages 55 and older, and 10 percent for females in this age range).

As a whole, people who enjoy breakfast weigh less than those who skip it. But eating a healthy breakfast has many benefits besides weight control, including better mental and physical performance at the beginning of your day.

Breaking the fast is particularly important for children. Studies have shown those who regularly eat breakfast have significantly higher test scores. They also make healthier dietary choices. Breakfast skippers consume 40 percent more sweets, 55 percent more soft drinks, 45 percent fewer vegetables and 30 percent less fruit than people who eat breakfast.

These quick or prepare-ahead breakfast ideas will fit into the busiest of schedules:

Whole grain bread topped with peanut butter (or any kind of nut butter) and fruit

Bagels, English muffins or toast topped with scrambled eggs

Bagels topped with reduced-fat cream cheese and fruit

Yogurt with fresh fruit, cereal and nuts mixed in

Overnight Oats

Serves 4

2 cups oats

2 cups low-fat milk, almond, or soy milk

2 ½ tablespoons nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower)

2 tablespoons natural maple syrup or honey

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

One grated apple, or equivalent applesauce

½ cup dried fruit of choice (cranberries, raisins, mixed fruit pieces)

Nuts of choice for topping

Prepare the evening before serving for breakfast in a container with a lid. Mix together milk, nut butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and sweetener. Stir in oats and grated apple and place in refrigerator. Heat in microwave to desired temperature the next morning. May top with nuts and additional fruit, if desired. Keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

PB & J Energy Bars

 Serves 8

1¾ cup pitted dates (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes, then drained)

½ cup unsweetened dried cranberries

¼ cup natural peanut butter (no added sugars or oils, just peanuts

¼ cup whole raw almonds

½ cup instant plain oats

Soak the dates in warm water for 15 minutes, and drain.

Place dates, dried cranberries, almonds, peanut butter, and oats in a food processor and blend until combined well.

Scoop mixture into a square baking pan, and firmly press down to make an even layer.

Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to set, then cut into 8 rectangle bars.

Store in the freezer or fridge.

Read more: http://www.nutritionistinthekitch.com/2012/12/02/vegan-pb-j-energy-bars/#ixzz37ZxQbsmm