Something very exciting is going on right now. As I write this, there are almost 40 volunteers out in the Des Moines area helping members of our community reduce their energy use. They’re participating in the ‘Iowa Winter Weatherization Challenge’, an effort organized by the Iowa Global Warming Campaign and our partner group Iowa Interfaith Power and Light; as well as community groups such as the Central Iowa Recovery Network and Wesley Meals on Wheels.

Volunteers are covering windows and doors with plastic, weatherstripping and caulk as well as insulating behind electrical outlets and replacing old light bulbs with energy-saving CFLs. These weatherization measures can save up to 30% on energy bills – at a time when the deepening recession is causing Americans to worry about their finances, this is a very cost effective way to provide relief.

Obviously, weatherizing eighteen area homes is a very small way to address our wasteful energy use. But it shows homeowners things they can do at home to save energy and help solve our energy needs, and perhaps more importantly it highlights these opportunities for our decision makers. Energy Efficiency is the best and cheapest way to meet our energy needs and reduce greenhouse gases, and we need our leaders to make sure that we’re achieving all possible savings.

We support the proposed state and national EE legislation that is moving forward right now, and are going to need your help to get strong measures passed. I’ll let you know more about that soon, so stay tuned… and, in the meanwhile, tune in to the evening news tonight. You might see a neighbor’s home, or a friend volunteering to help someone in your community!