You can take advantage of renewable energy and save money right now: Plant vegetables, hang beach towels and laundry out to dry, and brew sun tea. Cool down by taking a dip and by relying on sea breezes rather than turning on the air conditioner. (And, come the heating season, open those shades and drapes to maximize solar gain!)

There are many other ways to take advantage of the natural forces that shape and define the Cape & Islands region. Passively and actively relying on renewables at home, at work, on the road, and in your community can take some effort, but it represents a wise investment - particularly in light of the generous incentives available. Visit the CIGoGreen “Green Pages” (or use the keyword search capabilities above) to identify local service providers and retail outlets capable of helping you enjoy sustainable energy in the following ways.

Apply green building and sustainable design practices in new construction and remodeling projects:

• Orientation, window placement and sizing, insulation, thermal massing, and other design considerations can go a long way toward reducing the amount of electricity and fuel required to make built environments livable and comfortable. Local architects can help (Green Pages).

Use biofuels for transportation and home heating:

• Diesel vehicles and equipment can run on pure biofuel or biodiesel blends such as B20 (20% biofuel and 80% conventional diesel fuel). Biodiesel pumps are available on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard (see the CIGoGreen map), and bulk fuel deliveries can be arranged from local sources.
• Biodiesel fuel blended with regular fuel oil burns cleaner without requiring any changes to existing fuel storage tanks and heating systems. Regular fuel deliveries can be arranged through Cape & Islands Self-Reliance and from other local suppliers.
• Seasoned wood, wood pellets, and other fuels based on organic materials can reduce use of fossil fuel heating systems - but these biofuels must come from sustainable sources. Also, they must be burned in stoves or furnaces designed to generate heat efficiently, otherwise they may create pollution without producing a lot of useful energy.

Install a solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind energy system for electricity production; install a solar thermal or geothermal system for water and/or space heating:

• Local renewable energy, electrical, and plumbing contractors are available and qualified to help design, install, operate, and maintain clean energy systems for homes, businesses, institutions, and communities (Green Pages).
• Local nonprofit organizations such as Self-Reliance and the Vineyard Energy Project coordinate design and installation of rooftop- and ground-mounted solar energy systems and high-quality wind turbines by facilitating access to site assessment, cost-performance analysis, installation, operations, and maintenance services as well as rebates, tax incentives, and other money-saving options.