It's not too late to green your holidays!

YVSC can help you conserve energy and save money on your utility bills this winter.

The holiday season is upon us and with it the craziness of overeating, over-consuming, and just plain over-the-top. Just in time for the holidays, YVSC has tips to help you stay sane and sustainable through the holiday season. We also have resources for more energy-efficient homes, as we enter the winter season. And finally, save the date for some great events we have planned for the new year.

In 2018, YVSC is stepping up our efforts to mobilize our community to address climate change locally. As part of that, we are excited to announce that four Talking Green events in 2018 will feature high-profile climate change speakers from outside the region to inspire our community to take action. We will be kicking off the new year, in partnership with Bud Werner Library, with a screening of Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power at 6:30 p.m. on January 8. Closely following, mark your calendar for 6:30 p.m. on January 23 with CSU professor Scott Denning. Read on for more details.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays and good health in the new year!

Sarah Jones

Executive Director

Thank you Colorado Gives Day donors!

Big thanks to everyone who joined the Yampa Valley Gives movement to support YVSC and other local nonprofits on Colorado Gives Day! And, thanks to all of you who have made year-end donations to YVSC! We are in awe of your generosity and are inspired by your belief in YVSC's work to create a more sustainable, resilient and equitable community!

Make a difference in our environment, donate to YVSC

Colorado is 2º F warmer than it was 30 years ago, and there's no denying that the climate is changing right here in the Yampa Valley. We're seeing decreased snowpack, earlier spring run-off, hotter, drier summers, and more intense wildfires.

It's up to all of us to defend our snow, forests, wildlife, rivers, lakes and air. Every day matters in the fight against climate change and so does every dollar.

Your tax-ded uctible donation to YVSC will advance local climate action in 2018 and support programs like ReTree, Energy, Green Building, Sustainable Schools, Waste Diversion and Talking Green.

Exclusive screening: An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power

in partnership with Bud Werner Memorial Library

Monday, January 8

6:30 p.m.

Library Hall, Bud Werner Memorial Library

Former Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight, traveling around the world to train an army of activists and influence international climate policy. Cameras follow him behind the scenes--in moments both private and public, funny and poignant--as he pursues the inspirational idea that while the stakes have never been higher, the perils of climate change can be overcome with human ingenuity and passion.

>> Watch the movie trailer here.

Talking Green

Climate Change: Simple, Serious, Solvable

Tuesday, January 23

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Library Hall, Bud Werner Memorial Library

Climate change is simple. Climate change is serious. Climate change is solvable.

Join CSU Professor of Atmospheric Science Scott Denning for an engaging presentation on the facts, seriousness and solutions to climate change. Professor Denning is a much sought-after speaker who makes climate change accessible for all and inspires audiences with a sense of hope for the future. Discussion to follow presentation.

>> View a full description of the presentation here.

Recycle tip of the month

Greening your holidays

'Tis the season to decorate, give gifts and travel--a wonderful time to be with family and friends but also a time that increases waste, energy use and your carbon footprint. Yampa Valley Sustainability Council has compiled a list of 10 helpful tips to make your holidays more sustainable. With thoughtful planning and a small commitment, you can minimize your impact while still having a delightful holiday season.

Give an experience, not stuff
Use LED holiday lights
Reduce waste at your holiday feast
Cook with local food
Read more...

Energy-efficiency improvements for low-income families

Thanks to funding from Energy Outreach Colorado, Cen$ible Energy and Atmos, YVSC is accepting applications from income-qualified families (80% Area Median Income) for the Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) program. (For a family of three in Routt County, 80% Area Median Income is $57,120.) CARE provides FREE weatherization and energy-saving services for homes with both YVEA service and Atmos natural gas for heat.

>> More information on the CARE program is available online or email [email protected] to apply or refer a family.

As winter sets in and the temperature drops, an energy assessment is a great way to identify areas of your home or business that are leaky or inefficient and receive expert advice on how to conserve energy--and save money.

Local residents with both YVEA service and Atmos Energy natural gas for home heating can sign up for a FREE residential energy assessment provided by local certified analysts. Residents with only one of these utilities pay just $150 for this valuable service. The assessment is especially key before starting home remodeling projects.

>> Request a home energy assessment online through Energy Smart Colorado.

YVSC has launched a new mid-level commercial energy assessment program available to smal l businesses. The target building is an office, retail, restaurant or lodging property up to 10,000 square feet. The first 10 customers to sign up this season will receive a $200 rebate through the Cen$ible Energy program.

>> Learn more about business energy assessments here.

Spare the Air, reduce idling

Colder weather unfortunately brings unnecessary vehicle idling that wastes gasoline and pollutes the air. Even on the coldest mornings, it's better to scrape windshields first and limit idling to 5 minutes max. Remember that leaving unattended vehicles idling is illegal in Colorado.

>> Learn more online.

>> To purchase a metal Spare the Air sign for $18.50 for your business, contact [email protected].

FREE Energy-Efficiency Jump Starts available for inefficient, drafty homes

YVSC's Jump Start program provides a thorough home energy assessment, energy-efficiency quick fixes and furnace tune-up and are available for families who earn less than 80% of Area Median Income. Jump Starts are available for homes with any type of heating.

>> To apply for a Jump Start or refer a family, email [email protected] or call 871-9299 ext. 104.