There are currently billions of dollars on the table to support whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in the United States. Wisconsin received a $150 million cut and became the first state in the country to establish its Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program, administered through Focus on Energy. Through the HOMES program, Wisconsin homeowners and renters can receive substantial rebates for energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation, HVAC, windows, and more. Host Rose Daily and guests Dylan Crye with Focus on Energy and Joe Pater with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin discuss program details, eligibility, and the process for applying, along with the positive impact this program is having on local contractors.

HOMES Program Overview: https://focusonenergy.com/ira-homes

Focus on Energy Rebate Finder: https://focusonenergy.com/get-started

IRA Registered Contractor List: https://www.clearesult.com/partner-hub/find-

contractor/17/263

IRA Registered Contractor Resources: https://focusonenergy.com/ira-registered-contractors

Department of Energy Home Energy Rebates map: https://www.energy.gov/save/rebates

(02:40) What is the HOMES program?

(04:08) $150 million to Wisconsin

(06:45) Focus on Energy as the program administrator

(07:23) Focus on Energy rebates vs HOMES rebates - what's the difference?

(10:31) Energy efficiency: a smart investment

(12:59) How contractors will benefit from HOMES.

(19:02) IRA registered contractors

(25:00) The process: income qualification, IRA registered contractor, energy assessment

(28:27) Why is an energy assessment required?

(29:36) Blower door test & infrared cameras

(33:36) Building shell first, core second, solar last

(38:54) Stacking rebates to save thousands

(47:31) What about renters?

(52:51) Home Energy Rebates in other states

(54:28) Everyone is eligible!

Curbside recycling has been around for over 30 years and has become a staple in our daily lives. We see those blue or green recycling bins everywhere – at home, in our schools, and at work. But even if recycling feels like second nature, there are some surprising facts that many of us might not know. In this episode, host Rose Daily and guest Todd Bollenbach discuss 6 things every consumer needs to know about recycling, including exploring the impact of wish cycling and revealing the meaning behind the small numbers on the bottom of plastic contains (news flash - they're not actually recycling numbers!).

Pellitteri Waste Systems: https://www.pellitteri.com/

The truth about recycling numbers: https://recyclesmartma.org/2023/05/recyclings-magic-numbers/#:~:text=The%20numbers%20on%20the%20bottom,indicate%20whether%20something%20is%20recyclable.

(02:04) "Recycling Numbers" are not what they seem!

(06:11) Which plastics are typically recyclable?

(08:30) Recycling contamination rates

(09:40) Wishcycling 101

(12:42) Top 7 wishcycled items nationally

(17:30) To crush or not to crush

(24:36) Hauler vs Processor vs Recycler

(26:46) Which materials are infinitely recyclable?

(30:10) Recycling & downcycling plastics

(35:38) Energy consumption of recycling

Have you ever picked up a product claiming to be eco-friendly, only to wonder if that green label was just a marketing gimmick? Do labels such as 'compostable,' 'cruelty-free,' and 'organic' actually hold meaning? What product labels can consumers trust? All of these questions and more will be answered in this episode where we dive deep into the deceptive world of greenwashing. Host Rose Daily and guest Kim Mintrone unravel how companies use clever but misleading tactics to appear environmentally friendly, while their actual impact remains questionable. Featured are real-life examples from large brands, such as Target, Shein, McDonalds, and H&M.

Greenwashed Brands Tool: https://greenwash.com/

Third-party verified product labels: https://www.ecocenter.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/updated_Factsheet%20Third-Party%20Certifications%20and%20Eco-Labels.pdf

Eco-labels to look for when shopping: https://www.ecowatch.com/eco-friendly-labels-1881939362.html

(02:28) The definition of greenwashing

(04:35) Our first encounters with greenwashing

(06:40) Corporate motivation to greenwash

(08:47) 58% of CEOs admitted to greenwashing

(10:54) Fashion, meat, and automobiles

(12:16) Using the color green & images of the earth

(13:32) Don't trust the labels!

(17:04) Third-party verified labels

(17:16) BPI certification for compostable products

(18:30) Green Seal cleaning products

(20:02) Non-GMO & USDA Organic

(23:28) Energy Star

(25:00) Cruelty free, sustainable forest, fair trade

(29:43) Target's "fair-trade" jeans

(31:41) Product recyclability

(35:30) H&M's clothing recycling program

(36:53) McDonald's recyclable straws

(39:18) Shein's appeal to eco-consumers

(40:26) Clothing made from recycled material

(42:08) Influencers' role in greenwashing

(46:10) Refillability: the double-edged sword

(49:03) Read the product labels!

(51:04) B-Corp: the label you can trust

(52:37) Product traceability

(55:10) Do your research before purchasing

(56:03) Every small action makes a difference!

What does it take to create a sustainable school? Join us as we discuss this question with Kevin Splain, Sustainability Manager for Sun Prairie School District, and two passionate student activists who have recently graduated from local high schools. Together, they uncover the current state of sustainability initiatives within schools, illuminating the essential shifts needed to make schools greener. From student-led advocacy groups to impactful policy reforms, discover the actionable steps paving the way for greener schools of tomorrow.

(02:48) Geothermal systems, solar, and LEDs in our schools

(05:05) The role of a dedicated school energy manager

(05:45) Start with an energy audit!

(06:57) Making sustainability visible

(11:00) Is school sustainability important to students?

(13:36) Wisconsin's first net-zero school!

(15:59) What does it take to maintain a net-zero school?

(18:48) Resolutions drive sustainable change

(22:23) Students, teachers, staff - who drives change?

(26:21) Tolerating discomfort to reduce energy demand

(27:55) Do students have a voice?

(31:54) Sustainability coordinators for schools

(35:59) Student Line 5 protest

(40:22) vegan food options, natural light, and reusable lunch plates

(46:54) Our dream sustainable school

There are over 3.3 million registered EVs on the road in the United States today, which makes up just over 1% of our country's total light-duty vehicles. Although EVs have been growing in popularity, there are many misconceptions about their range, performance, affordability, and environmental impact. Join me and Jessica Wagner in this episode as we use national data and our personal experiences to debunk the six biggest myths about EVs.

MIT Carbon Counter Tool: https://www.carboncounter.com/?utm_campaign=Monthly%20newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=107725603&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--dVaDH9VDNuT8z3Jdxu93iFECoXlia5bIlCmKR_7MOhLclBTGnAg6vW7lft-OOnVTnC1UbY1hXzfvPXpNhJkumEGRL3A&utm_content=107725603&utm_source=hs_email#!/explore

EPA Electric Vehicle Myths: https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths

Temperature impacts to battery range graph: https://www.geotab.com/blog/ev-range/

Climate impacts of EVs vs ICEs: https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/are-electric-vehicles-definitely-better-climate-gas-powered-cars#:~:text=The%20researchers%20found%20that%2C%20on,vehicle%20created%20just%20200%20grams.

(02:27) The EVs we drive, hesitations about purchasing an EV

(07:36) Charging our EVs at our homes

(08:38) EVs, PHEVs, hybrids, ICEs

(11:40) Myth 1: EVs are more expensive to purchase and drive than ICEs

(15:30) Our EV will pay for itself in 8 years!

(18:17) Myth 2: EVs are worse for the environment that ICEs

(21:44) MIT graph: total cost of ownership vs lifetime greenhouse gas emissions

(24:47) Myth 3: there is nowhere to charge EVs

(30:58) Types of charging: level 1, level 2, level 3 (DC fast charging)

(35:33) Is it expensive to charge your EV?

(37:42) Myth 4: EVs can't handle daily commutes

(40:26) Regenerative braking

(41:10) Does weather impact battery range?

(45:45) Myth 5: EVs will explode & catch fire!

(49:30) Myth 6: EV batteries need to be replaced at 100,000 miles

(53:53) Will the government ban ICE vehicles??

(55:39) Not all EVs are good for the environment!

What does it take for a restaurant to become "Green Certified" through the National Green Restaurant Association? Join me in this conversation with Jordan Short, the head Chef at Café Manna, to learn about the world of sustainable restaurant practices. Cafe Manna has incoporated sustainability into their operations since 2008 and holds the title of being the first three-star certified green restaurant in the state of Wisconsin. In this episode, we'll explore opportunities for restaurants to embrace sustainability without compromising on taste or profitability.

National Green Restaurant Association: https://www.dinegreen.com/

Cafe Manna: https://cafemanna.com/

(02:23) Inspiration to strive for a Green Restaurant certification

(04:37) Does being Green excite employees?

(06:30) Saying no to polystyrene foam and yes to recycling & composting

(09:37) LED lightbulbs & high efficiency appliances

(11:28) Restaurant water savings

(12:33) Composting and smart meal planning

(15:42) No straws and compostable takeout containers

(20:46) Eco-friendly soaps & cleaners

(22:15) Vegan entrees, garden-grown ingredients, and serving based on the season

(32:21) Sourcing tables and chairs made from recycled materials

(34:22) Education & transparency

(37:01) Plans to achieve 4 stars?

(38:32) Does becoming a Green restaurant save money?

(42:35) Drawing in a diverse set of customers

(45:58) Do consumers prefer dining at Green restaurants?

(47:46) Sustainable practices for customers

(51:24) Advice for restaurants who want to pursue a Green Restaurant Certification

Spring has officially sprung here in Wisconsin which means our natural environment is buzzing with excitement as our local pollinators emerge from hibernation, our lawns become green again, and flowers begin to bloom. Amidst the seasonal splendor, there’s important work to be done – work that involves our beloved pollinators and the vital ecosystems they support. Ever heard of No Mow May? Or wondered about the magic of community pollinator gardens? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today we’re discussing these eco-friendly practices and exploring how they’re sowing the seeds of change in our local landscape.

(05:50) Community pollinator gardens in Sun Prairie

(09:20) Value of community gardens

(11:14) Many hands contribute

(13:55) Step-by-step process for establishing a community garden

(17:17) Lesson learned in engaging stakeholders

(25:19) Selecting a prime location

(26:45) Identifying a water source

(31:51) seeds, seedlings, mature plants - oh my!

(33:41) When should I order plants?

(34:46) Dog urination & splitting plants

(37:40) Alternative lawns!

(41:08) What's the deal with No Mow May??

(43:44) No Mow May IS effective

Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, please enjoy this bonus episode of Sustainable Sun Prairie that is focused on pollinator conservation. Pollinators are often associated with Earth Day because of the important role they plan in our food production and creating a healthier environment. This episode will provide you with a full toolkit of resources and knowledge that will empower you to transform your yard into a pollinator paradise. It's so important that we focus on taking actions in our own yards because native pollinator species are declining rapidly due to urbanization, habitat destruction, and the use of pesticides. We as individuals can work to protect them by creating safe, friendly spaces in our own yards that provide food, water, and shelter to our native pollinators.

Did you catch the keyword? Email this episode's keyword to forestry@cityofsunprairie.com to receive a free pollinator-friendly tree or shrub, while supplies last!

Xerces Society Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists: https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists

UW-Madison Pollinator Resources: https://pollinators.wisc.edu/

Pollinator-Friendly Trees & Shrubs: https://www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/uploads/1/3/9/1/13913231/treesshrubs1.pdf

(5:01) How the City of Sun Prairie is helping pollinators

(9:00) City park participation in No Mow May

(11:14) Native vs ornamental - which type of flower is better for pollinators?

(19:16) concentrated garden or distributed flowers?

(21:15) Native flower species recommendations!

(24:37) Best practices for ground covers

(28:10) Starting from seed, seedling, or mature plants

(30:36) Short-term and long-term pollinator garden maintenance

(36:44) Patience is key - your plants need time to grow strong root systems

(39:50) 6, 7, or 8 feet tall!

(43:00) Leave the leaves & delay spring cleanup

(48:54) Water sources, trees, shrubs

(52:36) How do I communicate my conservation intentions to my neighbors?