Going environmentally friendly doesn?t have to mean spending hundreds on solar panels and a green roof.
The Green Building Institute in Jessup is reaching out to low- and moderate-income Howard residents for a free course on how to save with environmentally friendly practices.
“This class is providing ways they can be part of the discussion,” said Hannah Wood, executive director of the institute, an educational nonprofit.
The class, scheduled for December, is free for eligible residents, in part because of a $3,000grant from the Columbia Foundation. Classes usually cost $15 to $75.
“They?re teaching ways in which everyone can be involved, no matter your income level or socioeconomic status,” said Candace Dodson Reed, Columbia Foundation?s associate director.
It?s the “little steps,” Wood said, that can help residents save money. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, may cost several extra dollars in the beginning but can save money in energy costs, she said.
The class also will promote what Wood called “lifestyle changes,” which don?t always cost more and can lead to healthier living, such as nontoxic cleaning products and a compost bin.
There is space for 40 residents to take the class, and the group wants people to sign up this summer so it can plan the course.
“Anytime you can help low-income residents to be cognizant on ways they can save money certainly helps them in the long run,” said James Smith, executive director of Community Action Council of Howard County, which provides services for low-income residents.
Smith?s organization works with residents to find ways to trim their budgets. With increased gas and electricity prices, investing in green techniques is especially important, he said.
“It?s all about life choices,” he said.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
To take the free Go Green, Save Green course, participants must:
» Live in Howard County
» Make $25,000 or less for an individual or $50,000 or less for families
» To sign up, call 443-733-1234 or visit greenbuildinginstitute.org.
IF YOU GO
What: Go Green, Save Green course
When: 8:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 1
Where: Green Building Institute at the EnviroCenter, 7761 Waterloo Road, Jessup
