According to scientists, the last drop of oil on earth will be pumped in the year 2100 at the latest — and possibly much sooner, given our ever-increasing demand for oil. The global effect of emissions from burning oil, natural gas, and coal is a concern of international summits.  Today, energy conservation and innovation are not only good global citizenship behaviors, they're imperative for future life on this planet. We need to begin planning and using post-petroleum technology now. (Out of Gas by David Goodstein).  

 

Learn about easy, inexpensive ways to save energy that are good for the environment and your wallet at three "Cool County Green Expos" presented by Hennepin County Library in collaboration with Hennepin County Environmental Services and Property Services, and Xcel Energy:

 

All expos are noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free.  

"If you want to learn about new and exciting ways to help save our planet and save money, these expos are for you!" said Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, 4^th District.

 

Xcel Energy staff will demonstrate Power Check Energy Meters that help you assess your home or business' use of electricity. Beginning Oct. 1, 50 Power Check Energy Meters from Xcel Energy will be available for check out at Hennepin County libraries.

 

The meters are easy to use and can be plugged into any standard 120-volt electric appliance to measure voltage, electricity cost, and electric consumption. Hennepin County Commissioner Randy Johnson, 5^th District, said, "Whatever you believe about global warming and climate change, everyone should be interested in saving some money by using less energy."

 

The meters are packaged in a kit that also contains information booklets and a USB cord to upload data to your computer (optional). 

 

Power Check Meters may be reserved online through the Hennepin County Library catalog (keyword search on Power Check) for pick up at any Hennepin County Library (Nokomis and Plymouth are closed for construction).

 

At the October expos, tips on easy ways to save energy in your home will be presented by the Green Institute/Reuse Center, and at the November expo by the Office of Energy Security. At all of the expos, the Center for Energy and the Environment will present information about free lighting audits for area businesses, and Bike/Walk Ambassadors will give a presentation on bike safety. All sessions also will include a talk on organic composting by a Hennepin County Master Gardener as well as activities for children.

 

Information from the above organizations, Hennepin County Cool County Initiative, Hennepin County Composting and Organics, and the Associated City Environmental Staff also will be available.

 

Additional resources for living "green" are available in the "Subject Guides" section on Hennepin County Library's website, www.hclib.org   Search under "Home & Garden" for "Green Living."

 

Reducing energy consumption is making Hennepin a "Cool County." The county has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from county operations by 80 percent by the year 2050 as part of the "Cool County Initiative." Hennepin's "Cool County Initiative" will rely on reduced and cleaner energy consumption through efficiency and generation of renewable energy. Hennepin County is a founding member of a coalition of counties across the United States that is taking action to eliminate the causes of global climate change. Learn more at  www.hennepin.us/coolcounty