Solar Energy 101

Does solar really work in Pittsburgh? How much does solar cost? What does energy independence mean? Ron Berman of SUNWPA will answer these questions at his presentation at the Peters Township Public Library on Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Register to attend this free program by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724.941.9430.

Learn if solar could be an option for you from a solar owner who generates 100% of his electricity from the sun. SUNWPA Organizational Members are comprised of the region’s leading solar installation and development companies, support businesses, solar owners, non-profit organizations and solar enthusiasts devoted to proliferating solar in Western PA through awareness, education and legislative advocacy. This program is being hosted by the library’s GO Green Club.

The Great Halloween Costume Swap

Green will the new orange this year at the GO Green Club's “Great Halloween Costume Swap” at the library. Instead of purchasing new costumes each year, the group aims to encourage the community to swap their slightly used costumes to save resources, packaging, transportation costs, and money.

On Friday, October 4, from 3 – 5 p.m. drop off your used but in GREAT condition costumes at the library and get a token for the swap. Come back to the library on Saturday, October 5 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. with your token and shop for your swap.

Volunteers are needed both days to help with the swap. Email ptplgogreenclub@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.

For more ideas to have a Green Halloween, visit http://www.greenhalloween.org.

Energy Audits: The path to a safe, healthy & comfortable

Have you ever wondered how energy efficient your home is? A recent study of 100,000 homes found that 85% have critical problems adversely impacting the health, safety, comfort and affordability of their occupants.

On Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. the library will host "Energy Audits: The Path to a Safe, Healthy, and Comfortable Home." In this 30-minute presentation, Richard Rothaar of Conservation Consultants, Inc. will share some of the common health and safety problems found in homes, and explain the benefits of receiving a home energy and safety audit. Everyone attending will receive a $25.00 discount towards an ENERGY STAR audit and a CFL light bulb to begin immediate energy savings.

Conservation Consultants, Inc. is a 501© 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote responsible energy and resource use in homes and buildings.

This program is sponsored by the Peters Township Public Library GO Green Club. Register for this program online, at the library's circulation desk or call 724-941-9430.

Earth Day film screening of DIRT! The Movie

The Peters Township Public Library’s GO Green Club will celebrate Earth Day by hosting a free film screening of DIRT! The Movie on Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m. in the library’s Reading Room. DIRT! The Movie is an insightful and timely film that tells the story of the glorious and unappreciated material beneath our feet. One teaspoon of dirt contains a billion organisms working in remarkable balance to maintain and sustain a series of complex, thriving communities that impact our daily lives. The film takes a humorous and substantial look into the history and current state of the living organic matter that we come from and will later return to. Watch the trailer for the film.

Register to attending the screening by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724-941-9430.

Choosing your best natural cosmetics

Do you know what is in the products your children are using on their skin? What about the ingredients in your makeup? Choosing natural cosmetics is a smart decision for your health and for the health of our planet. Learn more about the products you are currently using and if there may be a better choice available for you. Peters Township Public Library’s GO Green Club will host “Choosing Your Best Natural Cosmetics and Skin Products” on Saturday, February 23 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.


GO GREEN Club member Pam Kuhn will be providing an overview of the newly revised Environmental Working Group (EWG) web site, whose mission is to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. Persons attending the program are asked to bring a cosmetic or skin product with them that they would like to learn more about.

Register for this program online call 724-941-9430.

Off On Our Own: Living Off-Grid in Comfortable Independence

Did the damage on the East Coast caused by superstorm Sandy this week leave you wondering how you would manage without power?

On Saturday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m., the GO GREEN Club will welcome Ted and Kathy Carns. Their home, the Stone Camp, is said to be the most isolated dwelling in Pennsylvania's Southwest Division. The Carns basically produce most of their own power through their unique lifestyle. They are living a 21st century success story of zero waste, total recycling and astonishing inventiveness. Their five-acre home in western Pennsylvania is a warm, inviting showcase of self-reliant living. They have all the comforts of modern life, from flat screen TV to morning smoothies from their solar-powered blender. Ted is the author of "Off On Our Own: Living Off-Grid in Comfortable Independence."

Learn more about the Carns' 36 year evolution to an off grid, self sufficient, sustainable lifestyle by visiting their web site. Their recently published book, "Off On Our Own", will be available for sale ($17.95) and signing after the program. Register to attend this program online, at the library's circulation desk or call 724-941-9430.

Read more about Ted and Kathy in this article in the Post-Gazette http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/westmoreland-county-couple-reuse-recycle-live-totally-off-the-grid-660095/.

Choosing Your Best Natural Cosmetics program postponed

Due to the unavailability of the Environmental Working Group web site, we will need to reschedule the "Natural Cosmetics" program to another date. Check this blog for more information about when we will be able to offer this program.