Caring for Creation

West Warwick- Emanuel Lutheran Church practices what it preaches. In July, 2005 this West Warwick parish became the first church in Rhode Island to use 100% renewable energy to meet its electricity needs by signing up for GreenStart.

Rev. Paul Krampitz said the decision to go green was easy.  “As Christians we have an obligation to care for each other as well as the world around us,” said Rev. Krampitz.  “Signing up for GreenStart is a simple yet profoundly important way for our congregation to practice faithful environmental stewardship.  We hope other members of the faith community will follow our lead and choose to do the same.”

By choosing clean , renewable sources of energy Emanuel will offset more than 50,000 pounds of the primary greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2).  “Knowing that we are no longer supporting dirty fossil fuels and nuclear power whenever we turn on a light here at the church is a good feeling.  It is the least we could do to ensure the existence of a clean and healthy environment for future generations,” said Rev. Krampitz.

To learn more about Emanuel please go to www.emanuelww.org

Gift Shop? Garden Shop? Florist? – Simple Pleasures

Providence, RI – Ask an old Yankee where to look for Simple Pleasures and he’d tell you “it’s at the forge - right where the old red bridge used to be.” Someone newer to Providence would refer to the location as Richmond Square, near the ramp to the Henderson Bridge. While the location may not be obvious, the name is. It is a respite for the hectic life.

Inside, the walls, floors and ceilings are decorated with whimsical ornaments, jewelry and accessories. Outside the porch, paddock and gardens are festooned with flora. You never know what you are going to find there. To be sure it is full of intelligent and clever choices – much the way GreenStart is.

When we asked Mary Moore, the proprietor why she choose to power her small independent retail shop of high level design with clean, renewable GreenStart she said, “Because you made doing something so important, so effortless.” Sounds like another simple pleasure. Stop by Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11am to 6pm. We’re sure you will find the eclectic, electric.

Reversing the Effects of Stress.  -  Heart in Hand Massage Therapy

Edgewood, RI – A little slice of Sedona, Arizona awaits the weary behind the doors of this classic victorian duplex on Broad Street.

Heart in Hand Massage Therapy is the work of Matthew Donnelly,  a registered nurse and his consortium of  fine massage experts. Together they work to bring balance to their clients’ mind, body and spirit.

“That’s what we liked about GreenStart.” Said Donnelly. “We teach that to be successful, your body needs to be kept in the best working order. Only by being pro-active in your health can you truly be well and at peace. The same must be true for the environment.”

Matthew’s entire operation is powered by clean, green electricity. From every babbling fountain and peace chime,  to every towel warmer, and electric blanket. Enjoy the benefits of GreenStart and start your healing.  For more information call 401-467-9193 or log on to www.heartinhandmassage.com.

SolarWrights

Ever wonder where GreenStart gets its solar power? Much of it is the result of SolarWrights’ hard work. This “earth friendly energy” company in Barrington designs and installs solar systems. They have installed large solar systems like the 28-kilowatt array on Whole Foods Market at University Heights, and the 10 kW system that powers PP&L’s offices in Providence. They’ve done scores of modest home power installations as well.

But not everyone can put solar panels on their home or business, and that’s why SolarWrights is a GreenStart customer too.  President Bob Chew puts it simply: “For many Rhode Islanders who don’t have an ideal solar site, participating in the GreenStart program is a great way to go green!” Just like the cobbler’s kids who have no shoes, SolarWrights rents their office and so doesn’t have solar.  Explained Tori Chew, Bob’s daughter and Marketing Manager: “As a company invested in the environment we always go with the best solution, and that meant GreenStart for our office’s electricity”.

In addition to solar electric systems, the SolarWrights team also installs and repairs solar hot water systems for heating swimming pools, hot water, or space heating.  Solar hot water and solar electric systems are both eligible for tax credit incentives, which PP&L helped to get passed at the State House.

So, if you and your house have a sunny disposition, contact SolarWrights. 401-245-2805 or www.solarwrights.com.

Good Earth Organic Gardening Center

Hope, RI –Take Route 12 west until you get to Pippin Orchard Road in Hope, and you’ll see a handsome garden center on the left side of the crossroad. Inside you’ll find a healthy and varied collection of organic and heirloom vegetables. You’ll also find a wide assortment of annuals and perennials scattered among the flowering shrubs and bushes.

Good Earth, the 9 year old business of John and Joyce, is enjoying its 4th year at Knight Farm. The location features greenhouses, a gazebo, antiques and other collectables.  One of the newest features of the center is the clean electricity that powers its operations. John was one of the first customers to enroll in GreenStart. When asked why he was so eager to signup, he simply answered, “It’s the right thing to do.”

As the name implies, “organic” is a very important element of what they do. During the month of July they will be offering a series of cooking demos and recipes for the organic gourmet. For more information give them a call at 826-3130. They are open everyday from 9 to 6.

Mamma Luisa’s Restaurant of Newport - Good, Fresh Ingredients

Newport, RI – Marco Trazzi will most likely be able to find a seat for you in the comfortable, cozy Thames Street Ristorante, if you call early. Otherwise, the smell of the savory Bologna inspired cooking can fill the tables up quickly. That’s the result of using the right ingredients.

It might just be a habit. Marco’s wife and the Chef of Mamma’s, Antonietta Calori, didn’t give it much thought when she signed up their home for GreenStart. Her rich accent highlights her sentiments, “Clean Energy, more cleaner for everyone.”  That’s why when she had the chance to signup the restaurant too, she did.

Antonietta supposes their customers would appreciate the fact that one of the main ingredients in all of their cooking is clean electricity. “We try not to give away too many of our secrets.”

You should try the Tagliatelle al Ragu Bolognese.

Call for reservations: 401-848-5257   or online at www.mammaluisa.com

Our other supporters include

"GreenStart is a very simple and inexpensive way for me to become part of a blossoming, world-wide movement that will literally make Rhode Island and the world more fertile environments."
Jack Christie - Jamestown, RI

"Most people realize that we need to do something about ensuring the future of the planet for the generations to come, but we don't always know how to go about it. Greenstart enables us to do our part, at such a minimal cost, without having to manage any of the administrative work ourselves. There's just no reason not to join up."
Alana Thorpe - Cranston, RI

Misty here is breathing easier because of GreenStart.