'Green' Living Promoted at Home & Energy Expo

By Alexa Woronowicz

Many Lawrence Township residents celebrated St. Patrick’s Day this past weekend by going green – in an environmentally-friendly sort of way.

They spent their Saturday discovering and learning about new ways to promote sustainability at the township’s fifth annual Home and Energy Expo. Held at Lawrence High School, the event was sponsored by Sustainable Lawrence, the Lawrence Township Green Team and the township school district.

“Our goal is to provide the community an understanding of energy-efficient, clean, renewable, healthy choices for your home, for your transportation needs and for the community,” said Paula Waldron, board member of Sustainable Lawrence.

Representatives from various groups and organizations offered their insight on a wide range of topics, including the importance of going solar, donating used bikes and carrying reusable bags.

This year’s theme highlighted alternative methods of transportation that would help the environment.

“I’m very excited this year that we’ve included the transportation aspect, because of course this is part of your home. Living in the northeast, we spend about 50 percent of our budget on transportation,” said Tahirih Smith, Sustainable Lawrence’s executive director.

Electric and hybrid cars were displayed in the parking lot, allowing visitors a chance to get an idea of how they work.

“What we’re trying to do is to open people’s eyes and give them a little experience with other types of transportation,” explained Sustainable Lawrence board member Phil Duran.

A spokesperson from E-Bike Kit gave a workshop on how to convert a regular bicycle into an electrically-powered bike.

Listeners were told that the conversion worked on almost any type of bicycle and could easily be completed in less than an hour. Depending on the type of motor installed, the bike would be able to reach up to 24 or 28 miles per hour.

“It’s not for everybody. You have to be safe and wear all your safety equipment,” the presenter said.

Duran commented on the workshop, relating that he had recently ridden his own electric bicycle to church. “It’s a whole different experience,” he said. “It was an opportunity to get a little exercise, get to where I had to go, and not get into a car and burn any gas in the process.”

He added that it was great for people commuting in business attire since they would not have to change out of sweaty clothes after arriving at their destination.

With multiple PowerPoint presentations, an “Ask Your Neighbor” table and a children’s corner, there was something for everyone to experience at the expo. Fresh produce and baked goods were available for purchase from Terhune Orchards, serving as a reminder for visitors to support the community by buying locally.  

 “We want people to learn not just about solar, geothermal and wind, but also about your local bike paths, local food, your nature center and the things that the schools are doing,” Smith said, describing how schools had participated in gardening projects and constructed recycled sculpture gardens.

One attendee, Dee Nakayama, left the event with plans to buy one of the displayed energy-saving lamps and to stop using so many plastic bags. “It’s for a good cause,” she said.

Herbert Kern, a representative from Princeton Air, offered advice to homeowners looking to insulate their drafty properties. “You can’t just decide one day to get a bunch of foam and insulation and make your house as tight as you want to make it,” he said, explaining the dangers of improper installation. He encouraged homeowners to have an experienced professional measure their home and handle the insulation process.

Smith spoke about her ambitions for the Home and Energy Expo, hoping to expand the event so it eventually includes all the communities of Mercer County.

“We want to establish connections with people,” she said.