The Northeast Sustainability Energy Association aims to build the knowledge of professionals with in-depth, professionally accredited workshops on a wide range of critical topics. NESEA is committed to advancing three core elements: sustainable solutions, proven results and cutting-edge development in the field. Each workshop is AIA accredited.

• Nuts and Bolts of Building Performance: Designing for energy efficiency and endurance, with Paul Malko and Pat Nangle - June 4 at the Foard Panel, 53 Stow Drive, West Chesterfield from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alright, I'm armed to the teeth with information and ideas on how to make our lives more sustainable – vodka as paint remover, anyone? – and I'm ready to share! As the new editor of the Green Guide NH publications and web site, I'd like to invite you to do the same. There's so much activity in the state's green community that I know we can keep this conversation going for, like, ever. So how 'bout it? Running out of ideas? Check back here often for the latest news and advice. We'll keep you posted! One last note: Green Guide NH is now on Twitter (@GreenGuideNH) and Facebook, so please follow us. – Thanks, Jana

The tiny town of Dorchester (near Plymouth) has a larger-than-life project going on within its borders: a nonprofit organic farm and educational homestead.

The New Hampshire National Guard held an Earth Day event at the State Military
Reservation in Concord on April 22.

The folks who hosted the event were nice enough to send us this photo, and some details about the event:

Who says saving the world has to happen on your own time?

Meet the Green Team at the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund (www.theloanfund.org), a nonprofit that helps low-income people gain long-term economic stability: Its Green Team members have helped bring about a lot of changes at work, both big and small. Here are just a few of their recent victories:

* Employees recycle.

* They print on double-sided paper when possible

* The organization’s outside lighting is on a timer.

* Copiers shut down between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Psst. Ever heard of nhsaves? No? Do you get your electricity through National Grid, New Hampshire Electric Co-op, Public Service of New Hampshire or Unitil?

The state Department of Environmental Services offers an Aspiring Leaders Program: Don’t you think your employer should be a part of it?

According to the guide Greening Your Office, by John Clift and Amanda Cuthbert, using an air conditioning unit adds an average of 50 percent to your annual electricity bill.
Here are some ways to reduce your need for air conditioning:
• Reduce internal heat sources. If you change your light bulbs to compact fluorescents, you’ll reduce the amount of heat they emit, which will help lower the temperature in your office.

Consider buying your work clothes from a resale shop, says treehugger.com. Just think: You'll probably find some great deals, and then you'll have extra money to treat yourself to something nice.
Or: Invite a bunch of friends over and have a clothing swap. It'll give you an excuse to socialize, and you'll all walk away with a new wardrobe.
And if you buy new, look for opportunities to buy clothes made from organic or recycled fibers. The best way to deal with dry cleaning is to avoid it, and buy clothes that don’t require it. If you can’t avoid it, look for a “green” dry cleaner.

• Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment, batteries and used printer cartridges.
• Collect paper that’s been used on one side and use for taking notes. Use a clipboard to hold it in place.
• Try to see to it that everyone has a small recycling bin, to make recycling easier.
• Try to use biodegradable soaps and recycled paper or cloth towels in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Ask your employer to consider donating used equipment to schools or other organizations instead of throwing it away.

• Ask your employer to buy office supplies made with recycled content. Recycled printer cartridges are often cheaper than new ones.
• When buying paper and envelopes, look for a high percentage of post-consumer content and the minimum of chlorine bleaching. Producing recycled paper uses 55 percent less water than producing virgin paper. It also takes up to 70 percent less energy.
• Your office supply purchaser should also know to be on the lookout for pens and pencils made of recycled materials and refillable pens and markers.

• Activate the sleep feature or turn off office equipment when it’s not in use during the day.
• Turn off computers, monitors, power strips, printers and copiers at night and on weekends.
• Shut off ceiling lights if daylight or task lighting is bright enough.
• Take the stairs instead of elevators whenever possible. As an added bonus, you’ll get some exercise.
• Use manual doors rather than the electric ones.