April 21st, 2009
By now, I hope that everyday is Earth day for you! Do something special to celebrate today, Wednesday April 22nd.
Be creative, think of fun ways that you and your family can celebrate…..
Have an Earth Day dinner party using only local/organic ingredients
Make a point of only buying from local stores and restaurants
Walk to work, ride a bike, carpool or for peat sakes just stop driving so much
Track your CO2 footprint and figure out ways to improve your score
Start a kitchen compost
Plant your very own organic garden
Enjoy nature…go for a hike….take a walk…stop and smell the flowers
Whatever you do, be sure to something to celebrate EARTH.
Be good to your mother!
April 15th, 2009
Upland Brewery of Bloomington is installing a solar water-heating system to provide hot water for its brewing operation. The brewery plans to use solar energy as a supplemental heat source to natural gas. Solar panels on Upland’s roof will collect energy to heat water stored in eight 120-gallon storage vessels. The solar-heated water will be used primarily to prepare grains for brewing, a process brewers call mashing.
According to an Upland news release, the brewery will be the first in the Midwest to utilize solar power for brewing.
Upland Brewing Co. will be opening its doors to the public on April 11 to show off its new solar water heating system.
Tours of the facility will start at 2 p.m. on Upland’s “Solar Day,” and there will be educational presentations on solar energy. Musical entertainment will start at 5 p.m. at Upland, 350 W. 11th St.
The Bloomington brewery also will use the occasion to launch a renamed version of a longtime product — Helios Pale Ale. The brew is identical to what customers know as Upland Pale Ale, according to Scott Johnson, the brewery’s marketing operations manager. The brew is being renamed for the Greek god of the sun in honor of the brewery’s solar initiative. Johnson said packaging for the beer also will be revamped to reflect the new identity.
This news makes those of us at Blooming Branch very happy! Way to take the lead Upland……
