MCC to offer workshops to help you go green

Even if you believe the mantra to "think globally and act locally" when it comes to environmental issues, knowing where to begin presents its own challenges.

Should you buy organic? Does it really matter if you leave the lights on? What's all this about "green building" anyway?

McHenry County College offers a variety of "green programs" to teach people how they can change the world by starting in their own backyards. The series will include seminars and workshops beginning this month and conclude with the annual Gardenfest and ABC Breakfast in April.

"Everyone wants to contribute to preserving our earth's resources, but we don't always know how to proceed," said Gwen Koehler, executive dean of MCC's Corporate, Continuing and Adult Education. "These green programs offer something for everyone to help us do our part."

To register, call (815) 455-8588, unless otherwise noted. For details, call Wendy Lauen at (815) 479-7570, unless otherwise noted.

These February green programs are accepting registration:

• Green Building -- The Nuts and Bolts for Contractors: This seminar will give an overview of the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Guidelines and its "Green Building for Building Professionals" certified graduate builder course.

Topics will include energy efficiency, site development and design, waste management, sustainable resources, water efficiency and indoor air quality. This seminar will meet from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Thursday at University Center, 100 S. Main St., Crystal Lake. The cost is $50 and includes continental breakfast. Use Course ID: NPE S42 001 when registering. For details, call Cathy Anderson at (815) 479-7801.

• One-Watt House (for Retired Adult Program members): This seminar will focus on the benefits of the unique and super efficient building design using a maximum heat load of one watt per square foot, which would be 2,000 watts for a 2,000 square-foot house on the coldest day. This seminar will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. The cost is $6 for RAP members. To become a member, a $25 fee is required. For details, call Cindy Kearns, at (815) 479-7605.

• Farmers Market 101: This seminar will focus on how to sell at a farmers market and what consumers who support the markets need to know. Current vendors of the Woodstock Farmers Market will provide information.

Topics will include understanding terms such as organic, natural, pricing, restrictions, record-keeping and tips on growing for market. This seminar will be from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 16 at MCC, Room A240, Bersted Hall. The cost is $19. Use Course ID: NHG S63 001 when registering.