New series kicks off with 'Reduce Your Energy Bill' program

Laren Corie, a teacher, writer, consultant and designer of energy-efficient and solar-heated homes, will discuss economical strategies for reducing your home energy costs, including "deep energy retrofitting" of older homes, to bring them up to 21st-century energy performance levels at "Reduce Your Energy Bill."

The program, open to the public, will be offered from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, in the Elgin Room at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.

This is the first in a series of public programs about how homeowners and citizens can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and move toward a renewable energy economy. The purpose of this series is to present information that will empower you to respond to the coming climate crisis in practical and hope-filled ways. The series is presented by Elgin Climate Coalition, which includes Sierra Club Valley of the Fox Group, Elgin Green Groups 350.org, 350 Kishwaukee, Schweitzer House Environmental Center, Friends of the Fox River, and Fox Valley Citizens for Peace & Justice.

Corie will discuss economical ways to reduce your home energy costs and your carbon footprint, as well as strategies for energy improvements. Bring your questions. He can provide ideas for those wanting to make major changes in their home, and those who just want to make small modifications.

The program is free and open to the public, but they prefer that you register, so that they can estimate attendance.

There are three ways to register: online at gailborden.info/register, call (847) 429-4597, or stop by the library's registration desk.

Future topics will include "Local Food and Urban Gardening," "Water Systems," and more.

For information, call Mary Shesgreen at (847) 742-6602.