Climate Smart Schuylerville

04/08/2024

Don’t toss them! Bring us your used solar eclipse glasses and we’ll get them to Astronomers Without Borders to be reused. Check out their operation here https://astronomerswithoutborders.org/programs/solar-glasses-distribution

03/28/2024

Hear ye, hear ye! Learn about Clean Energy opportunities coming to Schuylerville!

On Wednesday March 20, the Town of Saratoga kicked off its Clean Energy Communities Heat Pump Campaign at the Olde Saratoga Seniors bimonthly luncheon. The Town of Saratoga’s Clean Energy Committee provided handouts with information related to HVAC heat pump technology, heat pump water
heaters, free home energy assessments, home energy audits, and guidelines for contractor evaluation.

On April 3, the Town of Saratoga will offer the first of several in-depth programs related to heat pump technology, energy efficiency, and potential savings HVAC and heat pump water heaters can provide households. This program will be in conjunction with the Olde Saratoga Seniors April 3 luncheon, 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m., at Town of Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville, NY. The presentation will begin at 12:45 p.m.

Leading the program will be Christina Bohnsack, Program Manager of HeatSmart Capital Region; Haley Balcanoff, Sustainability Planner - Capital District Regional Planning
Commission (CDRPC), Outreach Coordinator - NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities; and Lesley Cutting, Saratoga County Capital Region Clean Energy Hub Advisor.

The Town of Saratoga’s Heat Pump Campaign is part of the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program. Through the CEC program, NYSERDA supports local governments to create a healthy and sustainable environment by investing in future-focused clean energy solutions for their community.
NYSERDA provides the resources and funding to help municipalities successfully execute actions to achieve these goals. Municipalities accrue points for actions taken which can lead to grants for local municipalities. Actions range from clean energy technology education to infrastructure improvements
that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Heat Pump Campaign is a triple win. It helps the residents determine if heat pump technology is good for their home; it helps the Town to finance infrastructure improvements; and it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the climate,” said campaign project manager and Town Councilmember Maxine Lindig Lautenberg.

All are invited to attend the Heat Pump - Clean Technology Presentation at 12:45 p.m., April 3, 2024, Town of Saratoga, Town Hall, 12 Spring St., Schuylerville, NY. (The Olde Saratoga Seniors potluck luncheon begins at 12:00 noon.) Thank you to the Olde Saratoga Seniors for partnering in this effort.

For more information email [email protected] or text 518-430-7600.

01/25/2024

How do you keep your sidewalk and driveway safe in an ecologically responsible way during winter? It's all too easy to drag out the snowblower and dump de-icing chemicals on slick spots, but some simple changes can achieve the same results with less impact on the environment.

When you can, leave the snowblower in the garage and shovel by hand....and don't delay! Take care of snow before it is compacted and turns into ice.

If it IS icy, avoid materials like salt or calcium chloride and go for sand or sawdust instead. These materials give you the necessary traction you need to traverse the frozen tundra safely without all those harmful chemicals!

01/18/2024

You know how the old saying goes: "Make do or do without!" Well, our friends at the Schuylerville Public Library are looking for folks to help us all "make do" with what we have a little bit longer through a Repair Cafe!

If you're handy with a needle and thread, know your way around electronics, or simply known as the MacGyver (please tell us we're not the only ones old enough to get that reference) of your group, reach out to Library Director Caitlin Johnson!

01/17/2024

From The Office of Planning and Economic Development.

A great way to reduce your household waste during renovation projects this winter and support local non-profits.

***This is not an endorsement of any program or organization by the City of Saratoga Springs, NY.

01/04/2024

Have you heard the news? Fort Hardy Park is earmarked to receive $1.85 million of the NY Forward Grant awarded to Village of Schuylerville to construct the Community Center laid out in the 2022 Master Plan.

The Park will also benefit from the $1 million in work planned for the Old Champlain Canal, signage, and other infrastructure improvements in the village.

While the details still have to be sorted, you can learn more about what to expect by checking out the grant application submitted in conjunction with Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce by visiting https://villageofschuylerville.org/ny-forward-2023

12/15/2023

As the Winter Solstice creeps closer, it will be a wonderful weekend to in Schuylerville! We know there's been a bit of back and forth, but we are happy to announce that a kind community volunteer has stepped up and offered to lead the Star Light Sing this afternoon, so anyone and everyone is welcome to gather at the Gateway Visitor Center (30 Ferry Street) at 4pm to join in the fun. You'll be singing your way down Broad Street, so dress warmly and come ready to belt out those tunes...but save some energy for 6pm at Fort Hardy Park where the Friends of Fort Hardy Park will be hosting Starlight in the Park along with the of Schuylerville!
There will be a free, fun family scavenger hunt, complimentary cookies and warm beverages and a collectible ornament for each family (while supplies last). Festivities continue with a reading of the classic poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Mayor Dan Carpenter before a starry lighting of the gazebo and east side of the park!
And if that's not enough to lighten your life, Susan Tara Meyer Images & Inspiration will be giving a presentation on her year long project photographing the sunrise from the same spot along a local stretch of the Hudson at 1pm at the Gateway Visitors Center (30 Ferry Street) on Sunday, 12/17. In this program, she will present slideshows of the sunrise images she collected over the course of the year. Experience a one-minute version that illustrates the changing location in the sky where the sun rises each morning, and a relaxing, longer version that allows you to take in the rich variety of sunrise images.
PHEW! In the meantime, enjoy the video of some of last year's decorations...and happy Photo Friday!

Schuylerville, New York celebrates the winter season with Look to the Star Light!

12/06/2023

This time of year can be overwhelmingly plastic-filled, but good news! Beyond Plastics has compiled this GREAT plastic-free gift guide for one and all! Now THAT equals happy holidays!

Follow these tips to skip the plastic, reduce waste, and give green this holiday season.

11/28/2023

🌟 Volunteers Needed for Shaping Our Village's Future! 🌟
📍 Join the Comprehensive Plan Committee!
Good morning Village Residents! 🏡
We're excited to embark on a journey to update our Village of Schuylerville's Comprehensive Plan for 2024, and we need YOUR help to make it happen! 🌈✨
🔍 We're Looking for 7 Passionate Volunteers who represent the diverse voices and perspectives of our community. Whether you're a business owner, a parent, a student, a senior citizen, or just someone who loves our village, we want to hear from you!
What Will You Do?
- Participate in shaping strategies for economic development, housing, transportation, climate resiliency, and more.
- Engage in meaningful discussions and public meetings.
- Bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table.
- Help us make our village a better place for all.
Commitment:
- Attend regular committee meetings.
- Be a part of public outreach and workshops.
- Approximately 6-month involvement.
Benefits:
- Have a real impact on the future of our village.
- Gain valuable experience in community planning and engagement.
- Work alongside a dynamic team of committed locals.
🌐 How to Apply:
- Send us a brief message about why you want to be involved and what you can bring to the committee.
- Include your name, contact information, and a little about your connection to the village.
- Email to [email protected] or drop it off at the village office located at 35 Spring Street
📅 Application Deadline: 12/20/23
Let’s work together to create a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving community for our present and future generations! 🌿💪

11/20/2023

As we all prep for Thursday, here are a few tips to make your Thanksgiving plastic free from Beyond Plastics:
1. Choose Scratch Over Store-Bought:
Most store-bought dishes from supermarkets and restaurants will be packaged in plastic containers. To avoid the unnecessary plastic, focus on cooking from scratch. Ingredients like vegetables, flour, butter, and nuts can be commonly found in non-plastic packaging
2. Shop Local:
Shopping locally not only reduces your meal’s carbon footprint, but you can bring your own bags and containers and you’re less likely to encounter plastic packaging than at your grocery store. Give your community your thanks by supporting each other!
3. Use Sustainable Decor:
Forget the dollar store, make the perfect fall decor for your table setting with things from your backyard and local farm stand. Pressed leaves and pumpkins make for great wall and table adornments!
4. Serve on Reusable Dishes & Dinnerware:
Plastic utensils and cups end up in landfills, incinerators, or waterways where they can pose a threat to wildlife. Set your table with reusable plates, cups, serving platters, utensils and napkins. This can also include glass pitchers or bottles for drinks.
5. Provide or Bring Reusable Containers for Leftovers:
Going to family or friend’s home for dinner? Bring your own glass or metal containers to cart home some delicious leftovers. There are also some great beeswax-coated fabric wraps out there these days that can take the place of plastic wrap or tinfoil.
6. Compost:
Compost any scraps from cooking or leftovers that aren’t being saved, as well as any compostable decor you’ve put up (once you tire of it). Reminder, if your Thanksgiving dinner includes a turkey, make stock out of the carcass before you compost it—you can make a very flavorful turkey soup or freeze it for months.
7. And of course, Happy Thanksgiving from the Climate Smart Schuylerville Team!

Show your thanks to the planet by taking these simple steps to reduce plastic waste this Thanksgiving.

11/16/2023

Why does it matter when individuals make an effort to cut down on plastic waste? Because according to a 2020 study the U.S. generates more plastic waste than any other country in the world — producing 42 million metric tons, or 286 pounds per person, in 2016 alone, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances. The research also found that the U.S. is the third-largest contributor of plastic pollution in coastal environments. We can - and must! - do better! Each person who takes the pledge to cut down on plastic - whether it's during No Plastic November or throughout the year - helps to bring those numbers down and has a positive impact on the health of our planet. Every action matters!

E360 Digest November 2, 2020 U.S. Is a Larger Source of Plastic Pollution than Previously Thought, Report Finds A worker removes caps from bottoms to prepare for recycling at a waste facility in the Philippines. Nick Mallos/Ocean Conservancy The United States generates more plastic waste than any ot...

11/09/2023

It's the second week of No Plastic November and one of the easiest ways to cut down on your plastic consumption is to say "no thanks" to plastic straws. Americans use MILLIONS of plastic straws each day (YIKES!), and these single-use plastics are among the top ten culprits of marine pollution. (Not to mention the fact that since they are not biodegradable they just break down into smaller, microplastics, which make their way into our food chain.) The easiest way to avoid them is to just not use them, but if you're a serial sipper there are plenty of other eco-friendly options, such as bamboo, glass, waxed paper, metal, and more.