We have some wonderful news to report: Michelle's Earth Foundation has been granted 501c3 status as an educational and charitable organization by the IRS! This means that all donations made to Michelle's Earth Foundation since November are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.
The Willson Family MEF Essay Contest
Armed with our official new tax-exempt status, MEF has been busy this month promoting The Willson Family Michelle's Earth Foundation Essay Contest.
Through this essay contest, MEF is offering monetary awards to the first, second, and third best essays in answer to the question: "How can individuals, corporations, and businesses work best together to prevent, control and/or combat global warming?"
Arlington County High School Seniors wishing to enter the competition can find the essay requirements and applications at , or write to MEF directly for this information.The deadline for submissions is April 15th, and we are looking forward to students' creative solutions that address problems of global climate change.
Monthly Volunteer Action End of Winter Conservation Tips
For our monthly volunteer action, we ask you to continue to CONSERVE ENERGY as winter draws to a close. On these last few chilly nights, the temptation can be to come home in the evening, put on pajamas, and crank the thermostat up.
However, if we follow the tips outlined below to conserve heat and other energy during the winter season, not only will our energy bills be lower, but we will have cut back on energy production from coal, oil, and natural gas, which are the leading causes of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change!
Here's how:
*Don't overheat your home- - the average temperature of a home in winter should be 65-69 degrees!
*Use a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature when no one is home and at night while you're sleeping.
*Open shades and drapes on south-facing windows to allow sunlight inside the house. This is called passive solar heating, and on a sunny day in a well-insulated house it can reduce the number of times your heating system has to activate.
*Reduce the heating space - close off seldom-used rooms by hanging drapes or closing doors until you need them.
*Use ceiling fans to circulate heat.
*Don't leave your heating on low while you are away or asleep.
*At night, heavy or insulating shades and drapes drawn over the windows will keep heat inside, acting as both a radiant heat barrier for heat leaving the home and also as insulation over the cold window.
* Caulk windows and doors to keep heat inside and cold air out.
*Insulate your water heater and pipes. Turn the temperature on your water heater down to 120 degrees or install an on-demand water heater.
*The old adage "turn off the light when you leave the room" is still good advice.
*Turn off your computer when not in use for several hours or more or right-click on the desktop to change the power settings.
*Use your microwave for one-third of the energy outlay of your conventional oven.
*
Burn only dry wood (seasoned wood that has been drying for at least 6 months to a year) in your fireplace, because wet wood burns incompletely and releases more pollutants into the air.
*Ask your utility company for a home energy audit to find out how to improve your home's insulation and energy efficiency.
MEF at UVA
invasive species removal a success!
About a dozen MEF volunteers from the University of Virginia, under the direction of MEF Regional Director Stephanie Lewis,
along with about 30 APO members cleaned up portions of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Parkway on Saturday, February 24th.
Says Lewis, "When we got there, the hillside wasn't even walkable because it was so overtaken by all the invasive plants. By the end of the morning, we had cleared a great deal of the hillside, making room for all the other local vegetation. Great job guys and thanks for coming out!"
Benefit at Lunahsea Cafe
March 9th, 7- 10 p.m.
Georgene Nitzche, owner of Lunahsea Vegetarian Cafe in Geneseo, NY, has graciously organized a benefit fundraiser for MEF.
The event, on Friday, March 9th, will include Poetry, music, and desserts!
Tickets are $15.00; $10.00 for students, and will run from 7-10pm.
It will feature music by Lisa Bigwood, Steve West,and Amy Cicoria. Local poets will Richard Beale, Jeffrey Kennell, David Michael Nixon, Arthur Ziegler, John Roche and story-teller Howard Edmond will also perform.
A very special thanks to Amy Carpenter and John Roche for their help in setting up this event as well!
More information can be found at Lunahsea's Website:
Climate Crisis Action Day Tuesday, March 20th
Attention DC MEFer's: We urge you to attend Climate Crisis Action Day on Tuesday, March 20th. It will be a great opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and lobby in support of
anti- climate change legislation...
You'll get training, hear speakers, and meet with your congressional representatives' staff to emphasize the importance of their support.
Oh, and it's FREE!
Donate Today!
Help make Michelle's Earth a better place by donating to MEF today.
