TRURO – Juliana Barnard always finds inspiration in talking with energy efficiency experts.
Barnard, one of the co-founders of the Living Earth Council in Truro, said the topic of energy efficiency can be overwhelming, but it’s the little things that work.
“When we think of our own life, there are little things we can do,” she said, while manning the council booth at the Big Cool Saturday event in support of Cool Truro – Colchester.
“While here, I learned about a light meter that reads the flow of energy. You can measure your different appliances and know how much energy you’re using with each.”
She said one of her colleagues measured her hair dryer, comparing it to other household appliances.
“When you use your hair dryer, it’s just like using your oven in your home,” Barnard said.
“When you have that kind of information, you have more power to take action.”
During Saturday’s event at the Truro campus of the Nova Scotia Community College, Barnard had a chance to talk to representatives of other organizations, such as Nova Scotia Power, Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Resource Recovery Fund Board.
“It’s very, very interesting to talk with the different presenters about the information they have. I always find inspiration.”
Barnard said she learned a few tricks on how to drive more efficiently.
“Inflating your tires to the proper rate not only saves you money and gas, but it also saves trouble on the environment,” she said.
Erica Brook, community sustainability co-ordinator for the Town of Truro and the Colchester Regional Development Association, was pleased early into the event with how it went over with the public.
With about 40 people going through in the first hour, she said the event would have a great turnout if those numbers kept up.
Along with the information available at the campus, the event also featured tours of energy efficient homes in Halifax.
“I’ve heard that those who went to the demonstration homes found it entertaining and informative,” said Brook.
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