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About Backporch

The Back Porch Energy Initiative is a non-profit organization working with communities to cultivate local responses to the national and global issue of energy consumption. The Back Porch team is committed to collaborating with communities on existing resources, leveraging new ideas, and developing practical, economical and environmental solutions.


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Lee Ann Kendrick

Lee Ann Kendrick is the Program Director of the Gulf Coast Conservation Corps (GCCC), an environmental youth development program based in Mississippi. Since the inception of the GCCC, Lee Ann has overseen all GCCC activities including program design, Corpsmember development, and day-to-day operations of the Corps. Lee Ann is known as "Mom," to all the Corpsmembers, going above the call of duty to build a comfortable and welcoming home for all these conservation workers.

With 16 years of experience in youth development, Lee Ann has primarily focused her attention on nonprofit organizations such as Head Start, 4-H and AmeriCorps. Prior to moving home to Mississippi, Lee Ann established an urban 4-H program in Las Vegas, Nevada and also worked with the University of Florida's 4-H program in the panhandle of Florida. Following Hurricane Katrina, Lee Ann worked toward reestablishing Early Head Start services in East Biloxi until she made the move over to the GCCC.

Lee Ann's expertise and driven spirit have offered countless youth so much. That is what Lee Ann is all about. Thank you, Lee Ann.

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Tip of the Week!

"Buy food (and drink - ideally tap - water) from local companies whenever possible. Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of global warming (C02) emissions," suggests the Global Stewards website. "If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices.

You can find local farmers markets, community supported agriculture, restaurants that cook with regional cuisine, and food cooperatives through Local Harvest."

what can i do?



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Simple Solutions Around the House

No Money Needed!

  • unplug electronics that are not in use
  • line drying clothing
  • use natural ventilation for cooling
  • fix leaking faucets
  • lower water heating temp
  • check heating and cooling vents for airleaks
  • turn down/up thermostat

Alterations

  • insulating water heater tank and hot water pipes
  • add a timer to the water heater so it heats the most during peak times
  • trapping heat from used hot water to use for water heater
  • insulate crawl spaces and attics

Low-Hanging Fruit

  • change light-bulbs to CFL or LED
  • ceiling/in-room/whole/house fans
  • block sunlight during the hot part of the day --- window blinds
  • caulk windows and other air leaks in house
  • change air filters every 1-3 months
  • use rechargeable batteries
  • programmable thermostat

Appliances

  • automatic dishwasher
  • energy star appliances

Renewables

  • solar water heating system
  • solar panels
  • buy renewable energy
  • geothermal energy