Getting away from natural gas seems so futuristic, right?

Wrong!

Judy Wicks decided to transition her home to 100% renewable energy after seeing the movie, Groundswell Rising. Renewable energy is more accessible, and you’ll find out how to make it work for you with these two May events. First, see a movie screening about the reality of natural gas. Then, take a tour of Judy’s home to see how a renewable house looks IRL.

Conversations Toward a Sustainable Philadelphia: “Groundswell Rising” Film Screening

Groundswell Rising is a powerful documentary film that documents a social movement that sprung forth from a heated debate over fracking and communities being sacrificed for the extraction of another fossil fuel. It’s about people taking charge of their communities and not allowing a dangerous industry to move in and harm their ways of life and finding new, healthy energy solutions.

This film explores the moral and ethical issues caused by this harmful and largely unregulated fracking industry.  Groundswell Rising focuses on the people in the fractivist movement.

• Networking and refreshments: (Free beer, pretzels, & popcorn) 5:30-6pm and again at 7:30-8pm.
• Movie Screening: 6 pm followed at 7 pm with remarks, along with a Q & A discussion.

Monday, May 16, 5:30-8:00 PM, Trinity Urban Life Center, 22nd & Spruce, Philadelphia. Sponsored by Philadelphia Brewing Company

Get more information and RSVP.

Conversations Toward a Sustainable Philadelphia: All-Electric Open House – A Tour of Judy Wicks’ Home

After seeing the film Groundswell and traveling to Dimock, PA to see the effects of fracking first hand, Judy made the decision to stop buying natural gas and transition her home to 100% renewable electricity.  Her solar array produces the majority of her electricity, and the rest is purchased via the grid from a local solar supplier, Community Energy. The contractors Judy worked with will be present to answer your questions. The tour will show the solar array, electric heat pump, high-efficiency electric water heater and induction store top.  Beer and pretzels will be served.

Contractors at the Open House: 

• Micah Gold-Markel, owner, Solar States – solar installer
• Kenny Grono, owner, Buckminster Green – green general contractor
• Chris Wilson, Unique Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling – Heat pump and water heater
• Robert Monk, electrician for induction stove top and upcoming electric vehicle charger
• Amy Failing, Community Energy – a locally-owned solar supplier of renewable energy to the grid

Thursday, May 19, 5:30-7:30 PM

Home of Judy Wicks, Fitler Square, Sponsored by Philadelphia Brewing Company

Get more information and RSVP

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher