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Hello Readers!
Welcome to the off season โ a time for projects. We at Bluedot Living wanted to wrap that theme into our Fall/Winter issue, as many of us take these slower months to pick up projects weโve had to put down. This could mean big projects, such as installing solar panels on your roof, or little projects, such as crafting quilts or pressing flowers.
We explore two bigger โat homeโ projects in this issue. Youโll meet one couple , Ian Douglas and Kristin Harris, who built a modular home in Vineyard Haven, integrating as many sustainable practices as they could. Youโll meet another family (theyโre on our cover). Amy Cody and John Furst have had their Chilmark home for more than 20 years, and over the last few years theyโve worked to minimize their carbon footprint.
The projects get more granular: We learn about a mysterious beam that the Sayre family found after tearing down their old barn, revealing a piece of Island history, and reminding us why saving things is a great idea.
Youโll find other great ideas in this issue, including Kate Warnerโs Magic Bus Idea, which aims to increase the resiliency of the down-Island water departments using power from the VTAโs electric buses. Youโll also read an essay by Island illustrator Kate Feiffer, who makes the case that doodling is good for the environment, and an essay by Bella Bennett on what it was like growing up off the grid in Chilmark .
Another great idea: The VTA announced fare-free rides for the next 10 months. Starting November 29 through September 2025, people can take advantage of free public transportation, which cuts down on traffic and carbon emissions.ย
Thereโs a lot of green things happening on the Island, and what youโll find in this magazine is a sampling. Our team gets many ideas from our readers, so be sure to write to us at [email protected] with any eco-friendly projects, pursuits, or curiosities.
Oh, and check out our new Bluedot Living Kitchen Magazine โ sign up for a free sample here.
Until then, enjoy the cozy season. And as always, thank you for reading!
โ Britt Bowker
