Green Sanctuary News

September 2026

Agrivoltaics. Have you heard of this term? It’s a relatively new process integrating solar power and agriculture. Rather than having a huge acreage of valuable farmland being used just for solar panels, the agrivoltaic workers adjust the height and type of panel to work with many different crops and animals. For example, sheep love grazing under them, and appreciate the shade they provide on hot days. A higher version can be built over orchards, providing both solar power and shade for the trees. Less water is required for the trees, so it’s a win-win! Farmers on the drier and windier plains of eastern Colorado worked with a solar company to set the panels vertically, thus providing wind breaks for the wheat and other crops.

There are at least two farms in Connecticut which are utilizing this technology. One is in Orange, but the other one, Mulnite Farms Inc., is nearby in East Windsor. We’ll have more about this in the future.

Elders Climate Action documented some of the Agrivoltaic work done in

Colorado in this movie “Save the Farm, Save the Future.” You can watch this fascinating movie here: Click here to watch.

Dangerous chemicals in your yard and garden?

An article in a recent Organic Consumers Association newsletter warns about the dangers of Paraquat, a commonly used herbicide. Vermont is the first state in the US to ban its use, while at least 74 countries have already banned it. Studies have shown that among other things, it can cause Parkinson’s disease. Some of the Big Ag farms use it in fields where much of our food is grown.

Coming up next month:

On October 18th at 2 pm, the Sustainable Living Committee will be showing “The Climate Future Film Festival” at UUSE. Some of you may remember the ones we showed last fall. Come see what’s new this year! Admission is free.

Don’t forget, the Sustainable Living Committee sells Equal Exchange products on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Help support small farmers who grow sustainable products!

#SeptemberNewsletter