Since 1978, Urban Options has helped the greater Lansing community and Michigan citizens improve the environment and save money by using energy and other resources more efficiently.

Urban Options incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1978 in response to the energy crisis of the 1970s. Founders of the organization felt the energy crisis was not just a "short-term resource and economic dilemma," but a long-standing cry for attention as to how we use resources-especially energy. Recent events prove our energy consumption is a very crucial issue.

For the past 24 years, Urban Options has provided education and active programming regarding energy efficiency, renewable energy, healthy indoor air quality, ecological landscaping and general resource conservation issues.

Each year, over 1,000 groups tour Urban Options' Energy Demonstration House, where a renovated 1920s home serves as a spectacular example of building envelope improvements, recycled building materials, indoor air quality improvements and ecological landscaping-all improving the environment and saving residents money.

Urban Options' "Energy Fitness Program" prompts annual home weatherization improvements to 240 low-income households, resulting in estimated yearly reductions in CO2 emissions of 152 tons, total energy savings of 1,145,080 kWh, and total water savings of 13,142,360 gallons.

Each year, 60 composting presentations are delivered to elementary classrooms, with post-presentation surveys indicating a rise in composting activity at the children's homes.

Urban Options has also effectively partnered with other organizations, such as Michigan State University Extension Service, Greater Lansing Housing Coalition, Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Coalition and the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, to provide public programming addressing energy and resource efficiency. In 2002, Urban Options also represented "citizens at large" at the Residential Energy Code Review Committee appointed by the Governor.

"Old ways of doing business are no longer acceptable for the future of our children and generations to come," said Urban Options Director Patrick Hudson. "It makes much more sense to embrace William McDonough's philosophy that we are all designers, and we need to design systems, buildings, products and lifestyles that are ecologically and economically sound."

In 2003, the UO will work to strengthen partnerships with community leaders, other environmental advocacy agencies, housing coalitions, realtors, the Home Building Association, utility companies, neighborhood groups, businesses and others.

"Smart design and environmental consciousness are inter-related. So many positive solutions can be incorporated into our lives, starting with the simple (look for Energy Star-rated products when you need to replace an appliance or electronic device) to the more complex (incorporate as much passive solar design into our new buildings)," said Hudson. "These options exist for us today, and it is our duty as intelligent creatures to exercise our options to be environmental stewards."

Anyone interested in becoming a donor, volunteer or general advocate of Urban Options can call (517) 337-0422. You can also visit their office and demonstration house at 405 Grove Street, East Lansing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM; on Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM; and on the first Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

For more information, visit http://www.urbanoptions.org or contact Kristin Brooks or Patrick Hudson at (517) 337-0422.