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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Low-income families can save money while protecting the environment

Executive director Michael Walton speaks during a regional workshop Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at green/spaces.
Executive director Michael Walton speaks during a regional workshop Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at green/spaces. Executive director Michael Walton speaks during a regional workshop Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at green/spaces.
photo Keynote speaker Frank Rapley speaks during a regional workshop Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at green/spaces.

Where does air leak in and out?

* 31 percent from ceilings, floors and walls* 15 percent in ducts* 14 percent in fireplaces* 13 percent in plumbing entrances* 10 percent in windows

At age 76, Glenda Whelcher still mows her own yard, tends her flowers and tries to watch out for her neighbors along her Stuart Street home in East Chattanooga.

At a community gathering with some of her neighbors earlier this year organized by the environmental group green/spaces, she picked up some valuable tips and devices to help her also get better control of her costly winter heating bills.

“By taking some simple steps and using what they gave me, I’ve been able to save a lot of money,” Whelcher said.

Her monthly electric bill dropped from more than $200 to only $67 after she made the energy improvements recommended as a part of green/ spaces’ Empower Chattanooga.