From Windows to Warmth:
A Hands-On Way to Fight Climate Change
By Jade Christensen
It may be July, but in Maine, winter is always just around the corner. As energy conservation continues to be a top priority in the fight against climate change, local organizations are stepping up to offer accessible, meaningful solutions. One such group is WindowDressers, a New England-based nonprofit that empowers volunteers to make a tangible difference—one window at a time.
WindowDressers collaborates with communities across the region to craft and install custom insulating window inserts. These affordable, reusable window inserts are built by volunteers and customers alike. They use a simple design: a wooden frame wrapped in two layers of clear plastic, sealed with foam to eliminate drafts and improve heat retention. The result? Warmer homes, lower energy bills, and reduced carbon emissions.
For Portland resident Elissa Armstrong, volunteering with WindowDressers has been both impactful and fulfilling.
“After the election last November, I felt the need to do something concrete to reduce carbon emissions while connecting with my community,” Armstrong, the local co-coordinator, shared. “I feel great about volunteering for WindowDressers because it does both.”
Volunteer Roles with Purpose
WindowDressers offers several ways for individuals to get involved, regardless of skill level:
- Measurer: Work in teams to visit homes and assess windows for custom inserts.
- Transportation Crew: Deliver materials from the production center to community build locations. (A driver’s license is required.)
- Community Build Participant: Help assemble the reusable window inserts during community builds—no carpentry experience necessary.
These efforts have a wide reach. In June alone, volunteers measured windows in a historic home on Portland’s Western Prom, a rental unit behind Maine Medical Center, and even a local restaurant. The inserts are offered at low cost thanks to the collaborative volunteer model. Also, WindowDressers provides financial assistance to ensure everyone—especially those in underserved communities—can benefit.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Help keep your neighbors warm this winter. Sign up to volunteer at the Portland Community Build this October, or order inserts for your own home. Visit www.windowdressers.org or contact Portland Co-Coordinator Elissa Armstrong at elissamca@gmail.com for more information.
