We help people save money, protect the environment, support the local economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  We have two locations. Save Our Sky in Takoma Park since 2002, and Protect Our Planet in Mt Rainier since 2009.  (Another active corn cooperative is Baltimore Biomass.)

And here's some more about corn stoves, the corn cooperative and frequently asked questions... (more at the bottom of the home page.) 

• Where are the “urban grain bins”?

Currently there are two “urban grain bins”: One opened in 2002  located on the Takoma Park, MD public works property at 31 Oswego Ave.  A second opened in 2009 located behind the Mt Rainier Tool Shed/Bike Coop at 3601 Bunker Hill Rd.  Another cooperative in Baltimore is active (see: www.BaltimoreBiomass.com ) We keep a look out for the location for the next bin(s).

• How much does a corn stove cost cost? And where can I get one locally? 

Depending on the size, quality and number of extra features; corn stoves, boilers & furnaces can range from $1,500 to over $4,000.  Decent, medium-sized models start around $2,000.  You can find a list of dealers and stoves at the "get a stove" page. You can also find a list of dealers on manufacturer’s websites. The coop is exploring bulk purchase options for stoves. Let us know if you're interested.  There are also Federal tax credits and possibly other incentives to reduce the costs further.

• Where can I put the stove in my house?

Many people get inserts to put into existing fireplaces.  However, one neat thing about pellets stoves is that most can be vented directly out an exterior wall (like a dryer) without need for a chimney.  You can usually place them a couple inches from a wall and often the unit itself is cool enough to touch or place plants on, except for a limited area where the flame is visible and where the heat comes out.  So you really have a lot of flexibility in determining where you want the stove to go.  The more centrally it’s located, the better for heat distribution. (You can use this 2-page guide document to help you select a stove type, size, location.)

• Why would I want to join your cooperative? 

Convenience is the main reason.  If you’ve got a corn stove or will get one, you’ll need a convenient source for fuel.  Another reason is to get “sustainable” corn, with lower carbon emissions. The cooperative will help you get that more beneficial fuel more cheaply and with less effort and hassle than having to go to a remote farm or feed store.

• How much does it cost to join?

There is a one-time $100 fee to join the cooperative and a $25 renewal fee for each year after, plus the cost of the corn that you burn. Membership gives you access to both Takoma Park and Mt Rainier bins.

• How many members do you have? Are there other corn coops?

In the few years since the corn cooperative was started, we have steadily increased our membership by about 10 households per year.  As of Spring 2009, we have about 70 members. We expect growth in existing cooperatives and nearby (new?) sister cooperatives in areas that have about 5-10 interested households.

Save Our Sky Cooperative History
Read an article all about the cooperative:

 Food, Fuel and Climate Change Solutions (38k Word doc)