Green Long Island

Watch Out!

2010-08-10T21:23:00.001-04:00

From the Neighborhood Network:

You may have seen reports in the news recently about West Nile cases on Long Island and pesticide spraying by both Nassau and Suffolk County in a number of areas throughout the Island.

There are steps you can take around your home to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, and less toxic personal and yard repellents you can use to keep mosquitoes away.

Eliminate standing water on your property and clear clogged gutters on your house. Mosquitoes can breed in any water standing stagnant for 4 days or more.

As an alternative to DEET, look for repellents that have oil of lemon eucalyptus (the only herbal ingredient recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control). Products with oils of soy and geranium have also been demonstrated as effective in published studies.

For information about upcoming mosquito spraying, visit your county's web site:

Nassau County Health Department.

Suffolk County Vector Control

For tips on preventing mosquitoes, and information on less toxic repellents, visit the Neighborhood Network's website:

http://neighborhood-network.org/pesticides/

mosquito_prevent.htm

Or download a report on mosquitoes from the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College:

http://si.molloy.edu/education/pdf/

Mosquito_Report.pdf

Shifting to a Farmer's Life

2010-08-10T14:36:00.001-04:00

"The Practical Homestead" might have its limitations on Long Island but it still is pretty useful.

If you're interested in keeping poultry, transforming a flower garden into a vegetable patch, pickling or preserving foods or anything else to make your lifestyle a little more self-sustaining, this book will help.

It's designed for larger properties and probably far more work than we'd want to handle but it is packed with plenty of good ideas that can be scaled down or adjusted to fit ordinary lives.

Golf Tournament to Benefit Group for the East End

2010-08-09T20:45:00.003-04:00

The Group for the East End is holding its first golf fundraising event at Sebonack Golf Club on Oct. 19.

The event will begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m., gunshot start at 9:30 a.m., 18 holes of golf, barbecue lunch, and awards on the club house veranda.

The tournament is limited to 72 players, so please reserve your tickets today. The cost to play is $1,000 per golfer ($775 is tax deductible).
For more information on Sebonack Golf Club, please visit www.sebonack.com.
For sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
For sponsorship questions, please click here to contact us.
For event information, please visit the event website

Situated on 300 picturesque acres on Peconic Bay in Southampton, Sebonack is one of just a few world class golf courses built and maintained with environmentally sustainable practices. Sebonack appears to have fashioned itself from the wild terrain. In fact, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak designed the course to look as though it were manicured by time.

Book Review: Who Speaks for the Environment

2010-07-18T22:44:00.004-04:00

Published just two weeks before the Gulf Oil disaster, the updated "Should Trees Have Standing?: Law, Morality, and the Environment" takes on extra significance in arguing that the environment itself has an important place in the debate over how much human damage should be tolerated.

Reviewed on Amazon

Electric Cars and Their Design

2010-07-16T09:54:00.000-04:00

This Thomson Reuters story refers to urban traffic but given what we're seeing on Long Island (anyone noticed how bad the Park Avenue traffic is in Huntington these days?), we could use this here, too.

Solar Power Event for Kids

2010-07-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

reLI, in partnership with Whole Foods Market, Lake Grove and GreenLogic Energy, is offering a free event Saturday at noon at Whole Foods Market, 120 New Moriches Road, Lake Grove.
After a brief educational talk and assembling your car, we'll take the solar cars outside to capture the sun's rays and then race them!
Refreshments will be provided and each child will be able to take his or her solar powered car home.
Please note: Reservations are required and this activity is not appropriate for very young children as there are many small parts involved. At least one parent needs to be present for the entirety of the event. It takes approximately one hour to assemble the cars.
Register for the event online:
We hope to see you and your kids this Saturday, July 17th at 12PM!

Book Review: Backyard Homestead

2010-07-12T22:50:00.007-04:00

The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!" may be the best food self-sufficiency book available today. The well-organized book packs hundreds of ideas into its pages, allowing readers to pick and choose what works for them, no matter how much space and time they have available.

Want to milk a goat or grow wheat? Keep bees or smoke meat? Make beer or bake bread? It's all here, along with plenty of other ideas that range from very simple to much more complex.
Reviewed on Amazon

Book Review: Wind Power Basics

2010-07-11T11:03:00.002-04:00

"Wind Power Basics: A Green Energy Guide" is a step-by-step handbook designed for anyone wanting to understand all aspects of the energy source.

Author Dan Chiras first notes the history of wind power in the United States, how it was set aside as electrical grids were established and how and why people are returning to its use. He makes the technology and terminology easy to understand, while warning of its possible pitfalls (unhappy neighbors), as well as making clear the case for using green power. Some of the topics include site assessment, tower installation and various systems that work in different situations.

Reviewed on Amazon

Book Review: From Container to Kitchen

2010-06-15T23:05:00.004-04:00

Even homeowners with a decent amount of room for a garden can appreciate the good advice in "From Container to Kitchen: Growing Fruits and Vegetables in Pots."

After all, poor soil or the need to use the yard in a different way can get in the way. And for those lacking adequate space, containers can be the perfect solution to high bills for poor-quality vegetables and fruits from the supermarket.

Reviewed on Amazon

Book Review: Fresh From the Farm

2010-05-16T09:22:00.001-04:00

What a terrific book, arriving just in time for spring and summer daytrippers who want to check out local food.

"Fresh from the Farm: Great Local Foods from New York State" is a guide to shops and farms from the Hudson Valley out to Long Island's East End. It's gorgeous and it's packed with information about farmers, cheese shops, winemakers and fishermen and their goods.

Subtitled "A guide to the best shops and farms, with recipes," the book covers the 100-mile radius from New York City, uncovering the great diversity in food products to be found by those interested in moving out of the grocery store aisles.

Reviewed on Examiner.com

Book Review: Last Chance

2010-05-15T23:10:00.002-04:00

Larry J. Schweiger, president of the National Wildlife Federation, makes a compelling case for urgent action in "Last Chance: Preserving Life on Earth (Speaker's Corner)."

It's not, he argues, that the Earth will destroyed but rather our lifestyles are in danger, with no one to blame but ourselves.
Review on Amazon

Book Review: Life, Money and Illusion

2010-05-11T23:47:00.001-04:00

Mindless growth, proceeding without regard to the consequences to the planet, comes in for scrutiny in "Life, Money and Illusion: Living on Earth as if we want to stay." What author Mike Nickerson lays out as an alternative is a rethinking of priorities, new policies and a general restructuring that preserves the Earth's health but still provides for its human and other inhabitants.

Book Review: The Green Zone

2010-05-11T23:20:00.001-04:00

"The Green Zone: The Environmental Costs of Militarism" can be a tough read, if only because the book is a relentless criticism of the extreme environmental damage caused by the military-industrial complex. That's not to say that the book shouldn't be read because it should: the environmental side isn't something we consider very often when thinking about the military.
Amazon review

Book Review: Red Alert

2010-05-01T23:26:00.001-04:00

Looking to the past to save the future,scholar Daniel R. Wildcat writes in Red Alert!: Saving the Planet with Indigenous Knowledge (Speaker's Corner) that people can tackle and resolve environmental problems by drawing on native wisdom.

Amazon review

Book Review: Learn and Play the Green Way

2010-04-21T23:44:00.000-04:00

Take-apart Teddy, squish bags, desert in a jar--what's not to like about "Learn and Play the Green Way: Fun Activities with Reusable Materials," from Redleaf Press?

Designed for people working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten/first graders, the book presents 100 projects meant to help young ones learn to repurpose and reuse items and, in the process, improve their sensory perceptions and their cognitive, social and language skills.
Amazon Review

Book Review: Energy-Wise Landscape Design

2010-04-20T23:29:00.001-04:00

There are dozens and dozens of great ideas on ways to save money while making your property attractive in "Energy-Wise Landscape Design: A New Approach for Your Home and Garden."

Projects include ways to keep a home cooler in summer to protecting it from the cold in winter, using local plants to ensure the best use of water, tips on the right way to plant trees, limiting the use of off-site topsoil and lots more.
Amazon review

Book Review: Saving Kyoto

2010-04-19T23:37:00.000-04:00

If you're looking for an on-the-ground look at one major environmental struggle, "Saving Kyoto" will explain, identify the issues and tell you the consequences of failing to follow the guidelines.

Two economics professors, Graciela Chichilnisky, who worked on the carbon market aspect of the protocols process, and Kristen A. Sheeran, who writes about environmental issues, outline the protocols, which were established by a UN agency and designed to counter climate change and limit the creation of greenhouse gases.

Amazon review

Book Review: Eco-Nomical Baby Guide

2010-04-15T23:33:00.001-04:00

Commonsense and good advice come to the nursery in "The Eco-Nomical Baby Guide," designed to provide ways to both save money and be healthy when it comes to raising babies.
Amazon review

Climate Change Meeting, Greenlawn

2009-11-11T20:44:00.000-05:00

NYPIRG is holding a one-hour-long community meeting on Monday, November 16th to discuss the climate change crisis and what New Yorkers can do about it. This email is an invitation to our members. We would like to invite you to participate, to learn more about climate change, and to meet some of our program staff. Lauren Schuster, environmental campaign coordinator, is participating in the event.
There will be discussion on the science behind climate change, an update on congressional and state legislation, and information about what community members can do to advance the debate.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact NYPIRG.
Event details:
Nov. 16th
7 – 8 pm
Harborfields Public Library
31 Broadway
Greenlawn

Countdown to Copenhagen

2009-11-10T17:15:00.000-05:00

The Composting Task

2009-11-10T12:55:00.001-05:00

An editor writes about what she thought were her composting failures.

Trash Mash on Shelter Island

2009-11-10T12:27:00.001-05:00

SHELTER ISLAND IS TURNING
BLACK FRIDAY GREEN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 10AM-3PM

TOGETHER WE CAN CLEAN UP THE EARTH & KEEP SHELTER ISLAND GREEN

THE 1ST SHELTER ISLAND TRASH MASH

HERE’S WHAT WE DO

1)    Between 10:00AM and 3:00PM go to the Center Fire House
2)    You will be given yellow bags, gloves and a high colored vest to use to pick up roadside trash
3)    Choose the area you want to “mash the trash” from a map of the island with areas needing cleaning
4)    Pick up trash PUT IN YELLOW BAGS and leave by roadside
5)    Dan Binder has volunteered to pick it up and deliver it to the dump
PRIZES FOR
MOST CANS COLLECTED,LARGEST PIECE OF TRASH
AND MOST DISGUSTING PIECE OF TRASH

COFFEE ~ HOT CHOCOLATE~ AND DONUTS SERVED AT THE FIREHOUSE FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

Green Drinks

2009-11-09T18:42:00.001-05:00

Upcoming Green Drinks Events:

Babylon, Tues Nov. 17th
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Place: Horace Sylvia's Publick House
100 Deer Park Avenue, Babylon NY 11702

LI Green Shores Southern Nassau County
Join us at the 2nd Green Shores Gathering
Tuesday December 1st, 6 - 8:30 PM
Monterey Restaurant
20 West Park Ave., Long Beach

--
Holiday party
6pm-9pm OSO Restaurant, 91 Hill Street, Southampton Village
Our first annual "Give Back" Holiday Party.
Wednesday December 2
We have a very special free event planned. We only ask that everyone bring a bag of non perishable food and/or a coat for our community members that find themselves in hard times this season.

Builders' Energy Conference

2009-11-09T10:27:00.002-05:00

The Long Island chapter of the US Green Building Council has arranged a busy conference Nov.18-19 at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge.

The list of workshops, presenters and sponsors at the Advanced Energy conference is extensive and impressive. The council is a serious organization, making real strides in trying to go green.

Some of the topics:

Energy Policy, Energy Sector Finance
Battery/Energy Storage/Load Management
Intelligent Transmission, Distribution & Smart Grid
Solar, BioFuels, Wind, Geothermal, Tidal, Hydrogen Economy
Low Carbon Society, Climate Change & Sustainable Building
Intelligent Transportation
Energy Efficient Data Centers
Energy Efficient Lighting
Advanced Lighting Research

Go here for more information.

Get Ready for the Spring

2009-10-25T11:20:00.002-04:00

You can turn your backyard into a mini-farm if you're so inclined by following the advice in the helpful "Backyard Homestead."

Green Your Lifestyle

2009-10-23T09:15:00.002-04:00

Solar Panel Tips

2009-10-22T18:36:00.000-04:00

The video here will teach you about building your own solar panels. That's a bit more work than I'd like to take on but for the right person, it could be helpful

Review: Declutter, Go Green in Your Home

2009-10-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

Declutter and get environmentally smart:
A review of "Flanagan's Smart Home"

Europe Gets Tough on Fishing

2009-10-20T08:04:00.000-04:00

Can Long Island be far behind? Yes.

Good: Tougher Penalties in the EU for illegal fishing

LUXEMBOURG — The European Union agreed Tuesday on tougher penalties to counter illegal fishing, considered a major cause of the depletion of fish stocks in European waters, particularly of prized cod and bluefin tuna.

The penalties include fishing boats being banned after four infractions and fines being imposed on member states failing to enforce controls.

Amateurs aren't exempt:
EU to monitor amateur fishermen

(UKPA) Amateur anglers are to be included in tougher controls on EU fishing which have been agreed as part of continuing efforts to revive dwindling stocks.
A deal struck in Luxembourg means closer monitoring of licensed fishing boats, stiff penalties on the industry and national authorities for breaching strict annual catch quotas, and the first-ever inclusion of casual fishermen in the Common Fisheries Policy net. After howls of anguish from MEPs earlier this year, the new deal clarifies that those catching a bit of supper off the end of the local jetty with a rod and line will not be included.
And even anglers putting to sea will not have to report every landed tiddler to the authorities - unless the fish on the line is subject to an EU stock recovery programme, such as cod in the North Sea.

And earlier, a warning on cod.

Seal Walk Schedule

2009-10-20T07:30:00.002-04:00

2009/2010 CRESLI Seal Walks
CRESLI (Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island) seal walks will take place between December and May. Please note that weather will play a significant role in determining the seal walk schedule. Please call CRESLI at (631) 244-3352 for schedule changes and cancellations.
Reservations

CRESLI seal walks at Cupsogue Beach County Park (at the western end of Dune Road in Westhampton Beach) will depart from area near the fence at the western end of the parking lot The walks are approximately 1 miles round trip and take about 2 hours. Meeting times are 15 minutes prior to departure. These walks are suitable for children.

CRESLI seal walks at Cupsogue Beach County Park
12/27/09
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
01/02/10
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

01/09/10
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
01/16/10
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

01/24/10
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
01/30/10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

02/07/10
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
02/13/10
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
02/14/10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
02/27/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
03/13/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

03/14/10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

03/28/10
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
04/10/10
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
04/11/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

04/18/10
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

04/24/10
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

04/25/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
05/08/10
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
05/09/10
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Changing the Lights

2009-10-19T07:56:00.000-04:00

DEC Spent Fluorescent Lamp Management Seminar

Event Date: 10/22/2009 , 9 a.m.-noon.

Location: NYSDEC Annex Building
11-15 47th Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
Did you know that fluorescent lamps, widely used by businesses, public facilities, and buildings of all types, contain mercury, a toxic pollutant, and require special management when disposed?
The NYSDEC and the EPA have been working to increase awareness of the problems associated with mercury mismanagement, while increasing enforcement for mishandling of mercury-containing lamps.
Learn what you need to know about proper fluorescent lamp disposal and recycling at this seminar!
RESERVATIONS:
The seminar is free, but reservations are required as space is limited:
By phone: (718) 482-4996; mention October "Spent Fluorescent Lamp Management Seminar," Attn: Ms. Merlyn Akhtar
By e-mail

Cutting Paper, Saving Costs

2009-10-18T10:36:00.000-04:00

Better document practices, to reduce costs and improve green operations, is scheduled for discussion Oct. 21.

The Long Island chapter of the US Green Buildings Council
says:

Organizations are constantly looking for ways to cut costs, but don't realize that those cost cutting measures may also have positive environmental effects that can increase goodwill and shareholder value. You can make your organization more environmentally conscious or "green" by cutting the consumption of paper. Many organizations around the world are utilizing IT solutions to realize their green initiatives.

Smart intuitive solutions, systems and technologies that reduce paper, ink, power, HVAC, and servicing requisites yet effectively distribute and save important documents without occupying precious real estate and the human touch and waste factors.

The session is scheduled for 8-10 a.m. at
Carlyle-on-the-Green
(Bethpage State Park)
99 Quaker Meeting House Rd
Farmingdale.

Go here for more information.

Trash on the Menu

2009-10-17T22:25:00.003-04:00

From the great folks at EcoEastEnd.com

Tuesday October 20, 7pm

Trash is an important aspect of a sustainable lifestyle. Come find out how much trash we create, what actually happens to it, if our recyclables are really recycled, and how all of us on the East End can reduce our waste, improve waste management, and increase recycling.
Bring your friends and neighbors. Carpool if possible.

Southampton Youth Services Building, 1370 Majors Path, Southampton.

Protecting the Adirondacks

2009-10-16T08:06:00.001-04:00

The Adirondack Council wants you to push Sen. Gillibrand to work harder on protections against acid rain.

She's a member of the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee and thus in the position to strengthen safeguards.

Also, the council is offering a copy of a State of the Park report.

Watch out for bird calls when you first go to the page.

UN Conference Coming Up

2009-10-15T10:46:00.000-04:00

   It's important to pay attention and connect local events to global ones. Upcoming is the United Nations' Climate Change Conference, Dec.7-Dec.18 in Copenhagen

    You can test your knowledge here on global warming issues.

   To make your voices known to Congress and the White House go here.

Blog Action Day--Do Something!

2009-10-15T07:43:00.002-04:00

It's Blog Action Day, an annual event where bloggers around the world focus on one topic, trying to inform people about the issues and inspire action. This year's theme, with more than 7,000 bloggers, is climate change. Here's a great page from Google and Al Gore.
And the Pew Trust has put together some facts and figures to rebut global warming deniers.

On Twitter, you can follow postings through the hash tag #BAD.

One of the advantages of BAD is that you get to see how very much more involved the rest of the world is in trying to fix things, compared to the United States. Here on Long Island, we're really much slower to respond and act than are people in many other states. One indicator: Various websites and organizations offer green-job listings. Rarely are there any for New York, even fewer for this region. Meantime, solar tech jobs, environmental testers, program administrators, etc., are needed in other states, particularly in the Northwest.

Getting Back to Biking

2009-10-10T11:49:00.003-04:00

If you need advice on getting back to biking, check this reviewon "Practical Cyclist.".

Greening Your Life

2009-10-07T17:31:00.000-04:00

GREEN PROJECT FOR LONG ISLAND - Learn about how to green your life. Next seminar will be at the Long Beach Public Library Oct. 29 in a series of two seminars. One at 2 p.m. geared for our senior citizens and the other at 7pm for the entire community.

'Green Sewing'

2009-10-07T11:48:00.000-04:00

Learn about green sewing, here:

I'm not that big on sewing, but thanks to "Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made With Repurposed & Organic Materials," I can claim one small success.

Plastic sandwich bags, with all their convenience and reliability, are a huge waste of money and contributor to the overload of trash we all experience. With two of us taking lunches every day, we needed a new idea, one that proved more popular with one of us than the other.

Author Betz White's "reusable sandwich wraps" is an ideal little project. She proposes using polyurethane laminated fabric, which we happened to have around the house in the form of a tablecloth that was the wrong shape for our table. In five relatively easy steps, we were able to cut, hem, attach flaps and tape, and wrap. While PUL, as it's known, may not sound all that great as a green product, it certainly doesn't hurt to repurpose it. And it cuts down on the 20 or 30 bags we use for sandwiches, chips and other snacks for long commutes and even-longer school days.

Bacon Brothers Speak Up for the Adirondacks

2009-10-02T01:05:00.000-04:00

Benefit for Baykeepers

2009-10-01T06:22:00.000-04:00

Peconic Baykeeper - 2009 Lobster Bash to benefit Peconic Baykeepers' clean water programs, at the Lobster Inn 162 Inlet Road, Southampton, NY 11968 Saturday, October 17, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. $100 per person includes local beer & wine, plentiful hors d'oeuvres, and The Lobster Inn’s famous “SPLAT” dinner. Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, October 9, 2009 For inquiries, please contact Peconic Baykeeper at (631) 653-4804

Protecting the East End

2009-09-29T12:08:00.000-04:00

The Group for the East End has put together a marvelous video on environmental damage and lack of planning.

Solar Tour Comes to LI

2009-09-28T05:36:00.001-04:00

The National Solar Tour and Green Buildings Open House comes to Long Island
Saturday, October 3 from 10-4.

Vote for the 'Oil Slick' Legislator

2009-09-27T21:40:00.000-04:00

You can vote for the New York State legislator who most deserves the "Oil Slick" award for having done the most to put the state's environment at risk. The contest is offered by EPL/Environmental Advocates.

Greenpeace and Marine Reserves

2009-09-27T10:09:00.000-04:00

Pretty direct: More and more ways to scoop up all the oceans' fish means less available in the future.

Snowmobiles and the Adirondacks

2009-09-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

A deadline for public comment is coming up on the debate over snowmobile use in the Adirondacks. It's a classic environment vs. jobs battle.

Public comment sought on snowmobile trail plan

BY STEPHEN WILLIAMS
Gazette Reporter
A proposal now before the Adirondack Park Agency is reviving the debate between
environmentalists and snowmobile riders over plans to build new snowmobile trails on state-owned Adirondack forest lands.

The agency is soliciting public comment on a proposal to declare that the major changes in snowmobile trail policy it approved in 2006 are consistent with the state’s Adirondack land use master plan, assuming newly proposed guidelines are followed.

The proposal before the agency carries out the plan for maintaining the current cap of 848 miles of snowmobile trails on state land, but moving trails out of the interior of state forest and creating new connector trails between communities. Those trails would generally run as close as practical to roads or other motorized routes.

The park agency will be taking public comment through Sept. 30, and the park agency board could make a decision at its Oct. 8-9 meeting in Ray Brook.

Information on the proposal that is before the park agency is available on its Web site at APA.

Written comments may be directed by Sept. 30 to James Connelly, deputy director for
planning at the Adirondack Park Agency, Box 99, Ray Brook, N.Y. 12977.

Human Power

2009-09-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

For those so inclined, "The Human-Powered Home: Choosing Muscles Over Motors" will tell you all about how to create energy or make things run on your energy.

Author Tamara Dean gives us a history tour, from Archimedes' screw to electricity-generating boots. We see human power at work in cultures around the world, including a treadle pump to help irrigate fields in Haiti, the Working Bikes Cooperative in Chicago, which both sells refurbished bikes and uses them to machines to produce electricity, to hand presses and food grinders around the world.

There's advice here on how to build several devices and cautions on the most practical approaches, such as directly operating a device, rather than creating electricity first to run something because a certain amount of energy is lost in the process.

This is a very sensible and readable book, one that could be adapted for school lessons, personal use or a community project. It is published by New Society Publishers, selling for $29.95 new.

This Is Not Good

2009-09-25T08:39:00.000-04:00

New Analysis Brings Dire Forecast Of 6.3-Degree Temperature Increase

By Juliet Eilperin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 25, 2009

Climate researchers now predict the planet will warm by 6.3 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century even if the world's leaders fulfill their most ambitious climate pledges, a much faster and broader scale of change than forecast just two years ago, according to a report released Thursday by the United Nations Environment Program.

The new overview of global warming research, aimed at marshaling political support for a new international climate pact by the end of the year, highlights the extent to which recent scientific assessments have outstripped the predictions issued by the Nobel Prize-winning U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007.

Green Business Degree

2009-09-24T12:15:00.000-04:00

Empire State College has created a new degree program for people interested in business and environmental sustainability.

A sampling of courses that have been developed by the college for the business and sustainability concentration is as follows: business policy and the environment; environmental science; ethics and the ecology of business; industrial ecology; and organizational change and management for sustainability. Students also are able to develop additional studies which are tailored to their personal and academic goals.
Julie Gedro, associate professor in business, said of student interest, “While we expected there to be general interest for this concentration within the business program, we were delighted that these courses also were appealing to students across academic disciplines.”

Empire State is part of the State University of New York system.
More information.

Improving the Production of Turbine Blades

2009-09-24T03:05:00.006-04:00

A new science news page called Futurity.org offers this story

A Better Way to Turn Out Turbine Blades

IOWA STATE–Researchers are working to develop new, low-cost manufacturing systems that could improve the productivity of turbine blade factories by as much as 35 percent.

“The current manufacturing methods are very labor intensive,” says John Jackman, associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering at Iowa State University. “We need to improve throughput—we need to get more blades produced every week in order for it to be economical to continue to produce wind energy components in the United States.”

Just Turn Off the Sound

2009-09-23T22:05:00.004-04:00

Greenpeace produces great videos but some of its voice-overs end up sounding like a Monty Python sketch.

Green Drinks/Huntington

2009-09-23T16:26:00.002-04:00

Green Drinks Long Island – Huntington Presents
Back To The Garden
At the Cinema Arts Centre
Join Us For a Fall Equinox Celebration In The Lush Gardens at the Fabled Cinema Arts Centre
Back by popular demand - the Summer Solstice event at the CAC Garden was a smashing success and we intend to make this event bigger and better

Thursday, September, 24 @ 5 PM

Relax and have some good green fun with others who are passionate about the environment, renewable energy, green jobs, energy efficiency and more

·      Live Brazilian Music by Hypno Smoothie

·      Complimentary - Buffet, Wine & Beer

·      Video Presentations

·         Suggested Donation - $8

RSVP or Info 631-721-1908

Businesses and Environmentalism

2009-09-23T09:24:00.005-04:00

If you've lived in or visited other parts of the country that are more environmentally aware, you already know that Long Island seriously lags but is waking up to some of these issues. A smattering of businesses are engaged in trying to change attitudes here, but it isn't easy, since many aspects of Long Island here run counter to basic environmental living: the car culture--and the anti-biking mentality, including the huge numbers of people who commute long distances just for work; the relentless drive to build; zoning rules and lawn care being just a few of them.

I just got back from a short visit to the green business symposium, sponsored by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. The event continues all day. One of the noteworthy experiences of the symposium is discovering which LI businesses are indeed trying to be environmentally aware; a few others are on the periphery, and others are just venturing in, along with some banks and credit unions trying to financially support businesses that are thinking about green issues.

Particularly impressive was David Hamilton of EmPower CES (Clean Energy Solutions) who knew a lot about solar energy and tax issues.

I'll be doing Q&A interviews with several of the business reps who were there today, linking to their sites and reporting on what they're doing.

Long Island Water Sentinels

2009-09-22T17:34:00.000-04:00

Sierra Club Long Island Water Sentinels - enjoy organic martinis Snacks, Live Music & meet LI artists
Pine Ridge Golf Club Coram Sunday, September 27th 3-7 p.m., Cost: $25
Pay at door RSVP

Free Energy Audits

2009-09-21T05:45:00.001-04:00

Free Home Energy Audits LI Green will send a trained engineering professional to any home on Long Island to provide a free home energy audit. Sign up.

Heating Discount

2009-09-19T23:29:00.000-04:00

Green Street LI is touting a deal on heating equipment:

It’s hard to think about heating the house when it’s hot outside, but that’s the ideal time to do it. Efficient heating systems matter because when they are faulty, it can account for almost 50% of the CO2 your home emits and can cause you to spend more money than you need to run it.

That's why GreenStreet LI neighbors can count on Petro Heating & Air Conditioning for a special discount of $300 off any new equipment and installations.

An investment in a high efficiency heating system can quickly produce savings that recover your investment.

Contact Petro and let them know you are a GreenStreet LI Neighbor to earn your $300 discount.

Big Doings on the Green Biz Front

2009-09-19T18:59:00.000-04:00

The Huntington Chamber of Commerce is running a symposium on green business on Wednesday. Check it out.

Going Green Business Symposium
The sessions are set for Sept. 23. It's the group's third annual Going Green Symposium & Expo. This event will be separated into a networking breakfast and panel discussion on "Where to find the Green ($) to Go Green", followed by a workshop dealing with "Training the Trades".

Going Green Symposium and Expo
(Business Networking & Panel Discussion)
Hilton Long Island/Huntington
"Finding the Green to go Green"
Learn where to find the money, rebates, tax incentives,
energy credits, and savings to complete your project.
Keynote Speaker - Robert B. Catell
Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center
Stony Brook University

Green Workshop
(Non- Networking Event)
Leviton Manufacturing
"Training the Trades"
Find out what training is available and what standards for training certification are, and will be adopted.

Maasai and the Environment

2009-09-19T17:39:00.001-04:00

Maasai Climate Presentations coming to Long Island/Northeast! Leaders from the Maasai are travelling to Long Island & the Northeast over the next month. They would like to meet with high school and college audiences to explain Maasai cultural practices and the rapid environmental changes they confront today.

For additional information on costs and logistics, please contact, Francis Ole Sakuda

Parking Spaces as Parks

2009-09-17T17:41:00.000-04:00

Oh, my: guerrilla action! Taking over the limited supply of parking spaces is bound to really tick off a lot of people.

It may not be the best way to go.

Linking?

2009-09-17T07:39:00.000-04:00

Will the Long Islander who wrote to me a couple of weeks ago to discuss linking please get back in touch? I've lost the contact info. Thanks.

Scholarships Available for Long Islanders

2009-09-13T19:18:00.007-04:00

Scholarship information from the Green Schools committee:

Green Schools
The Green Schools committee aims to change the way that we conceptualize the role and design of schools. They are not only places for intellectual and social growth, but truly exist as second homes for the 60 million young students, faculty, and staff that occupy them every day.

The variety of our committee’s membership allows us to offer a variety of resources to the school communities. We welcome you to join our committee and offer your unique perspective. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 3:30pm in Melville. If you are interested in attending, contact greenschools@usgbc-li.org and we will send you more information.

Green Scholarship 2009-2010 Academic Year
(US Green Buildings Council-LI chapter)

Tell us Your Environmental Solutions for a Chance to Win One of Four USGBC-LI Chapter Scholarships!

*2* Platinum Scholarships at $2,500 each
*1* GOLD Scholarship at $1,500
*1* Silver Scholarship at $1,000

Select one of the following topics and write an Essay (~500 Words)

TOPIC A - Barack Obama’s Alternative Energy Plan
President Barack Obama’s alternative energy plan is to declare our energy independence once and for all. He is proposing an “all of the above” approach to energy independence that includes nuclear power, wind, solar and clean coal, as well as more offshore oil drilling. Which alternative energy do you feel would benefit the country most and why? What are the Pro’s and Con’s?

TOPIC B - Carbon Footprint
America’s carbon footprint is growing everyday. As the population expands, Americans are using up more land for development, driving more, consuming more materials and energy therefore emitting more greenhouse gas emissions attributing to the accelerating global climate change. What rules and regulations do you believe could be implemented that would have the greatest impact on reducing America’s carbon footprint?

TOPIC C - “Organic Pollution on Long Island”
What can be done to better protect Long Island’s aquifer system from contamination due to human activities?

TOPIC D - “Green Building”
Green buildings protect ecosystems and biodiversity, conserve energy and natural resources, improve air and water quality, and provide healthier environments for their occupants and neighboring communities. Describe an original legal, educational,
policy or community initiative that you would create to accelerate the adoption of green building practices. Include specifics about the scope and design of your initiative, as well as benchmarks for progress.

Requirements
♦ You are from Long Island and are enrolled in an accredited College, University, or Trade/Vocational school OR you currently attend a College or University on Long Island
♦ College Transcript
♦ Current enrollment verification
♦ Complete USGBC-LI Scholarship Application
♦ Essay
♦ Letter of Recommendation
♦ Other information that you would like to submit for review.

♦ Submission by November 20

NY Deposit on Water Bottles Nears

2009-09-13T08:29:00.001-04:00

This is so overdue. But sugared water bottles should be governed by the same law.

NY water bottle deposits expected to start in October

ALBANY -- New York plans to start collecting 5-cent deposits on bottles of water next month, saying a recent court ruling gives it the right to begin the program.

But some bottlers don't see the situation the same way and said it would impossible, particularly for smaller companies, to have the program running next month.

At issue is a ruling last month in state Supreme Court that lifted an injunction that had barred the state from beginning the program, which was adopted earlier this year by the Legislature and Gov. David Paterson.

The ruling gave the bottle-water industry until Oct. 22 to implement the program, unless it could prove that it needed more time. The case is due back in court that day, and it would be up to Judge Deborah Batts to decide whether to give more time.

Clean Energy Conference

2009-09-09T20:06:00.000-04:00

Available information is pretty thin but the Alliance for Clean Energy New York has scheduled its conference for Oct. 20-21 in Albany.

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York's mission is to promote the use of clean, renewable electricity technologies and energy efficiency in New York State, in order to increase energy diversity and security, boost economic development, improve public health, and reduce air pollution.

South Bronx Tour

2009-09-08T08:14:00.000-04:00

If urban ecology interests you, the Sustainable South Bronx offers a "1.5 hour walking tour. See first hand the environmental issues a community like Hunts Point deals with each day. You will also learn about SSBx's work and our attempt at solutions that are sustainable to our environment."

LI Renewable Energy Seminars

2009-09-07T20:25:00.000-04:00

FREE LIPA & RELI Renewable Energy Seminars
Town of Riverhead - September 30 - 7:00-9:00pm

Town of Huntington - October 13- 6:30-8:30pm
Nassau Community College - October 22- 6:00-8:00pm

Documentary on the State of the Oceans

2009-09-07T02:29:00.000-04:00

"Sea Change," a documentary about the acidification of oceans, will premiere in New York. This is one of those environmental issues that has gotten lost but is beginning to get more attention.

NEW YORK CITY PREMIERE OF A SEA CHANGE
Sept. 13, American Museum of Natural History. Free! Filmmakers Barbara Ettinger and Sven Huseby present. 4 pm; W. 79th St.. and Central Park West.

U.S. TELECAST
Sat., Sept. 26, 2009, 8 pm, Planet Green Network. Look for this channel on cable, Direct TV, and more. It's the first & only 24-hour eco-lifestyle TV network. A Sea Change airs as part of Planet Green's "Reel Impact" series. We're in terrific company: also airing are An Inconvenient Truth, Who Killed the Electric Car, and No-Impact Man.

Green Living for Arizona State University Students - ABC News

2009-09-04T18:45:00.001-04:00

A dorm at Arizona State University uses recycled water, clotheslines (!) and better temperature controls to live a greener lifestyle.
Green Living for Arizona State University Students - ABC News

Shared via AddThis

2009-09-02T15:18:00.000-04:00

From the Adirondack Council:

The not-for-profit organization 350.org represents an international effort to raise awareness of the need to decrease carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million. The next 350.org International Day of Climate Action takes place on Oct. 24. Citizens around the globe will participate in various actions to emphasize that 350 parts per million is the number that we need to get back to in order to bring climate change under control.

The Adirondack Council is looking for 350 (or more!) people who will commit to an alternative commute to work or school on Oct. 24th. If you drive alone, find a friend to commute with you. Can you bike, walk or use public transportation? Already getting high marks for your travel methods? Accompany a family member or friend that might need encouragement to reduce the carbon impact of their daily travel to work or school.

LI Botanical Society Events

2009-09-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

From the Long Island Botanical Society:

September 8, 2009 Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Lois Lindberg: "Wildflowers of the Northeast - Folklore and More."
Many of our common wildflowers are easily identified, but it's often the story behind their names that fascinates people. This program will cover wildflowers from Long Island, the Catskills, and New England, and will highlight the history, origin of names, and folklore that surrounds them. Come and get re-acqainted with some old botanical favorites. Lois is a naturalist and long-time LIBS member.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

October 13, 2009 Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Mary Beth and Paul Tomko: "The Edgewood Oak-Brush Plains Preserve."
The Edgewood Oak-Brush Plains State Preserve is the second largest remnant of pitch pine/scrub oak in NY and the only such area on Long Island. The past, present, and future of this unique habitat, which lies in western Suffolk County, will be presented. Mary Beth and Paul represent The Friends of the Edgewood Oak-Brush Plains Preserve.
Location: Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences, Earth and Space Science Building, Gil Hanson Room (Room 123), SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook

November 10, 2009 Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Tim Wenskus: "The Million Trees Initiative."
Learn the details behind the New York City Parks Department's project to plant a million trees in the five boroughs. Tim is the Deputy Director of NYC Parks Natural Resources Group, where he has overseen forest restoration and invasive species activities for more than ten years.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

December 8, 2009* Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Members Night
Members are welcome to bring photos, stories, specimens, and tales of peculiar sightings of favorite plants. A great opportunity to show what you have found while exploring on Long Island or elsewhere. Please call Rich Kelly (516-354-6506) in advance to advise as to the approximate number of images/slides that you would like to show and preferred medium of presentation. Thanks.
Location: Bill Paterson Nature Center, Muttontown Preserve, East Norwich

Join the Cleanup

2009-08-21T15:30:00.000-04:00

First Chickens, Now...

2009-08-19T15:21:00.000-04:00

I wonder how receptive Long Islanders would be to seeing their neighbors turn their front yards into mini-farms. Flowers are one thing; a small field of tomato plants might be another, though I like the idea. I imagine some homeowners' associations would definitely oppose this. On the other hand, no one on Long Island is claiming that rainwater belongs to the government, as is the case in some of the drier states of the country, so at least that's up to the property owner.

McKibben on Colbert

2009-08-18T20:06:00.001-04:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Bill McKibben

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Protests

Hamptons' EcoSalon

2009-08-18T16:34:00.001-04:00

Big doings on Long Island--be there or be square.

From Riverkeeper:

Riverkeeper’s EcoSalon brings together top environmental policy makers with thought leaders in the fields of politics, science, the arts, business and entertainment for an evening of sharing perspectives on challenging issues.
Our special guest for this event will be Van Jones, who serves as Special Advisor for Green Jobs at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Join your hosts Joan and George Hornig at their home in the Hamptons with co-hosts Lorraine Bracco, Christie Brinkley, Hamilton Fish, Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay McInerney, Anne Jameson and Jay Eisenhofer, Mary and Sidney Lumet, Maria and Peter Matthiessen, Nicole Miller and Kim Taipale, Averell and Gigi Mortimer, Renee and Mark Rockefeller, Jeff Tannenbaum and other leading Riverkeeper supporters for this unique opportunity.
Your membership gift of $100 per reservation maintains Riverkeeper’s standing as New York’s leading clean water advocate. An intimate post-Salon dinner will take place with Van Jones and other distinguished guests for $1,000 per plate. Head table with Van Jones for $2,500 per plate.
Saturday, Aug. 22 – reception. Purchase tickets.

RELI/LIPA's Solar & Wind Seminar in Babylon

2009-08-18T15:08:00.004-04:00

What: RELI/LIPA Solar & Wind Seminar
Wednesday, August 19th ~ 6-8 p.m.
Town of Babylon Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon, NY

Join the hundreds of LIPA customers who are doing their part to create a greener, cleaner Long Island by harnessing the power of the sun and the wind. Learn more about LIPA cash rebates and other incentives available to you!

How: Please RSVP online at or by calling 631-329-8888x1.

Pollution Feeds Mosquitos

2009-08-15T01:58:00.000-04:00

A Michigan blogger reports on a study that finds polluted water is friendlier to mosquito breeding

Chaves’ work suggests a double whammy–all those bacteria are wonderful food supplies for the bacteria that feed mosquitoes. And the mosquitoes are bigger, which means they can live longer–and have a better shot at transmitting a mosquito-borne disease, of which there are many.

Some days, when I see the North Shore beaches, I wonder what the heck is going on with them-swimming areas seem to have shrunk, the restrictions are many, and who knows about the quality of the water.

Foraging for Food

2009-08-14T11:54:00.002-04:00

Mother Earth News magazine has an article about learning to forage for food. Does anyone on Long Island do this?

Food Foraging: Find and Enjoy Wild Edible Plants

Creating a Green Economy

2009-08-14T01:48:00.000-04:00

I grew up in a steel town where blue-collar industry was everything and jobs were plentiful. That's no longer the case in the Rust Belt. But some people are seeing the same signs here on Long Island: certain kinds of jobs are dying, the area is hurting for new ideas, not to mention, young people. But maybe we can do something about it, and follow the example of other areas.

Pittsburgh, one of those Rust Belt cities hard hit in recent decades, may have found some solutions.

Pittsburgh reinvents itself through green economy

RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI
The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH - Imagine this: At a meeting, you pull out your solar-powered, flexible plastic laptop , fueled by an organic "ink" solution , and roll it out on the desk. Within two weeks, you dump this piece of cheap technology and buy a new one.

This is the vision of Plextronics, one of more than 2,600 environmentally friendly companies that have settled in Pittsburgh and revitalized the local economy through good-paying jobs.

Yes, the city whose sprawling steel mills and smoky skies once symbolized America's industrial might has gone "green." Pittsburgh's emphasis on green recovery was one reason it was able to land the Group of 20 global economic summit next month.

Extra Duty for Plants

2009-08-13T01:32:00.001-04:00

While I've never seen this kind of sign, a blogger at the Ecological Society of America reports on a finding at the society's recent meeting.

Photo courtesy of Julie Naumann.

If you’ve been to many national forests, chances are you’ve seen signs like the one to the left: walk on this field and a land mine might explode. In her talk this morning at the ESA Annual Meting, Julie Naumann of the U.S. Army Corps of engineers explained that even if they don’t explode, these buried capsules of TNT and other explosives are bad news for plants.

Action. Reaction.

2009-08-12T01:28:00.002-04:00

There's no such thing as an action without a reaction. Or a consequence, as I tell the kid.

Geoengineering To Mitigate Global Warming May Cause Other Environmental Harm

ScienceDaily (Aug. 7, 2009) — Geoengineering techniques aim to slow global warming through the use of human-made changes to the Earth's land, seas or atmosphere. But new research shows that the use of geoengineering to do environmental good may cause other environmental harm. In a symposium at the Ecological Society of America's Annual Meeting, ecologists discuss the viability of geoengineering, concluding that it is potentially dangerous at the global scale, where the risks outweigh the benefits.

Here's another report on the issue.

Mini-Moos for Backyard Dairymen

2009-08-11T13:55:00.001-04:00

Raise Small-breed Milk Cows

If you want fresh milk and cows that are easier for beginners to handle, these small breeds of cattle are just the right size for a homestead.

In 2006, Pat Schout and his wife, Elia, began homesteading in east-central Illinois. They wanted to raise their own food, including dairy products. They considered a milk cow, but didn’t know if they’d have enough pasture for a full-size cow and weren’t sure if they could manage all the milk a single cow can produce. A neighbor had discussed the option of small-breed beef cattle, and that gave the Schouts the idea to raise their own small-breed dairy cattle. They started with Jerseys (because of the high butterfat content of their milk) and are now working toward breeding miniature Holsteins.
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Miniature cows cost $1,800 to $3,500 depending on the size, markings and color. (A good standard Jersey sold as a family milk cow will cost $1,400 to $1,800.) Although small-breed cattle may cost more initially, they have some interesting advantages. To learn more, we talked with Pat Schout.

Wise Travel

2009-08-09T22:52:00.000-04:00

Mother Jones has a short guide to green travel, some of it more applicable to Long Islanders than others.

Getting Wetter Around Here

2009-08-09T15:24:00.002-04:00

So, THAT'S what happened this summer! No, seriously, it's another indication of climate change and something we need to watch carefully, for land-use, agriculture and other reasons.

Earth's Most Prominent Rainfall Feature Creeping Northward

ScienceDaily (Aug. 9, 2009) — The rain band near the equator that determines the supply of freshwater to nearly a billion people throughout the tropics and subtropics has been creeping north for more than 300 years, probably because of a warmer world, according to research published in the July issue of Nature Geoscience.

If the band continues to migrate at just less than a mile (1.4 kilometers) a year, which is the average for all the years it has been moving north, then some Pacific islands near the equator – even those that currently enjoy abundant rainfall – may be drier within decades and starved of freshwater by midcentury or sooner. The prospect of additional warming because of greenhouse gases means that situation could happen even sooner.

The findings suggest "that increasing greenhouse gases could potentially shift the primary band of precipitation in the tropics with profound implications for the societies and economies that depend on it," the article says.
And, of course, if the rain moves north, southern areas could be left high and dry, literally.

Smokey (the) Bear Turns 65 Today

2009-08-09T14:29:00.000-04:00

According to Wikipedia: Smokey Bear (often unofficially referred to as Smokey the Bear) is a mascot of the United States Forest Service created to educate the public on the dangers of forest fires. Smokey Bear's message "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires" was created in 1944 by the Ad Council. In a recent study, 95% of those surveyed could finish the sentence when given the first words.[citation needed] In April 2001, Smokey's message was updated to "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires."

Now, everybody loves the bear. But I'm not sure I'm liking this new campaign slogan.

Adirondacks Council Art Auction

2009-08-09T14:22:00.000-04:00

The Adirondacks Council is having a fundraiser art auction. Note: PDF file.

Eco-sanitation

2009-08-09T13:54:00.002-04:00

Americans, pardon the language but apparently in India, this is not a bad word.

Clean cause: Now, Twitter for shitters in India
Insiya Amir, TNN 7 |
Shit is not a dirty word. After all, we spend six months to three years on the toilet seat in a lifetime. It is about time we cut through the
crap and give 2.6 billion people on the planet a chance do the same. That's exactly the aim of Twitter for Sh-tters, which is using the power of the current darling of social networking, Twitter, to raise money for building toilets in India.

The idea is simple. Every day, Twitter users like you and me around the world, are asked to spend the day tweeting to try and get their followers to donate. With every $400 raised, Wherever The Need, an NGO based in the US, UK and India, builds an eco-sanitation toilet for Indians, 660 million of whom still defecate in the open.

Climate Change as Battlefield

2009-08-09T09:36:00.000-04:00

The military has been planning for climate-related problems for a long time.

Climate Change Seen as Threat to U.S. Security

By JOHN M. BRODER
Published: August 8, 2009

WASHINGTON — The changing global climate will pose profound strategic challenges to the United States in coming decades, raising the prospect of military intervention to deal with the effects of violent storms, drought, mass migration and pandemics, military and intelligence analysts say.

Such climate-induced crises could topple governments, feed terrorist movements or destabilize entire regions, say the analysts, experts at the Pentagon and intelligence agencies who for the first time are taking a serious look at the national security implications of climate change.

Recent war games and intelligence studies conclude that over the next 20 to 30 years, vulnerable regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia, will face the prospect of food shortages, water crises and catastrophic flooding driven by climate change that could demand an American humanitarian relief or military response.

New York Climate Council

2009-08-09T07:26:00.002-04:00

Governor Patterson signed an Executive Order (No. 24) that sets a goal to reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas pollution from all sources 80 percent by the year 2050. The Governor also established a Climate Action Council that will bring together state agencies to develop an action plan to reduce New York's emissions.

For many years, Environmental Advocates of New York has pushed the Governor’s Office and the State Legislature to set pollution-reduction targets in law, require emissions reporting, and turn state agencies loose on developing regulations to make the big cuts in greenhouse gas emissions necessary to avert the worst effects of global warming.

Similar legislation to cut climate pollution has passed the Assembly two years in a row and made headway in the State Senate, too. The Senate coup derailed all legislative action this spring; but now that leadership issues are resolved, the bill could be taken up in the fall.

The final Climate Action Plan is due in September 2010.

Traffic Pollution, Asthma Link

2009-08-06T07:29:00.001-04:00

Traffic-Asthma Study

You can't help but breathe it in when you're walking or exercising along busy stretches of road. But a new study offers more proof that inhaling traffic-related pollutants is dangerous for both kids and adults.
Researchers looked at the connection between traffic-related pollution and "new-onset" asthma among 2,700 Swiss adults. None of them had ever smoked, but over 11 years, 41 of them developed asthma.
The scientists looked into a series of factors linked to the development of asthma, such as workplace air pollutants, family history, and secondhand smoke. They learned that spending time outdoors played a role in causing asthma.

Summer Fun for Pre-Schoolers

2009-08-05T15:06:00.000-04:00

Seatuck is planning fun with butterflies as part of its pre-schoolers' summer fun program.

Butterfly Fun
Join us as we celebrate some of nature’s most colorful critters. We’ll learn about the butterfly’s special features and then take a hike in search of them.
Tuesday, August 11; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Gardiner County Park, West Bay Shore

Also coming up are:

End of Summer Celebration
As summer wanes, many of our regular program participants will be moving on to greater adventures. We’ll have a small party to recognize those who have traveled through the four seasons with us and to welcome those who are new to our program. We’ll also break into small groups for a challenging scavenger hunt. Refreshments will be provided.
Thursday, August 27; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Environmental Interpretive Center, Islip
Birds on the Go
The fall migration is underway. We’ll learn how to use binoculars and then take a hike to find birds stopping by the park on their way down south. We’ll also create our own fast flying birds and get involved in some activities to celebrate the marvels of migration.
Tuesday, September 15; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Lakeland County Park, Islandia
Seashore Adventure
Join us for an exploration of the sand, shells and sea! We’ll take a hike along the shore and meet some of the wonderful plants and animals that can be found along the barrier beach. We’ll also create our own sand art and join in some adventurous activities along the seashore.
Tuesday, September 29; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island

Nitrates and Illness

2009-08-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

Science Daily finds a possible link between nitrates and several diseases, including Alzheimer's. Why is this not a surprise?

Jared Diamond on Societies' Collapse

2009-08-03T00:10:00.003-04:00

On Raising Chickens

2009-08-02T14:59:00.001-04:00

Check out this link for more information. I know Huntington is allowing some backyard chickens; I don't know about other places on Long Island.

Cooling the Roof

2009-08-02T08:01:00.001-04:00

Here's energy secretary Steven Chu on how white roofs can reduce overheating and thus overuse of energy.

And here's a roof getting redone.

Worm Farm: A Love Story

2009-08-02T07:53:00.000-04:00

Clunker Success

2009-08-01T21:50:00.001-04:00

Yes, the Cash for Clunkers program could have much better environmental standards. But some of the complaining about it misses the point--a bunch of older, junkier cars are now off the road, replaced by newer cars that pollute less, have a slightly better mileage return and, not incidentally, have supported some businesses. These are good things, folks. The Wall Street Journal has some thoughts.

I'm not sure about the content of the gunk poured into the engines to make sure the junks can't be resold, but that's another question for another day.

Coming Back

2009-08-01T19:46:00.001-04:00

For a variety of reasons, this blog had to go dark for a while but I'm hoping to revive it in the coming days. Upcoming soon will be some green book reviews. Thanks.

East End Greenfest This Weekend

2009-08-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

Sunday from 10am-6pm enjoy the Green Festival celebrating all things green! Healthy Living, Alternative Energy, Local and Organic Foods, Fun for kids, Live Music, and Natural Products. Adults $3, kids 12 and under FREE. GreenFest takes place at Strawberry Fields Fairgrounds, which is located on the North side of Route 48, 1000 feet East of Cox Road in Mattituck. More information.

Fiji's Bottled Water

2009-07-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

Mother Jones writes about Fiji bottled water.

Lunching Green

2008-10-21T07:22:00.000-04:00

Alarm on 'Fracking'

2008-10-20T10:59:00.001-04:00

Environmental Advocates of New York is concerned about "fracking"

EANY is a busy organization with a serious focus on issues. Check out its site for activities around the state.

By the way, you can find some environmental definitions here.