Updates June 2009

6/27/09 --Green Jobs: If you missed the Green Job's Forum, Thursday June 25 sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County I have collected all the resources suggested for finding green jobs from yesterday’s program and added them to my existing Green Business page http://www.rochesterenvironment.com/Green%20Business.htm to help people in our area get jobs and help our environment.
6/27/09 - Critical Feedback Requested about our community: We here at RochesterEnvironment.com wish to remind you again of an important website that has been launched in our area. ACT Rochester has been a long time in the works and is modeled on other cities who have worked on this concept of provide communities of important indicator that will determine among other things Education, Environment, Technology, Transportation, Health, Public Safety, etc. This site is an on-going, long-term project to provide not only community groups and governmental bodies, but you the citizen who cares about your community, with critical data (not opinions and news, but expertly acquired data). Please take a moment to get the facts about the state of Rochester, New York’s sustainability prospects and most importantly get engaged. Answers to surveys and comments are asked at this site and this is important because feedback from these people who are actually collecting the data about our community is critical. It’s not like blogs, or newspapers who want to know how important Michael Jackson is to your life, but what kind of information do you or your group need to know to begin project, complete grants, clean up your neighborhood. So, please get engaged with this special website in our community and encourage your employer, you friends, your groups that you belong to of this unique and important resource for our area. It’s not just the usual stuff, trust me: ACT Rochester "Changing the Culture of Public Discussion and Debate The mission of ACT Rochester is to stimulate community solutions to our most critical challenges by changing the culture of public discussion and debate. This will be achieved through focused, independent and objective measurement of key community indicators, through diverse and timely dialogue and by promoting results-oriented actions. ACT Rochester is a collaboration of Rochester Area Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Rochester. We developed the Website together, along with assistance from the Center for Governmental Research, and plan to sustain and update it as a central component of ACT Rochester. We hope that the comprehensive data and other information contained here will serve as a focal point for formal and informal community forums and inspire you and others in the community to share comments and participate in polls, which will be added to the Website in the coming months. In addition, we will be scheduling a variety of community discussions and activities beginning in the fall of 2009. The name ACT Rochester urges action, specifically in response to the issues highlighted by the data. The name also stands for Achieving Community Targets, which signals the potential to establish specific targets or goals for improvement. These targets will be the result of the community involvement process, and will form the future development of ACT Rochester. ACT Rochester currently covers a seven-county region: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne and Wyoming. This Website contains indicators, analysis of trends, summaries of community efforts to address issues and numerous listings of community resources. Please see the Using the Site section for details on the rich information contained here and tips on how to best use the site. "
6/27/09 -- Help monitor the environment this summer: Make summer a blast with BirdSleuth! Are you looking for new, low-cost activities for your camp, nature center, scouting troop, home school, or youth program? I hope you'll consider the BirdSleuth curriculum developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The first module, BirdSleuth: Most Wanted Birds, contains fun, easy lessons with activities that teach children how to identify birds and collect observations that can be reported to the Cornell Lab and used in scientific studies. The curriculum comes with everything you need to help children make an important connection with nature-perhaps for the first time. Each flexible, easy-to-use lesson in BirdSleuth is geared --from Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
6/27/09 -- This about the American Clean Energy and Security act by Union of Concerned Scientists" Moments ago, the House of Representatives took a historic vote to pass comprehensive climate legislation that would put in place a nationwide plan to rein in global warming pollution and create an entirely new, cleaner approach to our nation's energy system. This legislation does not include everything we wanted—nor did we expect it would—but it establishes a critical first step in building the foundation to rein in global warming pollution, reduce our dependence on oil, and transition to a clean energy economy. What's more, in a clear victory for science, the bill includes key provisions ensuring these policies can be strengthened in the future in response to emerging climate science—provisions UCS helped write and win support for. This progress wouldn't have happened if it weren't for UCS supporters like you. You've demanded that Congress take action and provided us with the funding needed to advocate for smart climate solutions, distribute our analysis to Congress, and mobilize nationwide support for this bill. History has shown that when it comes to cleaning up our environment, getting a national policy in place makes an enormous difference. Again and again, we have shown that we can rise to the challenge set by these national policies by meeting and surpassing environmental standards through innovation, smart science, and American ingenuity. The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act made possible the healthier environment that we take for granted today. When people saw that these vital pieces of legislation were saving lives and helping us breathe easier and drink safer water, they pushed for more. And then we were able to make these protections even stronger. But we have a long, up-hill battle before us to ensure this groundbreaking legislation becomes law—and the scientific and technical expertise UCS brings to these issues will be essential in this fight. The House of Representatives has shown the way forward, but now our work moves to the Senate where we’ll once again be up against the coal and oil industries and the legislators who support them. President Obama has already expressed support for this bill. But we will need your help to put a strong bill over the finish line. Specifically, you can help turn up the heat on the Senate to act quickly and ensure that we enact a final bill that helps build a revitalized clean energy economy, while reducing the threat of global warming. "American Clean Energy and Security Act | Union of Concerned Scientists American Clean Energy and Security Act H.R. 2454 The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) sets us on the path toward curbing global warming, reducing our dependence on oil, and putting Americans back to work. Specifically, the bill: --from the
6/27/09 --Here's what the city of Toronto (just across the waters) is doing about climate change in their city this summer: City of Toronto: Change is in the Air... Climate Change, Clean Air & Sustainable Energy Action Plan In July 2007, Council unanimously approved Toronto's Climate Change, Clean Air & Sustainable Energy Action Plan. This plan outlines how the City of Toronto, and its residents, businesses and communities will cut greenhouse gas emissions, clean the air and help create a sustainable energy future.
6/26/09 - Still looking for that Green Job? This page Green Business has been updated with information and resources I learned from yesterday's Green Jobs Forum from the Monroe County branch of the Cornell Cooperative Extension / New York Energy Smart Programs.
6/24/09 - Quietly working on our Environment, don't forget what our city of Rochester is doing to make our city sustainable: City of Rochester | Green Team Mayor Duffy set up the Green Team to ensure that the City maintains and enhances its long-standing commitment to preserving, protecting, and restoring our natural resources. The City of Rochester will demonstrate through practice and policy our commitment to exemplary environmental stewardship. The City, while cognizant of fiscal limits, is committed to the implementation of environmental management practices which will provide a healthy and sustainable environment and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
6/24/09 - Something from the EPA on environmental education: Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wildlands Toolkit | What You Can Do | Climate Change | U.S. EPA A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators The new Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators is an updated and expanded version of the award-winning (2001 Public Relations Society of America Bronze Anvil Award for Interactive Communications and 2002 Telly Award) and very popular (over 40,000 kits distributed in all 51 states and territories and over a dozen countries across the world) Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit for Teachers and Interpreters first published in 2001.
6/23/09 - Your going to see Purple Boxes in our area soon: MDA - Emerald Ash Borer - Purple Trap Survey Q & A "The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a small, metallic-green, wood-boring beetle that was discovered in southeast Michigan in 2002. Native to Asia, it’s believed to have been unknowingly transported to the United States in wood packing material. Since its discovery, the EAB has been detected in six other States -- Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Federal and State quarantines have been established in these States to mitigate the spread of EAB. Quarantines prohibit the movement (within the State and out of the State) of regulated articles, which include ash nursery stock, ash logs and lumber with bark, pallets, branches, stumps, etc., and all hardwood chips and firewood."-MDA - Department of Agriculture
6/22/09 - This weeks RENewsletter is now published: RENewsletter | June 21, 2009
6/22/09 - With summer nowadays, comes West Nile Virus: Take precautions and learn more form Public Health | Monroe County, NY West Nile virus (WNV) is an illness transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness is most serious for older people; healthy children and younger adults are at very low-risk for serious WNV infection.
6/22/09 - Summertime and we’re thinking beaches. But, how safe are they this year? How many times have they been closed? Check here: Monroe County Beaches –from Beaches | US EPA "Beaches are a place to play, watch wildlife, fish, and swim. With beaches giving us so much, we have to protect them from a variety of potential problems. We can help you plan a trip to the beach, learn about beaches and the issues around them, and understand how we protect beaches."
6/20/09 - Recycling - Do you need to dispose of hazardous household waste? Please note: Monroe County's Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Appointment Scheduler (includes Pharmaceuticals) http://www.monroecounty.gov/hhw
6/20/09 - Find out what you are eating and what chemicals may or maynot have gotten in your food: What’s On My Food? Pesticides …on our food, even after washing; …in our bodies, for years; …& in our environment, traveling many miles on wind, water and dust. What’s On My Food? is a searchable database designed to make the public problem of pesticide exposure visible and more understandable. -- More on Food and our Environment here...
6/20/09 - Environmentalists: New group joins online wealth of information and monitoring to protect our environment: Niagara Watershed Alliance A group of committed Niagara County citizens working to restore the health of the Niagara Region Watershed ecosystem. | Due to the inability of government to control and /or eliminate the storage and importation of hazardous and radioactive waste within the Niagara Watershed and Great Lakes basin, the Niagara Watershed Alliance has decided to form a consortium of educational, environmental, elected officials, economic, public health and safety groups to pool resources in finding a method to stop the degradation of the Niagara Watershed and Great Lakes basin. We welcome all who wish to join in our efforts.
6/20/09 - **ACTION** Get informed, be involved in Climate and Energy legislation: Repower America | Join Al Gore for an urgent briefing Join Al Gore for an urgent briefing We've never been closer to breaking the political gridlock in Washington. Find out the latest on historic climate and energy legislation that's moving through Congress, and how you can help. Reserve your spot now to listen to a special briefing by Al Gore on Tuesday, June 23, at 8 p.m. (EDT). On Tuesday, we'll call and connect you to the briefing at the number you provide below.
6/20/09 - Reducing our dependency on those ubiquitous plastic bags littering our roads, trails, up in the branches of our trees, down our drainpipes, across our lawns and just about everywhere is not just a good idea – it’s the law. Mostly, these laws pertain to large stores, but it’s a sign that times are a’changing. Think of taking a reusable bag around with you when you shop and buying less stuff. NYS Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Law - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation * Title 27 - Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Section 27-2701. Definitions. 27-2703. Store operator responsibilities. 27-2705. Recycling program requirements. 27-2707. Manufacturer responsibilities. 27-2709. Department responsibility. 27-2711. Regulations. 27-2713. Preemption. * NB There are 2 Title 27's
6/20/09 - From our friends over at Rochesterians Against The Misuse of Pesticides (RAMP), we learn more about how our modern idea of a oil and pesticide intensive lawn have come about. But, you can free yourself from your pesticides and tractors. Read RAMP: You can join RAMP, one of the most effective environmental organizations in Rochester, by writing to 10 Landing Road South, Rochester, NY 14610. Meanwhile, check out this way to reduce your lawn and go natural: LessLawn : information about landscape design for nature lovers... shrink your lawn and grow your pleasure!Want a low-maintenance, ecologically friendly landscape? Chemical free? Want to do it yourself? Find information and inspiration here at LessLawn. We'll help you shrink your lawn and grow your pleasure!
6/20/09 -Find out how Global Warming might change various of our environment: | Global Change Biology - Journal Information Global Change Biology exists to promote understanding of the interface between all aspects of current environmental change and biological systems, including rising tropospheric O3 and CO2 concentrations, climate change, loss of biodiversity, and eutrophication. Topics covered include the following, in the context of biological implications and feedbacks: Climate change Global change Land-use change Rising carbon dioxide Ocean warming Atmospheric pollution Carbon sequestration Carbon mitigation Global food security --from Wiley:
6/18/09 - Do something about our Rochester Area Environment: Searching around the net for environmental issues pertaining to our area, I came across this from the Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Environmental Causes - Get Involved - The Democrat and Chronicle Generate positive energy! Are you concerned about global warming? Endangered species? Protecting wetlands and/or beaches? Keeping your neighborhood park clean and safe? Check out these opportunities to get involved. - from democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
6/17/09 - Find out what specific change we can expect from Climate Change in our area: Northeast "Northeast annual average temperature has increased by 2°F since 1970, with winter temperatures rising twice this much. Warming has resulted in many other climate-related changes including more frequent very hot days, a longer growing season, an increase in heavy downpours, less winter precipitation falling as snow and more as rain, reduced snowpack, earlier break-up of winter ice on lakes and rivers, earlier spring snowmelt resulting in earlier peak river flows, rising sea surface temperatures, and rising sea level. These trends are projected to continue, with more dramatic changes under higher emissions scenarios compared to lower emissions scenarios. Some of the extensive climate-related changes projected for the region could significantly alter the region’s economy, landscape, character, and quality of life." -from globalchange.gov "The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) coordinates and integrates federal research on changes in the global environment and their implications for society. The USGCRP began as a presidential initiative in 1989 and was mandated by Congress in the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-606), which called for "a comprehensive and integrated United States research program which will assist the Nation and the world to understand, assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and natural processes of global change."
6/17/09 - Get some green training for those green jobs: RIT - Golisano Institute for Sustainability "The 1987 “Our Common Future” report of the World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Simply stated, a sustainable process is one which can be carried out over and over without negative environmental effects, such as air and water pollution, solid waste, and biodegradation which lead to larger, global problems including climate change and destruction of natural resources. "
6/17/09 - How is Vermont handling Green Jobs? U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders ""Today we face the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. There is no better moment to move forward aggressively on energy efficiency and creating new sustainable energy and creating jobs in the process. The potential for job growth in this area is bigger than almost anything else I can think of." -Senator Bernie Sanders, chairman of the Senate Green Jobs and New Economy Subcommittee"
6/16/09 - Bats help manage insects for farmers who produce our food. White-nose bat syndrome is killing bats off in large numbers: Learn more: White-Nose Syndrome in bats: Something is killing our bats "In February 2006 some 40 miles west of Albany, N.Y., a caver photographed hibernating bats with an unusual white substance on their muzzles. He noticed several dead bats. The following winter, bats behaving erratically, bats with white noses and a few hundred dead bats in several caves came to the attention of New York Department of Environmental Conservation biologists, who documented white-nose syndrome in January 2007. Hundreds of thousands of hibernating bats have died since. Biologists with state and federal agencies and organizations across the country are still trying to find the answer to this deadly mystery. " --Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
6/15/09 -Test that Well: As New York State does not have a comprehensive law on well water standards, test your well water. It might be helpful to contact your representative and ask them why we don’t have standards on well water, like we do for other drinking water. Well water should be tested annually to reduce health risks to children Private well water should be tested yearly, and in some cases more often, according to new guidance offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health, took a lead role in working with the AAP to develop these recommendations and draft a new AAP policy statement about the things parents should do if their children drink well water. The recommendations call for annual well testing, especially for nitrate and microorganisms such as coliform bacteria, which can indicate that sewage has contaminated the well. The recommendations point out circumstances when additional testing should occur, including testing when there is a new infant in the house or if the well is subjected to structural damage. (May 26, 09) EurekAlert! Public News List
6/15/09 - It’s good ole summertime and the fishing is…, err problematical. Remember, if you are fishing in New York and eating the fish, there are advisories by the NYS Department of Health. Of course, if there were stricter controls on chemical releases into our waters (lakes, streams, ponds, rivers, etc.) we wouldn’t need a litany of restriction on eating fish. But, there’s a lot of stuff in our waters that shouldn’t be there. Chemicals in Sportfish and Game: 2009-2010 Health Advisories Fish are nutritious and good to eat. However contaminated fish and game can be the main source of exposure to some contaminants. New York State issues advisories of eating sportfish and game because some of these foods contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to health. These advisories tell people which fish and game to avoid and how to reduce exposure to fish they do eat. These advisories are for sportfish and game that people take and are not for fish and game sold in markets. -- New York State Department of Health
6/12/09 - Let us repeat ourselves, Don't Curb that Old TV with the New Digital TV Signal Change. Do good, go here: On Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th, Zeller is partnering with 13WHAM and SunnKing Electronics Recycling to give back to the community and help reduce electronic waste during the digital transition. SunnKing will be providing recycling containers at Zeller, 1000 University Avenue and 13WHAM, W. Henrietta Road for members of the community to properly dispose of their electronic waste free of charge. Both locations will be accepting your electronic waste starting on Friday from 5:00a.m.-5:00p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Acceptable material for the electronic recycling includes televisions, computer/laptops, printers, cellular telephones, copiers, and more. For a complete list of acceptable materials, log on to SunnKing Recycling and click on the recycle tab. For more information, please contact Jill Galvin at 585-254-8840.
6/12/09 - If we got our act together could we successfully battle Climate Change here in the Northeast? The Union of Scientists thinks so: U.S. Can Curb Global Warming and Lower Energy Costs with Carbon Cap and Smart Energy, Transportation Policies, New Study Finds | Union of Concerned Scientists WASHINGTON (May 19, 2009) – With the right policies in place, the United States could dramatically cut the heat-trapping emissions that cause global warming and, at the same time, lower energy costs in every region of the country, according to the findings of a two-year, peer-reviewed study by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). (May 19, 09) Homepage | Union of Concerned Scientists
6/12/09 - Are we living at the end of the Age of Coal: Living on Earth: Generating Controversy: The Changing Climate of Coal The world's appetite for energy seems insatiable and coal, cheap and plentiful, is increasingly being used to generate electricity. In the United States almost half of our electricity comes from burning coal and fast developing China already uses more coal than the United States, the European Union and Japan, combined. But in addition to generating energy coal plants spew carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases scientists say is warming the planet. Our series "Generating Controversy: The Changing Climate of Coal" looks at the problems and promise of coal, and the potential of new technologies --from Living on Earth: Sound Journalism for the Whole Planet
6/11/09 - High Speed Rail—Good for the Environment? You’ve heard of it, the proposed High-Speed Rail from Albany to Buffalo, but have you read it? It’s long and I myself have yet to read it at this point. But this may come our way and have a great influence on our community—even our environment. If more people find high-speed rail public transportation as a viable alternative to various traveling destination as they do in many countries (though, the proposed train will only have a top speed of 110 mph), it could reduce vehicular use. That would reduce global warming gases and transportation costs for the public. In any event, it’s good to have the case before you, instead of railing against a system where you don’t have the facts - State Rail Plan "The plan, entitled NEW YORK STATE RAIL PLAN 2009 - Strategies for a New Age, was developed in cooperation with New York’s freight railroads, Amtrak, commuter railroads, transportation planners, and New York residents. The State Rail Plan was prepared based on extensive public comments, including four public information workshops, regarding a draft State Rail Plan report released in June 2008." --from NYSDOT Home
6/10/09 - Monitoring our Environment: Though a lot of indicators need to be monitored to assess the healthiness of one community, but arguably one of the most important is our environmental health. Without a sound environment, everything else loses its foundation. This new project, which includes many specific environmental indicators for our region is especially welcome. Take a moment to check out the various environmental indicators like (Prevalence of Pesticides, Air Quality, Clean Water, Population Density, Recycling Rate, Beach Contamination, Toxic Chemical Release, and more…) that suggest whether or not we are living sustainably—here in the Rochester area. Don’t form a critical opinion about the state of our environment without getting the facts. This site works towards that: ActRochester : Environment From the rolling slopes of the Finger Lakes and the broad Genesee Valley to the spectacular Lake Ontario coast, nature has provided a splendid setting. Preserving our great natural resources is the goal of the many people who work to protect our environment. --from ACT Rochester : The goal of ACT Rochester is to build on community strengths to help solve our critical problems. ACT Rochester will achieve this through community debate, discussion and engagement based on objective, timely and independent data that can reshape our approach to community problem-solving.
6/10/09 - More ways to live environmentally friendly: Green Home - Green Home Living | Sierra Club Green Home Welcome. Sierra Club Green Home is dedicated to helping you create a more sustainable home environment. Browse our site to learn more about all the things you can do. Your health, your wallet and the earth will thank you.
6/10/09 -Don't Curb it! "A preventable environmental problem can be avoided when the new TV signal changes, if you recycle your new TV. But, you don’t have to buy a new TV, get a digital converter coupon and stay with what you’ve got. June 12 TV signals change to digital and for those still using the antenna, instead of cable and satellites, your going to have to do something. That’s if you still watch TV. But, if you still watch TV, Check this out: The Looming E-Waste Tsunami - Television Recycling What Should You Do With Your Old TV Sets: Unlike leading computer manufacturers, the television industry has been, with the exception of Sony, very reluctant to take responsibility for their products at the end of their useful life. Televisions present all of the same disposal issues as computer equipment and other e-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, phones, etc.), from leaded glass to brominated fire retardants. However televisions contain much less valuable materials to offset the cost of recycling than most electronics, discouraging e-waste collectors and processors from handling them. " Digital TV age dawns Friday | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle While the analog signals to your television may end on Friday, at least one Rochester-area television station is keeping a "night light" on for people slow to make the switch to digital. democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
6/09/09 - New transportation route, New carbon-free transportation route in Rochester. Rochester Greenway "a revolutionary all-weather alternative-energy transitway for bikes, e-bikes, joggers, and skaters connecting RIT, U of R, MCC, downtown Rochester. http://tinyurl.com/RochesterGreenPaper A straight-line fair-weather bikeway already connects downtown Rochester with the University of Rochester, and RIT1. By turning this scenic five-mile path into a year-round asset, we can create a revolutionary all-weather alternative energy transitway  for bikes, e-vehicles, joggers, and skaters that will reduce road traffic and parking pressures on our campuses, create a year-round recreational attraction for locals and visitors from around the world, and put us at the forefront of the new energy economy. By merely endeavoring to pursue this vision, we can help revitalize Rochester's reputation for technological and social innovation, stimulate collaboration and synergy between our urban and academic communities, create jobs, and attract funds to the region. As documented at our new website http://RochesterGreenway.org, this is an early-stage vision. But we could begin to act immediately and incrementally.
6/08/09 - Food production in our country. You should look under the hood at food production in our country and understand how it affects our health and our environment. I highly recommend this important report by PBS NOW: Food, Inc. - Interview With Director Robert Kenner . NOW on PBS Americans have a longstanding love affair with food—the modern supermarket has, on average, 47,000 products. But do we really know what goes into making the products we so eagerly consume? NOW on PBS
6/05/09 - Learn about what one of our area colleges is doing about Recycling: RIT Green | Recycling "RIT currently recycles approximately 2,000 tons of waste each year. In 2007, 38.5% of all waste produced on campus was recycled. The Recycling Department has set a goal of recycling over 50% of the waste that leaves the campus. When met, this goal will place RIT's recycling program among the top schools nationwide. In order to meet the goal, the Recycling Department at RIT is working continuously to raise awareness of the benefits of recycling and to make recycling more convenient for everyone."
6/05/09 - Help monitor our environment: Frog watches, like bird watches, are important because these creatures are important indicators of our environment’s health. That frog populations and other wildlife are shrinking to causes other than urban sprawl (loss of their habitats) indicates that perhaps global warming or manmade pollution may be contributing causes to their demise. In any case, we shouldn’t just be mulling this over in our minds, real data needs to be gathered and this is an activity where ordinary people can contribute. [more on Living Green in Rochester] FrogwatchUSA Homepage - USGS/National Wildlife Federation - FrogwatchUSA - National Wildlife Federation FrogWatch USA is a Citizen Science Monitoring Program that gives YOU the opportunity to help scientists conserve amphibians! Being a FrogWatch volunteer gives you the opportunity to gather information that will help increase awareness of nationwide amphibian declines that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to help conserve these important species – all while helping you learn more about the wetlands in your community and the calls of frogs and toads in your community!
6/02/09 -The Bottle Bill Ban Battle This story strikes me as an odd way to look at the halt in the NYS bottle bill that was supposed to go into effect on June 1st, and an odd way to see environmental issues in general by the media. The environmentalists (isn’t everyone for a clean and healthy environment?) are unhappy that they lost the battle to remove discarded bottles from our streets, urban forests, roadway (you-name-it bottles are everywhere) via a popular measure (most New Yorkers are for this bottle bill) by a judge, bottling companies, some politicians, grocery and convenience stores. The point is that the media sees a battle not an environmental problem where an incredible amount of waste is piling up around us. The press cannot see the forest because of the trees. The forest is our environmental issues that jeopardize the sustainability of our way of life. The trees are the way mainstream media frames environmental issues—as a series of battles, oftentimes only with opponents willing to step up to the microphone. Allegedly, the rest of the public is dozing on the sidelines. In this story about the ban on this bill, what is missing is the incredible amount of trash and loss of resources and the needless use of energy that is polluting the planet. It’s not about squabbles going on by groups of people remote from our existence: It’s about how we (every one of us) conduct our business (economics) and whether or not that means our way of life is sustainable. At present, our environment is failing, pollution is building, our energy sources are warming the planet, the list goes on and on—and the media is trying to retain high profits, or just staying alive, by pandering to the public by narrowly focusing on large problems with small squabbles. The tragedy of this bottle bill ban is that without some measure to curb unnecessary bottling (like our water) and a way to discourage trashing worthless bottles, we will continue on doing what we have been doing—as if that wasn’t the problem and only the fight between those tenacious to fight for this bill or against it is. The evidence for the case that the press doesn’t get it is this: Other than this bill, there will be no other stories about reducing trash and recycling properly before or after April of next year. Check this story out: Environmentalists unhappy with delay on bottle deposit law - syracuse.com Environmental advocates and redemption center owners are boiling over a court order to delay implementation of New York's Bigger Better Bottle Bill for another year." Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com
6/01/09 - The new RENewsletter is out - RENewsletter May 31, 2009

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