Get into the holiday spirit, boost the local economy, and save the planet!

The Brooklyn Green Team is thrilled to partner with the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce for the second annual Snowflake Celebration campaign!

Stores in Park Slope will be staying open late on Thursday December 4th and Thursday December 11th to get you in the holiday spirit and to offer sales, giveaways, raffles, carolers, food and drink. Most importantly, shoppers can feel the warm glow of keeping your local economy strong by buying local!

With many cafes participating, the Brooklyn Green Team will be selling stainless steel travel mugs with the Buy in Brooklyn Logo in front of the Park Slope Food Coop on Union between 6th and 7th Avenues.

What's that you ask? Why yes, we are in the middle of our latest challenge, the Bring Your Own Mug Challenge, in partnership with GreenEdge Collaborative NYC. In an effort to cut down on those paper cups and plastic lids (not to mention the cardboard coffee sleeve), Brooklyn Green Team will be signing up folks for the challenge at the Snowflake Celebration. Not only does using a travel mug save resources, it also saves your local businesses the expense of these coffee accessories.

Participating stores will be open until 10 pm. For more info and to see a list of participating stores, click here.

The Earth Needs You!

A very important message about this Saturday - GLOBAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION - from the Climate Crisis Coalition...

On Saturday, December 6, 2008, concerned citizens around the world will be participating in the fourth annual Global Day of Climate Action. This important day will be midway through the annual UN climate conference, taking place this year in Poznan, Poland. The Climate Crisis Coalition's international ally, The Global Climate Campaign, is synchronizing demonstrations around the world in as many places as possible - to call on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change. As in previous years, CCC is calling on friends and allies to partake in any way they can.

This year, actions in the U.S. are particularly pertinent because the U.N. conference is going to set the parameters for the all-important post-Kyoto treaty to be signed in December, 2009 in Copenhagen. And with the hoped-for dawning of a new era in Washington, this will represent a last chance for the U.S. to clearly reverse its obstructionist role and set the tone so that a significant, strong and binding treaty can be negotiated. The perils our planet faces demand no less.

Visit the online network where people can find out about events taking place across the country and groups and individuals can register new events. We only have three weeks to put this together, but with our all-consuming elections behind us, and growing number of citizens eager to keep the President-elect Obama and the new Congress focused on the climate crisis, CCC is convinced that it is not too late for significant actions to take place across the U.S. on or around December 6th. Many are all ready in the works.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Rallies, teach-ins, forums, vigils, movie showings and other gatherings of all types are encouraged. CCC will publicize and report on these actions through postings at the Climate Action: 12/6/08 site.

The Issues

Binding and enforceable climate legislation in the U.S within the first 100 days of the new Congress that will begin to sharply curtail greenhouse-gas emissions. The U.S. must also exert leadership toward reaching a similarly effective post-Kyoto treaty.

Reduced levels of atmospheric CO2. Our allies at 350.org, inspired by climate scientist James Hansen and author Bill McKibben, are making a compelling case for a drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, not just to level off atmospheric concentrations that are already far to high, but to reduce them to a level where the earth and life as we know it has a fighting chance. Top climate scientists have come up with the number of 350 parts per million: that must be our goal and our rallying cry.

100% carbon-free electricity within 10 years. Al Gore has issued a five-part plan to repower America with a commitment to producing 100 percent of our electricity from carbon-free sources within 10 years. This is a goal that must be embraced by all.

Pricing carbon pollution will create powerful incentives for our economy to rely upon energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, both of which will reduce emissions, create green jobs and promote economic and social equity. This involves gradually-increasing carbon taxes on the use of coal, oil and gas, with revenues used to reduce other taxes or distributed directly to individuals on an equal basis. Any of this revenue directed toward developing green energy must be for truly renewable sources - excluding nuclear power and 'clean' coal.

CCC and its allies are planning a major petitioning campaign to Congress and the Obama Administration requesting that equitable carbon pricing be an essential component of a new comprehensive climate bill that needs to be enacted in the first 100 days of the 111th Congress. The website where groups and individuals can support this effort, sign the petition, and send letters to Washington will be launched on November 20th!

We now have remarkable opportunities at a unique juncture in our history. Any help that you can offer would be most appreciated. Please let the Climate Crisis Coalition know by return email if you can assist with the December 6th Global Day of Action or with our Carbon Pricing Initiative. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIG DAY

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My True Love Sent to Me...

Twelve was to green my cellphone!

1. Unplug your charger when it's not being used. It draws energy from the outlet even when not plugged into your phone.
2. Minimize the backlight. Save battery time by setting the backlight to the lowest setting.
3. Use GPS navigation from your phone if you are set up for that. It'll save you driving time and gas.
4. Don't buy a new phone until you need it, and recycle your old phone.
5. Use your phone's alarm clock and get rid of your traditional one. That's one less appliance. Saves money, saves energy.
6. Use your phone's backlight as a flashlight/nightlight if you need to see something when your in bed.
7. Don't charge your phone as habit, charge it only when you need it.
8. If you can go online with your phone, you can get your news that way and save paper.
9. Charge your phone with solar power. Click here to read a review of a solar charger http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11288_7-6427792-3.html
10. Don't want a solar charger? Ask your electricity provider for alternative methods such as wind.
11. Carbon offsetting. Use the electricity you need and pay another company to use renewable resources. Check out www.GreenEnergyChoice.com
12. Spend less time on the phone!

In other cell phone news, Motorola is working on a cellphone with a display screen that doubles as a solar cell. It won't be long until you can charge your phone with the sun's rays. What a beautiful idea!!!

Guzzle Guzzle

A little bit of what we need today...


It was on this day in 1942 that President Roosevelt announced that the United States would begin a national gas rationing campaign on December 1st. All Americans had to display a sticker in their car window saying what category of gas ration they had. Everyone started out at "A," which got people about four gallons a week. Local rationing boards were set up to assign a "B" or "C" ration to people who needed more gas if they could prove it was necessary for their work.The campaign made propaganda posters that asked, "Is This Trip Necessary?" or said, "When you ride ALONE you ride with Hitler! Join a Car-Sharing Club TODAY!" Along with the gas rations, the national speed limit was set at 35 mph.The gas rationing wasn't a result of a gas shortage. The United States was self-sufficient in oil and was actually a major exporter of petroleum. But the Japanese had taken over the rubber plantations in the Dutch East Indies that produced 90 percent of America's raw rubber, and there was no synthetic rubber. The government was afraid that if everyone kept driving, they would wear out tires that couldn't be replaced. The factories and the entire war effort would come to a halt. So the United States' first national gas rationing campaign was a roundabout way to conserve rubber. The gas ration continued until August of 1945.


Source: The Writer's Almanac

Check It Out

Fuel, which did well at Sundance is all about our addiction to oil. It's still on the west coast, but check out their site and Demand It! for NYC (they offer it on their site)

Money Talks

Recent events have proven that individual voices can can be heard around the world and can bring about great change. In these times of economic and environmental crises, the most important way we have of speaking out is how we spend our dollar. By supporting companies that make efforts to reduce their carbon footprint we send a very clear message: companies that care about the planet will thrive on consumer dollars.

But how do you know which companies are making efforts to be green? Check out www.climatecounts.org. This nonprofit collaborative funded by Stonyfield Farms aims to bring consumers to companies that are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

Companies are rated on a scale of "Stuck" "Starting" or "Striving" to let you know who has the biggest commitment to tackling global warming, and include apparel companies, hotels, airlines, food services, and many, many more. For instance, in internet services, Google is "Striving" and ebay is "Struggling". In the apparel category, Nike is "Striving" and Levi Strauss is "Starting".

Climate Counts is an incredible tool for the consumer. Knowledge is power, and Climate Counts can help you make better choices. Remember, you don't have to shout from the mountaintop to be heard.

The Take Back the Filter Campaign Worked!

We may have good water here in NYC, but lets face it, many of us use filters to get rid of that fresh from the long pipe taste.  Brooklyn Green Team and obviously the folks about the Take Back the Filter Campaign, are thrilled that Brita, maker of popular water-purifying pitchers, will launch a recycling program in partnership with Recycline (maker of recycled toothbrushes and razors and more) for used water filters beginning in January. Consumers will be able to drop used filters off at selected Whole Foods stores or mail them in; the plastic parts will be turned into recycled toothbrushes and razors, and the activated carbon "will be regenerated for alternative use or converted into energy," according to the company. Rush to your nearest Whole Foods and dump those filters you've been stuffing in your closet for just this occasion! Yipee!

Source: Grist

Lions and Tigers and Bears Go Green!

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the Bronx Zoo announced that it will be canceling its annual Holiday Lights show. Acoording to zoo officials, the show consumed about 3,500 kilowatts a night which equals approximately 66 metric tons a season. This equals the amount that a three-person household produces in an entire year!

The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the zoo, is doing its part to reduce greenhouse gas emission from their facilities. The Brooklyn Green Team applauds their decision to cut a program that annual draws about 100,000 visitors to the zoo, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

But we can't cancel the holidays altogether! So instead, the zoo will feature the Wild Winterland show. Although there will be no lighted features, the daylight festival will include Clydesdale horse wagon rides, a petting zoo, ice carving, stilt walkers, puppets and craft workshops.

The show will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every weekend from Dec. 6 through Dec. 21, and then daily from Dec. 22 through Jan. 4

For more information, visit http://www.bronxzoo.com/this-season-at-the-zoo/events-calendar/wild-winterland.aspx

Shrek is Green!

Universal Studios Hollywood today unveiled new solar powered golf carts that will be used for employee transport for both the movie studio and theme park. The carts were created by the Cruise Car company and will replace the currently used gas powered ones.

This is not the first green initiative taken by Universal Studios; new technologies in lighting, electric motor drives, and software designed to control hydraulic systems were employed in the manufacture of the "The Simpsons Ride", which debuted earlier this year, all designed to create large savings in energy consumption.

The Environmental Media Association's Green Seal Award for achievements in environmental awareness was awarded to Universal Studios Hollywood. It is the first-ever theme park to receive the award.

Congratulations and keep up the good work!!!

New Incentives for Green Taxi Fleet

Just in case you wondered what was happening since the big splash of green cabs and then a plateau...Mayor Bloomberg announced a series of initiatives to increase the use of fuel efficient and eco-friendly taxicabs through new financial incentives and legislative initiatives.  "Our goal from the beginning was to get fuel efficient taxis on the road using whatever appropriate methods required to achieve our goal," said TLC Comissioner Daus. "The new program will incentivize the purchase of cleaner vehicles, while ensuring taxi drivers are not penalized because a cab owner is reluctant to make the wiser purchase of a hybrid vehicle."

Congressman Nadler will sponsor legislation supported by the City that will amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to, at the very least, allow local governments to set fuel efficiency standards for the for-hire vehicles they license. 

Council Member Yassky will explore City Council legislation that will examine reducing the required retirement age for Crown Victoria taxicabs and increasing the required retirement age for fuel efficient cars to further incentivize the use of such cars. 

Learn More

Getting to the Root of it

If you have visited your local Farmers Market recently you probably noticed the variety of root vegetables available. Most of us are a little intemedated by the strange shapes, colors and textures of these veggies and find it hard to imagine what to make with a rutabaga or a turnip. So here is a yummy recipe that will help you enjoy these seasonal wonders.

Root Vegetable Stew with Herb Dumplings

Stew

4 tsp extra virgin olive oil

8 ounces Italian sausage (hot or sweet)

2 pounds assorted root vegetables

1 large onion diced

4 cloves garlic

1 tbls chopped sage or rosemary

4 cups chicken broth

3 cups chopped dark leafy green of your choice

Salt and pepper to taste

Dumplings

1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup all purpose or cake flour

1 tbls chopped sage or rosemary

1 tbls baking powder

1 large egg

1/2 cup low-fat milk

1/4 tbls salt

1. To prepare stew: Heat 2 tbls oil in a medium skillet add sausages and cook until brown on all sides (5 minutes). Transfer to cutting board, when cool slice into 1 inch pieces.

2. Heat the remaining oil in a Dutch Oven or large pot. Cook onion until tender (4 minutes). Add chopped root vegetables (make sure all the pieces are the same size) cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic and sage, cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add broth, salt and pepper and bring stew to a simmer. Stir often.

3. To prepare dumplings: Whisk flour, pastry flour, sage, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Add egg and milk, stir until a stiff batter forms.

4. When stew reaches a simmer, stir in greens and sausage and return to a simmer. Drop 1 tbls of dough at a time (making about 10 dumplings). Adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover and cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. 

5. When ready the vegetables should be tender, the sausage cooked through and the dumplings puffed.

Serves 6 - 1 hour prep and cook time

Help Your Landlord Out-Even If You Don't Really Like Them!

Many of us New Yorkers don't have control over our thermostat during the cold winter months. Some of us are in our apartments sweltering, throwing windows open in January, while others of us walk around our apartments wrapped in blankets all winter. These two extremes of the heating issue in many cases are due to the infrastructure of the old buildings that many New Yorkers reside in, in other cases maybe your landlord is just too cheap to turn the heat up to a livable temperature! Either way, you can make a few home improvements that will keep you toasty, your landlords heating bill down, all the while saving the environment.

Step 1. Remove your air conditioner. This will keep cold air from seeping in.
Step 2. Weatherstrip your doors and windows. (At the very least lock your windows to insure that they are closed tightly.)
Step 3. Move all furniture and rugs away from the heat source. This will allow the warm air to circulate around your apartment or home. (In fact you could make an interesting decorating choice while adding a bit of warmth to your home- hang a carpet on the wall.)
Step 4. If you do have control of your thermostat, set your thermostat 8 degrees lower while you are not at home. Most people have there thermostat set for 70 degrees while they are home, but if you use a blanket, you could comfortably set your thermostat for 68 degrees.
Step 5. Invite a bunch of friends over to watch a movie and insist that you all smush together on your couch. That will insure warmth!