Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Raising Greener Kids
A new edition to the blog, guests! Our friends at Green Apple Kids have joined us...enjoy Guest Blogger Cindy del Rosario Tapan of Green Apple Kids
My two-year-old daughter, Amihan, likes to take the garbage out. Of
course, since we are in an apartment building, and the trash compactor
is just a few feet away – it’s a relatively painless thing to do. But
as she grows and becomes increasingly curious (and increasingly
chatty) about the world around her, I can’t help but think about how
different her world is from the one that I have come to know.
Recycling is a fairly new idea, and when I was little – the thought of
separating the trash would have probably seemed a little ridiculous.
In fact, some people might think it still is. But every time I give
Amihan a piece of garbage, I have to distinguish whether it goes in
the regular garbage or the recycling bin. As we dump our unwanted
stuff into one of the three containers in our refuse room, she asks,
“What’s that for?” and “Why that go there?”
It might seem like a relatively small step, but I’d like to think that
in explaining that this bin is for the paper items, that bin is for
the plastic and glass items, and that chute is for all the other stuff
– she’s learning a little more about how to care for the planet. She’s
learning things that I have just come to understand myself.
That’s why I’m working with Green Apple Kids to teach children of all
ages the many fun, easy ways to go green. We host workshops that
demonstrate a slew of different eco-friendly ideas for our youngest
minds. Our next one is this Saturday, May 2nd, and we’ll be learning
about the power of the wind. Kids will be able to make this neat
little device called an anemometer, from reusable objects. I hope you
can join us. We’ll be at the Williamsburg Branch of the Brooklyn
Public Library at noon.
I’ll be guest blogging here on behalf of Green Apple Kids from time to
time. Our slogan is, “Greening young minds before they are polluted.”
It is my hope that my little girl’s mind will stay clean for some
time.
Learn more about Green Apple Kids.
Learn more about Recycling at CENYC's Office of Recycling Education and Outreach.
Find some cool recycling activities for youth at EPA.
My two-year-old daughter, Amihan, likes to take the garbage out. Of
course, since we are in an apartment building, and the trash compactor
is just a few feet away – it’s a relatively painless thing to do. But
as she grows and becomes increasingly curious (and increasingly
chatty) about the world around her, I can’t help but think about how
different her world is from the one that I have come to know.
Recycling is a fairly new idea, and when I was little – the thought of
separating the trash would have probably seemed a little ridiculous.
In fact, some people might think it still is. But every time I give
Amihan a piece of garbage, I have to distinguish whether it goes in
the regular garbage or the recycling bin. As we dump our unwanted
stuff into one of the three containers in our refuse room, she asks,
“What’s that for?” and “Why that go there?”
It might seem like a relatively small step, but I’d like to think that
in explaining that this bin is for the paper items, that bin is for
the plastic and glass items, and that chute is for all the other stuff
– she’s learning a little more about how to care for the planet. She’s
learning things that I have just come to understand myself.
That’s why I’m working with Green Apple Kids to teach children of all
ages the many fun, easy ways to go green. We host workshops that
demonstrate a slew of different eco-friendly ideas for our youngest
minds. Our next one is this Saturday, May 2nd, and we’ll be learning
about the power of the wind. Kids will be able to make this neat
little device called an anemometer, from reusable objects. I hope you
can join us. We’ll be at the Williamsburg Branch of the Brooklyn
Public Library at noon.
I’ll be guest blogging here on behalf of Green Apple Kids from time to
time. Our slogan is, “Greening young minds before they are polluted.”
It is my hope that my little girl’s mind will stay clean for some
time.
Learn more about Green Apple Kids.
Learn more about Recycling at CENYC's Office of Recycling Education and Outreach.
Find some cool recycling activities for youth at EPA.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Little Green Help
The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development's newly launched Green Corps Internship program could be the help you need. They are offering talented and ambitious youth interns to green businesses and organizations for summer 2009. Interns undergo a competitive selection process to join the program and are selected based on achievement, interest, dedication, and demonstrated leadership qualities. They receive support by DYCD and are paid by the City of New York Summer Youth Employment program. If interested, contact Karuna Ramachandran, Project Manager, at kramachandran@dycd.nyc.gov or 212.227.7175.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sweet Event For People Who Love Recycling!
Us Green Team members love recycling and even more, when it's done correctly.
The Office of Recycling Education and Outreach (OROE) a program of Council on the Environment of NYC works tirelessly to educate residents on how to properly recycle here in NYC. Show them your love by going on a sweet cruise hosted by CENYC...
Join CENYC for cocktails, Greenmarket-inspired food, a silent auction, music, dancing and great giveaways as we enjoy one of the first nights on the water of 2009 in support of recycling in NYC.
Cruise the Hudson River and New York Harbor featuring scenic views of Manhattan, aboard the Queen of Hearts, a 3-level paddlewheel ship.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
PIER 40, West Side Hwy & W Houston St
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
PIER 40, West Side Hwy & W Houston St
75 bucks gets you drinks, snacks, live music, and a cruise on the water at sunset. If you work for a nonprofit, it's only 50$
Honoring: Honorable Congressman Michael McMahon, Edward Skyler, Deputy Mayor for Operations, Anthony Pratt, CE0, Pratt Industries
Purchase Tix.
Learn More.
Purchase Tix.
Learn More.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Gowanus Debate
Read the NYTimes article on the Superfund designation of the Gowanus. . . What are people thinking about the EPA's designation? Find out what's going on in your own backyard.
photo: Andrea Mohin/NYTimes
Friday, April 24, 2009
Go Wild (flower) in NYC!
May 2 - 9, NYC Wildflower Week is hosted by the Torrey Botanical Society as a way to re-engage New Yorkers with the natural heritage so beloved by our namesake, John Torrey. The 2nd annual NYC Wildflower Week celebrates all things green and wild in the Big Apple—the hundreds of native flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses that are found in the five boroughs. It gives New Yorkers numerous ways to connect with and be inspired by their local environment. Free activities throughout the city include: botanical walks, garden tours, ecology lectures, children’s events, planting opportunities, cooking classes, and food tastings at top restaurants. Learn More about events near you.
New York City native plants include mosses, ferns, grasses, sedges and rushes, wildflowers, trees, shrubs and woody vines. Over thousands of years, native plants have adapted to the climate, soils and environmental conditions of our locality. This site-specific evolution is reflected in their genetic makeup. Sculpted by nature, the plants found here have become perfectly suited to New York City living. They are an integral part of our ecosystems, and the building blocks of our local biodiversity.
About the Torrey Botanical Society: The Society promotes the exploration and study of plant life, with particular focus on the flora of the New York City metro area. Today, it fosters and supports floristic curiosity through indoor meetings (lectures), outdoor meetings (plant walks), fellowships that support graduate study, and publications.
About the Torrey Botanical Society: The Society promotes the exploration and study of plant life, with particular focus on the flora of the New York City metro area. Today, it fosters and supports floristic curiosity through indoor meetings (lectures), outdoor meetings (plant walks), fellowships that support graduate study, and publications.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
New Legislation Introduced for NYC Buildings
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn today announced the world’s most comprehensive package of legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing government, commercial, and residential buildings. A six-point plan, when enacted as part of PlaNYC, will dramatically reduce the City’s energy usage and save consumers money, while simultaneously creating thousands of well-paying jobs and significantly reducing New York City’s carbon footprint. The six-point plan consists of four pieces of new legislation and two PlaNYC programs that will achieve carbon reductions, train workers for the estimated 19,000 construction jobs that will be created, and help finance energy-saving improvements using $16 million available from theAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The plan will also result in cleaner air, since emissions from boilers, furnaces, and local power plants will also be reduced. According to the PlaNYC inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, almost 80 percent of New York City’s carbon footprint comes from buildings’ energy use. Once implemented, the legislation announced today will reduce citywide emissions by 5 percent, the equivalent of eliminating all carbon emissions from Oakland, California.
New York City Energy Code Bill
Currently, New York is one of 42 U.S. states using the standard energy code known as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). However, New York is the only state that amends this code with a loophole that allows buildings to skirt the energy code if they are not taking on massive renovations. A critical component of NYC’s Green Buildings Plan is to move beyond this amendment and create an NYC code that would require all buildings to comply with the un-amended version. This means any time a renovation takes place in one of NYC’s 1 million buildings, this work would be required to conform to a set of easily applied standards, resulting in both a significant energy reduction and cost savings.
Benchmarking Bill
This legislation would require a benchmarking standard for all City buildings. Benchmarking is the practice of evaluating a building’s energy efficiency so a building owner can identify what improvements he or she should make. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an online benchmarking tool to track buildings’ annual energy and water consumption. Tracking allows building owners and operators to see how efficiently their buildings function and enable prospective buyers to better assess the value of a building. Benchmarking provides the basis for empowering building owners to take steps towards minimizing energy use and maximizing the economic benefits of energy conservation.
Audits and Retrofits Bill
This legislation would require owners of existing buildings over 50,000 square feet to make cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to their buildings once every ten years by conducting an audit, retro-commissioning, and retrofitting their building. Buildings will undergo energy audits with results determining the necessary improvements to be undertaken, including insulating pipes, replacing inefficient lighting, and installing low-flow water fixtures. The legislation requires spending by building owners for only those retrofits that will pay for themselves in less than 5 years through energy-related cost-savings. Many of the required measures are low- to no-cost. Those savings will then continue beyond recovery of initial outlays. This bill would apply to all classes of buildings over 50,000 square feet, both private and City-owned, and will cover nearly half of the built square footage of New York City.
Lighting Upgrades Bill
In New York City, lighting accounts for approximately 20 percent of the energy used in buildings and roughly 20 percent of a building’s carbon emissions. The proposed legislation requires that lighting systems in buildings over 50,000 square feet be upgraded to meet the requirements of the New York City Energy Conservation Code. Over the past few decades, there have been rapid improvements in lighting technology, which have resulted in a dramatic reduction of energy use. By addressing lighting in the building sector, New York City can dramatically reduce its CO2 emissions.
Green Workforce Development Training
To address the increased demand for energy auditors, contractors, construction workers, and other related professionals, the City has been working with key stakeholders in the labor and real estate sectors, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to identify the workforce needs and opportunities created by the legislation. This will ensure that there is an adequate supply of skilled technicians to implement the legislation. The legislation will be a key economic driver in the green economy, creating an estimated 19,000 construction jobs as part of the Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan
Green Building Financing
Retrofits pay for themselves, reduce utility bills and improve buildings' financial health. However, some owners may not have the ability to finance these improvements upfront. To begin to assist owners, New York City will establish a revolving loan fund, using $16 million in federal money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Loans will be offered to owners who demonstrate financial need or have already completed an energy audit. Energy savings data will be collected to encourage private sector lending in the long-term.
Benchmarking Bill
This legislation would require a benchmarking standard for all City buildings. Benchmarking is the practice of evaluating a building’s energy efficiency so a building owner can identify what improvements he or she should make. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an online benchmarking tool to track buildings’ annual energy and water consumption. Tracking allows building owners and operators to see how efficiently their buildings function and enable prospective buyers to better assess the value of a building. Benchmarking provides the basis for empowering building owners to take steps towards minimizing energy use and maximizing the economic benefits of energy conservation.
Audits and Retrofits Bill
This legislation would require owners of existing buildings over 50,000 square feet to make cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to their buildings once every ten years by conducting an audit, retro-commissioning, and retrofitting their building. Buildings will undergo energy audits with results determining the necessary improvements to be undertaken, including insulating pipes, replacing inefficient lighting, and installing low-flow water fixtures. The legislation requires spending by building owners for only those retrofits that will pay for themselves in less than 5 years through energy-related cost-savings. Many of the required measures are low- to no-cost. Those savings will then continue beyond recovery of initial outlays. This bill would apply to all classes of buildings over 50,000 square feet, both private and City-owned, and will cover nearly half of the built square footage of New York City.
Lighting Upgrades Bill
In New York City, lighting accounts for approximately 20 percent of the energy used in buildings and roughly 20 percent of a building’s carbon emissions. The proposed legislation requires that lighting systems in buildings over 50,000 square feet be upgraded to meet the requirements of the New York City Energy Conservation Code. Over the past few decades, there have been rapid improvements in lighting technology, which have resulted in a dramatic reduction of energy use. By addressing lighting in the building sector, New York City can dramatically reduce its CO2 emissions.
Green Workforce Development Training
To address the increased demand for energy auditors, contractors, construction workers, and other related professionals, the City has been working with key stakeholders in the labor and real estate sectors, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to identify the workforce needs and opportunities created by the legislation. This will ensure that there is an adequate supply of skilled technicians to implement the legislation. The legislation will be a key economic driver in the green economy, creating an estimated 19,000 construction jobs as part of the Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan
Green Building Financing
Retrofits pay for themselves, reduce utility bills and improve buildings' financial health. However, some owners may not have the ability to finance these improvements upfront. To begin to assist owners, New York City will establish a revolving loan fund, using $16 million in federal money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Loans will be offered to owners who demonstrate financial need or have already completed an energy audit. Energy savings data will be collected to encourage private sector lending in the long-term.
Source: PlaNYC
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day 2009
Volunteer with us this Saturday, APRIL 25 at Prospect Park. 10am-2pm @ Prospect Park Grand Army Plaza entrance (2/3 to grand army plaza). Join us in fulfilling the YES WE CAN Volunteer Challenge as part of Hands-on New York Day! Bring your closed-toe shoes and long pants and do some weeding, path edging, sweeping, and general clean-up. RSVP by emailing brooklyngreen@gmail.com and let us know the number of people you plan on bringing.
Greenmarket Head to the Union Square Greenmarket (or another one in your hood that's open on Wednesday) and get all your ingredients and make a local dinner. Click here to see all NYC Greenmarkets.
Search on www.Goodsearch.com. If you can't resist combing the internet for the latest developments of Miley Cyrus' career, try using this Yahoo-powered search engine that donates a penny per search to your favorite environmental cause.
Support Local (and sustainable) if you're a BK resident. Pop into 3rliving and help them celebrate their 5-year anniversary and make a $1 donation to their recycling services they provide the community. Or pick your favorite mom and pop (sister or brother) in your neighborhood and support them.
Go Outside and sit or stroll in your nearest park or waterfront.
Give to your favorite local charity. There are so many great green groups in NYC. Our YES WE CAN VOLUNTEER Challenge post has a list of organizations worthy of your support.
Plastic-free for the day. Don't purchase or take anything new that's plastic, from the produce bag you grab for at the grocery store to a bottle of Vitamin water. Some inspiration.
Check Out the myriad of Earth Day events in NYC. Check the Earth Day NY or visit our partners at GreenEdge Collaborative NYC for event listings.
Turn Off either your computer, your ipod, your TV, or all of the above for the day.
Spread the News to others and remind them it's Earth Day and to do one good green thing. You could even forward them this email.
Just do one thing and have a great day.
Greenmarket Head to the Union Square Greenmarket (or another one in your hood that's open on Wednesday) and get all your ingredients and make a local dinner. Click here to see all NYC Greenmarkets.
Search on www.Goodsearch.com. If you can't resist combing the internet for the latest developments of Miley Cyrus' career, try using this Yahoo-powered search engine that donates a penny per search to your favorite environmental cause.
Support Local (and sustainable) if you're a BK resident. Pop into 3rliving and help them celebrate their 5-year anniversary and make a $1 donation to their recycling services they provide the community. Or pick your favorite mom and pop (sister or brother) in your neighborhood and support them.
Go Outside and sit or stroll in your nearest park or waterfront.
Give to your favorite local charity. There are so many great green groups in NYC. Our YES WE CAN VOLUNTEER Challenge post has a list of organizations worthy of your support.
Plastic-free for the day. Don't purchase or take anything new that's plastic, from the produce bag you grab for at the grocery store to a bottle of Vitamin water. Some inspiration.
Check Out the myriad of Earth Day events in NYC. Check the Earth Day NY or visit our partners at GreenEdge Collaborative NYC for event listings.
Turn Off either your computer, your ipod, your TV, or all of the above for the day.
Spread the News to others and remind them it's Earth Day and to do one good green thing. You could even forward them this email.
Just do one thing and have a great day.
Check out what Al Gore has to say about Earth Day 2009.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
More Volunteerism We Like!
On behalf of Audubon and TogetherGreen cities across the country that will host TogetherGreen Volunteer Days in celebration for Earth Day 2009!
The TogetherGreen Volunteer Days aim to launch a continuing cycle of positive environmental impact and can help make a big difference in your community. Activities include habitat and trail restoration, river and lake clean-ups, invasive species removal, nest-box building, wildlife and plant surveys, and more!
Here's the scoop on an upcoming NYC volunteer event:
The TogetherGreen Volunteer Days aim to launch a continuing cycle of positive environmental impact and can help make a big difference in your community. Activities include habitat and trail restoration, river and lake clean-ups, invasive species removal, nest-box building, wildlife and plant surveys, and more!
Here's the scoop on an upcoming NYC volunteer event:
New York City Audubon Society
5/2/2009, 10 am - 3 pm
With the NYC Park’s Natural Resources Group, we will be planting trees and shrubs at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx. Meet at Van Cortlandt Riding Stables parking lot, on the western edge of the park off of Broadway and 254th Street. Those who come to volunteer will be provided lunch, work gear, and a special token of our appreciation! Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for working outdoors.
Learn More.
With the NYC Park’s Natural Resources Group, we will be planting trees and shrubs at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx. Meet at Van Cortlandt Riding Stables parking lot, on the western edge of the park off of Broadway and 254th Street. Those who come to volunteer will be provided lunch, work gear, and a special token of our appreciation! Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for working outdoors.
Learn More.
Join the Red Hook CSA
A great way to be eco-friendly and keep money in your community is to participate in a CSA (community supported agriculture). You're supporting local farmers and local food systems while not purchasing food shipped from all over the world.
Their pitch:
We are currently looking for as many as 20 members to join the RED HOOK CSA.
Since the 2008 season we have been working with our neighbors to grow what will eventually be an all Urban CSA. Currently about 80% of the produce provided is grown by our team of youth and Adults on Red Hook Community Farm. We have three
work shares left, we accept, credit cards, and EBT.
In addition to receiving some of the freshest produce available you also have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community. We ask all members to contribute 10hrs of time to support the development of the farm or to further the sustainable development of our community through social, cultural and political action. If you are considering becoming part of our current group of 20 interested you can down load a brochure and a contract from here. Shares will go fast.
Check out the brochure
Their pitch:
We are currently looking for as many as 20 members to join the RED HOOK CSA.
Since the 2008 season we have been working with our neighbors to grow what will eventually be an all Urban CSA. Currently about 80% of the produce provided is grown by our team of youth and Adults on Red Hook Community Farm. We have three
work shares left, we accept, credit cards, and EBT.
In addition to receiving some of the freshest produce available you also have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community. We ask all members to contribute 10hrs of time to support the development of the farm or to further the sustainable development of our community through social, cultural and political action. If you are considering becoming part of our current group of 20 interested you can down load a brochure and a contract from here. Shares will go fast.
Check out the brochure
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 22 - Earth Day!
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day began officially on April 22nd, 1970, when Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson proposed the first nationwide environmental protest. 20 million Americans gathered and organized from coast to coast, to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. For more detailed information, please visit www.earthday.net
Earth Day continues to be celebrated on April 22nd, although many groups now organize events on the following weekend. To learn more about other Earth Day events in New York City, click here.
Source: Earth Day New York
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