RENewsletter April 29, 2012

RENewsletter | April 29, 2012

The Free environmental newsletter from RochesterEnvironment.com

“Our Environment is changing: Keep up with the Change.”

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[04/22/2012 – 04/29/2012]

The Aril 2012 Environmental Site of the Month Award goes to Climate Change Crash Course « The Cost of Energy | http://www.grinzo.com/energy/4c/ Go to Award.

Opening Salvo: “Bats and Bees: What’s the story?”

Considering the critical roles both bats and honeybees play in our environment, our economics, and our agriculture, it’s worth taking a moment to catch up on these wonderful creatures. Bats eat bugs that eat our crops and spread diseases—like West Nile Virus. Honeybees pollinate our flowers and crops—like apples. Bat populations are being decimated by White-Nose Syndrome and honeybees are also collapsing because of Colony Collapse Disorder. We know that both these species are in trouble by their diseases, but what seems to have clouded the information and hence the saving of both bats and bees is the role pesticides are playing in their demise—if any. However, both of these issues have gone on for some time now with little progress and we have to wonder if it is due to the possible role of pesticides:

· Controversy Deepens Over Pesticides and Bee Collapse A controversial new study of honeybee deaths has deepened a bitter dispute over whether the developed world’s most popular pesticides are causing an ecological catastrophe. Researchers led by biologist Chensheng Lu of Harvard University report a direct link between hive health and dietary exposure to imidacloprid, a so-called neonicotinoid pesticide linked to colony collapse disorder, the mysterious and massive die-off of bees across North America and Europe. (April 6, 2012) Wired Science - News for Your Neurons | Wired.com

· Behind Mass Die-Offs, Pesticides Lurk as Culprit by Sonia Shah: Yale Environment 360 “In the past dozen years, no fewer than three never-before-seen diseases have decimated populations of amphibians, bees, and — most recently — bats. A growing body of evidence indicates that pesticide exposure may be playing an important role in the decline of the first two species, and scientists are investigating whether such exposures may be involved in the deaths of more than 1 million bats in the northeastern United States over the past several years.” (January 2010) Yale Environment 360: Opinion, Analysis, Reporting & Debate

What makes saving our honeybees and bats so difficult is the interaction of politics, science, law, the pesticide industry, and the media. The science is problematic because industry does not want its pesticides associated with or even collaterally connected to these diseases even when using their products properly. But it’s often very hard to tell what happens when toxic chemicals (let’s face it pesticides kill pests) radiate out into our environment, which in turn sows doubt in the courts and in the media. Cause and effect are hard to determine after tons of these toxins are released into our air, land, and soil.

Also, concern over the use of pesticides to manage our crops and control potential pests that compromise our public health is linked with Climate Change. As our growing season lengthens in New York State because of warming, the length of survival for the pests, both indigenous and invasive, will increase. And our inclination will be to dump more pesticides and herbicides to protect our way of life.

On bats: You can find the latest news and information on White-Nose Syndrome in bats here: White-Nose Syndrome - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and check out this latest study DEC Reports: 2012 Winter Bat Survey Results - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

On bees: Check with the EPA: Honeybee colony collapse disorder | Pesticides | US EPA

FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com (Click on my email for feedback)

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* Got news? | Go to my blog: Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY or Tweet me @ http://twitter.com/#!/FrankRrrr On Twitter and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RochesterEnvironment and Examiner/RochesterEnvironment, I post local environmental events, news, and commentary as soon as it happens. If you think this newsletter, which continually informs our community on our local environmental news, events, actions, is worthwhile, please encourage others to sign up. We who care about our environment and future need to ‘Occupy’ the Rochester media to change how the public views environmental news.

The great conundrum of our times is that in a time of rapidly occurring Climate Change and a rapid disintegration of the environment that we need to thrive and survive, mainstream media still marginalizes environmental concerns. [Check often for this continually updated list on the possible consequences of Climate Change in our region--supported by facts.] If there isn’t a quick and substantial change in how environmental concerns are reported, edited, and chosen in mainstream media, the public will continue to believe that environmental concerns are merely special interest matters, issues they can avoid if they choose. How can we inform the public and monitor our environment without abridging our Freedoms--in enough time to safe ourselves?

Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet. -- Carl Sagan

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NewsLinks – Environmental NewsLinks – [Highlights of major environmental stories concerning our area from the past week]

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Updates – Daily Updates – [Connecting the dots on Rochester’s environment. Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care? Clicking on -DISCUSSION – will take you to my blog “Environmental Thoughts, NY, where you can add your comments.]

4/28/2012 - If you don’t know who ALEX is and how our attempts to preserve and protect our environment is undermined politically by industry then you should read this: This Week in Clean Economy: ALEC May Target Renewable Energy Mandates | InsideClimate News "I expect the issue to be discussed at one of our upcoming task force meetings," the conservative nonprofit tells InsideClimate News. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative policy group, has helped state lawmakers craft measures aimed at curtailing U.S. EPA air pollution rules, repealing cap and trade and teaching climate skepticism in schools, among many other things. A future target could be renewable energy mandates, which are on the books in more than half of U.S. states. (April 27, 2012) | InsideClimate News
4/27/2012 - This year’s odd weather isn’t so ‘odd’ when you connect the dots between Climate Change and extreme weather events: How Odd Weather is Hurting New York Fruit Growers | WXXI News The apple crop in New York is the second-largest in the country, behind only Washington State. Cherries, peaches, apricots and grapes are also big business in New York. But this year, New York fruit growers are suffering through an especially uncertain time. (April 26, 2012) Innovation Trail
4/27/2012 - While many are things like poor economies are ‘conspiring’ to do nothing about lowing fossil fuel use that warm the planet, Nature is indifferent Countries Losing Steam On Climate Change Initiatives : NPR Energy ministers from around the world met in London this week and got a scolding. The International Energy Agency warned the ministers that they are falling way behind in their efforts to wean the world from dirty sources of energy. Nations are nowhere near being on track to avert significant climate change in the coming decades. It turns out that right now, just about everything is conspiring to make it harder to clean up the world's energy supply. (April 26, 2012)Environment : NPR [more on Climate Change in our area]
4/27/2012 - As I am helping out in two area clean-up event around the community—tomorrow’s Monroe County Pick Up the Parks and the City of Rochester | Clean Sweep - 2012—this article seems appropriate for the way we treat the generation and disposal of products: Following Garbage's Long Journey Around The Earth : NPR "Americans generate more trash than anyone else on the planet: more than 7 pounds per person each day. About 69 percent of that trash goes immediately into landfills. And most landfill trash is made up of containers and packaging — almost all of which should be recycled, says Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Edward Humes, " (April 26, 2012) Environment : NPR
4/27/2012 - ACTION: Ask our mayor of Rochester, NY what he is doing to prepare Rochester, NY for Climate Change: WWF - Earth Hour City Challenge - Earth Hour City Challenge "Earth Hour City Challenge This year WWF is challenging cities to do more than turn out their lights for Earth Hour. The Earth Hour City Challenge is a year-long competition among cities to prepare for increasingly extreme weather and promote renewable energy. Participating U.S. cities receive resources and gain recognition for their efforts to curb carbon pollution and prepare their communities for the harmful consequences of climate change. Learn more about the City Challenge See how your city is at risk from extreme weather – tell your mayor to prepare! " WWF - Earth Hour City Challenge - Earth Hour City Challenge
4/27/2012 - ACTION: Take action for our Air Quality by helping local communities to screen for toxic air pollutants in order to begin to address some local air quality concerns. Apply by midnight, May 24, 2012.Community Air Screen Program - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation What is the Community Air Screen program? If you are concerned about what is in the air in your neighborhood, check out the Community Air Screen program. This new community-based program works with volunteers from local communities to screen for toxic air pollutants in order to begin to address some local air quality concerns. The goal of the Community Air Screen program is for community groups and citizens to partner with DEC to collect local-scale air samples. Who Is Eligible? Individuals as well as not-for-profits and neighborhood and community groups in New York State may apply. Priority is given to projects in or near low-income and minority communities and public locations where people are more likely to spend time outdoors. Approximately 12 to 18 applicants will be selected for this program. A total number of sixty (60) air samples will be analyzed statewide. Consider partnering with other concerned citizens or community groups in your neighborhood to strengthen your chance of being selected. How to Apply: Applications must be postmarked or emailed by midnight, May 24, 2012. The application (PDF) (136 KB, 4 pgs) is also available in the right column. The application process is very easy - four simple questions - four page limit. Complete the application using the writable PDF downloaded to your computer or by printing out a paper copy. Return the application to DEC postmarked or emailed by midnight May 24, 2012. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
4/26/2012 - Even if you are not a hunter or fisherman, you should be concerned about how profoundly wildlife is being quickly altered by Climate Change in our area. Warming Winters Threaten America’s Outdoor Traditions - National Wildlife Federation “On Thin Ice” Report Details Impacts on Hunting & Fishing Heritage | Near-record warmth in the winter of 2011-2012 left both wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts scrambling to adapt – and it’s just a preview of what’s to come in a warming world, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation. On Thin Ice: Warming Winters Put America’s Hunting and Fishing Heritage at Risk tells the stories of how 2011-2012’s warm winter impacted hunters and anglers across America and details the steps we need to take now to protect those traditions for future generations. - National Wildlife Federation
4/26/2012 - Excellent discussion about “Merchants of Doubt” and how the fact of Climate Change has been clouded by deniers. Naomi Oreskes - Neoliberalism and the Denial of Global Warming | Point of Inquiry "This week at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a conference convened entitled "Science Writing in the Age of Denial." The keynote speaker was a former Point of Inquiry guest and a very popular one—Naomi Oreskes, co-author of the influential book Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. " Point of Inquiry
4/25/2012 -ACTION: What to do something concrete about solving Climate Change? Go here: "Are you passionate about changing the conversation about the climate crisis? Are you interested in leading the climate movement? What if I said you have the chance to be personally trained by Al Gore to educate others about climate change? This summer, you could have that chance. I'd like to invite you to apply to be one of our esteemed Climate Reality Presenters -- impassioned volunteer leaders who bring the reality of climate change to people around the world. We call our grassroots network of Presenters the heart of our Climate Leadership Corps. Learn more: "Climate Reality "To reveal the complete truth about the climate crisis in a way that ignites the moral courage in each of us. " Climate Reality | Climate Reality Training Application
4/25/2012 - How much trouble are our bats in? We hear about bats in the news in an ad hoc way, as the battles rage on about what is causing the white-nose syndrome but little about what is being done. Check out this site for bat disease locations and what our federal response is to help these critical creatures in our environment. April 20, 2012 WNS map | White-Nose Syndrome "White-nose syndrome is a disease affecting hibernating bats. Named for the white fungus that appears on the muzzle and other body parts of hibernating bats, WNS is associated with extensive mortality of bats in eastern North America. First documented in New York in the winter of 2006-2007, WNS has spread rapidly across the eastern United States and Canada, and the fungus that causes WNS has been detected as far west as Oklahoma. "
4/25/2012 -NYS is ready for Climate Change in the sense that our officials have plans, but because Governor won’t reconvene NY Climate Action Council nothing will be done. Report: Ohio unprepared for climate change | The Columbus Dispatch Ohio is one of the least-prepared states in the nation in terms of its readiness to deal with climate-change induced water shortages and bad weather, according to a report from an environmental group. The Natural Resources Defense Council report, "Ready or Not: How Water-Ready is Your State?" claims Ohio is one of 12 states that have done nothing to account for climate change risks that include lower water levels in Lake Erie. (April 5, 2012) The Columbus Dispatch | Central Ohio News, Sports, Arts & Classifieds
4/25/2012 - Monroe County gets a ‘C’ for ground-level ozone pollution, a ‘B’ for 24 hour particle pollution and a ‘Pass’ for annual particle pollution. The American Lung Association just came out with its 13th State of the Air report. "For 13 years, the American Lung Association has analyzed data from state air quality monitors to compile the State of the Air report. The more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make our air cleaner and healthier. " Let’s see how Monroe County did this year: Monroe: State of the Air 2012 - American Lung Association
4/25/2012 - Take action on Climate Action Day, May 5th: Re-ENERGIZE BUFFALO: CLIMATE IMPACTS DAY - 5/5/12 - Take Action CLIMATE IMPACTS DAY - 5/5/12 - Take Action Environmental author and activist, Bill McKibben, along with his 350.org campaign, is launching a Global Day of Action to 'Connect The Dots' between fossil fuel extraction, climate change, and the extreme weather that has reshaped so much of the American landscape this year. The time has come to begin in earnest to move away from from burning coal, gas and oil. Watch this video and 'Connect The Dots' TAKE ACTION locally on May 5, 2012 at 1:00pm outside the Coal-fired, Huntley Power Plant in Tonawanda. more...
4/24/2012 - If journalism doesn’t ‘get’ the fact that Climate Change is real and they must change as the planet warms, journalism won’t make it either: Correction: Climate Change Is a Fact | If I could start a movement of a STOP SOPA nature, it would be to get every newspaper in the world to lead their publications on the same day with the same banner headline: CLIMATE CHANGE IS A FACT. Every news network would run a lower third stating the same thing for 24 hours. Because we need to set the record straight, once and for all, and it is a correction that is decades overdue. Yesterday was Earth Day; since 1970 this date has been dedicated to appreciation and increasing awareness of the planet's natural environment. But the scientific community has been aware of climate change and the conditions that bring it about for much longer than four decades. Scientists recognized the greenhouse effect in the early 19th century and tied it to the paleoclimate. Calculations in the 1950s became increasingly convincing, and by the '70s and early '80s, consensus among experts was completely clear: human activity on a global scale was warming the climate. (April 23, 2012) Media News, Opinion and Analysis - HuffPost Media
4/24/2012 - Don’t forget the environment. There are politics and there is the environment and we can change our politics and even our economy so that the environment matters. Message to President Obama: Don't Forget the Environment BOULDER, Co. - The University of Colorado is prepping for a visit from President Barack Obama later today. The President is scheduled to speak at the Boulder campus on student loans and higher-education affordability. But at least some students are hoping the President doesn't forget about an issue dear to Coloradans - the environment. (April 24, 2012) Public News Service
4/24/2012 - Don’t forget: May is for bicycles and that means Transportation with emitting greenhouse gases and warming our planet. League of American Bicyclists * Bike Month "National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. Whether you bike to work or school; to save money or time; to preserve your health or the environment; to explore your community or get to your destination, get involved in Bike Month in your city or state — and help get more people in your community out riding too! When is Bike to Work Week and Day? The League of American Bicyclists is the national sponsor of Bike Month, and this year Bike to Work Week is May 14-18 and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18. " League of American Bicyclists * Home
4/24/2012 - Looking at Earth Day’s from the past: Earth Day Q&A: How far have we come in 42 years? | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Fouled beaches, polluted air and litter-strewn highways were on everyone’s minds leading up to the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Local news coverage of the environment was heavy, but no offering was as ambitious as a six-part series entitled “Earth: Can it be saved?” Published by the Times-Union, the late sister newspaper to the Democrat and Chronicle, the series was written by a young environmental reporter, Graham Cox. (April 21, 2012) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com
4/24/2012 - What is ‘local’ news on a warming planet? A long and in-depth story appeared this week in our local media on how Climate Change will affect the Rochester, NY region. It’s part of a series that will be forthcoming. I make note of it because it’s really the first of its kind, an article in the local media about the consequences of Climate Change on a local level without the usual pandering to the deniers more...

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Events – Rochester Environmental Events Calendar – [The most complete listing of all environmental events around the Rochester, New York area.] If you don’t see your event, or know of a local environmental event, please send me the info: FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com with (EV event) in the subject line. Also, be sure to check other calendars and environmental series for multi-day events.

May 2012

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 4:00 p.m. - 146 Morrison Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

J. David Hughes Post Carbon Institute “The Sustainable Energy Dilemma: Powering the Future in a Finite World”David Hughes has studied energy resources for nearly four decades, including 32 years with the Geological Survey of Canada as a scientistand research manager. He is a Fellow of the Post Carbon Institute, founder of Global Sustainability Research Inc., and a sought after speakeron global and North American energy issues, as well as on specific aspects of energy including shale gas, coal bed methane, LNG exports,pipeline infrastructure development, scaling issues with alternatives and considerations for long term energy security and sustainability. Parking is available in a public lot across the street from Morrison Hall (meters) Brought to you by the Agriculture, Energy, & the Environment Program at Cornell University with funding from the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future (I think this is Howarth's umbrella deprtment)

May 4 & 5, 2012 | 2222 St Paul St Rochester, NY 14617

Our Fragile World Environmental Fair May 4 & 5, 2012 The goal of Our Fragile World is to engage, inspire and empower the community to act on behalf of wildlife, nature and our environment. Each year, this event features a variety of local environmentally-conscious businesses, nature organizations and government agencies that are working to improve the health of our local environment. Seneca Park Zoo | The Natural Place for Families | Zoo Rochester NY The formal school program (held on Friday, May 4) meets curriculum standards in science as well as social studies. This is a great day to book your field trip to the Zoo as your students can learn about local conservation efforts as well as visit with our Zoo animals! We hope you will join us and learn how to make our world a healthier place for wildlife, your children and generations to come. If you're a teacher and would like to bring your class to the event on Friday, May 4, please fill out a field trip request form. If you have questions about this event or would like to be a presenter this year, please contact Tina Crandall-Gommel at (585) 295-7394 or e-mail tcrandall@senecazoo.org.

Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | The Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah, NY, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Hamlet of Savannah.

Montezuma Audubon Center’s 6th Annual Wildlife Festival Will Soar on Saturday May 5: Celebrating Important Bird Areas There will something for everyone at the Montezuma Audubon Center’s 6th Annual Wildlife Festival in Savannah, NY on Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friends with Feathers and The Institute for Environmental Learning will conduct live birds of prey programs throughout the day with a variety of owls, hawks, and “Liberty the Bald Eagle”. The non-releasable animals will be on display during the programs that will focus on birds of prey characteristics, rehabilitation and conservation. Everyone will get a chance to have a picture taken with “Liberty”. Another highlight of the festival will be the Children’s Theater and Activity Tent where Lois Sprague will entertain festive goers with animal balloons and Andrea Whitcomb-May will perform conservation-related puppet shows that are sure to inspire. Everyone can also enjoy the bounce house, dunk booth, sing a-longs and the drum circle, making bird crafts and stained glass art, wildlife trivia on the big board, and building a bluebird box. Wildlife enthusiasts can fish their way to the backyard bass game and then fly over to see the dragons from the pond. The festival will celebrate Important Bird Areas throughout the Finger Lakes Region and the conservation organizations that are working to identify and conserve these areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity. The festival schedule also includes: Dan the Snake Man programs, guided nature walks and canoeing excursions, a garlic mustard pull contest, a GPS treasure hunt, music from the Tom Barnes and Chuck & Paul, delicious food, local vendors, a native plant sale, wildlife exhibitors and much more! The cost to attend the festival is $3/adult, $1/school-aged child, FREE for children 4 and younger. For more information, call 315.365.3588, visit http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma.htm or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org The Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah, NY, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Hamlet of Savannah.

May 5th | Find an event and register today

Got something to do on May 5th? If not why not love our NYS Parks: Parks & Trails New York - I Love My Park Day "Show NYS Parks and Historic Sites Some Love Volunteer on Saturday, May 5th for the first-ever I Love My Park Day! Online registration is now open! Find an event and register today. I Love My Park Day is an exciting new statewide event organized by Parks & Trails New York to improve and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs. Volunteers from across the state will participate in cleanup, improvement, and beautification events at New York State parks and historic sites. Volunteers will celebrate New York’s park system by cleaning up park lands and beaches, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects. Join us Saturday, May 5th and show our parks and historic sites some love! " Parks & Trails New York

Saturday, May 5, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (bring your own lunch) Where: Mercy Center, 1437 Blossom Road To Register: Call 585-473-6893 or on-line at www.mercyprayercenter.org

Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Join us for a day of reflection created by the "Pachamama" Alliance. Pachamama, which means "Mother Earth", includes the sacred presence of earth, sky, the universe and all time. The purpose of this Alliance is to bring about an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on this planet, as this is highlighted by carefully focused films. Sponsored by Sisters of Mercy This event is free of charge. Facilitators: Sr. Jean Murin, RSM, Sr. Eileen O'Connor, RSM When: Saturday, May 5, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (bring your own lunch) Where: Mercy Center, 1437 Blossom Road To Register: Call 585-473-6893 or on-line at www.mercyprayercenter.org

Sunday, May 6th from 9AM – 12:30PM at Temple B'rith Kodesh 2131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY

E-waste Recycling Event: Don’t miss this opportunity to get rid of that old computer and other E-waste. Free computer & Electronics Recycling Collection, Sunday, May 6th from 9AM – 12:30PM at 2131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY "Electronic waste accepted here • Computer Equipment • oMonitors, Terminals • oComputers • oScanners, Ink Cartridges • oPrinters, Fax Machines • oNetwork Equipment • oKeyboards, mice and • oComputer Accessories • Miscellaneous Electronics • oCircuit Boards, Cabling & Wiring • oTypewriters • oTelecommunications Equipment • oAudio/Visual Equipment • oVideo Game Systems • oCell Phones, PDAs, IPODs • oUniversal Power Supplies • Television Sets • Batteries * Compact Fluorescent Lamps- Additional .35 cents each * Straight Fluorescent Lamps– Additional .40 cents each "

Sunday, May 6th. Registration is from 2:00-2:15pm, and the walk begins at 2:30, concluding around 4:00pm. To walk or to sponsor a walker, call St. Stephen's church at 328-0856.

Rochester Southwest CROP Walk 2012 “Community Gardens Filling Cupboards” Media Contact: Rev. Mary Ann Brody, St. Stephen's church, 328-0856 Who: Sixteen area churches and groups are sending teams to walk. What: Southwest Rochester CROP-Walk. Funds raised from pledges will go locally to Southwest Ecumenical Ministries (SWEM) to support Foodlink’s Backpack Program that supplies weekly supplemental food to children at School 16. It will also go internationally to established food programs in partnership with Church World Services in their fight against hunger. Where: Walkers will convene at Southwest Community Center, 275 Dr. Samuel McCree Way. There are a 4.5-mile and a 1.5-mile option. We will walk past a youth entrepreneurial greenhouse, raised-bed community food gardens and a variety of floral gardens developed and maintained by local church and neighborhood groups. The route passes the new Voters Square project, the Olmsted-designed floral garden at Madison Street and returns by way of Brown Street. We walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in third-world countries who walk up to six miles daily to fetch water. When: Sunday, May 6th. Registration is from 2:00-2:15pm, and the walk begins at 2:30, concluding around 4:00pm. To walk or to sponsor a walker, call St. Stephen's church at 328-0856. Visuals: People walking, carrying banners, signs. Convening for prayer before the event at Southwest Community Center parking lot.

September 2012

September 10th - 16th - High Falls region, Rochester, NY

Greentopia 2012 Greentopia 2012 is a week-long celebration of inspiration through art, music, organic and locally grown food and beverages, ideas and activism. The expanded event will contain four programmatic aspects, which include Greentopia Innovation, Greentopia Film, Greentopia Music and Greentopia EcoFest. In its first year the event drew between 18-20,000 people to the historic High Falls district. Through how-to workshops and cutting-edge films, visitors learned about big green ideas and how to apply them creatively in everyday life. There are special family activities, a community recycled art installation, mouthwatering organic and local food and beverages, and all kinds of live music. Businesses and organizations showcased products and programs that help to restore the planet, promote green living – even save consumers some money.

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Action – Take Action - Often, I receive request to pass on alerts, petitions, Public Comments on local developments, and environmental items needing action by the Rochester Community and around the world. I’ll keep Actions posted until their due date.

ACTION: Due Date: May 5th

Take action on Climate Change on May 5th: It’s Time for Us to Connect the Dots « EcoWatch: Uniting the Voice of the Grassroots Environmental Movement Earlier today, Barack Obama wrapped up his first trip to Oklahoma as President. He arrived just after a week of floods, capping off a winter that never came, which followed the hottest and driest summer Oklahoma had seen in thousands of years, perhaps ever. But he wasn’t in Oklahoma to talk about these climate disasters. He was there to laud his administration’s fast-tracking of the southern leg of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. It’s obvious from his speech today that President Obama isn’t connecting the dots between fossil fuel extraction, climate change and the extreme weather that has reshaped so much of the American landscape this past year. (March 22, 2012) EcoWatch: Uniting the Voice of the Grassroots Environmental Movement

ACTION: Curb Your Car Week, May 13-19, 2012

*Find one or more trips to leave your car home that week: to school, work, piano lessons, grocery store, or anywhere. *Bike, Walk, Bus, Carpool, Telecommute, Combine Trips *Register for free at ColorBrightonGreen.org, and then report your miles saved after May19. (All by email) *Open to all, don’t need to live in Brighton. *We will calculate total miles, gallons of gas, and pounds of CO2 saved, and announce the grand total. (By Email) *Prizes will be awarded to high mileage savers, and randomly to participants. *Cut Global Warming: Cut Air Pollution: Increase Energy Independence! Have fun! Enjoy a community of bikers and walkers all over Rochester for one week. Then, find out how fun it is, and how much money you save in gas and parking, and keep on doing it! Media Contact: Cheryl Frank 241-3078 730-1719 cell cherylmfrank@yahoo.com info@colorbrightonGreen.org Prizes may include environmental books for children and adults, energy saving small appliances such as lighting, donated by area businesses. Last fall, we saw 113 participants save 8000 miles, 303 gallons of gas, and over 5,700 pounds of CO2! All Brighton public schools, and many other schools and employers are participating by reporting their families' miles saved and their school or employer name online, to see how much we can save altogether. Join with your school, employer, or just on your own to be counted in the savings! Coincides with National Bike to Work Week. For more info contact info@ColorBrightonGreen.org

Friday, May 18, 2012 | Information about the Environmental Excellence Awards program, the application materials and information on past award winners is available on DEC's website; by writing to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Pollution Prevention Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-1750; by phone to DEC's Pollution Prevention Unit at (518) 402-9469 or by email at eeawards@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Got a candidate for an environmental hero for NYS? Tell the DEC: DEC Accepting Applications for Environmental Excellence Awards - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Environmental Excellence Awards program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today. The awards program recognizes outstanding, innovative and sustainable projects or programs. Eligible applicants include businesses, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, facilities, government agencies and individuals implementing innovative, sustainable actions or working in creative partnership to improve and protect New York's environmental resources and contribute to a viable economy. DEC is especially interested in acknowledging projects that achieve significant environmental benefits through: innovative and cutting-edge pollution prevention technologies, manufacturing process improvements, initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, projects using green infrastructure practices, programs to "green" schools and businesses, energy efficiency and green energy production efforts, waste reduction and recycling efforts, and innovative environmental protection and restoration efforts. (April 12, 2012) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ACTION: Apply by midnight, May 24, 2012.

Take action for our Air Quality by helping local communities to screen for toxic air pollutants in order to begin to address some local air quality concerns. Apply by midnight, May 24, 2012.Community Air Screen Program - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation What is the Community Air Screen program? If you are concerned about what is in the air in your neighborhood, check out the Community Air Screen program. This new community-based program works with volunteers from local communities to screen for toxic air pollutants in order to begin to address some local air quality concerns. The goal of the Community Air Screen program is for community groups and citizens to partner with DEC to collect local-scale air samples. Who Is Eligible? Individuals as well as not-for-profits and neighborhood and community groups in New York State may apply. Priority is given to projects in or near low-income and minority communities and public locations where people are more likely to spend time outdoors. Approximately 12 to 18 applicants will be selected for this program. A total number of sixty (60) air samples will be analyzed statewide. Consider partnering with other concerned citizens or community groups in your neighborhood to strengthen your chance of being selected. How to Apply: Applications must be postmarked or emailed by midnight, May 24, 2012. The application (PDF) (136 KB, 4 pgs) is also available in the right column. The application process is very easy - four simple questions - four page limit. Complete the application using the writable PDF downloaded to your computer or by printing out a paper copy. Return the application to DEC postmarked or emailed by midnight May 24, 2012. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ACTION: Due Date now:

Ask our mayor of Rochester, NY what he is doing to prepare Rochester, NY for Climate Change: WWF - Earth Hour City Challenge - Earth Hour City Challenge "Earth Hour City Challenge This year WWF is challenging cities to do more than turn out their lights for Earth Hour. The Earth Hour City Challenge is a year-long competition among cities to prepare for increasingly extreme weather and promote renewable energy. Participating U.S. cities receive resources and gain recognition for their efforts to curb carbon pollution and prepare their communities for the harmful consequences of climate change. Learn more about the City Challenge See how your city is at risk from extreme weather – tell your mayor to prepare! " WWF - Earth Hour City Challenge - Earth Hour City Challenge

ACTION: Due Date: Now

Few actions that we can do to adapt and mitigate Climate Change can have the effect of planting trees. Trees are carbon sinks that work. Plant a tree, lots of them. DEC'S Saratoga Tree Nursery Kicks off Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale and Giveaway - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Landowners Can Take Advantage of Low-Cost Native Plants, Schools Can Get Them Free More than 50 species of trees and shrubs are now available to schools and public and private landowners at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery, DEC announced today. The Saratoga Tree Nursery provides trees for erosion control, wildlife habitat, reforestation and other uses. (February 14, 2012) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ACTION: Due Date: Now

Tell the NRC: Expand emergency evacuation zones Today, NIRS and 37 other organizations submitted a formal Petition for Rulemaking to the NRC to expand emergency evacuation zones around U.S. nuclear reactors and make other improvements in emergency preparedness. We're calling this the Nuclear 911 campaign. You can join us as a co-petitioner below! The widespread radioactive contamination caused by the Fukushima nuclear disaster (and Chernobyl before it) makes clear that the current 10 mile Emergency Planning Zones in the U.S. are woefully inadequate to protect the American people. "Nuclear Information and Resource Service - NIRS

ACTION: Due Date: Now

What to do something concrete about solving Climate Change? Go here: "Are you passionate about changing the conversation about the climate crisis? Are you interested in leading the climate movement? What if I said you have the chance to be personally trained by Al Gore to educate others about climate change? This summer, you could have that chance. I'd like to invite you to apply to be one of our esteemed Climate Reality Presenters -- impassioned volunteer leaders who bring the reality of climate change to people around the world. We call our grassroots network of Presenters the heart of our Climate Leadership Corps. Learn more: "Climate Reality "To reveal the complete truth about the climate crisis in a way that ignites the moral courage in each of us. " Climate Reality | Climate Reality Training Application

ACTION:Due Date Now

Request from the DEC for some help on keeping our Great Lakes healthy: "Your Observations Can Help the Health of the Great Lakes! If you spend time around the Great Lakes shoreline, please consider sharing your observations of injured or dead animals, or algal blooms by using the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - Wildlife Health Event Reporter (http://glri.wher.org/) (GLRI-WHER). Scientists working in state, federal and non-profit agencies are looking for your help to identify events that are important in research of avian botulism and algal bloom outbreaks, in the interest of protecting wildlife from this disease as well as algal neurotoxins. For a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem, do your part and share what you see by setting up a reporter account (http://glri.wher.org/users/add) on the GLRI-WHER website. E-mail any questions regarding reporting to botnet@wdin.org.

ACTION: Due Date: Now

Sewage Pollution - Citizens Campaign for the Environment "Many communities in New York State, Connecticut, and throughout the nation are served by aging and dilapidated sewage infrastructure. When our sewage infrastructure is not properly operated or maintained, billions of gallons of untreated raw sewage can be released in to the environment before reaching a treatment plant. Sewage is primarily discharged into the environment through Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO). Separate sewer systems carry only wastewater such as domestic sanitary waste and commercial and industrial waste to a sewage treatment plant. Separate sewers are not designed or intended to carry water such as storm water. SSOs occur in separate systems. Combined sewer systems are built larger than separate sewers so that they can carry two components: wastewater, carried continuously, and runoff, carried after storms. How you can help: Email your state representatives. Urge them to support a Sewage Pollution Right-to-Know law. Sewage overflows put our environment, economy, and health at risk; and we deserve the right to know when they occur. "

ACTION: Due date: Now

Take action for our Great Lakes "Speak Out Now to Set the U.S.-Canada Strategy for Protecting our Great Lakes The health of our Great Lakes is threatened by new challenges — including invasive species, climate change, habitat loss and emerging contaminants. The United States and Canada are now completing negotiations on an updated version of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, a binational agreemet to address Great Lakes threats. " from Alliance for the Great Lakes

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Award – Environmental Site of the Month Award – [On the last Sunday of each month, we present an environmental award for the Rochester-area environmental web site or blog that best promotes the need to protect and offers solutions for our area's environmental issues.]

The April 2012 Environmental Site of the Month award goes to Climate Change Crash Course « The Cost of Energy. Take a Climate Change Crash Course: Learn more about the major issue of our time, Climate Change, from a local expert. Our future will be shaped by Climate Change and all that we do will be now viewed through the lens of Climate Change. So know all you can:

Climate Change Crash Course « The Cost of Energy "The Climate Change Crash Course (“4C”) is an experiment in creating a crowd-sourced, one-stop guide to climate change resources, geared to three levels of familiarity with the subject: Newbies, Nerds, and Ninjas. Each of those sections has three subsections: Must Reads, Extended Reading, and Web Sites Worth Tracking. As a bonus, there’s also a section on my favorite online research tools. "