Updates January 2009

• GreenTV - Green Videos, Green News, Going Green & Eco-Friendly Products "GreenTV founder's, Lori and John Lake, upcoming book “Hell and High Water – the Other Side of Going Green, the story explains this unique couples experiences, challenges and setbacks to going green years before the world began to grasp that green was simply a term representing positive change." 
• 01/30/09 - **EVENT**  - Movie Nite, Friday, February 6, 7pm "Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash" Compelling, intelligent, and highly entertaining, the film visits with the world’s top experts and comes to a startling, but logical conclusion – our industrial society, built on cheap and readily available oil, must be completely re-imagined and overhauled." * * Book Circle, Thursday, February 19, 7pm Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future, by Jeff Goodell (come whether you've read the book or not!) "Nearly 40% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each year comes from coal-fired power plants...Goodell reveals the costs and consequences of America's addiction to coal and explains how we can kick the habit."* Join us at 545 Park Ave. events are free and open to all snacks provided. donations accepted Check our website for future events: climatechangecentral.info or e-mail hrock@rochester.rr.com 
• 1/29/08 -We were hoping that there would be a delay in the TV signal conversion so that communities could ramp up there efforts in recycling.  With the market tanking on recycling (along with everything else) the prudent thing would have been to delay the signal change, but that isn’t going to happen now.  So, please encourage everyone to recycling that old TV properly and discourage anyone from putting it on the curb to have it landfilled.  By law, all American TV stations will switch their broadcasting from analog to digital TV (DTV) by February 17, 2009.
• 01/28/09 - **EVENT**  - Friday 1 May 2009 Conference on Sustainability Ethics Tentative speakers: Braden Allenby (Lincoln Professor of Engineering & Ethics, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and of Law, Arizona State University) Bryan Norton (Distinguished Professor in Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology) Paul Thompson (W. K. Kellog Chair in Agricultural, Food, & Community Ethics, Michigan State University) William Shutkin (Director, Initiative for Sustainable Development and Chair in Sustainable Development, University of Colorado at Boulder) Sponsored by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, the Provost, Student Affairs, the Sustainability Institute, and the Hale Chair of Applied Ethics
• 01/28/09 - **EVENT**  Ecovillage Ithaca Information Night Learn about the about a successful working model of a sustainable approach to living with each other and the earth. Ecovillage Ithaca (EVI) is one of the oldest green cohousing communities in the US, with two neighborhoods of 30 homes each. EVI is currently accepting new members for a third neighborhood, to be built in 2010. Brighton Town Hall, Tuesday, March 24th, 7-9. Babysitting provided. To RSVP or for more information contact Sara at ssilver3@naz.edu .
• 01/28/09 - **EVENT**  As one of the events in RIT's National Global Warming Teach In on Thursday, Feb 5th, Holly and Mary of Climate Change Central will come to RIT's campus to screen -- SIX DEGREES COULD CHANGE THE WORLD – Screening and discussion led by Rochester's Climate Change Central Community Resource Center from  7pm-9pm Carlson Auditorium (bldg 76) This National Geographic film visualizes in spectacular HD the devastating ecological impact each single degree increase in temperature could have on our planet over the next century. According to the IPCC, Earth will warm up between 1.4 degrees Celsius and 5.8 degrees Celsius (roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit to 10 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of this century.  Parking is not a problem after 6, and Bldg 76 is closest to Lot F. map: http://facilities.rit.edu/campus/maps/general/generalmedium.gif  Paulette Swartzfager RIT, National Global Warming Teach In  Ad Hoc Committee member and Holly Rockwell Climate Change Central 545 Park Ave. 232.2988 climatechangecentral.info  NOTE: For a listing of other Teach In events that day at RIT, visit: http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/gwteachin/ 
• 01/25/09 - Environmental Site of the Month Award – [Each month, included in the RENewsletter goes out an environmental award for the best Rochester-area environmental web site or blog that best helps promote the need to protect and offers solutions to our area's environmental issues.] Award to be made on the Last Sunday of each month. Much of what I have learned about the Iraq War and about our environment in the last eight years has been from small, independent films.  Here in Rochester, we have an amazing film about how climate change will affect us here, in Rochester, in our own backyard.  Don’t wait for mainstream media to come to your local theatre for this kind of documentary focused on our environmental concerns, or you’ll be disappointed.  So, don’t be disappointed, check out the January 2009 Environmental Site of the Month.
  • Interested in understanding what climate change will mean in your backyard? Go to www.lastexperiment.com to see a slideshow and trailer for a documentary about the effects and reactions to climate change in the Rochester area. The documentary is being produced by three local filmmakers. The project needs financial support, and donations through the site are tax-deductible. If you would like to know more about the film, email the filmmakers at producers@lastexperiment.com.
  • Talk about it: Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY: January 2009 Environmental Site Award
• 01/24/09 -  **EVENT**  - Unwanted Pharmaceutical Collection January 24, 2009 and March 7, 2009 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monroe County Rochester Operations Center 444 East Henrietta Road (follow signs on site) The “got pills?” campaign motivated people to dispose of unwanted medications through collection events. CARE collected and disposed of over 126,000 unwanted pills in 2008. Sponsors: Monroe County DES, Monroe County Sheriff’s, Wegmans Food Markets, Covanta Niagara, Center for Environmental Information. For more information call 585.753.7600 (option #3) --from CEI: Community Action for a Renewed Environment
• 01/18/09 - Here’s a great idea for your environmental organization. Celebrate urban birds to focus attention on the importance of the public being aware of our urban bird populationsMini-Grants Available 2009 — Celebrate Urban Birds—from one of the most respected bird organizations in the world, the great people nearby--from Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• 01/18/09 -  **EVENT**  - Carbon Footprint Free Date/Time: Tuesday February 17, 2009: 12:12 - 12:52 pm Place: Details: Although numerous systems are already in place, such as: CHP-Combined Heat and Power Sustainable building elements Renewable energy Manufacturing equipment choices Lighting system upgrade Vehicle fleet Water management alternative Harbec Plastics, Inc. is currently assessing its carbon footprint in order to become a carbon neutral manufacturing company by 2015. Join us as Bob Bechtold, President of Harbec Plastics, talks about what steps Harbec has already taken and what is planned for the future in reaching its goal. Speaker: Bob Bechtold President, Harbec Plastics, Inc. * from http://www2.libraryweb.org/index.asp?orgid=381&storyID=6229&storytypeid=3 
• 01/18/09-  **EVENT**  - Expressing feelings for nature « Lifeboats & Trolley Cars Whether as part of your experience project, or just for a fun activity, please consider visiting the art exhibitions around town which view environmental values and problems through a creative lens. One is at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center, downtown on East Avenue and was organized with RIT. Natura   (A Maker/Mentor Exhibition with John Pfahl)  Rochester Contemporary Art Center: February 6 - March 22  Opening Reception: February 6, 6-10pm  Natura is an exhibition of photographic works by artists who examine and critique the contemporary natural environment, its substance, qualities and character. This exhibition was conceived by John Pfahl and is co-curated by Therese Mulligan. All participating artists studied with John Pfahl at Rochester Institute of Technologywhere he taught photography from 1968 to 1985.  Artists:  John Pfahl (Maker/Mentor), Marilyn Bridges, Barbara Bosworth, Dean Chamberlain, Grey Crawford,  Alida Fish, Richard Gray, Paul Lange, Sylvia Lizama, Forest McMullin, Steve Mosch, Judy Natal, Jeannie Pearce, Stuart Rome, Alison Rossiter, Jane Wattenberg -from Lifeboats  Trolley Cars feed
• 01/19/09 - Finding the right renewable standards: Renewable Electricity Standards Toolkit "In a growing number of states, renewable electricity standards have emerged as an effective and popular tool for developing a cleaner, more sustainable power supply. UCS created this toolkit to provide renewable energy advocates, policy makers, researchers, and concerned citizens with both summary-level and in-depth information on the design and implementation of each existing state standard.  | The primary goal of a renewable electricity standard is straightforward and simple: to promote a cleaner, more sustainable power supply by supporting the development of renewable energy resources. Unfortunately, the standards themselves can be quite complex. The design and implementation details—from the percentage of renewable energy required to the types of electric utilities that are affected to the very definition of renewable energy—can vary widely from state to state. Of the 25 states that currently have standards (along with the District of Columbia), no two policies are alike."
• 01/19/09 -  **ACTION** Help monitor the health of our environment, by joining in a very popular program: Great Backyard Bird Count — Great Backyard Bird Count "The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. We'll be adding updated 2009 GBBC materials as they become available."
• 01/18/09-  **EVENT**  -The Rochester Regional Community Design Center (RRCDC) invites you to attend an exciting medley of lectures, exhibits and discussions centering on how Rochester can revitalize itself through excellence in urban design. Building on our success including last year's National Endowment for the Arts Award, the RRCDC presents the 2008/2009 4th annual lecture series. This year's topic - Sustainable Urbanism RRCDC: Rochester Regional Community Design Center President & CEO, Farr Associates Author: "Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature" Planning for Rochester's Green Surge Location: St. Luke & Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church, 17 S. Fitzhugh St. Tuesday, February 3 • 7–9 pm $15/advance • $20/door*
• 01/17/09 - Just because the Digital TV tsunami is coming up and thousands of TVs will be land-filled doesn’t mean we can’t have a little humor amongst the disaster.   Clean New York Time is running out to enact Extended Producer Responsibility for Electronics! This doesn't mean people can't keep using their old sets, by purchasing (with $40 government rebate) a set-top digital converter. However, many people are using the change-over as yet another reason to buy a new flat-panel TV. But what happens to the old discarded sets that still work? Just in time for Halloween, the Electronics TakeBack Coalition has a fun zombie movie for you...
• 01/17/09 - So you or your community want green energy, what Financial incentives are there in New York State for that? DSIRE: Incentives by State: Incentives in New York -from Established in 1995, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
• 01/14/09 - **ACTION** Save the Environmental Protection Fund!  CCE - New York State NYS Environmental Protection Fund EPF Funding Programs Water Quality Open Space Farmland Protection Pollution Prevention Municipal Recycling In good and bad economic times, it is imperative that environmental programs continue to protect drinking water quality, ensure effective municipal recycling programs, preserve open space and farmland protection, and improve water quality of the state’s coastal water resources such as the Long Island Sound, the South Shore Estuary Reserve, the Finger Lakes, and our Great Lakes. --from CCE - Water Protection Public Health Energy Renewable Policy Toxic Wildlife Chemical Contamination Subscribe Newsletter Jobs Calendar Pollution Air Quality Advocacy Farmingdale White Plains Albany Syracuse Buffalo
• 1/16/09 - Will this be the Last Experiment? How will climate change affect our area?  This should be on your radar.  To get a taste of things to come, check out the site of an Rochester-area film coming on this crucial subject: "Three local filmmakers are producing a documentary about the local effects and reaction to climate >change. You can see a preview of the forecasts at www.lastexperiment.com ".
• 01/14/09 - A Worthy project that will help us monitor the environmental health of our area.  If our birds are thriving, so are we. Check out : New York State Breeding Bird Atlas - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Atlas Publication Available in December 2008 The Atlas Steering Committee and Cornell University Press proudly announce that the breeding bird atlas publication will be available in December 2008. The book is being described as "an indispensible scientific work and a beautiful collection of art..." New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• 01/14/09 - **ACTION** DRAFT 2009 Open Space Conservation Plan - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Public comment is encouraged and will be accepted from January 7, 2009 through 4:45 PM, February 27, 2009 - Region 8 - Western Finger Lakes January 21 Avon, NY NYS DEC Headquarters 6274 East Avon-Lima Road - The DRAFT 2009 Open Space Conservation Plan is now available for public comment. We encourage you to review this draft Plan and provide comments, so that the final Plan submitted to Governor Paterson later this year represents the best strategy for how our State, our partners and we, as citizens, should move forward to conserve our common outdoor heritage. New Plan Identifies Conservation Priorities The newly revised document demonstrates our state's renewed commitment to plan, prioritize, and enable citizen and government actions to conserve vital and threatened open spaces. The plan provides attainable priorities to coordinate and focus our many efforts. We urge you to read the plan and discover how open space conservation can be used to respond to climate change, foster green, healthy communities, connect people to nature and recreation, and safeguard & enhance our state's unique natural & cultural heritage. - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• 01/06/09 - -DISCUSSION -   Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY: Care about the Genesee River ? Check this out: Genesee River Wilds Project » Home   Genesee River Wilds Project » Home Genesee River Wilds Project » The Genesee River Wilds Project is a coalition of groups and individuals who invest time, energy, funding, and other resources in the development of an environmentally sustainable system of natural parks concentrated along the Genesee River in the “Genesee River Wilds.” This phrase refers to the Genesee River and its watershed from the river’s sources in Potter County, Pennsylvania, to the southern border of Letchworth State Park in New York State. The Genesee River Wilds Project represents and partners with federal, state, county, municipal, and non-profit organizations; business corporations; educational institutions; landowners; farmers; anglers; hunters; hikers; mountain bikers; kayak and canoe enthusiasts; and many others who participate in various official and unofficial ways. The coalition works to improve the health of the upper Genesee River and its watershed; protect them from future environmental threats; and enhance their recreational potential.
• 01/10/09-  **EVENT**  -  Thursday, January 15, 2009 -- City Council Chambers  - 4:45 p.m. Economic Development & The Environment Committee --City of Rochester
• 01/10/09-  **EVENT**  - Check this program out: Sea Change . NOW on PBS A rise in sea levels isn't the only impact global warming is having on the world's oceans. A growing body of evidence suggests that climate change is also affecting ocean currents and the chemistry of the seas, with potentially catastrophic results. This week, NOW travels deep into the oceans with scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) with help from other researchers for a first hand look at this stunning sea change, and what we can do about it.
• 01/09/09-  **EVENT**  Unwanted Pharmaceutical Collection January 24, 2009 and March 7, 2009 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monroe County Rochester Operations Center 444 East Henrietta Road (follow signs on site)  - from CEI: Center for Environmental Information
• 01/09/09-  **EVENT**   Thursday, January 22 we will meet to discuss The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems, by Van Jones /"provocative, personal and inspirational, the green collar economy is not a dire warning, but a substantive and viable plan for solving the biggest issues facing the country--the failing economy and our devastated environment."/ Come whether you've read the book or not. Climate Change Central 545 Park Ave. 232.2988 climatechangecentral.info
• 01/09/09-  **EVENT**  January Movie Nite at Climate Change Central Snacks provided. Free and open to everyone. Donations welcome. Friday January 16, 7pm join us to watch and discuss selections from Six Degrees Could Change the World From the website: /According to the IPCC, Earth will warm up between 1.4 degrees Celsius and 5.8 degrees Celsius (roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit to 10 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of this century. Six degrees may not sound like much, but as this sobering and engrossing film demonstrates, such a rise in average temperature would be enough to destroy much of life and reshape our world almost beyond recognition/. Climate Change Central 545 Park Ave. 232.2988 climatechangecentral.info
• 01/09/09-  **EVENT**  The next Living in Harmony meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, 7 - 9 pm, Henrietta United Church of Christ, 1400 Lehigh Station Road.   We will watch a new DVD titled "Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America."   Kilowatt Ours is a documentary by Jeff Barrie that has become a national movement to promote energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. It is a positive approach to solving our energy problems and has been shown across the United States over the past few months.   For more information, contact Elizabeth Pixley, convener (334-0977 or epixley@rochester.rr.com). All are welcome. Bring a friend and join us.
• 01/04/09-  **EVENT**  Flying WILD 3-hour Educator Workshop Event Date: Saturday, February 14, 2009 Event Start Time:    8:45 a.m. Location:    4355 Lakeshore Dr, Room C-220, Canandaigua NY Hosted by:    Finger Lakes Community College, Conservation Department Presented by:    BirdCOR & Genesee Valley Audubon Society Phone:    585-223-8369 Web site:    www.birdcor.org   Event Details: Educator training program open to teachers and nonformal educators. Flying WILD introduces students to bird conservation through a range of teaching and learning options—from classroom activities to school bird festivals.  The program is applicable K-12, geared for middle-school level.  The workshops will include introduction to resources in the community that will help you make your use of Flying WILD successful. The program's 44 learning activities are correlated to National Science Education Standards and New York State Learning Standards for Science, Math, Language Arts, and Social Studies. Those completing the workshop will receive the 366-page Educator's Guide (second printing) and a completion certificate.  Registration is required--fee is $15, payable in advance. Register ASAP, first-come first-served until openings are filled. BirdCOR is a nonprofit program of the Genesee Valley Audubon Society, official City Partner for Flying WILD.
• 01/04/09-  **EVENT**  Electronic and Household Hazardous Waste Recycling | Where: Hawthorne’s Restaurant 3500 East Avenue Rochester, New York 14618 | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:30-8:30 PM | Cost: $20 FLACHMM members $25 Non-members  | You’ve seen all the commercials about what to do with your TV should you need to dispose of it come February 2009, but do we really know? How easy is it for us to recycle TVs? Why do we need to? What other items with in our homes or businesses also need to be recycled? Our Speakers Kimie Romeo and Tom Sinclair will help us learn the proper way to dispose and recycle electronic and household hazardous waste both in our homes and businesses. Kimie Romeo from Sunnking in Brockport, New York will join us to share some basic information about real life sustainability. She often paraphrases this as “radical recycling;” not because it is really all that radical, but because it could be a real solution to many real issues facing us today (social, economic and environmental). She brings with an enthusiasm for what has historically been a rather dry topic and guarantees that everyone in attendance will learn at least one new thing by the end; and, we will have fun doing it. Tom Sinclair from Monroe County Household Hazardous Waste in Brighton, New York will be discussing Monroe County’s Household Hazardous Waste collection program and pharmaceutical collection program. He will discuss how county residents and small businesses can safely dispose of unwanted/unneeded chemicals in their home or work place. | To Register or for additional information- Please contact Cynette Cavaliere at (585) 647-7254 or cynette.s.cavaliere@delphi.com . Please register by January 13, 2009. | Please watch the web site for 2009 plans www.flachmm.org 
• 01/07/09 - For saving cost in these economically strapped times and helping the environment by burning less coal (which is what you probably do when you use electricity in your home) check out Energy Star’s program: Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR : ENERGY STAR "Making your home more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR can help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment. Improving energy efficiency is also an important first step for homeowners interested in green remodeling. ENERGY STAR can guide you in making your home more efficient — whether you do-it-yourself or hire a qualified professional." -from ENERGY STAR
• 01/07/09 - News From a Friend: DIGITAL DROP-DEAD DATE MAY CREATE RECYCLING NIGHTMARE On February 17, 2009, all full-power broadcast US television stations will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. According to the Federal Communications Commission, digital broadcasting will "allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels." -- FCC/EPA fact sheet: <http://www.sej.org/go/090107-2.htm>. Consumer info hotline: 888-225-5322.

Many people did take advantage of the holiday gift season -- and low, low prices on flat screen TVs from struggling electronics retailers -- to replace their old analog TVs. ...Which means that right now many old TVs are hitting landfills and recycling centers. So e-waste currently is an especially challenging problem for many local waste management and recycling organizations. The US EPA recommends recycling old TVs <http://www.sej.org/go/090107-3.htm> and also buying Energy-STAR-rated new TVs <http://www.sej.org/go/090107-4.htm>. Press: Tisha Petteway, 202-564-3191, <petteway.latisha@epa.gov>.

On Earth911.com you can search for recycling options for various kinds of electronics recycling/reuse programs in or near your zip code: <http://earth911.com>. This includes options such as thrift stores that accept donations. (Older TVs can still be used in households with cable or satellite TV service.) The Consumer Electronics Association offers a similar service: <http://www.mygreenelectronics.org>. Consumers don't necessarily have to junk their old TVs due to this switch. They can connect an inexpensive receiver (digital to analog converter box) to analog TVs in order to decode digital TV signals. FCC digital converter box coupon program: <https://www.dtv2009.gov>.

If analog TVs are still functioning well, then extending a TV's useful life with a converter box may be the "greenest" option. Older TVs often consume more energy than newer ones, but they also represent considerable "embodied energy" in their manufacture. Also, delaying their disposal can help even out demand on recycling and disposal facilities. But procrastinators may face hitches in buying a converter box. Of the several models CNET reviewed in September 2008, only one is currently listed as being in stock: <http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-tv-converter/>.

Consumers can buy a converter box today if they're willing and able to pay full price. Digital converter boxes can cost $60 or more -- a likely obstacle to low-income households, which are also least likely to have cable or satellite TV connections. FCC reports that the federal TV Converter Box Coupon Program, which reduces the cost of the device, has reached its funding ceiling: "However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring coupons. You will not receive coupons until funds becomes available. If you would like to apply for a coupon today and are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list" <https://www.dtv2009.gov/WaitingList.aspx>.

Interestingly, difficulty in obtaining a converter box could have surprising implications for how "tuned in" to the news many low-income households are in 2009. According to new research from the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 70% of US adults rely on TV as their main source for national and international news: <http://www.sej.org/go/090107-5.htm>.

Also, some analog TV users have reported problems with digital converter boxes. These problems can depend on geography. The current recession has hit the recycling industry hard, which means that it's harder to sell materials and components recovered from electronics recycling programs. This directly hurts municipal budgets and can affect funding for local programs and services. -- Example story: "Recycling a Losing Deal for Madison in November," Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 5, 2009, by Barry Adams <http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/430871>.

A May 2008 book, "The Economics of Electronics Recycling," offers insight into how this industry works. Author: Philipp Bohr <http://www.sej.org/go/090107-6.htm>. Publisher: VDM (Germany): <info@vdm-publishing.com>, +49 681 9100-698. In November 2008, CBS News' 60 Minutes covered the problems plaguing e-waste and e-recycling: <http://www.sej.org/go/090107-7.htm>.

The National Recycling Coalition offers state-specific recycling info, including responsible state agencies: <http://www.nrc-recycle.org/localresources.aspx>.

• 01/06/09 - -DISCUSSION - Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY: Environmental Disaster at Coal Power Facility As we discuss one of the most important issues of our time, our Energy Future, shouldn’t stories like these be on our minds instead of ads that say coal power is ‘clean?’ I mean, this issue should be factored in decisions on where to place wind towers in our area because if you not using clean, renewable wind power, you’re probably using coal power—which is fueling most of America’s electrical energy. How are we ever going to get our way of life on a sustainable track if we don’t get the facts and think about this issue free from powerful interests pushing and agenda instead of science? It’s up to the public to demand from their media and representatives in government to present the real and honest choices we face in determining our Energy Future.
• 01/06/09 - Recommended reading for those on planet Earth:  -DISCUSSION -  Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY: Foreign Policy: Think Again: Climate Change Foreign Policy: Think Again: Climate Change: "Act now, we’re told, if we want to save the planet from a climate catastrophe. Trouble is, it might be too late. The science is settled, and the damage has already begun. The only question now is whether we will stop playing political games and embrace the few imperfect options we have left." By Bill McKibben
• 01/06/09 - Interesting project. Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Blueway Trails   Analysis Plan  Blueways are small boat and paddling routes that combine recreation and environmental awareness and allow users to travel to designated stops along the way for rest, overnight stays, and enjoyment of land-based attractions in the vicinity.  The creation of a New York State Blueway Trail is already underway in various areas, including the Hudson River Water Trail, the Canal Recreationway, and the Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail.  Initially, the Blueway will be a series of routes that are defined by waterbody characteristics, local attractions, and local interest.  Hopefully, over time these will become a single connected route that will be recognized as part of a New York State system. By conducting an analysis of waterways at the regional level, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council hopes to propel the G/FL region forward with assisting to implement a statewide network of blueway trails.  -from Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
• 01/04/09-  **EVENT** “The Story of Stuff “ – a  Video and discussion evening,  facilitated by local activist Ken Illingsworth.    Tuesday, January 6th, 2009, 7:00 – 8:45 PM Learning Center, Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Brighton   FREE and open to the public!   The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever. It has been seen by over 4 million viewers in more than 25 countries since it was released a year ago. www.storyofstuff.com
• 01/04/09  - **ACTION** --DISCUSSION -  Pass that Bottle Bill Already! Contact your legislators! This opinion published in the Buffalo News yesterday about the crucial need to pass the new bottle bill could not be said better by these New York environmental officials.  Passage of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill has been delayed for years without a good reason.  And now at the last possible hour for our economy and environment, this short essay by the head of the New York State Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the agriculture commissioner, and the commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is spot on. Updating ‘Bottle Bill’ is a no-brainer for Albany : Opinion : The Buffalo News By Pete Grannis, Patrick Hooker and Carol Ash  "As Gov. David A. Paterson has made clear, New York is facing a staggering budget deficit — by far the largest in state history. And many hard budget choices must be made. But updating New York’s 25- year-old bottle deposit law isn’t one of them: Expanding the law to cover noncarbonated beverage containers, including water, fruit juice and sports drinks, is long overdue." (Jan 3, 09) The Buffalo News
• 01/02/09-  **EVENT**  What:  A Family Program--Owls of New York - BBRR gives a hoot about owls! Just to show how much we love our nocturnal birds of prey BBRR will be presenting an educational program in their honor.  Please join us to learn more about the Snowy, Barn, Great Horned, Barred, Short-eared, Great Gray owls and others that can be found here in New York.  We will even provide a chance to view a live owl up close and personal!   When: Thursday, January 15, 6:30 pm –   Where: Braddock Bay Park Lodge, East Manitou Road in Greece. (Take Lake Ontario State Parkway to East Manitou Road, turn north after exiting.) This promises to be a fun/informative evening to brighten your dark January nights. It isn’t every day that you get a chance to see a live owl close up and personal.   It’s early, so school kids can still get to bed on time. If you have kids, grandkids, friends, neighbors, spread the word. Hope to see you there!   For more information to publicize, call Daena Ford at 321-1616, or the number below.   Who: Braddock Bay Raptor Research     Details: $2.00 per person suggested donation   For More Information: Call (585) BOP-LIVE [267-5483]   e-mail:  information@bbrr.org) 

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