Daily Updates for September 2009
RochesterEnvironment.com
These Daily Updates for this month represent just one month in over a decade of connecting the dots on our area's environmental situation.
Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care?
These daily updates pertain to what is going on in our environment in Rochester & around the world. Although I do not see RochesterEnvironment.com, or Global Environmental Resources, as environmental activist sites, I do view them as active. They are active conduits for all the environmental news, services, links, and an on-going discovery for the potential role that I believe the Internet will play in environmentalism. Your local news media is not doing its job in informing the public on the breath and depth of our environmental problems, so you are going to have to get on the Internet.
- 9/30/09 - ACTION - Curb Your Car Week - Color Brighton Green “Way to Go” is a nationwide program encouraging the use of cheaper, healthier, and more earth-friendly transportation alternatives. During the week of October 4 to 10, 2009, if you normally use an automobile for daily transportation, please consider walking, biking, car pooling, or riding the bus as alternatives. --from Home Page - Color Brighton Green
- 9/30/09 - Arctic snow and ice is melting fast and portents change from global warming. Get the facts from the experts as they monitor this concern National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) "We support research into our world's frozen realms: the snow, ice, glacier, frozen ground, and climate interactions that make up Earth's cryosphere. Scientific data, whether taken in the field or relayed from satellites orbiting Earth, form the foundation for the scientific research that informs the world about our planet and our climate systems. "
- 9/30/09 - Finally our Genesee River is getting some specialized attention with this group: 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 boundary 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. "
- 9/29/09 - Turn off your TV and turn on your podcasting. One of the sources for global environmental news that I check often is this weekly podcast fromhttp://www.dw-world.de/dw/0,,266,00.html called: Living Planet: Environment Matters Around the World | Living Planet | Deutsche Welle | 21.05.2009 "Explore the environmental issues facing the world today. This prize-winning weekly program brings you environmental news, background reports, interviews and features from our international network of correspondents."
- 9/29/09 - Malaria could be here too: It's interesting to see this in the news Roberts Wesleyan students to raise awareness of malaria - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow (September 26, 09) as one of the predictions of Global Warming for the Northeast is the possible emergence of malaria. Warmer temperatures in our area will allow the vectors for malaria, mosquitoes carrying the virus, to move into areas previously too cold. Those thinking that Global Warming might be a respite from our nasty winter have to think of other things that come with a warmer climate. For more about the consequences of thing warming up in NY, read: Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast --from Union of Concerned Scientists
- Night of Nets - What is Night of Nets? Through the Night of Nets, you'll be part of a movement to end malaria by organizing an event to raise awareness and, when possible, inviting participants to sleep the entire night under a bed net. By raising funds to provide nets for children in need and calling on our elected leaders to take action, we'll help stop this child killer in our lifetime.
- 9/27/09 As if it weren’t enough: Besides all other reasons why getting our way of life to be sustainable is going to be problematical (the dysfunctional media, political agendas, bug-eyed ideology, people too busy, too many people wanting stuff, over population, other grave issues ((like war, poverty, Recession, disasters, you name it)), we cannot forget simple everyday evil. Those dedicated to flaunt and circumvent humanity’s efforts to make our existence sustainable to make a quick buck will undermine much of what the rest of us are trying to do. Just making laws to protect our environment is one thing; getting everyone to comply is another. For whatever reason some people transgress attempts by the rest of us to curb our footprints on our planet, it’s quite outside the whole spectrum of reason, science, education, and the collected efforts of millions to clean up our environment to deal with outright criminality. It’s as if it weren’t difficult enough to change the habits of six billions peoples so that life can thrive, we have to do this while a relative few purposely work against all mankind’s good efforts. I know, it’s human nature. But, one way or another Nature will weed out these quirks in our species. Check out this sad news: Smuggling Europe’s Waste to Poorer Countries - NYTimes.com Exporting waste illegally to poor countries has become a vast and growing international business, as companies try to minimize the costs of new environmental laws, like those here, that tax waste or require that it be recycled or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. (September 26, 2009) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
- 9/25/09 - Get your yard certified: Fall is in the air! And, so are tens of thousands of migrating birds that are making their way south for the winter. You can help our feathered friends on their long and difficult journey by making your yard a safe stopover spot where they can eat, drink and rest. Here are some steps you can take to make your yard wildlife-friendly: Include native plants in your garden. This provides birds with shelter and food in the form of seeds, berries, nuts and nectar. Provide bird feeders and water sources like bird baths, treating you to great bird-viewing opportunities. And if you’re already offering these bird basics—or want to!—it’s easy to turn your yard into a Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site through National Wildlife Federation. To get certified today, simply complete our step-by-step application. Besides helping migrating and local wildlife survive, you’ll also receive other great benefits (see right). Plus, your $20 application fee helps NWF continue its important conservation and education work on behalf of wildlife across the country. I hope to welcome you as the newest member of the Certified Wildlife Habitat™ family today. Get certified now. --from National Wildlife Federation
- 9/24/09 - Green Job Nebula: Here at RochesterEnvironment.com we know there are green jobs out there’ we know there are educational facilities teaching about green jobs; we know both job seekers and green job recruiters are out there trying to come together. But, it’s like those nebula’s forming out there in the universe: it’s so large and far away and moving so slowly (and yes, nebulous) that it’s hard to pin down the answer to this simple question: Where do you go to get a green job in the Rochester area? If you keep looking, I’ll keep looking: Green Business Rochester, NY | Find Green Job | RochesterEnvironment.com
- 9/22/09 - Free Speech (Net Neutrality) on the Internet: If you are interested in keeping the lines open on the Internet so that all get to have their say, so that large corporations do not have the power to limit or control content on the Internet, find your voice: Welcome to OpenInternet.gov OpenInternet.gov is a place to join the discussion about the important issues facing the future of the Internet. Through this site you can stay connected to all Federal Communication Commission activities on the issue, and share your thoughts and ideas on open Internet.
- 9/19/09 - Hey Rochester, what do you think? Could smoke-free parks work in our area? Or, is this over the top? NYC wants to make parks smoke-free | LoHud.com | The Journal News NEW YORK - New York City's famous parks may be going smoke-free. The city's health commissioner says the next goal in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's anti-tobacco crusade is to ban smoking at city parks and beaches. (September 14, 09) http://www.lohud.com/
- 9/18/09 - Making Green Money: You and the people who work for your recognize that not only will making your business environmentally friendly, but the savings in energy use and operating costs can be tremendous. It is easy? Is there a quick fix to becoming a sustainable business? Depends on what your business does, how it affects our land, air and water. What resources your business brings in, how it modifies that resource, what comes out, what eventually happens to your product or service at the end of its life. But, there’s help from the EPA to get your business organized and ready for the rest of this century, where green businesses, I believe, will become the standard. Got more questions, contact the people at the Upstate Green Business Network (from the Center of Environmental Information (CEI) : Environmental Management Systems: An Implementation Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Organizations --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- 9/18/09 - For those still wondering why RochesterEnvironment.com exists, check out today's headline in the Democrat and Chronicles' RochEarth: Retired postal service employee's environmental site aims to educate "If you've been searching for information about local green living, consider beginning (and ending) your search online. RochesterEnvironment.com contains a wealth of local and regional resources, including environmental clubs, events, green businesses, links to other eco-friendly Web sites and a weekly newsletter." democratandchronicle.com | Rochester RocEarth | Democrat and Chronicle
- 9/17/09 - Important information on how to handle the pandemic flu for small businesses Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Preparedness Guide for Small Business "As a small business leader, you are a valuable partner in our nation’s defense against natural and man-made threats. Preparedness is the best method to defend against the impacts of all threats and all hazards, including public health threats." The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- 9/16/09 - Check out the coming of fall in our area by the NYS DEC and other video of our environment: DECTV - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
- 9/16/09 -Water Issue: Don’t miss this series by the New York Times on the long series of violations of the Clean Water Act of 1972. Environmental issues don’t tend to go away because people are too busy or uninterested. Many people, rather than think about the decades of inadequate enforcement of the Clean Air Act (if they think such things at all), grab bottled water and be done with it. Case closed, hand me my TV remote. What most interesting to me is not merely the pervasiveness of the violations of this law (‘cause that’s what corporations do), but how we react to this overwhelming environmental issue—clean water. We are not reacting to the world-wide pollution of our fresh water well. In fact, we’re mostly dysfunctional on how we react to gloomy environmental reports altogether: We ignore them, make excuses, look for solution that don’t address the matter, blame others, attack the whistler blowers, deny that anything wrong is going on, or dismiss environmental problem as low on our priority list. Somehow, despite all evidence to the contrary, we think that the more we ignore it, the more it will go away. Of course, that’s nonsense. Toxic Waters - Clean Water Laws Are Neglected, at a Cost in Suffering - Series - NYTimes.com This pattern is not limited to West Virginia. Almost four decades ago, Congress passed the Clean Water Act to force polluters to disclose the toxins they dump into waterways and to give regulators the power to fine or jail offenders. States have passed pollution statutes of their own. But in recent years, violations of the Clean Water Act have risen steadily across the nation, an extensive review of water pollution records by The New York Times found. (September 12, 09) Toxic Waters - Series - The New York Times
- 9/14/09 - Feeling a little queasy as you ride your bicycle in traffic for comminuting lately? Get some bicycle education and feel safer on the road: League of American Bicyclists * Bike Education "Teaching Cyclists to Ride Safely and Motorists to Share the Road As roadways and bike trails become increasingly complex and congested, do you know all you need to know to safely ride a bicycle? Do you feel you know enough to teach your children how to ride cautiously and conspicuously while on their own? When you drive your car, are you confident on how to share the road with bicyclists? The Smart Cycling program gives you the tips, tools, and techniques to confidently to answer YES to each of those questions."
- 9/12/09 - Think EPP Brownfield sites cleanup are not stringent enough, let them know: EPA Seeks Comment on Greener Site Cleanups WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on a new strategy that would make cleanups at hazardous waste sites greener. The Superfund Green Remediation Strategy is an initial effort to outline key actions and related activities that can be undertaken to promote green remediation and to reduce energy use. EPA is taking comment on action items that fall into three major categories: policy and guidance development, resource development and program implementation, and program evaluation. The strategy also contains several recommendations including a call for EPA to implement a series of near-term program initiatives, and to establish a baseline of Superfund energy usage. The public comment period is open for 60 days. Reducing the demands placed on the environment during cleanup of contaminated land is a high priority for EPA. In addition to the new strategy, EPA has developed Principles for Greener Cleanups. The principles call for EPA’s cleanup programs to use greener approaches during any phase of site work and establish the goal of evaluating cleanup actions to ensure protection of human health and the environment while reducing the environmental footprint of cleanup activities, when feasible. Cleanups that do not satisfy threshold requirements for protectiveness or do not meet site specific cleanup objectives, are not considered greener cleanups. More information on the strategy: View all news releases related to hazardous waste
- 9/11/09 - Walking as Transportation: I know this seems radical, characterizing walking as transportation, in the same room as bus, car, planes, etc. But, when you realize that most 'trips' in this county are 31/2 miles or less, walking is a healthy viable transportation mode. And, the better you design your urban areas, the better you make changes in your urban area so that it become convenient to walk (and have time to smell ((and buy the roses in between)) the more environmentally friendly and safer your community becomes. So, this news out of Henrietta, where they can use a lot more sidewalks is very refreshing: Where it stands: New sidewalks in Henrietta - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Henrietta, N.Y. — The issue Henrietta is filled with a mix of retail areas and residential neighborhoods — which creates a flurry of traffic. Supervisor Michael Yudelson — with the help of the Town Board — is trying to make the neighborhood more “walkable,” he says. Some streets, like Beaconsfield Road, Colonnade Drive and Commons Way, don’t have sidewalks, creating a potentially unsafe situation for pedestrians. The town is looking to change that. (September 11, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Transportation in our area]
- 9/8/09 - Take the opportunity to join in the fate of our area's parks: Is Monroe County’s fiscal crisis putting our parks at risk? Public Meeting Monday, September 21, 2009 Nurturing natural monroe: the challenge of caring for county parks Master planning for County Parks has led to uses that threaten some parks’ long-term environmental health & beauty. In 2010, County planners will turn their attention to Powder Mills Park. Citizens need to be ready. Nora Bredes invites you to join NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright chair of the assembly’s Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts & Sports and NYS Assemblyman Joe morelle to discuss stewardship of our public parks September 21st 5:30 pm - 7 pm Wadham’s Lodge Powder Mills Park Park Road Pittsford, New York 14534 For more information, call Nora at 585/314-1597
- 9/7/09 - We want to applaud Monroe County's getting out in front on the possible pandemic issue in our area. It may turn out to be a mild flu season this years, but it would be irresponsible not to be prepared otherwise. Think seriously of using a hand sanitizer before you hand get near your face and check out all warnings, cautions, and information from this site: Public Health | Monroe County, NY Pandemic Flu | "Bird Flu. Pandemic Flu. These terms - confusing as they can be - are seemingly in the news daily. Monroe County, with our partners at the local, state and federal level has been working aggressively to develop and test plans so we can be sure that we respond effectively. While we all hope we never have to face such a health emergency, I want to assure you that if our community ever does encounter Pandemic Flu, we will deal with it like we have with all other emergencies."
- 9/22/09 - Getting up to Snuff on High Speed Rail: National Public Radio has offered a great series on High Speed Raid across the country. Because this mode of transportation may be coming to our area, because of the Obama’s desire to help communities with jobs and help our environment, this series of programs is especially useful. It’s not all happy talk. Getting High Speed Raid is complicated and involves many aspects, but other communities have done it. Learn from them. Check it out: On The Fast Track? The Obama administration is pushing the development of high-speed-rail lines, claiming that ultrafast trains would ease traffic, help the environment and boost the economy. Critics question those claims — and say the United States has a long way to go to catch up with other countries' rail travel. NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR
- 9/02/09 - That’s what they said, “open government.” Keep track and take advantage of the assistance by our government as the stimulus monies coming, training ramps up, and more… NYWORKS Webcast "Welcome to this series of webcasts on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These online seminars are being organized and hosted by the Governor's Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet. They are designed to provide the public with the most up-to-date information regarding Recovery Act programs and funding opportunities, as well as, information on reporting, accountability and compliance for local governments and other organizations that receive stimulus funds." Check out: September 10, 2009 1:00 to 3:00 pm Section 1512 Reporting Requirements for Local Governments and Not-for-Profits Description>> Materials: Webcast Flyer (pdf)
- 9/02/09 - Help for those trails: "One Month Left to apply for Assistance with Trail Development Application deadline October 2 Parks & Trails New York is offering assistance to communities wishing to develop a new multi-use trail or increase usage on an existing trail as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People Program. Five communities will be selected to receive help with technical issues, planning, public outreach, grant writing, fundraising, programming, organizational development and other activities critical to the long-term success of trail projects. Selection will be based on level of community support and commitment to the project, number and nature of partnerships, clarity of project goals and assistance requested, opportunities to increase physical activity levels within the community, and level of need. Preference will be given to communities with a high percentage of low income households. Applications and more information can be found on the Parks & Trails New York website or by emailing or calling Parks & Trails New York at 518-434-1583. Healthy Trails, Healthy People is supported in part by a grant from the Healthy Heart Program of the New York State Department of Health. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Parks & Trails New York to discuss their projects before the submission deadline. Healthy Trails, Healthy People is supported in part by a grant from the Healthy Heart Program of the New York State Department of Health."
- 9/02/09 - Depending on your point of view, the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program was great or not so great. Great for car dealers, a jolt to the economy, but maybe not so hot for our environment. Only if the new stuff is really good for the environment (saves energy and is built and transported in an environmentally friendly way) and the old stuff gets properly recycled would these cash for anything programs help the environment. If anything though, these cash for clunkers, cars and appliances which are coming, should be case studies on trying to both fix the economy and our environment quickly. Does it makes sense to design a program that tries to provide a win/win avalanche of selling and trashing stuff if it only piles up in a different place? Where did all those clunkers go? What program will communities have when thousands dump their refrigerators? Cash For Appliances: Everything You Need To Know If you missed your chance to get cash for your clunker, you may soon have another shot at getting government money for going green. Just step out of the garage and into the kitchen. (8/25/09) Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post