Updates March 2008

Updates March 2008

03/31/08 - Earth Day & the EPA: Earth Day | US EPA EPA Celebrates Earth Day Throughout April with New Web and Multimedia Features - Contact Information: David Twomey, (202) 564-5403 / twomey.david@epa.gov - How can you reduce your carbon footprint, make your home or business water efficient or make sure our nation's beaches stay clean this summer? April 22 is Earth Day and this year, EPA is launching several online initiatives throughout the month of April to help raise environmental awareness.
- Green Tips – Sign up for daily environmental tips via e-mail ( http://www.epa.gov/earthday/tips.htm . Also, download the Green Tip "widget" to use on your social networking site or blog.
- Audio Podcasts –Twice per week during the month of April, listen to EPA's experts discuss ways you can reduce your environmental footprint. The podcasts will be available for download on EPA's home page and also available for free subscription on iTunes.
- "Green Scene" – EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson will host the latest edition of the agency's new online video series. The administrator discusses Earth Day 2008, the importance of environmental stewardship and the agency's accomplishments.
- Historical Video – The history of EPA and why it was created, as told by all nine former administrators, will be available in two separate videos on EPA's multimedia portal http://www.epa.gov/multimedia ).
- Special Events – Multimedia coverage of the annual Presidential Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Competition will be available for public viewing following the events ( http://www.epa.gov/multimedia ).
- Photo Contest - Help choose the winner. We chose 30 finalists from nearly 750 photos (see contest: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/photocontest ).
- Ask EPA – Molly O'Neill, EPA's Chief Information Officer and Assistant Administrator for Environmental Information will host an online discussion on April 24th at 2 p.m EDT. Molly will highlight the agency's National Dialogue on Access to Environmental Information and take ideas for improving access, including suggestions to improve EPA's homepage (for more information: http://www.epa.gov/askepa ).
03/31/08 - More ideas on Living Green and Helping out: Shower Savings - The next time you hop in the shower, think about this. The average American shower uses about 50 gallons of water. That's 18,000 gallons a year, or enough to fill a couple of backyard pools. But, there are ways you can save both water and energy. --from Go Green --from RochesterHomepage.net
03/31/08 - - **EVENT** - The Cayuga Lake Spring Conference on April 12 at Unitarian Church Annex, 2nd Floor, 306 N Aurora St., Ithaca - Following coffee, tea and baked goods at 8:30 am, Susan Riha (NYS Water Resources Institute) offfers predictions for upstate NY climate change and how non-point source pollution and flooding may be affected. At 10am there will be two concurrent workshops. Session 1 will discuss Dredging Cayuga Inlet, and Water, Weeds and Lakeside Land Use. Elizabeth Moran (EcoLogic LLC) and Paul Lord (SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station) will lead the topics. Session 2 will discuss Natural Landscaping and Management of Lakeside Septic System with Dan Segal (The Plantsmen Nursery) and Win McIntyre (Otsego Lake Watershed Inspector) leading. Please contact the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network by calling 607-532-4104 or emailing manager@cayugalake.org to register. A small charge of $5 for current Watershed Network members and $10 for non-members is solicited, although free admission can be requested.--from Cayuga Lake Watershed Network
03/31/08 - - **EVENT** - The Rochester Green Business Network (RBGN) in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council NY Upstate Chapter will be hosting our annual Building the Triple Bottom Line Sustainable Business and Green Building Conference in downtown Rochester on April 29-30, 2008. This two-day event features nationally recognized speakers who will share innovative practices and lessons learned in implementing green into industrial, commercial and municipal operations. It is aimed at business leaders who are interested in learning more about incorporating sustainable green practices into business operations, and offers sessions for those new to green business as well as those further along in their sustainability journey. Building owners, developers and those in the building industry will benefit from multiple sessions on Day 1 detailing regional funding initiatives for green buildings and the nuts and bolts of green building practices, and Green Builder Contractor Training and LEED for New Construction Technical Review on Day 2. Municipal planners and officials will also benefit from sessions on initiatives planned and underway for greening Rochester area communities and operations. Conference speakers include: County Executive Maggie Brooks, Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy, Rochester City Schools, DASNY, NYSERDA, Brighton & Irondequoit, RIT Golisano Institute of Sustainability, Xerox, Wegmans, and many others. The conference program and additional details are available at www.rochesterTBLconference.org . Conference registration is currently underway.The Rochester Green Business Network (RGBN) is a program of the Center for Environmental Information (CEI). For more information, please contact Carol Zimberlin, RGBN Program Director, at czimberlin@ceinfo.org or (585) 262-2870.
03/30/08 - Controlling Nature: Controlling Great Lakes and the difficulty of coming up with a level suitable to all presents humanity with major conundrum. First, are we really in control, or are we merely fiddling with a complex system we barely understand? For, besides homeowner values and other economic considerations, there are other factors to consider. The Great Lakes are a part of the global ecology and when we tweak lake levels here there are effects on the planetary environment as a whole. Also, as Global Warming takes affect in our area, over time the glacial sheets which supply the Great Lakes with water will rise as the ice melts and then fall as the major source for the water in the system dries up. So, shouldn’t we also be adjusting the lakes levels in anticipation of this major long-term effect on water levels—perhaps trying to shore up as much water as possible before dramatic shortages to the system occur? Isn’t the problem of lake level controls one of priorities? If we are a responsible people to our children and our way of life, shouldn’t our priority be a sustainable future? -- Read from the Democrat & Chronicle 1. Sailing far from clear for new lake-level plan | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle An international panel floated a new plan on Friday for regulating water levels in Lake Ontario, but whether the proposal will sink or swim remains very much an open question. The plan, written by the International Joint Commission to replace decades-old rules, would benefit some of the lake's diverse user groups more than others. (March 29, 08) Democrat & Chronicle and 2. Shoreline property owners look to benefit from new water level proposal | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle As details emerged about a new proposal to regulate Lake Ontario water levels, it appeared that shoreline property owners may be clear winners. Under the plan released this morning by the International Joint Commission, a U.S.-Canada treaty organization, levels would be adjusted to provide some benefit to shoreline wetlands, though not nearly as much as environmental advocates would like. (March 28, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
03/28/08 - - **EVENT** - Webcast - can be view from any personal computer with an Internet Connection New York State Comptroller Comptroller DiNapoli’s Green Initiative Comptroller DiNapoli to Co-host Environmental Webcast April 7, 2008 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Pace University Law School Robert B. Fleming Moot Court Room Joseph and Bessie Gerber Glass Law Center 78 North Broadway White Plains, NY 10603 - Earth Day is April 22 and in collaboration with Pace Law School, I am hosting a Webcast forum to identify the most significant environmental issues facing New York State and to share the initiatives my office is undertaking to confront these problems. - To attend the webcast or to share your questions and ideas with Comptroller DiNapoli, please visit our registration website at www.osc.state.ny.us/gree or email green@osc.state.ny.us
03/28/08 - TRI - Software | TRI Program | EPA Internet Reporting Now Available for All Facilities Reporting TRI Data - Contact: Suzanne Ackerman, (202) 564-4355 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov EPA continues to speed release of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) information to the public and to enhance data quality. For the first time since TRI's inception, all facilities that are required to submit data to TRI will be able to do so over the Internet, using the award-winning TRI-ME software. Companies will no longer have to mail reports on compact disks or paper to EPA, both of which consume more natural resources and slow release of information to the public. The Internet system also has quality checks built into the software, which will improve data quality. This year, companies are required to submit calendar year 2007 data to TRI by July 1, 2008. Facilities will be able to use the Internet to send information directly to EPA through our Central Data Exchange. The TRI-ME software was launched for 2001 TRI reports, and moved exclusively to compact discs for 2005 reports. For 2006 reports, in addition to the compact disc, an on-line version was also offered only in states participating in the TRI State Data Exchange. Delivering information to the public more quickly and improving data quality are two important goals being addressed in EPA's Dialogue on Access to Environmental Information. The Dialogue is designed to obtain input on how EPA might enhance access to its environmental information. EPA will use the information as it develops a strategy for improving access to EPA information. TRI-ME Software: http://www.epa.gov/tri/report/software/index.htm#usetrime
03/28/08 - **ACTION** Important public input asked by the EPA: EPA > Water > National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change EPA Seeks Public Comment on Water Strategy to Respond to Climate Change - Contact: Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355 / smith.roxanne@epa.gov The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on a draft strategy that describes the potential effects of climate change on clean water, drinking water, and ocean protection programs and outlines EPA actions to respond to these effects. The National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change focuses on actions designed to help managers adapt their water programs in response to a changing climate. Other elements of the draft strategy include steps needed to strengthen links between climate research and water programs, and to improve education for water program professionals on potential climate change impacts. The strategy also identifies contributions that water programs can make to mitigate greenhouse gases. Some of the potential impacts of climate change on water resources reviewed in the strategy include increases in certain water pollution problems, changes in availability of drinking water supplies, and collective impacts on coastal areas. The public comment period is open for 60 days. Information on the National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change: http://www.epa.gov/water/climatechange
03/27/08 - - **EVENT** - The south end of Cayuga Lake's waterfront will be cleaned up this Saturday, March 29th. Join volunteers to clean up litter and debris that has collected. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., volunteers will assemble in the parking lot of the Chemung Canal Trust Company on the corner of West Buffalo Street and Taughannock Boulevard to receive final instructions before walking their designated routes. The clean up is expected to last three hours, and volunteers will receive complimentary refreshments courtesy of local businesses. Interested individuals or groups can contact the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network by calling 607-532-4104 or emailing manager@cayugalake.org ; or the Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative at 607-592-4647 or info@cayugawaterfronttrail.com .
03/25/08- - From Go Green --from RochesterHomepage.net : Shop Green - You don't have to change your life drastically to help out the environment. It can be as simple as changing what you pick up the next time you're at the grocery store. (March 13, 08) RochesterHomepage.net
03/25/08 - **EVENT** - Coyote talk at Greece library | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Wildlife biologist Scott Smith will visit the Greece Public Library at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, to present a program about coyotes.
03/22/08 -- Here's a note from the Nobel Prize winner Al Gore on how you can help fight Global Warming: "Global warming is a problem of unprecedented magnitude and that's why we've launched the largest mobilization campaign ever. Actions by individuals like you will be the driving force behind this campaign and our ultimate victory. We're going to succeed, but I need your help today. More than 850,000 people have already joined us, but if leaders in business and government are going to make stopping climate change a priority, we need you to urge your friends to get involved today: http://wecansolveit.org/invitealliance We need to grow to 1,000,000 members by April so we can send a loud message that we want action now. That is why I need you to forward the email below to all of your friends and family right now and ask them to add their voice. Thank you, Al Gore"
03/20/08 - **EVENT** - 11th Annual Outdoor Expo - Have you ever wanted to just try a canoe or kayak but didn't know where to go? Have you ever wondered if there was a club with your outdoor interests? Here's your chance! The Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club is hosting the 11th Annual Outdoor Expo on Saturday June 14th from 9:00 - 4:00 on the beach at Mendon Ponds Park. The Genesee Valley Chapter has organized this event with YOU in mind! Just come see what you can do in the Rochester area! Demonstrations, discussions and activities will be offered all day on a wide variety of outdoor related topics. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with people that share the same interests as you all in one location! The annual Expo attracts hundreds of people who attend more than twenty workshops on various aspects of outdoor activities. Attendees also view and inspect outdoor gear and try out canoes and kayaks on the Hundred Acre Pond. ADK, other local outdoor clubs, and local outdoor retailers present all of the events. All this for FREE!! More details available at: http://gvc-adk.org/Expo
03/20/08 - Do the most important thing you can do for our environment: Vote. And, when you vote, vote for the environment and vote smart. Vote smart by checking up on your representative’s environmental voting record from the League of Conservation Voters, the people who keep watch: 2007 National Environmental Scorecard
03/19/08 - **EVENT** -"New York State Comptroller Comptroller DiNapoli to Co-host Environmental Webcast April 7, 2008 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Pace University Law School Robert B. Flemming Moot Court Room Joseph and Bessie Gerber Glass Law Center 78 North Broadway White Plains, NY 10603 To attend the webcast or to share your questions and ideas with Comptroller DiNapoli, please visit our registration website, e-mail green@osc.state.ny.us or phone Kara Langdon at 518-486-4095. For Directions and a Map of the Pace Law School Campus go to: http://www.pace.edu/page.cfm?doc_id=23100
03/19/08 - **EVENT** -" - Everybody’s getting into EarthDay 2008 this year. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is no less involved. Check out this year’s important program, a challenge. Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge | US EPA 'Collect 1 Million Pounds of e-Waste and 1 Million Unwanted Pills” For Earth Day 2008, US EPA challenges residents and communities around the Great Lakes to collect and recycle electronic waste and to properly dispose of unwanted medicines. e-Waste Electronic waste includes all those old or broken TVs, cell phones, computer components and similar gadgets that are part of our lives. E-waste contains possibly hazardous materials that can harm human health and the Great Lakes environment if disposed of improperly. In 2005 we discarded an estimated 2 million tons of TVs, computers and other electronic gear. Proper disposal and recycling are necessary to avoid unwanted pollution. When we reuse or recycle e-waste properly, we recover materials for re-use, save energy and reduce the environmental costs of raw material extraction and processing."
03/19/08 - **EVENT** -"The announcement of the International Joint Commission's proposal for regulating Lake Ontario water levels will occur on the Internet at 10 a.m. March 28. Members of the public may view it in a video Web feed by going to www.ijc.org . After the announcement, the commission will hold public informational meetings. No schedule has been released yet, but Rochester will be included." - from Plan for lake level raises anxieties - After months of delay and continuing controversy, the international body that oversees the Great Lakes is about to announce a new plan for regulating water levels in Lake Ontario. The announcement will be of intense interest to the thousands of people who live, play or do business along the lake's shoreline, as well as those who boat, fish and use the lake's deep waters for commercial shipping or power generation. ( March 19, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
03/19/08 - **EVENT** - 2008 Healthy Lakes Healthy Lives Tour A voyage to Protect and Restore the Great Lakes - This summer Earth Voyager will be the centerpiece of events in a dozen port cities to raise the profile of the Great Lakes and highlight the urgent need and the remarkable economic, social, and environmental benefits of restoring and protecting them. Events in each port are being organized by local groups with assistance from the Healing Our Waters® --Great Lakes Coalition and may include concerts, street fairs, lectures, receptions, film festivals—even photography and art exhibits on Great Lakes themes. At each port the festivities will conclude with a reception and press conference at which elected officials and other community leaders will have a chance to voice their support for the federal Great Lakes Restoration legislation. Following the press conference, a flotilla of local yachts, pleasure boats, fishing boats, and working boats of all kinds (plus a tall ship or two in some ports of call) will give a rousing send off as the photogenic Earth Voyager heads out to open waters for her next port of call. Goals of the tour include: • Heavy media coverage will raise profile of Restoration (the CBS affiliate in Erie is already committed to covering at least half the tour). • Presidential candidates and public officials from US and Canada will focus on Restoration as issue of national and international urgency. • Industry and Conservation groups will unite in voicing support for Restoration, based on confluence of economic and environmental benefits. (Restoration is a win-win for all.) • Build momentum to implement and fund Great Lakes Restoration. Tentative Tour Dates: June 4 - 7 Buffalo NY June 11 - 14 Erie PA June 18 - 21 Toledo OH June 24 - 28 Detroit MI June 29 – July 11 Port Huron MI July 12 - 14 Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race July 17 - 18 Chicago July 19 - 21 100th Chicago to Mackinac Race July 24 - 27 Petoskey or Traverse City August 6 - 9 Grand Haven MI August 13 - 16 Milwaukee August 20 - 24 Bay City MI August 27 - 30 Cleveland OH September 3 - 6 Rochester NY For More Information: Janice Littlefield (810) 985-4841 bythequay@comcast.ne t Peter Alexander (802) 380-3080 peter@talkingconservation.org Jeff Skelding (202) 797-6893 JSkelding@nwf.org - http://www.earthvoyager.org
03/18/08 - **EVENT** - Rochester Green Living Meetup When Peter Turkow and Lindsay D’Ambrosia first started hosting monthly meetings at local businesses and restaurants they just wanted to meet new people with similar interests. Now, with over 70 members and 9 meetings they plan to host a two speaker event on residential solar & wind systems and show how, with state grants and other financial options, affordable they can be. Event Schedule: 6:15 pm - Our first speaker will be Shawn Lessord. Shawn is a certified solar installer and founder of Rochester Solar Technologies ( www.solarrochester.com ). His company was recently acquired by O'Connell electric for their solar division as is growing rapidly as a result. He will be bringing in some solar equipment and other toys for all to see & will field your questions about solar & wind systems for residential applications. 7:15pm - Our next speaker is Justin Pelletier of RenewableRealty.com He will be discussing some of the grants, banks, & mortgages that are available to apply towards a sustainable home. 8 - 9pm – After the speakers present there will be an opportunity for networking and Rochester Green Living will be announcing future seminar/workshop programs. The cost of this event is $5 and is open to the public. This event is an opportunity to gain some precious knowledge that will put you on the road to sustainable living! This event is only $5; to register please visit http://greenhome.meetup.com/73 or call Peter at 200.0526. Location: Harris Beach CLLP: 99 Garnsey Road Time: 6-9pm -from Rochester Green Living
03/18/08 - **EVENT** - POEMS OF JUSTICE AND PEACEMAKING - Writer-activist Jack Bradigan Spula will read from his poems – on subjects ranging from environmental consciousness to social justice to issues of war and peace – Thursday, March 20, 8:00 pm, at The Mez (formerly Daily Perks/House of Hamez), 389 Gregory St., Rochester (corner of Cayuga). Hope to see you there! The reading is part of the Free Speech Zone series and is supported by the Rochester Poets organization. Meanwhile, check out some of Jack’s work – poetry and prose - on The Rochester Dissident website: www.jackbradiganspula.net . Contact Jack at jbspula@yahoo.com .
03/18/08 - **EVENT** - Rochester’s Role in the Ongoing Elimination of Lead Toxicity By Dr. BRUCE LANPHEAR TWO LECTURES in ROCHESTER, NY MARCH 31 and APRIL 1, 2008 On Monday March 31st Dr. Lanphear will be speaking at the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning 1150 University Ave. at 4PM On Tuesday April 1st Dr. Lanphear will be the guest speaker of the Rochester Pediatric Society at the 52nd Annual Paul W. Beaven Lecture Rochester Academy of Medicine 1441 East Ave at 7:30PM Both events are free and open to the public. In addition to the lectures the general public is welcome to attend Grand Rounds at Rochester General Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital: Tuesday April 1, 8AM Wednesday April 2, 8AM Pediatric Grand Rounds Pediatric Grand Rounds Rochester General Hospital University of Rochester TWIG Auditorium Whipple Auditorium 1425 Portland Avenue 601 Elmwood Avenue (585) 922-4000 (585) 275-2100 www.viahealth.org/ www.urmc.rochester.edu/ Dr. Lanphear is the Sloan Professor of Children’s Environmental Health and the Director of the Cincinnati Children’s Environmental Health Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati. For further information please contact the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning at (585) 256-2267.
3/18/08 - We just keep hearing more and more about this alleged CDC report. Great Lakes health threats Kirk calls for investigation of alleged suppression of report on hazard sites - U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, is calling for a federal investigation into alleged suppression of a report detailing health threats to communities along the Great Lakes, including Waukegan. Kirk said the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry initially refused to publish a government-funded report entitled "Public Health Implications of Hazardous Substances in the Twenty-Six U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern," citing scientific concerns with the document. (March 18, 08) News Sun
03/18/08 - Shouldn't one of our local official organizations be doing a public educational project on Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) too? Duluth News Tribune | Parks, tribal band work to educate people about fish virus Four National Park properties along Lake Superior and the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe announced on Monday a coordinated response to the threat of VHS, the deadly fish disease that’s spreading across the Great Lakes. While the coalition has imposed no new rules or regulations, they are working to raise public awareness of the disease and how it spreads. (March 18, 08) Duluth News Tribune
03/17/08 - How healthy is New York State? Get some of the facts from Trust for America's Health - Health in New York
03/15/08 - Budget Bill Brownfields Proposal - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) was established in 2003 to provide incentives for the cleanup of brownfield sites. Since that time, a number of unintended consequences and issues have been identified. This proposal is designed to correct a number of problems in the way the tax credits are awarded under the BCP, in order to: Promote more and better cleanups Reward sound development Foster urban revitalization Target limited state resources more effectively --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
03/15/08 - Shrub and Tree Seedling Sale - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) annual sale of tree and shrub seedlings is underway and will continue through May. DEC's Saratoga Nursery produces more than 50 species of trees and shrubs, many native to New York, for planting on public and private land. The objective of the program is to provide low-cost planting material to encourage landowners to enhance New York's environment for future generations -from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
03/14/08 - Good Recycling: Imagine It....Recycling Printer Cartridges "Imagine it… Fundraising through Recycling began in 2002 receiving an overwhelming heartwarming response in our community. Through the participation of over 1500 companies, more than $500,000.00 has been donated to local charities and schools."
03/13/07 - **EVENT** - Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 7:30 p.m. Brighton Town Hall Downstairs Meeting Room -2300 Elmwood Avenue, Brighton -The Great Lakes, How Do We Protect Them? The five Great Lakes (Huron, Michigan, Superior, Erie and Ontario) contain an estimated 6 quadrillion gallons of freshwater, with only the polar ice caps and Lake Baikal in Siberia containing more. This translates into nearly one fifth of the world’s freshwater supply, and about 95% of North America’s fresh water supply. Rochester is located on one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world, Lake Ontario. This enormous natural resource \is coveted by the rest of the world. How do we clean up the pollution problem areas? How do we protect the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species that threaten biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, natural resources, and human health? How do we keep the wetland ecosystems that border the lakes intact, and keep the fresh water here? Wayne Howard of the Rochester chapter of the Sierra Club will update us on international, national, and state legislation that addresses these issues.
03/13/07 - **EVENT** - Braddock Bay Raptor Research -585-BOP-LIVE (267-5483) or www.bbrr.org or information@bbrr.org -Bird of Prey Days Festival -Friday, April 11th- Sunday, April 13th -Events are ongoing throughout the weekend, so be sure to check the schedule at www.bbrr.org -The festival takes place at Braddock Bay Park, East Manitou Road, Greece. -The event is free. There is food available for a fee. -Please come on out to Braddock Bay Park to witness the migration of thousands of birds of prey. There will be plenty of hikes, tours, demos, programs, presentations, and displays to teach you about raptors and their incredible migration through western New York each spring. If you have any questions regarding publicity of this event, please contact me at rmloysen@yahoo.com .
03/13/07 - **EVENT** - Coping with Energy Descent through Relocalization - What: A PowerPoint presentation and discussion - When: 6:00 - 8:45 PM, Thursday March 27, 2008 - Where: Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY -Who: The presentation will be made by Jon Bosak and Bethany Schroeder of TCLocal (named for Tompkins County, including Ithaca, NY). They are being brought to Rochester through the efforts of Margie Campaigne, member of the Rochester Environmental Meetup (the sponsoring group). Description: Oil depletion and climate change mean a future of decreasing energy use, mobility and wealth. Jon and Bethany will explain the challenges facing us and strategies for meeting those challenges at the local level. - FREE and open to the public. - For information on TCLocal, see www.tclocal.org . For information on the Environmental Meetup, see http://environment.meetup.com/75/ Our next meeting will be at the Brighton Library 7:00 PM on Wednesday March 12th, where we will discuss FOOD STORAGE.
03/13/07 - **EVENT** - Chickadee Walk at Mendon Ponds - Saturday, March 15th 9:00am – 11:00am - Join Genesee Valley Audubon for a relaxing walk and a chance to hand feed chickadees and maybe nuthatches and tufted titmice. It’s fun for the whole family on Saturday, March 15th beginning at 9:00am. We meet at the lot on Pond Road off Clover Street (the southernmost of the three park entrances off Clover). Bring sunflower seed and dress for the weather. Binoculars will enhance the fun. Free. No seed. No problem. Seed will be provided for a small donation.
03/13/07 - **EVENT** - Brighton Town Hall Auditorium 2300 Elmwood Avenue Monday, MARCH 24, 2008 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. • Could biofuels production and use be sustainable in our region? • How could our community create a sustainable energy system? • Is it better to use biofuels than simply improve conservation of gasoline and energy use? • Is biofuels production making food more expensive? • Are bioenergy crops preserving or diminishing wildlife habitat and water resources? • What’s best? Ethanol? Biodiesel? Methanol? Corn? Switchgrass? Willow? Brewery waste? • Or are there better alternative and renewable sources of energy than these? Please join us at this FREE public forum to hear presentations from two experts in the field of alternative energy: A participatory discussion will follow, as we work together to assess the sustainability of future energy choices and promote beneficial public policy. *Light Refreshments * Co-sponsored by the Federation of Monroe County Environmentalists www.fmce.org and The Center for Sustainable Living www.living-sustainably.
03/13/08 - It's a great leap forward for the local media to allow the public to publish entire articles on their website. I congratulate the Democrat & Chronicle for their trusting of the public and allowing for a more open media. Check out: A decade of RochesterEnvironment.com | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle March 9, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
03/08/07 - **EVENT** - Join the NY Beach Cleanup September 20, 2008 - Plan to be at an ocean beach, a river, sound, stream, wetland, or lake on the third Saturday in September to join a cleanup team and participate in the New York Beach Cleanup, organized annually by the American Littoral Society as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, a worldwide effort of The Ocean Conservancy to document and remove marine debris. Litter is not only unsightly; it poses threats to humans and wildlife. Floating debris is a menace to navigation, fouling propellers and blocking intake valves. Birds become entangled in discarded fishing line and 6-pack ring holders; marine mammals ingest plastics that can obstruct their intestinal tract. Broken glass and metal picked up by haying combines cause fatal injuries to grazing livestock. In the 2007 beach cleanup, over 9,000 volunteers documented and removed over 143,000 pounds of debris from 285 sites across New York. In September, cleanup sites "at a beach near you" will be listed on the American Littoral Society's website: www.alsnyc.org You can also call the Beach Cleanup Hotline: (800) 449-0790 for information. For assistance in forming a cleanup team of your own, contact Beach Cleanup Coordinator Barbara Cohen at alsbeach@aol.com or (718) 471-2166.
03/10/08 -- This just in: "Over 200 people attended the "Return of the Bald Eagle" presentation on February 27, 2008. Click on the link below to see these amazing pictures. Thank you for your support! Friends of Irondequoit Bay http://friendsofirondequoitbay.com/eaglepresentationphotos.aspx
03/09/08 - **ACTION** Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge | US EPA Great Lakes 2008 Earth Day Challenge “Collect 1 Million Pounds of e-Waste and 1 Million Unwanted Pills” For Earth Day 2008, US EPA challenges residents and communities around the Great Lakes to collect and recycle electronic waste and to properly dispose of unwanted medicines. The Challenge U.S. EPA issues this Earth Day Challenge to residents, businesses and community organizations throughout the Great Lakes basin to plan or participate in collection events of e-waste or unwanted medicines during Earth Week April 19 – 27. Across the Great Lakes region, communities are stepping up, signing on to the challenge and adding their collection and take-back events to the efforts of thousands. This is a chance to see how much we can accomplish together. The Challenge is to collect a million pounds of e-waste for proper management and a million pills of unwanted medicines for responsible disposal during Earth Week.
03/08/08 - ROCHESTERENVIRONMENT.COM IS TEN YEARS OLD! What's with that? Read: A Decade of RochesterEnvironment.com
03/08/07 - **EVENT** -DEC ANNOUNCES “STATE OF LAKE ONTARIO” MEETINGS - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced three upcoming public meetings to discuss Lake Ontario fisheries. The tenth annual “State of Lake Ontario” public meetings will be held in Monroe, Niagara, and Oswego counties. Lake Ontario’s embayments and tributaries support thriving populations of fish to satisfy anglers, including a variety of trout and salmon, bass, walleye, yellow perch and panfish. New York’s Lake Ontario waters comprise over 2.7 million acres, and a 1996 statewide angler survey estimated that over 2.8 million angler days are expended on Lake Ontario and the three major tributaries. The estimated value of these fisheries to the New York economy exceeded $95 million. DEC is committed to sound management of Lake Ontario fisheries, to maintain high-quality angling opportunities and associated economic benefits. The State of Lake Ontario meetings provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake to interact with the scientists who study Lake Ontario fisheries. The meeting dates are as follows: $ Thursday, March 6, 2008: 7 - 10 p.m. at the Oswego County BOCES, 179 County Route 64, Mexico, Oswego County. $ Tuesday, March 11, 2008: 7 - 10 p.m. at the Ingel Auditorium, in Building 4 (Student Union) on the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus, Rochester, Monroe County. The meeting is co-hosted by RIT and the Monroe County Fishery Advisory Board. $ Thursday, March 13, 2008: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, Niagara County. DEC and United States Geological Survey biologists will make presentations on: proposed changes to regulations; the status of forage fish stocks; changes to 2008 salmon stocking; provide updates on the Lake Ontario fishing boat and tributary surveys; status of the Salmon River salmon and steelhead fisheries; status of sea lamprey control; and Lake Ontario water level regulation.
03/08/08 - Wouldn’t it be nice if Rochester had a web site that gave a complete inventory of all the measurable indicators for a vivant, sustainable community—including a whole section on our environment? Maybe, something as comprehensive and useful as the one Boston, Mass has-- The Boston Indicators Project - Environment -from The Boston Indicators Project…. Well, we’re working on it and the beginning should begin this fall. The point, as far as environmental indicators go, would be for the public, media, politicians, business to assess the environmental quality on various issues from an objective inventory of indicators and make sound policy based on them. Rochester Area Community Foundation “The Community Foundation and United Way are jointly launching a program to measure, analyze and disseminate community indicators.”
03/08/08 - Getting the Lead out: Rochester is already a leader in addressing the lead in our homes, from decades when lead-based paint was considered safe. But, there's also lead in the air not just our Rochester air but all over the country. Find out how much lead there is in Rochester's air, how and where it is monitored. NRDC: Get the Lead Out: Lead in Your Neighborhood From , zoom in an find out what's going on with lead in your neighborhood --Rochester Google Lead Map.
03/08/08 - Given that Global Warming is occurring and that it’s occurring all over the world, then Rochester will experience the consequences of Global Warming. (Neat little syllogism, that I learned in philosophy 101.) Wouldn’t we want to know what’s coming at us, or more likely because of the lag time in energy dispersal in a weather system as large as Earth, our children? As a matter of fact, wouldn’t everyone want to know how Global Warming is going to affect the Rochester area—business leaders, politicians, citizens of our community, teachers, businesses, hospitals, farmers, real estate people, lawyers, and well, just about anyone? Seems rational. So, if you do, check out this comprehensive report on what Global Warming may bring to our area and possible solutions we might consider for our area. Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast Prepared by the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment Synthesis Team:
03/07/07 - **EVENT** -Environmental Leadership Symposium and Awards Luncheon - Individual Ticket April 8, 2008 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Rochester Riverside Convention Center - Price: $79.00 - The Rochester Business Journal will host a half day symposium to educate businesses and organizations of Rochester on numerous ways to become "greener." Also, the Rochester Business Journal will be recognizing local businesses for their dedication to environmental or conservational concerns with the Environmental Leadership Awards. The awards will be presented at a luncheon which proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Seneca Park Zoo Society conservation projects.
02/29/08 - **ACTION** -Act now for a CLEANER NEW YORK – call your legislators today! Governor Spitzer has introduced the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in his proposed state budget for 2008-2009. This legislation calls for updating our nickel-deposit system to include increasingly popular non-carbonated beverages such as bottled water, iced teas, and sports drinks. It also would require beverage companies to return unclaimed deposits to NY to protect our environment. This is a great opportunity to make our communities cleaner, increase recycling, and generate more funding for recycling, parks, and other local environmental programs. But time is running out and the industry opponents are using all their clout to oppose it. That's why we need grassroots pressure – especially on the State Senate, which has blocked this measure every year. Your action NOW could make the difference. Budget discussions will be coming to a head in the next few weeks. Let's get it done in the state budget this year! The next few weeks are crucial for this campaign. Please contact your Senator and Assemblymember TODAY and urge them to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in the state budget! CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR* (518) 455-2800 (Senate Switchboard) www.senate.state.ny.us - YOUR STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER (518) 455-4100 (Assembly Switchboard) www.assembly.state.ny.us * To find out who represents you, go to the Senate and Assembly links listed above, or type in your address at http://nymap.elections.state.ny.us/nysboe/ . URGE YOUR STATE LAW-MAKERS TO INCLUDE THE BIGGER BETTER BOTTLE BILL IN THE 2008-09 STATE BUDGET BACKGROUND Governor Eliot Spitzer has proposed updating New York's Bottle Bill through the state budget process. The Bottle Bill, enacted in 1982, places a 5-cent refundable deposit on beer, soda, and wine coolers sold in New York. Because of the deposit, nearly 70% of these bottles and cans get returned and recycled through the Bottle Bill. In comparison, curbside recycling programs capture less than 20% of non-deposit beverage containers such as water bottles. The "Bigger Better Bottle Bill" would update the law to include a 5-cent deposit on non-carbonated beverages such as water, juice, iced tea, and sports drinks. It would also require beverage distributors to transfer unclaimed nickel deposits to the State Environmental Protection Fund. The Governor's budget estimates that this would raise $25 million in the 2008-09 fiscal year and $100 million annually thereafter.The New York State Assembly passed the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in 2005 and 2006, and supported it in last year's state budget. But each year, the New York State Senate has blocked this common-sense measure from moving forward. Supporters have between now and April 1st, when the budget is supposed to be adopted, to convince the politicians in Albany to include the updated bottle bill in the final state budget. TALKING POINTS ** The Legislature has a responsibility to make our communities cleaner and healthier. Each year that state law-makers fail to update New York's Bottle Bill, more than two billion water bottles and other non-deposit containers end up in the trash or littering our communities. It's time to update the Bottle Bill to include these containers. ** After 25 years, the Bottle Bill is still New York's most effective recycling and litter prevention program. But consumer tastes have changed, and it's time to update the program. Bottled water and other non-carbonated beverages now make up more than ¼ of the beverage market – but they make up nearly 2/3 of the empty bottles and cans polluting our parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. Recycling these containers conserves energy, natural resources, and landfill space. ** We need more money for parks, recycling, and programs that protect our health and our environment. The Legislature should close the loophole in the law that allows beverage companies to profit when people don't reclaim their nickel deposits. This would generate more than $100 million a year in new funding for the state's Environmental Protection Fund. FOR MORE INFORMATION -Visit NYPIRG's webpage: http://www.nypirg.org/enviro/bottlebill/ Contact NYPIRG staff at 518-436-0876: Laura Haight, lhaight@nypirg.org Joseph Stelling, jstelling@nypirg.org Lydia Vinas, lvinas@nypirg.org
03/05/07 - **EVENT** - Living in Harmony March meeting n - At our March 11 meeting we will focus on “stuff” we accumulate and how it fits into the larger picture, by watching the DVD, The Story of Stuff, a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled film looking at the underside of our production and consumption patterns, with a special focus on the United States. All the stuff in our lives, beginning from the extraction of the resources to make it, through its production, sale, use and disposal, affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues and calls for all of us to create a more sustainable and just world. It will teach you something. It will make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever. You can find out more about the film by going to www.storyofstuff.com . Come join us on Tuesday, March 11, 7 – 9 pm, Henrietta United Church of Christ, 1400 Lehigh Station Rd. For more information, contact Elizabeth Pixley (334-0977 or epixley@rochester.rr.com ).
03/05/07 - **EVENT** - Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:00am - 3:00pm Regional Cancer and Environment Forum in Rochester - Hosted by The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester 840 University Avenue, Rochester, New York - Presentations on · Prevention of Weight Gain as a Strategy to Decrease Breast Cancer Risk · Phthalates, Obesity and Insulin Resistance: First Looks · The Estrogen Connection: Estrogenic Chemicals in Plastics, Personal Care Products and Electronics · The Rochester Healthy Home (including optional field trip following the program) Details to follow in a subsequent mailing. RSVP to Carmi at (607) 255-1185 or cso1@cornell.edu
03/05/07 - **EVENT** - Event Title: 6th Annual Bird Festival — for International Migratory Bird Day - Event Dates: Saturday, May 10 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, May 11, 2008 (Noon to 4 p.m. with “early-bird” Mother’s Day nature walk at 10 a.m.) Location: Braddock Bay Park, E. Manitou Rd at Lake Ontario State Parkway, Town of Greece - Presented by: BirdCOR & Genesee Valley Audubon Society - Phone: 585-223-8369 - Web site: www.birdcor.org -Event Details: Come celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at BirdCOR’s 6th annual Rochester Area IMBD festival at Braddock Bay Park on Lake Ontario. Live Birds of Prey programs throughout the weekend. Exhibits by conservation organizations. Kids' crafts and games. Art exhibit/sales, featuring: Ray Easton, 4-time New York State “Wildlife artist of the year.” Featured talk both days: Christine Sevilla, book preview and slide show, “Wetlands Stewardship—On bringing public, government, corporate, and scientific understanding to wetlands management.” Information on this year's theme of “Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats, and People.” Mother's Day extras: “early-bird” nature walk (10 a.m.); music by “Son de la Tierra”; update from Rochester Falconcam. Free admission. Family program for all ages, wheelchair accessible, open to the public. Festival information & printable schedule at: www.birdcor.org .

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