Updates March - April 06

• 04/18/06 --**ACTION**  RGGI States Announce Release of Draft Model Rule for Regional Carbon Cap Seven Northeast states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) have released the draft model rule that provides detailed information on RGGI implementation. Public comments on the draft model rule will be accepted until May 22, 2006. The program will place a mandatory emissions cap on the electric generating sector, and allow emissions trading. RGGI will also achieve significant reductions through end-use energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction projects undertaken outside of the power sector. To Submit Comments The comment period will close on May 22, 2006. Written comments on the draft model rule should be submitted to the attention of Franz Litz, Climate Change Policy Coordinator, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, at the RGGI email address: RGGICOMM@gw.dec.state.ny.us . For additional information on RGGI, see "Frequently Asked Questions" in the text of the complete press release, and visit the RGGI website (see "Related Links" below).
•  04/28/06 -- Check out this new environmental site online Jigeemu.com: Helping the Earth - Made Simple This site is the kind of online environmental effort that I heartily support: One of the great abilities of the Internet is to get everyone environmental information quickly and thoroughly.  Jigeemu.com was created by several recent graduates of The Johns Hopkins University. Our goal is to make it easier for individuals to be environmentally conscious. By providing the public with information on recycling, energy efficiency, and other environmental considerations, the members of Jigeemu.com hope that this website can be a useful aid for reducing pollution and helping maintain the health of the environment.
•  04/28/06 -- Environmental Reading choice: If you want to get the skinny on Global Warming from a very respected environmental reporter who can explain the problem in very specific detail, with 'it's-happening-now! examples, I recommend this short and pity book: Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert.
•  04/28/06 -**EVENT** - Sierra Club Book Study Group: Plan B - The Rochester Group of the Sierra Club is hosting a study group enable community members to learn more about imminent environmental problems and solutions. In conjunction with the Eighth Annual Environmental Forum, we have chosen to begin our study with Lester Brown's Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble. Brown's book is notable for its clear and readable analysis of dangerous stresses on the environment. Unlike many "gloom and doom" prophecies, Brown also offers practical solutions that citizens and leaders can implement right away. We will meet on May 30 at 7 pm, in the Brighton Public Library. We will discuss chapters 1-7 at this meeting, and the rest of the book at our June meeting. Copies are available from your favorite bookseller, or via download from http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PB2/Contents.htm . Members and non-members alike are invited. - Event: Book study group Sponsor: Rochester Group of the Sierra Club Reading: Lester Brown's Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble. Sponsor URL: http://newyork.sierraclub.org/rochester/  Download book URL: http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PB2/Contents.htm . Location: Brighton Public Library Time & Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, May 30.
•  04/28/06 -- Major update on Global Warming: Global Warming Science NEW: Global Fingerprints of Greenhouse Warming -The Pew Center's March 2006 Summary of Recent Scientific Research (pdf) -- "Greenhouse gases are accumulating in Earth’s atmosphere as a result of human activities, causing surface air temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures to rise." -Climate Chance Science, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 2001 -"The scientific understanding of climate change is now sufficiently clear to justify nations taking prompt action." -Joint [11] Science Academies’ Statement: Global Response to Climate Change, 2005 --- The earth is warming. Temperatures at the Earth's surface increased by an estimated 1.4°F (0.8°C) between 1900 and 2005. The past decade was the hottest of the past 150 years and perhaps the past millennium. The hottest 22 years on record have occurred since 1980, and 2005 was the hottest on record. -- Global Warming: The Pew Center on Global Climate Change
•  04/27/06 -- Why we should care about what's going on with our environment.  This story by the Boston Globe highlights a grave environmental problem that we, as Americans, seem incapable of addressing--that many of our irresponsible industries have been and are poisoning our environment. The problem is that we, as a society, do not actively conduct continual studies of our environment (including cancer studies)  
•  04/27/06 -  **EVENT** Smart Growth Starts with Effective Land-use Planning - What: A lecture by Thomas Hylton, Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, author of the book, Save Our Land, Save Our Towns, and President of the PA-based non-profit, Save Our Land, Save Our Towns. Hylton's organization is a charitable corporation that promotes changes in attitudes and policies that cause suburban sprawl. Through education and advocacy, the non-profit champions the use of regional planning, growth boundaries and traditional town design to protect rural areas and encourage the redevelopment of cities and towns that house people of all ages, races and incomes. When: Friday, May 5th at 7 pm. Where: Union Congregational Church, 14 N. Main Street, Churchville, NY 14428 - Free and Open to the Public, followed by a reception. -Hosted by the Village of Churchville, NY and the Rochester Regional Community Design Center. For more information, please visit: www.rrcdc.org/churchville/flier.pdf  or call (585) 271-0520
•  04/26/06 -- **ACTION** Don't let them disappear on the ballot box.  Green Party Ballot Status: New York State Election Law says that in order for political parties to maintain ballot status, it must have at least 50,000 votes in each gubernatorial election. For the major, corporate-driven parties, this is easy. For independent, third-parties this is more difficult. In 1998, the Green Party ran Al "Grandpa" Lewis for governor and he got 52,533 votes. For the next four years, the Greens had a ballot line in New York State, allowing citizens to register as Greens and making it immensely easier to run candidates for local office. In 2002, the Greens ran Stanley Aronowitz for Governor and received 41,797 votes, losing ballot status. The Green Party sued to allow people to remain registered Greens and won. In 2003, the Monroe County Board of Elections sent a letter to all registered greens erroneously telling us that we are now considered "blanks". Many Greens then registered in a different party, not knowing they did not need to. The Monroe BOE did not send a second letter correcting this error. People can still register in the Green Party, but must check "Other" on voter registration cards and write in "Green". This year marks another gubernatorial election. The Greens will hold its convention on May 20th, in which its slate for state offices will be chosen. Because the state does not recognize us as an “official” party (because we do not have ballot status), we cannot have a primary, so members of the State Committee will elect those who have collected petition signatures to run for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller and US Senate. Once the candidates are chosen, we will have to garner thousands of petition signatures from mid July to mid August across the state to get our people on the ballot in November. Any registered NYS voters are allowed to gather signatures. Contact the local Green Party at (585) 234-6470 if you are interested in helping the Greens get ballot status back. Once we regain our ballot status, people will be able to register Green easier. We will be able to run more candidates more effectively thus challenging the corporate-party system. Dave Atias Visit http://www.gpomc.org  and http://gpomc.blogspot.com
•  04/25/06 -- With energy prices skyrocketing, it's time to get Energy Smart - The New York Energy $martSM program is designed to continue energy efficiency, low-income services, research and development, and environmental protection programs during the State's transition to electric retail competition, and is a key element in the restructuring of New York's electric utility industry. In 1998, to ensure that these kinds of programs continue to benefit New Yorkers, the State's Public Service Commission (PSC) named the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) administrator of these programs, which are paid for by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the State's investor-owned utilities. The New York Energy $martSM program is being implemented in those utility territories. Some 2,700 projects in more than 30 programs are funded under New York Energy $martSM.
•  04/25/06 -- Wind Power fights. While we fight locally about install wind farms, the world at large is beginning to see the how desperately we need to have safe (non-nuclear), renewable energy: As Gas Prices Climb, Wind Power Wins over New Fans  by Robert S. Boyd - WASHINGTON - Thanks to $3-a-gallon gasoline and $75-a-barrel oil, wind power - the once-wimpy little brother of the energy industry - is putting on muscle and gaining favor. Sleek white wind turbines, 25 stories tall, rise from the plains of West Texas in Big Spring. (Carolyn Mary Bauman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Its backers promote wind as a clean, cheap, endlessly renewable way to make electricity that can help reduce the nation's reliance on high-priced, perhaps undependable foreign sources and thereby enhance national security. --Published on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 by Knight Ridder - See today's newspaper: Naples joins suit against wind-power project — Village leaders in Naples, Ontario County, have voted to join a lawsuit challenging a wind energy project planned for the nearby towns of Prattsburg and Italy. Ecogen LLC, a Buffalo-based developer, plans a 53-turbine project in the Steuben and Yates county communities, and has received preliminary approval from the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency, which completed an environmental review of the project in December. - (April 24, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
•  04/22/06 --**ACTION** There is a major campaign by several environmental groups to get the Bigger Better Bottle Bill passed in New York State.  Considering that over 80% of New Yorker's want this bill, why is it being held up?  Here are two major web sites where you can let your NYS Assembly members know that you want the Bigger Better Bottle Bill passed Now!:
  • URGE YOUR ASSEMBLY MEMBER TO SUPPORT CLEANER COMMUNITIES AND MORE RECYCLING BY VOTING YES FOR THE BIGGER BETTER BOTTLE BILL -The bigger better bottle bill will be coming up for a floor vote in the Assembly when legislators return from the legislative break. Call your assembly member and urge them to vote yes on this critical legislation! It is okay to call in evenings and weekends and leave a message, those calls are just as important. We need to make our voices heard and let them know that this is a bill that needs to happen this year. --from Atlantic Chapter Index -- Sierra Club
  •  EARTH DAY ACTION ALERT! Support Cleaner Communities and More Recycling! - Urge your Assemblymember to VOTE YES on the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill! (A2517) for Earth Day! It's time to update and expand New York's bottle bill to increase recycling and make our communities cleaner. Please call or e-mail your State Assemblymember and urge him/her to VOTE YES on the "Bigger, Better Bottle Bill" (A2517) when it comes to the floor. We are urging the Assembly to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill on April 25th for Earth Day. April 17-21: Call Assemblymembers in their district offices April 24 & 25: Call Assemblymembers in their Albany offices How to Contact Your State Assemblymember To find out who your State Assemblymember is, go to http://nymap.elections.state.ny.us/nysboe/  . For phone and address information, go to http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/  or call the Assembly Switchboard at 518-455-4100 and ask to be transferred - For New York City residents, go to www.nypirg.org  home page and click on "Who Represents Me" or call the Assembly Switchboard at 212-312-1550 - Background The "Bigger, Better Bottle Bill," A2517D/S1290D, introduced by Assemblyman Thomas P. DiNapoli and Senator Kenneth LaValle, would update the bottle bill, New York's most effective recycling and litter prevention program, to include non-carbonated beverages like bottled water and iced tea. It would also require beverage companies to return unclaimed deposits to the State Environmental Protection Fund to fund recycling and other environmental programs. - We all share responsibility for keeping our communities clean and healthy. But each year that state lawmakers fail to close the "litter loophole," nearly two billion bottles and cans end up in the trash or polluting our state's rivers, streams and neighborhoods. It is time for the Assembly and Senate to update the most successful anti-pollution law in New York's history by passing the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. - According to the Container Recycling Institute, expanding the bottle bill would capture about two billion bottles and cans per year that would otherwise end up clogging our landfills or polluting our rivers, streams, and communities. It would also generate as much as $179 million a year to help protect New York's environment. - Last year the Assembly passed this bill with a strong bipartisan majority. But the supermarkets and beverage giants are hard at work trying to kill this bill. We need grassroots support to push this bill over the top in the Assembly - your letters, calls and e-mails will make a difference! Once we get the Assembly to renew its support, we will focus all of our grassroots efforts on the State Senate. - For More Information For more information about this legislation, please go to http://www.nypirg.org/enviro/bottlebill/  or contact Laura Haight or Padraic Bambrick, 518-436-0876; lhaight@nypirg.org ; pbambrick@nypirg.org
•  04/22/06 -- Except for a few local News Sources (like the Democrat and Chronicle ) our area's online news organizations should be ashamed of themselves for the lack of environmental news this community is offered.  Environmental information from the news media is critical if any one community is going to be on top of environmental problems.  The public needs to know what is going on with environmental potential problems and situations in order to be able to act before an outright disaster occurs.  This community needs a lot more environmental reporting and a lot more media doing it's job on the most critical issue of the day. 
•  04/22/06 -- Want the skinny on Global Warming?  Read a conversation with Elizabeth Kolbert: A conversation with climate journalist Elizabeth Kolbert | By David Roberts | Grist Magazine | Main Dish | 10 Apr 2006 Over the past year, a perfect storm of scientific studies, dire weather events, and media coverage lifted global warming onto the mainstream national agenda. No writing had more impact than a series of closely observed pieces in The New Yorker by journalist Elizabeth Kolbert, which have now been collected and expanded into a book: Field Notes From a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change. (Read a review of the book.)--from Environmental News and Humor | Grist Magazine | 22 Apr 2006
•  04/22/06 --Here's a way you can help our environment locally: Welcome to My Yard Counts! — My Yard Counts My Yard Counts! My Yard Counts! is a new citizen-science project that collects information about birds around residences in rural, suburban, and urban settings. Researchers are hoping to identify the features in yards that are most important to birds. Participants spend 20 minutes watching birds near their homes once a week from April to August. Data will be collected through the online eBird program. To learn more and to sign up for this free project, go to http://www.birds.cornell.edu/MyYardCounts  < http://www.birds.cornell.edu/MyYardCounts > .
•  04/22/06 -- Here's some information about Energy loss that I did not know: Leaking Electricity: Standby and Off-Mode Power Consumption in Consumer Electronics and Household Appliances  By: Jennifer Thorne and Margaret Suozzo - February, 1998 - Home electronics and small household appliances (such as televisions (TVs), video cassette recorders (VCRs), telephone answering machines, cordless phones, portable power tools, office equipment, etc.) draw energy not only when they are in use, but also when the power is ostensibly off. This phenomenon is known as "leaking electricity." Leaking electricity is responsible for an estimated 45 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity consumed by U.S. households each year—nearly 5 percent of total residential electricity use—and costs U.S. consumers more than $3.5 billion annually. In the past few years, researchers in the United States, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere have made considerable progress in understanding the energy losses, potential savings, and markets for products that leak electricity. This information is enabling policymakers to make better decisions about effective approaches that they can take to address leaking electricity. At this point, at least one significant joint government-industry initiative has begun in the United States and others are being discussed. Not surprisingly, these initiatives focus on those markets where the greatest potential energy savings lie. Additional opportunities exist to save a large fraction of the remaining standby and off-mode power waste. Preliminary estimates show that leaking electricity could be reduced by almost 75 percent through the use of improved components and product designs. --from ACEEE - American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
•  04/22/06 -- This sounds like a good Federal Environmental program: EPA | Community Action for a Renewed Environment The new Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a competitive grant program that offers an innovative way for communities to take action to reduce toxic pollution. Through CARE, communities create local collaborative partnerships that implement local solutions to reduce releases of toxic pollutants and minimize exposure to toxic pollutants.
•  04/22/06 -- Here are some interesting tips on saving energy that you may not have considered: Are Energy Vampires in Your Home?--from GreenTips Home (Index) When you walk through your home at night with the lights off, chances are your path will still be lit by the eerie glow of “standby” lights and digital displays on various appliances and electronic devices. Because these devices are ready to operate or receive signals at all times, they act like vampires silently sucking away energy even when they are turned “off.” --from Union of Concerned Scientists
•  04/22/06 -- It's Earth Day today.  Besides using RochesterEnvironment.com to help you live sustainability, try this new site especially designed to help you live more environmentally friendly: Jigeemu.com: Helping the Earth - Made Simple Jigeemu.com was created by several recent graduates of The Johns Hopkins University. Our goal is to make it easier for individuals to be environmentally conscious. By providing the public with information on recycling, energy efficiency, and other environmental considerations, the members of Jigeemu.com hope that this website can be a useful aid for reducing pollution and helping maintain the health of the environment.
•  04/16/06 -- Call me Skeptical, but when I hear that the government wants to limit how much information that businesses have to contribute to the EPA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), and the fact that only businesses are the one contributing to the TRI, then I have a problem believing that this story about a drop in actual chemical releases into our state's water and air are reliable.  I guess I won't feel entirely comfortable with chemical release figure until we have independent institutions monitor the toxic releases into our environment.  At present, most of the official figures for toxic releases come from the businesses themselves--self monitoring.   Environmental Protection Agency - EPA Press Release: Chemical Releases to Air and Water Drop Drastically in New York State from 1998 to 2004 (New York, NY) The quantity of toxic chemicals released into the air and water by industry in New York State fell by more than 35%, from 50 million pounds in 1998 to a total of 31 million pounds in 2004, according to data in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) issued today. The amount of total releases, including land disposal, dropped by 8.9% in the state from 2003 to 2004. TRI provides Americans with vital information about chemicals released into their communities, and is an important instrument for industries to gauge their progress in reducing pollution. On a national level, over 23,000 facilities reported on approximately 650 chemicals for calendar year 2004. --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• 04/16/06 -- Time to think about summer camps: Applications Available for DEC Summer Environmental Camps New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that applications for DEC's 2006 summer environmental education camps are now available and encouraged families to consider enrolling their children in these exciting programs. "We strive to bring children closer to the outdoors through our four environmental education summer camps located in some of the most pristine, natural areas in the state—the Catskill Forest Preserve, the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and the Genesee River Valley," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Camps Colby, DeBruce, Rushford and Pack Forest offer children the opportunity to participate in activities that help them become more aware of the environment around them and stimulate their desire to conserve our natural resources. The activities and lessons blend learning and outdoor fun—like fishing, canoeing and hiking—in a group setting that allows children to get hands-on experience lasting for a lifetime."  --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources
• 04/16/06 -  **EVENT** Celebrate Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 Earth Day Activities at DEC's EECs April 22—Earth Day—is when we officially and collectively celebrate our beautiful planet by participating in activities that are good for the environment and for us as well. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson is credited with the founding of Earth Day. After years of unsuccessful attempts to persuade the federal government to add environmental concerns to its agenda, Senator Nelson announced at a conference that there would be a nationwide grassroots demonstration in the spring of 1970 on behalf of the environment, and he invited everyone to participate. --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources
• 04/16/06 --**ACTION** Pipe in on Carbon Caps: The seven states will create a regional cap-and-trade system that uses emissions credits or allowances to limit the total amount of emissions. Beginning in 2009, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plants in the region will be capped at current levels—RGGI States Announce Release of Draft Model Rule for Regional Carbon Cap New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan recently announced that the seven Northeast states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) have released the draft model rule that provides detailed information on RGGI implementation. Public comments on the draft model rule will be accepted until May 22, 2006. Two regional stakeholder meetings on the draft model rule have been announced for March 28 and May 2, 2006. A New York State stakeholder meeting has been slated for April 7, 2006. To Submit Comments The comment period will close on May 22, 2006. Written comments on the draft model rule should be submitted to the attention of Franz Litz, Climate Change Policy Coordinator, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, at the RGGI email address: RGGICOMM@gw.dec.state.ny.us . For additional information on RGGI, see "Frequently Asked Questions" in the text of the complete press release, and visit the RGGI website (see "Related Links" below).
• 04/16/06 -- Looking for some good trails?  Get a complete trail guide here: Trail results for Rochester New York
• 04/15/06 -- It takes time to change people's attitudes and habits, but here at RochesterEnvironment.com we hope everyone gets on board with the new 48 Hour Neighborhood Notification Law in Monroe County.  It took many groups a long time to get this law passed in Monroe County--and did so for a very good reason: the public health of everyone in this county.  Lawn care law largely ignored — Many Monroe County homeowners are not complying with the county's new pesticide neighbor notification law, officials say. Under the law, homeowners who apply weed-killers and insecticides to lawn and garden areas larger than 100 square feet must post small signs informing neighbors that chemicals have been applied. In addition, the law requires retailers to post signs next to pesticides explaining the law to their customers. (April 15, 2006) Daily Messenger
•  04/13/06 -  **GOOD/BAD IDEAS****EVENT**  The City of Rochester takes pride in its environment: We here at RochesterEnvironment.com do our utmost to find ways Rochesterians can help their local environment.   Well, our new mayor, Mayor Robert Duffy, has kicked off his administration with a fantastic effort to get the public's attention on our environment with the Rochester Clean Sweep Program.  I applaud the new mayor's real efforts to get the the public take pride in their environment and do something specific that will make a difference.  Check out this site for all information on how you can commit to a cleaner Rochester:  Rochester's Clean Sweep Program - Be A Part of the Action! Help Clean Up Our Streets! Clean and attractive neighborhoods are vital to the health of our city! - “Rochester's Clean Sweep... Showing Pride in Our City” - A six-week spring clean up initiative that begins April 17 --from Welcome to the City of Rochester
• 04/12/06 - Silently we are being blinded about the condition of our environment: Experts See Peril in Reduced Monitoring of Nation's Streams and Rivers - New York Times
•  04/12/06 - **EVENT** - EARTH DAY Community Service & Hike - Maplewood Park 4/22/06, 11:00 am Sponsored by Salon Singles of Rochester, NY - Salon Single's will support Mayor Duffy's "Clean Sweep" initiative to make Rochester a better place. Singles Wanted!!! Help spruce up the Maplewood & Charlotte, Net Area A, section of the city. -  4/22 Earth Day -- Clean Sweep DETAILS - T-shirts and gloves will be handed out, but please dress appropriately, i.e., long pants and hard soled shoes or boots. Coffee and donuts will be served. Come back afterwards for a picnic. - Please, no children under 12; youth ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult. NO DOGS. - We'll hike the the Riverway Trail, around this area, after the Clean Sweep, then go to the Earth Day Festival at the U of R. For details on where to meet, etc., contact Salon Singles at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SalonSingles/
•  4/11/06 -- **EVENT** -  April 25, 2006 at 12:12 PM - 12:52 PM - BOOKS SANDWICHED-IN: -  Bring your lunch - beverages available. Presented by the Friends of the Rochester Public Library. Garbage Land, by Elizabeth Royte - What happens after we put our trash on the curb? The enormous stream of waste we generate has created a huge task of hauling and disposing, and many opportunities as well as problems.  The volume of our garbage is a critical problem, the author maintains. How we deal with the problem is as at times funny and sad.  Hear our expert reviewers' opinion in what promises to be a fascinating program.  Reviewer: Ed Doherty, former City Commissioner of Environmental Services for the City of Rochester - at Central Library Bausch & Lomb Bldg. Kate Gleason Auditorium, 115 South Avenue.  428-8350
•  4/11/06 -- **EVENT** - Cool Kids "COOLEST EARTH DAY EVER"! Thursday- April 20 2006 5 PM - 8 PM Genesee Community College One College Road Batavia, NY 14020 (just off the Thruway!) - SPRING CLEAN! GET READYYYYYYY to WIN WIN WIN!! - COOL KIDS First Ever - E-SCRAP DRIVE! = BRING IN YOUR OLD-USED COMPUTERS 'n MORE! - Tell Families! Schools! Groups!! HELP US MAKE THIS HUGE! - $ave $ (normally $5 a PC-$10 a TV!) $ave the Earth! Clean house! Bring your STUFF! Get CHANCES TO WIN A 21-speed mountain bike! - (From Adam Miller Toys and Bicycle Shop and GCC Earth Club- Batavia, NY) and even MORE PRIZES!! HELP US AND BRING IN ANY MAKE/MODEL/Working or NOT: - Computers, Laptops - Computer Hardware - Monitors - Printers, Scanners - Terminals -Televisions - Network Equipment - Circuit Boards - Wiring & Cabling - Business Machines - Electronic Scrap - Personal Copiers - Typewriters -Fax Machines -Mailing Equipment -Cash Register -Microwaves -Network Equipment -Batteries, UninterruptiblePower Supplies (less than 10 lbs. each, no car batteries) -PDA’s ~IPODS ~ Cell Phones ~Calculators NO Business E-waste, lamps, kitchen or personal appliances! SPECIAL CURBSIDE PICKUP -***(just pull your car up to the UNLOADING ZONE! We'll unload! Give you raffle tickets! **** Then-go Park! And STAMPEDE INSIDE FOR: ALL FREE! TONS OF SUPER INTERACTIVE ECO-DISPLAYS! Over 18 booths-indoors and out! Recycling Olympics! PIZZA! Grounds Cleanup! (430-530 PM) Giant Birds of Prey (530-630 PM) Demos galore! Seedling Giveaway! Puppet Shows (7 PM)! TREASURE HUNT and GREAT PRIZES! For more info: 637-3984 or coolkids@rochester.rr.com -  www.generationcool.biz  SPONSORED by GCC EARTH CLUB! Cool Kids! and GCC Office of Student Activities!
• 4/09/06 -- Find an Endangered Species in your area: Northeast - Endangered Species Map - Wildlife - Sierra Club
• 4/08/06 -- It's Spring, where you gonna go? Why not one of your Monroe County Parks?  And to help you find out where to go, check out the Democrat and Chronicle's Park and Trails interactive map.
• 4/08/06 -- Get up to snuff on Global Warming: Check out this great series of reports on Global Warming online - you can even podcast these programs - Early Signs: Reports From a Warming Planet / Nick Miroff and Jon Mooalem Real Player MP3 -Living on Earth kicks off a six-part series of reports from places where climate change concerns are already bringing change. First stop: Churchill, Manitoba where Nick Miroff and Jon Mooalem report diminished polar ice is forcing a town to reexamine whether it has any future as "The Polar Bear Capital of the World." (15:00) --from Living on Earth: Sound Journalism for the Whole Planet
• 4/08/06 -- **EVENT** Quality Canals for Quality Communities Conference APRIL 26, 2006 - Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue, Chair of the Quality Communities Interagency Working Group - NYS CANAL CORPORATION & NYS DEPARTMENT OF STATE - WHAT: Quality Canals for Quality Communities Conference WHEN: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., April 26, 2006 WHERE: Burgundy Basin Inn, Perinton, NY -- Register by April 17th for Pre-Conference discount.
• 4/08/06 -- Living better environmentally: Seeking Common Ground Home Page Founding in 1997, Seeking Common Ground (SCG), Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to exploring, modeling and inspiring more conscious and restorative ways of life. SCG was co-founded by five women in response to a growing desire to apply their corporate education and publishing skills to topics closer to heart and home. Seeking Common Ground, Inc. P.O. Box 486, Mendon, NY 14506 Phone: 585-394-7610 mail your questions and/or comments to: info@seekingcommonground.org  
• 4/08/06 -- Locate bad air online: Clear The Air What you don't know about the air you breathe can hurt you. For the first time, the Power Plant Air Pollution Locater puts at your fingertips detailed information about the air you and your family are breathing. Now you can zoom in on your state, your city, and even on the power plant in your back yard — and find out what dirty air means to you.
• 4/07/06 -- **EVENT** Public Meeting Planned for April 27, 2006 - The Stormwater Coalition of Monroe County is hosting a public meeting on April 27, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., at the Greece Town Hall, 1 Vince Tofany Boulevard. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has determined that stormwater runoff and "nonpoint" source pollution are the primary cause of the majority of the State's remaining water quality problems. The towns and villages that comprise the Stormwater Coalition are working together to implement many innovative programs that reduce stormwater pollution in a cost-effective manner. The Coalition has received several state and federal awards in recognition of its progressive work. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about these efforts and the important role that homeowners, students, and others can play in reducing stormwater pollution and conserving our natural resources. A flier with all the meeting details is attached in Related Documents. --from Monroe County
•  4/06/06 -- **EVENT** Planting Seeds Of Change: Living a Vibrant Life! - Third Annual Conference presented by Seeking Common Ground and Rochester Lifeways Magazine - Friday, April 28 & Saturday, April 29, 2006 Rochester, NY Check out the Saturday session information to see which track interests you most! - Keynote Address on Friday, April 28th Monroe High School, 164 Alexander Street, Rochester. 7 PM - Living Democracy, Feeding Hope: Lessons on Bringing Democracy to Life! - by Frances Moore Lappe' - internationally acclaimed author of: DIET FOR A SMALL PLANET YOU HAVE THE POWER: Choosing Courage in a Culture of Fear - And her latest: DEMOCRACY'S EDGE -Admission to Keynote: FREE with conference registration of $75 or $12 adults, $7 students and senior citizens -Planting Seeds of Change Conference Saturday, April 29th 8:15 AM - 5 PM The School Without Walls, 480 Broadway Street, Rochester A full day of workshops, demonstrations, vendors and networking! -Conference tracks include: Nourishing the Land, Nourishing Ourselves Enlivening Our Schools Creating a Healthy Home Tending Body and Spirit Building Community - $75 Conference fee includes Keynote Address, Conference, and Delicious Organic Lunch Early Bird, Senior, and Student Discounts available - Registrations will be accepted starting March 1, 2006. More details then! -Check out the Saturday session information to see which track interests you most! Attendee Registration Form Sponsor, Advertiser, Exhibitor Information Cancellation Policy
• 4/05/06 -- **EVENT** "Film showing - "End of Suburbia" The film "End of Suburbia" will be shown on Saturday, April 8th, at 6 pm at the Rochester Friends (Quakers) Meeting House, 84 Scio Street in Rochester. All are invited. This powerful documentary explores the American way of life and its prospects as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply. (see www.endofsuburbia.com  for more on the film). A discussion will follow. The program is sponsored by the Friends Earthcare Witness and Peace & Social Action Committees. "
•  4/05/06 -- **EVENT** The Peril of Our Modern Urban Landscape: How Will Our Cities Respond to the Coming Energy Crisis? -What: Presentation by thought-provoking author and social critic, James Howard Kunstler - When: Tuesday, April 11 at 7 pm; followed by an informal book-signing and reception (cash bar) for lecture attendees (downstairs at The Keg)  - Where: The German House on Gregory Street - Tickets: $10 advance (Wegmans or Parkleigh), $15 at the door, $5 students - About: James Howard Kunstler is a vibrant and candid author and speaker, well-known for The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America's Man-made Landscape and The City in Mind: Meditations on the Urban Condition. His latest book, The Long Emergency: Surviving the Converging Catastrophes of the Twenty First Century (2005), is an eye-opening look at the unprecedented challenges we face in the years ahead, as oil runs out and the global systems built on it are forced to change radically. “Everything characteristic about the condition we call modern life has been a direct result of our access to abundant supplies of cheap fossil fuels. . . .The age of fossil fuels is about to end. There is no replacement for them at hand. . . . It is extremely important that we make an effort to understand what is about to happen to us because it will have earth shattering repercussions for the way we live… and on whether [human culture] can move safely forward into the future.” ~ James Howard Kunstler, The Long Emergency  “We will be compelled by the circumstances of the Long Emergency to conduct the activities of daily life on a smaller scale, whether we like it or not, and the only intelligent course of action is to prepare for it.” ~ James Howard Kunstler, The Long Emergency  “Suburbia has a tragic destiny… Sooner or later, [the suburbs] will simply be abandoned, or become the slums of the future.” ~ James Howard Kunstler, The Long Emergency  - Praise for The Long Emergency:  “Kunstler is America’s version of an Old Testament prophet, a stinging social critic who warns of dark days ahead if we do not change the way we live.” —Brian Kaller, Pulse - “James Howard Kunstler’s The Long Emergency may be destined to become the Dante’s Inferno of the twenty-first century. It graphically depicts the horrific punishments that lie ahead for Americans for more than a century of sinful consumption and sprawling communities, fueled by the profligate use of cheap oil and gas. Its central message—that the country will pay dearly unless it urgently develops new, sustainable community-scale food systems, energy sources, and living patterns—should be read, digested, and acted upon by every conscientious U.S. politician and citizen.” —Michael Shuman, author of Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age - “It used to be that only environmentalists and paranoids warned about the world running out of oil and the future it could bring: crashing economies, resource wars, social breakdown, agony at the pump. Not anymore. . . . America’s dependence on oil is too pervasive to undo quickly, [Kunstler] warns. . . . In the meantime, we’ll have our hands full dealing with . . . the soaring temperatures, rising sea levels and mega-droughts brought by global climate change. Not long ago, a Jeremiah like Kunstler would have been dismissed as a kook. . . . As brilliant as it is baleful . . . and we disregard it at our peril.” —The Washington Post  - Event Sponsors: “Reshaping Rochester! Planning for the Public Realm,” is a series of lectures and events about revitalizing our community. It is sponsored by Preferred Care, and organized by The Rochester Regional Community Design Center and The American Institute of Architects – Rochester Chapter.  - For information, contact Audrey @ astewart@rrcdc.org  or 271-0520.

•  4/05/06 -- Correction: In our newsletter, we stated that the next airing of RE TV via "Chatting With Rocco" on Cable TV Channel 12 W with RochesterEnvironment.com will be aired on Monday, April 18th at 7:30PM.  But, Monday is April 17th. 
•  3/25/06 -- **EVENT** The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m., Monday, April 10 at the Hamlin Town Hall. At the April 10 public hearing, Competitive Wind Ventures of Massachusetts will make a presentation to the town on the construction of two towers that would be used to gather wind speed and direction statistics. The towers would be six inches in circumference and 197 feet tall. Town of Hamlin Supervisor Denny Roach said the towers would be equipped with "passive" antenna and anemometers. "The MET equipment would gather data of wind velocity at various heights," he said. "After a determined period of time the data would be collected, analyzed and the town would have to make a decision then as to if, or when, we would want to install wind towers."
•  3/25/06  **EVENT** Animal Rights Advocates UNY will sponsor Guest Speaker, Jeffery Termini, President LOHV-WNY (League of Humane Voters, Western New York: http://www.humanevoters.org/ ) PASSING LEGISLATION FOR ANIMALS * Thursday, March 30, 2006 * 7:00pm - one hour lecture, followed by Q&A * Brighton Memorial Library, Learning Center - 2300 Elmwood Ave, Rochester NY FREE Open to the Public (wheelchair accessible) Learn ways in which we can all engage in the process of creating and enacting legislation for animals. For the Animals, Lois Baum, President Animal Rights Advocates UNY www.ARAUNY.org
•  3/27/06 -- Global Warming doesn't look like just a far-off concern: TIME.com Print Page: TIME Magazine -- Polar Ice Caps Are Melting Faster Than Ever... More And More Land Is Being Devastated By Drought... Rising Waters Are Drowning Low-Lying Communities... By Any Measure, Earth Is At ... The Tipping Point No one can say exactly what it looks like when a planet takes ill, but it probably looks a lot like Earth. Never mind what you've heard about global warming as a slow-motion emergency that would take decades to play out. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the crisis is upon us. (March 26, 2006) --from TIME Magazine - News Magazine - Current Events
•  3/25/06  **EVENT** --  Local Teens Walk for Water - In the U.S. we take for granted how easy it is to get a clean cup of water. In some countries water is miles, away. A group of teens in our area is trying to do its part to help one community in India. The teen service group Rotary Interact is holding a Walk for Water on April 8th in Canandaigua to raise $3,000 for a life saving project that could impact 100,000 people in Gujarat India.  (March 23, 2006) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens  The Walk for Water is Saturday April 8th. The start is at the entrance to Finger Lakes Community College on Lakeshore Drive. Registration is at 9, the walk starts at 10. Call 455-6152 for more information or click on the link below. 2006 WALK FOR WATER • A fundraising project presented by the 2006 District Interact Student Council of Rotary District 7120 • A cooperative effort involving Interactors and Rotarians in District 7120 along with Rotarians and Interactors of District 3060 in the Gandevi District of India • Donations received through this activity will help to install a reverse osmosis system capable of converting contaminated water into clean water for up to 100,000 people • The 2006 WALK FOR WATER will take place (rain or shine) on Saturday, April 8, 2006 along the lakeshore in Canandaigua • Parking will be available in Lot A of the Finger Lakes Community College • Registration will open at 9:00 a.m. at the Activity Center of the Finger Lakes Inn located at 4350 Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua • The walk will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude no later than 1:00 p.m. • The route will take participants from the Activity Center along Lakeshore Drive to the City Pier and back. The overall distance is approximately 3.5 miles • The registration fee will be $5 and may be provided through the donation of a sponsor or by the individual participant • Check the District Interact Student Council website at www.interact7120.org  for additional information about the 2006 Walk for Water or contact Pat Mallery at pjmallery@aol.com
•  3/25/06  -- We should all consider how fuel efficient our vehicles are:  Fuel Economy | US EPA IMPORTANT REMINDER: EPA's fuel economy estimates are designed to allow consumers to comparison shop. Your fuel economy will almost certainly vary from EPA's fuel economy rating. This is based on a number of factors, such as weather, road conditions, your driving and maintenance habits, and your use of air conditioning. For more information on how your fuel economy can vary, or tips to improve your fuel economy, please visit Your MPG Will Vary and Gas Mileage Tips on www.fueleconomy.gov . --from Gas Guzzlers May Be Regulated - Pickup trucks, minivans and most SUV's may have to get better gas mileage in coming years. The federal government is expected to complete its overhaul of fuel economy rules for those types of vehicles next week. The rules would require the auto industry to raise standards for light trucks beginning in 2008.  (March 23, 2006) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  3/24/06 -- Energy question: If Toronto can create a community-owned energy solution, why can't we? Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative (TREC) "TREC developed an innovate proposal for a community-owned wind turbine located along Toronto's Lake Ontario waterfront. Interest in the project from the public was strong, and in 1999, TREC formed WindShare, which formed a joint venture with Toronto Hydro Energy Services to develop the first urban-based wind turbine in North America." News in the Great Lakes Region
•  3/23/06 -- Coyote Fears: New York Daily News - City News - Coyote finally is outfoxed Laura Simon of the Humane Society of the United States said Hal never posed much danger to New Yorkers. "These animals are not looking to prey on people and drag their children away," she said. "We have not had rabid coyotes attacking people." New York Daily News
•  3/23/06 -- Good time to think about getting your kids educated about our environment: Applications Available for DEC Summer Environmental Camps New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that applications for DEC's 2006 summer environmental education camps are now available and encouraged families to consider enrolling their children in these exciting programs. “We strive to bring children closer to the outdoors through our four environmental education summer camps located in some of the most pristine, natural areas in the state—the Catskill Forest Preserve, the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and the Genesee River Valley,” Commissioner Sheehan said. “Camps Colby, DeBruce, Rushford and Pack Forest offer children the opportunity to participate in activities that help them become more aware of the environment around them and stimulate their desire to conserve our natural resources. The activities and lessons blend learning and outdoor fun—like fishing, canoeing and hiking—in a group setting that allows children to get hands-on experience lasting for a lifetime.” --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources
•  3/23/06 --  Explore National Forest Lands for Sale with Google Earth - from Sierra Club Home Page: Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet New Data, Mapping Tool Shows Full Scope of Administration Proposal - The Bush administration created a major stir when it recently proposed selling off hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest land. Now you can use Google Earth to explore the parcels on the auction block and see for yourself the full scope of what the administration has proposed. The Google Earth maps are available at: http://sierraclubplus.org/forests/maps/ The administration has described the parcels it intends to sell as "non-vital," characterizing them as isolated properties that are difficult to manage. Viewing the parcels through Google Earth instead reveals that far too many of the areas up for auction are within or immediately adjacent to large blocks of public forest land. Selling these properties would only serve to fragment undeveloped forestland, something Chief Dale Bosworth has called one of the biggest threats to America's forest heritage. The maps are based on the latest Forest Service data, dated March 14, 2006. "The Bush administration's proposal to auction off national forest and other lands is shameful," says Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club. "These lands not only belong to you and me, but they also belong to future generations, and they should not be sold off to the highest bidder for development." A full statement and additional background on the land sale is available at: http://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/releases/pr2006-03-15.asp
•  3/23/06 -- Get a very comprehensive look at the Great Lakes: The Great Lakes Atlas --from Great Lakes National Program Office | U.S. EPA
•  3/23/06 -- Update on possibility of Pandemic Flu and what our area is going to do about it is always newsworthy.  From what I have noticed so far, I am feeling positive about Monroe County's preparations about this issue: 13WHAM-TV || Rochester - Monroe County Prepares In Case Bird Flu Threatens (Rochester, NY) - If bird flu arrives in the United States, Monroe County is prepared to screen airport passengers coming from other continents through Toronto. The county will draw up plans to close schools and businesses if it should become necessary. If a wider outbreak hits, the county will ask infected people to stay home. March 23, 2006) 13WHAM-TV || Rochester  -- To keep informed of the government's policy on the possibility of a Pandemic Flu, go here: Individuals & Families Planning | PandemicFlu.gov  Also, get specific information on how NYS is going to respond to the possibility of a Pandemic Flue here: New York State & Local Planning & Response Activities | PandemicFlu.gov
•  3/23/06 -- News about Trash and Recycling is always important, especially when it's what the EPA is doing about these issues: Environmental Protection Agency - Press Releases - Trash and Recycling
•  3/20/06 -- I was visiting family in Buffalo yesterday and found this great environmental article that concerns our environmental area in general, in the The Buffalo News  OUR ENVIRONMENT, OURSELVES "The Great Lakes are a vital ecological treasure In 1975, British environmental scientist Sir James Lovelock published an elegant theory of unified planetary biology in which he postulated that the Earth is alive, and indeed functions as a whole living, self-regulating organism. Human beings are therefore an integral part of nature, and nature is an integral part of us. This biological connectedness is good reason to care about the environment." -- March 19, 2006) The Buffalo News
•  3/20/06 -- Learn how to use less energy and produce less pollution to spruce up your lawn - GreenTips Warmer weather is on the way and, for many people, this means the start of yard care season. Homeowners might not realize that lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, and leaf blowers represent a significant source of carbon monoxide and smog-forming hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, but the average lawn mower emits as much smog-forming pollution in one hour as eight new cars traveling at 55 miles per hour. --from The Union of Concerned Scientists
•  3/20/06 -- **GOOD/BAD IDEAS** The trouble with killing contests is that they don't help us understand our environment and usually lead to a heated debate instead of a rational one.  Rather than launching a killing contest to deal with the alleged acts of the Eastern Coyote, our efforts should be to learn more about the role the Eastern Coyote plays in our environment.  We should learn about the larger role of top predator in an environment increasing hostile towards anything that annoys some people. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation itself admits that it needs to investigate the role that the Eastern Coyote now plays in an area without other major predators. But that is going to be difficult if a thoughtful inquiry is set against a background of prejudice, misinformation, and hideous retaliations for differing views on the worth of another creature.  Read today's D&C: Coyote hunt sparks debate - Contest to kill common predator upsets some in Ontario County— In the greater Rochester area, most residents' only knowledge of coyotes is the occasional sound of their yips and howls on clear nights. But in Ontario County, where local hunters have fanned out through the woods to kill as many of the predators as possible for a $2,000 prize, coyotes are a hot topic. So hot, in fact, that one vocal opponent of the Honeoye coyote derby awoke last week to find what he took to be a bloody message in his front yard. - (March 20, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
•  3/19/06 -- **EVENT** - The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning will host the first in a series of community forums from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 30 at the Southwest Area Neighborhood Association office, 275 Dr. Samuel McCree Way. Other forums will be scheduled in the northeast and northwest areas of the city. --from City's lead-paint measure gets a 'go' — Legislation aimed at reducing lead-based paint hazards in Rochester's older housing cleared a state review Wednesday to keep rolling toward a July 1 start date. The state Fire Prevention and Building Code Council reviewed the city initiative during a 2½-hour hearing in Albany, only to decide that the matter was outside its responsibilities because it was largely a health issue. --- (March 16, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
•  3/18/06 --**ACTION** Here's time well spent.  You could be a volunteer to help animals: Looking for homes for Katrina dogs We really need volunteers at the Scottsville office to care for these dogs on weekends and especially during the week. They would be expected to walk the dogs in a fenced-in yard, spend time with them, socialize the pets and clean the cages.” Call 585-889-8340 for information. - Westside News Inc.
•  3/18/06 -- **EVENT** - The Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council will hold a work shop on Sunday, March 19,with sessions on eminent domain, wind farming, protecting water sources, restoring Main Streets, and the impact of manufactured housing on municipalities. The workshop will be held at Burgundy Basin Inn, 1361 Marsh Road, Pittsford, beginning at 9 a.m. The program is open to the public, and participants can register at the door at 8 a.m. Cost is $40 per person. Info: www.gflrpc.org .
•  3/18/06 - Very disturbing development about preserving the Great Lakes environment.  This story should make you very concerned about the future health of our local environment and it will have long-term consequences: Great Lakes funding 'moving in wrong direction'  — The fate of a multibillion-dollar Great Lakes cleanup is at stake this week as federal legislators begin to discuss reinstating the funding that was not included in the president's budget. "Overall, the funding is moving in the wrong direction," said Dave Miller of New York Audubon. Authors of the Great Lakes Regional Collaborative agreement estimated the cost of cleaning up America's biggest source of fresh water at $20 billion over the next 15 years. (March 16, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
•  3/18/06 -- **EVENT** - Sierra Club Book Study Group: Plan B -  The Rochester Group of the Sierra Club is hosting a study group enable community members to learn more about imminent environmental problems and solutions. In conjunction with the Eighth Annual Environmental Forum, we have chosen to begin our study with Lester Brown's Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble. Brown's book is notable for its clear and readable analysis of dangerous stresses on the environment. Unlike many "gloom and doom" prophecies, Brown also offers practical solutions that citizens and leaders can implement right away. We will meet on Tuesday, April 25 and May 30 at 7 pm, in the Brighton Public Library. We will discuss half of the book at each session. Copies are available from your favorite bookseller, or via download from http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PB2/Contents.htm . Members and non-members alike are invited. PSA  - Event: Book study group - Sponsor: Rochester Group of the Sierra Club - Reading: Lester Brown's Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble. Sponsor URL: http://newyork.sierraclub.org/rochester/  Download book URL: http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PB2/Contents.htm.  Location: Brighton Public Library - Time & Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, April 25
•  3/18/06 -- **EVENT** Learn how to protect our commonly-owned water supplies in the Finger Lakes - WATER RIGHTS PROTECTION WORKSHOP - Fri., June 9 and Sat., June 10 at the Rural-Urban Center 208 Broadway, Montour Falls, NY - Sponsored by the Finger Lakes Progressive Coalition and the Finger Lakes Group of the Sierra Club - AGENDA - Friday June 9, 2006 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm - Introduction to water privatization issues by workshop presenters Ruth Caplan from the Alliance for Democracy and the Sierra Club and Vicki Kaplan from Food and Water Watch.* View the documentary film Thirst. Discuss issues raised by the film. Overview of Saturday's agenda. - Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - 9:30 am Check-in 10:00 Welcome and introductions 10:15 Summary of discussion on Friday evening 10:30 Presentation on Municipal Privatization Issues Vicki Kaplan, Food and Water Watch. Learn how new global "trade" talks threaten municipal water services in the U.S. 11:15 Presentation on Bottled Water Issues Ruth Caplan, Alliance for Democracy and Sierra Club. Learn how private water bottling companies are taking local water supplies 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Discussion of situation in the Finger Lakes area 1:30 Presentation on local water ordinances Ruth Caplan. Learn about what is happening in Barnstable, NH 2:00 Discussion about doing local ordinances in Finger Lakes area 3:00 Adjourn - $10 suggested donation for workshop on Sat., $5 charge for lunch on Sat. - Contact Rachel to reserve a space: 607-569-2114 or rachel@ecobooks.com  * Vicki Kaplan is confirmed for Saturday, June 10 and invited by not confirmed for Friday, June 9. Ruth Caplan is confirmed for both days. Learn more about Food and Water Watch at http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/communities-and-privatization -1 Learn more about the Alliance for Democracy Defending Water for Life Campaign at http://www.thealliancefordemocracy.org/html/eng/2037-AA.shtml  Learn more about the Sierra Club Water Privatization Task Force at http://www.sierraclub.org/cac/water/  
•  3/18/06 -- **EVENT** Permaculture Fundamentals: Weekend Workshop - location: ECOVILLAGE at Ithaca sponsored by the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute - Friday, March 31, 6:15 - 9:00 pm Saturday. April 1, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday, April 2, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - with Instructors Stephen Gabriel and Karryn Olson-Ramanujan - This workshop will provide an overview of the ethics, principles, and techniques of permaculture with a focus on practical application of conscious design strategies for sustainable living. Topics include: Site assessment, Applied Ethics and Principles, Observation, Design in Practice Accommodations: There are two B&B's at Ecovillage, please contact us for rates (we are looking at discounts for the weekend) and free floor space in the common house. Tuition: Sliding Scale $100 - 250 $50 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. FLPCI Course Registration P! O Box 54 Ithaca, NY 14851 - For more information about this and other opportunities: visit www.flpci.org  or call 607-319-0737.
•  3/16/06 -- Local links to Environmental Justice: This just in from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources -A new resource has been added to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website. The resource entitled, "Local Organizations Related to Environmental Justice in New York State" provides contact information for local chapters of grassroots, statewide and national nonprofit organizations that do work related to environmental justice in New York State. Listings are organized by DEC Region and County and can be accessed at http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ej/index.html , click "Local Organizations Related to Environmental Justice in New York State," found under the heading "Additional Resources."
•  3/16/06 -- Just in time for spring.  Integral to the passing of the new 48 Hour Pesticide Neighborhood Notification Law is informing the public on how our county will comply with the law.  Get all the information you need from Monroe County's Public Health Dept. Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law - The Monroe County Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law became effective January 1, 2006. It requires various groups applying pesticides to provide certain types of notification to neighbors. This Web story provides the highlights that each group is required to follow. There are a number of guidance materials attached in Related Links & Documents that provide very detailed information about how to comply with the law. Failure to comply with the law can result in fines. -from Monroe County --read more: Pesticide notification assisted - Applicators can use county's new online system — For Monroe County lawn care companies, complying with the new pesticide neighbor notification law may be as simple as pointing and clicking. County Executive Maggie Brooks announced a new searchable online system that uses county Geographic Information Systems data to identify neighbors of a given address. To learn more Even homeowners must comply with the new pesticide notification law. They are required to place signs on their lawn when applying any chemical pesticide (including granular) to more than 100 square feet of property. (If a commercial applicator is used, the company will take care of the notifications.) For more about the law or to download signs, go to www.monroecounty.gov  and click on "Public Health." - (March 16, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
•  3/13/06 --**ACTION** Take Action: Protect Science in the Endangered Species Act Protect Science in the Endangered Species Act An exciting effort is underway to ensure that the Endangered Species Act (ESA)—the cornerstone of our country’s most basic environmental protections—continues to conserve biodiversity by using the best available science. However, legislation is currently making its way through Congress that could severely undermine the ESA’s scientific principles. In August 2005, the House hastily passed legislation that would fundamentally and negatively alter the way science informs endangered species decisions. Furthermore, it represents a Congressional assault on scientific integrity and the ability of federal scientists to do their jobs. As early as February 1, the Senate may create its own version of this legislation. Take action today to tell your senators to work to prevent any legislation that would cripple the ESA’s effectiveness by undermining the science behind the historic Act. --from Union of Concerned Scientists    Read more about this from a local perspective from yesterdays'  Scientists oppose altering species act — You need only look to the skies above Hemlock Lake in Livingston County to see the impact of the federal Endangered Species Act, according to local scientists who protested proposed changes to the law last week with an open letter to the U.S. Senate. The bald eagles known to nest near this small Finger Lake are one of the great recovery stories of the act's 33-year history. More than 350 eagles are now living in New York, up from just one nesting pair in 1979 — evidence that the law works, they said. But in Washington, criticism of the act's slow pace and complexity has prompted a debate over the future of species protection in the United States. Last year, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would drastically change the Endangered Species Act. - (March 13, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
•  3/12/05 -- It's hard to believe the arguments of a local coyote killing contest that coyotes are so reducing the numbers of deer that it warrants hunters having to create killing contests to kill off coyotes in order to have enough deer to kill: 2005 Deer Harvest Down as Expected but Hunting Safety Up During the 2005 season, hunters harvested slightly more than 180,200 deer, including 89,000 bucks and approximately 91,200 antlerless deer. The total deer harvest for 2005 represents a 14 percent reduction from the 208,000 deer taken in 2004 and is the lowest total deer take since 1994. Declines in 2005 were expected following an intentional 35 percent reduction in deer management permit (DMP) availability, an action intended to rebuild and stabilize the deer population in many areas of the state. --New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources
•  3/12/06 -- Rochester, NY is 75th Worst of 100 U.S. Cities For Asthma.  Get the report: (requires Adobe Reader)  http://www.asthmacapitals.com/asthma_capitals2006.pdf - Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation, “2006 Asthma Capitals -- The Most Challenging Places to Live with Asthma.” News release, Asthma, and Allergy Foundation of America. From CBS News | Worst 100 U.S. Cities For Asthma | February 8, 2006 14:04:32 Scranton, Pa. is the worst city in the U.S. for asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The foundation has released its “2006 Asthma Capitals” list. The annual list names the 100 U.S. cities the foundation considers to be the nation’s most challenging places to live for people with asthma.  Rochester, NY is 75th. CBSNews.com - Breaking News Headlines and Video from CBS News
•  3/12/06 --**ACTION**  How clean is clean?  Read up about cleaning up Brownfields and make public comment: New York State Superfund/Brownfield Law and Draft Revised Regulations Announcement  -- Read up on this:  Planned rules set cleanup guidelines -- Page 1 -- TimesUnion.com Proposed regulations that would set standards for developers building on polluted sites called inadequate by critics   ALBANY -- In a state polluted with toxins, carcinogens and heavy metals since colonists began tanning animal hides in the 1600s, the now is: how clean is clean? Newly proposed regulations are designed to help the state catch up on a 400-year backlog of cleanup work. (March 6, 2006) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
•  3/11/06 -- OK, so there's Global Warming, but how it is going to affect Rochester, N.Y. ? Check out this great article: Nature's calendar springing forward - Whiff of warmth, early buds point to stronger and stronger trend — The budding trees on Rochester streets are a testament to this extraordinarily warm winter. But earlier springs have been a reality for the past 30 years as the climate began to change, according to data collected across New England and discussed by researchers during a telephone conference Friday. "Stronger and stronger evidence of climate change is upon us," said David Wolf of Cornell University. "Nature's calendar is responding to the warming." Warming trend Many records suggest that spring is arriving earlier in the Northeast. All figures reflect average changes over at least the past 30 years. Lake ice is disappearing nine to 16 days earlier. Average winter temperatures are 4.4 degrees warmer. The growing season has increased by eight days. The period of time with snow on the ground has decreased by 16 days. Plants are blooming four to eight days earlier. (March 11, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
•  3/11/06 -- Because it is a potential major problem for our Deer population, we are keeping our eyes on Chronic Wasting Disease spread through our area: Earthwatch Radio: Chronic Wasting Disease The wildlife illness known as chronic wasting disease is as perplexing as it is persistent, and that raises serious challenges for the wildlife experts who are trying to understand CWD and the wildlife managers who are trying to control it. The following is a discussion of the interface between research and management based on interviews with wildlife ecologists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison.
•  3/08/06 -- What's Global Warming looking like in New York State?: Great Lakes New York Overview From the Finger Lakes to fertile farmlands, New York's natural splendor includes such sights as Niagara Falls and the foliage displays that attract millions annually. New York's farm and rural landscapes are the source of bountiful and varied crops, making New York the third largest producer of dairy products and sixth largest producer of fruit crops in the country. The shorelines and waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are an integral part of the landscape as well as the economy of New York, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for anglers, boaters, campers, hunters and wildlife watchers. They also provide important means for transporting goods produced in the region as well as provide hydroelectric power. --from Great Lakes Main Index  from Union of Concerned Scientists
•  3/08/06 -- **EVENT** Register by March 15th to receive the reduced early registration rate! Registration is now available online for the "Remote Sensing Across the Great Lakes: Observations, Monitoring and Action" conference, to be held April ! 4-6 at the Clarion Riverside Hotel in Rochester, New York. The conference is being co-hosted by the Great Lakes Commission as part of their Regional Data Exchange series of conferences and workshops and by the Central New York chapter of the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS-CNY) as the 5th Annual New York State Remote Sensing Symposium. The diverse conference program brings together a series of plenary presentations, training seminars, an exhibit hall, and fifty contributed presentations, in addition to numerous discussion and networking opportunities. Don't miss this important event highlighting the latest developments and applications of geospatial and remote sensing technologies throughout the Great Lakes region. Information about the conference location, the program, exhibitor opportunities, training seminars, plenary and contributed speakers and more is available at the conference website: http://rdx.glc.org/06/ . A complete, printable brochure is available at http://rdx.glc.org/pdf/rdx_brochure06.pdf. Registration is available through an online form at http://rdx.glc.org/06/register.html  or by faxing or mailing the form in the above brochure. The reduced early registration rate ends March 15th.
•  3/08/06 -- Good way to help our Great Lakes: Great Lakes Restoration More than 80 organizations representing millions of residents in the Great Lakes have joined a new coalition whose goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes.
•  3/07/06 -- **EVENT** On Tuesday March 21, 2006, Braddock Bay Raptor Research is presenting “Why Wetlands?” a family program for ages 8 to adult. The program begins at 6:30 pm at Braddock Bay Park Lodge on East Manitou Road, just north of the Lake Ontario Parkway. The event will feature Ann Jones, from the League of Women Voters, and Christine Sevilla, author of Guide to Public Access Wetlands in and near Monroe County. Mrs. Jones’ program will include a discussion and an interactive 3-D demonstration of wetlands’ functions and values. Ms. Sevilla will show photographs of several local wetlands, and discuss her book and the project that spawned it, WATERSHED: a community cares for its land. Copies of her book will be available for sale.
•  3/06/06 -- **EVENT** University of Rochester’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22, 2006, from noon until 4:00 pm.  This is an annual program run by Grassroots, the campus environmental organization. The celebration will start Friday night with a sitar concert that will prepare for Saturday’s educational focus and the portion of the weekend in which organizations will play the principal role. We have chosen to theme our celebration for this year as “Peoples of the Earth,” which will in no way remove from the environmental focus but will allow us to add performances from cultural UR groups and perhaps educate our students even more. Saturday’s events will be principally in the morning and afternoon. We will be having a river or campus clean up effort on Saturday morning, followed by the outside organization participation and performances in the afternoon. There will also be a campus tree tour scheduled, as UR is designated as an arboretum. Our plan is to have influential groups have educational tables regarding both your organization’s actions and general environmental concerns.  The event is planned to be in an outdoor area, weather permitting, as this has worked best in the past with drawing a crowd.  Last year’s Earth Day was a large success. A dozen community organizations participated, on topics ranging from pollution of the Great Lakes to becoming a vegetarian. There was an amazing turn-out at the river cleanup as well as a stead flow of students to the tabling area. 
• 3/04/06 - **EVENT** Event title: Our Local Water Supply: Status, Problems, Fixes Date: Monday, March 27th Time: 7:00pm - 9:15pm Group Sponsoring Event: Federation of Monroe County Environmentalists Cost: Free Audience: Those interested in understanding the threats to our regional water resources and how to protect those resources. Location: Downstairs at the First Baptist Church, 1862 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY Contact: Sally 359-0782 Description: Learn from local experts what the most pressing issues are impacting the water we rely upon in the greater Rochester region for good health, recreation and economic viability. Participate in lively discussions to identify answers to important questions: How can my household protect these resources? What development and land use decisions made by my city or town could improve water quality, save taxpayer money and reduce flooding? What regional policies could secure water resources for our future?
•  3/04/06 - **EVENT** East Side Water Supply Project: The East Side Water Supply Project (ESWSP) will convey and treat water withdrawn from Lake Ontario to meet the drinking water demands of Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) customers. It has been a component of MCWA’s facilities - The engineering team is working on the development of the project’s final design details. On March 9 we will be holding an Open House where you can meet with the designers to get additional information on any aspect of the project’s components. The design team will be at: State Road Elementary School 1401 State Road, Webster Date: March 9, 2006 Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
•  3/04/06 - **EVENT**  The National Organic Program, Organic labels, what is inside those packages and who owns the companies, what are our alternatives as consumers On Tuesday, March 28 I will be giving the same talk twice, at noon and at 7 pm at the Abundance Cooperative Market, 62 Marshall St., Rochester. All are welcome! Please bring your questions about the latest OTA raid on the national organic law, who owns organic, what labels mean and what we can do about it! Hope to see you there! Peace, Elizabeth
•  3/02/06 -- **ACTION** View the NYS Health Department's Pandemic Influenza Plan and give comment. State Health Commissioner Novello Unveils State Health Department's Pandemic Influenza Plan To view the plan, or for more information about pandemic influenza, go to www.nyhealth.gov or www.pandemicflu.gov.
•  3/02/06 -- Population milestone achieved: World population hits 6.5 billion - LiveScience - MSNBC.com A population milestone has been set on this jam-packed planet. At 7:16 p.m. ET on Saturday, the population here on this good Earth hit 6.5 billion people, according to projections. Along with this forecast, an analysis by the International Programs Center at the U.S. Census Bureau points to another factoid, Robert Bernstein of the Bureau's Public Information Center advised LiveScience. Mark this on your calendar: Some six years from now, on Oct. 18, 2012 at 4:36 p.m. ET, the Earth will be home to 7 billion folks. --from Today's News from MSNBC - MSNBC.com
•  3/02/06 -- The new FootPress Inc., Online magazine is in:  Go to their Events page for environmental things to do this spring: March 2006 Outdoor Newsletter
•  3/02/06--**ACTION**  Speak out and show your support for safe, protective cleanup standards!   The NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is requesting comments on draft regulations for cleaning up brownfields and Superfund toxic waste sites. The comment period ends March 27th, which is just around the corner. -These regulations will set the standard for toxic waste cleanups in New York for years to come! DEC's proposed regulations would allow too much toxic waste to stay on site, putting our health, drinking water, and environment at risk. -Here's what you can do: testify at the March public hearings (see below for details), send written comments to DEC by March 27th (see below for details), or Take Action at www.cectoxic.org . If you can't testify at a hearing, please send written comments by March 27th to: Robert Schick DEC, Division of Environmental Remediation 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-7014 -or email to derweb@gw.dec.state.ny.us You can get the draft regulations at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/der/superfund . New York’s brownfield cleanup program created by a 2003 state law provides substantial financial assistance to site owners and developers to conduct protective cleanups of known or suspected contaminated sites, known as brownfields. The level of cleanup is based on the future use of the site (e.g. residential, commercial or industrial). But the regulations disregard the clear directive of the law, which requires soil standards that protect people, especially children, as well as drinking water, rivers and streams, and fish and wildlife. Instead, DEC's proposed cleanup standards would allow unsafe levels of toxic chemicals to remain at sites. For more information, contact: Bobbi Chase Wilding Associate Director Citizens' Environmental Coalition 33 Central Avenue Albany, NY 12210 518-462-5527 fax: 518-465-8349 cecbobbi@igc.org  
•  3/01/06 -- Check out these Rochester-area books on our wetlands, by Christine Sevilla: WATERSHED – a community cares for its land - by Christine Sevilla  1. Guide to Public Access Wetlands in and near Monroe County 68 pages $25 Reference guide with images of wetlands of Western New York, primarily Monroe County. Maps are associated with lists of wetlands, preserves and trails describing each location. An art book as well as reference guide, includes 60 photographs as emotional responses to the landscape and background text on wetlands. Part of the WATERSHED project.  2. WATERSHED Exhibit catalog 75 pages $29  Christine Sevilla Catalog of the WATERSHED project--exhibits, art events, interviews and guidebook--aimed at creating linkages between conservationists, artists, sports enthusiasts and hikers, as well as raising awareness of wetland habitat preservation.