Legislation Aims to Permanently Protect N.Y./N.J. Harbor Bight

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Our friends at the Coastal Marine Resource Center are excited about new Congressional legislation under consideration that would declare 19,000 square miles of ocean in the New York/New Jersey harbor bight to be a permanently protected area. Reports the New Jersey Star-Ledger, "The New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone Act would permanently ban construction of new dumpsites, extracting of national resources, building of new pipelines and other damaging measures" in an area still vulnerable despite three decades of intensive clean-up work and temporary regulations sponsored by groups like CMRC and its allies. We'll be keeping a close eye on the progress of this legislation, and hoping fervently for its success. ::In the News: New Bill Aims to Keep Ocean Between N.Y. and Jersey Clean... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Yarn Made From Corn

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 07:00:00 GMT

We're always interested in hearing about new fibers being made available to hobbyists, and the latest one sounds particularly intriguing: yarn made from corn. Kollage Yarns recently developed Cornucopia, and the South West Trading Company, creator of Soysilk, offers Amaizing. The corn fibers are knit into tubes that then flatten into a slightly stretchy ribbon. Knitter's Review has an in-depth review of Cornucopia that concludes, "Although I don't see corn fibers making cotton obsolete any time soon, I do see them serving as a fresh, fun, and environmentally friendly alternative to cotton (although I don't know if the corn used for these fibers is genetically modified or not)." We did some research and couldn't find anything bearing out the idea that corn is better for the environment than cotton, especially since we have no way of knowing how much fiber can be made from an acre of corn vs. an acre of cotton or what kind of processing the corn goes through (from the mechanical processes of extracting and spinning the starch to the chemicals used in bleaching and dyeing the fiber) on its way to becoming yarn, so take that pronouncement with a grain of salt; but for those who prefer to avoid wool and other animal fibers, another vegetarian yarn on the market is always good news. We welcome informed comments on the relative environmental impacts of growing cotton, corn, and soy, especially with respect to their use in fabrics and yarns. ::Cornucopiaand ::Amaizing via ::Knitter's Review... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Environmentalist Solutions to NYC's Sewage Problems

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Prompted by the recent outage that left thousands of Queens residents without power for nearly a week, the Gotham Gazette has an in-depth feature this week on New York City's aging infrastructure and what can, should, and most likely will (or won't) be done to improve it. They note that untreated sewage ends up in New York's rivers every time it rains because the treatment systems can't handle the sudden influx of rainwater. While most suggested solutions focus on pipes and tanks, groups like Riverkeeper and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) are recommending ways to prevent rainwater from going into sewers in the first place, such as planting green roofs and street trees that will soak up the water and put it to good use. Environmentally sound solutions would almost certainly save the city money (it costs less to plant trees than to dig up old pipes and lay new ones, and encouraging building owners to greenroof costs hardly anything), so it's hard to understand why officials seem to be dragging their feet. Riverkeeper and the NRDC are considering legal action to push the city towards sustainable solutions if necessary. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. ::The Aging City at ::Gotham Gazette via ::Gothamist... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Controversial Study Rates Hummers Over Hybrids... For Now

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

A friend pointed us to an enormous study of cars undertaken by Art Spinella and his team at CNW Market Research. It's called "Dust to Dust" and it tracks the energy used in creating, operating, and scrapping numerous different types of cars, even taking into account the different amounts and types of pollution caused by production in different countries (including whether factory workers are likely to commute via public transportation). The surprising result is that based on those numbers, it's possible to claim that Hummers are, at the moment, a more energy-efficient choice than hybrids. Before you swallow your gum, though, consider some of the relevant factors. Hybrids are new enough that no one really knows how many miles you can put on one before they fall apart. When you're discussing cost per mile, that's an important question. CNW went with Toyota's expected lifetime miles figure for the Prius, 100,000, but it's unclear how accurate that is (some hybrid Priuses in use as taxis have reportedly exceeded that figure by a considerable margin). In addition, conventional cars are made with established technology where the high discovery costs have already been paid; hybrids, by contrast, are still undergoing serious development and change, so the R&D costs are high and it's much harder to recycle the pieces of the vehicle when it reaches the end of its life. The nice folks over at theWatt got Spinella on one of their podcasts and asked him to clarify these and other points. Interesting quotes from that interview and the study itself are below the fold; they make it clear that hybrids are still the environmentally sound way to go. (Please read this entire post before commenting.)... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Make Money While Making a Difference

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Are you an idealist? You can be a realist at the same time by working for a company dedicated to helping the environment. Idealist.org is a jobsearch site geared towards nonprofit organizations and people who want to work for them. A quick search on jobs in New York City with the keyword "Environment" turned up 71 open positions ranging from a front desk receptionist for NYPIRG to a coordinator for the Wildlife Conservation Society's Jaguar Conservation Program in Mesoamerica. If you're not in NYC, don't fret: Idealist has jobs all over the world with a variety of companies that champion a variety of causes. We always encourage our readers to donate money and volunteer time whenever possible, but sometimes you've just got to pay the rent; here's a sustainable route to keeping that green roof over your head. ::Idealist.org; see also ::Find Work in a Socially and Environmentally Responsible Organization... Read the full story on TreeHugger

NYPIRG: Student Activism at Its Finest

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

We love hearing about students getting interested in activism, especially when it's environmental activism. The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is one of the more venerable student-run activist organizations in addition to being New York State's largest, with 21 campus chapters and over 85,000 members. NYPIRG's focus is on consumer education and government reform, with an emphasis on environmental issues. They've pushed for over 120 public interest laws and executive orders over the past 33 years and are going strong, fighting for more recycling, fewer nuclear power plants, more wind power available for consumer purchase, and less littering, to name just a few. One of their most successful spinoffs is the Straphangers' Campaign, a group dedicated to the improvement of public transit in New York City; the Straphangers have helped to get the subways cleaned up and repaired from their decrepit state in the 1970s, pushed for a shift from tokens to farecards that permit subway-bus transfers and unlimited rides, and perhaps most importantly, worked hard to make sure the public are allowed to speak at MTA board meetings and get rider and labor representatives on the board. We're seriously impressed that student volunteers (led by experienced staff) get so much done. Motivated young adults are a tremendous source of sustainable energy; it's great to see an environmentalist organization tapping into it. ::NYPIRG... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Textile Expo Houses a Growing Eco-Friendly Contingent

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Earlier this month, a Treehugger delegation set out to investigate Premiere Vision New York, the slimmed-down U.S. version of the enormous textile and clothing expo held every year in Paris. We had hoped to see some new eco-friendly fabrics, but were disappointed. A number of presenters, however, proudly touted their organic cotton, and many were happy to discuss the problems and potential in bringing environmentally sound textiles to the market.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

From Clamor Magazine's blog Everyday Revolution comes the news that Wainwright Bank is offering a one-of-a-kind Certificate of Deposit (CD) that benefits Equal Exchange, a venerable worker-owned fair trade company. The money that you invest in the CD is treated as a line of credit for Equal Exchange; at the end of a three-year period, you receive the money back with interest (currently 4.2%). In essence, Wainwright provides a way for you to lend money directly to Equal Exchange at low risk and decent rates. It's a great way to help both the company and your bank account to grow. (It's no surprise to see this innovation coming from Wainwright, whose slogan is "Banking on Values"; their Environmental Issues page has more information on their various eco-friendly banking products.) Unfortunately, the smallest CD currently available is $1000. While smaller ones may be more hassle than they're worth, we would love to see them made available to encourage everyday consumers, especially since Equal Exchange's website emphasizes how far they can stretch these contributions. It's also only available in the United States, though we're hoping other banks in other countries will create similar programs if this one works out well. Other than that, it sounds like a terrific idea. ::The Equal Echange CD via ::Everyday Revolution... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Art to Save the Planet

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

NYC artist Flash Light tells us that the "2D-D-Detritus" exhibit, the latest installment of the Art from Detritus series, has been extended through July 23rd. To be eligible for inclusion in Art from Detritus shows, artwork must be made primarily from discarded objects and materials. This year's theme is collage, and the materials used include fabric, bark, rubber, and string. Art from Detritus was started in 1994 by Vernita Nemec a.k.a. Vernita N'Cognita, an artist who's been working with found materials for over a decade. She continues to curate the show and is blunt about her reasons for promoting art made from trash: "Art from Detritus is an exhibit of art to save the planet." Her site has links to works featured in past shows. Any Treehuggers in town over the next few days can see the exhibit at Synagogue for the Arts, 49 White Street in Manhattan. Images of work featured in past Art from Detritus exhibits are available here. ::2D-D-Detritus... Read the full story on TreeHugger

NYC Needs Leadership to Combat Pollution and Waste

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Our pals at the fledgling neighborhood eco-group Upper Green Side are making a name for themselves with long, impassioned posts to their blog. The latest is a plea for leadership from the New York City government. noise, air, and water pollution, as well as trash and litter. According to a recent Citizens for NYC poll, covered by the Daily News, noise pollution is the most common quality-of-life complaint in the city, followed closely by litter in the streets. Other common complaints included air pollution in Manhattan, illegal dumping in the Bronx, trash in Brooklyn, and overdevelopment in Queens. UGS calls on the Department of Transportation to reduce noise and improve our notoriously bad air quality by limiting the use of private cars in Manhattan, and on the Department of Sanitation to work with businesses on reducing the amount of trash they generate. (How many businesses know about programs and groups like Materials for the Arts, the Hudson Valley Materials Exchange, New York Wa$teMatch, and the Reuse Alliance? The infrastructure for waste reduction is in place; it's education that's called for now.) Ironically, another common complaint was lack of parking; let's hope lawmakers realize that the solution is reducing vehicle use rather than building yet another parking lot. ::Looking for Leadership on Noise, Pollution, Trash from ::Upper Green Side... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Grass Banks: Sustainability or Stopgap?

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Today's New York Times introduces us to the concept of grass banks, a brainchild of the Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy offers use of their land for cattle grazing in exchange for ranchers adopting sustainable grazing practices and taking steps to ensure and encourage biodiversity on their own lands. It's a nice idea, but there are several questions that come immediately to mind: Are there any requirements that the ranchers also switch to organic farming methods? (The word "organic" doesn't even appear in the article.) Should organizations interested in sustainability be propping up cattle ranching, which is notorious for inefficient use of resources? Is there enough gain on the ranchers' lands to offset the damage done to the Conservancy's? Isn't this just another sort of subsidy encouraging businesses to overextend themselves? As noted by Curt Freese, a biologist quoted in the article, there's nothing to stop the ranchers from going right back to their damaging practices any time they feel like it. We much prefer the notion of organic ranchers channeling profits into long-term conservation; if you're going to consume beef, organic is definitely the way to go. ::Where the Cattle Herds Roam from ::The New York Times... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Really Really Free Market Next Weekend

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 06:27:22 GMT

"Because there is enough for everyone. Because sharing is more fulfilling than owning. Because corporations would rather the landfills overflow than anyone get anything for free. Because scarcity is a myth constructed to keep us at the mercy of the economy. Because a sunny day outside is better than anything money could buy." This is the philosophy behind Really Really Free Market, a day of swapping skills, goods, and entertainment, developing community, keeping useable items out of the waste stream, and having a rockin' good time. Wikipedia has a short history of the Market; if you know more about it, please do share. It sounds slightly less organized than the Freemeets, but the RRFM involves skillsharing and music as well as the giving and getting of physical objects; Treehugger loves the DIY spirit of it all. The next New York RRFM will take place on July 16th from noon to dusk at St. Mark's Church in the East Village. ::via NYC For Free; no official website available, but you can email the organizers... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Mural Gives Old Boxes New Life

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

We were delighted to see this post from our friends at Gothamist, noting a lovely mural made of recycled boxes posted on a Brooklyn wall. Local artist Fred Bendheim designed and assembled it with the help of second graders at the Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope. Projects like this serve several purposes: they encourage artists to think about ways to reuse waste materials, they encourage students to think about waste and reuse in their daily lives, and they create art that both beautifies the neighborhood and educates passersby. If you know of similar public art projects that use recycled materials, we'd love to hear about them. ::Recycled for Brooklyn Mural on ::Gothamist... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Disposing of Dim Bulbs

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Treehugger loves compact fluorescent bulbs: they use very little energy, give off very little waste heat (those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying being able to leave the lights on in the summer swelter), and last for years. Like all fluorescents, CFs contain mercury and shouldn't be tossed in the trash when their day is done. That's where LampRecycle comes in. The site, developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, provides extensive information on recycling facilities and regulations across the U.S., plus links to relevant EPA pages. (While you're there, check the battery recycling information. It may not be compulsory yet, but it's a good idea.) LampRecycle was originally designed for businesses, but we suspect their Recycling Household Lamps page is going to start seeing a lot of traffic as more and more households make the switch. ::LampRecycle. See also: ::What About Mercury From Compact Fluorescents?... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Prettiest Pollutants

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

For many Americans, the 4th of July wouldn't be complete without fireworks. Macy's puts on a huge spectacle in New York City—they proudly proclaim their use of "55 times more fireworks than the average show in the United States"—and in any big city or small town you can find someone who will proudly tell you that their firework display is among the best in the nation. Unfortunately for those of us who love the pretty lights in the sky, fireworks are often propelled by gunpowder, and the accelerants and heavy metals used for coloration can leave traces in the air and water for days or even weeks after the party is over. The effects are worsened by muggy summer weather and its accompanying poor air quality. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Moby Headlines Benefit for East River Conservation

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Yes, you read that price tag correctly. The folks at the Coastal Marine Resource Center of New York, or CMRC, are very serious about their work on coastal conservation and public waterfront access, and they're proving that they have what it takes to fundraise with the big boys. Pop artist Moby (previously featured on Treehugger for his Lower East Side vegetarian hangout teany) will officiate and perform with vocalist Laura Dawn and guitarist Daron Murphy; guests will eat and drink and dance and schmooze. Funding for the event comes from a long list of sponsors and $100-and-up tickets. The crunchy granola types might not love the commercial aspects, but if it helps to support this very worthy cause, we'll take slick PR over oil slicks on the East River any day. ::Coastal Marine Center to Host Benefit via ::The CMRC... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Send Love, Not Paper

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 07:00:00 GMT

Artist Janet Chui wanted an alternative to paper cards and was tired of e-card sites full of pop-ups and flashy ads, so she took matters into her own hands. The result is BlueGreenPlanet, a completely free site supported by donations--not ads--that takes a stand against paper cards, sending an explicitly pro-environment, pro-sustainability message. Writers and artists contribute thoughtful pieces on themes such as nature, peace, and meditation. Text and images can be paired up as the user pleases or at random. As a nice touch, the site's front page includes daily information about moon phases and visible planets as well as holidays from around the world. Chui also writes a column for e-zine EMG called Healthy Green Artists that educates artists about environmental issues; June's column is on alternatives to wood chip paper. ::BlueGreenPlanet and ::Healthy Green Artists via ::Janet Chui... Read the full story on TreeHugger

From Snobbery to Shrubbery

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 06:30:00 GMT

Manhattan's Upper East Side is better known for fur coats and doormen than for crunchy granola and waste reduction. Upper Green Side, a nonprofit group launched in February, aims to change that. They're fierce advocates for cyclists, farmer's markets, and waste reduction. Via frequent visits to the local community board and a great many letters to various New York newspapers, they're pushing for fully separated bike lanes throughout the neighborhood (and the city) and recently celebrated the successful launch of a Greenmarket at 92nd Street and 1st Avenue. It's great to see their support for the historically overlooked poorer areas of the Upper East Side; if they can bring the power and wealth of the Park Avenue residents on board as well, they'll be a power to be reckoned with. ::Upper Green Side... Read the full story on TreeHugger

MFTA Turns Trash into Art

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 06:00:00 GMT

Now in its 28th year, Materials for the Arts is one of the most venerable materials exchange programs out there. Complementing New York Wa$teMatch, which works mostly with for-profit businesses, MFTA is funded by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Board of Education as well as the NYC Department of Sanitation and provides materials for artists and teachers. Donations of goods and funds are tax-deductible and can usually be housed in MFTA's warehouse, though there's also a direct donations program for large pieces of furniture or equipment and large or hazardous quantities of smaller items. They got their start when the Parks Department needed a refrigerator for storing temperature-sensitive medications for animals in the zoo, so they've never been afraid to think big. Now they funnel over $3.5 million worth of landfill-destined materials to schools, art centers, and community groups every year. Time Out New York has called them "the invisible glue between those who create trash and those who create art." ::Materials for the Arts. See also: ::Hudson Valley Materials Exchange... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Hudson Valley Warehouse Finds New Homes for Waste and Debris

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:15:45 GMT

Tucked modestly away in Orange County NY, the Hudson Valley Materials Exchange is a non-profit organization that takes in donations of landfill-destined waste and debris from local businesses. Anything useable is sent to artists and schools or sold to members of the public at a steep discount from market value. Their materials list reads like a teacher's dream, and purchasers come down from Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as the surrounding counties of New York and New Jersey to take advantage of low prices for warehouse members.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Brooklyn Eco-Eatery to Host Enormous FreeMeet

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:35:36 GMT

Treehugger loves Freecycle™, and the FreeMeets are Freecycle™ at its best. The Freecycle™ New York City Solar-Powered FreeMeet is coming up, and it looks to be a delightful day of swap meet fun in the sun. Taking over an entire Brooklyn block, it's being described as "a free flea market meets street fair" by the organizers. Bring anything you want to give away and take home things you can use (provided it's appropriate for all ages and can fit in a grocery cart, so don't expect to bring or find furniture or X-rated movies). The Habana Outpost Eco-Eatery at 757 Fulton Street will host the event; Build It Green! NYC, New York's only nonprofit building supply store, is providing garment racks. Participants are encouraged to bring wire hangers, which will be recycled after the event. BIG! will truck away leftover items and donate them to charity. Early drop-offs are welcome at Habana Outpost from 6-10 p.m. on Friday June 23rd. The event proper runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday June 24th and is absolutely free. ::RecycleThisNYC via ::Freecyle™ New York City... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Whole Foods Encourages Shoppers to "Think Green"

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:11:36 GMT

Whole Foods Market has been at the center of some controversies, particularly over accusations of union-busting. For many shoppers used to conventional supermarkets, however, the wind-powered grocery giant has proven to be an excellent "gateway drug" into the world of eco-living. Their latest sly trick is to include a customer-suggested greener living tip in every edition of fl@vors, their free e-mail newsletter. (The June 15th recommendation is cleaning with vinegar.) Anyone who submits a tip chosen for publication will receive a $25 Whole Foods gift card. It's a nice little way to encourage customers to think green around the house. ::Green Mission Tips... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Treehugger Welcomes: Rose Fox

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 18:06:24 GMT

Rose Fox is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in Publishers Weekly, Clamor Magazine, Strange Horizons, Book Fetish, and two small press fiction anthologies. The first time she ever got in real trouble with the authorities, it was for climbing a tree in Bleecker Playground; she was six years old. More recently she has shown her love for New York and its green spaces by working to make the Inwood Greenmarket year-round, participating in the annual Parks Department Trees Count, and promoting environmentally friendly policies in Bryant Park. She lives in Inwood, the only part of Manhattan where you can have a salt marsh and 400-year-old forest as your back yard.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Rose Fox, New York City