Global News

30 Million People Displaced By Climate- And Weather-Related Events Last Year

A new report out today shows that over 30 million people were displaced by climate-related extreme weather events. The Global Estimates report reveals that 32.4 million people were forced to flee their homes in 2012 by disasters such as floods, storms and earthquakes. While Asia and west and central Africa bore the brunt, 1.3 million were displaced in rich countries, with the USA particularly affected.

98% of all displacement in 2012 was related to climate- and weather-related events, with flood disasters in India and Nigeria accounting for 41% of global displacement in 2012. In India, monsoon floods displaced 6.9 million, and in Nigeria 6.1 million people were newly displaced. While over the past five years 81% of global displacement has occurred in Asia, in 2012 Africa had a record high for the region of 8.2 million people newly displaced, over four times more than in any of the previous four years. Read more here.

West Africans Fight Pirate Fishing With Cell Phones

Although piracy off East Africa has garnered much international attention in recent years, it is the waters off West Africa that are seeing the highest rates of a different type of piracy: pirate fishing. According to the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), up to 37 percent of the catch harvested by fishermen off West Africa is illegal, unreported, or unregulated – in other words, the result of pirate fishing. Globally, pirate fishing results in losses of $10 billion to $23.5 billion a year, according to the EJF. Many nations, especially in West Africa, have difficulty combating the problem due to a lack of resources and the size of coastal areas.

Over the past few years, the EJF has been arming West African fishermen to help them fight back against piracy in their waters. Only instead of guns, the foundation is handing out cell phones and GPS-enabled cameras. “These are locally appropriate technologies: they are simple, cheap, and durable,” said Trent. With support from National Geographic Ocean Initiative’s Ocean Innovations grant program, the EJF trains the fishermen on how to use the cameras to protect their turf. When they are out in their boats – which are often as small as dugout canoes – and they see a fishing vessel that shouldn’t be there, they snap a photo of the intruder’s call sign, name, or unique markings. They collect the geospatial coordinates and then send all that data to the EJF. The advocacy group can then dispatch one of its boats, which may document the alleged intruder further. Sometimes they will pick up local fisheries enforcement personnel, who may board the intruding vessel. The EJF also shares data with the European Union, which disperses it to member states. In turn, many of those governments will refuse to accept the pirated fish at their ports, or they may even seize it. Read more here.

Also read Industrialized Fishing Has Forced Seabirds to Change What They Eat.

Oil demand in developing nations overtakes industrialised world

Developing countries have overtaken the industrialised world for the first time in their thirst for oil, according to the world’s leading energy authority. This transformation in the demand for oil has come as production of the fuel has boomed in the US, “sending ripples through the global markets”, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said.

As with shale gas, the newfound oil supplies are likely to be used first to slake demand for fuel in the US’s home market, making the economy – previously the world’s biggest oil importer – less dependent on overseas supplies. Those supplies are increasingly flowing to Asia. At the same time, developing countries are massively increasing their capacity to refine crude oil, which is changing the pattern of trade and is part of “a broad restructuring of global refining capacity”. The IEA said this would result in a continued squeeze on European refiners, caused by increasing US product exports and the new Asian and Middle Eastern refineries. The vast expansion of oil production that could follow the US shale oil boom also spells bad news for emissions. The IEA has warned that on current trends, the world is in for 6C of warming, a level scientists warn would cause chaos. Read more here.

In Cambodia, China Fuels Deadly Illegal Logging Trade

Cambodia’s deforestation is the world’s third highest, after Nigeria and Vietnam, according to the latest figures from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. China is the biggest importer of timber, and the destination for much of Cambodia’s beleaguered woodland. Total Chinese log imports surged from 13.6 million cu m valued at $1.6 billion in 2000 to 42 million cu m worth $8.2 billion by 2011. China imported about 30% of all logs traded worldwide in 2011, with around half of that illegally sourced, according to a report published in November by the London-based NGO Environmental Investigation Agency. There was once significant progress to thwart Cambodia’s illegal logging trade. The international community put pressure on the Cambodian government amid a crisis situation 10 years ago: nearly 3 million hectares – an area the size of Maryland – was lost between 1990 and 2010, according to the U.N. The IMF and World Bank placed conditions on financial assistance, and logging returned to “oxcart levels,” according to Marcus Hardtke, a German environmentalist who worked alongside Chut Wutty for many years. “No other country in the region [except Cambodia] managed to enforce a complete [illegal]logging ban,” says Hardtke.

Since 2010 the situation has deteriorated drastically. While strong regulations remain for selective logging in protected forests, concessions for rubber plantations and development projects allow for the clear-cutting of large swaths. In March, Thailand finally listed Siamese rosewood under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)’s Appendix II, which will monitor and control the export of the valuable lumber to other countries. Yet with so much illegal trade passing through Vietnam to China – and the vast majority of Cambodia’s top-grade rosewood already stripped out – critics argue that this is too little, too late. As such, loggers have turned to new high-value targets like the resin trees that are part of the sustainable livelihoods for the indigenous Kuy tribe inhabiting Prey Lang forest, around 200 km north of Phnom Penh. Seng Sokheng, spokesperson for the Prey Lang Community Network, says that the logging leads to soil erosion and the loss of natural fertilizer that has traditionally aided the subsistence farming of vegetables, mushrooms and honey. “The Kuy people’s culture and tradition are being eroded day by day,” says Seng Sokheng. Read more here.

Oldest Water on Earth Found Deep Underground

A pocket of water some 2.6 billion years old – the most ancient pocket of water known by far, older even than the dawn of multicellular life – has now been discovered in a mine 2 miles below the Earth’s surface. The finding, announced in the May 16 issue of the journal Nature, raises the tantalizing possibility that ancient life might be found deep underground not only within Earth, but in similar oases that may exist on Mars, the scientists who studied the water said.

“Sometimes we went down in cages – they’re not called elevators underground – that dropped us to the levels we wanted to go,” Sherwood Lollar told OurAmazingPlanet. “Other times, we went down ramp mines, which have curling spiral roadways, so we could actually drive all the way down.” The scientists analyzed water they found 2 miles (2.4 km) deep. They focused on noble gases such as helium, neon, argon and xenon. Past studies analyzing bubbles of air trapped within ancient rocks found that these rare gases could occur in distinct ratios linked with certain eras of Earth’s history. As such, by analyzing the ratios of noble gases seen in this water, the researchers could deduce the age of the water. The scientists discovered the fluids were trapped in the rocks between 1.5 billion and 2.64 billion years ago. Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• Web tool tracks insecticide-resistant malaria mosquitoes
• Rainforest plays critical role in hydropower generation
• Israelis and Palestinians Work Together to Get Drugs Out of the Water

National News

Young Americans Lead Trend to Less Driving

Charlotte and other American cities have not abandoned their cars or their sprawling growth. But people like Mr. Mauney are part of the reason that American driving patterns have downshifted – perhaps for years to come. For six decades, Americans have tended to drive more every year. But in the middle of the last decade, the number of miles driven – both over all and per capita – began to drop, notes a report to be published by U.S. Pirg, a nonprofit advocacy organization. People tend to drive less during recessions, since fewer people are working (and commuting), and most are looking for ways to save money. But Phineas Baxandall, an author of the report and senior analyst for U.S. Pirg, said the changes preceded the recent recession and appeared to be part of a structural shift that is largely rooted in changing demographics, especially the rise of so-called millennials – today’s teenagers and twentysomethings. “Millennials aren’t driving cars,” he said.

In fact, younger people are less likely to drive – or even to have driver’s licenses – than past generations for whom driving was a birthright and the open road a symbol of freedom. Research by Michael Sivak of the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan found that young people are getting driver’s licenses in smaller numbers than previous generations. Baby boomers, too, are aging out of the daily work force and need to commute less. If the decline continues, the U.S. Pirg report states, driving could remain below its 2007 peak through 2040, even though the population is expected to grow by 21 percent. Read more here.

U.S. tax dollars promote Monsanto’s GMO crops overseas

U.S. taxpayers are footing the bill for overseas lobbying that promotes controversial biotech crops developed by U.S.-based Monsanto Co and other seed makers, a report issued said. A review of 926 diplomatic cables of correspondence to and from the U.S. State Department and embassies in more than 100 countries found that State Department officials actively promoted the commercialization of specific biotech seeds, according to the report issued by Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer protection group. The officials tried to quash public criticism of particular companies and facilitated negotiations between foreign governments and seed companies such as Monsanto over issues like patents and intellectual property, the report said.

The cables show U.S. diplomats supporting Monsanto, the world’s largest seed company, in foreign countries even after it paid $1.5 million in fines after being charged with bribing an Indonesian official and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in 2005. Food & Water Watch said the cables it examined provide a detailed account of how far the State Department goes to support and promote the interests of the agricultural biotech industry, which has had a hard time gaining acceptance in many foreign markets. Many countries ban planting of biotech crops or have strict labeling requirements. “It’s appalling that the State Department is complicit in supporting their (the biotech seed industry’s) goals despite public and government opposition in several countries,” said Ronnie Cummins, executive director of nonprofit organization Organic Consumers Association. “American taxpayer’s money should not be spent advancing the goals of a few giant biotech companies.” Read more here.

Also read USDA Poultry Inspector Speaks Out Against Hazardous Chemical Use

2013 Wildfire Season Could Be Made Worse By Federal Budget Cuts

BOISE, Idaho – After another dry winter across much of the West, fire officials are poised for a tough wildfire season that will be even more challenging because federal budget cuts mean fewer firefighters on the ground, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said. Automatic budget cuts mandated by Congress will force fire managers to make choices as they prioritize resources. They also will have fewer resources to use on strategies designed to reduce future fire potential, such as prescribed burns and reseeding. “We will fight the fires and we will do them safely,” Jewell said. “But the resources will go to suppression, which is not ideal. What you’re not doing is putting the resources in place to thoughtfully manage the landscape for the future.”

She was joined by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who said the U.S. Forest Service alone will hire 500 fewer firefighters and deploy 50 fewer engines this season. “We are going to be faced with a difficult fire season,” Vilsack said. “The bottom line is we’re going to do everything we can to be prepared. But folks need to understand … our resources are limited and our budgets are obviously constrained. We will do the best job we possibly can with the resources we have.” Congress cut the current budgets for the Forest Service and Agriculture Department 5 percent under the mandated spending reductions, then added another 2.5 percent cut for fiscal 2013. Read more here

Also read Hey, Congress, We Probably Need to Keep our Flood Warning System Funded

With Rising Seas, America’s Birthplace Could Disappear

The first successful English colony in America was at Jamestown, Va., a swampy island in the Chesapeake Bay. The colony endured for almost a century, and remnants of the place still exist. You can go there and see the ruins. You can walk where Capt. John Smith and Pocahontas walked. But Jamestown is now threatened by rising sea levels that scientists say could submerge the island by century’s end. You wouldn’t know that by looking. In springtime, Jamestown is a carpet of bright new grass. There’s oak and loblolly pine, and the James River lies on every horizon. There’s a museum and a visitor center and a restored 17th century church. It’s also an archaeological site, one that comes with costumed “interpreters.” Beneath a towering stone monument, a young woman in a woolen smock and peasant blouse greets a gaggle of tourists.

A warming climate heats the oceans and makes them expand. Melting glaciers and ice sheets add more water, and as a result, the sea level is rising. Climate scientists say that by 2100, oceans could rise worldwide by at least 2 or 3 feet, on average. Coastal flooding will increase, and eventually, without human intervention, Jamestown could go under. So water is invading Jamestown from above and below. And archaeologists know that the ground is riddled with things the colonists and Native Americans left behind. Water could ruin these artifacts. So here’s what archaeologists are wondering: Can they save the island as a real place where people can step back through time and see where it all started? Read more here.

Also read Sea Level Could Rise Five Feet in New York City by 2100

Houses In California Are Mysteriously Sinking Into The Ground

Eight homes are now abandoned and 10 more are under notice of imminent evacuation as a hilltop with sweeping vistas of Clear Lake and the Mount Konocti volcano swallows the subdivision built 30 years ago. The situation has become so bad that mail delivery was ended to keep carriers out of danger. “It’s a slow-motion disaster,” said Randall Fitzgerald, a writer who bought his home in the Lakeside Heights project a year ago. Unlike sinkholes of Florida that can gobble homes in an instant, this collapse in hilly volcanic country can move many feet on one day and just a fraction of an inch the next. Officials believe water that has bubbled to the surface is playing a role in the destruction. But nobody can explain why suddenly there is plentiful water atop the hill in a county with groundwater shortages.

Lake County, with farms, wineries and several Indian casinos, was shaped by earthquake fault movement and volcanic explosions that helped create the Coast Ranges of California. Clear Lake, popular for boating and fishing, is the largest fresh water lake wholly located in the state. It is not unusual for groundwater in the region to make its way to the surface then subside. Many natural hot springs and geysers receded underground in the early 1900s and have since been tapped for geothermal power. Homeowners now wonder whether fissures have opened below their hilltop, allowing water to seep to the surface. But they’re so perplexed they also talk about the land being haunted and are considering asking the local Native American tribe if the hilltop was an ancient graveyard. Read more here.

Other National Headlines of Interest

• Researchers discover new way to harvest electricity from plants
• Levi Strauss Creates Sustainable Jeans
• Bad news, Subway fans: Your $5 footlong may be LESS healthy than a McDonald’s Big Mac

Voices

The American Dream Is Dead; Long Live the New Dream

The American Dream is the belief that if you work hard, if you are blessed with at least a modicum of ability and have a little luck, you can succeed. That is, you can rise in society no matter how humble your origin to something better in the way of material well-being, economic security, a settled life and social prestige. It is the dream of upward mobility for oneself, or at least for one’s children. However, one of the factors that the American Dream tends to overlook is the importance of social institutions that support these efforts and thereby make the success of individuals possible. These institutional supports may be provided by the community, by a social group or class, or by the state. But it is through them that the larger society nurtures its members. Meritocratic individualism tends to blind us to these social supports, enabling individuals to then give full credit to themselves for their successes. It is precisely this blind spot that leads many to disown the very social supports that enabled their success. They don’t think about the federally ensured mortgages that made it possible for them to buy that house in the suburbs, the federal highway program that made it feasible to live far from where they work, the union that won better pay for their job so they could afford to move out of the city, the student aid programs and the university itself that provided an educational opportunity and prepared them for better jobs.

The fact that the importance of social institutions is downplayed in the meritocratic individualist ideology has two effects. 1. Those who have benefited from those supports tend to deny that benefit, thinking that it will taint the merit of their accomplishments, and 2. It tends to undermine political support for the very institutions we need to support us. It leads to the self-congratulatory belief that “I built this myself.” The once-comfortable suburbanites failed to realize that it is not only the poor who benefit from social programs, but they themselves as well. That they have been blind to this is due to their own meritocratic individualistic ideology that can understand outcomes only in terms of individual effort and talent. This opened the way for what has now been a three-decade-long offensive by the right against social programs and government itself, leaving our fate in the invisible hand of “the market,” resulting in the end of the American Dream. Read more here.

We’ve Hit the Carbon Level We Were Warned About. Here’s What That Means.

Over the last couple weeks, scientists and environmentalists have been keeping a particularly close eye on the Hawaii-based monitoring station that tracks how much carbon dioxide is in the atmosphere, as the count tiptoed closer to a record-smashing 400 parts per million. Well, we finally got there: The daily mean concentration was higher than at any time in human history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported Friday. Don’t worry: Earth is not about to go up in a ball of flame. The 400 ppm mark is only a milestone, 50 ppm over what legendary NASA scientist James Hansen has since 1988 called the safe zone for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, and yet only halfway to what the IPCC predicts we’ll reach by the end of the century. “Somehow in the last 50 ppm we melted the Arctic,” said environmentalist and founder of activist group 350.org Bill McKibben, who called today’s news a “grim but predictable milestone” and has long used the symbolic number as a rallying call for climate action. “We’ll see what happens in the next 50.”

Most scientists, environmentalists, and climate-conscious policymakers agree this will require, at a minimum, slashing the use of fossil fuels, and in the meantime, taking steps to adapt for a world with higher temperatures, higher seas, and more extreme weather. For example, according to Hansen, the world will need to completely stop burning coal by 2030 if returning to 350 ppm is to remain possible. What’s the holdup? Texas Tech University climatologist Katherine Hayhoe blames “the inertia of our economic system, and the inertia of our political system.” But she, like most of her peers, believe it can – and must – be done: “We have to change how we get our energy and how we use our energy.” Some progress is being made on that front: Thanks to energy efficiency gains, increased use of renewable power, and policies to cut emissions from cars and power plants, carbon emissions in the United States have fallen 13 percent in the last seven years. But they’re expected to begin climbing again soon, and worldwide, 2012 saw the most carbon emissions ever. Today’s milestone underscores the reality that if we’re serious about addressing climate change, there’s still a long road ahead. Read more here.

Atlas Shrugged Off Taxes

Ayn Rand’s novel “Atlas Shrugged” fantasizes a world in which anti-government citizens reject taxes and regulations, and “stop the motor” by withdrawing themselves from the system of production. In a perverse twist on the writer’s theme the prediction is coming true. But instead of productive people rejecting taxes, rejected taxes are shutting down productive people. Perhaps Ayn Rand never anticipated the impact of unregulated greed on a productive middle class. Perhaps she never understood the fairness of tax money for public research and infrastructure and security, all of which have contributed to the success of big business. She must have known about the inequality of the pre-Depression years. But she couldn’t have foreseen the concurrent rise in technology and globalization that allowed inequality to surge again, more quickly, in a manner that threatens to put the greediest offenders out of our reach.

Ayn Rand’s philosophy suggests that average working people are ‘takers.’ In reality, those in the best position to make money take all they can get, with no scruples about their working class victims, because taking, in the minds of the rich, serves as a model for success. The strategy involves tax avoidance, in numerous forms. Read more here.

Time Banking: A viable alternative to currency

For many of my neighbors and friends, as well as myself, the “economic downturn” has crunched budgets that were tight to begin with. There are empty storefronts. Lots of people are unemployed or under-employed. Many people have more time on their hands than they have money. Taxes and fuel prices are rising, while wages stagnate. It’s hard for many families to make ends meet. It’s not just my community; it’s happening all over the U.S. and in other areas of the world. With the long-term value of the dollar uncertain and many people’s incomes shrinking relative to the cost of goods and services, alternative currency systems are being proposed in some areas. Some are even currently viable in certain communities. In Brattleboro, Vermont, where I live, there is still no alternative currency in use, although I am aware that certain community members have met over the years to see about getting one going.

Instead, just two years ago, the Time Trade (also known as “time banking”) came to our town, and although it is not a currency per se, it has been very successful in enabling people get for “free” what they would previously have paid for in cash. It has also fostered community among members, many of whom share concerns about the general health of our community and the erosion of social connection in recent years. Even more than just helping people get things done, Time Trade has tremendous community-building potential. It provides a framework for people to be able to ask for and offer help to others without feeling that they are imposing or that they are owed anything for the exchange. Some people are able to naturally and easily share with their neighbors and friends in this way, but many more are uncomfortable stating their needs or putting forth an offer. The Time Trade takes away those potential social barriers and builds connections between people who may not otherwise have crossed paths. Since moving to town, I’ve made new friends and developed helping relationships with neighbors whom I otherwise might not have easily connected. Read more here.

Local News

Activists declaring “Coal Is Stupid” attempt blockade of coal delivery at Somerset’s Brayton Point

SOMERSET – A group that calls itself “Coal is Stupid” managed to block a huge coal ship with a 30-foot lobster boat in the waters near Brayton Point Power Station. The David and Goliath-like saga began around 9 a.m. when activists Jay O’Hara, of Cape Cod, and Ken Ward, of Providence, R.I. boarded their vessel named the “Henry David T.” and anchored outside the coal-fired power plant.

According to the organization’s website, Ward contacted authorities in advance to inform them the group was about to engage in an act of civil disobedience. Jeremiah Silva, who lives in the Brayton Point neighborhood, said he saw the small vessel with a banner that read “Coal is Stupid” early in the day, anchored where tons of coal are delivered to the plant. Silva said he watched the coal-carrying ship named “Energy Enterprise” being guided by two tug boats. However, the vessel had to stop or it would have collided with the “Henry David T.” Read more here.

Leaders eye businesses as they try to position New Bedford in offshore wind

NEW BEDFORD – City leaders said they are targeting port operating companies and some manufacturers as they try to position the harbor as a hub for the offshore wind industry. “We’re already doing some of those discussions but that will inform pretty much everything else that we do,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said, pointing to conversations with Eurogate, one of the companies that hosted a 30-person city delegation for dinner and a tour in Germany in April.

“This is an industry that has matured over the last 20 years in Europe. How, when it will get up to speed here in the United States is not exactly certain but we do know we need to be ready,” Mitchell said. “It makes a lot of sense for New Bedford and we’re going to continue to push real hard.” Mitchell also traveled to Washington recently to meet with officials in the Transportation, Labor and Commerce Departments, as well as the White House, in part to discuss the city’s efforts related to offshore wind and the construction of a new $100 million port terminal, which is designed specifically to carry the heavy turbine parts. Read more here.

Also read Fishing interests begin to map strategy for New Bedford

Also read Representative sees hope for South Coast Rail in conference committee

Also read House approves more road, bridge funding; SouthCoast would benefit

Podcast: Farmers Markets Growing … Too Fast?

Rhode Island has seen an explosion in the number of farmers markets – from just 15 in 2004, the number has grown to 55 this year. The markets connect farmers to customers and stimulate the local economy, but are there too many markets? Is the growth sustainable? ecoRI News talks with Bevan Linsley, market manager for the Aquidneck Growers’ Market and Coastal Growers’ Market, and Sarah Lester, markets coordinator for Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Read more here

Also read Local farmers still refuse setting up farmers market at Route 24 rest stop in Bridgewater

Boston launching ad blitz to reduce greenhouse gases

Boston will debut a citywide advertising campaign this week that uses prominent landmarks and local athletes to encourage residents and businesses to adopt more environmentally sustainable habits, like driving less and recycling more. The effort intends to promote Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s goal of dramatically reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades. The six-week marketing effort is being paid for through more than $1 million worth of donated ad space; about $100,000 in private fund-raising by Boston’s “Green Ribbon Commission,” a group of business and civic leaders working with the city on sustainability efforts; and through time donated by the Mullen ad firm, which designed the promotion. The campaign centers on “Greenovate Boston,” a sustainability brand Menino conceived a year ago. Read more here

Also read Boston becomes latest city to order building energy benchmarking

Water officials say sewage from subdivision could threaten Assawompset Pond Complex

MIDDLEBORO – Raw sewage, phosphates and nitrates from a purposed 52-unit subdivision could threaten the Assawompset Pond Complex if a developer is allowed to sidestep local zoning and build up to four times the number of homes allowed using the state’s affordable housing law. Water officials in New Bedford and Taunton say the subdivision lies within a critical area of the drinking water supply for more than 200,000 people and will oppose it if septic systems are allowed to leach into the watershed. New Bedford Water Commissioner Ronald H. Labelle said the project, proposed by Middleboro based Falconeiri Construction, will not connect to the town of Middleboro’s sewer system. Instead, he said the homes’ raw sewage will leach into the ground, and he fears it will seep into the watershed and contaminate the APC.

Falconeiri Construction is proposing to build 52-homes on Marion Road in picturesque south Middleboro, land dotted with rolling farmlands, dense forests and the watershed for the Assawompset Pond Complex, the largest natural water body in the state. The 8,000-acre complex consists of five interconnected ponds: Assawompset, Pocksha, Long, Little Quittacas and Great Quittacas. New Bedford has been drawing drinking water from the complex since an act of legislature was passed on April 18, 1863. On average New Bedford pumps about 14 million gallons of water a day out of the complex, Taunton pumps about 6 million. Read more here.

Tiverton High School students create battery-powered car

TIVERTON – The deep-red vehicle tops out at 18 miles per hour and runs entirely on three 12-volt batteries. It’s a prototype Plug-In Electric Vehicle, built by Tiverton High School seniors Zach Silveira and Ryan Mirka. The vehicle only weighs 110 pounds, made mostly from PVC piping, which is reinforced with metal and steel electrical conduit. If one were to compare its energy efficiency to that of a gas-powered vehicle, it would get about 422 miles per gallon, according to their math.

“It has no carbon footprint,” said THS technology instructor Edwin Fernandes, “and it gets less than a penny per mile.” “We can get 25 miles on a charge. The Chevy (Spark) is only a hundred. So look what we did – a bunch of kids and a bunch of spare parts.” Both students had a fundamental knowledge of electronics. They had previously worked on other clean energy projects, including solar-powered lunch boxes that could charge iPads and cellphones. Read more here.

In spirit and in fact – UMass Dartmouth Strong

DARTMOUTH – Every year, some UMass Dartmouth students test each other’s blood in a science class. It’s how graduating senior Erik Nelson found out he has leukemia. At undergraduate commencement exercises Sunday, Nelson became a symbol for all that the community has gone through this year and how it has emerged “UMass Dartmouth Strong.” “Without them, I don’t know if I could’ve made it this far,” he said, taking the stage briefly to thank his colleagues and professors. The graduating medical laboratory science class sported an orange ribbon on their black robes in solidarity with Nelson.

Despite being a community recently torn apart by the trauma of finding out that one of the Boston Marathon bombers lived on campus and had three accomplices, Chancellor Divina Grossman said in her speech, “The test is how we respond.” “Erik is a reminder to all of us that we have what it takes to confront every challenge,” she said. Almost everyone sported the blue and gold pin that read “UMass Dartmouth Strong.” Read more here.

Also read UMass Dartmouth takes ‘UMass Dartmouth Strong,’ ‘Corsair Strong’ mottos to heart

Also read UMass Dartmouth launches strategic planning effort

Also read Campuses as Beacons of Change

Harwich pantry hopes homegrown food will help needy

HARWICH – It was easy to spot Don Milbier among the dozens of volunteers who swarmed a sunny hillside garden plot behind The Family Pantry of Cape Cod. A steady stream of people trooped along mulched pathways toward Milbier, the garden director. Like a conductor, he would point to an area of the half-acre garden that needed their attention before the planting of hundreds of vegetables could begin. The pantry, which served more than 9,200 people last year, will grow its own vegetables for the third year this season to give to its clients, along with bags of canned foods and other groceries. String beans, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, peas, cucumbers and yellow and butternut squash were all being planted. Milbier hopes to double last year’s crop of 4,000 pounds of fresh produce.

“Prior to starting the garden, I surveyed clients about what they liked and didn’t like. Overwhelmingly, the request was for fresh produce and more meats and protein sources,” Family Pantry executive director Mary Anderson said. Before the garden was created three years ago, the pantry purchased very few fresh vegetables and fruit because it was too expensive. Anderson was aware of studies showing that obesity and prediabetic conditions in low-income families were linked to eating processed and junk foods, which were considered more affordable. Read more here.

Newport Biodiesel Takes R.I. Back to the Future

NEWPORT – Newport Biodiesel takes us back to the future. The very first diesel engines built by Rudolf Diesel in 1893 were designed to burn vegetable oil. Today, through a simple chemical process that uses small amounts of lye and methane, waste oil from deep fryers across eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and western Massachusetts is transformed into what company chairman Bob Morton called “the best fuel on the planet.” Newport Biodiesel, a for-profit renewable energy company created in 2008, was the primary focus of an all-day conference organized by Wendy Lucht, the URI-based coordinator of the Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition, a coalition within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program. “The idea is to talk about sustainability in the big picture and how biodiesel fits in,” Morton said.

The company’s business model is built entirely around recycling waste vegetable oil from restaurants and cafeterias, more than 1,500 of them, and turning that oil into a fuel for car, trucks and ships and into heating oil for furnaces. Three tanker trucks specially equipped with vacuums visit 18-20 restaurants daily to collect 1,200 gallons each of used vegetable oil, according to Chris Benzak, managing partner and designated tour guide. The unprocessed oil is then heated in a series of tanks to remove all water and moisture. What Benzak and his crew euphemistically call “schmutz” also is removed and sent to an anaerobic digester in Maine, where this “waste” product becomes food for microorganisms that produce methane that powers electric generators connected to the grid. Read more here.

Fall River Redevelopment Authority, consultant discuss marketing and future of biopark

FALL RIVER – A multicolored map with lime green highlights proclaims that the SouthCoast Life Science and Technology Park at Fall River – 300 acres by Route 24 and the Freetown line – is “shovel-ready.” But it appears to be more – potentially much more – than shovel-ready, officials conveyed in bits and pieces several days ago. Carved out next to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth test facility being built, city officials confirmed that a 65-acre parcel with potential to house a 1-million-square-foot distribution center is the site city officials confirmed has been under negotiations for several months Mayor Flanagan reiterated this project could create “upward of 1,000 jobs.” He, along with DiGiano, confirmed that the acreage and 1-million-square-feet of potential building size would go toward a distribution center the unnamed company wants to build.

One company, Neo Energy, recently made its first $15,000 nonrefundable deposit, while performing due diligence, on a $450,000 deal to purchase 4.5 acres in the park. The land would be used for a food-waste-to-energy facility. In a related matter, officials said they were coming close to closing a $3.1 million deal with Fall River Solar LLC, which has been paying about $20,000 monthly while completing its due diligence work. Read more here.

Scituate looks for answers to the rising sea

As winter has turned to spring, Scituate’s waterfront is coming back to life. Town crews are sweeping the street of debris, storm shades are coming off sea-facing windows, and boulders displaced by the ocean are being maneuvered back into place. Still, this past winter has left a lasting impression, and almost everyone agrees: If future winters are going to be like the last, something has to change. The question is what. While town officials are starting an all-encompassing overview of the issues, residents have balked over certain solutions and have their own list of priorities. “We don’t know [how to approach climate change]. No one has done it before,” said Selectman Rick Murray, who is an earth and environment professor at Boston University. “There has to be an overarching architecture to it. We’re starting at a small level.”

The idea behind “managed retreat” is to buy coastal residents out of their properties, taking vulnerable homes away from the ever-rising sea rather than continually investing in infrastructure to protect them. It’s that most severe option that has some residents up in arms. “I’d be defiant,” said Rosemary Dobie, who has lived year-round in her house on Central Avenue for 34 years. It isn’t just the storms that might push coastal residents out. The cost of flood insurance, which is mandatory for residents who live in a flood plain, is ever increasing. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, premiums are rising 5 to 25 percent, depending on when coastal homes were built, to accommodate the extra damage homes are receiving from storms. Read more here

Bylaw defeat darkens Marion’s solar prospects

Marion – Residents returned mixed results on a pair of solar power measures at Town Meeting, narrowly defeating one, and enacting the other by a wide margin. The first bylaw sought to regulate placement of ground-mounted, and roof-mounted solar panels in town. Supporters of the bylaw fell short by just four votes. Marion Energy Management Committee member Jennifer Francis said the bylaw had protections in place for residents. The solar panels would have been subject to screening requirements, electricity production limits, lot size restrictions, and a minor site plan review.

Last year, Town Meeting voters gave selectmen the authority to lease the landfill for the purpose of building a solar garden. In Massachusetts, 40 towns have permits from the Department of Environmental Protection for solar arrays atop landfills. Read more here.

MIT engineering students tour Swansea desalination facility

SWANSEA – A group of MIT engineering students talked molecules, membranes and saline levels in a “high science” talk with Swansea Water Superintendant Robert Marquis. The Swansea Desalination Plant, completed in 2009, was built after three emergency water shortages occurred in town between 1999 and 2005. Marquis told the students how wells and storage tanks went dry and the town started to impose fines on residents watering their gardens, and eventually regulations.

The entire project has a price tag of $20 million and will be able to eliminate the town’s water emergencies and provide fresh drinking water. Brackish, salty water is pumped from the Palmer River, treated, and is capable of being distributed by pipelines to faucets in homes and businesses all over town. Read more here.

Boston Environmental Corp. plans more drilling, balloon test at Dartmouth landfill site

DARTMOUTH – The Brockton company proposing to cap the dormant Cecil Smith Landfill with contaminated soil has asked the state permission to drill six new test wells and will fly large balloons over the property Friday and Saturday in an effort to answer residents’ concerns about the plan. “Believe it or not, I’m interested in minimizing the impacts to the neighborhood,” said David Howe, whose business, Boston Environmental Corp., unveiled a plan in March to cap the landfill with more than a million tons of soil containing “low-level contaminants.”

The company’s move comes after weeks of catching flak from residents, town officials and legislators over its plan to cap the Old Fall River Road landfill, currently the site of a farm and single-family home. Town officials and residents have voiced concerns about the plan to bring 66,000 truckloads of soil riddled with contaminants such as street sweepings or harbor dredgings to the site. The plan’s proposed use of a 65-foot-high mound to cap the landfill has also worried residents. Read more here.

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This Week

Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse?

 

Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 The Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA
The Women’s Caucus for Art presents the exhibition Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse? Co-President for New York WCA, Marcia Annenberg, states: “this exhibit seeks to raise awareness of the imminent danger of uncontrolled climate change, caused by an excessive dependency on fossil fuels… It is our generation that has been called to this task.”

To paraphrase Eleanor Heartney, “…the thoughtful works that comprise this exhibit present questions, such as ‘How do we balance economic development, environmental protection, and geopolitical stability in an ever more precarious world? What are we willing to give up today to avoid catastrophe tomorrow? Where should we commit our resources? How should we define our social and economic priorities?’” The variety of perspectives of the artists involved employ photography, video, painting, and sculpture. These artists reinforce the paradox at the center of our environmental predicament. Heartney notes, human creativity and innovation are at the root of our difficulties, but they are also the source of our potential salvation.

Located in Fall River, Massachusetts’ waterfront district, The Narrows Center for the Arts is on the top floor of an attractive old mill building with spectacular views of Fall River’s pier, the Braga Bridge and Battleship Cove. The Center’s wonderfully sunlit space provides superb acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance for events and programs. The space is divided into 4 areas: The Narrows Gallery, the Performance Area, the Narrows Cafe and Artist Studios. The mission of the Narrows Center is to promote and develop an appreciation of the visual arts and the performing arts. To create and develop an artistic and cultural center for the benefit of the public at large and the citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Learn more about the event here.

SouthCoast Bikeway Presents: Fairhaven/Mattapoisett Bike Ride

Saturday, May 18, 9am – 11am Fort Phoenix State Park, Fairhaven, MA
Celebrate National Bike week by taking part in either of two bike rides through the beautiful, historical streets of Fairhaven and Mattaposett, sponsored by the Fairhaven Bikeway Committee. The Family ride is 5 to 8 miles on the Phoenix Bike Trail and low-traffic Fairhaven streets. The Advanced Ride is 20 to 24 miles on the roads of Fairhaven and Mattappoisett. Participants must wear bicycle helmets. Free. All participants must wear a blue helmet!
When the rides return, join a Revolutionary War period militiaman on a one-hour tour about the fort that guarded Fairhaven’s harbor through three wars. Tour includes flintlock rifle firing demonstration. Learn More and Register Here

Don’t fear the swamp! How to have fun in wetlands

Saturday, May 18, 10am – Noon Mattapoisett River Reserve, Mattapoisett, MA
Is it water, or is it land? In this hands-on exploration, we will discover what makes a wetland and why these habitats are important. The Mattapoisett River Reserve has a tremendous diversity of wetlands. We will get down and dirty exploring the life that lives in wetlands and how we can protect them.
Coalition Members: Free Non-members: $10
Reservations Required. Contact Rob Hancock, Vice-President, Education and Public Engagement at (508) 999-6363 x222 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Be Beautiful, Be Strong, Fundraiser

Sunday, May 19, 11am – 5pm Art on Center, 15 Center St., Fairhaven, MA
In times like this, we all ask ourselves the same question: “What can I do to help?” We asked ourselves that question, and we realized that the answer is to celebrate life.
This event to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing has something for everyone! Make-up applications. . . Hair blow-outs. . . face painting for the kids. . . chair massages. . . manicures. . . Tarot readings. . . raffles. . . .kids workshops & much more! 100% of the proceeds to benefit One Fund Boston. Come show your support! Feel and look great for an amazing cause! Learn More Here

Taste of SouthCoast

Sunday, May 19, Noon – 5pm Pier 3, 52 Fisherman’s Wharf, New Bedford, MA
This is Downtown New Bedford, Inc’s Seventh Annual Taste Of SouthCoast festival. Taste Of SouthCoast has a well deserved reputation as the best deal in town for the quality and quantity of food our patrons have to sample. “Every year we hear from attendees how impressed they are with the quality of the food and incredible value” said Richard Poyant, Chairman of the event. Sample and taste a variety of offerings from more than 20 local, area restaurants. There will be something for everyone to enjoy!

New England crafted beers and locally grown and bottled wines, soft drinks and a full bar are available to complement the food offerings. The Taste Of SouthCoast event will be held rain or shine under the tents. Live music also adds to the fun atmosphere event. This year’s musical entertainment includes local favorites “McCarthy and Legge” and “Johnny Edwards and the Power of Soul.”

TICKET prices remain the same as last year: $15 in advance and $18 day of the event for adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for 5 and younger. Learn More Here

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Save The Date

Life in a Stream

Saturday, May 25, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Dust off your rain boots and make your way down to the Lloyd Center to learn all about the critters that live in streams. Search beneath the rocks to discover and identify the insects and crustaceans that live in the water around us while learning about the adaptations that allow them to live in these fast moving environments. Be sure to bring shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet!
Price: Individual Members: $8 Non-members: $10
Family of Four: Members: $24 Non-members: $30
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23rd Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Westport Community Garden Kick-Off

Saturday, May 25, 9am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport
Inch by inch, row by row, help us make this garden grow! Cultivate a stronger community along with delicious fresh veggies by joining us as we start another growing season at our Westport community garden.
To register, please go Here. Look in ‘One-Time Volunteer Opportunities’ section; once you see this opportunity, click ‘register.’ If this is your first time using our online registration system, you’ll be prompted to fill out a volunteer profile first. You will receive email confirmation of your registration.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

Salt Marsh Biology

Thursday, May 30, 3:30pm – 5pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Put on your boots and join us at the Lloyd Center for a walk through one of the many salt marshes on our property. During this program have a chance to explore the marsh, catalog the species that live there and learn about the importance of the Salt Marsh Habitat. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Electronic Recycle Day

Saturday, June 1, 9am – 12pm Gleason Family YMCA, 33 Charge Pond Rd., Wareham, MA
For a small fee, the public can responsibly dispose of old computers, air conditioners, small appliances, microwaves, and TV’s. Call Jo-Ann at 508.295.9622 x15 for details. Learn More Here

The Poorhouses of Massachusetts: A Cultural and Architectural History

Saturday, June 1, 10am – Noon Westport Town Library, 408 Old County Rd, Westport, MA
For most contemporary Americans, “poorhouse” is simply a word, a metaphor for the specter of abject poverty. Few are aware, however, that for much of the history of this country, the poorhouse represented a critical social safety net, mainly sheltering those too broke to live elsewhere. The story of how Massachusetts responded to this persistent social problem illuminates how Americans have dealt with a tenaciously held and deeply felt duty to care for the poorest among them.
Author Heli Meltsner presents the story of Massachusetts poorhouses followed by a walking tour of Westport’s own poor farm, recently renovated and revitalized by The Trustees of Reservations. Program presented in partnership with the Westport Historical Society.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

Weweantic River Mushroom Walk

Saturday, June 1, 10am – 12pm Weweantic River Reserve, Wareham, MA
Join us for a walk at the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Weweantic River property and the town of Wareham’s Birch Island Conservation Area to discover and identify mushrooms. A knowledgeable expert with the Cape Cod Mushroom Club will teach participants about the importance of mushrooms in our local ecosystem and how to identify various species of mushrooms.
$3 for Buzzards Bay Coalition, Cape Cod Mushroom Club and Wareham Land Trust members $5 general public
Reservations Required. Contact Kevin Farrell, AmeriCorps Land Steward, at (508) 999-6363 x217 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Fossils and Dinosaurs

Saturday, June 1, 4pm – 5pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
During this talk, guest lecturer Dr. Peter Falkingham will help us discover what palaeontologists have done to help us understand extinct plants and animals, and its significance in today’s world.
We will learn how dinosaurs evolved and look at ancient fossils. Join us and participate in an activity to appreciate the immense amount of time needed for adaptations to transform living things into the plants and animals alive today. We will then discuss what we understand about specific dinosaurs and other weird and wonderful extinct animals. This program is suited for children 10 years and older, though younger children are welcome to attend.
Falkingham has always had a fascination with past life, particularly dinosaurs. He studied biology and geology at the University of Bristol, UK (2000-03), and obtained a Master’s degree in the department of computer science at the same university (2003-04).

He then volunteered and worked at the Yorkshire Museum in York, UK, as a documentation assistant, before undertaking his Ph.D. “Computer Simulation of Dinosaur Tracks”, in the department of Earth sciences at the University of Manchester, UK (2006-10). He remained there working on data acquisition and visualization of dinosaur track sites, until the end of 2011. In February 2012, he began a three-year Marie Curie International outgoing fellowship at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and the Royal Veterinary College in London, using fossil tracks to explore the locomotor evolution of theropod dinosaurs.
All Ages Welcome. This is a FREE event.
Pre-registration required. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Greens Production and Urban Composting

Tuesday, June 4, 5:30pm Sidewalk Ends Farm, 47 Harrison Street, Providence, RI
Learn how to grow a never-ending supply of salad and arugula through biointensive production and succession planting. Sidewalk Ends Farm’s, Fay Strongin, Laura Brown-Lavoie and Tess Brown-Lavoie, will share their seeding, transplanting, direct seeding and fertilizing routines to maximize production in a small space while enhancing soil health. This workshop will also cover urban composting practices essential to creating a cycle of fertility.
This Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) workshop shares farmer experiences and best practices between farmers, farm workers, apprentices and gardeners. These workshops are free to everyone thanks to a generous Farm Viability grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture which seeks to enhance farmers’ ability to grow and market their crops. Registration is not required.

A Young Farmer Night’s potluck supper will follow the workshop. Please bring food or beverages to share, as well as your dish, cup and flatware. Enjoy your dinner around the fire. Young Farmer Nights (YFN) are bi-weekly social and educational events where local young farmers get together to share ideas, a meal and stories. Each event includes a farm tour, a potluck dinner and other host-inspired activities.
Learn more here

Boston Area Sustainability Group Presents: Bringing Sustainability to Your Community

Tuesday, June 4, 6pm – 9pm The Venture Cafe – Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway, 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA
Guests include:
Susan Jennings, Director of Sustainability at UMass Dartmouth – for those of you unfamiliar with what UMass Dartmouth has accomplished, you’ll find their accomplishments inspirational – and Susan has been at the helm.
Ian Todreas will talk about the challenges of fostering sustainability at a municipal level, drawing from his experience as co-chair of Belmont’s Energy Committee. He has successfully advocated for more and better transportation options, commercial and residential energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly town policies.
Mike Balin will describe his experience with sustainable practices from two community-oriented perspectives: 1) As a member of a local green committee that worked on a 3-year “Green Church” certification process involving the congregation and broader community, and 2) illustrating how this initiative helped fuel Mike’s own shift toward a less impactful lifestyle.
Jim Newman, long time BASGer

Time is short and we all need to learn a boatload, fast. One of BASG’s explicit goals is that we learn as much as we can from each other, where the very diversity of the group is one of our most valuable assets. Come join the discussion, or hang out and listen. Meet those folks working hard to do what you’re trying to do and your paths have not yet crossed. We have a great time and really want to meet you! Our format for the evening begins with informal networking followed by quick introductions all round before several lightening-speed presentations from knowledgeable folks. Using the 5-minute IGNITE-style format, our speakers will share their experiences and then open the discussion. We end the discussion with time left for more networking and sharing info on other local events.
Please note: Registration for this event closes at 4PM on June 3rd or when we reach capacity. Admission $10 – includes Eventbrite service fees and a glass of wine or beer
Learn more and Register here

Monster Hunt: In Search of Snapping Turtles

Saturday, June 8, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Spend your time searching for these amazing and prehistoric creatures. During this program learn the ways that snapping turtles are unique, meet a live snapping turtle and then go on a hunt to try and spot them in the ponds and rivers where they live.
All Ages Welcome. Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Family of Four Members: $12 Non-members: $15
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 6th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Learn to Quahog

Saturday, June 8, 12pm – 2pm Round Cove, West Island, Fairhaven, MA
Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition on West Island to learn to harvest your own quahogs. Representatives from the town of Fairhaven and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will teach you the basics of local quahogging — what you need, how to do it, and where to go. This will be a fun and educational event for the whole family.
FREE Event. Reservations Required. Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Pastoral Landscape Drawing

Saturday, June 8, 10am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport, MA
Grab your canvas and choice of media and get ready to explore the natural landscape. Enjoy the company of others as you share and show off your artwork. All ages welcome, drawing pads are available but feel free to bring your own supplies.
FREE. EMail for more information. Learn more here

World Oceans Day at Buttonwood Park Zoo

Saturday, June 8, 1pm – 4pm 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA
Buttonwood Park Zoo is joining forces with The Ocean Project and Dr. Seuss to create a splash for World Oceans Day!
Cost: Free with Zoo Admission. Contact Buttonwood Park Zoo for more details. Check out their calendar here.

Copicut Woods Summer Solstice

Friday, June 21, 7pm Copicut Woods, Indian Town Rd., Fall River, MA
Celebrate the arrival of summer and the quiet beauty of Copicut Woods at twilight with a candlelit walk down Miller Lane. We’ll begin by making candle lanterns that will light our way down the trail at dusk. The call of whippoorwill often marks the arrival of summer on this magical night that you’ll never forget.
FREE. EMail for more information. Learn more here

First Day of Summer Sunset Hike

Friday, June 21, 7:30pm – 9pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Watch the sun setting over the estuary and tour the grounds to discover the creatures that are coming to life as the sun sets and the forest goes to sleep. Bring a flashlight if you have one and be ready to enjoy the sunset and views over the river. At the conclusion of this hike light refreshments will be served to celebrate the arrival of summer. All ages are welcome on this family friendly hike.
All Ages Welcome. Price: Members:$4 Non-members: $5
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 19. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Creative Connections: Art in the Outdoors with Anastasia Azure

Thursday, June 27, 5:30pm – 7pm East Beach, New Bedford, MA
Join nationally-recognized artist Anastasia Azure on a creative journey at East Beach in New Bedford. Anastasia will lead participants in the exploration of “land art,” a process in which the landscape and work of art are inextricably linked. Deepen your connection to the watershed and discover a new way to enjoy your Bay.
FREE Event. Reservations Required. Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Buzzard’s Bay 25th Annual Meeting

Thursday, June 27, 6pm – 8pm The Beachmoor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 11 Buttermilk Way, Buzzards Bay, MA
The Buzzards Bay Coalition invites you to our 25th Annual Meeting at the Beachmoor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy on Thursday, June 27. The evening will begin with a reception for members at 6 p.m., followed by the Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. The meeting will include a discussion of our accomplishments in 2012, election of board members, and presentation of the 2013 Buzzards Bay Guardian awards.
Contact Maureen Coleman, Vice-President of Operations, at (508) 999-6363 x202 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

SEMAP’s 6th Annual Farm to Table Dinner

Friday, June 28, 5:30pm – 9pm Alderbrook Farm, 1213 Russell Mills Rd., South Dartmouth, MA
Join us on a culinary adventure set between the soil & the stars! Support SEMAP in its mission to preserve & expand access to local food & sustainable farming in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The Farm to Table Dinner consists of a multi-course, all-local, gourmet dinner, occuring beneath the stars in the summer air at the beautiful Alderbrook Farm in South Dartmouth, MA. There will also be a Live Auction!
The Manley family has run the 16-acre Alderbrook farm for over four generations. The farm was recently made a Massachusetts Century Farm. With your help SEMAP continues to grow its educational offerings to the public and farming community.

$175.00 per person
$120.00 for SEMAP Farm Members
Contact Kristen Irvin, SEMAP Executive Assistant, or call 336-509-0044 for more information. Learn More and Register Here

Seining in the River

Saturday, July 6, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Discover all of the creatures that are living in the estuary. During this action packed program we will use nets to find animals hidden in the water, learn about common species in this area and how animals from the tropics wind up in Massachusetts. Bring shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet!
All Ages Welcome. Price: Individual : Members: $5 Non-members: $7 Family of Four: Members:$15 Non-members:$20
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 5. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Buzzards Bay Swim

Saturday, July 13, 7am – 11am Davy’s Locker Beach, 1480 E Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA
Celebrate clean water and support a healthy Buzzards Bay at the Buzzards Bay Swim. You’ll join hundreds of swimmers, of all ages and ability levels, for a 1.2 mile open-water swim across outer New Bedford Harbor. Funds raised support the work of the Buzzards Bay Coalition to protect and restore your irreplaceable Bay. Join us as a swimmer, supporter, or volunteer.
Reservations Required. Donna Cobert, Director of Membership and Events at (508) 999-6363 x209 or EMail for more information. Learn More and Register Here

The Warren Quahog Festival

Sunday, July 21 to Monday, July 22 Warren, RI
Showcasing a variety of fresh cooked seafood, chowders, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes. Arts and crafts vendors, live musical entertainment. Hosted by Warren Quahog Festival at the South Water Street: South Water Street, Warren, RI. Contact Warren Quahog Festival Organize at (401) 247-0232 for more information. Learn More Here

2013 MITS Summer Professional Development Institutes for Upper Elementary & Middle School Educators

Monday, June 17 – Tuesday, July 30 MITS, Inc., 1354 Hancock St., Suite 302, Quincy, MA
ONGOING
Investigating Interdisciplinary Pathways Through Engineering Design and the Natural World

After registering, participants will receive enrollment forms for optional graduate credit which must be completed prior to the first day of the Institute. This Hybrid Course combines 10 hours of online instruction with a one-week, on-site component. During the on-site component, spend a day at each partner institution’s site participating in hands-on inquiry investigations combined with content sessions. “Science, Technology and Engineering Meet Literacy and Social Science.” Learn More and Register Here

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Announcements

Sustainability Summer Camp at UMass Dartmouth Now Accepting Applications

Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 19
This summer, become a Speaker for the Trees! We all are Speakers for the Trees; we care about building sustainable communities and lifestyles. Through this week, campers will learn more about taking care of our trees, recycling, climate change, ecosystems, environmental science, renewable energy technologies, and food systems.

At Sustainability Summer Camp, you learn through hands-on projects in the university classrooms; outside in the campus forest; and on field trips in our community. Speakers for the Trees create and present projects on the last day of camp to prove their skills. After camp they are invited to share what they have learned with their family and friends within our camp community.

For Whom: This Summer Camp is for Middle school students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 (in September 2013).
Where: At UMass Dartmouth’s Main Campus. School bus transportation to and from camp will potentially be available for campers from Dartmouth and New Bedford areas. Please indicate if your child will need transportation.
Cost: $80 per child. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Time: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Contact: Martha Yules at (508) 904-2372 or EMail Her.
Register Here. You can also contact the Martha Yules or The Sustainability Office for Registration Forms.

Position Announcement – Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators with the Buzzards Bay Coalition

The Buzzards Bay Coalition will host two Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators who will serve youth and families in the Buzzards Bay watershed by providing high-quality, hands-on, exploration-based field experiences that strengthen the ethic of environmental stewardship in our region. The Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators will be responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating education programs in addition to recruiting community volunteers.
This exciting opportunity is made possible through the Commonwealth Corps. The mission of the Commonwealth Corps is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds in service to strengthen communities, address unmet community needs, and increase volunteerism. Members will serve 10.5 months in a full-time capacity, completing a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, from 8/15/13 – 6/28/14. Applicants must be Massachusetts residents 18 years of age or older with legal authorization to work in the United States. In addition to a focus on training and member development, benefits include a bi-weekly service stipend of $454.55 and several other benefits.
Applications will be reviewed starting with those received by May 24, 2013. View the Job Description Here.

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

21 Expert Organic Lawn Care Tips

Organisms in the soil have the same needs we do: to drink, breathe, eat, digest and excrete. When the soil is healthy, fed with natural materials and not compacted, those natural processes allow fertilization and growth to happen the way Mother Nature intended. These are insider tips for achieving a lush, green lawn – without the use of toxic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

How to allergy-proof your bedroom

Though we’re not awake during most of the time that we spend in our bedrooms, most folks spend more hours in their bedrooms than in any other room of the house. Bedrooms can be full of allergens, or they can be safe havens from allergens. If you or your loved ones are suffering from respiratory problems or allergies, the following steps could help you to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Learn more here.

Letter from the Editor

Starting next week the Almanac will be released on Friday. This will allow the Editor more time to craft each issue and compile relevant stories and event listings. It will also give readers greater up-to-date news coverage and a more satisfying reading for your weekend needs. Stay informed, my friends!

Global News

Clean Technology Investors Focus On Drilling

A decade ago, large investors in so-called clean technology had a straightforward goal: finance companies that would help eliminate the world’s dependence on oil, natural gas and coal. But as profits from wind, solar, biofuels and other alternatives consistently fell short of expectations – and as the fossil fuel business boomed – things got complicated. Venture capitalists and other investment funds started stretching the definition of clean technology almost beyond recognition in an effort to make money while clinging to their environmental ideals. Today, clean technology investment funds are not trying to replace the fossil fuel industry, they’re trying to help it by financing companies that can make mining and drilling less dirty. The people running these funds acknowledge the apparent hypocrisy, but defend a more liberal definition of clean technology.

“Oil and gas will be with us for a long time. If we can clean that up we will do the world a great service,” says Wal van Lierop, CEO of Chrysalix, a Vancouver, Canada-based venture capital firm founded in 2001. Environmentalists have mixed feelings. They welcome technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of oil and gas development. But they worry the newfound abundance of oil and natural gas – and all the money that can be made helping drillers – has distracted clean technology backers from what once seemed to be their main goal: to make oil and gas a thing of the past. Read more here.

To Silence Discontent, Chinese Officials Alter Workweek

How do you prevent protests in China? Move the weekend. That’s the Orwellian step taken by local authorities in the southwestern city of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. May 4 is a sensitive date commemorating an influential student movement in 1919. It’s especially potent in Chengdu, where it marks the fifth anniversary of a protest against the construction of a $6 billion crude oil refinery and petrochemical facility in Pengzhou, 25 miles away. As text messages circulated calling for another protest, authorities decided to fiddle with the calendar: For many, Saturday became a workday, and the day of rest was moved to Monday, May 6. So as Saturday dawned, schoolchildren straggled reluctantly back to class, and employees at government-run work units discovered the day was taken up by urgent meetings. The authorities are fearful of public shows of discontent ahead of the Fortune Global Forum in June. The conference is a coming-out party for the city, crowning the construction of a massive new district in the south of Chengdu. So the police announced a “virtual combat exercise” this weekend, neatly coinciding with the planned protest.

The tentacles of the machine go deep, and all of them swung into action in Chengdu. A woman who’d forwarded a message about the protest on social media was forced to apologize on television earlier in the week. At least 10 dissidents were put under house arrest or forced to “go on holiday,” according to a local human rights website. Meanwhile, employees at state-run work units were warned that they’d be sacked if they protested. Read more here.

Tribesmen launch ‘occupy’ protest at dam site in the Amazon rainforest

Roughly 200 indigenous people launched an occupation of a key construction site for the controversial Belo Monte dam in the Brazilian Amazon. The protestors, who represent communities that will be affected by the massive dam, are demanding immediate suspension of all work on hydroelectric projects on the Xingu, Tapajos and Teles Pires rivers until they are properly consulted, according to a coalition of environmental groups opposing the projects.

Belo Monte has been the site of several protests since the Brazilian government finalized approval of Belo Monte. Indigenous groups, local fishermen, and environmentalists are strongly opposed to the project, while will divert nearly 80 percent of the flow of the Xingu river, one of the Amazon’s mightiest tributaries. The dam will flood tens of thousands of hectares of land, displace more than 15,000 people, and could push several endemic fish species to extinction. Belo Monte, which will operate at less than 40 percent of capacity despite its $15 billion dollar price tag, will require additional upstream dams to be commercially viable, according to independent analysts, potentially amplifying the project’s impact. Belo Monte and other dams on the Xingu represent just a small fraction of the hydropower projects being developed by Brazil in the Amazon Basin. According to an analysis published last year, 231 dams are currently planned in the Brazilian Amazon alone. Another 15 are slated for Peru and Bolivia. Read more here.

Pacific islands look for model to combat changes due to global warming

With islands and atolls scattered across the ocean, the small Pacific island states are among those most exposed to the effects of global warming: increasing acidity and rising sea level, more frequent natural disasters and damage to coral reefs. These micro-states, home to about 10 million people, are already paying for the environmental irresponsibility of the great powers. “Pacific islands are the victims of industrial countries unable to control their carbon dioxide emissions. The truth of the matter is that we have no option but to accept this and adapt,” says Dr Jimmie Rodgers, the head of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), a regional development organisation. At the initiative of France’s Research on Development Institute (IRD) and New Caledonia University, 30 or so scientists from the Pacific basin spent a week at the end of April discussing the design of a sustainable development model suited to local conditions – in particular, pressure from the climate on ways of life that reach back several millennia.

In a study published by the journal Nature Climate Change, the SPC and IRD draw attention to the considerable impact of global warming on food security on these islands. Fish stocks, the main source of protein for islanders and the basis for development, will be particularly affected. Currently about 1m tonnes of tuna and tuna-like fishes are caught every year in the region. Read more here.

Fish Piracy Costs Billions Of Dollars Per Year Globally: Report

Fish piracy – seafood caught illegally, not reported to authorities or outside environmental and catch regulations – represents as much as $10 billion to $23 billion in global losses each year, a non-profit conservation group estimates. Because pirated fish is sold on black markets, specifics of the economic impact are tough to decipher. But Oceana, a Washington-based organization, looked at the records of fish catches by country as reported to the United Nations, then compared those statistics to seafood sales in various world markets. When these numbers didn’t match up, the group estimated the amount lost through fish piracy, a practice that U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator Jane Lubchenco has called “one of the most serious threats to American fishing jobs and fishing communities.” The report said illegal trade could account for 11 million to 25 million metric tons of seafood, a minimum of 20 percent of seafood worldwide.

Illegal fishing targets some of the most expensive species, including shrimp, fugu pufferfish, lobster, whole abalone and sea urchin uni. Penalties are often a fraction of potential profit, the report found. In one U.S. case, an illegal catch worth up to $1 million brought a $35,000 penalty. The report estimated that illegal trade threatens 260 million jobs dependant on marine fisheries. Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• Nanotechnology could bring affordable clean water to rural poor
• Acidification: the latest unknown for stressed Arctic ecosystem
• Hong Kong risks losing rare ‘pink dolphins’

National News

It’s Time to Get Serious About Going to Mars, NASA Says

WASHINGTON – If NASA is to land humans on Mars by the 2030s, as President Barack Obama has directed, there’s not much time to settle on a plan and develop the technologies required, agency officials said. In the 1960s, America seized an opportunity to go to the moon, and succeeded. A second opportunity for a leap forward in space is upon us now, said NASA chief Charles Bolden at the Humans 2 Mars Summit here at George Washington University. “Interest in sending humans to Mars I think has never been higher,” Bolden said. “We now stand on the precipice of a second opportunity to press forward to what I think is man’s destiny – to step onto another planet.”

Yet the road to Mars is long and challenging, and the difficulties are scientific, technological, political and economic, experts said. Sending astronauts to the Red Planet will likely require at least three missions: one to launch the crew and the vehicle that will take them to Mars, one to launch the habitat humans will live on at the planet’s surface, and one to launch the vehicle that will lift off from Mars to take the crew home, said Doug Cooke, a former NASA associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate who now heads a space consulting firm. Overall, about 200 to 400 metric tons of equipment will have to be launched from Earth’s surface for the project – a mass roughly equivalent to that of the International Space Station. And about 40 metric tons of that mass will have to be delivered to the surface of Mars at one time. So far, NASA has been able to land only 1 metric ton at a time – a feat recently accomplished in nail-biting fashion when the agency landed the Curiosity rover last summer. Read more here.

Unemployed Coal Miners and the Towns that Rely on Them: The Consequences of Energy Independence

After working 37 years in the coal mines of West Virginia, Ronny Justice punctuates his sentences with coughs. He lost his job a year ago, leaving him without health insurance just as he’s battling the early stages of black-lung disease. Boone County, where he lives, hosts 91 mines and an annual festival meant to celebrate “coal and its heritage.” Like Justice’s health, that heritage is under siege. In the next three years America will close a record number of coal-fired power plants, enough electricity to power 18.4 million households for a year, government estimates show. Lower-cost gas, new environmental rules and increased use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are reducing coal usage. Pain is being felt from Appalachia to Wyoming as the U.S. reduces its dependence on coal to almost the lowest level in 63 years — the cost of the country becoming more energy self- sufficient through the production of more natural gas and oil. No region is more affected than Appalachia, where West Virginia, the second-largest U.S. producer, accounted for 25 percent of the nation’s 91,611 coal jobs in 2011, Energy Department data show. Nationwide, industry payrolls plunged 46 percent from 1985 to that year, according to the figures.

Another 30,000 more may disappear in the coalfields and ripple through the businesses that support them, from local diners to the companies that help replace worn tires on mining equipment, said Douglas Blackburn Jr., president of Blackacrellc, a Richmond, Virginia-based industry consultancy, whose clients include Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Duke Energy Corp. and the U.S. government. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has unlocked shale deposits that previously were uneconomical to produce. The losses in coal may be more than made up by the gains in shale. About 3.5 million new jobs will be created by 2035 as the U.S. exploits its shale reserves, a 2012 IHS study sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute, the Natural Gas Supply Association and others estimated. Read more here

In the Gulf, a long history of oil spills and cover-ups

When BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in 2010, it hemorrhaged roughly 210 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. We know now, thanks to recent court hearings and settlements, that all this happened because oil-company managers were cutting corners on safety, and the federal government’s monitoring system for offshore drilling was broken. We also know that it wasn’t the first time oil companies had spilled in the Gulf. What we don’t know – and probably never will – is how much oil has been spilled. Even now, three years after the Deepwater disaster, many spills go unreported. And now we’re learning that even when companies report spills, they sometimes try to deceive regulatory agencies and the public into thinking their spills caused no harm to Gulf waters. A recent Department of Justice case offers a glimpse into a practice that some industry workers say is commonplace in offshore operations. The case revealed that one Gulf-based oil company failed to report a major spill it was responsible for in 2009, and had some of its workers “collect” fake water samples so that federal authorities would think no contamination occurred. Houston-based W&T Offshore pleaded guilty in January to not alerting federal authorities about its 2009 oil spill near the Louisiana coast. Company officials also admitted to doctoring water samples taken from spill areas.

The Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement was formed after the Deepwater spill as a way to beef up federal monitoring of offshore drilling operations. But the bureau has failed to perform any safety audits of companies operating in the Gulf. According to another report from Hammer, BSEE had one audit scheduled last year, but then cancelled it for unexplained reasons. BSEE “is having their hands tied by the political environment that’s going on and we’re relying more and more, again, on industry self-audits,” Cynthia Sarthou, executive director of the nonprofit Gulf Restoration Network, told Hammer. Read more here.

U.S. Food Production Shifts North, along with Infrastructure to Move It

America’s breadbasket isn’t where it used to be. The epicenter of agricultural production has moved north and west over the past half-century, and that trend will likely continue at an accelerated pace due to global warming, a new study finds. Published in the journal Nature Climate Change, the study depicts how such a shift could put new strains on U.S. infrastructure, as rails and trains replace riverboats as the primary mode of agricultural transportation. The agricultural sector already places significant demand on the nation’s transportation infrastructure, making up 22 percent of all transport tonnage. Of that total, grain holds the largest share. Yet even that could change, as evaporating temperature barriers allow corn production to expand in the rich soils of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Acre for acre, corn yields are three times as heavy as wheat.

In the past, the Mississippi River has been the chief conduit for American grain, but a number of factors are curbing its role. The study found that corn production has shifted 150 miles northwest since 1950 and will likely continue that trajectory if warming patterns continue as projected. Higher temperatures could also lower the water levels of the Mississippi, making barge transport more expensive. If infrastructure keeps pace with shifting production, the United States could play an even greater role in international food markets than it does today. While rising temperatures could unlock fertile areas of the Dakotas and Minnesota, as well as other Great Lake states and provinces, food production is set to decline in more equatorial regions of the world, leading to greater demand for U.S. crops. Read more here.

Video: California Farm Workers Fired for Leaving Fields During Wildfire

More than a dozen farm workers in Southern California were out of a job after walking out of the fields last week, forced indoors because of heavy smoke from a massive wildfire burning nearby. As the blaze, dubbed the Springs Fire, continued to grow, farm workers 11 miles south in Oxnard said they started to feel the effects of the smoke in the strawberry fields. The ashes were falling on top of us, one of them explained, adding “it was hard to breathe.”

Air quality in the region was at dangerously poor levels and 15 workers at Crisalida Farms decided they could not handle it any longer. They left, even though their foreman warned them they would not have a job when they returned. When they went back to the fields, the farm fired them. Lauro Barrajas, who is a representative of the United Farm Workers, said the workers contacted him for help, even though they were not members of the union. Read more here.

Other National Headlines of Interest

• Build it Bigger and Stranger: The Crazy Silicon Valley Wars
• Why Natural Gas-Powered Vehicles Are Catching On
• Loan Program Made Infamous By Solyndra Has Created 20,000 Jobs While Its Cost To Taxpayers Is Shrinking

Voices

Big Green: The giants of the green world that profit from the planet’s destruction

The movement demanding that public interest institutions divest their holdings from fossil fuels is on a serious roll. At last count, there were active divestment campaigns on 305 campuses and in more than 100 US cities and states. The demand has spread to Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Britain. And though officially launched just six months ago, the movement can already claim some provisional victories: four US colleges have announced their intention to divest their endowments from fossil fuel stocks and bonds, and in late April ten US cities made similar commitments, including San Francisco and Seattle. There are still all kinds of details to work out to toughen up these pledges, but the speed with which this idea has spread makes it clear that there was some serious pent-up demand. To quote the mission statement of the Fossil Free movement: “If it is wrong to wreck the climate, then it is wrong to profit from that wreckage. We believe that educational and religious institutions, city and state governments, and other institutions that serve the public good should divest from fossil fuels.” I am proud to have been part of the group at 350.org that worked with students and other partners to develop the Fossil Free campaign. But I now realize that an important target is missing from the list: the environmental organizations themselves.

You can understand the oversight. Green groups raise mountains of cash every year on the promise that the funds will be spent on work that is attempting to prevent catastrophic global warming. Fossil fuel companies, on the other hand, are doing everything in their power to make the catastrophic inevitable. According to the Carbon Tracker Initiative in Britain (on whose impeccable research the divestment movement is based), the fossil fuel sector holds five times more carbon in its reserves than can be burned while still leaving us a good shot of limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius. One would assume that green groups would want to make absolutely sure that the money they have raised in the name of saving the planet is not being invested in the companies whose business model requires cooking said planet, and which have been sabotaging all attempts at serious climate action for more than two decades. But in some cases at least, that was a false assumption. Maybe that shouldn’t come as a complete surprise, since some of the most powerful and wealthiest environmental organizations have long behaved as if they had a stake in the oil and gas industry. They led the climate movement down various dead ends: carbon trading, carbon offsets, natural gas as a “bridge fuel”- what these policies all held in common is that they created the illusion of progress while allowing the fossil fuel companies to keep mining, drilling and fracking with abandon. We always knew that the groups pushing hardest for these false solutions took donations from, and formed corporate partnerships with, the big emitters. But this was explained away as an attempt at constructive engagement – using the power of the market to fix market failures. Now it turns out that some green groups are literally part owners of the industry causing the crisis they are purportedly trying to solve. Read more here.

Boston Aftermath Shows a Nation Less – Not More – Afraid of Muslims

The aftermath of the Boston bombings reminded me of 9/11 – but not for the reasons you might think. South Asian, Arab, and Muslim communities mourned along with our fellow Americans after explosions rocked the finish line in Boston. But we also held our breath for a second attack – not one caused by bombs, but by assumptions and accusations. And, at the same time, we looked around and wondered what, if anything, America had learned in the decade since 9/11. In the wake of 9/11, hate crimes hit Arab, Muslim, and South Asian communities like a barrage of shrapnel. After Boston, there were fewer hate crimes, but still too many – enough to strike us all with fear and cause potentially lasting psychological damage. At the same time, the situation spoke of a subtle maturation of the American people in their thinking about immigration and the trade-off between liberty and security.

But in the end, I am most inspired – as I was after 9/11 – by ordinary people who tried to make a difference by helping others and by changing the tone of the conversation. Bystanders carried bleeding victims away from the bombings. Nurses and doctors who were part of the watching crowd rushed forward to help, and one man in a cowboy hat leaped over a fence in order to rescue some of the wounded. Non-immigrant advocates began immediately circulating messages on Listservs, warning others not to discriminate or jump to conclusions and expressing solidarity with immigrant communities who might be attacked. Today, polls say that Americans are less likely to trade civil liberties for security. That may be because they understand that absolute security is impossible and that the sacrifices to our freedoms are too great. It may also be because we’ve learned that our communities and our country are resilient and filled with a hope that continues to trickle through even the darkest of times. Read more here.

The Secret of the Weak Economic Recovery: We Had a F****ng Housing Bubble

The problem with economics is not that it’s too complicated; the problem is that it’s too damn simple. This problem is amply demonstrated by all the heroic efforts made by economists to explain the weakness of the current recovery. We’ve had economists tell us that the problem is that we are now a service sector economy rather than a manufacturing economy. The story is that inventory fluctuations explain much of the cycle. Since we don’t inventory services, we will have a slower bounceback in terms of production and employment. We’ve also been told that the problem is underwater homeowners who can’t spend like the good old days because they are underwater in their mortgages. Today we are being told that the reason employers are not hiring is uncertainty: “Businesses have become more risk-averse. They’re more reluctant to hire. They’ve raised standards. For many reasons, they’ve become more demanding and discriminating. These reasons could include (a) doubts about the recovery; (b) government policies raising labor costs (example: the Affordable Care Act’s insurance mandates); (c) unwillingness to pay for training; and (d) fear of squeezed profits.”

If none of these stories, or any of the others that economists develop to stay employed, explain the length of the downturn, what does? Well, it’s pretty damn simple, we had a housing bubble driving the economy before the collapse and there is nothing to fill the gap created. Do we somehow think that consumers will spend at the same rate after they have lost $8 trillion in housing wealth as when they had this wealth? Why? Net exports could fill the gap, but the dollar has to fall. Net exports could fill the gap, but the dollar has to fall. (I repeated that one in case any economists are reading.) The value of the dollar is the main determinant of our trade deficit, if we want a lower deficit then we will need a sharp decline in the dollar, which has not happened. This only leaves the government sector to fill the gap with deficits, which our Serious People types have demanded that we hold down. So, based on the good old intro econo that tens of millions have been subjected to, we know that this recovery will be slow and weak. We simply lack a component of demand to fill the gap created by the housing bubble. Read more here.

Internet Uncertainty

Syrian protesters have used the Internet to spread their message of opposition and document brutal human rights abuses at the hands of the Assad regime. Meanwhile, the regime has deployed the “Syrian Electronic Army,” Assad loyalists intent on shutting down dissidents’ online voices and launching cyber-attacks against Western news outlets that criticize the Syrian autocrat. This uneasy balance served as the backdrop for last Friday’s World Press Freedom Day. The Internet – via platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Weibo and YouTube – has given a voice to hundreds of millions of people. It’s also a medium that offers speakers very few protections.

Last week, Freedom House released a report revealing that governments are intensifying their efforts to restrict digital media. “Repressive measures included the passage or heightened use of new cybercrime laws (Thailand, Russia); jailing of bloggers (Egypt, Gulf Arab states, Vietnam); and blocks on Web-based content and text-messaging services during periods of political upheaval (India, Tajikistan),” the report says. And the threat isn’t entirely at the hands of governments. In last week’s New Republic, Jeffrey Rosen reported on a cadre of twentysomething “Deciders” employed by Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to determine what content is appropriate for those platforms – and what content should get blocked. While they seem earnest in their regard for free speech, they often make decisions on issues that are way beyond their depth, affecting people in parts of the world they’ve never been to. Read more here.

Local News

Families plant fruit trees for the future at Victory Park

NEW BEDFORD – With shovels and soil, families enthusiastically planted 13 fruit trees at Victory Park in a unique partnership to grow food for the future. “This is phenomenal,” said South End resident Jack Meunier. “It’s setting precedents in the neighborhood. If you have food here you don’t need to go down the street to get it.” Residents helped plant seven apple trees, three plum trees and two cherry trees donated to the city by RainforestMaker and Connecting for Change: A Bioneers by the Bay Conference, a program of the Marion Institute, which organized the community planting.

“This is preparing New Bedford for food security,” said Chance Perks from UMass Dartmouth’s sustainability initiative, who oversaw the program. “We are trying to increase food production in the city, exposing the younger generation to agriculture and food production, and reigniting the poor farm that used to be here.” More than 50 participants, many of them children, attended and learned about growing food and discovered more about the park and garden’s history. Read more here.

Cranberry Farmers Struggle As Prices Plummet

U.S. cranberry farmers who spent millions of dollars to replant and expand bogs face a financial crisis after a huge harvest in Canada flooded the market and sent prices plummeting. The drop in prices comes after many growers invested in replanting or creating new bogs. Before the recession, Ocean Spray had asked its growers to plant 5,000 new acres in the next five to 10 years.

In Massachusetts, growers have been renovating old bogs to reduce water use and increase productivity, said Dawn Gates-Allen, communications manager for the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. She and her husband replanted a 1 1/2 -acre bog in 2009 at a cost of about $60,000. Along with putting in new vines, they leveled out the bog, which had sunk over time so that one end was 2 feet deeper than the other. That allows them to use less water. “To be sustainable and to be competitive as a farmer, consumers want to know we are doing friendly things to our land,” Gates-Allen said. But if cranberries sell at $35 per 100 pounds, it will take their small farm on the border of Freetown and Rochester 15 years to make back the investment, Gates-Allen said. Right now, prices aren’t close to that. Read more here.

Cycling is on the rise, but is Mass. serious about sharing the road?

Cyclists are growing steadily in Massachusetts. By just one measure, the number of Bay State commuters who mainly biked to work spiked 80 percent from 2000 to 2011, from roughly 12,300 people to 22,200, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The rise has been rapid in a handful of cities – Cambridge estimated there were three times as many people biking on its streets last year compared to 2002.

Also climbing now: The number of state and local leaders who say they want to build on this trend as an alternative to congested roads and streets originally built mainly for cars. But to get more people cycling on a larger scale across eastern Massachusetts, it could take time, more infrastructure and more concentrated efforts to educate people about rules of the road, say transportation advocates and planners. Read more here.

Solar projects increasingly meeting local resistance

In a state widely lauded for its renewable-energy initiatives, and a particularly aggressive solar energy push, West Bridgewater is just one of several communities where commercial solar installations have recently hit roadblocks led mainly by residents opposed to losing open space to rows of photovoltaic panels. In Carver, construction of a permitted 3.1-megawatt installation slated for a private parcel at the intersection of Great Meadow Drive and Purchase Street was suddenly halted after a cease-and-desist order was issued by the town approximately four weeks ago. An appeal had been filed by neighboring residents who have been opposing the project since 2011 because of its proximity to their homes. In Mattapoisett, opponents of a solar farm proposed for an 85-acre property off Tinkham Hill Road argued their case to the Zoning Board of Appeals last month, but the project was ultimately approved.

The proliferation of solar projects and increasing opposition by residents have prompted a number of cities and towns to look into adopting bylaws regulating where these projects may go. Members of a bylaw subcommittee in West Bridgewater are basing their draft on Dartmouth’s bylaw, which passed legal muster in an opinion issued last year by the state Attorney General’s office. In Dartmouth, which boasts the largest amount of solar power in the state, large-scale installations are prohibited in residential areas. Varying regulations from community to community could lead to an increase in legal appeals that will only continue until a precedent-setting opinion is issued by a court, said Michael Mendoza, president of the Southeastern Massachusetts Building Officials Association, which counts 150 building inspectors as members. A lot of the opposition to large ground-mounted solar projects stems from a not-in-my-backyard mentality, Mendoza said. “People don’t like change, or they move into a neighborhood they expected to look a particular way and something new comes in and it’s something they didn’t bargain for,” Mendoza said. “Solar is a changing field. This is going to go on for a few years and it’s going to go in a few different directions until the dust settles.” Read more here.

Raynham man opts for self-powered commute via bicycle

RAYNHAM – Throughout the last five years, Raynham resident Arthur Bernier has woken up before the sun to hop on his bicycle and beat the traffic. “In the morning, there’s no problem dealing with motorists,” said Bernier, who recently was named the postmaster for the New Bedford post office. “I feel safe. The cold air is comfortable. I get my morning exercise out of the way and it’s very quiet on the roads, as the sun starts to rise.” Nearly each day since 2009, Bernier rode his bike about 20 miles to his previous workplace in Fall River. He said that leaving for work early allowed him to own the road in a sense, but that on the way home riding required a bit more caution, as he contended with the cars, trucks, buses and vans during rush hour.

Bernier is among a rare breed of commuters in the Taunton area, who opt for the self-powered cycle rather than the motor engine. And it’s not because of necessity, it’s because they want to. “It’s very rewarding,” said Bernier, whose route took him down Church Street in Raynham, to Precinct Street in East Taunton to Route 79 all the way to Fall River. “It’s rewarding to know that you’re doing something good for your health. And the other thing is I feel like I’ve lessened my footprint on the environment, saving the planet in some small way.” Read more here.

New Bedford marine terminal ground breaking for off-shore wind

NEW BEDFORD – Officials celebrated the formal ground-breaking of a new, $100 million, heavy-load port terminal in the city, saying the project, which is tailor-made to support the offshore wind industry, represents “promises made and promises kept” to residents. “For a corner of the state that has had its hopes dashed so many times in the past wanting transformative economic development and not quite getting there, now it’s real,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell, who said the terminal holds the potential for “a generation of jobs.”

Construction on the roughly 28-acre New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, which will sit just north of the hurricane barrier, started three weeks ago. Officials are hoping the state-financed facility, also known as South Terminal, will act as a magnet for future projects, luring private investment and jobs to the region. The project is supposed to be finished by the end of 2014, in time to play a role in Cape Wind’s development of its 130-turbine park in Nantucket Sound. Previous estimates have suggested it will help create about 150 short-term construction jobs, about 600-800 jobs during Cape Wind’s staging and assembly, and more than 1,000 in future associated industries. Read more here.

Also read Fairhaven residents: South Terminal dredging is too loud

Also read Blog: Wind energy blows into town

Connecticut OK’s more waste storage at nuclear plant

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – State officials authorized the Millstone nuclear plant to significantly expand nuclear waste storage capacity over the next 30 years. Without a national site to take spent nuclear fuel, Millstone Power Station’s owner, Dominion Resources Inc., turned to Connecticut for permission to increase storage at the Waterford site. The key problem facing nuclear plant operators and public officials is the inability in Washington to decide what to do with radioactive waste produced by nuclear power plants. Congress designated Yucca Mountain in Nevada for a nuclear waste dump, but the plan has been opposed by the state’s elected officials, including Senate majority leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat. In the meantime, spent nuclear fuel is stored on site at the nation’s 104 nuclear reactors in pools or in dry casks.

Local storage is Millstone’s only option, Holt said. “It’s not our first choice,” he said. “But unfortunately, the federal government has not lived up to its obligation to take the fuel like they were supposed to.” The state Department of Energy and Environmental Policy criticized federal inaction on nuclear waste. “Nuclear waste is a federal problem and needs an immediate federal solution,” the agency said in comments to the Siting Council. Read more here.

Is R.I. Prepared for Another ‘Tick-Apocalypse’?

Ticks are pretty much a menace in Rhode Island. Last year, the tick population was the highest recorded by the University of Rhode Island’s TickEncounter Resource Center, which dubbed 2012 the “tick-apocalypse.” To make matters worse, a new disease transmitted by the same tick that carries Lyme disease is now in the Rhode Island. May also is considered the “tickiest” month of the year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is the most common and fastest-growing bug-borne infectious disease in the United States.

Making matters worse is a new disease (Borrelia miyamotoi) also transmitted by deer ticks. This new disease came to light after an 80-year-old New Jersey woman became ill with symptoms similar to Lyme disease, such as fatigue, memory and motor impairment, and flu-like symptoms. There has been five cases reported in the Northeast The treatment is similar to Lyme disease. A study by the Yale School of Public Health and Medicine showed that all of those infected had complete recoveries. Should people stop hiking or enjoying their backyards? Read more here

Good Brew Hunting: Brewing up good health

Beer is good for you. Really. The health benefits range from stronger bones to lower blood pressure, from reduced risk of heart disease to better brain function. Regular, moderate consumption of beer has been proven beneficial in study after study. To be clear, the benefits are from MODERATE consumption – one to two beers a day. Don’t go thinking slamming a six-pack a night will help. The only thing that’ll help is your beer gut and your local liquor store’s bottom line.

Maybe we should change the old “apple a day” expression to “A beer a day keeps the doctor away.” There’s a reason beer has been called “liquid food” for centuries – it’s nourishment in a glass and was considered a key piece of one’s diet until recently. The advantages of regular, moderate beer consumption increase as we age. It lowers the risk of dementia in adults aged 65 and over and helps stall brain-function decrease. Beer also helps build a stronger skeleton, reduces the risk of heart attacks, and can help prevent death from cardiovascular disease! Read more here

Coming to a rooftop near you

For the time being, all that’s blooming atop the Boston Design Center are panoramic views of the city skyline, harbor, and Seaport District. In a few weeks, though, plants should be sprouting amid the air conditioning units and heat vents. In this rooftop project, think tomatoes, basil, parsley, chervil, lovage, and thyme, and lots of it, spread over 13,000 square feet in what will be the most ambitious experiment to date in local urban ag. By next year, the project is expected to total 40,000 square feet of planted produce and another 15,000 square feet of harvest stations and support equipment. As it grows, Boston will become more prominently aligned with a burgeoning urban agriculture movement, one marrying underutilized city space with “green” consciousness and a hunger for locally produced food.

“For now, our focus is on high-value crops that restaurants are excited to serve,” says Courtney Hennessey, cofounder of Higher Ground Farm, a South End-based firm that will manage the rooftop farming operation once it’s up and running. Eventually the farm, which has signed a 10-year lease with the design center, will support four distribution channels: area restaurants, six of which have already come aboard (Toro, Coppa, Sweet Cheeks Q, and Tavern Road among them); community-supported food-growing programs, shares in which will be sold to the public; a small, onsite ground-level farm stand; and nonprofit food collaboratives in Dorchester and Mattapan, two communities where fresh, local produce is traditionally hard to come by. Read more here.

Local farmers talk about agriculture at Middleboro forum

Caroline LaCroix works on her family farm in Middleboro, where her 88-year-old father was born. She supplements her farm income by working for the town. And the family operation has diversified – they grow hay, raise chickens and exhibit at the local fairs. Land has become so valuable, she said, that when the farms pass from one generation to the next, inheritance taxes can put them under. “We’re not wealthy, I buy grain with my paycheck,” she said, but added, “We want to keep the family farm.”

She was among more than three dozen farmers who met with interim U.S. Sen. William M. Cowan, D-Mass., last week at Town Hall. Cowan was flanked by state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., and Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Gregory C. Watson to field questions about and suggestions for a federal multi-year Farm Bill expected to cost $80 to $100 billion a year. Read more here

Road extension will open up new land in New Bedford business park

NEW BEDFORD – An access road is being built in the New Bedford Business Park that will open up a 54-acre lot for new development, including possible future offshore wind partners. The 800- to 900-foot extension of Flaherty Drive is expected to be completed by the end of June. “It will open up an area we can market for economic development,” said Ron Labelle, the city commissioner of the Department of Public Infrastructure who said work is continuing on the road every day from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Davis said he hopes to market the property to a biotech or software company that could build a campus there. It could create 100 construction jobs and 500 long-term jobs. “It could be a very nice campus for one company with a great view from the top floor,” he said. The $3 million project started last year includes roadwork, as well as extension of water, sewer, gas, electric and telecommunications services. It was funded by a combination of state and city economic development funds, Labelle said. With the city officially breaking ground Monday on a $100 million marine commerce port meant to make New Bedford the go-to location for offshore wind, space in the park could also be used by future offshore wind development partners. Read more here.

An epic battle of a bird vs. itself

For birders all over North America, the month of May is eagerly anticipated as neotropical migrants stream north from wintering areas to ancestral breeding grounds. There is an overwhelming amount of bird activity not only on the Cape and Islands but all over the continent, in fact across the entire Northern Hemisphere, going on right now. It is early May, and the spring migration is wide open. Virtually every breeding species that nests here and was gone for the winter is returning now. This is the best month of the year for birds on the Cape and Islands – so far. The “so far” qualifier is in recognition of the extreme differences between the spring and fall bird migration. Almost all land birds and many other kinds of migrant birds follow entirely different routes heading north in the spring and southbound in the fall. The New England coast is much quieter for land birds with far fewer individual birds occurring in spring than during the fall migration.

If plotted, drawn on a map of the Americas, the annual route for most species would be described as an ellipse. The northbound journey typically shows a straight shot up through the middle of North America, while the southbound trip is a slower coastal journey, punctuated with long straight flights over the Atlantic or the Caribbean to Central and South America. There is noticeable change in the bird world during this first week of May. If you are inclined to put out orange halves, bowls of jelly, suet or sugar water, there is no time like the present. The orioles, catbirds, grosbeaks, hummingbirds and other species are all passing through, and they are hungry. Read more here.

FOCUS: Unpasteurized milk has a ‘natural’ market for farm

WESTPORT – It’s a big word but the process is easy to describe. Pasteurization means heating raw milk to a temperature judged high enough to kill micro-organisms in the milk. Andrew Ferry, farming at 272 Pine Hill Road, Westport, hopes to be selling raw milk from his farm this week. Tell Ferry that people get disease from drinking raw milk and he’s got an answer. “Yeah,” he says. “Maybe in the 1880s.”

It is not illegal in Massachusetts to sell raw milk. “But it has to be sold at the farm,” Ferry said. Pasteurization not only kills microbes in milk, it makes it possible to transport milk long distances without microbial growth. Ferry’s got his own theory why pasteurization was necessary back in the days when people got tuberculosis from drinking unpasteurized milk. “The people milking the cows back then had the diseases,” Ferry said. In Massachusetts, according to state law, if a farmer has a state-issued Dairy Farm Certificate of Registration, he can sell raw milk on the farm. Read more here.

New Spaulding Hospital Learns Haunting Lessons from Katrina

I pieced together the tragic last hours at Lafon in 2005, we learned of frantic calls when the power failed, of heroic struggles by the staff to hoist patients from the first floor as flood waters tugged at their waists, and then of five days without food, medicine, or relief from the killing heat. Aides trapped with their patients fanned the elderly, swabbed them with soiled cloths, and tried to make them comfortable as they died. In all, 22 elderly patients perished when the Lafon Nursing Home was suddenly crippled. Such scenes, repeated during Katrina at medical facilities ranging from small nursing homes to New Orleans’ sprawling Memorial Medical Center, have haunted hospital planners. Planners like Hubert Murray, an architect who helped design Boston’s new Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

In designing Spaulding, the planners dictated that the vital electrical and mechanical system components be placed on the roof, rather than on ground level where they would be vulnerable to floods. They placed the main electrical cables in concrete cases, running to a ninth-floor circuit room. They planned for a four-day supply of fuel for generators and co-generators on the roof. They put windows that can be opened in all of the patient rooms, in case the air conditioner fails. In 2008, the architects took the early concepts for the hospital and compared them with reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the leading authority on global warming. Those reports indicated a global sea level rise anywhere from 30 inches to 60 inches by 2100. Other studies predict an even faster sea rise in Boston, where tides, winds and geography are bringing New England coastal increases much higher than the global rate. Read more here.

Rhode Island Streetlights Bill Offers Municipal Savings

PROVIDENCE – For three years, the Washington County Regional Planning Council (WCRPC) has been trying to take control of local streetlights on behalf of its 10 towns. The collaborative, and the rest of the state’s municipalities, may be getting its wish as new legislation (H5935 and S836) in the General Assembly seeks to make municipal ownership a reality. The two bills allow Rhode Island municipalities to take ownership of streetlights in order to reduce their electricity and maintenance costs.

Rhode Island spends more than $14 million a year to power and maintain streetlights. According to the WCRPC, Washington County spends about $1.2 million annually to maintain its streetlights – about $750,000 goes toward maintenance. The WCRPC estimates it can cut that expense to about $250,000. The remaining $350,000 can be reduced through using energy-saving light bulbs. Overall, the payback should take between one and three years, according to the council. “There’s an enormous opportunity to do something differently,” said Jeff Broadhead, WCRPC’s executive director. The current system doesn’t offer financial or environmental incentives for National Grid to upgrade to energy-efficient light bulbs. Years of rule changes have made it a complicated process, Broadhead said. “Its nobody’s fault,” he said. “It’s just the way the system evolved. There’s just a better way to do it now.” Read more here.

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This Week

Sustainable Cities Series Keynote – Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: the Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World

Thursday, May 9, 6pm – 7pm Celtic Coffee House, 42 North Water St., Downtown New Bedford
As we wean ourselves from fossil fuels and realize the environmental costs of suburban sprawl, we will see that small cities offer many assets for sustainable living not shared by their big city or small town counterparts: population density (and the capacity for more); fertile, nearby farmland available for local agriculture, windmills, and solar farms; and manufacturing infrastructure and workforce skill that can be repurposed for the production of renewable-energy technology.
Learn more about the author here. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

Bristol County Conservation District Workshops for Farmers and Forestland Owners

Saturday, May 11, 10amTBA, Dartmouth, MA
Mushroom Culture Workshop & Forestry Stewardship Program
Cultivated mushrooms are bringing in from $11-$15/lb. at farmers markets. Want to offer something new to your customers? Here’s how:
The Bristol County Conservation District will be offering a unique opportunity for farmland and forestland owners to learn about the Forestry Stewardship Program and agroforestry. Phil Benjamin and Tom Farrell, forestry consultants will be on hand to explain the benefits of and answer questions about the Forestry Stewardship Program and Tim Tucker from NRCS will be there to illustrate how you can add value to your forest. Tim will walk you through the initial process of mushroom culture. Each participant will take home a log which they have learned how to inoculate with shitake spawn and has the ability to produce for 5 years..
Registration fee: $20 per person (includes lunch). Space is limited to 20. Sponsored by NRCS, UMass. Extension, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research (SARE) and the Bristol County Conservation District.
For more information, contact: Sue Guiducci, 508-990-2854, or EMail.

BikeFest RI

Saturday, May 11, 10am – 4pm The Met School, 325 Public St. Providence, RI. (Rain date on Sunday, May 12th)
Come and enjoy a day centered on the possibilities of all things bicycle whether it be for recreation, sport, or everyday life. The festival will feature live entertainment, an expo area of bicycles and related gear, information and resources about riding in the state, safety and repair demonstrations, food vendors and more.
BikeFest RI is organized by The Met School, Recycle-A-Bike, Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, and FULLCYCLE @the MET.
For more information, contact through EMail. Learn More Here

Green Drive Bus Pull Challenge

Saturday, May 11, Noon – 4pm Kennedy Plaza Skating Rink in downtown Providence
The Environmental Justice League, in partnership with the Avenue Concept and the RI Asthma Control Coalition presents: Act for Asthma Awareness 1st annual Green D(RI)VE Bus Pull Challenge
For Asthma Awareness Month in May, show your support for Youth, the Environment, and Public Health in the battle against air pollution, climate change, and asthma. Teams will compete to pull the 29,000 lb Green D(RI)VE veggie oil bus in the downtown skating rink at Kennedy Plaza. Family friendly event will also include an open mic, DJ, kids activities, bounce castle, raffles, info tables, and other festivities.
For information on how to sign up to compete or for sponsorship opportunities, check our WordPress Blog or EMail us.
Proceeds will benefit the Environmental Justice League’s Green D(RI)VE bus project and related youth programs. Learn More Here

Learn about Horseshoe Crabs with the Mattapoisett Land Trust

Saturday, May 11, 1pm Friends’ Meeting House on Marion Road (Route 6), Mattapoisett
In the midst of horseshoe crab spring spawning season, the Mattapoisett Land Trust invites the public to join its members and friends on Saturday, May 11 for a lecture about the crabs by Vin Malkoski, Senior Marine Fisheries Biologist for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in New Bedford. We will learn more about what makes this arthropod so unique and important to Massachusetts fisheries, and what we can do to ensure that horseshoe crabs continue to visit Mattapoisett each spring.

The lecture will take place at the Friends’ Meeting House on Marion Road (Route 6) in Mattapoisett beginning at 1:00 p.m. The presentation is part to the Land Trust’s annual meeting and will follow a potluck lunch at noon to which the public is also invited. For more information about the presentation visit the trust’s website at www.mattlandtrust.org or leave a voice message at 774-377-9191. Learn More Here

The Work that Reconnects: Meeting

Monday, May 13, 7:30pm – 9pm First Unitarian Church of New Bedford, 71 Eighth Street, New Bedford
We will focus on the Web-of-Life, and travel The Spiral to learn more about gratitude, honor our pain about events happening in our world today, and learn some ways others have held on to their values during difficult times. We’ll dance, too, and have a good time sharing our expertise, hopes, and dreams.
There is ample parking available on Union and Eighth Streets, as well as in the Church’s parking lot, located behind the Church, off Eighth Street. Enter through the Parish House door located at the rear of the Church, off the Church parking lot. Hot and cold water, and tea will be available, along with, glasses, cups and saucers, and cookies. PLEASE feel free to bring your own snacks /whether just for you, and/or some to share.
Contact: Emily Johns: 508-994-2164 or EMail

Plant Something Day in Mattapoisett

Wednesday, May 15, Beginning at 9am “Welcome to Mattapoisett” sign on the corner of North Street and Industrial Drive
Paul Wildnauer, the owner of Mattapoisett’s Great Scapes Nursery is organizing two beautification projects for Plant Something day, a statewide event headed by the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association and the Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association. “Part of it is giving back to the communities that are our customers, and also just trying to spur some interest and knowledge about the value of planting things,” said Wildnauer, who spoke with town officials before settling on locations. “I wanted it to be something new that hadn’t been done before,” he said.

The first project will begin at 9 a.m. at the “Welcome to Mattapoisett” sign on the corner of North Street and Industrial Drive where trees, shrubs, and perennials will be planted. The second project will be in Marion at Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Other local landscapers Langlois Landscapes, Michael William Associates, Yard Boss Landscape Design, and Eden Landscapes are also providing help for the project, including materials and a commitment to maintain the newly planted areas.
Wildnauer is encouraging local residents to come out and volunteer with shovels in hand. Learn more here.

Roots Down Organic Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, May 15, 7pm How on Earth Grocery Store, 62 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett
Presented by Brix Bounty Farm
Focus on Biology: Sustaining Life in the Soil – Keys to Building Healthy Soil Biology to Harness Nature’s Bounty
This workshop is being offered to assist new and experienced gardeners gain a deeper understanding of methods used in healthy food production. To strengthen local food security for our community. To increase the yield and nutritional quality of your produce. To build community knowledge and skills.
For more information please contact Brix Bounty Farm at 508-992-1868. Learn more here.

Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse?

ONGOING

Now through May 19 The Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA
The Women’s Caucus for Art presents the exhibition Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse? Co-President for New York WCA, Marcia Annenberg, states: “this exhibit seeks to raise awareness of the imminent danger of uncontrolled climate change, caused by an excessive dependency on fossil fuels… It is our generation that has been called to this task.”

To paraphrase Eleanor Heartney, “…the thoughtful works that comprise this exhibit present questions, such as ‘How do we balance economic development, environmental protection, and geopolitical stability in an ever more precarious world? What are we willing to give up today to avoid catastrophe tomorrow? Where should we commit our resources? How should we define our social and economic priorities?’” The variety of perspectives of the artists involved employ photography, video, painting, and sculpture. These artists reinforce the paradox at the center of our environmental predicament. Heartney notes, human creativity and innovation are at the root of our difficulties, but they are also the source of our potential salvation.

Located in Fall River, Massachusetts’ waterfront district, The Narrows Center for the Arts is on the top floor of an attractive old mill building with spectacular views of Fall River’s pier, the Braga Bridge and Battleship Cove. The Center’s wonderfully sunlit space provides superb acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance for events and programs. The space is divided into 4 areas: The Narrows Gallery, the Performance Area, the Narrows Cafe and Artist Studios. The mission of the Narrows Center is to promote and develop an appreciation of the visual arts and the performing arts. To create and develop an artistic and cultural center for the benefit of the public at large and the citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Learn more about the event here.

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Save The Date

Don’t fear the swamp! How to have fun in wetlands

Saturday, May 18, 10am – Noon Mattapoisett River Reserve, Mattapoisett, MA
Is it water, or is it land? In this hands-on exploration, we will discover what makes a wetland and why these habitats are important. The Mattapoisett River Reserve has a tremendous diversity of wetlands. We will get down and dirty exploring the life that lives in wetlands and how we can protect them.
Coalition Members: Free Non-members: $10
Reservations Required. Contact Rob Hancock, Vice-President, Education and Public Engagement at (508) 999-6363 x222 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Life in a Stream

Saturday, May 25, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Dust off your rain boots and make your way down to the Lloyd Center to learn all about the critters that live in streams. Search beneath the rocks to discover and identify the insects and crustaceans that live in the water around us while learning about the adaptations that allow them to live in these fast moving environments. Be sure to bring shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet!
Price: Individual Members: $8 Non-members: $10
Family of Four: Members: $24 Non-members: $30
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23rd Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Westport Community Garden Kick-Off

Saturday, May 25, 9am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport
Inch by inch, row by row, help us make this garden grow! Cultivate a stronger community along with delicious fresh veggies by joining us as we start another growing season at our Westport community garden.
To register, please go Here. Look in ‘One-Time Volunteer Opportunities’ section; once you see this opportunity, click ‘register.’ If this is your first time using our online registration system, you’ll be prompted to fill out a volunteer profile first. You will receive email confirmation of your registration.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

Salt Marsh Biology

Thursday, May 30, 3:30pm – 5pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Put on your boots and join us at the Lloyd Center for a walk through one of the many salt marshes on our property. During this program have a chance to explore the marsh, catalog the species that live there and learn about the importance of the Salt Marsh Habitat. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

The Poorhouses of Massachusetts: A Cultural and Architectural History

Saturday, June 1, 10am – Noon Westport Town Library, 408 Old County Rd, Westport, MA
For most contemporary Americans, “poorhouse” is simply a word, a metaphor for the specter of abject poverty. Few are aware, however, that for much of the history of this country, the poorhouse represented a critical social safety net, mainly sheltering those too broke to live elsewhere. The story of how Massachusetts responded to this persistent social problem illuminates how Americans have dealt with a tenaciously held and deeply felt duty to care for the poorest among them.
Author Heli Meltsner presents the story of Massachusetts poorhouses followed by a walking tour of Westport’s own poor farm, recently renovated and revitalized by The Trustees of Reservations. Program presented in partnership with the Westport Historical Society.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

Weweantic River Mushroom Walk

Saturday, June 1, 10am – 12pm Weweantic River Reserve, Wareham, MA
Join us for a walk at the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Weweantic River property and the town of Wareham’s Birch Island Conservation Area to discover and identify mushrooms. A knowledgeable expert with the Cape Cod Mushroom Club will teach participants about the importance of mushrooms in our local ecosystem and how to identify various species of mushrooms.
$3 for Buzzards Bay Coalition, Cape Cod Mushroom Club and Wareham Land Trust members $5 general public
Reservations Required. Contact Kevin Farrell, AmeriCorps Land Steward, at (508) 999-6363 x217 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Fossils and Dinosaurs

Saturday, June 1, 4pm – 5pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
During this talk, guest lecturer Dr. Peter Falkingham will help us discover what palaeontologists have done to help us understand extinct plants and animals, and its significance in today’s world.
We will learn how dinosaurs evolved and look at ancient fossils. Join us and participate in an activity to appreciate the immense amount of time needed for adaptations to transform living things into the plants and animals alive today. We will then discuss what we understand about specific dinosaurs and other weird and wonderful extinct animals. This program is suited for children 10 years and older, though younger children are welcome to attend.
Falkingham has always had a fascination with past life, particularly dinosaurs. He studied biology and geology at the University of Bristol, UK (2000-03), and obtained a Master’s degree in the department of computer science at the same university (2003-04).

He then volunteered and worked at the Yorkshire Museum in York, UK, as a documentation assistant, before undertaking his Ph.D. “Computer Simulation of Dinosaur Tracks”, in the department of Earth sciences at the University of Manchester, UK (2006-10). He remained there working on data acquisition and visualization of dinosaur track sites, until the end of 2011. In February 2012, he began a three-year Marie Curie International outgoing fellowship at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and the Royal Veterinary College in London, using fossil tracks to explore the locomotor evolution of theropod dinosaurs.
All Ages Welcome. This is a FREE event.
Pre-registration required. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Greens Production and Urban Composting

Tuesday, June 4, 5:30pm Sidewalk Ends Farm, 47 Harrison Street, Providence, RI
Learn how to grow a never-ending supply of salad and arugula through biointensive production and succession planting. Sidewalk Ends Farm’s, Fay Strongin, Laura Brown-Lavoie and Tess Brown-Lavoie, will share their seeding, transplanting, direct seeding and fertilizing routines to maximize production in a small space while enhancing soil health. This workshop will also cover urban composting practices essential to creating a cycle of fertility.
This Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) workshop shares farmer experiences and best practices between farmers, farm workers, apprentices and gardeners. These workshops are free to everyone thanks to a generous Farm Viability grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture which seeks to enhance farmers’ ability to grow and market their crops. Registration is not required.

A Young Farmer Night’s potluck supper will follow the workshop. Please bring food or beverages to share, as well as your dish, cup and flatware. Enjoy your dinner around the fire. Young Farmer Nights (YFN) are bi-weekly social and educational events where local young farmers get together to share ideas, a meal and stories. Each event includes a farm tour, a potluck dinner and other host-inspired activities.
Learn more here

Monster Hunt: In Search of Snapping Turtles

Saturday, June 8, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Spend your time searching for these amazing and prehistoric creatures. During this program learn the ways that snapping turtles are unique, meet a live snapping turtle and then go on a hunt to try and spot them in the ponds and rivers where they live.
All Ages Welcome. Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Family of Four Members: $12 Non-members: $15
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 6th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Learn to Quahog

Saturday, June 8, 12pm – 2pm Round Cove, West Island, Fairhaven, MA
Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition on West Island to learn to harvest your own quahogs. Representatives from the town of Fairhaven and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will teach you the basics of local quahogging — what you need, how to do it, and where to go. This will be a fun and educational event for the whole family.
FREE Event. Reservations Required. Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

World Oceans Day at Buttonwood Park Zoo

Saturday, June 8, 1pm – 4pm 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA
Buttonwood Park Zoo is joining forces with The Ocean Project and Dr. Seuss to create a splash for World Oceans Day!
Cost: Free with Zoo Admission. Contact Buttonwood Park Zoo for more details. Check out their calendar here.

Creative Connections: Art in the Outdoors with Anastasia Azure

Thursday, June 27, 5:30pm – 7pm East Beach, New Bedford, MA
Join nationally-recognized artist Anastasia Azure on a creative journey at East Beach in New Bedford. Anastasia will lead participants in the exploration of “land art,” a process in which the landscape and work of art are inextricably linked. Deepen your connection to the watershed and discover a new way to enjoy your Bay.
FREE Event. Reservations Required. Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Buzzard’s Bay 25th Annual Meeting

Thursday, June 27, 6pm – 8pm The Beachmoor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 11 Buttermilk Way, Buzzards Bay, MA
The Buzzards Bay Coalition invites you to our 25th Annual Meeting at the Beachmoor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy on Thursday, June 27. The evening will begin with a reception for members at 6 p.m., followed by the Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. The meeting will include a discussion of our accomplishments in 2012, election of board members, and presentation of the 2013 Buzzards Bay Guardian awards.
Contact Maureen Coleman, Vice-President of Operations, at (508) 999-6363 x202 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

SEMAP’s 6th Annual Farm to Table Dinner

Friday, June 28, 5:30pm – 9pm Alderbrook Farm, 1213 Russell Mills Rd., South Dartmouth, MA
Join us on a culinary adventure set between the soil & the stars! Support SEMAP in its mission to preserve & expand access to local food & sustainable farming in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The Farm to Table Dinner consists of a multi-course, all-local, gourmet dinner, occuring beneath the stars in the summer air at the beautiful Alderbrook Farm in South Dartmouth, MA. There will also be a Live Auction!
The Manley family has run the 16-acre Alderbrook farm for over four generations. The farm was recently made a Massachusetts Century Farm. With your help SEMAP continues to grow its educational offerings to the public and farming community.

$175.00 per person
$120.00 for SEMAP Farm Members
Contact Kristen Irvin, SEMAP Executive Assistant, or call 336-509-0044 for more information. Learn More and Register Here

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Announcements

Position Announcement – Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators with the Buzzards Bay Coalition

The Buzzards Bay Coalition will host two Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators who will serve youth and families in the Buzzards Bay watershed by providing high-quality, hands-on, exploration-based field experiences that strengthen the ethic of environmental stewardship in our region. The Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators will be responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating education programs in addition to recruiting community volunteers.
This exciting opportunity is made possible through the Commonwealth Corps. The mission of the Commonwealth Corps is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds in service to strengthen communities, address unmet community needs, and increase volunteerism. Members will serve 10.5 months in a full-time capacity, completing a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, from 8/15/13 – 6/28/14. Applicants must be Massachusetts residents 18 years of age or older with legal authorization to work in the United States. In addition to a focus on training and member development, benefits include a bi-weekly service stipend of $454.55 and several other benefits.
Applications will be reviewed starting with those received by May 24, 2013. View the Job Description Here.

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

13 natural remedies for the ant invasion

Ants are making their way into homes this time of year. Thankfully there are natural pest control methods to help you cope with and eliminate the problem. Plus, many of the solutions use what you already have in your cupboard! Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

Propagation of Fruit Bearing Trees by Air-Layering

Most of us want to plant and grow fruit trees at our home garden or in an orchard for their tasty fruits. There are many ways a fruit tree can be propagated – from seeds, from a nursery-bought seedling or by means of Air-layering. The problem with growing fruit trees from seeds is that it may take very long to bear fruits – some times more than ten years – and there is no guarantee that the fruits will taste same as the one from which you got the seeds. Air-layering is one method of propagating a fruit tree from an existing one, which will bear fruits sooner, and the fruits will taste same as the mother-plant. Learn more here.

Global News

European Union to Ban Pesticides Blamed for Bee Deaths

The European Commission will restrict the use of pesticides linked to bee deaths by researchers, despite a split among EU states on the issue. There is great concern across Europe about the collapse of bee populations. Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides are believed to harm bees and the European Commission says they should be restricted to crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators.

But many farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data. Fifteen countries voted in favour of a ban – not enough to form a qualified majority. According to EU rules the Commission will now have the option to impose a two-year restriction on neonicotinoids – and the UK cannot opt out. The UK did not support a ban – it argues that the science behind the proposal is inconclusive. It was among eight countries that voted against, while four abstained. Read more here.

Read more about it here Insecticide firms in secret bid to stop ban that could save bees.

Almost 400 Garment Workers Die in Bangladesh Factory Collapse

SAVAR, Bangladesh – The fugitive owner of an illegally constructed building that collapsed and killed at least 377 people was captured by commandos as he tried to flee into India. At the disaster site, meanwhile, fire broke out in the rubble and forced authorities to suspend the search for survivors temporarily. Many of those killed worked at clothing factories in the building, known as the Rana Plaza, and the collapse was the deadliest disaster to hit the garment industry in Bangladesh that is worth $20 billion annually, supplies global retailers and is a mainstay of the economy. The fire that broke out late Sunday night sent smoke pouring from the piles of shattered concrete and halted some of the rescue efforts – including a bid to free a woman who was found trapped in the rubble.

The collapse was the third major industrial incident in five months in Bangladesh, the second-largest exporter of garments in the world behind China. In November, a fire at the Tazreen Fashion factory in a suburb of Dhaka killed 112 people. Such incidents have raised serious questions about worker safety and low wages, and could taint the reputation of the poor South Asian country, which relies on garments for 80 percent of its exports. The industry employs about 3.6 million people, most of them women, some of whom earn as little as $38 a month. North American and European chains, including British retailer Primark and Canada’s Loblaw, a unit of George Weston Ltd, said they were supplied by factories in the Rana Plaza building. Read more here.

Also read More From MNN.

Also watch Survivor of Bangladesh’s Tazreen Factory Fire Urges U.S. Retailers to Stop Blocking Worker Safety

Exploring Coffee’s Past To Rescue Its Future

At the (CATIE) in Turrialba, Costa Rica, you can touch the history of coffee – and also, if the optimists have their way, part of its future. Here, spread across 25 acres, are coffee trees that take you back to coffee’s origins. CATIE’s collection is like a botanical storage vault, preserving a piece of coffee’s ancient and wild African past. They’re collected from places where such trees have grown since prehistoric times, evolving a whole spectrum of different genetic forms. In most of the world, you can’t find such variety. Today’s commercial coffee production is based on only a tiny slice of it.

Over many centuries, humans selected a few favorite coffee trees for their use. Arab traders brought them from Africa to the Middle East. In the 1700s, Europeans brought two specific genetic strains of Coffea arabica to Latin America. In fact, there’s a lot more genetic variety in this one little field at CATIE than there is in all the coffee plantations of Central America and South America – and that’s a problem. This genetic uniformity of cultivated coffee makes the industry more vulnerable to shocks like a changing climate, or disease. The industry has put all its eggs, so to speak, in one genetic basket. Read more here.

Also read this fascinating article Coffee for a Cause: What do all these feel-good, guilt-free labels for coffee mean?

Carbon emission limits make Australia’s coal industry ripe ‘for financial implosion’

Australia’s huge coal industry is a speculative bubble ripe for financial implosion if the world’s governments fulfil their agreement to act on climate change, according to a new report. The warning that much of the nation’s coal reserves will become worthless as the world hits carbon emission limits comes after banking giant Citi also warned Australian investors that fossil fuel companies could do little to avoid the future loss of value. Australia is already the globe’s biggest coal exporter and “mega-mine” plans in Queensland for more extraction are identified as the world’s second biggest “carbon bomb” threatening runaway global warming. “Investments in Australian coal rest on a speculative bubble of climate denial, indifference or dreaming,” said John Connor, one of the new report’s authors and CEO of The Climate Institute, an independent research organisation based in Sydney. “Investors, governments and even some coal companies say they take climate change seriously, but this report shows they do not or are taking risky gambles.”

Carbon Tracker’s recent global report found that at least two-thirds of existing fossil fuel reserves will have to remain underground if the world is to meet existing internationally agreed targets to avoid the threshold for “dangerous” climate change. The new report shows Australian coal reserves owned by listed companies alone are equivalent to 25% of the global carbon budget for the fuel to 2050. However, far from cutting back on exploration for new coal reserves, Australian listed companies spent AU$6bn on developing new deposits. If only half of potential future reserves were exploited, Australian coal would use up 75% of the global carbon budget for the fuel. Read more here.

Also read Confused koala discovers his home has been cut down.

400 PPM Atmospheric CO2 Levels Soon To Be Surpassed

Scientists monitoring global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations report that, for the first time in human history, CO2 levels could soon rise above 400 parts per million for a sustained period of time in much of the Northern Hemisphere. Hourly readings have surpassed 400 ppm in the past week, but daily averages remain just below 400. Daily readings are expected to surpass 400 ppm in early May. They will reach their annual peak by mid-month.

Last summer, CO2 concentrations surpassed 400 ppm in the Arctic, but that concentration has not been recorded for prolonged periods across the globe. Emissions from industrialized nations have dipped recently, but increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations — due to human activities like the burning of fossil fuels — mean continued planetary warming and more record years for temperature and extreme weather. Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• Austerity is destroying our health, say researchers
• Electric Bikes, A Rising Force On Urban Transit Landscape – 38 Million Units Per Year By 2020, Navigant Reports
• Online Wildlife Trade and the Cyber Detectives Stopping the Business

National News

Los Angeles Celebrates Launch of Largest Municipal Solar Program in U.S.

Los Angeles, a city more often known for its celebrity sightings and Hollywood stars, also shines bright in the solar arena. The City of Angels has dazzled in the last decade with a strong record of sustainability. So much so that on April 19th, local and national government representatives as well as business leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of the city’s solar Feed in Tariff (FIT) program (Clean L.A. Solar Program) at the Los Angeles Business Council’s (LABC) Sustainability Summit. The program focused on how to harness sustainability programs and regulatory initiatives for job growth. Essentially, the idea of the FIT is to make solar competitive in what naturally is one of the nation’s sunniest communities. Similar to President Kennedy’s mission to the moon, L.A.’s moonshot moment is to benefit from solar energy in a region blessed with sunny weather year round. Solar energy is especially appropriate in hot climates, as air conditioning demand coincides with the period of peak solar radiation.

L.A.’s FIT program will be the largest municipal commitment to solar, but not the first. Less sunny regions of the world, including Germany, have had FITs for more than a decade now. Germany’s FIT program allowed it to become the world leader in the solar industry. Read more here.

The Wild Pig Wars: When One Man’s Game Becomes a Marauding Danger

In southern states like Texas, backyard encounters with feral swine have become routine. The pigs – ill-tempered eating machines weighing 200 pounds or more – roam city streets, collide with cars, root up cemeteries and provide plot lines for reality TV shows like “Hog Hunters.” But the pig wars are moving north. In Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania – states where not long ago the only pigs were of the “Charlotte’s Web” variety – state officials are scrambling to deal with an invasion of roaming behemoths that rototill fields, dig up lawns, decimate wetlands, kill livestock, spread diseases like pseudo-rabies and, occasionally, attack humans.

The swine are thought to have spread largely after escaping from private shooting preserves and during illegal transport by hunters across state lines. Experts on invasive species estimate that they are responsible for more than $1.5 billion in annual agricultural damage alone, amounting in 2007 to $300 per pig. The Agriculture Department is so concerned that it has requested an additional $20 million in 2014 for its Wildlife Services program to address the issue. There is wide agreement that the pigs are undesirable – like the Asian carp that is threatening to invade the Great Lakes, but far bigger, meaner and mounted on four legs. But efforts to eradicate or at least contain them have been hampered by the lack of a national policy to deal with invasive species as a whole, the slowness of states to recognize the problem and the bickering between agencies about who is responsible for dealing with them. Read more here

Study Addresses Why Conservatives Like to Waste Energy? If You Tell Not to Do Something, That’s What They Want to Do

Back in 2011, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) declared war on energy-efficient light bulbs, calling “sustainability” the gateway into a dystopic, Big Brother-patrolled liberal hellscape. When the lights went off during Beyonce’s halftime set at the last Superbowl, conservative commentators from the Drudge Report to Michelle Malkin pointed blame at new power-saving measures at New Orleans’ Superdome. And one recent study found that giving Republican households feedback on their power use actually encourages them to use more energy. Why do conservatives, who should have a natural inclination toward conservation, have a beef with energy efficiency? It could be tied to the political polarization of the climate change debate.

A study out in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examined attitudes about energy efficiency in liberals and conservatives, and found that promoting energy-efficient products and services on the basis of their environmental benefits actually turned conservatives off from picking them. “When we’re given an option where the choice is made to represent a value that we don’t identify with or that our ideological group doesn’t value,” she said, “this can turn the purchase into something undesirable. By making [the environment] part of the choice, even though they might see the economic benefit, they no longer want to put their money toward that option.” Read more here.

What the Cluck?! Inspection Cuts Means Feds Relaxing Oversight and Safety of Industrial Poultry

The United States Department of Agriculture is set to dramatically reduce its oversight of the nation’s largest poultry slaughterhouses – and will allow companies to speed up their kill lines. Currently, four inspectors oversee each kill line, which turns out 140 birds per minute. Under the new rules, due to take effect by September 2014, just one inspector would oversee kill lines running 25 percent faster – slaughtering 175 birds per minute. The idea, which USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says is designed to keep the poultry industry profitable and save the government money, received stiff opposition from food safety and labor advocacy groups when it was floated last year. And with the cuts now officially on paper in a prospective USDA budget, food safety organizations are fighting back, insisting the margin of error increases significantly when you speed up dangerous processes while simultaneously reducing government oversight.

Ominously, the announcement of the change came around the same time that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 1 in 6 Americans gets sick from eating contaminated food – a number that hasn’t been lowered in decades. And tests have shown that anywhere from a quarter to two-thirds of supermarket chickens contain the pathogens salmonella or campylobacter – or both. Read more here.

EPA: Alaska mine project could wipe out miles of streams in world-class salmon fishery

JUNEAU, Alaska – Build-out of a large-scale mine near the headwaters of a world-class salmon fishery in Alaska could wipe out as many as 90 miles of streams and alter stream flows, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a revised assessment released. The report said mining activity would claim at least 24 miles of streams in the Bristol Bay region, based on the scenarios evaluated, with the loss of wetlands ranging from 1,200 to 4,800 acres.

The EPA focused on the Pebble deposit and took into account information related to the proposed Pebble Mine but also noted the potential for multiple mines in the region, given the resource base, which it said would lead to further elimination or blocking of streams and wetland losses. EPA initiated the review process in response to concerns raised by tribes and others about the impact large-scale mining could have on Bristol Bay fisheries. Critics of the EPA review – including the Pebble Limited Partnership, the group behind the proposed Pebble Mine – fear it could lead to the agency vetoing mining activity in the region. Read more here.

Other National Headlines of Interest

• Supermarket delivery services are greener than driving to shop
• Top 10 Green Buildings that Improve Surrounding Environment and Users’ Health
• Staples brings responsible e-waste recycling across the U.S.

Voices

We Tried to Weaponize the Weather

Cold War secrets: Melting polar ice cap with nukes, changing the sea level, even LSD weapons were all on the table.

The years between the ?rst hydrogen bomb tests and the Limited Test Ban Treaty in 1963 saw more than just increased anxiety about the e?ects of nuclear testing on weather. They also saw increased interest in large-scale, purposeful environmental modi?cation. Most climate modi?cation enthusiasts spoke of increasing global temperatures, in the hopes that this would increase the quantity of cultivated land and make for fairer weather. Some suggested blackening deserts or snowy areas, to increase absorption of radiation. Covering large areas with carbon dust, so the theory went, would raise temperatures. Alternatively, if several hydrogen bombs were exploded underwater, they might evaporate seawater and create an ice cloud that would block the escape of radiation. Meteorologist Harry Wexler had little patience for those who wanted to add weather and climate modification to the set of tools in man’s possession. But by 1958 even he acknowledged that serious proposals for massive changes, using nuclear weapons as tools, were inevitable. Like most professional meteorologists, in the past he had dismissed the idea that hydrogen bombs had affected the weather. But with the prospect of determined experiments designed to bring about such changes, he warned of “the unhappy situation of the cure being worse than the ailment.”

Whatever one might have thought about the wisdom of tinkering with the weather in peacetime, the manipulation of nature on a vast scale for military purposes seemed to be a perfectly legitimate application of scientific knowledge. While planning a total war against the Soviet Union, every avenue begged for exploration. Let’s explore how the scientific advisors of America’s key allies in NATO saw the alliance fighting in the future. Numerous ideas for creating catastrophic events through natural processes were presented, especially using hydrogen bombs as triggers. In these discussions, held as early as 1960, top scientists debated the fundamental environmental question – can humans have a long-term effect on the global environment? Read more here.

Fact vs. Fiction: How Renewables Outshine Fracking

The practice of hydraulic horizontal fracturing or fracking to extract natural gas from the shale beds of the U.S. began, for all practical purposes, in 2007. Since that time, the production of natural gas within the nation has increased, gas extracted from shale beds more than making up for a decline in production from conventional sources.

And the industry has not been quiet about this growth. Hardly a day passes without some national media outlet expounding the benefits the nation will derive from this recent production “boom.” But just how real is this boom when compared with other developments within the energy industry – specifically the exponential growth of renewable energy? Read more here.

You are a Guinea Pig: The Chemical Industry is the Big Tobacco of the 21st Century

A hidden epidemic is poisoning America. The toxins are in the air we breathe and the water we drink, in the walls of our homes and the furniture within them. We can’t escape it in our cars. It’s in cities and suburbs. It afflicts rich and poor, young and old. And there’s a reason why you’ve never read about it in the newspaper or seen a report on the nightly news: it has no name – and no antidote. The culprit behind this silent killer is lead. And vinyl. And formaldehyde. And asbestos. And Bisphenol A. And polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). And thousands more innovations brought to us by the industries that once promised “better living through chemistry,” but instead produced a toxic stew that has made every American a guinea pig and has turned the United States into one grand unnatural experiment.

Today, we are all unwitting subjects in the largest set of drug trials ever. Without our knowledge or consent, we are testing thousands of suspected toxic chemicals and compounds, as well as new substances whose safety is largely unproven and whose effects on human beings are all but unknown. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) itself has begun monitoring our bodies for 151 potentially dangerous chemicals, detailing the variety of pollutants we store in our bones, muscle, blood, and fat. None of the companies introducing these new chemicals has even bothered to tell us we’re part of their experiment. None of them has asked us to sign consent forms or explained that they have little idea what the long-term side effects of the chemicals they’ve put in our environment – and so our bodies – could be. Nor do they have any clue as to what the synergistic effects of combining so many novel chemicals inside a human body in unknown quantities might produce. Read more here.

It’s the Media, Stupid! The Right Wing’s Media Insurgency

The U.S. news media was never “liberal”. At most, you could say there were periods in the not-too-distant past when the major newspapers did a better job of getting the facts straight. There also was an “underground” press which published some scoops that the mainstream media avoided. So, reporters revealed the evils of racial segregation in the 1950s and 1960s; war correspondents exposed some of the cruel violence of the Vietnam War in the late 1960s; major newspapers defied the U.S. government in printing the leaked history of that war in 1971; the Washington Post uncovered some (though clearly not all) of Richard Nixon’s political crimes in 1972-74; and the New York Times led the way in publicizing some of the CIA’s dirty history in the mid-1970s. While such work surely offended the Right and many parts of the Establishment, the stories had a common element: they were true. They were not, in that sense, “liberal” or “conservative” or “centrist.” They were simply accurate – and they helped spur America’s other democratic institutions to life, from protests in the streets to pressures on the courts to citizens lobbying government officials.

It was that resurgence of participatory democracy that was the real fear for those who held entrenched power, whether in the segregationist South or inside the wood-paneled rooms of Wall Street banks and big corporations. Thus, there developed a powerful pushback that sought to both hold the line on additional (and possibly even more damaging) disclosures of wrongdoing and to reassert control of the channels of information that influenced how the American people saw the world. In that context, one of the most effective propaganda strategies was to brand honest journalism as “liberal” and to smear honest journalists as “anti-American.” That way many Americans would doubt the accurate information that they were hearing and discard many real facts as bias. Read more here.

Local News

Gasp! Bristol County gets failing air-quality grade in national report

FALL RIVER – Bristol County may be breathing a little heavy after receiving a failing air-quality grade in the American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2013 report. The county got an F for ozone or smog pollution created by the reaction of sunlight on emissions from vehicles and other sources. Last year, air pollution went from bad to worse in Bristol County, when the county went from a D in 2011 to an F in 2012.

But Bristol County received an A grade for its short-term particle pollution, such as soot from car exhaust and coal-burning power plants, making it among the cleanest counties in the Northeast. It also received a passing grade for its long-term particle pollution. “While the air quality in the Southeast and Cape and Islands continues to improve, this is still not a report card any parent would brag about,” said Jeff Seyler, president and CEO of the American Lung Association in the Northeast. “Air pollution in our communities continues to be a major threat that cuts lives short, routinely sends people to the hospital and makes it hard to breathe.” Read more here.

BCC student leads school’s battle against hunger

FALL RIVER – Four years ago, city resident Maurice Cyr found himself in a situation he never thought he would ever experience – he was unemployed and out of money and food and needed the services of a local food bank. Growing up in Fall River, Cyr, who is studying to be a paralegal at Bristol Community College, said he grew up in a middle class family and was taught to give back to the community. He volunteered delivering food for Bristol Elder Services. But when the economic downturn hit, Cyr was laid off from his job of 20 years as a computer draftsman. He collected unemployment for awhile, but it abruptly ended when the Rhode Island unemployment agency informed him his funds were to be cut off immediately because of a mistake on their end. “It was a shock and an eye opener. I was handing out food to the needy and suddenly I found myself on the receiving end of a food bank,” Cyr said.

Now the BCC student has found himself as one of 181 recipients of this year’s Newman Civic Fellows Award for his work on campus with hunger and food insecurity issues. The award honors inspiring college student leaders across the country who demonstrate finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Read more here.

VIDEO: RISD Students Stage Nation’s First Fossil Fuel Divestment Sit-In

The fossil fuel divestment movement is heating up around the country. 11 students at the Rhode Island School of Design are sitting in at their President’s office to demand that he and the Board of Trustees Chair personally endorse divestment from the coal, gas, and oil industries and present the case for divestment to the Board of Trustees at their upcoming meeting.

According a press release issued by the Divest RISD, the student group organizing the sit-in, RISD students have been pushing for divestment since January, but after an initially positive response, the Board of Trustees has now refused to move any proposals forward despite large amounts of support from students and faculty. In response, RISD students are stepping it up a notch. Read more here.

Politicians flock to rally against fishing quotas

BOSTON – Some of Massachusetts’ most prominent politicians turned out for a rally on the Boston Fish Pier in support of the beleaguered fishing industry. The fishing industry has been at odds with the federal agency since catch shares and quotas were imposed in 2010 and has run up a catalog of grievances with NOAA Fisheries. The Northeast Seafood Coalition, which organized the rally, issued a flyer describing them: loss of fleet diversity, loss of investment in the fishery, loss of fishing capacity, loss of infrastructure, loss of market share and loss of fishing culture, among other things.

Wednesday, May 1, when the latest restrictions take effect, is described as a “day of reckoning” for the industry as some groundfish quotas – cod, haddock and yellowtail flounder – are being cut by as much as 77 percent. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Regional Administrator John Bullard, a former New Bedford mayor, attended the rally as a spectator, telling reporters he was there in support of what the fishing community was doing. But Bullard was the person who made the official decision to slash quotas to rebuild stocks, and there were many in the crowd who are angry at him for that. Read more here.

Also read Three years into catch shares, fishing industry faces ‘Day of Reckoning’

Students get outside for wildlife lessons

Mattapoisett – Along the shore of Shaws Cove, an Old Hammondtown School student made a surprising discovery at Nasketucket Bay State Reservation. It came during a field trip, after Brian Butler, president of environmental firm Oxbow Associates, Inc., challenged anyone to find a blue mussel, once plentiful in Buzzards Bay. “There used to be rafts of blue mussels here ten years ago,” Butler said while holding an Asian shore crab. The crabs, an invasive species, have decimated the mussel population in recent years.

Students scoured the rocks and sand for marine life for Butler to identify, and then, 12-year-old Patrick Janicki handed him the elusive mollusk. The kids, all sixth grade students, were among 75 classmates who traveled to the reservation. They learned about three different wildlife habitats from local environmentalists who volunteered to teach. For students, the day marked a return to the site after a four-year absence. Once a regular event, budget constraints had cut the trip from school programming. A donation from the Mattapoisett Land Trust made this field trip possible. Read more here.

Endangered whales filling Cape waters

CAPE COD BAY – Two North Atlantic right whales skimming for zooplankton Saturday afternoon in waters off the coast of Bourne nearly had a head-on collision, but the two managed to change courses at the last minute and avoid hitting each other. It was crowded, very crowded, on the water: First a handful of adult right whales were in the distance as the Shearwater left Provincetown, then four whales appeared, then another 14 and then right whales were everywhere, mostly skimming by the boat with mouths open, their baleen showing like human gums.

It was a very unusual afternoon, given the volume of whales in that location. Typically right whales congregate off Wood End and Race Point lights and Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. The new location is worrisome because of the shipping lane from the eastern end of the Cape Cod Canal to Boston. The area is also outside the boundaries in Cape Cod Bay that are defined as right whale critical habitat under federal guidelines. Right whales are rare and endangered, with a slowly growing population of about 500 in the world. Federal laws protect the whales, and the center’s studies are funded as part of that effort. The goal of the studies is to get a better understanding of right whale habitat, as a way to improve conservation efforts. Federal funding cuts, though, are making it harder and harder. Read more here.

UMass Dartmouth students get a taste of ‘trash fish’

DARTMOUTH – UMass Dartmouth students sampled four seafood species often described as under-appreciated by conservation groups and which a Plymouth company is trying to bring into university dining halls. “They’re fish (that) consumers should know more. They’ve never really been marketed here,” said Keith Flett, founder and CEO of Open Ocean Trading, a Plymouth firm hoping to bring “focus fish” – Flett does not like the more colloquial term “trash fish” – into university and school dining halls. The species – pollock, hake, redfish and dogfish were featured at Tuesday’s taste test – are popular overseas in many cases but still lag behind cod and haddock in the U.S. But as cod quotas take a beating and prices rise on other fish, advocates think it’s time for a cultural shift toward lesser-eaten species.

“Fishermen haven’t had to rely on these lesser-known species to support their businesses” in the past, said Tim Fitzgerald, who directs the Environmental Defense Fund’s sustainable fisheries program. Fitzgerald called the alternative species a potential “economic windfall” for fishermen besieged by falling quotas for staple fish, noting that quotas for redfish or dogfish are higher than those for cod or haddock. Read more here.

Workplace deaths in Massachusetts decline in 2012

BOSTON – Pausing on Beacon Street to remember 32 Massachusetts workers killed on the job during 2012, including fishermen, drivers, and painters, labor officials said penalties for negligent employers are inadequate and urged a tighter focus by policymakers on occupational dangers. According to a report released by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupation Safety and Health, an estimated 320 workers in Massachusetts also died last year from occupational diseases, mostly associated with asbestos exposure.

The report’s release was part of Workers Memorial Day, which Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman described as a worldwide effort to remember workers hurt or killed on the job and to renew efforts to improve workplace safety. Read more here

Fall River’s Arbor Day project shows how money grows on trees

FALL RIVER – If you see a big green price tag hanging from a tree in the city, don’t be alarmed – it’s not up for sale and it’s not being torn down. The bright green tags are part of the Fall River Tree Benefit Tag Project for Arbor Day. Each tag provides a tree’s environmental worth in dollars. Mary Ann Wordell, president of the Fall River Street Tree Planting program, said tags have been placed on about 60 trees in the city. Each one will show the tree’s estimated monetary benefit over five years.

She said the calculation is derived by estimating energy savings, stormwater runoff savings and the cost of pollution filtration. “It shows why we should be planting them and taking care of them,” Wordell said. Oaks, elms, beech and tulip trees, she said, provide the most financial benefit. Studies show that every dollar invested in trees nets a $3 to $7 return. She said trees also benefit the city in ways that cannot be calculated. They absorb air pollution, release oxygen into the air, and can improve health. Read more here.

Faculty ask for louder voice at UMass Dartmouth

DARTMOUTH – UMass Dartmouth’s faculty members called for increased dialogue with campus administration in light of the university’s fiscal and organizational challenges, with some suggesting that professors should play a role in evaluating administrators. “I’m not opposed to controls but I want to be one of the controls,” said Daniel Georgianna, chancellor professor emeritus of economics, at Monday’s forum on declining faculty importance in a university policy-setting.

A faculty and student panel including Georgianna, Faculty Senate President Grant O’Rielly, management professor Susanne Scott, Student Senate President Marven Hyppolite and others discussed the role of faculty at the university. This was the second forum held on the subject since Chancellor Divina Grossman announced her plan to take on UMass Dartmouth’s $13.3 million deficit earlier this year. The forum was organized by Botulinum Research Center director and biochemistry professor Bal Ram Singh. The forum comes as administrators gear up to scrutinize campus centers as part of Grossman’s deficit reduction plan. The university is also taking a look at civic engagement programs and has made a number of small cuts such as restricting food purchases for certain events. Read more here

Staying strong, amputees fight to get their lives back

The fighting spirit is what keeps many people going after having lost a limb, said Bob Cox of Baldwinville during the Eastern Amputee Golf Association’s tournament Monday at Woods Hole Golf Club. “It’s a common trait for amputees to want to succeed,” said Cox, 56, who lost an arm in a motorcycle accident in 1976 and took up golfing the next year. “It sucks, but they’ll be running the marathon,” Cox said about Boston bombing victims during a lunch break for the 43 golfers. “There’ll be a lot of well-deserved hoopla.”

Golfer George Norton, 69, said getting involved in wheelchair sports, including basketball and softball, helped him combat post-traumatic stress following military service in Vietnam. After infections from a gunshot wound cost him his left leg, he took up various endeavors, including wheelchair tennis and throwing the javelin. “Once I get involved I get involved deep,” said Norton, a Fairhaven resident. Vangelder remembers the excruciating sensation of getting out of his hospital bed for the first time, but also how important it was to keep moving. Pain is built into the rehabilitative process and lingers with some amputees who experience “phantom limb” sensations for much of their days. “It’s not whether you’re in pain. It’s how much,” Vangelder said. Read more here.

Also watch Wounded warriors helping Boston amputees.

R.I. Farmers Getting Younger; Seafood Staying Local

PROVIDENCE – A gloomy economy isn’t holding back Rhode Island farmers and food producers from growing their businesses. Statistics confirming the growth in Rhode Island and across the country are expected later this year, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) releases a new census report. Other data shows small farms increasing across the country for the first time since the Great Depression. A younger segment of the population is choosing the local food movement as a career.

The local seafood sector hopes to achieve the same success. The Rhode Island fishing and seafood industry employs about 5,000 and generates $150 million in annual sales. To help promote the state Seafood Marketing Collaborative, the DEM launched a new website. The collaborative aims to increase local seafood sales. In-state sales generate more profits due to the reduction of middlemen. Shoppers also get to know the fishermen and the fish and shellfish they offer. The website teaches consumers about the seasonality of local seafood, where to buy it and how to prepare it. Read more here.

In Floatyard, a design dream of Boston Harbor’s future

It looks like an enormous cubist bug, heaving itself out of the water of Boston Harbor. Maybe something out of a horror movie? No, it’s a proposal for a floating block of residences – a whole floating community, really – on a site in the Charlestown Navy Yard. It’s the brainchild of architect Brian Healy, the director of design in the Boston office of the national firm of Perkins + Will. Healy worked with developer Ed Nardi of Cresset Development, best known for the Liberty Wharf complex in South Boston. They call their design Floatyard. Recently, it won a prestigious national award for good design from the magazine Architecture.

Floatyard is a kind of civic square of residences. Three stories of living units are arranged along the four sides of a central courtyard. You’ll get a pretty good sense of Floatyard if you imagine a helicopter hoisting up one of those small residential squares in the South End and dropping it down on the Charlestown waterfront. The entire complex floats, but it remains in place. It rises and falls by sliding up and down on vertical mooring posts, the way a ring slides on a finger. Floatyard, admittedly, isn’t going to be built anytime soon. This is the kind of design that’s meant to stir the imagination, not to be immediately practical. The goal is to explore new ideas and stimulate a conversation. Often, in the history of architecture, utopian designs like this have been influential. Read more here.

Funds announced for revitalization of New Bedford’s Haskell Gardens

NEW BEDFORD – Blooming magnolias welcomed visitors to a hidden gem slated to be rescued and returned to the public. Officials gathered at the Haskell Nurseries on Shawmut Avenue to admire the genius of the late Allen Haskell, a renowned landscaper, and to announce additional funds for the revitalization of the historic property.

Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan announced a $500,000 Gateway Cities Park Grant and Mayor Jon Mitchell committed $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to help The Trustees of Reservations acquire and renovate the property. “This project will create a new and unique urban parkland, which exemplifies the mission of the Patrick-Murray administration to revitalize our state’s inner-city communities,” said Sullivan. The 6-acre site includes 1.5 acres of open space, and about 30,000 square feet of greenhouses, historic homes and landscaped gardens. Read more here.

Planting for future generations in Marion

Marion – Dirt flew as children helped the Sippican Lands Trust, and The Trustees of Reservations, celebrate Arbor Day in Marion. Kids tossed handfuls of earth to plant an Atlantic white cedar sapling in Washburn Park as part of daylong festivities held there and the trust’s Brainard Marsh property, located off of Delano Road.

The cedar, a native species, is rare. Saturday’s planting marked the beginning of its re-introduction to town properties. Land trust Executive Director Robin Shields said her group has 40 of the trees left for adoption by residents. Fifty trees had been available originally. Read more here.

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This Week

Bioreserve Big Walk

Saturday, May 4, 9am Freetown/Fall River State Forest Headquarters on Slab Bridge Road
The 12-mile hike covers the entire length of the Bioreserve, but pickups are available every 3 to 4 miles for those who only want to complete a portion of the walk, organizers said. At nearly 14,000 acres, the Bioreserve stretches from Assonet Village in Freetown to Hixville in Dartmouth, covering the entire eastern half of Fall River in between.
The Big Walk is free and open to all ages. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots and bring insect repellant, sunscreen, a water bottle and a bag lunch. Water refills and trail snacks will be provided along the way.
To register or get more information, call The Trustees of Reservations at (508) 636-4693, ext. 103, or EMail them.
Learn more here.

Buttonwood Park Zoo presents: Marine Mammal Day

Saturday, May 4, 1pm – 4pm Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA
Would you know what to do if you came across a young seal on a beach? Visit the zoo today and meet some of the people who rescue and care for stranded marine mammals. Watch a harbor seal training session and meet the keepers. On-going marine mammal crafts and activities. Cost: Free with zoo admission Learn more here.

Nasketucket Bay Bike Tour

Sunday, May 5, 10am – 1pm Brandt Beach Ave, Mattapoisett, MA
Tour the Nasketucket Bay watershed on this nine-mile guided bike tour hosted by the Bay Coalition’s land protection staff. The tour will begin at the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking lot on Brandt Beach Ave, heading along the Phoenix/Mattapoisett Bike Path to a nature overlook on Sconticut Neck Road. There, participants will take a snack break and learn about the Bay Coalition’s project to protect 400 acres of land around Nasketucket Bay. Then the group will head back to the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking area.
$5/person members $10/person non-members Children 12 and under: Free
Reservations Required. Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

SEMAP’s Twilight Grower Education Series: Herb Touch N’ Taste

Monday, May 6, 6pm – 7:30pm Eva’s Garden, 105 Jordan Rd., South Dartmouth, MA
Herb Touch-N-Taste
SEMAP’s 2013 Twilight Grower Education Series kicks off with an exciting Potluck event at Eva’s Garden, South Dartmouth, MA. Eva and Chef Didi will lead a discussion where participants taste, touch, and smell several herbs easily found or cultivated in Southeastern MA. Learn to use these herbs in everyday cooking with examples from the duo’s local foods cookbook, Wild Flavors.
Bring a yummy dish to share! Contact Kristen Irvin, SEMAP Executive Assistant, or call 336-509-0044 for more information. Learn More Here

BASG presents: Building a Bridge to Link Sustainability & Quality

Tuesday, May 7, 6pm – 9pm The Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway, 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA
Presented by the Boston Area Sustainability Group (BASG)

Quality is well established in most organizations. It’s seen as necessary in securing & maintaining competitive advantage. Existing quality programs may provide a great foundation for a sustainability program as they share the same objectives. If sustainability practitioners could actually communicate with quality professionals (both speak different jargon-laden languages), they might discover an “army” of help available to support sustainability efforts. This month we explore how to connect the seemingly impenetrable silos created by these two professions. After the completion of the “Big Dig,” we must have some tunneling engineers around to help make this happen! Come make history with us as we bring these two disciplines together for the first time!

One of BASG’s explicit goals is that we learn as much as we can from each other, where the very diversity of the group is one of our most valuable assets. Come join the discussion, or hang out and listen. Meet those folks working hard to do what you’re trying to do and your paths have not yet crossed. We have a great time and really want to meet you! Our format for the evening begins with informal networking followed by quick introductions all round before several lightening-speed presentations from knowledgeable folks. Using the 5-minute IGNITE-style format, our speakers will share their experiences and then open the discussion. We’ll end the discussion with time left for more networking and sharing info on other local events.

Admission: $10 – includes Eventbrite service fees and a glass of wine or beer Learn More and Register Here

New Bedford Ocean Explorium Presents Global Voice

Wednesday, May 8, 6pm Ocean Explorium, 174 Union St., New Bedford, MA
CLIMATE CHANGE: As Seen Through Artists’ Eyes
Artist Peter C. Stone and Professor Arlene Mollo of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Art will discuss artworks that depict fragile as well as robust and thriving environments, and will draw particular attention to the gravity of climate change in arctic and sub-arctic regions. After the talk, attendees are invited to continue the conversation at Cork Wine and Tapas Bar, where a special menu of foods and drinks is available especially for Global Voice participants.
Doors open at 6:00 pm for Science on a Sphere presentation on Climate Change, Talk begins at 6:30 pm. Price: Members-$5, Non-members-$10, Children-$3 Learn More and Register Here

Sustainable Cities Series Keynote – Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: the Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World

Thursday, May 9, 6pm – 7pm Celtic Coffee House, 42 North Water St., Downtown New Bedford
As we wean ourselves from fossil fuels and realize the environmental costs of suburban sprawl, we will see that small cities offer many assets for sustainable living not shared by their big city or small town counterparts: population density (and the capacity for more); fertile, nearby farmland available for local agriculture, windmills, and solar farms; and manufacturing infrastructure and workforce skill that can be repurposed for the production of renewable-energy technology.
Learn more about the author here. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse?

ONGOING

Now through May 19 The Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA
The Women’s Caucus for Art presents the exhibition Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse? Co-President for New York WCA, Marcia Annenberg, states: “this exhibit seeks to raise awareness of the imminent danger of uncontrolled climate change, caused by an excessive dependency on fossil fuels… It is our generation that has been called to this task.”

To paraphrase Eleanor Heartney, “…the thoughtful works that comprise this exhibit present questions, such as ‘How do we balance economic development, environmental protection, and geopolitical stability in an ever more precarious world? What are we willing to give up today to avoid catastrophe tomorrow? Where should we commit our resources? How should we define our social and economic priorities?’” The variety of perspectives of the artists involved employ photography, video, painting, and sculpture. These artists reinforce the paradox at the center of our environmental predicament. Heartney notes, human creativity and innovation are at the root of our difficulties, but they are also the source of our potential salvation.

Located in Fall River, Massachusetts’ waterfront district, The Narrows Center for the Arts is on the top floor of an attractive old mill building with spectacular views of Fall River’s pier, the Braga Bridge and Battleship Cove. The Center’s wonderfully sunlit space provides superb acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance for events and programs. The space is divided into 4 areas: The Narrows Gallery, the Performance Area, the Narrows Cafe and Artist Studios. The mission of the Narrows Center is to promote and develop an appreciation of the visual arts and the performing arts. To create and develop an artistic and cultural center for the benefit of the public at large and the citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Learn more about the event here.

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Save The Date

Bristol County Conservation District Workshops for Farmers and Forestland Owners

Saturday, May 11, 10amTBA, Dartmouth, MA
Mushroom Culture Workshop & Forestry Stewardship Program
Cultivated mushrooms are bringing in from $11-$15/lb. at farmers markets. Want to offer something new to your customers? Here’s how:
The Bristol County Conservation District will be offering a unique opportunity for farmland and forestland owners to learn about the Forestry Stewardship Program and agroforestry. Phil Benjamin and Tom Farrell, forestry consultants will be on hand to explain the benefits of and answer questions about the Forestry Stewardship Program and Tim Tucker from NRCS will be there to illustrate how you can add value to your forest. Tim will walk you through the initial process of mushroom culture. Each participant will take home a log which they have learned how to inoculate with shitake spawn and has the ability to produce for 5 years..
Registration fee: $20 per person (includes lunch). Space is limited to 20. Sponsored by NRCS, UMass. Extension, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research (SARE) and the Bristol County Conservation District.
For more information, contact: Sue Guiducci, 508-990-2854, or EMail.

BikeFest RI

Saturday, May 11, 10am – 4pm The Met School, 325 Public St. Providence, RI. (Rain date on Sunday, May 12th)
Come and enjoy a day centered on the possibilities of all things bicycle whether it be for recreation, sport, or everyday life. The festival will feature live entertainment, an expo area of bicycles and related gear, information and resources about riding in the state, safety and repair demonstrations, food vendors and more.
BikeFest RI is organized by The Met School, Recycle-A-Bike, Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, and FULLCYCLE @the MET.
For more information, contact through EMail. Learn More Here

Green Drive Bus Pull Challenge

Saturday, May 11, Noon – 4pm Kennedy Plaza Skating Rink in downtown Providence
The Environmental Justice League, in partnership with the Avenue Concept and the RI Asthma Control Coalition presents: Act for Asthma Awareness 1st annual Green D(RI)VE Bus Pull Challenge
For Asthma Awareness Month in May, show your support for Youth, the Environment, and Public Health in the battle against air pollution, climate change, and asthma. Teams will compete to pull the 29,000 lb Green D(RI)VE veggie oil bus in the downtown skating rink at Kennedy Plaza. Family friendly event will also include an open mic, DJ, kids activities, bounce castle, raffles, info tables, and other festivities.
For information on how to sign up to compete or for sponsorship opportunities, check our WordPress Blog or EMail us.
Proceeds will benefit the Environmental Justice League’s Green D(RI)VE bus project and related youth programs. Learn More Here

Roots Down Organic Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, May 15, 7pm How on Earth Grocery Store, 62 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett
Presented by Brix Bounty Farm
Focus on Biology: Sustaining Life in the Soil – Keys to Building Healthy Soil Biology to Harness Nature’s Bounty
This workshop is being offered to assist new and experienced gardeners gain a deeper understanding of methods used in healthy food production. To strengthen local food security for our community. To increase the yield and nutritional quality of your produce. To build community knowledge and skills.
For more information please contact Brix Bounty Farm at 508-992-1868. Learn more here.

Don’t fear the swamp! How to have fun in wetlands

Saturday, May 18, 10am – Noon Mattapoisett River Reserve, Mattapoisett, MA
Is it water, or is it land? In this hands-on exploration, we will discover what makes a wetland and why these habitats are important. The Mattapoisett River Reserve has a tremendous diversity of wetlands. We will get down and dirty exploring the life that lives in wetlands and how we can protect them.
Coalition Members: Free Non-members: $10
Reservations Required. Contact Rob Hancock, Vice-President, Education and Public Engagement at (508) 999-6363 x222 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Life in a Stream

Saturday, May 25, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Dust off your rain boots and make your way down to the Lloyd Center to learn all about the critters that live in streams. Search beneath the rocks to discover and identify the insects and crustaceans that live in the water around us while learning about the adaptations that allow them to live in these fast moving environments. Be sure to bring shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet!
Price: Individual Members: $8 Non-members: $10
Family of Four: Members: $24 Non-members: $30
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23rd Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Westport Community Garden Kick-Off

Saturday, May 25, 9am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport
Inch by inch, row by row, help us make this garden grow! Cultivate a stronger community along with delicious fresh veggies by joining us as we start another growing season at our Westport community garden.
To register, please go Here. Look in ‘One-Time Volunteer Opportunities’ section; once you see this opportunity, click ‘register.’ If this is your first time using our online registration system, you’ll be prompted to fill out a volunteer profile first. You will receive email confirmation of your registration.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

Salt Marsh Biology

Thursday, May 30, 3:30pm – 5pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Put on your boots and join us at the Lloyd Center for a walk through one of the many salt marshes on our property. During this program have a chance to explore the marsh, catalog the species that live there and learn about the importance of the Salt Marsh Habitat. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

The Poorhouses of Massachusetts: A Cultural and Architectural History

Saturday, June 1, 10am – Noon Westport Town Library, 408 Old County Rd, Westport, MA
For most contemporary Americans, “poorhouse” is simply a word, a metaphor for the specter of abject poverty. Few are aware, however, that for much of the history of this country, the poorhouse represented a critical social safety net, mainly sheltering those too broke to live elsewhere. The story of how Massachusetts responded to this persistent social problem illuminates how Americans have dealt with a tenaciously held and deeply felt duty to care for the poorest among them.
Author Heli Meltsner presents the story of Massachusetts poorhouses followed by a walking tour of Westport’s own poor farm, recently renovated and revitalized by The Trustees of Reservations. Program presented in partnership with the Westport Historical Society.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

Weweantic River Mushroom Walk

Saturday, June 1, 10am – 12pm Weweantic River Reserve, Wareham, MA
Join us for a walk at the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Weweantic River property and the town of Wareham’s Birch Island Conservation Area to discover and identify mushrooms. A knowledgeable expert with the Cape Cod Mushroom Club will teach participants about the importance of mushrooms in our local ecosystem and how to identify various species of mushrooms.
$3 for Buzzards Bay Coalition, Cape Cod Mushroom Club and Wareham Land Trust members $5 general public
Reservations Required. Contact Kevin Farrell, AmeriCorps Land Steward, at (508) 999-6363 x217 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Fossils and Dinosaurs

Saturday, June 1, 4pm – 5pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
During this talk, guest lecturer Dr. Peter Falkingham will help us discover what palaeontologists have done to help us understand extinct plants and animals, and its significance in today’s world.
We will learn how dinosaurs evolved and look at ancient fossils. Join us and participate in an activity to appreciate the immense amount of time needed for adaptations to transform living things into the plants and animals alive today. We will then discuss what we understand about specific dinosaurs and other weird and wonderful extinct animals. This program is suited for children 10 years and older, though younger children are welcome to attend.
Falkingham has always had a fascination with past life, particularly dinosaurs. He studied biology and geology at the University of Bristol, UK (2000-03), and obtained a Master’s degree in the department of computer science at the same university (2003-04).

He then volunteered and worked at the Yorkshire Museum in York, UK, as a documentation assistant, before undertaking his Ph.D. “Computer Simulation of Dinosaur Tracks”, in the department of Earth sciences at the University of Manchester, UK (2006-10). He remained there working on data acquisition and visualization of dinosaur track sites, until the end of 2011. In February 2012, he began a three-year Marie Curie International outgoing fellowship at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and the Royal Veterinary College in London, using fossil tracks to explore the locomotor evolution of theropod dinosaurs.
All Ages Welcome. This is a FREE event.
Pre-registration required. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Greens Production and Urban Composting

Tuesday, June 4, 5:30pm Sidewalk Ends Farm, 47 Harrison Street, Providence, RI
Learn how to grow a never-ending supply of salad and arugula through biointensive production and succession planting. Sidewalk Ends Farm’s, Fay Strongin, Laura Brown-Lavoie and Tess Brown-Lavoie, will share their seeding, transplanting, direct seeding and fertilizing routines to maximize production in a small space while enhancing soil health. This workshop will also cover urban composting practices essential to creating a cycle of fertility.
This Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) workshop shares farmer experiences and best practices between farmers, farm workers, apprentices and gardeners. These workshops are free to everyone thanks to a generous Farm Viability grant from the RI Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture which seeks to enhance farmers’ ability to grow and market their crops. Registration is not required.

A Young Farmer Night’s potluck supper will follow the workshop. Please bring food or beverages to share, as well as your dish, cup and flatware. Enjoy your dinner around the fire. Young Farmer Nights (YFN) are bi-weekly social and educational events where local young farmers get together to share ideas, a meal and stories. Each event includes a farm tour, a potluck dinner and other host-inspired activities.
Learn more here

Monster Hunt: In Search of Snapping Turtles

Saturday, June 8, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Spend your time searching for these amazing and prehistoric creatures. During this program learn the ways that snapping turtles are unique, meet a live snapping turtle and then go on a hunt to try and spot them in the ponds and rivers where they live.
All Ages Welcome. Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Family of Four Members: $12 Non-members: $15
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 6th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Learn to Quahog

Saturday, June 8, 12pm – 2pm Round Cove, West Island, Fairhaven, MA
Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition on West Island to learn to harvest your own quahogs. Representatives from the town of Fairhaven and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will teach you the basics of local quahogging — what you need, how to do it, and where to go. This will be a fun and educational event for the whole family.
FREE Event. Reservations Required. Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Creative Connections: Art in the Outdoors with Anastasia Azure

Thursday, June 27, 5:30pm – 7pm East Beach, New Bedford, MA
Join nationally-recognized artist Anastasia Azure on a creative journey at East Beach in New Bedford. Anastasia will lead participants in the exploration of “land art,” a process in which the landscape and work of art are inextricably linked. Deepen your connection to the watershed and discover a new way to enjoy your Bay.
FREE Event. Reservations Required. Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

SEMAP’s 6th Annual Farm to Table Dinner

Friday, June 28, 5:30pm – 9pm Alderbrook Farm, 1213 Russell Mills Rd., South Dartmouth, MA
Join us on a culinary adventure set between the soil & the stars! Support SEMAP in its mission to preserve & expand access to local food & sustainable farming in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The Farm to Table Dinner consists of a multi-course, all-local, gourmet dinner, occuring beneath the stars in the summer air at the beautiful Alderbrook Farm in South Dartmouth, MA. There will also be a Live Auction!
The Manley family has run the 16-acre Alderbrook farm for over four generations. The farm was recently made a Massachusetts Century Farm. With your help SEMAP continues to grow its educational offerings to the public and farming community.

$175.00 per person
$120.00 for SEMAP Farm Members
Contact Kristen Irvin, SEMAP Executive Assistant, or call 336-509-0044 for more information. Learn More and Register Here

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Announcements

Position Announcement – Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators with the Buzzards Bay Coalition

The Buzzards Bay Coalition will host two Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators who will serve youth and families in the Buzzards Bay watershed by providing high-quality, hands-on, exploration-based field experiences that strengthen the ethic of environmental stewardship in our region. The Commonwealth Corps Environmental Educators will be responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating education programs in addition to recruiting community volunteers.
This exciting opportunity is made possible through the Commonwealth Corps. The mission of the Commonwealth Corps is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds in service to strengthen communities, address unmet community needs, and increase volunteerism. Members will serve 10.5 months in a full-time capacity, completing a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, from 8/15/13 – 6/28/14. Applicants must be Massachusetts residents 18 years of age or older with legal authorization to work in the United States. In addition to a focus on training and member development, benefits include a bi-weekly service stipend of $454.55 and several other benefits.
Applications will be reviewed starting with those received by May 24, 2013. View the Job Description Here.

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

4 activities to wean your kids off TV

There isn’t anybody out there who would disagree that, ideally, kids should get outside more, spend more time exploring nature and doing other things that will enrich their brains and lives. Let’s face it, though: There are times when moms and dads use television as a baby sitter of sorts – a way to keep the kids occupied for an hour or two so that they can do the laundry, cook dinner, or pay the bills. So what’s a busy parent to do to help wean their kids off of television and onto healthier pursuits? Here are four ideas: Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

Hack a Wood Stove into an Efficient Water Heater

Listen: It’s true that running a water loop through a wood stove is serious business; without a pressure relief valve, this sort of hack could cause, well, an explosion. This either scares or excites you. There is no in between. But the rewards are at least equal to the risk (and really, there’s not much risk if you do it right): Piping hot water with the same quantity of wood you already burn, saving you literally hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in the long haul. Learn more here.

 

Global News

Influx of Chinese goldminers sparks tensions in Ghana

 

Two years ago, Huang, 40, left his tea farm in China’s Guangdong province to seek riches here in west Africa. Since then his work has been hot and arduous, and at times dangerous but, by his standards, the rewards are great. Huang says he makes about 4,000 yuan – 420 euros – a month. His salary is paid straight to his family in China, after the money he needs to live has been deducted. Huang works in one of many illegal small-scale goldmines in Ghana, Africa’s second largest gold producer. Ghana’s minerals commission, which provides permits for small mines, has not authorised the site. Foreigners are banned from working in Ghana’s small-scale mining industry, which was formalised in the 1980s to bring much-needed income to poor, rural communities. Figures for the scale of illegal mining are non-existent because the Ghanaian authorities struggle to address the problem. But 23% of Ghana’s gold production is from small-scale mining. Some estimates calculate that 95% of all small-scale mining in Ghana is illegal.

The authorities admit that the influx of Chinese miners and their wealthy backers is causing environmental destruction and social conflict on an unprecedented scale. The Chinese have invested millions of dollars in excavators and industrial equipment. Research by one Ghanaian NGO found that 250 rivers in mining communities had been polluted by cyanide and heavy metals. This month the government expressed its concern about the rate at which water bodies were being contaminated. Resentment towards foreigners is widespread. There are frequent attacks by Ghanaians against increasingly heavily armed Chinese miners. The Chinese are also accused of assaulting Ghanaians, whom they employ to operate their machinery. On the site where Huang and his colleagues work, the ground is littered with spent shotgun cartridges. “We have the guns to defend ourselves from the locals,” said Huang. Read more here.

IBM solar collector magnifies sun by 2,000x (without cooking itself), costs 3x less than similar systems

 

Concentrating the sun’s ray onto solar photovoltaic (PV) modules requires walking the fine line between optimizing power output and not literally melting your very expensive super-high-efficiency solar cells. A team led by IBM Research seems to have found a way to push back the line. They have created a High Concentration PhotoVoltaic Thermal (HCPVT) system that is capable of concentrating the power of 2,000 suns onto hundreds of triple junction photovoltaic chips measuring a single square centimeter each (they even claim to be able to keep temperatures safe up to 5,000x). The trick is that each solar PV cell is cooled using technology developed for supercomputers; microchannels only a few tens of micrometers in width pipe liquid coolant in and extract heat “10 times more effective than with passive air cooling.”

The beauty is that this heat is not just thrown away. This system gets useful work out of it. So while the PV modules are 30%+ efficient at converting the sun’s light into electricity, another 50% of the sun’s energy is captured as heat and can then be used to do things like thermal water desalination and adsorption cooling. This means that the system is capable of converting around 80% of the collected solar energy into useable energy (though the electricity is of course more useful than the thermal energy). Read more here.

Old Military Vehicles Being Recycled as Artificial Reefs

 

The Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon has seen better days. Elders might recall a time when the water was clear and teeming with color and life, but for the few last years, the waters have been practically devoid of life, and scuba diving more apocalyptic than fun. Until Dr. Michel Chalhoub, a Beirut-based engineer, secured funding to make a patch of sea off the coast of Tripoli beautiful again by sinking a huge pile of army vehicles about 12 km from the coast. Disused tanks, vans, and even a barge and crane were lowered into the water to establish a new artificial reef

Like the Red Sea and the Arabian/Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean has changed in recent years thanks to rising temperatures, acidification, poorly managed coastal development, overfishing and a host of other harmful feedback loops. But the artificial reef is expected to rejuvenate the eastern Mediterranean in the same way that shiprecks spawn such incredible biodiversity – by providing a place for fish and flora to reproduce. Read more here.

Fukushima Clean-Up Will Last More Than Forty Years, says Nuclear Watchdog

 

TOKYO (AP) — A U.N. nuclear watchdog team said Japan may need longer than the projected 40 years to decommission its tsunami-crippled nuclear plant and urged its operator to improve plant stability. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency team, Juan Carlos Lentijo, said that damage at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant is so complex that it is “impossible” to predict how long the cleanup may last. “As for the duration of the decommissioning project, this is something that you can define in your plans. But in my view, it will be nearly impossible to ensure the time for decommissioning such a complex facility in less than 30-40 years as it is currently established in the roadmap,” Lentijo said.

The government and plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. have predicted the cleanup would take up to 40 years. They still have to develop technology and equipment that can operate under fatally high radiation levels to locate and remove melted fuel. The reactors must be kept cool and the plant must stay safe and stable, and those efforts to ensure safety could slow the process down. “You have to adopt a very cautious position to ensure that you always are working on the safe side,” Lentijo said. The plant still runs on makeshift equipment and frequently suffers glitches. Just over the past few weeks, the plant suffered nearly a dozen problems ranging from extensive power outages and leaks of highly radioactive water from underground water pools. The problems have raised concerns about whether the plant, crippled by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, can stay intact throughout a decommissioning process. The problems have prompted officials to compile risk-reduction measures and review decommissioning plans. Read more here.

Chileans Rise Up Against Privatization of Nation’s Water Supply

 

More than 100 environmental, social and indigenous organisations protested in the Chilean capital, Santiago, this week to demand that the state regain control of the management of water, which was privatised by the then dictatorship in 1981. Demonstrators delivered a letter to President Sebastian Pinera, complaining that the water shortages affecting local communities were due not only to persistent drought but to structural problems in the policies governing the exploitation of natural resources. “We have discovered that there is water in Chile, but that the wall that separates it from us is called ‘profit’ and was built by the [1981] water code, the constitution, international agreements like the binational mining treaty [with Argentina] and, fundamentally, the imposition of a culture where it is seen as normal for the water that falls from the sky to have owners,” the letter says.

The mining industry, which uses significant quantities of water, is one of the main pillars of the Chilean economy, with copper exports accounting for one-third of government revenue. “There is a water crisis at the national level,” said indigenous leader Rodrigo Villablanca, president of the Diaguita Sierra Huachacan community in northern Chile and spokesman for the “Hope of Life” ecological and cultural committee. The movement is fighting for the repeal of the water code, adopted by the 1973-90 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, which made water private property by granting the state the right to grant water use rights to companies free of charge and in perpetuity. The code allows water use rights to be bought, sold or leased, without taking into consideration local priorities for water use, the organisations complain. Read more here.

 

Other Global Headlines of Interest

 

• Report: Environmental Externalities Cost Global Economy $4.7 Trillion Annually
• NASA Faked the Moon Landing – Therefore, (Climate) Science Is a Hoax: Anatomy of the Free-Market Rejection of Science
• Findings Links Water Around Jupiter to Comet Impact, May Explain Planetary Atmospheric Vapor

National News

Earth Day founder’s ‘living’ building signals new era of sleek sustainability

 

In cloudy, drizzly Seattle, Denis Hayes, the environmental activist who organized the first Earth Day in 1970, is pulling the wraps off a six-story office building that generates all of its electricity via an oversized rooftop array of solar panels. A sun-powered building in Seattle is “formidable,” Hayes told NBC News, but the Bullitt Center project aims to show it is possible in a visible, tangible manner that, in turn, makes an impact on the often invisible, slow-motion challenge of global climate change. Hayes says the Bullitt Center addresses many of the environmental issues underpinned by global climate change. Take, for example, the building’s 56,000-gallon basement cistern for storing captured rainwater. “There is not going to be enough water in the future,” Hayes said. “There is going to be far less snowpack. The water is going to come in gushers and there is just no way to build additional reservoirs to capture it in the Cascades.” The solution? Build thousands of reservoirs in the basements of buildings, sufficient to hold water to meet the needs of the current and future residents of a city that studies suggest could grow by at least a million people in the next few decades.

Given that buildings in the U.S. account for 39 percent of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions, 65 percent of waste and 70 percent electrical use, adoption of the Living Building Challenge standards highlighted by the Bullitt Center could make life on Earth more sustainable by the middle of this century. But even if self-sustainable architecture really takes off, it can’t solve all the environmental issues, Hayes noted. In particular, he worries about food security, at a time when rising prosperity around the world means a shift to more meat-heavy diets. Read more here.

West Fertilizer Plant’s Hazards Eluded Regulators For Nearly 30 Years

 

WEST, Texas — Long before it captured national headlines as the scene of a lethal industrial explosion, the fertilizer plant on the edge of this central Texas town had been a community fixture, a crucial supply depot for farmers and ranchers who worked the surrounding pastures. No one seemed to regard it as a threat. That same attitude — the assumption that nothing of consequence could go wrong here — appears to have shaped the actions of the seven or more state and federal regulatory agencies that collectively shared oversight responsibility for the plant. Through interviews with former regulators and community leaders, as well as a review of hundreds of pages of documents going back to 1976, a sense emerges that no institution sounded the alarm here, even as fertilizer piled up inside the plant, creating a potentially deadly tinderbox in close proximity to the town. No one effectively prepared for the emergency that eventually materialized, leaving this community uniquely vulnerable to the tragedy that unfolded last week when the plant caught fire and exploded, killing 14 people and ripping apart an apartment building, a school and dozens of homes.

In June 2011 — less than two years before the explosion — the private company that owns the plant, the West Fertilizer Co., filed an emergency response plan with the Environmental Protection Agency stating that there was “no” risk of fire or explosion at the facility. The worst scenario that plant officials acknowledged was the possible release of a small amount of ammonia gas into the atmosphere. Documents reviewed indicate that the last time regulators performed a full safety inspection of the facility was nearly 28 years ago. The entity with primary authority to ensure workplace safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, last visited in 1985, according to OSHA records. Since then, regulators from other agencies have been inside the plant, but they looked only at certain aspects of plant operations, such as whether the facility was abiding by labeling rules when packaging its fertilizer for sale. In 2006, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the primary enforcer of environmental law in the state, noted that two schools were situated within 3,000 feet of the fertilizer plant. But the agency determined that “the impact potential” of an accident on the neighboring community “was low.” When assessing risks at the plant, the commission and the EPA focused solely on the potential hazards of the ammonium canisters, such as whether they were stored correctly or were leaking. The agencies did not inspect to see if other chemicals on hand might ignite and explode. Read more here

State Of The Air 2013: American Lung Association Report Reveals America’s Most Polluted Cities

 

Are you living in a state or city that has earned an “F” in air quality? The American Lung Association has released its annual “State of the Air” report that details which parts of the country have the cleanest air quality and which areas have major room for improvements in reducing pollution. For the report, researchers compiled recent air pollution data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the two most common kinds of air pollution: Particle pollution, which is sometimes referred to as “soot” and ozone, which is better known as “smog.” They found more than 40 percent of the population — or 131 million people — live in counties that have unhealthy levels of pollution. That can carry significant health risks to high-risk groups of the population including infants and young children, teens, the elderly, people with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and asthma, people with heart disease, diabetics and those who work or exercise outside.

Nationwide, the U.S. is continuing a trend towards cleaner air quality, according to the report, with the most progress seen in areas of the country that reduced their year-round levels of particle pollution. The Clean Air Act was introduced in 1970 to drive many of these cuts in air pollution, the report said. “Thanks to the Clean Air Act, the United States continues to make progress providing healthier air,” wrote the researchers. “The State of the Air 2013 shows that the nation’s air quality is overall much cleaner, especially compared to just a decade ago.” Many cities, however, that ranked among the most polluted for the association’s 2012 report had even more days of high smog levels this year. Read more here.

Increased Corn Prices Threaten Ethanol Fuel’s Long Term Viability

 

Ethanol, long viewed as the darling of the biofuels industry, has experienced several hiccups as of late. A lingering drought in the American Midwest has caused water shortages throughout the “corn belt”, wreaking havoc on corn crops, driving up the price of ethanol fuel and jeopardizing its long-term viability. Increased costs and dwindling demand have already caused some 10 percent of the nation’s ethanol plants to halt production. According to the USDA, the record-high corn prices could spike by as much as 19 percent throughout 2013.

Ethanol’s relationship with the public is, shall we say, complicated. Many politicians and environmental groups argue that the bio-fuel is not as sustainable as it may sound – it causes increased food prices and requires significant land use. Some scientists also say that up to six times more energy is used to make ethanol than the finished fuel actually contains. Read more here.

‘Potato Cartel’ Accused Of Price Fixing In Federal Antitrust Suits

 

What energy-rich commodity is harvested from beneath the Earth’s surface and subject to price fixing by a small group of powerful landowners? If you guessed “oil,” you’re not wrong. But according to the plaintiffs in antitrust disputes currently underway in two U.S. District Courts, “potatoes” is a valid answer too. Both suits allege that in the mid-2000s, the farmers who own 80 percent of the country’s potato acreage banded together to form the United Potato Growers of America (UPGA) in order to artificially inflate the price of potatoes by reducing production. The AWG argues that the UPGA functions as an illegal cartel, calling it the “OPEC of Potatoes,” after the 12-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that has held oil prices high by keeping output low.

No one disputes the existence of the UPGA, or even its core mission. According to its website, the Salt Lake City-based group was founded in 2004 with the goal of helping farmers “manage their potato supply, matching it to demand to help their growers receive a reasonable price for their product.” What’s at issue, instead, is the legal status of the UPGA. The group calls itself a “cooperative,” and argues, in its answer to the 2010 complaint, that it is “entitled to protection under the Capper-Volstead Act.” That 1922 law grants certain groups of farmers exemptions from antitrust regulations. It allows farmers to bargain collectively in negotiations with supermarket chains, for example, or share the cost of vegetable cleaning equipment. Read more here.

 

Other National Headlines of Interest

 

• Want To Forage In Your City? There’s An Interactive Map for That
• Fair Trade USA, Rainforest Alliance coffee certification soars
• How sustainable is pet ownership?

Voices

 

How to Put America Back Together Again with Carbon Taxes

 

Rebuilding our strength has to start with healing our economy. In that regard, it feels as if our budget drama has dragged on for so long that it has not only been drained of all emotional energy but nobody even remembers the plot anymore. It’s worth recalling: What are we trying to do? We’re trying to put America back on a sustainable growth track that will expand employment, strengthen our fiscal balance sheet to withstand future crises and generate resources to sustain the most needy and propel the next generation. That requires three things: We need to keep investing in the engines of our growth – infrastructure, government-financed research, education, immigration and regulations that incentivize risk-taking but prevent recklessness. We need to reform Social Security and Medicare so they can support all the baby boomers about to retire. And we need to raise more revenues, in the least painful way possible, because we can’t just cut everything. As I’ve said, you can lose weight quickly by cutting off both thumbs, but that will be a problem at work.

A phased-in carbon tax of $20 to $25 a ton could raise around $1 trillion over 10 years, as we each pay a few more dimes and quarters for every gallon of gasoline or hour of electricity. With that new revenue stream, we’d have so many more options. One, preferred by Republicans like the statesman George Shultz and the Nobel laureate Gary Becker, is to make the carbon tax “revenue neutral.” It could be offset entirely by a rebate or by cutting tax rates for every U.S. citizen and corporation, which would increase spending. Another option, the one I’d prefer, would devote half the carbon-tax revenues to individual and corporate tax cuts, use a quarter for new investments in infrastructure, preschool education, community colleges and research – which would create jobs now and tomorrow – and then use a quarter on deficit reduction. Republicans would have the income tax cuts they want; Democrats would get the additional infrastructure stimulus they want, plus a new revenue stream to start gradually addressing the deficit, while reducing the amount that we’d have to bite from entitlements now; and the country would have a vehicle to address climate change, to drive clean-tech innovation. Read more here.

 

Earth Balance Betrays Consumers With False Non-GMO and Organic Claims

 

Earth Balance is a company that claims to “take the health of our planet just as seriously as we take the wellness of our customers.” They also assert this position with a Non-GMO commitment believing in “environmental protection and agricultural methods that work in harmony with nature.” When we investigated Earth Balance, we found these statements to be purely superficial marketing tactics designed to deceive consumers into purchasing foods manufactured with ingredients which completely contradict their corporate philosophy statements. The reason more organic and natural brands are being exposed is twofold: First, many of them are being bought out by large multi-national corporate food giants who then adopt their own protocols, including diminished standards of quality and deceptive policy practices considered normal across the industry; and second, agricultural and labeling practices have become so lax and unregulated by the USDA and other organic certification agencies, that they are practically redundant in terms of any protection to the consumer.

The largest food giants have one goal–profit. They couldn’t care less about the end consumer, their safety or the growing needs of a family, especially if that involves maintaining integrity through health conscious food choices. That’s why they produce the cheapest quality food on Earth with little nutritional value and maximum profit potential. Health conscious consumers became wise to their game long ago. So the food giants had to evolve to continue to increase profits and capture these segments of the population they had lost. As small organic brands proliferated, they were bought out by the big boys who had the money, resources and branding power to reformulate high quality products into inferior substandard duplicates. This has happened to hundreds of organic brands and so the cycle continues. Read more here.

 

A Brief History of Our Deadly Addiction to Nitrogen Fertilizer

 

Nitrogen is one of the nutrient elements plants need to grow. Every apple or ear of corn plucked represents nutrients pulled from soil, and for land to remain productive, those nutrients must be replenished. Nitrogen is extremely plentiful – it makes up nearly 80 percent of the air we breathe. But atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is joined together in an extremely tight bond that makes it unusable by plants. Plant-available nitrogen, known as nitrate, is actually scarce, and for most of agriculture’s 10,000-year-old history, the main challenge was figuring out how to cycle usable nitrogen back into the soil. Farmers of yore might not have known the chemistry, but they knew that composting crop waste, animal manure, and even human waste led to better harvests. Today, the United States remains a massive nitrogen-fertilizer user; with just 5 percent of the world’s population, we consume about 12 percent of global nitrogen-fertilizer production. And corn – which according to the USDA “requires the most nitrogen per acre” of any crop – remains at the center of our agriculture, covering 30 percent of farmland each year.

Our future doesn’t have to be drenched in vast quantities of synthetic nitrogen, with all its liabilities both subtle and spectacular. A 2012 Iowa State University study found that by simply shifting to more diverse crop rotations, Midwestern farmers could radically reduce their reliance on added nitrogen while maintaining current levels of overall food production. Another recent study by Cornell researchers found similar crop rotations also reduced nitrogen runoff. Yet instead of weaning us from from our huge reliance on nitrogen, federal and state agencies are underwriting the construction of new plants and the expansion of old ones. Meanwhile, federal farm and “renewable fuel” policies continue to prop up corn – in 2013, the USDA expects farmers to plant the most since 1936: 97.3 million acres, covering an area nearly the size of California. We won’t be kicking our nitrogen habit anytime soon. Read more here.

How hard can it be to spend 30 minutes of your workday outdoors?

 

When our Canadian business adopted the idea of the 30×30 Nature Challenge from the David Suzuki Foundation (DSF), we could not have known the effect this simplest of employee engagement programs would have for our people. “Deceptively,” because the 30×30 Challenge is one that previous generations might have laughed at. But today, between long hours in the office, the commute, time spent in front of various electronic media and sleeping, we North Americans spend about 95 percent of our time indoors.

On any given day, spending 30 consecutive minutes outside is far from a sure thing. The Challenge creates awareness of this (usually unintentional) lifestyle choice for participants. Coming as it does from David Suzuki (easily the most famous Canadian voice for the environment), it is also tied to a conservation message. The proven benefits of spending time outside on reducing absenteeism, providing stress relief and improving overall employee well being would be enough to interest most companies, but the 30×30 Challenge also checks the key boxes of any successful sustainability employee engagement program. Read more here.

Local News

 

News from bomber investigations slow UMass Dartmouth’s efforts to return to normalcy

 

More than 300 people turned out for a vigil where speakers stressed that the UMD community remains strong despite the revelation that alleged Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, studied among them – and that a “large pyrotechnic” had been found Sunday in his dorm room. “It was definitely uplifting to come together and know that we can’t be brought down by a single event,” said Georgina Nicolo, 20. “That person (Tsarnaev) is not who we are.” Added Kathryn Gardner, 21, “I feel safer knowing that everyone has come together.”

However, on the first day of classes after Friday’s evacuation, any hope that the campus routine would resume uneventfully was dashed when news broke of the discovery in Tsarnaev’s dorm room as well as word that FBI agents in haz-mat suits had removed items from an off-campus apartment where he may once have lived. So fast-moving were the developments that Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs John Hoey twice walked away from microphones at an afternoon press conference after being interrupted by cell phone calls. University spokesman Robert Lamontagne had held reporters at bay for more than 45 minutes as they awaited Hoey’s remarks about the latest events. Lamontagne finally directed the press to the Claire T. Carney Library where reporters spoke with Hoey individually, bombarding him with questions about the device recovered from Tsarnaev’s room on Sunday, according to an FBI complaint in US District Court. Hoey said he could not comment on the matter and that such questions should be directed to the FBI. He said the Pine Dale dorm was open, although Tsarnaev’s room remains sealed, and he stressed the campus is safe. Read more here.

 

Massachusetts Could Become the First State to Ban Plastic Bags

 

BOSTON – Massachusetts could become the first state to ban plastic bags at large retail stores, part of an effort to protect marine life and reduce waste scattered on streets and stuck in tree branches. Lawmakers on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee moved the legislation forward following a hearing on Earth Day. The bill would ban single-use plastic bags at stores and restaurants larger than 4,000 square feet. The ban would exempt smaller stores and not include plastic produce and bakery bags used in grocery stores.

But the state’s largest retail group opposes the ban, saying it is impractical and unfairly singles out retailers as a source of litter. “The bag doesn’t end up on the tree on its own,” said Bill Rennie, vice president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “It’s more of a societal problem.” Many stores now offer a choice of paper, plastic or recyclable bags, Rennie said. “For retailers, the customer is always right and we like to protect consumer choice,” he said. Lawmakers cited environmental concerns in supporting the ban. Read more here.

 

State report: Fall River school district making improvements

 

FALL RIVER – The School Committee learned Monday night that the state is pleased with the district’s efforts to improve teaching and learning, but the focus is about to fall on them. Providing a quarterly update to the committee, state-appointed district monitor Joan Connolly said the proper steps are being taken to continue to move the district forward. That effort, she noted, includes the frequency that central office administrators are in classrooms and the use of differentiated instruction by the district’s office of instruction to support individual schools. Connolly added that data is being reviewed regularly by the superintendent and assistant superintendent to guide improvements. She said that recent data from schools shows that students in elementary grades have made a 5 percent improvement on average compared to past assessments, while the marks at the middle school level mixed as the Matthew J. Kuss and James Morton middle school have improved.

Students also have more options in school with the expansion of enrichment programs, longer school days at some schools and after school offerings. Improvements are being made, Connolly said, not just academically, but through the district’s varied efforts to provide wellness and behavior support. Connolly said improvement should continue with the acceptance of a teacher evaluation system. Read more here.

 

Government role critical, New Bedford wind delegation told in Germany

 

The massive cost of constructing offshore wind farms presents the industry with its greatest challenge and makes government involvement essential, German members of the industry told a New Bedford trade delegation. In Germany, the federal government requires utilities to purchase power generated by offshore wind farms at a fixed, higher-than-market price through a feed-in tariff. Meanwhile, the state of Lower Saxony has committed millions to port infrastructure, similar to Massachusetts’ funding of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, known informally as South Terminal. But if the political will exists, it can help jump-start local industry, said Hans-Peter Zint, of Cuxport, a private port operator, who said offshore wind materials now account for about 15 percent of the materials they help store and load.

The emphasis on the government’s role was affirming, said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Alicia Barton, who also announced the award of a construction contract for the South Terminal project. “It may seem unique at this moment in time, but it’s been the traditional role of government to make investments in infrastructure that provide the platform for industry to take off,” said Barton, one of about 32 people participating in the trip. Read more here.

Also read Winds of change felt in Bremerhaven.

 

Portland pipeline at center of fierce fight in Maine

 

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – Over seven decades, the Portland pipeline has propelled some 5 billion gallons of crude oil across the mountains and beneath the pristine waters of northern New England to refineries in Quebec. Aside from a few small spills years ago, the 236-mile-long colossus of steel pipes and powerful pumping stations boasts a sterling record. In the upcountry towns through which it passes, the underground pipeline has drawn little notice since it was constructed in 1941. Until now.
Environmentalists are bitterly fighting a plan to reverse the flow of the pipeline and send Canadian crude surging to offloading piers on Casco Bay. This would provide Canada – whose Alberta-centered oil industry is suffering from too much supply and too little access to overseas markets – its first direct pipeline to a year-round, deep-water port. The hullabaloo has pushed the low-key pipeline operator into a broader, angrier North American controversy over several proposed pipelines to transport oil extracted from western Canada’s tar sands. Perhaps best known is the battle over the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would stretch nearly 1,200 miles from Alberta across the American Heartland to the Gulf of Mexico.

From an engineering vantage, the Portland project would be small potatoes. No big construction is envisioned. New pumps would be installed at company facilities in Montreal, a couple burn-off vents hoisted in South Portland. But opponents see a ploy to make northern New England the first express conduit for what is viewed as the most polluting form of crude, opening the door to increased use and environmentally damaging production of the fuel. Detractors say carbon dioxide and other gases emitted during extraction and processing of Alberta’s ultra-heavy crude known as bitumen contribute to global warming. Moreover, they say, tar sands oil is inherently more toxic than other crudes – and spills would do greater harm. Eighteen members of Congress, including Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, have signed a stinging letter demanding stringent federal environmental review of the pipeline proposal. In recent months, protestors staged a sizeable antipipeline street demonstration in Portland, while 29 Vermont communities – none located on the pipeline’s track – passed Town Meeting resolutions banning “tar oil” from the state. Read more here.

 

Shark art aims to raise money for research

 

CHATHAM – While scientists may not know how many great white sharks swim in the waters just off our shores, Chatham Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Franz knows just how many will be in Kate Gould Park come May 18. “Fifty-two sharks for the park,” she said. The 5-foot-long plastic cutouts, decorated by local artists in a variety of mediums such as broken pottery, mosaic tiles and paint, will be displayed in the park from May 18 to June 2. They will then be moved to different venues before being auctioned off Aug. 1 to kick-start the drive for a shark and marine-life education and research center in Chatham.

“There’s so much potential (in Chatham) for monitoring and research,” Franz said. “We have to start somewhere. We are hoping to show that this is a viable, real idea that the town is behind 100 percent.” Both shark and seal researchers at a big seal symposium held last month at Chatham High School were frustrated at the lack of funding for their research, she said. Blessed with plentiful harbors, vessels and maritime experience, not to mention proximity to the largest colony of gray seals and densest aggregation of great white sharks on the East Coast, Chatham is a natural site for a research center that could include both labs and an educational component, Franz argued. Read more here.

 

The Green Giant Grows: Feeling conflicted about the success of Earth Day

 

THE RED FLAG WENT UP for me two decades ago. I was living in Los Angeles and driving somewhere (of course) when an ad came on the radio imploring listeners to “Join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ted Danson at the Santa Monica Pier for Earth Day!” Now I appreciate the work of the Turtles, and Mr. Danson, as much as the next person, but it didn’t seem right. Sure, I could pilot my fossil-fuel burner to the pier and pose for pictures with the Cheers star. And then what? Quiz the Turtles on greenhouse gases? Wouldn’t it be more earth-friendly to stay home and think green thoughts? The Western ideology is that growth is good. Not just corporations, but also nonprofits, universities, and even cities all seek to get bigger and richer. But unabated expansion entails increased consumption, debt, inequality, and pollution, depleting the natural environment, which, once sufficiently degraded, becomes unable to sustain the growth demanded of it. Yesterday, thousands of volunteers were expected to help clean up miles of riverbank along the Charles and its tributaries. Removing some 50 tons of debris – despite the added cars on the road with those volunteers getting to their work sites – is a laudable thing, and wildlife is no doubt grateful. But let’s leave it at that, continuing to organize gatherings where nobody plugs in a generator or sells flavored water, french fries, or T-shirts. The green giant should keep an eye on his waistline.

I don’t want to set up a Styrofoam man here: Earth Day organizers are no doubt aware of the contradiction of eco-minded events that themselves generate large amounts of waste. (And environmentalists object to “greenwashing,” whereby resource-guzzling corporations such as Best Western and UPS are able to become Earth Day Network sponsors.) Proponents will also tell you that the purpose is not selling T-shirts or bumper stickers, but education to promote sustainability and conservation – Earth Day needs to be global to raise awareness about transnational problems like deforestation, global warming, and ocean destruction. I recognize that Earth Day activities like river cleanups and tree plantings have powerful symbolic and community-building functions that transcend their tangible benefits. But still I have reservations. It seems incredible to me that lots of regular people still have not heard about minor save-the-earth efforts like driving less and raising the thermostat setting on the AC a couple of degrees. Plus, I bet those who really need a dose of Earth Day (the ones who leave their cars idling in the parking lot, tossing fast-food wrappers out the window all the while) are not getting the message, no matter how many bumper stickers you slap on your vehicle. Read more here.

 

South Terminal contractor chosen, construction started

 

NEW BEDFORD – Construction on South Terminal began last week after officials had to cancel the official ground-breaking at the site due to the Boston Marathon bombings. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center announced it had chosen Quincy-based contractor Cashman-Weeks NB to construct the Marine Commerce Terminal and perform the associated dredging. “The awarding of the contract and the start of dredging for the South Terminal project means that it is at last all very real,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said of the terminal that will be specially constructed to act as a staging area for offshore wind farms.

As part of construction, the project includes the dredging and removal of approximately 250,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, and the bulkhead will be able to support an average of 4,100 pounds per square foot. Cashman-Weeks NB is a joint venture made up of Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting of Quincy and Weeks Marine of New Jersey. The contractor has previously performed navigational dredging in New Bedford Harbor and, according to a statement from MassCEC, the team has extensive experience in the heavy civil and marine construction fields (and) constructing pile-supported marine structures. Read more here

 

Is Flood Insurance Good for Rhode Island?

 

The state is urging residents, especially those in flood zones, to buy flood insurance. But is flood insurance good for the environment? Will it be so expensive that it forces property owners to forgo coverage? In an era of more intense weather, heavy rains and violent storms are causing more flooding and damage to property. Hurricane Sandy, tropical storm Irene and the flood of 2010 are no longer considered anomalies. To help manage costs for residents and the government, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) wants more owners and tenants to get protection. According to REIMA, less than 4 percent of the state’s 500,000 homes and business have flood insurance.

The average annual premium is $1,200 for a building in a flood zone and $125 for buildings in low-risk areas. Coastal homes, however, have much higher premiums. Coverage of $250,000 for a building and contents costs $7,137 a year. Flood insurance for renters also is available, for about $125 a year. The cost, however, is expected to climb. Beginning in 2014, rates will climb 20 percent and increase annually during four subsequent years. The increase, as dictated through the federal Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, seeks to curtail mounting costs to run the federal program. Due to more intense storms in recent years, premiums have fallen well short of expenses, creating an estimated $30 billion deficit. Critics say higher flood insurance rates will discourage development in flood zones, a prospect that environmentalists generally favor because it helps protect areas such as environmentally sensitive wetlands. However, higher premiums may also encourage homeowners to go without insurance, which shifts clean-up costs to taxpayers. Read more here.

 

Harvard primate center, site of animal welfare violations, to close

 

The Harvard primate research center where four monkeys died because of animal care problems will be largely shut down by 2015, Harvard Medical School announced Tuesday afternoon. The university cited a tough economic climate for biomedical research funding and shifting long-term strategic plans. The announcement stunned outside researchers, because it comes a year and a half after Harvard began investing significant time and resources into the New England Primate Research Center in Southborough, to correct animal care and oversight problems that had resulted in the deaths of four monkeys between June 2010 and Feb. 2012.

The US Department of Agriculture investigated the center and cited Harvard for violations of animal welfare rules, an embarrassing black eye that caused consternation across the university. But medical school leaders said the decision to close the primate center was unrelated to its previous problems. The decision would slow down the pace of research into diseases that affect human health and might lead scientists to leave the Boston area to pursue their projects. The primate center is known for its research on infectious diseases, such as AIDS, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Read more here

 

Adoption fair offers retired greyhounds

 

BOURNE – They’re known as “45 mph couch potatoes.” Greyhounds – typically associated with speed – are more than just long legs, according to the breed’s enthusiasts, many of whom attended an adoption fair for their favorite canines at The Dog Paddle on Route 28. There are about six states that still have dog racing, with Florida hosting the most tracks. Dog racing was banned in Massachusetts in 2008. Kelsey – a 6-year-old brindle greyhound known as Irish Memory when she raced in Florida – stood quietly.

Greyhounds rarely bark, adapt well to retirement and learn quickly. “They’re huge couch potatoes,” said Colleen Cronin, another member of Cape Cod greyhound group. At the adoption fair, several organizations were ready to match up dogs with potential owners. Greyhounds typically retire from racing at around 4 or 5 years of age. The dogs can live to be 15 years or older. They tend to be a little more sensitive in their stomachs and sometimes come to rescue organizations with dental problems because their teeth are not a priority at the track, said veterinarian Betsy McStay of Plymouth, whose 11-year-old dog, Bodie, gently nuzzled her side. Read more here.

 

CapeFLYER trains will travel up to 60 mph through Wareham

 

Wareham’s railroads are being upgraded to allow trains that go as fast as 60 mph to travel on them. Massachusetts Coastal Railroad has been contracted to do work on the railroads in over the coming weeks. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority is working with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to bring rail service from Boston to Hyannis.

Bringing rail service to Wareham has come up a number of times over the years, although the discussion generally centers around bringing commuter rail service to town, rather than a train that allows Cape Cod day-trippers to bypass traffic. The train service, known as the CapeFLYER, will run from South Station in Boston to the Hyannis Transportation Center. It will run through Wareham, but the closest stop will be in Buzzards Bay. Read more here.

 

Who is Afraid of Sea Level Rise? Not Boston

 

The scenes of Hurricane Sandy rampaging through New York City last October stunned city planners on the East Coast, posing a question of whether to withdraw from the waterfront. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed using $400 million to buy beachfront homes and raze the buildings, leaving beach buffers from the sea. Not Boston. The rapidly rising sea levels and prospects for more violent storms have not diminished the city’s appetite for developing its waterfront. Rather than shy from building on the waterfront, however, developers are calculating how they can adapt to floodwaters.

“We have ten million square feet of real estate development right here in the innovation district,” said Swett, an in interview at City Hall. Buildings can be constructed several feet higher, ground floors can be designed to expect flooding, crucial systems like electricity and air conditioning can be put on roofs instead of basements, ground-level windows can be shuttered and upper windows opened, he said. “I think we have the opportunity in Boston to be the most climate-resilient city in the country,” Swett said. “We know better what to do than cities that developed ten of 15 years ago.” Read more here.

 

Path to citizenship: CSS classes help immigrants realize American dream

 

NEW BEDFORD – It’s something that some born here take for granted: their United States citizenship. But for those who came to America from other countries, the path to becoming a U.S. citizen is one of hard work and determination. Each year, an estimated 650,000 to 700,000 immigrants become naturalized citizens, government statistics show. For many, the process is difficult, long and expensive. But thanks to a two-year grant received by Catholic Social Services, some SouthCoast residents are finding help through the federally funded Citizen Services Program.

Coordinator Leslie Vicente describes the New Bedford component – there are others in Fall River and Cape Cod and the Islands – as “very successful … We have been fortunate to be able to offer two or three classes a year.” Students meet twice a week at St. James-St. John School where they prepare for an interview and the English and civics tests which are offered regularly in Boston. Adults must be finger-printed, have drivers’ licenses and hold green cards indicating legal residency in the United States to qualify for the free classes. Read more here.

 

Commercial solar farm approved in Mattapoisett

 

Mattapoisett – A hearing for a proposed industrial solar farm had Mattapoisett residents hot under the collar as the Town Hall’s meeting room filled to overflowing on Thursday night. But protests were no match for a new state law that had the Zoning Board of Appeals approve the project 4-1. Boston-based renewable energy developer BlueWave Capital looks to build the solar project on 87.5 acres of wooded land off Tinkham Hill Road, which is owned by Dennis Mahoney & Sons.

Engineer Richard Charon of Rochester’s Charon Associates said approximately 24 acres of land would be cleared for the ground-mounted panels and that, with landscaping, the project would be virtually invisible to abutters on Shady Oak Drive and North Street. Since transformers will be at least 275 feet from any home, Charon said the sound of transformers would also be negligible. “This will have less traffic than a cemetery, and it’s probably as quiet as a cemetery,” he said. Read more here.

 

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This Week

 

Brayton Point Station Public Forum

 

Thursday, April 25, 6:30pm Amvets Hall, 659 Brayton Ave., Somerset
A local environmental group is hosting a public forum on the future of 50-year-old Brayton Point Station and the economic stability of the town.

The Coalition for Clean Air SouthCoast is moving along with this campaign to ‘green’ Brayton Point finally. A class action lawsuit has been filed by The Conservation Law Foundation, and an unofficial transition committee of all Somerset citizens is being successfully recruited to aid in the effort to provide a ‘just transition’ for the town, which has been dependent on both coal plants for revenue for a long time. Montaup shut down two years ago, and has put a big strain on the property tax bills; Brayton Point, many times larger in every way than Montaup, is making lots less money these days than it used to, and should it close, the tax burden will most likely increase unless a solution can be found.

Points of discussion during the public event will be how to maintain Somerset’s tax base, protect the health of the town and how to ensure adequate protection for the more than 200 Brayton Point power plant workers. Contact Emily Johns from Coalition for Clean Air SouthCoast at 508-994-2164 for details. Learn more here..

Paper Shredding Day for Southcoast Businesses and Residents

 

Saturday, April 27, 9am – Noon Parking lot across from New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and North 6th Streets
Businesses and residents of New Bedford and the surrounding communities are welcome to bring paper to be shredded (e.g. bank statements, medical forms, insurance forms, retired tax forms, receipts, personal files). There is a charge of $5 per box for a standard size box used to hold reams of paper. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders. Shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels. Learn more here. Call (508) 979-1493 for more information.

Y Be Healthy – Health Expo

 

Saturday, April 27, Noon – 4pm New Bedford YMCA, 25 South Water St., New Bedford
Join your friends, neighbors and community organizations for an afternoon of FREE healthy fun, activities and food. Free Family Fun and Healthy Activities: Express Demo Group Exercise Classes; Children’s Activities and Games Swimming; Healthy Cooking Demonstrations; Health Screenings; Bike Safety and Helmet Giveaways (while supplies last) and much, much more!
Learn more here.

 

Composting, Vermaculture, and Compost Tea

 

Saturday, April 27, 9am – 12:30pm Warwick, RI
Reinhard Sidor will lead a hands-on demonstration of hot composting, worm composting (Vermiculture) and making actively aerated compost tea for foliar and soil application. Reinhard will explain the benefits of making and using your own compost from yard and kitchen waste. Compost can be used in container gardening, food and ornamental gardens as mulch and fertilizer, to improve soil quality. Compost increases plant vitality, disease resistance and can reduce pest damage. Use of shredded oak leaves as a landscape mulch will be shown. Also discussed will be the mulching of oak leaves into the lawn rather than composting or bagging them. The program will be held on a residential property which generates over 10 cubic yards of compost each year instead of sending away 300 leaf bags. Compost piles in various stages will be seen, including hot compost piles.
The program is limited to 15 attendees, plus 2 volunteers. Scholarships are available for the 2 volunteers who will visit the site the previous Saturday to help set up a hot compost pile and gain a more intense composting experience. (Apply for scholarships here.) Participants should dress to build and turn compost piles and spread finished compost. The program will happen in sun to light rain with no rain date. If you bring an empty 1-gallon container you can bring home a a gallon of compost tea. Workshop fee is $40. Register via email. For questions, call Sanne Kure-Jensen at (401) 369-3303.
Reinhard Sidor has a doctorate in Environmental Health Sciences from Harvard, and formerly maintained a 25-acre wine grape vineyard. He has experience with small fruits, vegetable gardening, and landscape maintenance Reinhard has completed the NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional program and is a URI Master Gardener and Master Composter.
Learn more here.

 

Arbor Day Celebration Hosted by The Trustees of Reservations

 

Saturday, April 27, 10am – 3pm Brainard Marsh & Washburn Park, Marion, MA
The festivities of Arbor Day Celebration will be held from 10AM – 3PM in two separate locations to celebrate the Atlantic White Cedar gift from The Trustees of Reservations to the Town of Marion and the Sippican Land Trust.
Activities will begin at Brainard Marsh from 10-11:30AM and will continue at Washburn Park from 12Noon-3PM. The event is free and open to the public. We have family friendly activities planned throughout the day such as:

 

• planting of trees
• a climbing wall
• fire trucks and construction truck for kids to climb
• a story-walk
• music
• face painting
• snacks and beverages

 

Learn more here

 

Buttonwood Park Zoo presents: Insect Investigations

 

Saturday, April 27, 1pm – 4pm Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA
Do you love insects? We love insects! Join us to learn about several public science projects. We’ll focus on insect programs like the Lost Ladybug Project, BeeSpotter and Monarch Watch but we’ll have information on others (Frog Watch, Bird Feeder Watch and Bud Burst) depending on your interest. Join us for catch-and-release insect hunts at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Crafts and other activities will be on-going from 1 – 4. Find out how you can become a citizen scientist and help our native animals and plants! Learn more here.

 

Cherry Blossom Friendship Festival

 

Sunday, April 28, Noon – 4pm Cooke Memorial Park, Pilgrim Ave., Fairhaven, MA
Sponsored by the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, the afternoon includes a bento box lunch, tea and dessert; bonsai and kimono display; entertainment; tours of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship House and the Fairhaven Colonial Club; dedication of a “Peace Pole.” Entertainment will include Lakeville Youth Taiko (Japanese drumming), Fairhaven elementary school singers, Festival Singers, Kamishibai (paper theater) “The Story of Manjiro” and more.
A limited number of tickets are available. The price is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. To reserve tickets call Gerry at 508-995-1219 or email here. A shuttle is planned with parking at Fairhaven High School.

 

Lost Arts Workshop Series: There’s Fungus Among Us

 

Monday, April 29, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Mycology is a growing agricultural practice that can nutritionally substitute some of our meat consumption. We will inoculate a medium to begin this funky process!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

 

Sunrise Hike

 

Thursday, May 2, 6am – 7:30am Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
This is a hike for all of you early birds. Join a Lloyd Center naturalist on a walk through our property to watch what happens in the morning as the forest wakes up. Bring binoculars if you have them and be ready to spot some of the wildlife in our area as they come to life in the early morning.
Price: Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Preregister by Tuesday, April 30. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

 

New Economy: Generating True Wealth with Keynote Juliet Schor, author of Plenitude

 

Thursday, May 2, 8:30am – 12:30pm Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine St., Fall River
In Plenitude economist and bestselling author Juliet B. Schor offers a groundbreaking intellectual statement about the economics and sociology of ecological decline, suggesting a radical change in how we think about consumer goods, value, and ways to live. Humans are degrading the planet far faster than they are regenerating it. As we travel along this shutdown path, food, energy, transport, and consumer goods are becoming increasingly expensive. The economic downturn that has accompanied the ecological crisis has led to another type of scarcity: incomes, jobs, and credit are also in short supply.
In encouraging us to value our gifts – nature, community, intelligence, and time – Schor offers the opportunity to participate in creating a world of wealth and well-being.

In addition to Juliet Schor, a panel representing innovative local businesses and organizations will discuss how they are already working towards creating a stronger local economy. Finally, a breakout session will allow presenters and attendees to get together and discuss how they might best integrate sustainable practices into their organizations and potentially create new ones.

Sponsored by the Institute for Sustainability and Post-Carbon Education at Bristol Community College, The Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability and The UMASS Dartmouth Office of Campus and Community Sustainability. This event includes morning refreshments. It is free and open to the public. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6958

 

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Save The Date

 

Buttonwood Park Zoo presents: Marine Mammal Day

 

Saturday, May 4, 1pm – 4pm Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA
Would you know what to do if you came across a young seal on a beach? Visit the zoo today and meet some of the people who rescue and care for stranded marine mammals. Watch a harbor seal training session and meet the keepers. On-going marine mammal crafts and activities. Cost: Free with zoo admission Learn more here.

 

Nasketucket Bay Bike Tour

 

Sunday, May 5, 10am – 1pm Brandt Beach Ave, Mattapoisett, MA
Tour the Nasketucket Bay watershed on this nine-mile guided bike tour hosted by the Bay Coalition’s land protection staff. The tour will begin at the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking lot on Brandt Beach Ave, heading along the Phoenix/Mattapoisett Bike Path to a nature overlook on Sconticut Neck Road. There, participants will take a snack break and learn about the Bay Coalition’s project to protect 400 acres of land around Nasketucket Bay. Then the group will head back to the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking area.
$5/person members $10/person non-members Children 12 and under: Free
Reservations Required. Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

 

SEMAP’s Twilight Grower Education Series: Herb Touch N’ Taste

 

Monday, May 6, 6pm – 7:30pm Eva’s Garden, 105 Jordan Rd., South Dartmouth, MA
Herb Touch-N-Taste
SEMAP’s 2013 Twilight Grower Education Series kicks off with an exciting Potluck event at Eva’s Garden, South Dartmouth, MA. Eva and Chef Didi will lead a discussion where participants taste, touch, and smell several herbs easily found or cultivated in Southeastern MA. Learn to use these herbs in everyday cooking with examples from the duo’s local foods cookbook, Wild Flavors.
Bring a yummy dish to share! Contact Kristen Irvin, SEMAP Executive Assistant, or call 336-509-0044 for more information. Learn More Here

 

New Bedford Ocean Explorium Presents Global Voice

 

Wednesday, May 8, 6pm Ocean Explorium, 174 Union St., New Bedford, MA
CLIMATE CHANGE: As Seen Through Artists’ Eyes
Artist Peter C. Stone and Professor Arlene Mollo of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Art will discuss artworks that depict fragile as well as robust and thriving environments, and will draw particular attention to the gravity of climate change in arctic and sub-arctic regions. After the talk, attendees are invited to continue the conversation at Cork Wine and Tapas Bar, where a special menu of foods and drinks is available especially for Global Voice participants.
Doors open at 6:00 pm for Science on a Sphere presentation on Climate Change, Talk begins at 6:30 pm. Price: Members-$5, Non-members-$10, Children-$3 Learn More and Register Here

 

Sustainable Cities Series Keynote – Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: the Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World

 

Thursday, May 9, 6pm – 7pm Celtic Coffee House, 42 North Water St., Downtown New Bedford
As we wean ourselves from fossil fuels and realize the environmental costs of suburban sprawl, we will see that small cities offer many assets for sustainable living not shared by their big city or small town counterparts: population density (and the capacity for more); fertile, nearby farmland available for local agriculture, windmills, and solar farms; and manufacturing infrastructure and workforce skill that can be repurposed for the production of renewable-energy technology.
Learn more about the author here. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

 

Bristol County Conservation District Workshops for Farmers and Forestland Owners

 

Saturday, May 11, 10amTBA, Dartmouth, MA
Mushroom Culture Workshop & Forestry Stewardship Program
Cultivated mushrooms are bringing in from $11-$15/lb. at farmers markets. Want to offer something new to your customers? Here’s how:
The Bristol County Conservation District will be offering a unique opportunity for farmland and forestland owners to learn about the Forestry Stewardship Program and agroforestry. Phil Benjamin and Tom Farrell, forestry consultants will be on hand to explain the benefits of and answer questions about the Forestry Stewardship Program and Tim Tucker from NRCS will be there to illustrate how you can add value to your forest. Tim will walk you through the initial process of mushroom culture. Each participant will take home a log which they have learned how to inoculate with shitake spawn and has the ability to produce for 5 years..
Registration fee: $20 per person (includes lunch). Space is limited to 20. Sponsored by NRCS, UMass. Extension, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research (SARE) and the Bristol County Conservation District.
For more information, contact: Sue Guiducci, 508-990-2854, or EMail.

 

BikeFest RI

 

Saturday, May 11, 10am – 4pm The Met School, 325 Public St. Providence, RI. (Rain date on Sunday, May 12th)
Come and enjoy a day centered on the possibilities of all things bicycle whether it be for recreation, sport, or everyday life. The festival will feature live entertainment, an expo area of bicycles and related gear, information and resources about riding in the state, safety and repair demonstrations, food vendors and more.
BikeFest RI is organized by The Met School, Recycle-A-Bike, Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, and FULLCYCLE @the MET.
For more information, contact through EMail. Learn More Here

 

Green Drive Bus Pull Challenge

 

Saturday, May 11, Noon – 4pm Kennedy Plaza Skating Rink in downtown Providence
The Environmental Justice League, in partnership with the Avenue Concept and the RI Asthma Control Coalition presents: Act for Asthma Awareness 1st annual Green D(RI)VE Bus Pull Challenge
For Asthma Awareness Month in May, show your support for Youth, the Environment, and Public Health in the battle against air pollution, climate change, and asthma. Teams will compete to pull the 29,000 lb Green D(RI)VE veggie oil bus in the downtown skating rink at Kennedy Plaza. Family friendly event will also include an open mic, DJ, kids activities, bounce castle, raffles, info tables, and other festivities.
For information on how to sign up to compete or for sponsorship opportunities, check our WordPress Blog or EMail us.
Proceeds will benefit the Environmental Justice League’s Green D(RI)VE bus project and related youth programs. Learn More Here

 

Roots Down Organic Gardening Workshop

 

Wednesday, May 15, 7pm How on Earth Grocery Store, 62 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett
Presented by Brix Bounty Farm
Focus on Biology: Sustaining Life in the Soil – Keys to Building Healthy Soil Biology to Harness Nature’s Bounty
This workshop is being offered to assist new and experienced gardeners gain a deeper understanding of methods used in healthy food production. To strengthen local food security for our community. To increase the yield and nutritional quality of your produce. To build community knowledge and skills.
For more information please contact Brix Bounty Farm at 508-992-1868. Learn more here.

 

Don’t fear the swamp! How to have fun in wetlands

 

Saturday, May 18, 10am – Noon Mattapoisett River Reserve, Mattapoisett, MA
Is it water, or is it land? In this hands-on exploration, we will discover what makes a wetland and why these habitats are important. The Mattapoisett River Reserve has a tremendous diversity of wetlands. We will get down and dirty exploring the life that lives in wetlands and how we can protect them.
Coalition Members: Free Non-members: $10
Reservations Required. Contact Rob Hancock, Vice-President, Education and Public Engagement at (508) 999-6363 x222 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

 

Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse?

ONGOING

Now through May 19 The Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA
The Women’s Caucus for Art presents the exhibition Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse? Co-President for New York WCA, Marcia Annenberg, states: “this exhibit seeks to raise awareness of the imminent danger of uncontrolled climate change, caused by an excessive dependency on fossil fuels… It is our generation that has been called to this task.”

To paraphrase Eleanor Heartney, “…the thoughtful works that comprise this exhibit present questions, such as ‘How do we balance economic development, environmental protection, and geopolitical stability in an ever more precarious world? What are we willing to give up today to avoid catastrophe tomorrow? Where should we commit our resources? How should we define our social and economic priorities?’” The variety of perspectives of the artists involved employ photography, video, painting, and sculpture. These artists reinforce the paradox at the center of our environmental predicament. Heartney notes, human creativity and innovation are at the root of our difficulties, but they are also the source of our potential salvation.

Located in Fall River, Massachusetts’ waterfront district, The Narrows Center for the Arts is on the top floor of an attractive old mill building with spectacular views of Fall River’s pier, the Braga Bridge and Battleship Cove. The Center’s wonderfully sunlit space provides superb acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance for events and programs. The space is divided into 4 areas: The Narrows Gallery, the Performance Area, the Narrows Cafe and Artist Studios. The mission of the Narrows Center is to promote and develop an appreciation of the visual arts and the performing arts. To create and develop an artistic and cultural center for the benefit of the public at large and the citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Learn more about the event here.

 

Life in a Stream

 

Saturday, May 25, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Dust off your rain boots and make your way down to the Lloyd Center to learn all about the critters that live in streams. Search beneath the rocks to discover and identify the insects and crustaceans that live in the water around us while learning about the adaptations that allow them to live in these fast moving environments. Be sure to bring shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet!
Price: Individual Members: $8 Non-members: $10
Family of Four: Members: $24 Non-members: $30
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23rd Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

 

Westport Community Garden Kick-Off

 

Saturday, May 25, 9am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport
Inch by inch, row by row, help us make this garden grow! Cultivate a stronger community along with delicious fresh veggies by joining us as we start another growing season at our Westport community garden.
To register, please go Here. Look in ‘One-Time Volunteer Opportunities’ section; once you see this opportunity, click ‘register.’ If this is your first time using our online registration system, you’ll be prompted to fill out a volunteer profile first. You will receive email confirmation of your registration.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

 

Salt Marsh Biology

 

Thursday, May 30, 3:30pm – 5pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Put on your boots and join us at the Lloyd Center for a walk through one of the many salt marshes on our property. During this program have a chance to explore the marsh, catalog the species that live there and learn about the importance of the Salt Marsh Habitat. Be sure to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

 

The Poorhouses of Massachusetts: A Cultural and Architectural History

 

Saturday, June 1, 10am – Noon Westport Town Library, 408 Old County Rd, Westport, MA
For most contemporary Americans, “poorhouse” is simply a word, a metaphor for the specter of abject poverty. Few are aware, however, that for much of the history of this country, the poorhouse represented a critical social safety net, mainly sheltering those too broke to live elsewhere. The story of how Massachusetts responded to this persistent social problem illuminates how Americans have dealt with a tenaciously held and deeply felt duty to care for the poorest among them.
Author Heli Meltsner presents the story of Massachusetts poorhouses followed by a walking tour of Westport’s own poor farm, recently renovated and revitalized by The Trustees of Reservations. Program presented in partnership with the Westport Historical Society.
Contact via E-Mail or call 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.
Learn more here

 

Weweantic River Mushroom Walk

 

Saturday, June 1, 10am – 12pm Weweantic River Reserve, Wareham, MA
Join us for a walk at the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Weweantic River property and the town of Wareham’s Birch Island Conservation Area to discover and identify mushrooms. A knowledgeable expert with the Cape Cod Mushroom Club will teach participants about the importance of mushrooms in our local ecosystem and how to identify various species of mushrooms.
$3 for Buzzards Bay Coalition, Cape Cod Mushroom Club and Wareham Land Trust members $5 general public
Reservations Required. Contact Kevin Farrell, AmeriCorps Land Steward, at (508) 999-6363 x217 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

 

Monster Hunt: In Search of Snapping Turtles

 

Saturday, June 8, 10am – Noon Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Spend your time searching for these amazing and prehistoric creatures. During this program learn the ways that snapping turtles are unique, meet a live snapping turtle and then go on a hunt to try and spot them in the ponds and rivers where they live.
All Ages Welcome. Price: Individual Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Family of Four Members: $12 Non-members: $15
Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 6th Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

 

Learn to Quahog

 

Saturday, June 8, 12pm – 2pm Round Cove, West Island, Fairhaven, MA
Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition on West Island to learn to harvest your own quahogs. Representatives from the town of Fairhaven and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will teach you the basics of local quahogging — what you need, how to do it, and where to go. This will be a fun and educational event for the whole family.
FREE Event. Reservations Required. Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

 

SEMAP’s 6th Annual Farm to Table Dinner

 

Friday, June 28, 5:30pm – 9pm Alderbrook Farm, 1213 Russell Mills Rd., South Dartmouth, MA
Join us on a culinary adventure set between the soil & the stars! Support SEMAP in its mission to preserve & expand access to local food & sustainable farming in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The Farm to Table Dinner consists of a multi-course, all-local, gourmet dinner, occuring beneath the stars in the summer air at the beautiful Alderbrook Farm in South Dartmouth, MA. There will also be a Live Auction!
The Manley family has run the 16-acre Alderbrook farm for over four generations. The farm was recently made a Massachusetts Century Farm. With your help SEMAP continues to grow its educational offerings to the public and farming community.

$175.00 per person
$120.00 for SEMAP Farm Members
Contact Kristen Irvin, SEMAP Executive Assistant, or call 336-509-0044 for more information. Learn More and Register Here

 

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Announcements

 

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

 

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

 

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

 

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

 

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

 

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Green Tip

How to celebrate Arbor Day without a yard

 

Many of us have childhood memories of coming home with a sapling from an Arbor Day celebration and eagerly planting that tree in our yard. (Your parents may even have a collection of photos of you proudly standing next to your Arbor Day trees at various milestones.) But as an adult, you may live in a smaller home, an apartment without a yards, in a dorm or other temporary housing where you cannot plant trees. But you can return to the tree-hugging roots of your childhood this Arbor Day. Learn more here.

 

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Preparedness Tip

Security Systems for People Who Can’t Afford Guards

 

How many home security features a person needs is clearly dependent on a lot of factors, including a person’s perception of his own safety. If you’re feeling freaked out and unsafe at home due to the events of last week, I want to reassure you that the following home security measures do work, and they will protect you against most intruders. Learn more here.

 

Letter from the Editor

 

Last week, a story about Israeli and Palestinian water use prompted this reply from a reader: I strongly object to inclusion of the piece below in the Sustainability Almanac. I was recently in Israel on a Massachusetts Water Innovation Mission and it was pretty obvious that the issues addressed are rather complex and that Israeli officials were serious about supplying water to the PA. There certainly is hard data that the Israeli water authority does so. As an alternative, we’ve included here a Jerusalem Post response to the same report highlighted last week. We’re also including another link to the Water Innovation Mission mentioned by the reader.

Our goal in the almanac is to highlight a broad range of sustainability issues as they arise across the planet. Regular readers get a sense of controversies and commonalities worldwide and what ideas and solutions are emerging from them. As our editors search and pull from published headlines, they are reflecting what’s in the news as stories break while ensuring they come from reputable sources. There are not always alternate views published in the same week, but our editor carefully looks for them if a story seems controversial.

Starting in June of this year, we will be adding a blog feature to the Almanac to encourage discussion about important — and contentious — issues such as water. We look forward to a continuing and fruitful dialogue with our readers.

Global News

Russia Skips Hybrids in Push for Cars Using Natural Gas

MOSCOW – Igor A. Samarsky of the southern Russian city of Krasnodar gets fuel economy on his 1998 Lada sedan that would make a Prius owner green with environmental envy. For all of 120 rubles – about $3.80, or a little more than a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in the United States – he can drive 140 miles. The Toyota hybrid would need three gallons of gas to drive that distance.

Gazprom, the state-owned energy monopoly better known for heating houses and powering factories in Europe, is making a bet that natural gas cars are an alluring market for future growth, at home in Russia and in other European countries that have bought its gas. All the ingredients are in place for adoption of natural gas vehicles in Russia, the world’s second-largest gas producer after the United States, with economic and environmental payoffs. Read more here.

Cutting Specific Pollutants Would Slow Sea Level Rise, Research Indicates

With coastal areas bracing for rising sea levels, new research indicates that cutting emissions of certain pollutants can greatly slow down sea level rise this century. The research team found that reductions in four pollutants that cycle comparatively quickly through the atmosphere could temporarily forestall the rate of sea level rise by roughly 25 to 50 percent.

“To avoid potentially dangerous sea level rise, we could cut emissions of short-lived pollutants even if we cannot immediately cut carbon dioxide emissions,” says Aixue Hu of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the first author of the study. “This new research shows that society can significantly reduce the threat to coastal cities if it moves quickly on a handful of pollutants.” Read more here.

Recent Antarctic Climate, Glacier Changes at the ‘Upper Bound’ of Normal

In the last few decades, glaciers at the edge of the icy continent of Antarctica have been thinning, and research has shown the rate of thinning has accelerated and contributed significantly to sea level rise.

New ice core research suggests that, while the changes are dramatic, they cannot be attributed with confidence to human-caused global warming, said Eric Steig, a University of Washington professor of Earth and space sciences.

Previous work by Steig has shown that rapid thinning of Antarctic glaciers was accompanied by rapid warming and changes in atmospheric circulation near the coast. His research with Qinghua Ding, a UW research associate, showed that the majority of Antarctic warming came during the 1990s in response to El Nino conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

Their new research suggests the ’90s were not greatly different from some other decades — such as the 1830s and 1940s — that also showed marked temperature spikes Read more here.

The Economics Of Ecosystems And Bodiversity Report Ranks Business Impacts On Environment

Coal-fired power generation in Asia and cattle ranching in South America are the most damaging businesses for nature with hidden costs that exceed the value of their production, a U.N.-backed report said on Monday.

Global output of basic goods from cement to wheat caused damage totalling $7.3 trillion a year if pollution, water, greenhouse gases and waste were priced to reflect long-term impacts, it said in a guide for businesses and investors.

The study, by a business coalition for The Economics of Ecosystems and Bodiversity (TEEB), said there were wide uncertainties in the prices. The coalition’s backers include the United Nations, World Bank, businesses and conservation groups. Read more here.

Colombian activist’s work earns environmental prize

BOGOTA, Colombia – Nohra Padilla spent her childhood at a garbage dump here in Colombia’s capital before going on to organize the city’s poor recyclers. Now the activist, who travels the world giving talks about waste management, has won one of the world’s most prestigious environmental prizes.

Padilla is a 2013 winner of the San Francisco-based Goldman Environmental Prize, which comes with a $150,000 cash award, the group announced Monday. She helped organize and formalize the work of 5,000 poor trash collectors and recyclers who spend most nights fanning out over Bogota?s streets to cull recyclable paper, plastic, glass and metals for resale.

“We have come a long way,” Padilla, 47, said of her fellow members in the Assn. of Bogota Recyclers, part of a network she founded in 1990 that operates in 200 Colombian cities and towns. “We still face social castigation, so getting an award like this is a true milestone.” Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• First algae powered building goes up in Hamburg
• Smart Homes, Smart Cities Markets To Double By 2017
• Iraqi immigrant wins Goldman Environmental Prize

National News

Obama ocean plan aims to protect economy, environment

The White House released a plan on Tuesday aimed at protecting oceans, coastal and Great Lakes environments around the United States while safeguarding related businesses that support more than 44 million jobs.

The plan drew criticism from some Republican lawmakers who called it bureaucratic overreach but was lauded by environmental groups as smart management that supports economic development.

The National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan is meant to put into practice the National Ocean Policy, established by President Barack Obama in 2010. It will involve some 27 federal agencies, departments and offices, the White House Council on Environmental Quality said a statement. Read more here.

Maryland poised to ban shark fin trade

Sharks have stood the test of time, swimming in the world’s oceans for more than 400 million years, until now. Sharks are now facing a threat even they cannot fight on their own: humans. The overexploitation of sharks worldwide is compounded by shark finning, a practice where sharks are captured and their fins removed, often while the animal is still alive, and discarding the carcass at sea. This practice is driving the decline of many shark populations. While shark finning is banned in U.S. waters, there are no federal laws regulating the trade, and the cruel practice occurs in waters around the world.

Thankfully for sharks, good news is on the horizon. Over the past couple of years, the trade of shark fins has been fought through state legislation that will protect sharks and our oceans. Maryland is on the verge of becoming the first East Coast state to ban the trade, sale, possession and distribution of shark fins. The bill has already passed through the state House of Delegates and Senate, and now it is up to Gov. Martin O’Malley to finish the job and sign this bill into law. Read more here

Ambitious plan would remake Yosemite National Park

The majestic landscape of Yosemite National Park – carved out of granite and shaped by powerful natural forces over the eons – is timeless and untouchable. Other attractions in the park – not so much.

Some of Yosemite’s much-loved amenities, including swimming pools, bike, horse and raft rentals, and an ice skating rink, would be jettisoned under a plan to restore the Merced River corridor to a more natural state. Read more here.

March Was Cool, But Winter Was Warmer Than Average

How wrong was Punxsutawney Phil when the groundhog said on Feb. 2 that we’d have an early spring?

“The March average temperature for the contiguous U.S. was 40.8F, which was 0.9F below the 20th century average,” NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center reports. “This was in stark contrast to temperatures from one year prior when March 2012 was the warmest such month on record for the nation. 2013 marked the coolest March since 2002, when the monthly nationally-averaged temperature was 2.2F below average.”

March also saw the snow cover on the “lower 48″ states expand to the 10th largest on record. Read more here.

‘A slick mess’: Slimy, giant snails invade South Florida

ORLANDO – South Florida is fighting a growing infestation of one of the world’s most destructive invasive species: the giant African land snail, which can grow as big as a rat and gnaw through stucco and plaster. More than 1,000 of the mollusks are being caught each week in Miami-Dade and 117,000 in total since the first snail was spotted by a homeowner in September 2011, said Denise Feiber, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Residents will soon likely begin encountering them more often, crunching them underfoot as the snails emerge from underground hibernation at the start of the state’s rainy season in just seven weeks, Feiber said. The snails attack “over 500 known species of plants … pretty much anything that’s in their path and green,” Feiber said. Read more here.

Other National Headlines of Interest

• E.P.A. Will Delay Rule Limiting Carbon Emissions at New Power Plants
• Obama Approves Raising Permissible Levels of Nuclear Radiation in Drinking Water
• Now Endangered, Florida’s Silver Springs Once Lured Tourists

Voices

The Fossil Fuel Resistance

It got so hot in Australia in January that the weather service had to add two new colors to its charts. A few weeks later, at the other end of the planet, new data from the CryoSat-2 satellite showed 80 percent of Arctic sea ice has disappeared. We’re not breaking records anymore; we’re breaking the planet. In 50 years, no one will care about the fiscal cliff or the Euro crisis. They’ll just ask, “So the Arctic melted, and then what did you do?”

Here’s the good news: We’ll at least be able to say we fought. After decades of scant organized response to climate change, a powerful movement is quickly emerging around the country and around the world, building on the work of scattered front-line organizers who’ve been fighting the fossil-fuel industry for decades. It has no great charismatic leader and no central organization; it battles on a thousand fronts. But taken together, it’s now big enough to matter, and it’s growing fast. Read more here.

How to Power the World without Fossil Fuels

Three times now, Mark Jacobson has gone out on the same limb. In 2009 he and co-author Mark Delucchi published a cover story in Scientific American that showed how the entire world could get all of its energy – fuel as well as electricity – from wind, water and solar sources by 2030. No coal or oil, no nuclear or natural gas. The tale sounded infeasible – except that Jacobson, from Stanford University, and Delucchi, from the University of California, Davis, calculated just how many hydroelectric dams, wave-energy systems, wind turbines, solar power plants and rooftop photovoltaic installations the world would need to run itself completely on renewable energy.

The article sparked a spirited debate on our Web site, and it also sparked a larger debate between forward-looking energy planners and those who would rather preserve the status quo. The duo went on to publish a detailed study in the journal Energy Policy that also called out numbers for a U.S. strategy. Read more here.

Where did global warming go? The deep ocean, experts say

The deep oceans have recently been soaking up much of the excess heat trapped under the ever-thickening blanket of greenhouse gases that humans pump into the atmosphere, according to a recent study.

The finding may help explain why the pace of global warming at the surface has slowed in recent years compared to the 1990s, a phenomenon that has left members of the climate science community scratching their heads.

“The warming at the surface hasn’t stopped, but it has been less than most of the climate models have been predicting,” David Pierce, a climate researcher with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, explained to NBC News. “So the question is: Where is that extra heat going?” Read more here.

It’s still the economy, not the environment

Americans are still prioritizing getting green over going green, but the gap is narrowing. A new Gallup poll finds that 48 percent of Americans think economic growth should be given priority even if the environment suffers somewhat. In contrast, 43 percent say the environment should get priority even at the risk of curbing economic growth.

The trend toward prioritizing the economy over the environment began in 2008, as the start of the Great Recession. At a high in 2011, 54 percent of Americans were favoring the economic growth over environmental protection. The trend has since turned somewhat in favor of the environment. But Americans’ attitudes about the environment are still a far cry from what they were in 2000, when two-thirds of Americans thought the environment should take priority over economic growth. Read more here.

Local News

South Coast Rail in $800M transportation bill; local senators await governor’s reaction

The state Senate passed an $800 million transportation bill that includes South Coast Rail as a capital project after a grinding, all-day special session. But local legislators said the celebration will have to wait until the governor says that’s good enough. “Ultimately, we’ve saved rail today, for now,” state Sen. Mark C.W. Montigny, D-New Bedford, told The Standard-Times. “I’ll now let the governor decide with his veto pen.”

A $500 million House plan provoked a veto threat from Gov. Deval Patrick last week and sent senators scrambling to put a bill on his desk that came closer to his wish to raise and spend $1.9 billion. The Senate’s $800 million plan now must be reconciled with the House plan, and Montigny said he would support the governor’s veto if the final amount failed to satisfy Patrick. The bill likely will now go to a conference committee to resolve differences with a House version approved earlier in the week, but one issue that won’t have to be reconciled is the advancement of South Coast Rail as a capital project. Both versions contain the same language. Still, if the final revenue total is less than Patrick feels he needs to bond the project and start work, then South Coast Rail could be on hold indefinitely. Read more here.

You can also read the story from The Boston Globe

Coffee grower enjoys ‘seed to cup’ relationships with local shops

CAMBRIDGE – Three years ago, Gustavo Alfaro first welcomed Silas Moulton of Barismo Roastery in Arlington to his coffee farm high in the plush northwest mountains of Guatemala. The friendship between grower and bean buyer was among the first of the nascent “seed to cup” relationships developing in this country and has benefited coffee connoisseurs in Cambridge, Somerville, and Belmont. Alfaro produces Buena Esperanza and Pena Blanca coffee beans distributed by Barismo to specialty coffee shops like Voltage Coffee & Art, Dwelltime Coffee Bar and Bakeshop, and Clover Food Lab, all in Cambridge. When Moulton visited Guatemala, Alfaro was a fourth-generation coffee grower who recently repurposed his farm to restore environmental balance and was on the verge of winning an internationally recognized award for one of his coffee lots.

Alfaro earned a biochemistry degree in Guatemala and a MBA in Chile, where he worked as an environmental mining consultant before studying management at programs in Sweden and Israel. His father died while he was in Cape Town and he returned to Guatemala in 2006 to help run Alfaro Estate Coffee. “I was really scared,” says Alfaro, 47. “I had built my own career and I was thrown into something I didn’t know.” Yet Alfaro had the business and environmental acumen to improve the estate. Alfaro earned the respect of the farm’s 120 permanent and seasonal employees by resisting calls to deforest his estate in order to increase planting. He built a water-recycling system and, importantly, developed production of specialty coffee beans alongside larger commercial yields of Arabica beans. The more expensive specialty coffee – 1-pound bags sell for about $20 in the United States – accounts for 40 percent of Alfaro’s business. Read more here.

Critics say Bay State still has a ways to go in making pay for women equitable

April 9 was Equal Pay Day, an annual event that marks how far into this year the average U.S. woman needed to work, on top of all of 2012, to earn as much as a man did last year. The occasion passed with Bay State advocates for pay equity still trying to pass a one-sentence update to a state law that bars wage discrimination based on gender, 15 years after they believe a decision by the state’s top court revealed the law is too vague. It’s not clear if the so-called comparable work bill will fare any better this year. Supporters are cautiously hopeful it will advance, along with related legislation, as the wage gap gets more public attention and after at least two recent reports highlighted the state’s low national rank in terms of equal pay for women.

The state’s Equal Pay Act, passed in 1945, bars employers from paying men and women differently “for work of like or comparable character or work on like or comparable operations,” except in cases of seniority. The trouble is, the law never explains how courts should decide what makes jobs “comparable,” according to Jehlen and other lawmakers who support updating the law. The Supreme Judicial Court also has noted there is no definition in state statute. Read more here

Cape teen rescues beloved horse from slaughterhouse

A Harwich teenager and the horse she grew up with have become a leading face of the latest national effort to ban slaughtering horses and exporting them for meat. In a one-in-a-million happenstance, Brittany Wallace found her childhood companion, Scribbles, hours before the mare was to be shipped to Mexico or Canada to be killed and eaten. Last month, Brittany testified in the U.S. Senate, telling the story of how her 17-year-old pet – born five days before she was – became lost and, in the nick of time, saved. In an interview last week, Brittany said of transporting horses for slaughter, “It’s honestly America’s dirty little secret. … It’s happening every day, and unless we step up and do something, it’s not going to stop.”

The Humane Society of the United States used part of Brittany’s March 12 testimony in a YouTube video, which urges passage of the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act to prohibit horse slaughter in the U.S. and end the export of more than 150,000 American horses a year that are slaughtered as food for human consumption. The bill was introduced this year in the Senate by Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., along with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. A similar bill was introduced in the House by Reps. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., and Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. “We have made ending the slaughter of America’s horses for human consumption one of our top priorities,” Keith Dane, the society’s director of equine protection, said in a written statement. “Americans don’t eat horses, and 80 percent of voters strongly oppose slaughtering horses for their meat. That’s because American horses are our trusted companions and partners in recreation, work and sport – not dinner.” Read more here.

New Bedford, state, businesses heading to Europe to study offshore wind

NEW BEDFORD – As state leaders pledge $100 million to a new port facility meant to make Massachusetts the go-to state for offshore wind, a delegation of officials and business leaders is traveling to Europe to figure out how to turn that dream into reality. “Somebody is going to have to be looking at the details and not just the theory,” said Maritime International President David Wechsler, who said his company handles about 95 percent of the international cargo coming into the city’s port and who will be one of the roughly 30 public and business leaders on the trip.

Wechsler said he has been working closely with economic development leaders to figure out the logistics of the new industry and will be looking at crane capacities, storage facilities and other technical matters. The April 20-28 trip, which is being organized by the New Bedford Economic Development Council, includes visits to manufacturing facilities and other businesses associated with the offshore wind supply chain. Read more here.

Bill Allows Wind Turbines On R.I. Farms

PROVIDENCE – At least one Rhode Island farm hopes to harvest more than just corn. The owners of Stamp Farm in Exeter recently testified in support of a bill that would allow it and other farms to erect wind turbines. Several farmers, most of whom are involved in the ongoing wind turbine siting dispute in North Kingstown, debated the bill at a hearing. William Stamp Jr. and William Stamp III, who helped get the bill drafted, said wind turbines deliver badly needed revenue to farmers. Rhode Island farms, they said, are constrained financially by a lack of land, escalating costs and short growing seasons. Wind turbines, they said, provide leasing fees that help keep a farm in business while protecting the land from development and maintaining the state’s rural character.

“The primary purpose of this bill is to help their income,” said Al Bettencourt, director of the Rhode Island Farm Bureau. Farmers earn some $5,000 a month leasing land for a wind turbine, he said. Like cell towers, wind turbines raise initial objections due their appearance. But “I think over time people will get used to it,” Bettencourt said. An animated Stamp Jr., said a single turbine like the one at the North Kingston Green supplies electricity for 500 homes. “It’s taking a resource and uses it as something that is productive and useful for the community,” he said. “This is energy for everyone.” Opponents of the bill argued that wind turbines diminish neighboring property values. Read more here.

Real estate market showing signs of life in Greater Fall River

FALL RIVER – It’s not just the spring, warming the air and bringing the earth back to life. The economy, locally, is showing signs of waking. As usual, real estate is leading the way. “Interest rates are lower than they have been in 20 years, and prices are low,” said Bob Landry, of the Fall River Affordable Housing Corp., a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping low-income people interested in buying a home. The organization will offer a two-day seminar on April 24 and 25 for people searching for a home. The classes will provide instruction in all of the steps needed to make a purchase, Landry said.

“What we are seeing now is that people can buy a house for less than they are paying in rent,” Landry said. “This is happening right now. My classes have been getting bigger every month for the past few months.” “There has been a real increase in the number of people calling to be pre-approved for a mortgage,” said Dawn Young, a vice president at BankFive. “I’m seeing an increase in calls from first-time buyers.” National and state figures reveal what real estate professionals are seeing in Bristol County. The Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported home prices rose in February for the fifth straight month. The inventory of homes on the market, and the amount of time they remain on the market, has dropped since summer, figures show. Read more here.

Rising water raises fears in Wellfleet

WELLFLEET – Martin Nieski never wanted a river view. “But they tell me it’s coming,” said Nieski, who owns a house on a wooded lot on Old Chequessett Neck Road. Nieski could soon have more than a water view. The Herring River restoration project, the largest marsh project ever attempted in New England, would increase the tides in Mill Creek basin, and possibly flood his house. The property is assessed at $490,000.

The Herring River project began officially eight years ago and is designed to reverse the negative effects of a 1909 dike at the mouth of the river on Chequessett Neck Road. The dike was built to limit tidal flows and control mosquitoes, but over time has led to fish kills, degraded water quality and atrophied salt marshes. The restoration would increase the tidal flow, refreshing the habitat and ecosystem. The river’s estuary and floodplain is the largest in the Cape’s outermost towns and covers 1,100 acres of salt marsh, tidal flats and open-water habitats. The acreage along the river, both private and public, falls within the boundaries of the Cape Cod National Seashore and the towns of Wellfleet and Truro. Read more here.

‘Greenlight for Girls’ seeks to inspire girls to stick with STEM

DARTMOUTH – Girls hoping to be met with green lights as they go after their dreams should stick with math and science, said UMass Dartmouth professor Tracie Ferreira. “What you need to do is make yourself the strongest possible student, because if you do that … you have choices,” said Ferreira, who thought she wanted to be a doctor, but ended up a bioengineer. “You don’t need all the answers right now, because you can’t tell where you will be … Just be the best trained scientist you can be and that’s going to offer you possibilities down the road.”

Ferreira will be the keynote speaker April 27 at a one-day event at UMass Dartmouth organized by international nonprofit Greenlight for Girls, which seeks to inspire young women to enter fields in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by exposing them to math and science in “fun” ways. Sarah Thomas, the education chair for the group, said she is expecting about 150 girls to participate in the program which features three workshops, which include a scientific field walk around the campus. Read more here.

Habitat for Humanity celebrates Earth Day by recycling cars into homes

Mattapoisett, In recognition of Earth Day, Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity invites its supporters to recycle their used cars and vehicles to help build hope and homes in partnership with low-income families in Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Acushnet, Fairhaven, New Bedford and Dartmouth. Throughout the month of April, Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program will celebrate its “Every Day is Earth Day” initiative, encouraging people to donate their used cars, trucks, RVs, boats and other vehicles to help raise funds for Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity and other Habitat affiliates throughout the country. In Massachusetts, that donation number is 1,751 and raised $812,523.87. “These funds have helped the Massachusetts Affiliates build 746 safe, decent affordable homes,” said Christine Lacourse, Executive Director for Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity.

Donating a good used car can provide needed transportation for a new owner. Donating a gas-guzzling heap saves energy, prevents air pollution, and keeps valuable resources from rusting away in a field or on a city street. Steel scrap is an essential material in making new steel. More steel is recycled annually than paper, plastic, aluminum, glass and copper combined. Habitat’s Cars for Homes generates funding from the sale of used cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Those funds are distributed to local Habitat for Humanity organizations in the U.S. to help build affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. To date, more than 40,000 vehicles have been donated to the program. Read more here.

First Parish Church in Taunton to dedicate land as wildlife habitat

TAUNTON – A piece of the downtown Taunton landscape is set for designation as a wildlife habitat. The land of the historic First Parish Church will be dedicated next weekend as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” by the nonprofit National Wildlife Federation, said Barry Sanders, the director of religious education at the church. “I think this makes a statement to our community that this is something we are committed to,” Sanders said. “We want to make a statement about being good stewards to the environment. Sometimes when we speak about environmental issues it’s about giant parcels of land and global issues, but really we are talking about something as simple as providing land for native animals and plants to grow. It’s about making space available in your community for our other living creatures.”

To receive the Certified Wildlife Habitat designation, Sanders said, the parish recently had to prove to the National Wildlife Federation the church grounds are a source for food (foliage, nectar, pollen, berries, seeds), there is a water supply there, that the property provides natural cover and there is space to raise young animals. Read more here.

Toxic Debate About Siting Schools on Brownfields in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE – Less than a year ago, Rhode Island passed a bill that prohibited the construction of schools on industrial waste sites where there is potential for toxic vapors to seep into classrooms. The law was proudly touted by both state officials and environmental justice advocates as the most stringent in the nation. Now, two months before the law is even a year old, a movement is underway to gut it.

In fact, one of the law’s most avid supporters, the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM), recently submitted testimony in favor of the two sister bills looking to, in the words of those who spent three years getting the 2012 version passed, diminish the law’s effectiveness. Opponents recently came out in force against bills (H5617 and S520) that would allow construction of schools on contaminated industrial sites where there could be potential vapor intrusion. Amelia Rose, director of the Environmental Justice League of Rhode Island, which pushed hard for the 2012 law now on the books, supports the idea of reusing brownfields, but not at the possible expense of society’s most vulnerable. Read more here.

Volunteers from UMD carve out new Lloyd Center trail

DARTMOUTH – Fourteen UMass Dartmouth students recently opted for an alternative spring break, volunteering their time to help clear a new trail system through the Lloyd Center for the Environment’s recently acquired Lloyd Woods. The trail that the students worked on had been laid out in such a way as to avoid trees larger than saplings, allowing a naturalistic meander through a woodland that is quite distinct from the Lloyd Center’s established trails on the west side of Potomska Road.

Armed with loppers, the group enthusiastically trimmed back and removed brush as they made their way through the woods to Little River. “I seriously felt like we made a difference today,” said Marvin Hyppolit, one of the student volunteers. “It’s very rare that we get a chance to be in nature like that while at school. I don’t mean this in a spiritual way, but we don’t get to feel one with nature in our day-to-day lives. We’re constantly bombarded with iPods, computers.” Read more here

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This Week

Awaken the Dreamer: Changing the Dream

Friday, April 19, 8:30am – 3pm Bristol Community College, Ryckebusch Faculty/Staff Lounge on the 1st floor of the Commonwealth College Center (“G” Building)
BCC, in honor of Earth Week, is pleased to host a symposium – Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream. This enlightening program is an inspirational educational event developed by the Pachamama Alliance in response to the accelerating degradation of our planet. This symposium’s purpose is to help people bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet.
This important event is free to the public and includes a delicious “sustainable” lunch made mostly from local produce. Please register so that we can plan for sufficient materials and food. To register, e-mail Nancy Lee Wood or telephone 508-678-2811 x2043.
Learn more about this program here.

Film Screening: The Fish Belong to the People

Friday, April 19, 7pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
The Fish Belong to the People follows a group of family fishermen in Port Clyde, Maine as they work to save their fishing grounds from government, market structure, and themselves. With each passing season their way of life has slowly been extinguished by old ways of doing business that favors the most efficient and destructive ways of fishing over sustainability.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Outer-Cape Birding and Whale-Watching Hike

Saturday, April 20, 8am – 5pm Meeting Place: Shaw’s parking lot – Route 6 in Dartmouth
Venture by foot to the beaches of the outer cape to observe whale behavior at close range. Each spring whales congregate close to shore to feed on the abundant zooplankton, with high numbers of whales sometimes present. With luck, glimpses of the Endangered Right Whales are possible if this species is still in the area. The walk will take participants through Hatches Harbor to Race Point, passing through pitch pine forest, estuary, salt marsh, and dune habitats en route to the shore. In addition to whales, spectacular vistas and a diversity of birds are a feature of the trip. Time permitting, we’ll stop at other locations as well.
Be advised: For best views of whales, this outing is done entirely on foot and involves extensive walking along beaches and possibly intertidal areas. Participants should therefore be capable of a moderate to strenuous daylong hike of 4 to 5 miles (round trip).
Price: Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Preregister by Friday, April `9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 x 23, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo

Saturday, April 20, 10am – 4pm Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven
The Buzzards Bay Action Committee is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo. Bring your families and come and enjoy a wide variety of exhibits and demonstrations on sustainable activities for a healthy lifestyle that benefit you and the planet! Learn what you can do to protect Buzzards Bay and live lightly on the Earth. Explore exhibits and presentations for adults and children about composting, organic gardening, alternative energy, native plants, toxin-free cleaning, geocaching, feeding wild birds, and more at our first Buzzards Bay Earth Day Expo event! There will also be live music.
For more information, please contact Merilee Kelly, Acushnet Conservation Agent, at 508 998-0202 or via Email

Lost Arts Workshop Series: Ecological Design

Monday, April 22, 12pm – 1pm Campus Center Conference Room, UMass Dartmouth
RESCHEDULED from April 15 – Creating a working landscape using environmental principles can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, while saving money on maintenance costs. This workshop will show us how to maximize ecological potential using the UMass Dartmouth campus as a living laboratory. A return to the future will emphasize the inclusion of organic campus community gardens, berry bushes and orchards trees on campus to connect to the farming traditions on campus and to provide harvestable produce for the students, with habitat restoration and enhancement, and wetland bio-filtration.
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Joseph Ingoldsby via EMail or Katrina Semich via Email, or call 508-999-8932.

Lloyd Center Annual Meeting

Monday, April 22, 6pm Dartmouth Grange, 1133 Fisher Road, Dartmouth
Dr. Anamarija Frankic, Associate Director of the School for the Environment, and Director of the Green Harbors Project at the University of Massachusetts Boston, has accepted an invitation from the Lloyd Center for the Environment to address its upcoming Annual Meeting at the Dartmouth Grange.

Frankic is an adjunct professor at the Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Split, Croatia and Project Director at the Center for Governance and Sustainability at UMass Boston. She has been recently awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to establish a biomimicry program in Croatia. Frankic is a member of the advisory council at AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) and AAUW (American Association of the University Women). Her educational background in biology, ecology, limnology and marine science, guided her interdisciplinary work in coastal and watershed ecosystem management and restoration, nationally and internationally.

Members of the public are invited to a welcoming reception from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The brief “business” part of the Center’s Annual Meeting will be from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Dr. Frankic’s talk will begin at 7:00 p.m. Learn More Here

Bouchard Oil Spill: Ten Years Later

Tuesday, April 23, 6pm – 7PM Buzzards Bay Center, 114 Front St., New Bedford
During this free public talk, Bay Coalition Senior Attorney Korrin Petersen will discuss the progress that has been made protecting Buzzards Bay from oil spills in the 10 years since the 2003 Bouchard oil spill, which spilled 98,000 gallons of fuel oil in the Bay.
Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

3rd Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference and 2nd Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses Conference

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 8am – 4:30pm Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester, MA
SUSTAINABILITY: PRACTICES AND POSSIBILITIES
The annual Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference connects stakeholders from municipalities, college campuses, government, businesses and nonprofits. 75+ Speakers and 45+ Exhibitors share best practices and resources. Everyone wanting to learn more about best practices, current trends, and resources will find this conference timely, practical and valuable. The two conferences are the same day at the DCU Center. Attendees include hundreds of stakeholders from government, academia, business, non-profits and communities. You may attend either or both conferences.

Benefit from advance registration: $60. Registration after March 20 is $75. Students are $45. This registration fee covers keynote presentation, breakout sessions, exhibitors, lunch, breakfast, roundtable discussions, poster session and FREE raffle. Advance registration is recommended as previous conferences have filled. Pre-register here. Learn more here.

Empowering Young Women, Connecting to the Community

Wednesday, April 24, 9am – 11am Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Young women in Southeastern Massachusetts face unique challenges and opportunities. Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition in discussing obstacles and inspirations encountered by the women of today and yesterday. We will develop strategies for overcoming these obstacles and will focus our attention on building a community of strong South Coast women who know how to communicate their knowledge of and passion for this special part of the world. Workshop participants will be eligible to apply for a paid summer outreach internship with the Bay Coalition. The workshop and internships are made possible with support from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or email. Learn more here

Timebank All-Exchange Pot-Luck

Wednesday, April 24, 5:30PM – 7PM Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
All Time Exchange members, interested friends, and the general public are invited to share food, tell exchange stories, get to know each other, welcome newcomers, discover more about timebanking, (also called time exchange), and even join on the spot. We are hoping to also arrange a few, short, informal “Share & Tell” presentations by members. The Time Exchange is about bringing people together to become friends and find new ways to help each other as they give and get community service hours. We will meet and greet, then eat and visit. A brief introduction to the Time Exchange will be offered for those new to the timebanking idea. Those wishing to join will be able to participate in the quick orientation and get activated as members within 24 hours.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Time Exchange is a regional cooperative in which members post offers of things they can do and requests of things they need done. When a member finds a post of someone offering something they need, they contact them and arrange to make the exchange. Afterwards, the provider posts the exchange and the amount of time is credited to their “time credit account” and the recipients account is debited. While the system is online, computer savvy is not required. Coordinators and “computer buddies can assist anyone needing “real human” help.

Offers can be as informal as a chat by phone to a shut-in, or as elaborate as actual professional services such as tax consultation, legal, even medical services. Time is considered equal regardless of who offers it. Timebanking operates on the philosophy that helping your neighbor is valid and valued work and should be counted and credited. The spirit of the time exchange is one of connecting people, building trusting relationships, and creating wealth as we build community.
Learn more here or call Bob Bailey at 774-955-0551.

Bristol County Conservation District Workshops for Farmers and Forestland Owners

Thursday, April 25, 8am – 4:30pmSouth Rehoboth Fire Department, 104 Pleasant Street, Rehoboth, MA
Building Healthy Soils: The Benefits to Your Farm
Workshop designed to help farmers who grow vegetables, fruit and field crops, as well as grass-based livestock operations, to build healthier soils.
“Building Healthy Soils on Your Farm” will focus on the soil’s capacity to function as a vital living system that sustains plant, animal and human health. Soil Health experts for the workshop are Ray Archuleta – a.k.a. Ray The Soil Guy – and David Lamm from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s National Soil Health Team in Greensboro, North Carolina, as well as Tom Akin, NRCS Massachusetts Conservation Agronomist. The day will include hands-on demonstrations, classroom presentations and field exercises.
Ruth Hazzard of the UMass Extension Vegetable Team will cover the economics of soil health, the benefits of deep zone tillage, and cover crops for soil health at the western Massachusetts session. Dr. Jude Boucher, UConn Extension Educator for Agricultural & Commercial Vegetable Crops will cover the same topics at the southeastern Massachusetts session.
Registration fee: $20 per person (includes lunch). Space is limited. Sponsored by NRCS, UMass. Extension, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research (SARE) and the Bristol County Conservation District.
To register for the April 25th workshop in Rehoboth, send your name, address, phone and e-mail address with a check payable to BCCD, to the Bristol County Conservation District, 84 Center St, Dighton, MA 02715. For more information, contact: Sue Guiducci, 508-990-2854, or EMail.

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Save The Date

Paper Shredding Day for Southcoast Businesses and Residents

Saturday, April 27, 9am – Noon Parking lot across from New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and North 6th Streets
Businesses and residents of New Bedford and the surrounding communities are welcome to bring paper to be shredded (e.g. bank statements, medical forms, insurance forms, retired tax forms, receipts, personal files). There is a charge of $5 per box for a standard size box used to hold reams of paper. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders. Shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels. Learn more here. Call (508) 979-1493 for more information.

Composting, Vermaculture, and Compost Tea

Saturday, April 27, 9am – 12:30pm Warwick, RI
Reinhard Sidor will lead a hands-on demonstration of hot composting, worm composting (Vermiculture) and making actively aerated compost tea for foliar and soil application. Reinhard will explain the benefits of making and using your own compost from yard and kitchen waste. Compost can be used in container gardening, food and ornamental gardens as mulch and fertilizer, to improve soil quality. Compost increases plant vitality, disease resistance and can reduce pest damage. Use of shredded oak leaves as a landscape mulch will be shown. Also discussed will be the mulching of oak leaves into the lawn rather than composting or bagging them. The program will be held on a residential property which generates over 10 cubic yards of compost each year instead of sending away 300 leaf bags. Compost piles in various stages will be seen, including hot compost piles.
The program is limited to 15 attendees, plus 2 volunteers. Scholarships are available for the 2 volunteers who will visit the site the previous Saturday to help set up a hot compost pile and gain a more intense composting experience. (Apply for scholarships here.) Participants should dress to build and turn compost piles and spread finished compost. The program will happen in sun to light rain with no rain date. If you bring an empty 1-gallon container you can bring home a a gallon of compost tea. Workshop fee is $40. Register via email. For questions, call Sanne Kure-Jensen at (401) 369-3303.
Reinhard Sidor has a doctorate in Environmental Health Sciences from Harvard, and formerly maintained a 25-acre wine grape vineyard. He has experience with small fruits, vegetable gardening, and landscape maintenance Reinhard has completed the NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional program and is a URI Master Gardener and Master Composter.
Learn more here.

Buttonwood Park Zoo presents: Insect Investigations

Saturday, April 27, 1pm – 4pm Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA
Do you love insects? We love insects! Join us to learn about several public science projects. We’ll focus on insect programs like the Lost Ladybug Project, BeeSpotter and Monarch Watch but we’ll have information on others (Frog Watch, Bird Feeder Watch and Bud Burst) depending on your interest. Join us for catch-and-release insect hunts at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Crafts and other activities will be on-going from 1 – 4. Find out how you can become a citizen scientist and help our native animals and plants! Learn more here.

Cherry Blossom Friendship Festival

Sunday, April 28, Noon – 4pm Cooke Memorial Park, Pilgrim Ave., Fairhaven, MA
Sponsored by the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, the afternoon includes a bento box lunch, tea and dessert; bonsai and kimono display; entertainment; tours of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship House and the Fairhaven Colonial Club; dedication of a “Peace Pole.” Entertainment will include Lakeville Youth Taiko (Japanese drumming), Fairhaven elementary school singers, Festival Singers, Kamishibai (paper theater) “The Story of Manjiro” and more.
A limited number of tickets are available. The price is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. To reserve tickets call Gerry at 508-995-1219 or email here. A shuttle is planned with parking at Fairhaven High School.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: There’s Fungus Among Us

Monday, April 29, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Mycology is a growing agricultural practice that can nutritionally substitute some of our meat consumption. We will inoculate a medium to begin this funky process!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Sunrise Hike

Thursday, May 2, 6am – 7:30am Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
This is a hike for all of you early birds. Join a Lloyd Center naturalist on a walk through our property to watch what happens in the morning as the forest wakes up. Bring binoculars if you have them and be ready to spot some of the wildlife in our area as they come to life in the early morning.
Price: Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Preregister by Tuesday, April 30. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

New Economy: Generating True Wealth with Keynote Juliet Schor, author of Plenitude

Thursday, May 2, 8:30am – 12:30pm Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine St., Fall River
In Plenitude economist and bestselling author Juliet B. Schor offers a groundbreaking intellectual statement about the economics and sociology of ecological decline, suggesting a radical change in how we think about consumer goods, value, and ways to live. Humans are degrading the planet far faster than they are regenerating it. As we travel along this shutdown path, food, energy, transport, and consumer goods are becoming increasingly expensive. The economic downturn that has accompanied the ecological crisis has led to another type of scarcity: incomes, jobs, and credit are also in short supply.
In encouraging us to value our gifts – nature, community, intelligence, and time – Schor offers the opportunity to participate in creating a world of wealth and well-being.

In addition to Juliet Schor, a panel representing innovative local businesses and organizations will discuss how they are already working towards creating a stronger local economy. Finally, a breakout session will allow presenters and attendees to get together and discuss how they might best integrate sustainable practices into their organizations and potentially create new ones.

Sponsored by the Institute for Sustainability and Post-Carbon Education at Bristol Community College, The Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability and The UMASS Dartmouth Office of Campus and Community Sustainability. This event includes morning refreshments. It is free and open to the public. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6958

Nasketucket Bay Bike Tour

Sunday, May 5, 10am – 1pm Brandt Beach Ave, Mattapoisett, MA
Tour the Nasketucket Bay watershed on this nine-mile guided bike tour hosted by the Bay Coalition’s land protection staff. The tour will begin at the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking lot on Brandt Beach Ave, heading along the Phoenix/Mattapoisett Bike Path to a nature overlook on Sconticut Neck Road. There, participants will take a snack break and learn about the Bay Coalition’s project to protect 400 acres of land around Nasketucket Bay. Then the group will head back to the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking area.
$5/person members $10/person non-members Children 12 and under: Free
Reservations Required. Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Sustainable Cities Series Keynote – Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: the Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World

Thursday, May 9, 6pm – 7pm Grand Library Reading Room at Claire T. Carney Library, UMass Dartmouth
As we wean ourselves from fossil fuels and realize the environmental costs of suburban sprawl, we will see that small cities offer many assets for sustainable living not shared by their big city or small town counterparts: population density (and the capacity for more); fertile, nearby farmland available for local agriculture, windmills, and solar farms; and manufacturing infrastructure and workforce skill that can be repurposed for the production of renewable-energy technology.
Learn more about the author here. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

Bristol County Conservation District Workshops for Farmers and Forestland Owners

Saturday, May 11, 10amTBA, Dartmouth, MA
Mushroom Culture Workshop & Forestry Stewardship Program
Cultivated mushrooms are bringing in from $11-$15/lb. at farmers markets. Want to offer something new to your customers? Here’s how:
The Bristol County Conservation District will be offering a unique opportunity for farmland and forestland owners to learn about the Forestry Stewardship Program and agroforestry. Phil Benjamin and Tom Farrell, forestry consultants will be on hand to explain the benefits of and answer questions about the Forestry Stewardship Program and Tim Tucker from NRCS will be there to illustrate how you can add value to your forest. Tim will walk you through the initial process of mushroom culture. Each participant will take home a log which they have learned how to inoculate with shitake spawn and has the ability to produce for 5 years..
Registration fee: $20 per person (includes lunch). Space is limited to 20. Sponsored by NRCS, UMass. Extension, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research (SARE) and the Bristol County Conservation District.
For more information, contact: Sue Guiducci, 508-990-2854, or EMail.

Roots Down Organic Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, May 15, 7pm How on Earth Grocery Store, 62 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett
Presented by Brix Bounty Farm
Focus on Biology: Sustaining Life in the Soil – Keys to Building Healthy Soil Biology to Harness Nature’s Bounty
This workshop is being offered to assist new and experienced gardeners gain a deeper understanding of methods used in healthy food production. To strengthen local food security for our community. To increase the yield and nutritional quality of your produce. To build community knowledge and skills.
For more information please contact Brix Bounty Farm at 508-992-1868. Learn more here.

Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse?

ONGOING

Now through May 19 The Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA
The Women’s Caucus for Art presents the exhibition Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse? Co-President for New York WCA, Marcia Annenberg, states: “this exhibit seeks to raise awareness of the imminent danger of uncontrolled climate change, caused by an excessive dependency on fossil fuels… It is our generation that has been called to this task.”

To paraphrase Eleanor Heartney, “…the thoughtful works that comprise this exhibit present questions, such as ‘How do we balance economic development, environmental protection, and geopolitical stability in an ever more precarious world? What are we willing to give up today to avoid catastrophe tomorrow? Where should we commit our resources? How should we define our social and economic priorities?’” The variety of perspectives of the artists involved employ photography, video, painting, and sculpture. These artists reinforce the paradox at the center of our environmental predicament. Heartney notes, human creativity and innovation are at the root of our difficulties, but they are also the source of our potential salvation.

Located in Fall River, Massachusetts’ waterfront district, The Narrows Center for the Arts is on the top floor of an attractive old mill building with spectacular views of Fall River’s pier, the Braga Bridge and Battleship Cove. The Center’s wonderfully sunlit space provides superb acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance for events and programs. The space is divided into 4 areas: The Narrows Gallery, the Performance Area, the Narrows Cafe and Artist Studios. The mission of the Narrows Center is to promote and develop an appreciation of the visual arts and the performing arts. To create and develop an artistic and cultural center for the benefit of the public at large and the citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Learn more about the event here.

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Announcements

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

Seven Ways to Reuse Wine Corks

Ask your local bartender to save wine corks for you, because you’ll need at least 800 for one of these projects. Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

How to Make Fire Cloth

I’m sure you’re already familiar with cotton balls and Vaseline being an excellent tinder for starting fires. Recently though, I’ve been updating/upgrading my EDC kit and wanted to make a more compact and comprehensive one. Since the cotton balls were a little bulky/greasy for my new kit, I needed something flatter and drier. Enter fire cloth. Learn more here.

Global News

New study shows dramatic fall in number of rivers in China

The number of rivers in China with catchment areas of at least 100 square kilometres has dropped by more than 50 per cent compared with 60 years ago, a landmark survey on national water resources reveals. China’s Ministry of Water Resources released its first ever national census of water – conducted by up to 800,000 surveyors. The official study said there were 22,909 rivers in China which had catchment areas of at least 100 sq km – as of the end of 2011. This is less than half the government’s previously estimated figure of over 50,000.

The large fall in the number of these rivers has prompted fears that China’s rapid economic development has also caused considerable water and soil loss. The study revealed that China had over 93,000 reservoirs, but warned it had a limited ability to regulate and control water resources due to their small water capacities. Read more here.

India’s largest copper smelter ignites toxic debate

“First people said there was a gas leak, and then someone said Sterlite seemed to have opened up something, and that’s the cause of the throat burning,” said Puneeta, 32, who is married to a fisherman in this port town near the southern tip of India. She was referring to Sterlite Industries, a unit of London-based Vedanta Resources, which operates India’s biggest copper smelter a few miles away, and which has been shut by authorities despite the firm denying the smelter was to blame for the emissions The plant employs 4,000 and supports thousands more jobs indirectly. But since opening in 1996 it has split this coastal city between residents who say it is crucial for the local economy and farmers and fishermen who see it as a health hazard.

Similar debates are playing out across India where disputes over safety, the environment and livelihoods overshadow the efforts of Asia’s third-largest economy to industrialize. Sterlite denied the smelter, which makes half the copper India produces every year, was the source. The smelter’s general manager of projects said there were no emissions at the time because the plant was starting up after two days of maintenance, not producing copper, and high readings in the smokestack were likely a result of workers recalibrating the sensors. Sulphur dioxide emissions can cause acid rain, although the impact on weather patterns is more complex, scientists say. U.S. advocacy group the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide in 2010 said a soil sample taken from outside a house near the plant contained arsenic levels ten times that considered safe in Britain, as well as high quantities of toxins such as cadmium. Read more here.

Is Israel Denying Palestinians Equal Water Access?

According to Palestinian rights group al-Haq, some 313,000 Palestinians across 113 communities in the occupied West Bank are not connected to a water network. In 1967, the year Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, water resources were brought exclusively under Israeli control. Al-Haq says since then, Palestinians have been denied access to their rightful share of water and have been severely restricted in their ability to develop their water resources. According the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the practice of demolishing Palestinian wells and water reserves in the West Bank has intensified in recent years, with over 200 structures demolished between 2009 and 2011. And permits are nearly impossible to obtain.

Musa, a father of six children, says three years ago he tried to build a rainwater cistern in his field, but the Israeli authorities quickly issued it with a demolition order, citing a lack of a building permit. Musa says if they had access to sufficient, affordable water, his family would be able to live off their ancestral field, selling their grapes, olives and fruit in nearby markets. “They don’t want us to plant or grow anything, they just want us to have barely enough water for drinking and that’s it,” Musa says looking at the unfinished, empty hole in the ground. Under the Oslo agreements signed in 1993, Israel controls the vast majority of West Bank water resources by retaining full control over “Area C,” 60% of the West Bank where the water is most plentiful. International and local rights groups say Israel allocates far more water to Israeli citizens and Jewish settlers than to the Palestinians. Read more here.

You can also read the report that influenced this article “Water for One People Only: Discriminatory Access and ‘Water-Apartheid’ in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,”

Climate Change Hurts Wine Production, Study Shows

Climate change will threaten grape growing, leading to dramatic production declines in the world’s top wine regions, researchers predict in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Major wine regions saw declines in production under both scenarios. The most dramatic decline is predicted for Europe, where researchers estimate an 85 percent decrease in production in the Bordeaux and Rhone valley regions in France, Tuscany in Italy. The study estimates anywhere between 19 percent and 73 percent of the land currently suitable for grape-growing in major wine regions will no longer be appropriate for viticulture by 2050.

Suitability is forecast to decline in many traditional wine-producing regions, including in Bordeaux and Rhone, Tuscany, California’s Napa Valley and Chile. Meanwhile, northern regions in North America and Europe as well as central China will see increases in suitability for viticulture. Such climate changes could lead to conflicts in land use and freshwater ecosystems as wine grape producers move their operations to new areas, the study says. Vineyards could be established at higher elevations, increasing impacts on upland ecosystems and leading to the destruction of natural vegetation as large sections of land is cleared to accommodate wine production operations. Read more here.

Also read this more extensive article from Wired.com What Climate Change Means for Wine Industry

Also read Your Wine Habit Is Threatening Endangered Pandas

Italy seizes 43 wind and solar power companies from Mafia ‘Lord of the Wind’

An Italian court ordered mafia assets to be seized from Sicily’s “Lord of the wind” today – the largest such confiscation in the country’s history. The court in Trapani ordered the record amount of assets – which included dozens of alternative energy companies – to be taken from Vito Nicastri, a businessman with known links to the Sicilian Mafia, which is also known as the Cosa Nostra.

Nicastri, who earned his nickname through his interests in vast wind farms, invested money made from extortion, drug sales and other illegal activities for the Sicilian Mafia’s most sought-after fugitive, Matteo Messina Denaro, who is believed to be the Cosa Nostra’s head boss. In 2010, it emerged that Cosa Nostra was attempting to take millions of euros from both the Italian government and the European Union by snatching the generous grants on offer for investment in wind power and environmentally-friendly business. General Antonio Girone, then head of the national anti-Mafia agency DIA, said Mr Nicastri had built up a huge alternative energy business at the behest of the organised crime syndicate. Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• World’s Largest Fast Food Conglomerate Finally Agrees to Green Packaging and Forest Sourcing Policy
• Does Human Urine Added to Compost Boost Crops?
• Isolated Coral Reefs Can Heal Themselves From Bleaching

National News

Nike, North Face, eBay, IKEA, Levi’s Among Companies Urging Congress for Climate Regulation

As President Obama prepares to unveil his budget for the coming year, 33 multinational companies, including eBay, IKEA, L’Oreal, Nike and Limited Brands, have signed a “Climate Declaration” urging federal policymakers to take action on climate change. By taking part in the declaration, the companies are asserting that a bold response to the climate challenge is one of the greatest American economic opportunities of the 21st century. Signatories of the Climate Declaration are among the country’s best-known consumer brands, including EMC Corporation, Jones Lang LaSalle, the North Face, the Portland Trail Blazers, Timberland and Unilever, among others. Through an ongoing campaign organized by Ceres and its BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy) coalition, other leading businesses and individuals will be encouraged to sign the Declaration and join the call to action.

“The signers of the Climate Declaration have a clear message for Washington: Act on climate change. We are, and it’s good for our businesses,” said Anne Kelly, Director of BICEP. “The cost of inaction is too high. Policymakers should see climate change policy for what it is: an economic opportunity.” Together, the companies provide approximately 475,000 U.S. jobs and generate a combined annual revenue of approximately $450 billion. Extreme weather events such as Hurricane Sandy have affected the operations of several signatories and exposed the U.S.’ economic vulnerability to climate change. Read more here

Monsanto threatens to sue the entire state of Vermont

Lawmakers in Vermont are looking to regulate food labels so customers can know which products are made from genetically modified crops, but agricultural giants Monsanto say they will sue if the state follows through. If the bill in question, H-722 (the “VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act”) passes the state Senate and House, manufacturers will be required to label products that are created either partially or in full from a genetically modified organism, or GMO. Such man-made crops have become a trademark of the billion-dollar Monsanto corporation, and in the past the company has gone to great lengths to keep themselves the number-one name in American agriculture, even if those profits are made possible from playing God.

With Vermont legislators now standing in the way of what could mean even more money for Monsanto, the company says they will sue the state if H-722 is approved. Now in fear of a lawsuit in the future, lawmakers in Vermont have put a hold on any future voting regarding the bill. If history is any indication, Monsanto is more than likely to have their way and win yet another battle. Read more here.

Also read Kansas’s Self-Destruct Button: A Bill to Outlaw Sustainability (Not Kidding)

Also watch this video about The State of Missouri Banning UN Agenda 21 on Sustainability

A Political War Brews Over ‘Food For Peace’ Aid Program

America’s policies on food aid are singularly generous – and also unusually selfish. On the generous side, the U.S. spends roughly $1.5 billion every year to send food abroad, far more than any other country. On the other hand, the rules for this program, known as , ensure that much of the money stays in American hands. Most of the food, which commonly includes wheat, corn and soy meal, and vegetable oil, has to be bought from U.S. farmers, processed here and delivered to its destination by U.S. shippers. That eats up money and time. , who ran the U.S. Agency for International Development under President George W. Bush, says the results can be tragic. “I’ve run these operations, and I know that food aid often gets there after everyone’s dead,” he says.

Sometimes food is available for sale much closer to the disaster, Natsios says. If U.S. food aid money could be used to buy that food, instead of shipping it from the U.S., it could save lives. A decade ago, Natsios started a to reform Food for Peace. He pushed for a change that would allow up to a quarter of the program’s budget to be distributed as cash that humanitarian groups could use to buy food wherever they needed it. Read more here.

Keystone Pipeline Opponents Cite State Dept. Funny Business & Oozing Oil To Demand (Further) Review

TransCanada, the Calgary-based energy conglomerate behind the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project, has often stumbled in trying to win the hearts and minds of Americans. It has, for example, infuriated property-rights advocates from Montana to Texas by aggressively invoking eminent domain when landowners in the pipeline’s planned path refuse to grant easement. The company’s mixed record of leaky pipelines, too, has not helped to turn skeptics into supporters of its 2,000-mile Keystone project, which would ship a heavily processed (and environmentally suspect) petroleum product from Alberta to the Gulf Coast.

But if executives at TransCanada felt they had successfully weathered the worst of what has been a uniquely acrimonious, five-year battle with environmentalists and other critics of the project — a feeling surely augmented by recent suggestions that President Barack Obama was likely to approve the contentious pipeline — events of the last week or so will have curbed their enthusiasm. A coalition of environmental and public interest groups fired off a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and the State Department’s Inspector General, Harold Geisel, demanding a probe into the agency’s handling of its widely criticized environmental review of the proposed project. Chief among the charges: that the third-party contractor hired to conduct the analysis, Environmental Resources Management, effectively lied when asked by the State Department, in a screening questionnaire, whether it had any potential conflicts of interest. The State Department, meanwhile, was lax in overlooking the discrepancy, the groups said. Read more here.

Also read Canadian government learns from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy about how to stifle dissent

You can also check out new ad campaign videos attacking Keystone XL titled ‘All Risks, No Reward’.

Taping of Farm Cruelty Is Becoming the Crime

On one covert video, farm workers illegally burn the ankles of Tennessee walking horses with chemicals. Another captures workers in Wyoming punching and kicking pigs and flinging piglets into the air. And at one of the country’s largest egg suppliers, a video shows hens caged alongside rotting bird corpses, while workers burn and snap off the beaks of young chicks. Each video – all shot in the last two years by undercover animal rights activists – drew a swift response: Federal prosecutors in Tennessee charged the horse trainer and other workers, who have pleaded guilty, with violating the Horse Protection Act. Local authorities in Wyoming charged nine farm employees with cruelty to animals. And the egg supplier, which operates in Iowa and other states, lost one of its biggest customers, McDonald’s, which said the video played a part in its decision.

But a dozen or so state legislatures have had a different reaction: They proposed or enacted bills that would make it illegal to covertly videotape livestock farms, or apply for a job at one without disclosing ties to animal rights groups. They have also drafted measures to require such videos to be given to the authorities almost immediately, which activists say would thwart any meaningful undercover investigation of large factory farms. Some of the legislation appears inspired by the American Legislative Exchange Council, a business advocacy group with hundreds of state representatives from farm states as members. The group creates model bills, drafted by lobbyists and lawmakers, that in the past have included such things as “stand your ground” gun laws and tighter voter identification rules. One of the group’s model bills, “The Animal and Ecological Terrorism Act,” prohibits filming or taking pictures on livestock farms to “defame the facility or its owner.” Violators would be placed on a “terrorist registry.” Read more here.

Other National Headlines of Interest

• Farmer – Regulate Thyself: Agribusiness Takes Food Safety into Its Own Hands
• The Best and Worst States for Eating Locally
• A ‘great garbage patch’ grows in the Great Lakes

Voices

PETA’s Secret Slaughter of Animals. Warning: Shocking Photos

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an organization that publicly claims to represent the best interest of animals — indeed their “ethical treatment.” Yet approximately 2,000 animals pass through PETA’s front door every year and very few make it out alive. The vast majority — 96 percent in 2011 — exit the facility out the back door after they have been killed, when Pet Cremation Services of Tidewater stops by on their regular visits to pick up their remains. Between these visits, the bodies are stored in the giant walk-in freezer PETA installed for this very purpose. It is a freezer that cost $9,370 and, like the company which incinerates the bodies of PETA’s victims, was paid for with the donations of animal lovers who could never have imagined that the money they donated to help animals would be used to end their lives instead. In fact, in the last 11 years, PETA has killed 29,426 dogs, cats, rabbits, and other domestic animals.

Most animal lovers find this hard to believe. But seeing is believing. And if it is true that a picture speaks a thousand words, the following images speak volumes about who and what PETA really stands for. These pictures reveal the truth about PETA, a reality that is deeply at odds with the public’s perception of that organization as a radical animal rights group. In practice, PETA is the functional equivalent of a slaughterhouse, while their efforts to undermine the lifesaving work of animal lovers throughout the country continually derail urgently needed reforms that would further the rights of our nation’s homeless dogs and cats. Read more here.

Two Americas, Then and Now

During a speech at Stanford University in 1967, one year before he was assassinated, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “there are literally two Americas. One America is beautiful…overflowing with the milk of prosperity and the honey of opportunity. But tragically and unfortunately, there is another America. This other America has a daily ugliness about it that constantly transforms the ebullience of hope into the fatigue of despair. In this America millions of work-starved men walk the streets daily in search for jobs that do not exist. In this America millions of people find themselves living in rat-infested, vermin-filled slums. In this America people are poor by the millions. They find themselves perishing on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.”

Not much has changed since 1967. Take a look at these charts about American poverty from King’s day through today using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. When King delivered his “Two Americas” speech, a household in the top five percent income bracket was at least six times wealthier than a household in the bottom twenty percent. Since the late 1960s, the rich have been growing wealthier far more quickly than the poor. Read more here.

Margaret Thatcher: Her Influence on Today’s Environmental Movement

Margaret Thatcher will be remembered for her short lived “green period” in the late 1980s when she helped put climate change (or global warming as it was then known), acid rain and pollution on to the mainstream political map. Tutored by Sir Crispin Tickell, British ambassador to the UN in New York, she made several dramatic environment speeches. But her enthusiasm for green issues soon evaporated. The free market economics that her governments espoused dramatically changed the green face of Britain. In a series of controversial privatisations, her ministers encouraged urban sprawl by approving massive out-of-town supermarket developments, deregulated or privatised the bus services, spent billions of pounds on new roads but little on rail transport, and handed ownership of water and waste to global corporations.

The greatest outcry was when she privatised water and sewerage in 1987. Until then, water had been seen very much as a human right, to be owned by no one and made available by public bodies for as little money as possible. But 10 major new water companies were formed and sold off at a massive discount with their debts written off and a “green” dowry. As predicted, the price of water prices increased 50% in the first four years and the most companies were heavily fined for pollution incidents. To this day, Britain is the only major country in the world to have fully privatised its water. Thatcher’s influence on the environment and development of third world countries was even more profound. Britain, with the US, led World Bank, IMF and World Trade Organisation moves throughout the 1980s to force more than 100 indebted countries to deregulate their industries, open up markets, privatise state-owned industries and prevent governments from managing basic services such as health, education or water. These now widely discredited “structural adjustment” programmes opened the way for global mining, farming and forestry companies to exploit natural resources in developing countries on a massive scale as well as to undermine local markets by dumping staples like rice and change diets. The result, say critics, was to swell the slums, increase poverty and greatly degrade environments. Read more here.

Why Americans Are So Ignorant — There Are Some Understandable Reasons for it

One thing that can be said is that this is not an abnormal state of affairs. As has been suggested in prior analyses, ignorance of non-local affairs (often leading to inaccurate assumptions, passive acceptance of authority, and illogical actions) is, in fact, a default position for any population. To put it another way, the majority of any population will pay little or no attention to news stories or government actions that do not appear to impact their lives or the lives of close associates. If something non-local happens that is brought to their attention by the media, they will passively accept government explanations and simplistic solutions. The primary issue is “does it impact my life?” If it does, people will pay attention. If it appears not to, they won’t pay attention.

The strong adherence to ideology and work within a bureaucratic setting can also greatly narrow one’s worldview and cripple one’s critical abilities. In effect, a closely adhered to ideology becomes a mental locality with limits and borders just as real as those of geography. In fact, if we consider nationalism a pervasive modern ideology, there is a direct connection between the boundaries induced in the mind and those on the ground. Bureaucracies position the worker within closely supervised departments where success equates with doing a specific job according to specific rules. Within this limited world, one learns not to think outside the box, and so, except as applied to one’s task, critical thinking is discouraged and one’s worldview comes to conform to that of the bureaucracy. That is why bureaucrats are so often referred to as cogs in a machine. That American ignorance is explainable does not make it any less distressing. At the very least it often leads to embarrassment for the minority who are not ignorant. Take for example the facts that polls show over half of American adults don’t know which country dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, or that 30 percent don’t know what the Holocaust was. We might explain this as the result of faulty education; however, there are other, just as embarrassing, moments involving the well educated. Read more here.

Local News

Lack of SouthCoast rail money would be ‘economic injustice’

BOSTON – As legislators debate a $500 million transportation finance bill, Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray is working to convince them funding for the South Coast rail project needs to be part of the equation, calling its absence an “economic injustice” for an underserved area ignored for too long. Murray told the News Service he is surprised and frustrated that funding for the commuter rail service expansion project was not included in the transportation plan legislative leaders unveiled last week, and said he and others in the Patrick administration are going to continue to “try to make the case” for the rail project that will link New Bedford and Fall River to Boston.

The House began debate this week on a proposal that dedicates new revenue to infrastructure investments, addresses the latest budget gap at the MBTA, and ends the long-running practice of borrowing to pay transportation employees’ salaries. Murray is pushing for funds for the South Coast Rail project, estimated to cost $1.8 billion to $2 billion to build, and $36 million to $40 million to operate, according to MassDOT officials. Read more here.

Read update on SouthCoast Rail plan, Last-minute Amendment to House Transportation Bill opens the door to funding for SouthCoast Rail, but doesn’t actually include any money for it yet.

Also read House leaders make UMass tuition freeze a ‘priority’ in budget proposal

Energy Department nominee Ernest Moniz backs from Fall River

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s choice to lead the Energy Department pledged to increase use of natural gas as a way to combat climate change even as the nation seeks to boost domestic energy production. Ernest Moniz, a Fall River native and physics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said “a stunning increase” in production of domestic natural gas in recent years was nothing less than a “revolution” that has led to reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that cause global warming.

The natural gas boom also has led to a dramatic expansion of manufacturing and job creation, Moniz told the Senate Energy Committee. Even so, Moniz stopped short of endorsing widespread exports of natural gas, saying he wanted to study the issue further. A recent study commissioned by the Energy Department concluded that exporting natural gas would benefit the U.S. economy even if it led to higher domestic prices for the fuel. Read more here

R.I. Renewable Energy Laws Among the Best

Rhode Island has one of the most comprehensive – and best – packages of renewable energy laws in the United States. These laws have been enacted by the General Assembly during the past nine years and have, for the most part, worked out exactly the way they were intended. While it’s true that much more will need to be done if we are to reach our goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, it’s also true that Rhode Island is a national leader in renewable energy.

The following is a look at four major renewable energy statutes in Rhode Island: Read more here

Cambridge giving start-ups protection in Kendall Square

Cambridge, eager to preserve Kendall Square as a hothouse of innovation, is poised to become the first community in the country to require commercial developers to set aside lower-cost offices for start-up companies and budding entrepreneurs. The move is prompted by growing concerns that Kendall is fast becoming a victim of its own success. Increasingly the small, cutting-edge start-ups that give the neighborhood its vibe and cachet are being forced out by skyrocketing rents as more big technology and drug companies claim the little available office space there. “We face the challenge of Kendall Square being loved to death,” said Brian Murphy, assistant city manager for community development. It’s one of the “healthiest and most vibrant economies in the country, if not the world,” he said. “And we need space, and room to grow.”

City officials approved a massive redevelopment plan by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to build some 1 million square feet of offices, labs, apartments, and retail on its vast property holdings in Kendall. MIT is required to set aside 5 percent of any new construction for so-called innovation office space, which will offer flexible lease terms, lower office rents, and amenities such as shared Wi-Fi service to qualifying start-ups. And city officials said they expect to soon follow through and apply the 5 percent set aside to every commercial property owner that wants to build in Kendall. Over the past decade, Kendall has grown from an insular neighborhood of research laboratories, drug makers, and a few of software firms to a mecca for techies, and now counts hundreds of budding high-tech and science companies and deep-pocketed venture capital firms. That buzz, as well as Kendall’s proximity to MIT and Harvard University, has attracted some of the biggest names in the computer and pharmaceutical industries. Read more here.

Unlicensed sober houses offer place after rehab

With opiate addiction reaching near-epidemic proportions on Cape Cod and across Massachusetts in the past decade, the number of sober homes has skyrocketed. The group homes encourage a sober lifestyle for their residents and fill a need for the growing population of addicts in early recovery. But the homes are often overcrowded boardinghouses operated by absentee landlords and managed by the addicts themselves. A 2012 study by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, confirmed the state has no regulatory authority over how sober homes operate. The federal Fair Housing Amendments Act limits the state’s authority to impose mandatory licensing, regulation, registration or certification on drug- and alcohol-free housing.

Unlike rehabilitation facilities, sober homes do not offer treatment for their residents. They typically charge between $100 and $200 per week in rent to tenants, who are often required by house managers to remain substance-free, attend 12-step meetings and submit to drug and alcohol screenings. Sober homes operate as a sort of underground network of people in recovery and people committed to helping addicts, said Raymond Tamasi, president and CEO of Gosnold, an addiction treatment and mental health services provider that runs several rehabilitation facilities on the Cape. But the addicts cannot stay in treatment forever, and sober homes provide a middle ground between treatment and a completely independent sober life. The transitional housing is often a necessary step for addicts in early recovery who need an environment where sobriety is the focus. This sometimes includes people who come from living environments where people are using drugs, people who have burned their bridges with family and friends, and people on parole or probation. Read more here.

‘Groundbreaking’ cancer study hits SouthCoast

“Two to three of us diagnosed with cancer will survive – we’re still working on that three-three ratio,” said Costa, an American Cancer Society volunteer at a local launch of the ACS’s Cancer Prevention Study-3, a nationwide study that will be enrolling participants in the SouthCoast in June. Although as a cancer survivor she is not able to enroll in the CPS-3 study, Costa said she plans to urge others to “put a little tape measure around your waist and help prevent cancer.” While the connection between waist size and cancer has been proven, many other causes for cancer remain anecdotal. Through CPS-3, researchers hope to change that.

The American Cancer Society’s study is the third major study the organization has conducted since the 1950s, when CPS-1 demonstrated the link between smoking and cancer. Locally, CPS-3 is supported by the city and Southcoast Health System, which will host enrollments at area facilities between June 4 and 6. CPS-3 seeks to enroll 300,000 participants to take part in the decades-long study, including some 400 in the area. The only criteria are that participants be between 30 and 65 years old, and not have been diagnosed with cancer. Read more here.

Leading UMass Dartmouth into the next chapter

The inauguration ceremony for University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Chancellor Divina Grossman was a highlight of a weeklong “Celebration of Transformation” Week at the university. It served as an important guidepost as the university enters the next stage in its development. While the inauguration ceremony was upbeat, there were also serious notes as Grossman pointed out the wide disparity in educational attainment in our area and the challenges that the university faces. While Massachusetts has the highest college degree attainment in the nation at 54 percent, just 14 percent of Fall River residents have a college degree.

UMass Dartmouth – along with Bristol Community College – plays a crucial role in making a college education attainable for local residents. Grossman also announced the launch of the university’s strategic planning process. “We have to reinvent a university of transformation and a university of innovation for our students and our region.” While the university was able to spend more during better times, today’s fiscal realities mean that Grossman is faced with a difficult challenge: Balancing the university’s proud tradition as a community economic and educational incubator, while also balancing the books in tighter times. Grossman, who was selected in part because of her ability to raise funds and also build community connections, seems to be up to the challenge. “It sounds simple and straightforward: We have to focus on students. Chronically plagued by low educational attainment and high unemployment, our region has lagged behind in economic prosperity in the commonwealth,” Grossman said of the challenges facing the SouthCoast. Read more here.

Barriers in approval of Taunton Zero Waste facility

TAUNTON – The state’s newly revised and soon-to-be-released Solid Waste Master Plan is putting a crimp on the plans of a waste recycling company to build a facility in Taunton. Pennsylvania-based Interstate Waste Technologies is taking a wait-and-see approach pending the release of a definitive version next month by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, according to attorney Rodney G. Hoffman. For more than a year Hoffman has acted as legal liaison between the city and both IWT and New York-based WeCare Organics – the two companies that last December signed a unique, two-party contract with the city, in which they would collaborate in building recycling and gasification facilities to replace the East Britannia Street municipal landfill set to close in 2015.

The DEP’s Pathway to Zero Waste plan aims to reduce landfill trash by roughly a third by 2020. And although it allows for “new technology” to convert up to 350,000 tons per year into fuel, that number falls short of the 500,000-ton minimum IWT has said it would need in order to be profitable to itself and the city. Another stumbling block is the state questioning whether there’s sufficient space for the gasoline-producing plant and WeCare’s transfer station and recycling facility on two pieces of land next to the Myles Standish Industrial Park. Read more here.

EPA’s Harbor remediation not as clean as it looks, advocates say

NEW BEDFORD – In 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency outlined a cleanup plan for the New Bedford Harbor with three specific overall goals: reducing the health risks of eating contaminated local seafood, reducing the risk of human contact with contaminated sediment and improving the quality of the harbor’s marine ecosystem. Now, advocates point to the EPA’s own planning figures and say that removing 900,000 cubic yards of contamination from the harbor is not enough to make it clean.

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the EPA’s plans to dispose of more than half the contaminated sediment in specially engineered holes in the harbor floor or bulkheads in the riverbanks. Those plans, and their critics, have been the focus of public debates about the EPA’s pending $366 million settlement with harbor contaminator AVX. In the past few months, advocates have reverted their attention to the EPA’s original cleanup standards, which have not changed in the past 15 years. Read more here.

Mass. Gears Up for Industrial Food Scrap Ban

Visitors to Blue Man Group shows are likely so overwhelmed they never think about the amount of food waste each show produces. Apparently, it’s a lot. Bananas, gelatin, marshmallows and cereal from performances used to be funneled into two Dumpsters parked behind Boston’s Charles Playhouse. But in 2010 all that changed. Company officials asked for help reducing the show’s waste stream from RecyclingWorks, a program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and managed by the nonprofit environmental organization Center for EcoTechnology (CET). Together they and the venue owner devised a system that annually diverts more than 42 tons of recyclables and food scrap from landfills and slashed collection costs by 70 percent.

That’s the type of success story Massachusetts officials want to hear more often, especially with the state’s ban on industrial food waste going into effect July 1, 2014. The ban targets commercial and industrial generators of more than a ton of food and organic scrap each week, including universities, hospitals, hotels, supermarkets, convention centers and large restaurants. By pushing the ban, DEP will advance the state’s goal of reducing waste by 30 percent, some 2 million tons, by 2020. Roughly 1.2 million of the total 6 million tons of annual waste is organic material. The state already annually diverts 100,000 tons, but wants to quadruple that amount in the coming years. Read more here.

Fairhaven official apologizes for turbine ‘suffering’

FAIRHAVEN – In a move that brought some in the audience to tears, Selectmen Chairman Charlie Murphy apologized to residents and called for a meeting of selectmen and the health board to discuss shutting down the town’s two wind turbines at night. Murphy said he hopes to provide some relief for the 57 families who have filed complaints about the turbines at the wastewater treatment plant on Arsene Street, including the noise they generate.

Any decision regarding the turbines would need to be made by the Board of Health, which is currently in limbo because the results of its April 1 election remain unresolved. Read more here.

Zagster bike-sharing launches at Cambridge Discovery Park

The Bulfinch Cos., a commercial real estate investment firm, said Zagster has just started providing bike-sharing services at Bulfinch’s Cambridge Discovery Park, a roughly 30-acre office and research campus located near the Alewife MBTA station in Cambridge. Zagster aims to be to bikes what Zipcar is to automobiles as it looks to convince hotels, universities, and apartment buildings that a bike-sharing program is a desirable amenity. In October, Zagster said it had raised $1 million in funding in a round led by LaunchCapital. For its part, Bulfinch is positioning Cambridge Discovery Park as an ideal venue for environmentally conscious office tenants who will benefit from the convenience of numerous on-site amenities.

“Bike sharing is the perfect amenity for Cambridge Discovery Park,” Michael Wilcox, vice president of leasing at Bulfinch, said in a statement. “We took many measures to ensure the property offered an abundance of green space, gave back to the environment, and had buildings that were LEED certified. Now, with Zagster, we’re helping to make sure that how tenants get to, from, and around the property is as sustainable as possible as well.” Other Zagster clients include the Hyatt Regency Cambridge hotel; University Park at MIT, a mixed-use complex in Cambridge that includes residences, offices, and retail; and One Back Bay, a residential building in Boston; said Timothy Ericson, cofounder and chief executive of Zagster. Read more here.

Audio: Environmental Defense Fund speaks about local sustainable fish species, catch shares

Editorial Page Editor Jim DeArruda holds an informal discussion with members of the ocean team at the Environmental Defense Fund. Discussed were efforts to bring local, sustainable fish into local institutions, ocean health, cod populations and catch shares. In attendance were Johanna Thomas and Timothy Fitzgerald of EDF, Jeremy Crockford, a media consultant for EDF, and DeArruda. Read more here.

Rochester Planning Board seeks to protect agriculture, farmers

The Rochester Planning Board is looking to protect local farmers while also encouraging a younger generation of growers to sell produce in town by amending the town’s farm and roadside stand bylaw. Planning Board Chair Arnie Johnson said the proposed changes to the bylaw would be more open to what could be sold at a roadside stand.

“Now, the bylaw states that the produce sold has to be grown on that property,” Johnson said. “We want to change it so that produce sold has to be grown in Rochester.” This, Johnson said, might encourage more people to set up a stand. “Somebody may not have the best location in town, but they want to sell produce. The changes would allow someone to sell stuff at a friend’s place, or another place in town,” Johnson said. Farm stands are classified as being more than 625 square feet, whereas a roadside stand would be smaller. Read more here.

What would Thoreau do? A closed dump, a proposed bus depot, and a dream of protected land

CONCORD — Henry David Thoreau took walks. He called it “sauntering” around Walden Pond, where he wrote about living in the wilderness between regular strolls into nearby Concord to deliver his dirty laundry to his mother and collect her apple pies. Time passed, and some of his sauntering trails were covered by a town garbage dump. A large muddy lot at the base of the now-closed dump is occupied by rotting compost piles, mounds of gravel, recycling dumpsters, and logs cleared from the last winter storm. A field of solar panels will bloom there this summer.

Now a proposal to locate a school bus depot there has pitted school officials against a conservation group that wants to preserve the memory of Thoreau’s trails. The group, the Walden Woods Project — started by Eagles rock star Don Henley, a Texan inspired by Thoreau as a teenager — has made Concord a tempting offer. We’ll pay you $2.8 million, the group says, if the town foregoes stationing its 36 yellow school buses on the land. “We want to conserve this because of its history, because of the potential for development, because of its key location in conserved land, because of its potential for wildlife and trail connectivity,” said Kathi Anderson, executive director of the Walden Woods Project. Read more here.

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This Week

AHA Night Presents: Sustainable SouthCoast

Thursday, April 11, 5pm – 8pm Downtown New Bedford, Various Locations
Spring has sprung, bringing with it new life, warmer weather and longer days. Mark your calendars for the April 11th AHA! Night when – just in time for Earth Day – our theme is “Sustainable SouthCoast.” Join us in celebrating the earth and explore how we can create a sustainable environment for ourselves and others. Hear what others in the community are doing and connect with groups who are making a commitment to positive change.
Celebrate Earth Eve with the largest People-Powered Parade in New England!! The climate is changing, and it’s time to make a statement. The evening will be filled with fun, as the group parades along the procession route with their eco-floats moving to the beat of the New Bedford All-City Middle School Marching Band and the UMass Steel Drum Ensemble. Eco-floats are anything a person or group can wear, roll, or carry along the procession route. The topics of this event are all about reducing, reusing, and recycling. All this begins at 5pm in front of the NB Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) The procession will begin at 5:30pm & travel through the downtown historic district. Plus don’t miss the crowning of Mother Earth and Father Ocean!

Sustainable SouthCoast at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill) – SEEAL’s 6th annual Shrink Your Footprint Fair will promote sustainable practices and local green businesses through informative displays, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and workshops. 6-8pm – SouthCoast Energy Challenge and 3rd EyE Unlimited host the 1st Annual Sustainable Living Film Festival. Local high school students were asked to create a 2-7 minute film with a “sustainable living” theme. The top 5 submissions will be shown.

There will be tons more activities from various local organizations and businesses all over the Downtown New Bedford area. All activities are FREE and open to the public. Learn more here

Green Building Tours

Thursday, April 11, 5pm – 8pm Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Discover and celebrate our local waterways during Sustainable SouthCoast AHA! Night at the Bay Learning Center. We will lead public tours of our green building, which serves as a model for sustainable historic renovation in downtown New Bedford, as well the newly installed Habitat outdoor eelgrass sculpture. Tours begin at 6pm and 7pm.
Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or email. Learn more here

Graduate Student Lecture Series: Sustainable Cities

Thursday, April 11, 6 – 7pm Claire T. Carney Library Grand Reading Room, UMass Dartmouth
“Measuring sustainability: an introduction to the SouthCoast Urban Indicators Project” – Colleen Dawicki, MPP Graduate 2012; Project Manager, Urban Initiative http://southcoastindicators.org.
Co-sponsored with The Department of Public Policy, The Center for Policy Analysis, The Urban Initiative, and the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement

Film Screening: Red Gold

Thursday, April 11, 7:30pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
At the headwaters of the Kvichak and the Nushagak Rivers in Bristol Bay Alaska – the two largest remaining sockeye salmon runs on the planet – mining companies Northern Dynasty and Anglo American have proposed to extract what may prove to be the richest deposit of gold and copper in the world. Filmmakers Ben Knight and Travis Rummel spent 70 days in Bristol Bay documenting the growing unrest among native, commercial and sport fishermen who oppose the proposed Pebble Mine as well as giving mine officials a chance to argue their case. The open-pit and underground Pebble Mine could require the largest dam ever constructed to contain toxic runoff from mine waste. Red Gold is a portrait of a unique way of life that would not exist if the salmon didn’t return with Bristol Bay’s tide. A discussion will follow the screening.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Herb Basket Workshop

Saturday, April 13, 9am – 5pm Greater Fall River Art Association, 80 Belmont St., Fall River
Get ready for spring by planning to attend an herb basket workshop by artist Sharon Owens at the Greater Fall River Art Association. The hand-woven basket will fit perfectly on most windowsills and will provide fresh herbs for use in culinary endeavors. The basket will measure 9 inches by 4 inches and will be created in colors of your choice. The material is reed and traditional woven. Herbs are rosemary, thyme, parsley, chive, oregano, and basil.
Herbs will be provided as part of the workshop fee of $65, which includes all materials and instructions. Attendees should bring a bagged lunch. Beverages will be provided. To register contact Sharon owens via e-mail.

Planning Your Home Garden

Saturday, April 13, 10am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport, MA
Early spring is the time to get your garden area ready for a new growing season. Get some helpful tips to help make this year’s garden beautiful, healthy, and productive. Workshop is FREE. Contact via email here or 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.

Opening Reception of Hands to the Loom: Weaving a Collective Memory

Sunday, April 14, Noon – 4pm Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA
Hands to the Loom: Weaving a Collective Memory is a project undertaken by the dyer and weaver, Rhonda Fazio, whose studio is located in Fall River at the Narrows Center for the Arts. It is a “call to arms and hands” to creatively reconnect the citizens of the South Coast with the regions historical textile legacy. Visitors will have the opportunity to share a word, memory, names, or tasks relating to the textile mills that were once a dominant piece of the city’s economic structure. The response of each participant will be written on a strip of cloth and woven into the artist’s loom by the individual. The project aims to reclaim the pre-industrial skill of hand weaving in a post-industrial community. It will result in a permanent piece of art, a woven memory, for the city of Fall River. For those who can’t attend the opening reception, the exhibit will be running from April 20 to November 2.
This project is supported, in part by a grant from the Fall River Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Contact via email here or 508-415-5101 for more information.
Learn more about the event here.

Become a Certified Crew Chief or BPI Building Analyst

Monday, April 15 – Friday, April 19, 9am – 4pm 1213 Purchase St (the Quest Building) New Bedford, MA
The Weatherization Crew Chief course is for those individuals that are already proficient as a weatherization installer and are ready to advance their knowledge of building science and develop themselves as supervisors. The “House as a System” concept, as well as crew and homeowner safety, is reinforced through complete BPI Building Analyst training. Additionally, training and best practices for air sealing and insulation installation will be provided.
COST: Register by April 1 and receive $100 off! Please note that there is a $600 credit for existing Mass Save Contractors. Group Discounts available.
$1,675 – Includes Classes and BPI Certified Testing
$1,075 (for current Mass Save Contractors)
$695 – BPI Certification and Re-certification Test Only Fee
Interested? For more information on scholarships and discounts, or to register contact: The UMass Dartmouth Weatherization Training Center via Email or call (508) 910 – 6484. Learn more here.

Roots Down Organic Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, April 17, 7pm How on Earth Grocery Store, 62 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett
Presented by Brix Bounty Farm
Focus on Chemistry: Full Spectrum Fertility – Essential Plant Nutrition for High Quality Fruit & Vegetable Production
This workshop is being offered to assist new and experienced gardeners gain a deeper understanding of methods used in healthy food production. To strengthen local food security for our community. To increase the yield and nutritional quality of your produce. To build community knowledge and skills.
For more information please contact Brix Bounty Farm at 508-992-1868. Learn more here.

Green Campus Day

Thursday, April 18, 9am – 2pm Woodland Commons Building at UMass Dartmouth
The Sustainability Office’s annual Green Campus Day is a recap of the year’s sustainability initiatives at UMass Dartmouth, while indicating what lies in the near future. Chancellor Divina Grossman will attend to honor awardees of this year’s Green Campus Awards.
This year marks the 5-year anniversary of UMass Dartmouth’s Sustainability Initiative, so there will be a special retrospective of the history of sustainable development at UMass Dartmouth.

Staff, students, faculty, administration, and colleagues from local/regional organizations will attend to highlight student and academic achievements, as well as outline new and ongoing campus projects, such as the Living Classroom forest project, gardening and permaculture, building performance renovations for all campus buildings, and the recently completed renovations of the University Library.

Scheduled events for Green Campus Day include a guided trail walk and tree identification workshop in the woodlands, a special sculpture unveiling, and a ‘Green’ tour of the Library’s renovations. From 11:30am – 1pm will be the Green Campus Awards, which recognizes those allies that have not only embraced the principles of sustainability, but have proven crucial to ensuring its fundamental role in the lives and operations of the entire UMass Dartmouth community.

All are welcome to attend. Contact the Sustainability Office at 508-910-6958 for more information. You can also learn more at our Facebook Event Page.

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Save The Date

Awaken the Dreamer: Changing the Dream

Friday, April 19, 8:30am – 3pm Bristol Community College, Ryckebusch Faculty/Staff Lounge on the 1st floor of the Commonwealth College Center (“G” Building)
BCC, in honor of Earth Week, is pleased to host a symposium – Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream. This enlightening program is an inspirational educational event developed by the Pachamama Alliance in response to the accelerating degradation of our planet. This symposium’s purpose is to help people bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet.
This important event is free to the public and includes a delicious “sustainable” lunch made mostly from local produce. Please register so that we can plan for sufficient materials and food. To register, e-mail Nancy Lee Wood or telephone 508-678-2811 x2043.
Learn more about this program here.

Film Screening: The Fish Belong to the People

Friday, April 19, 7pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
The Fish Belong to the People follows a group of family fishermen in Port Clyde, Maine as they work to save their fishing grounds from government, market structure, and themselves. With each passing season their way of life has slowly been extinguished by old ways of doing business that favors the most efficient and destructive ways of fishing over sustainability.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Outer-Cape Birding and Whale-Watching Hike

Saturday, April 20, 8am – 5pm Meeting Place: Shaw’s parking lot – Route 6 in Dartmouth
Venture by foot to the beaches of the outer cape to observe whale behavior at close range. Each spring whales congregate close to shore to feed on the abundant zooplankton, with high numbers of whales sometimes present. With luck, glimpses of the Endangered Right Whales are possible if this species is still in the area. The walk will take participants through Hatches Harbor to Race Point, passing through pitch pine forest, estuary, salt marsh, and dune habitats en route to the shore. In addition to whales, spectacular vistas and a diversity of birds are a feature of the trip. Time permitting, we’ll stop at other locations as well.
Be advised: For best views of whales, this outing is done entirely on foot and involves extensive walking along beaches and possibly intertidal areas. Participants should therefore be capable of a moderate to strenuous daylong hike of 4 to 5 miles (round trip).
Price: Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Preregister by Friday, April `9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 x 23, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo

Saturday, April 20, 10am – 4pm Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven
The Buzzards Bay Action Committee is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo. Bring your families and come and enjoy a wide variety of exhibits and demonstrations on sustainable activities for a healthy lifestyle that benefit you and the planet! Learn what you can do to protect Buzzards Bay and live lightly on the Earth. Explore exhibits and presentations for adults and children about composting, organic gardening, alternative energy, native plants, toxin-free cleaning, geocaching, feeding wild birds, and more at our first Buzzards Bay Earth Day Expo event! There will also be live music.
For more information, please contact Merilee Kelly, Acushnet Conservation Agent, at 508 998-0202 or via Email

Lost Arts Workshop Series: Ecological Design

Monday, April 22, 12pm – 1pm Campus Center Conference Room, UMass Dartmouth
RESCHEDULED from April 15 – Creating a working landscape using environmental principles can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, while saving money on maintenance costs. This workshop will show us how to maximize ecological potential using the UMass Dartmouth campus as a living laboratory. A return to the future will emphasize the inclusion of organic campus community gardens, berry bushes and orchards trees on campus to connect to the farming traditions on campus and to provide harvestable produce for the students, with habitat restoration and enhancement, and wetland bio-filtration.
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Joseph Ingoldsby via EMail or Katrina Semich via Email, or call 508-999-8932.

Lloyd Center Annual Meeting

Monday, April 22, 6pm Dartmouth Grange, 1133 Fisher Road, Dartmouth
Dr. Anamarija Frankic, Associate Director of the School for the Environment, and Director of the Green Harbors Project at the University of Massachusetts Boston, has accepted an invitation from the Lloyd Center for the Environment to address its upcoming Annual Meeting at the Dartmouth Grange.

Frankic is an adjunct professor at the Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Split, Croatia and Project Director at the Center for Governance and Sustainability at UMass Boston. She has been recently awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to establish a biomimicry program in Croatia. Frankic is a member of the advisory council at AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) and AAUW (American Association of the University Women). Her educational background in biology, ecology, limnology and marine science, guided her interdisciplinary work in coastal and watershed ecosystem management and restoration, nationally and internationally.

Members of the public are invited to a welcoming reception from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The brief “business” part of the Center’s Annual Meeting will be from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Dr. Frankic’s talk will begin at 7:00 p.m. Learn More Here

Bouchard Oil Spill: Ten Years Later

Tuesday, April 23, 6pm – 7PM Buzzards Bay Center, 114 Front St., New Bedford
During this free public talk, Bay Coalition Senior Attorney Korrin Petersen will discuss the progress that has been made protecting Buzzards Bay from oil spills in the 10 years since the 2003 Bouchard oil spill, which spilled 98,000 gallons of fuel oil in the Bay.
Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

3rd Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference and 2nd Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses Conference

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 8am – 4:30pm Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester, MA
SUSTAINABILITY: PRACTICES AND POSSIBILITIES
The annual Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference connects stakeholders from municipalities, college campuses, government, businesses and nonprofits. 75+ Speakers and 45+ Exhibitors share best practices and resources. Everyone wanting to learn more about best practices, current trends, and resources will find this conference timely, practical and valuable. The two conferences are the same day at the DCU Center. Attendees include hundreds of stakeholders from government, academia, business, non-profits and communities. You may attend either or both conferences.

Benefit from advance registration: $60. Registration after March 20 is $75. Students are $45. This registration fee covers keynote presentation, breakout sessions, exhibitors, lunch, breakfast, roundtable discussions, poster session and FREE raffle. Advance registration is recommended as previous conferences have filled. Pre-register here. Learn more here.

Empowering Young Women, Connecting to the Community

Wednesday, April 24, 9am – 11am Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Young women in Southeastern Massachusetts face unique challenges and opportunities. Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition in discussing obstacles and inspirations encountered by the women of today and yesterday. We will develop strategies for overcoming these obstacles and will focus our attention on building a community of strong South Coast women who know how to communicate their knowledge of and passion for this special part of the world. Workshop participants will be eligible to apply for a paid summer outreach internship with the Bay Coalition. The workshop and internships are made possible with support from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or email. Learn more here

Timebank All-Exchange Pot-Luck

Wednesday, April 24, 5:30PM – 7PM Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
All Time Exchange members, interested friends, and the general public are invited to share food, tell exchange stories, get to know each other, welcome newcomers, discover more about timebanking, (also called time exchange), and even join on the spot. We are hoping to also arrange a few, short, informal “Share & Tell” presentations by members. The Time Exchange is about bringing people together to become friends and find new ways to help each other as they give and get community service hours. We will meet and greet, then eat and visit. A brief introduction to the Time Exchange will be offered for those new to the timebanking idea. Those wishing to join will be able to participate in the quick orientation and get activated as members within 24 hours.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Time Exchange is a regional cooperative in which members post offers of things they can do and requests of things they need done. When a member finds a post of someone offering something they need, they contact them and arrange to make the exchange. Afterwards, the provider posts the exchange and the amount of time is credited to their “time credit account” and the recipients account is debited. While the system is online, computer savvy is not required. Coordinators and “computer buddies can assist anyone needing “real human” help.

Offers can be as informal as a chat by phone to a shut-in, or as elaborate as actual professional services such as tax consultation, legal, even medical services. Time is considered equal regardless of who offers it. Timebanking operates on the philosophy that helping your neighbor is valid and valued work and should be counted and credited. The spirit of the time exchange is one of connecting people, building trusting relationships, and creating wealth as we build community.
Learn more here or call Bob Bailey at 774-955-0551.

Paper Shredding Day for Southcoast Businesses and Residents

Saturday, April 27, 9am – Noon Parking lot across from New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and North 6th Streets
Businesses and residents of New Bedford and the surrounding communities are welcome to bring paper to be shredded (e.g. bank statements, medical forms, insurance forms, retired tax forms, receipts, personal files). There is a charge of $5 per box for a standard size box used to hold reams of paper. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders. Shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels. Learn more here. Call (508) 979-1493 for more information.

Composting, Vermaculture, and Compost Tea

Saturday, April 27, 9am – 12:30pm Warwick, RI
Reinhard Sidor will lead a hands-on demonstration of hot composting, worm composting (Vermiculture) and making actively aerated compost tea for foliar and soil application. Reinhard will explain the benefits of making and using your own compost from yard and kitchen waste. Compost can be used in container gardening, food and ornamental gardens as mulch and fertilizer, to improve soil quality. Compost increases plant vitality, disease resistance and can reduce pest damage. Use of shredded oak leaves as a landscape mulch will be shown. Also discussed will be the mulching of oak leaves into the lawn rather than composting or bagging them. The program will be held on a residential property which generates over 10 cubic yards of compost each year instead of sending away 300 leaf bags. Compost piles in various stages will be seen, including hot compost piles.
The program is limited to 15 attendees, plus 2 volunteers. Scholarships are available for the 2 volunteers who will visit the site the previous Saturday to help set up a hot compost pile and gain a more intense composting experience. (Apply for scholarships here.) Participants should dress to build and turn compost piles and spread finished compost. The program will happen in sun to light rain with no rain date. If you bring an empty 1-gallon container you can bring home a a gallon of compost tea. Workshop fee is $40. Register via email. For questions, call Sanne Kure-Jensen at (401) 369-3303.
Reinhard Sidor has a doctorate in Environmental Health Sciences from Harvard, and formerly maintained a 25-acre wine grape vineyard. He has experience with small fruits, vegetable gardening, and landscape maintenance Reinhard has completed the NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional program and is a URI Master Gardener and Master Composter.
Learn more here.

Buttonwood Park Zoo presents: Insect Investigations

Saturday, April 27, 1pm – 4pm Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford, MA
Do you love insects? We love insects! Join us to learn about several public science projects. We’ll focus on insect programs like the Lost Ladybug Project, BeeSpotter and Monarch Watch but we’ll have information on others (Frog Watch, Bird Feeder Watch and Bud Burst) depending on your interest. Join us for catch-and-release insect hunts at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Crafts and other activities will be on-going from 1 – 4. Find out how you can become a citizen scientist and help our native animals and plants! Learn more here.

Cherry Blossom Friendship Festival

Sunday, April 28, Noon – 4pm Cooke Memorial Park, Pilgrim Ave., Fairhaven, MA
Sponsored by the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, the afternoon includes a bento box lunch, tea and dessert; bonsai and kimono display; entertainment; tours of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship House and the Fairhaven Colonial Club; dedication of a “Peace Pole.” Entertainment will include Lakeville Youth Taiko (Japanese drumming), Fairhaven elementary school singers, Festival Singers, Kamishibai (paper theater) “The Story of Manjiro” and more.
A limited number of tickets are available. The price is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. To reserve tickets call Gerry at 508-995-1219 or email here. A shuttle is planned with parking at Fairhaven High School.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: There’s Fungus Among Us

Monday, April 29, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Mycology is a growing agricultural practice that can nutritionally substitute some of our meat consumption. We will inoculate a medium to begin this funky process!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Sunrise Hike

Thursday, May 2, 6am – 7:30am Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
This is a hike for all of you early birds. Join a Lloyd Center naturalist on a walk through our property to watch what happens in the morning as the forest wakes up. Bring binoculars if you have them and be ready to spot some of the wildlife in our area as they come to life in the early morning.
Price: Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Preregister by Tuesday, April 30. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

New Economy: Generating True Wealth with Keynote Juliet Schor, author of Plenitude

Thursday, May 2, 8:30am – 12:30pm Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine St., Fall River
In Plenitude economist and bestselling author Juliet B. Schor offers a groundbreaking intellectual statement about the economics and sociology of ecological decline, suggesting a radical change in how we think about consumer goods, value, and ways to live. Humans are degrading the planet far faster than they are regenerating it. As we travel along this shutdown path, food, energy, transport, and consumer goods are becoming increasingly expensive. The economic downturn that has accompanied the ecological crisis has led to another type of scarcity: incomes, jobs, and credit are also in short supply.
In encouraging us to value our gifts – nature, community, intelligence, and time – Schor offers the opportunity to participate in creating a world of wealth and well-being.

In addition to Juliet Schor, a panel representing innovative local businesses and organizations will discuss how they are already working towards creating a stronger local economy. Finally, a breakout session will allow presenters and attendees to get together and discuss how they might best integrate sustainable practices into their organizations and potentially create new ones.

Sponsored by the Institute for Sustainability and Post-Carbon Education at Bristol Community College, The Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability and The UMASS Dartmouth Office of Campus and Community Sustainability. This event includes morning refreshments. It is free and open to the public. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6958

Nasketucket Bay Bike Tour

Sunday, May 5, 10am – 1pm Brandt Beach Ave, Mattapoisett, MA
Tour the Nasketucket Bay watershed on this nine-mile guided bike tour hosted by the Bay Coalition’s land protection staff. The tour will begin at the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking lot on Brandt Beach Ave, heading along the Phoenix/Mattapoisett Bike Path to a nature overlook on Sconticut Neck Road. There, participants will take a snack break and learn about the Bay Coalition’s project to protect 400 acres of land around Nasketucket Bay. Then the group will head back to the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking area.
$5/person members $10/person non-members Children 12 and under: Free
Reservations Required. Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Sustainable Cities Series Keynote – Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: the Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World

Thursday, May 9, 6pm – 7pm Grand Library Reading Room at Claire T. Carney Library, UMass Dartmouth
As we wean ourselves from fossil fuels and realize the environmental costs of suburban sprawl, we will see that small cities offer many assets for sustainable living not shared by their big city or small town counterparts: population density (and the capacity for more); fertile, nearby farmland available for local agriculture, windmills, and solar farms; and manufacturing infrastructure and workforce skill that can be repurposed for the production of renewable-energy technology.
Learn more about the author here. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

Roots Down Organic Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, May 15, 7pm How on Earth Grocery Store, 62 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett
Presented by Brix Bounty Farm
Focus on Biology: Sustaining Life in the Soil – Keys to Building Healthy Soil Biology to Harness Nature’s Bounty
This workshop is being offered to assist new and experienced gardeners gain a deeper understanding of methods used in healthy food production. To strengthen local food security for our community. To increase the yield and nutritional quality of your produce. To build community knowledge and skills.
For more information please contact Brix Bounty Farm at 508-992-1868. Learn more here.

Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse?

ONGOING

Now through May 19 The Narrows Center for the Arts, 16 Anawan St., Fall River, MA
The Women’s Caucus for Art presents the exhibition Petroleum Paradox: For Better or For Worse? Co-President for New York WCA, Marcia Annenberg, states: “this exhibit seeks to raise awareness of the imminent danger of uncontrolled climate change, caused by an excessive dependency on fossil fuels… It is our generation that has been called to this task.”

To paraphrase Eleanor Heartney, “…the thoughtful works that comprise this exhibit present questions, such as ‘How do we balance economic development, environmental protection, and geopolitical stability in an ever more precarious world? What are we willing to give up today to avoid catastrophe tomorrow? Where should we commit our resources? How should we define our social and economic priorities?’” The variety of perspectives of the artists involved employ photography, video, painting, and sculpture. These artists reinforce the paradox at the center of our environmental predicament. Heartney notes, human creativity and innovation are at the root of our difficulties, but they are also the source of our potential salvation.

Located in Fall River, Massachusetts’ waterfront district, The Narrows Center for the Arts is on the top floor of an attractive old mill building with spectacular views of Fall River’s pier, the Braga Bridge and Battleship Cove. The Center’s wonderfully sunlit space provides superb acoustics, creating the perfect ambiance for events and programs. The space is divided into 4 areas: The Narrows Gallery, the Performance Area, the Narrows Cafe and Artist Studios. The mission of the Narrows Center is to promote and develop an appreciation of the visual arts and the performing arts. To create and develop an artistic and cultural center for the benefit of the public at large and the citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Learn more about the event here.

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Announcements

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

Be an Energy Detective, Slash Bills 20%

Save money on rising energy bills, while slashing your carbon footprint at the same time, with an energy monitoring device. A good example is The Energy Detective (TED), which starts at $139. Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

How to get rid of stink bugs

Call it what you will, the noxious smell of these bugs will make you gag and likely clear a room. The stink bug is a recent visitor to the United States, and it seems to like it here. As a consequence, many homeowners are wondering about how to get rid of stink bugs. Learn more here.

Global News

Greening the Internet: Is the Internet Too Hot for Data Centers to Handle?

The Internet may not consume nearly as much environmentally unfriendly fossil fuel as airplanes or automobiles, but the growth of cloud-based services offered by Apple, Netflix and others is forcing data centers to provide greater speed and more storage capacity. All of this size and speed comes at a price. Data centers generate a lot of heat that has to be whisked away by power-hungry air and liquid-cooling systems to keep the Internet’s engines from burning themselves out. Efforts to combat this growing power consumption have been lukewarm, points out Diego Reforgiato Recupero, a computer scientist and electrical engineer at Italy’s University of Catania. In the latest issue of the journal Science, he shows that Internet traffic volume doubles every three years, yet this increase in usage has not been matched by a similar increase in network energy efficiency. Citing data on projected energy use increases for telecoms and Internet service providers, Recupero says the world’s data centers will consume 19 percent more energy in 2013 than they did a year ago.

As more people watch movies, make phone calls and share video online, the computers that support these services run hotter and require more energy to cool down their equipment. But that is only part of the problem. Companies such as Netflix and Google (owner of YouTube) configure their data centers to handle peak levels of network activity, even when such spikes in traffic are rare, because they want to make sure you can watch streaming videos on their sites with minimal disruption. Having the machines at the ready consumes energy, generates heat and demands cooling, which adds to the energy used. To avoid becoming energy hogs and concomitantly adding more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, these data centers need to smarten up, literally, using new approaches. Read more here.

China’s losing battle against state-backed polluters

When Zijin Mining Group threatened to move its headquarters some 270 kms from its home county of Shanghang to Xiamen on China’s southeast coast, a local Communist Party boss rushed to confront the company’s chairman Chen Jinghe. “If you want to move, you’ll have to move the Zijin Mountain to Xiamen as well,” the official told Chen, referring to a vast local mine that has helped transform the firm into China’s top gold producer and second-biggest copper miner. The exchange, recited with some pride by local residents, reflects the anxieties felt by regional governments as they consider the prospect of losing their biggest cash-cows. It also highlights the challenges facing Beijing as it tries to take on entrenched local bureaucracies and the powerful state-owned polluters they sponsor and protect, with the central government desperate to address decades of chronic environmental damage and force growth-addicted provinces to raise standards.

“The problem is that they still chase profit,” said one resident outside a store near Zijin’s Shanghang headquarters who did not want to give his name. “Protecting the environment is like taking medicine, and they don’t want that.” Zijin Mining is one of China’s biggest state-owned firms, with projects in 20 provinces and seven countries. In 2010, it was rocked by two major pollution scandals that cost it millions of yuan in fines and compensation payments and battered the share price of its listed vehicles in Shanghai and Hong Kong. It had already been reprimanded by the Ministry of Environmental Protection for failing to meet standards and its reputation was now badly damaged. Read more here.

Also read China’s Air Pollution Linked To Millions Of Early Deaths

Biochar slashes bioenergy soil emissions

Applying so-called ‘biochar’ before planting energy crops can cut soil greenhouse-gas emissions by around a third. Soils are among the biggest sources of UK emissions, and this study adds to a growing body of evidence that charcoal could be part of the answer. ‘We’ve shown that adding biochar suppresses CO2 emissions very significantly over several years,’ says Sean Case, a PhD student at NERC’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) and lead author of the paper. ‘Previous studies have found this effect in the lab and over short periods, but this is the first time anyone has looked at bioenergy crops in the field, and at the effects of biochar over a long period.’

The main point of growing bioenergy crops like miscanthus or coppiced willow is to generate energy without burning fossil fuels. But this study strengthens the idea that there could be other benefits arising from carbon being stabilised and stored by bioenergy soils, and that biochar could add to them. Biochar seems to alter microbial activity in the soil, reducing soil respiration (CO2 emissions) and reducing the conversion of N fertiliser to nitrous oxide that would otherwise go into the air as greenhouse gases. The hope is that it can help the land accumulate and store much more carbon over time than it already does. Read more here.

Earth-cooling geoengineering projects need more global oversight

Controversial geoengineering projects that may be used to cool the planet must be approved by world governments to reduce the danger of catastrophic accidents, British scientists said. Researchers have called for global oversight of the radical schemes after studies showed they could have huge and unintended impacts on some of the world’s most vulnerable people. The dangers arose in projects that cooled the planet unevenly. In some cases these caused devastating droughts across Africa; in others they increased rainfall in the region but left huge areas of Brazil parched.

Geoengineering comes in many flavours, but among the more plausible are “solar radiation management” (SRM) schemes that would spray huge amounts of sun-reflecting particles high into the atmosphere to simulate the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions. Volcanoes can blast millions of tonnes of sulphate particles into the stratosphere, where they stay aloft for years and cool the planet by reflecting some of the sun’s energy back out to space. In 2009, a report warned that geoengineering was not an alternative to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but conceded the technology might be needed in the event of a climate emergency. Writing in the journal Nature Climate Change, Haywood and others show that moves to cool the climate by spraying sulphate particles into the atmosphere could go spectacularly wrong. Read more here.

Wind Turbine Syndrome: Are They Toxic To The Ear?

The U.S. is embracing wind energy, with wind turbines making up half of the new electricity added to the power grid last year. But a smattering of people who live near the turbines say they’re a nuisance – and making them ill. Dr. Nina Pierpont, a Johns Hopkins-trained pediatrician and biologist in upstate New York, has been collecting their anecdotes for years. She coined the term wind turbine syndrome to encompass the symptoms of headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, ear pain, and difficulty sleeping that people in several states and countries have complained of – largely on the Internet. And she says she’s convinced the culprit is the low frequency noise, called infrasound, from the turbines and how it’s disturbing the delicate vestibular system of the inner ear.

The claims of the existence of wind turbine syndrome have been met with heavy skepticism from a host of experts in energy and public health since few studies aside from one self-published report from Pierpont have shown any link between the turbines and health. The World Health Organization, which classifies diseases, does not recognize wind turbine syndrome, nor does any other medical institution. And otolaryngologists, who are experts on ear health, have remained largely silent on the issue. Dr. Amir Farboud, a senior surgical ear, nose and throat resident at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, Wales and co-author of the review, says that he initially thought that wind turbine syndrome was “rubbish” when someone came into his office claiming to have it. But, over time, his opinion has changed. “The more you look into it, the more you realize there’s some science behind this,” he says. However, Farboud cautions that there is no conclusive evidence that infrasound causes any specific symptoms. Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• Arab Spring Breakers: 50,000 Gather in Tunisia for World Social Forum to Plan People-Powered Economy
• Bladeless Windmill Set to Revolutionize the Industry
• Selling Solar Power in India’s Slums

National News

High-Tech Production Methods Offset Climate Change for Maple Syrup Industry

Forty years ago, Mr. Morse would snowshoe into the forest with his father to collect sap from galvanized buckets and load them onto a tractor. The farm has not changed much since then, but the winters have. So has the maple syrup ritual itself. Scientists say the tapping season – the narrow window of freezing nights and daytime temperatures over 40 degrees needed to convert starch to sugar and get sap flowing – is on average five days shorter than it was 50 years ago. But technology developed over the past decade and improved in recent years offers maple farmers like Mr. Morse a way to offset the effects of climate change with high-tech tactics that are far from natural. Today, five miles of pressurized blue tubing spider webs down the hillside at Morse Farm, pulling sap from thousands of trees and spitting it into tubs like an immense, inverse IV machine. Modern vacuum pumps are powerful enough to suck the air out of a stainless steel dairy tank and implode it, and they help producers pull in twice as much sap as before.

Scientists project that climate change will eventually make New England less suitable for maple forests, but that the trees will continue to thrive in Canada, which even now produces more than 80 percent of the world’s maple syrup. So an increasing number of maple producers are betting on technology. “Technology has greatly increased that ability to make a full-time living,” said Matthew Gordon, the executive director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association. “It’s not merely the supplemental income it once was.” But these changes have drawn questions about sustainability. Purists criticize the “techno-syrup” trend, saying it alters syrup’s rustic flavor and sucks the life out of maple trees. Read more here.

Oil Pipeline Ruptures and Forces Evacuations in Arkansas, Reinforcing concerns for Keystone XL Proposal

Exxon Mobil said that one of its pipelines leaked “a few thousand” barrels of Canadian heavy crude oil near Mayflower, Ark., prompting the evacuation of 22 homes and reinforcing concerns many critics have raised about the Keystone XL pipeline that is awaiting State Department approval. The pipeline breach took place in the 20-inch diameter, 95,000-barrel-a-day Pegasus pipeline, which originates in Patoka, Ill., and carries crude oil to the Texas Gulf Coast, the country’s main refining center.

The pipeline, which was built in the 1940s and was recently expanded, was carrying low-quality Wabasca Heavy crude oil from Alberta, Exxon Mobil spokesman Alan T. Jeffers said. According to the Crude Monitor Web site, Wabasca Heavy is a blend of oil produced in the Athabasca region, where the oil sands are located. An existing Keystone pipeline carries crude oil that comes from the oil sands deposits in Alberta to Patoka through Exxon Mobil’s lines. Jeffers said he did not know if this batch of crude oil came from the Keystone line. Many critics of the Keystone XL pipeline say that corrosion risks are greater in pipelines carrying low-quality bitumen-laden crude from the oil sands. They have urged President Obama to reject the Keystone XL permit application. Read more here.

Also read ‘Oiled’ ducks emerging after oil spill in Mayflower

Also read At Oil Spill Clean-Up, Exxon Running the Show, Not Federal Agencies

NASA Climate Scientist James Hansen Quits to Fight Global Warming

Climate scientist James Hansen is retiring from NASA this week to devote himself to the fight against global warming. Hansen’s retirement concludes a 46-year career at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, but he plans to use his time to take up legal challenges to the federal and state governments over limiting greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, Hansen, 72, has become an activist for climate change, which didn’t sit well with NASA headquarters in Washington. “As a government employee, you can’t testify against the government,” Hansen told The New York Times.

The distinguished NASA scientist has spent his career at the Goddard Institute on the campus of Columbia University. He has testified in Congress dozens of times, and has issued warnings and published papers that drew criticism from climate-change skeptics. Hansen was arrested in February while protesting the proposed construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline that would carry heavy crude oil from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast. “We have reached a fork in the road,” he told the Washington Post at the time, adding that politicians must understand they can “go down this road of exploiting every fossil fuel we have – tar sands, tar shale, off-shore drilling in the Arctic – but the science tells us we can’t do that without creating a situation where our children and grandchildren will have no control over, which is the climate system.” Read more here.

Also read Dr. James Hansen’s latest blog article Doubling Down on Our Faustian Bargain

‘Monsanto Protection Act’: 5 Terrifying Things To Know About The HR 933 Provision and Why it’s Causing Mass Outrage

The “Monsanto Protection Act” is the name opponents of the Farmer Assurance Provision have given to this terrifying piece of policy, and it’s a fitting moniker given its shocking content. President Barack Obama signed a spending bill, HR 933, into law that includes language that has food and consumer advocates and organic farmers up in arms over their contention that the so-called “Monsanto Protection Act” is a giveaway to corporations that was passed under the cover of darkness.

There’s a lot being said about it, but here are five terrifying facts about the Farmer Assurance Provision — Section 735 of the spending bill — to get you acquainted with the reasons behind the ongoing uproar: Read more here.

Also read “Monsanto Rider” in Senate Budget Bill was Snuck in

Also watch The Monsanto Protection Act? A Debate on Controversial New Measure Over Genetically Modified Crops

Extreme Algae Blooms in Lake Erie

In the summer of 2011, western Lake Erie turned a noxious green, as a massive algae bloom coated the surface and lapped up in mats along the shore. At its peak, the bloom covered an area 2.5 times larger than that of any Erie bloom on record. Several factors converged to cause the bloom and may increasingly do so in the future.

First, agricultural practices have changed in the past few years, allowing for more fertilizer to run off from fields in the surrounding region and end up in the lake, Michalak said. There, the fertilizer feeds the growth of algal blooms. The practices include increased use of fertilizer, earlier application of the nutrients on bare ground and less use of tillage, in which fertilizer or manure is worked into the soil. The nutrients in the fertilizer runoff, particularly phosphorous, feed the growth of a type of algae called cyanobacteria. Besides being unsightly, the blooms hurt fish in the lake by decaying and consuming massive amounts of oxygen, creating dead zones. But the cyanobacteria also pose a health hazard to people; the predominant type of cyanobacteria present in the 2011 bloom, called Microcystis, produce a potent liver toxin. The study found that levels of this toxin in the surface of Lake Erie were up to 200 times above the limit deemed suitable by the World Health Organization. Read more here

Other National Headlines of Interest

• Fukushima nuclear meltdown may have sickened American West Coast infants
• Could global warming bring the worst allergy season ever?
• Facebook Tops New Headquarters With Massive Green Roof

Voices

Germany’s Solar Power Boom: Can You Have Too Much Solar Energy?

Twenty-two percent of Germany’s power is generated with renewables. Solar provides close to a quarter of that. The southern German state of Bavaria, population 12.5 million, has three photovoltaic panels per resident, which adds up to more installed solar capacity than in the entire United States. With a long history of coal mining and heavy industry and the aforementioned winter gloom, Germany is not the country you’d naturally think of as a solar power. And yet a combination of canny regulation and widespread public support for renewables have made Germany an unlikely leader in the global green-power movement – and created a groundswell of small-scale power generation that could upend the dominance of traditional power companies. You might think Germany would be smug about all its solar success. But, as usual, folks here are full of doubts. Part of the reason solar panels are getting cheaper is competition from China, which is threatening to push more expensive German producers out of business. Last year, German conservatives tried to end solar subsidies entirely, arguing that plummeting prices were encouraging too many people to install solar panels. They said that the subsidies come at the expense of city dwellers without solar-ready roofs, low-income electricity consumers, and investments in other forms of renewable energy. Even environmentalists have begun to grumble about the solar boom, which sucks up half of Germany’s funding for renewables but provides just 20 percent of green power.

The proliferation of privately owned solar has large power companies in Germany worried. For two decades, they’ve been forced to facilitate and finance their competition, helping turn customers into producers. Soon, rooftop solar and other small-scale, locally owned renewables could upset the market for coal and nuclear power. Here’s why that’s a problem: Renewable energy sources like wind and solar generate power intermittently, dependent on the sun or fickle breezes. Until researchers can find a way to store energy at a large scale, coal and nuclear plants – which can’t simply be switched on and off at will – must be kept running to guarantee a steady stream of electricity when the sun isn’t shining. That means overproduction of power during daylight hours, as the country’s ample solar energy floods onto the grid along with electricity produced by power plants. Read more here.

The Methane Beneath Our Feet

The main danger here is to planetary, not personal, safety: though it has received relatively little attention, methane, the primary component of natural gas, is second only to carbon dioxide on the list of greenhouse gases that are inducing climate change. Because of the grave threat methane poses to the climate, the dangers of natural gas leakages go well beyond the immediate risk of exploding manhole covers And given the vastness of the problem, the leaks challenge some of the basic assumptions of current US energy policy, which has aggressively endorsed natural gas as a “clean” and climate-friendly alternative to oil and coal.

Over the last four years, American leaders have boasted a great deal about the fact that our country has lowered its carbon emissions, mostly by switching some power stations off coal as the fracking boom has lowered the cost and increased the supply of natural gas. Burned in a power plant, gas gives off half the carbon that coal does – hence it’s been seen by some as a “bridge fuel” to alternative energy. Even some environmentalists have argued that we should ignore the dangers to water supplies posed by fracking in order to reap the carbon benefit. The trouble, however, is that the methane in unburned natural gas is twenty to one hundred times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. That makes the math fairly simple: if more than two to three percent of the gas escapes into the atmosphere during transit between its point of extraction in the ground and its final destination – oven, furnace, or powerplant – then natural gas is actually doing more damage to the climate than coal. Once natural gas is delivered to a network like New York’s, pipes with holes in them obviously add to the problem. Read more here.

From Growing Profit to Growing Food: Challenging Corporate Rule

We are bombarded and manipulated by corporate name brands every day. A Coca-Cola annual report some years back stated, “All of us in the Coca-Cola family wake up each morning knowing that every single one of the world’s 5.6 billion people will get thirsty that day… If we make it impossible for these 5.6 billion people to escape Coca-Cola…, then we assure our future success for many years to come. Doing anything else is not an option.” “Impossible” to “escape” sounds daunting, downright creepy. Yet people are escaping, in droves, a food system that is more obsessed with money than with sustenance. The U.S.’s move towards industrialization in the 19th century ushered in major changes in agriculture. The focus shifted to creating an abundance of affordable food for a growing population while simultaneously reducing the number of people laboring in the fields, in order to free them up for work in the factories. The need for more food with less labor meant more mechanization and therefore bigger farms. The emergence of vast farms required that food travel long distances, and went hand-in-hand with the creation of companies to transport, package, and process the food.

Over the years, food has become increasingly commodified, that is, converted from nourishment to a mass-marketed consumer product. These days, an ever-shrinking number of mega-corporations controls an ever-expanding amount of food production, from seeds to equipment, from chemical inputs to processing. The global movement for food justice and food sovereignty seeks to bust the corporate takeover of our food system, which has been accomplished with the complicity of our governments. Below are a few recent campaigns and victories in the U.S., where farmers, food justice activists, and consumers are uniting to challenge corporate rule. Read more here.

Indian Court Ruling Victory for Sick and Poor Around the World

An Indian court just granted a huge victory to the sick all over the planet. The specific case involved the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, which unsuccessfully argued that the tinkering it did with its anti-leukemia drug Glivec was worthy of a new patent. At stake was not just access to affordable medicine for leukemia patients but also the survival of the Indian generic industry – the world’s leading manufacturer of low-cost medications. “India became the ‘pharmacy of the world’s poor’ in 1970,” the BBC states. In 1970, India amended its patent law to have patents awarded only for the processes to make medicines, not for the final products. The ramifications were global.

“This allowed its many drug producers to create generic copies of medicines still patent-protected in other countries at a fraction of the price charged by Western drug firms. So, Indian generic drug companies played a huge role in combating the biggest scourge of our time. “It was only when Indian firms began to make cheap copies of HIV drugs that it became possible more than a decade ago to contemplate the treatment of millions of people in impoverished countries of Africa, where the AIDS epidemic was at its worst,” The Guardian writes. Read more here.

Local News

Dartmouth Ranks #2 for Most Solar Community in MA

Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., a leading designer, installer and financier of grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems responsible for installing over 20 percent of the current solar capacity in the state, joined the Town of Dartmouth and UMASS Dartmouth on March 27 to celebrate the installation of a 1.4-megawatt (MW) solar system on the Town’s former landfill in Dartmouth, Mass. The installation, which was financed by Borrego Solar through a power purchase agreement (PPA) that covered all upfront financing costs, is the state’s third solar installation to be completed on a landfill and will offset 20% of the energy consumed by the town, saving the Southeastern MA community $105,000 annually and $3 million over the course of 20 years.

The Town of Dartmouth has seen a handful of additional in-progress solar projects within the past year (another 5 MW of which were installed by Borrego Solar) and now ranks second in solar energy production within the entire Commonwealth (only .01 megawatts behind Boston, the most solar community in MA). Read more here.

Also read Dartmouth voters narrowly embrace solar, changing town government structure

Fall River, Somerset split $1.6M from Dominion for clean energy

SOMERSET – Somerset and Fall River will split $1.6 million from Dominion Energy to pay for projects to promote clean energy as part of a settlement between Dominion and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Dominion operates the coal-fired Brayton Point Power plant. In 2010, that plant, along with two others operated by Dominion in State Line, Ind., and Kincaid, Ill., were charged with being in violation of federal standards for power plant emissions.

The EPA announced that it reached an agreement with Dominion that will result in $9.8 million being spent by Dominion in environmental mitigation projects as well as a $3.4 million civil penalty. “The judgment makes $1.6 million available to Fall River and Somerset,” said Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan. “The money will be used for clean energy projects. We will meet with the EPA over the next few weeks to propose projects to be financed.” Read more here.

Why New England Needs to Save Its Lobsters From Mosquitoes

A law currently under debate in Connecticut would restrict the use of two pesticides widely used to kill mosquitoes in hopes of saving the region’s dwindling lobster population. Connecticut lobsters began suffering a precipitous decline in the late 1990s, from which they have never recovered. In 1998, 3.7 million pounds of lobsters were harvested from the Connecticut waters of the Long Island Sound. By 2002, that number was one million. The latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that just over 150,000 pounds of lobsters were caught in Connecticut in 2011.

What accounts for this dramatic crustacean disappearance? Lobstermen in Connecticut and New York have been raising alarms about the effects of common pesticides on sea life for years. Methoprene and resmethrin, two pesticides that can be highly toxic to marine animals, are used to kill mosquitoes and their larvae. Many states have used the compounds in their efforts to combat West Nile virus. While Maine has a thriving lobster population that has supported record catches in recent years, the news keeps getting worse for those making a living off the waters of the Long Island Sound. Read more here.

House and Senate leaders snub SouthCoast rail

BOSTON – House and Senate leaders today roundly rejected Gov. Deval Patrick’s plan for $1.9 billion in new transportation and education investments, rolling out a proposal that instead asks business, tobacco users and drivers to pay $500 million more a year to stabilize the transportation system. The plan – which would increase the cigarette tax by $1 per pack and raise the gas tax 3 cents a gallon – provides enough new revenue to close the MBTA budget gap without fare increases or service cuts this year, but does not rule them out in future years. It also allows the Massachusetts Department of Transportation by 2016 to pay employee salaries without borrowing, and increases local road and bridge repair aid by $100 million to $300 million in fiscal 2014.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray, however, said concerns about overburdening the middle class with tax hikes pushed them toward a scaled down proposal that raises no new revenue for Patrick’s education agenda, and does not include specific financing for the proposed expansion of South Station, the extension of rail service to SouthCoast or for the Green Line extension to Medford. The proposal also rejected Patrick’s idea of recalibrating the state’s income and sales taxes to produce a more “progressive” tax code that the governor said would ask wealthier residents to contribute more without increasing the tax burden on lower- to middle-class residents. Read more here.

Also read Legislators Upset Over Exclusion of SouthCoast Rail from Proposal

Also read Advocates reject a pared-down transportation plan

Cape wastewater: the eco-toilet alternative

FALMOUTH – Part of the solution to high nitrogen levels in Falmouth’s estuaries could be in the can. As part of a study of whether eco-toilets are a viable option for the town, about 20 local households will have them installed over the next four months, said Win Munro, a member of Falmouth’s Water Quality Management Committee. Next week, an informational workshop about the environmentally friendly toilets will be held in Falmouth.

Falmouth’s 15 estuaries make up one-third of all estuaries on Cape Cod, Eric Turkington, the Water Quality Management Committee’s chairman, said last week. Wastewater from septic systems contributes a large amount of the excess nitrogen that degrades local bays and ponds. “Eco-toilets – whether they be composting, urine diverting, or some kind of hybrid – could offer the opportunity for the town to (lower) the nitrogen levels,” said Selectman Kevin Murphy, board chairman. Over the next year, Falmouth will be testing composting toilets and urine-diverting toilets, Munro said. Read more here.

Assembly starts on turbines ‘mini ones’ in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD – The mini-windmills assembled at the Jireh Swift Elementary School weren’t quite the size of the turbines planned for Cape Wind, but city leaders said they hope they will have the power to energize students anyway. “They showed them what a career in science could be,” said Principal Debra Letendre. “I hope it sparks them.”

Students constructed the windmills as part of a lesson about alternative energy and engineering offered by the engineering giant Siemens. Siemens is the turbine supplier for Cape Wind’s proposed offshore farm and a participant in the design of the planned New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, where the project’s 101 turbines are to be assembled. “These kids are assembling the first wind turbines in New Bedford. It’s very cool,” said New Bedford Economic Development Council executive director Matthew Morrissey, who predicted that some of the children involved Wednesday would grow up to find employment in the offshore wind industry. In New Bedford, assembly of real turbines – with blades the size of a football field and towers taller than the Statue of Liberty, according to Drummond – will start in about 20 months, when construction of the new port facility is complete, Morrissey said. Read more here.

Momentum Builds for Campus Divestment

PROVIDENCE – Two puzzle pieces recently fell into place for Brown Divest Coal (BDC), a student-led group fighting against Brown University’s investments in the 15 largest U.S. coal companies. First, President Christina Paxson officially acknowledged that the university holds investments in some of the coal companies in question. Second, a member of the Advisory Committee on Corporate Responsibility in Investment Policies (ACCRIP), the group charged with reviewing the divestment request, said the committee will likely recommend to Paxson that the university withdraw its funds from those companies. If ACCRIP recommends divestment, then Paxson must decide whether to extend the recommendation to The Corporation of Brown University. The Corporation makes the final decision on issues of divestment.

According to Kristy Choi, a BDC student leader, it would be unprecedented for Paxson and The Corporation to overrule an ACCRIP divestment recommendation; each time the ACCRIP has recommended divestment in the past – HEI Hotels & Resorts in 2010, Sudan and Darfur in 2006, and tobacco in 2003 – The Corporation has divested. “We know within the next couple of weeks ACCRIP will send a letter to Paxson in favor of divestment,” Choi said. “The next Corporation meeting is in May, so we are hoping to win then.” In the meantime, BDC members are continuing to build support for divestment. Read more here.

Ocean Explorium Connects with SMAST and UMass Dartmouth

At a recent gathering of the Girls Interested in Real Life Science (GIRLS) after school program at the Ocean Explorium, Adams and Marshall introduced a group of Roosevelt Middle School students to the sea scallop fishery, an important contributor to New Bedford’s economy. The scientists then helped the students dissect and examine the scallops before cooking and eating them. Adams, a graduate student in Fisheries Oceanography at the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) of UMass Dartmouth, started working in fisheries science in 2006, when she joined the Marine Fisheries Field Research Group at SMAST. Since then, fisheries research has taken her from New Bedford to Alaska and back, with more than 300 days spent at sea.

The GIRLS program at the Explorium is funded in part through New Bedford Public School’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Read more here

Mass Maritime embraces ‘green’ goals

BUZZARDS BAY – Massachusetts Maritime Academy is being recognized again for its efforts to create a sustainable campus, but this time the school needs the public’s help to garner a top award. In January, the school was named a finalist in Climate Leadership Awards given out by Second Nature, a Boston nonprofit organization that works to make colleges and universities more environmentally responsible.

The maritime campus has long been recognized for its green efforts, which include a 650-kilowatt wind turbine that produces about 20 percent of the campus’ energy, around 80 kilowatts of photovoltaic cells and two buildings – a dormitory and the American Bureau of Shipping Information Commons – that have U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The school has also made other changes, such as reducing solid-waste processing costs by about 30 percent over the past six years despite a 30 percent growth in students. Read more here.

FROED stands to lose $100,000 in CDA funding next year

FALL RIVER – The economic development office and street improvement programs would feel the brunt of a 10 percent cut the Community Development Agency expects from its federal block grants funding next fiscal year. Mayor Will Flanagan and CDA Executive Director Michael Dion said the Fall River Office of Economic Development is in line to lose $100,000, dropping its annual grant from $380,435 to $280,435. “It may have significant impacts on FROED,” Flanagan said, as Dion prepares to bring his annual plan before the City Council later this month for approval. Other grant hits include the annual road improvements budget dropping from $500,000 to $350,000; also, the Re-Creation program dropping $20,000, to settle at just over $100,000. Read more here.

AUDIO: UMD Chancellor Divina Grossman discussions university’s budget shortfall

UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Divina Grossman meets with the editorial board to discuss the university’s multi-million-dollar budget gap, its causes and its long- and short-term strategies to close the gap. Read more here.

Providence Now Fines for Trashy Recycling

PROVIDENCE – The city is imposing fines for egregious recycling. Earlier this month, the Department of Public Works began inspecting recycling bins on the city’s South Side and issuing $50 fines to residents who heap trash in their green recycling totes. Sheila Dormody, the city’s director of sustainability, said the fines are assessed only for flagrant dumping of prohibited items, such as bags of trash, food waste and car tires. An 18-inch fish head was recently discovered in one recycling bin.

The South Side is under surveillance because recycling trucks are being rejected at the Central Landfill in Johnston because of contamination. Tainted recycling reduces the city’s recycling rate and costs $32 a ton to dump in the landfill. Labor costs are also assessed for collecting and hauling polluted recycling. The citywide recycling rate is holding steady at 29 percent. The rate has climbed rapidly since last summer, when the rate was 15 percent. The city has since shifted to the larger recycling bins and allowed commingling of paper and plastic in the same bin. Read more here.

NStar to again sponsor MIT Clean Energy Prize

NStar, one of the state’s biggest utilities, said Monday that it will again join the US Department of Energy in co-sponsoring the MIT Clean Energy Prize, a business-plan competition that seeks to showcase entrepreneurship in clean energy. It is the sixth consecutive year that NStar and the Energy Department have sponsored the prize.

At this point of the 2013 competition, there are 18 semifinalists. Among their proposals are ideas to enhance recycling processes; improve the design of energy storage systems; and reduce emissions from conventional fuels. These teams will compete for more than $300,000 in prizes, which are scheduled to be awarded at a May 6 ceremony in Boston. Read more here.

Department of Transportation to allow rail trails with fences

DARTMOUTH – The Department of Transportation will begin permitting bike paths constructed along railways, according to a letter from DOT Secretary Richard Davey to Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District Executive Director Stephen Smith. “Going forward, therefore, MassDOT will as a matter of policy permit the construction of shared-use paths along active or planned railroad rights of way provided appropriate fencing separates the two uses.” Read more here.

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This Week

Creative Connections: Art in the Outdoors with Anastasia Azure

Saturday, April 6, 10am – Noon Slocum’s River Reserve, Horseneck Road, Dartmouth, MA
Join nationally recognized artist Anastasia Azure on a creative journey at the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) and The Trustees of Reservation’s (TTOR) Slocum’s River Reserve in Dartmouth. Anastasia will lead participants in the exploration of “land art,” a process in which the landscape and work of art are inextricably linked. Deepen your connection to the watershed and discover a new way to enjoy your Bay.
While you’re at Slocum’s River Reserve, you can view The River Project, six large-scale site-specific sculptures that are the result of a collaoration between DNRT, TTOR, and talented local artists.
Attendance is FREE, but registration is required. Contact Megan Connolly, Senior Educator for Buzzards Bay Coalition, or call (508) 999-6363 x224. Learn more here.

Family Program: GET LOST!

Saturday, April 6, 1pm – 3:30pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Get Lost in the Woods! This class will introduce children and families to how a compass works. After a brief introduction families will have a chance to create a treasure map for each other using their newly developed orienteering skills. There may even be treasures at the end of their journey.
Price: Members: $5 Non-members: $7 Preregister by Thursday, April 4. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Water.org Presentation

Tuesday, April 9, 6:30pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 314, UMass Dartmouth
Unsafe water is a crisis that affects almost 800 million people around the world. Water.org, an organization co-founded by Matt Damon, is dedicated to reducing this number by bringing clean water and sanitation solutions to those struggling to get it on their own. In an effort to raise awareness on campus, Endeavor Scholars Sydney Callan and Kerrin Hanna will be hosting a presentation about the situation and Water.org’s involvement for anyone interested in learning more.
For those interested in giving back to the cause, we will be selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle. The winner will also receive a Water.org Camelback water bottle and free passes to the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford.
For more information contact: Deirdre Healy, Leduc Center for Civic Engagement, via EMail or call 508-999-8641. Learn more and donate here

Sustainable Seafood Cooking with Henry Bousquet

Tuesday, April 9, 7pm Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School
Chef and culinary arts instructor Henry Bousquet will share family-friendly approaches to cooking abundant species including Pollock, Redfish and Spiny Dogfish. The audience will be invited to taste his creations and take home recipes.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

The Ideas Behind Timebanking: A Simple Concept with Profound Implications

Wednesday, April 10, Noon – 1:30pm Angus Bailey Auditorium, Room 006, UMass Dartmouth
Time Banking is an alternative monetary system centered on the principle that time one spends performing social and civil services can be turned into currency. One hour of labor served equals one credit of time received, which can be used or saved for accumulation towards a service. Time Banks aren’t just an alternative monetary system; they also forge stronger community relations, build greater social capital, and encourage self-sufficiency. Under/un-employed workers and students looking to improve their economic and social situations can do that by utilizing the skills, time, and energy they already have.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Time Exchange is a regional cooperative in which members post skills and tasks they can do and requests of things they need done in a customized database. When a member finds a post of someone offering something they need, they contact them and arrange to make the exchange. Afterwards, the provider posts the exchange and the amount of time is credited to their “time credit account” and the recipients account is debited. While the system is online, computer knowledge is not required. Coordinators and “computer buddies can assist anyone needing “real human” help. A brief introduction to the Time Exchange will be offered for those new to the timebanking idea.

If you have specific questions regarding the lecture or program, please call Bob Bailey at 774-955-0551, or contact via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Critter Hunt: Under a Log

Thursday, April 11, 2pm – 3:30pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Searching for critters isn’t just for kids. On this guided hike learn about all the animals that make a home under a log and their important role in the forest.
Price: Members: $5 Non-members: $7 Preregister by Tuesday, April 9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

AHA Night Presents: Sustainable SouthCoast

Thursday, April 11, 5pm – 8pm Downtown New Bedford, Various Locations
Spring has sprung, bringing with it new life, warmer weather and longer days. Mark your calendars for the April 11th AHA! Night when – just in time for Earth Day – our theme is “Sustainable SouthCoast.” Join us in celebrating the earth and explore how we can create a sustainable environment for ourselves and others. Hear what others in the community are doing and connect with groups who are making a commitment to positive change.
Celebrate Earth Eve with the largest People-Powered Parade in New England!! The climate is changing, and it’s time to make a statement. The evening will be filled with fun, as the group parades along the procession route with their eco-floats moving to the beat of the New Bedford All-City Middle School Marching Band and the UMass Steel Drum Ensemble. Eco-floats are anything a person or group can wear, roll, or carry along the procession route. The topics of this event are all about reducing, reusing, and recycling. All this begins at 5pm in front of the NB Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) The procession will begin at 5:30pm & travel through the downtown historic district. Plus don’t miss the crowning of Mother Earth and Father Ocean!

Sustainable SouthCoast at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill) – SEEAL’s 6th annual Shrink Your Footprint Fair will promote sustainable practices and local green businesses through informative displays, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and workshops. 6-8pm – SouthCoast Energy Challenge and 3rd EyE Unlimited host the 1st Annual Sustainable Living Film Festival. Local high school students were asked to create a 2-7 minute film with a “sustainable living” theme. The top 5 submissions will be shown.

There will be tons more activities from various local organizations and businesses all over the Downtown New Bedford area. All activities are FREE and open to the public. Learn more here

Green Building Tours

Thursday, April 11, 5pm – 8pm Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Discover and celebrate our local waterways during Sustainable SouthCoast AHA! Night at the Bay Learning Center. We will lead public tours of our green building, which serves as a model for sustainable historic renovation in downtown New Bedford, as well the newly installed Habitat outdoor eelgrass sculpture. Tours begin at 6pm and 7pm.
Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or email. Learn more here

Graduate Student Lecture Series: Sustainable Cities

Thursday, April 11, 6 – 7pm Claire T. Carney Library Grand Reading Room, UMass Dartmouth
“Measuring sustainability: an introduction to the SouthCoast Urban Indicators Project” – Colleen Dawicki, MPP Graduate 2012; Project Manager, Urban Initiative http://southcoastindicators.org.
Co-sponsored with The Department of Public Policy, The Center for Policy Analysis, The Urban Initiative, and the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement

Film Screening: Red Gold

Thursday, April 11, 7:30pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
At the headwaters of the Kvichak and the Nushagak Rivers in Bristol Bay Alaska – the two largest remaining sockeye salmon runs on the planet – mining companies Northern Dynasty and Anglo American have proposed to extract what may prove to be the richest deposit of gold and copper in the world. Filmmakers Ben Knight and Travis Rummel spent 70 days in Bristol Bay documenting the growing unrest among native, commercial and sport fishermen who oppose the proposed Pebble Mine as well as giving mine officials a chance to argue their case. The open-pit and underground Pebble Mine could require the largest dam ever constructed to contain toxic runoff from mine waste. Red Gold is a portrait of a unique way of life that would not exist if the salmon didn’t return with Bristol Bay’s tide. A discussion will follow the screening.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

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Save The Date

Herb Basket Workshop

Saturday, April 13, 9am – 5pm Greater Fall River Art Association, 80 Belmont St., Fall River
Get ready for spring by planning to attend an herb basket workshop by artist Sharon Owens at the Greater Fall River Art Association. The hand-woven basket will fit perfectly on most windowsills and will provide fresh herbs for use in culinary endeavors. The basket will measure 9 inches by 4 inches and will be created in colors of your choice. The material is reed and traditional woven. Herbs are rosemary, thyme, parsley, chive, oregano, and basil.
Herbs will be provided as part of the workshop fee of $65, which includes all materials and instructions. Attendees should bring a bagged lunch. Beverages will be provided. To register contact Sharon owens via e-mail.

Planning Your Home Garden

Saturday, April 13, 10am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport, MA
Early spring is the time to get your garden area ready for a new growing season. Get some helpful tips to help make this year’s garden beautiful, healthy, and productive. Workshop is FREE. Contact via email here or 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.

Become a Certified Crew Chief or BPI Building Analyst

Monday, April 15 – Friday, April 19, 9am – 4pm 1213 Purchase St (the Quest Building) New Bedford, MA
The Weatherization Crew Chief course is for those individuals that are already proficient as a weatherization installer and are ready to advance their knowledge of building science and develop themselves as supervisors. The “House as a System” concept, as well as crew and homeowner safety, is reinforced through complete BPI Building Analyst training. Additionally, training and best practices for air sealing and insulation installation will be provided.
COST: Register by April 1 and receive $100 off! Please note that there is a $600 credit for existing Mass Save Contractors. Group Discounts available.
$1,675 – Includes Classes and BPI Certified Testing
$1,075 (for current Mass Save Contractors)
$695 – BPI Certification and Re-certification Test Only Fee
Interested? For more information on scholarships and discounts, or to register contact: The UMass Dartmouth Weatherization Training Center via Email or call (508) 910 – 6484. Learn more here.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: Ecological Design

Monday, April 15, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Creating a working landscape using environmental principles can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, while saving money on maintenance costs. This workshop will show us how to maximize ecological potential using the U Mass Dartmouth campus as a living laboratory. A return to the future will emphasize the inclusion of organic campus community gardens, berry bushes and orchards trees on campus to connect to the farming traditions on campus and to provide harvestable produce for the students, with habitat restoration and enhancement, and wetland bio-filtration.
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Green Campus Day

Thursday, April 18, 9am – 2pm Woodland Commons Building at UMass Dartmouth
The Sustainability Office’s annual Green Campus Day is a recap of the year’s sustainability initiatives at UMass Dartmouth, while pointing out what lies in the future. This year marks the 5-year anniversary of UMass Dartmouth’s Sustainability Initiative, so there will be a special retrospective of the history of sustainable development at UMass Dartmouth.

Sustainability Office staff, students, faculty, administration, and colleagues from local/regional organizations will be present to discuss student and academic achievements, ongoing campus projects and renovations, such as the Living Classroom program, gardening and permaculture, building and energy efficiency renovations, the recently completed LEED-certified Library, and various community initiatives in our surrounding community.

Schedule includes:
From 10am – 11:30am there will be a special tree identification workshop in the campus forest.
From 11:30am – 1pm will be our Green Campus Awards, recognizing those allies that have not only embraced and promoted the principles of sustainability at UMass Dartmouth, but have proven crucial to ensuring its fundamental role in the lives and operations of the entire campus.
Finally, from 1pm – 2pm will be a special Green tour of our newly renovated Library.

Contact the Sustainability Office at 508-910-6958 for more information. You can also learn more at our Facebook Event Page.

Awaken the Dreamer: Changing the Dream

Friday, April 19, 8:30am – 3pm Bristol Community College, Ryckebusch Faculty/Staff Lounge on the 1st floor of the Commonwealth College Center (“G” Building)
BCC, in honor of Earth Week, is pleased to host a symposium – Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream. This enlightening program is an inspirational educational event developed by the Pachamama Alliance in response to the accelerating degradation of our planet. This symposium’s purpose is to help people bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet.
This important event is free to the public and includes a delicious “sustainable” lunch made mostly from local produce. Please register so that we can plan for sufficient materials and food. To register, e-mail Nancy Lee Wood or telephone 508-678-2811 x2043.
Learn more about this program here.

Film Screening: The Fish Belong to the People

Friday, April 19, 7pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
The Fish Belong to the People follows a group of family fishermen in Port Clyde, Maine as they work to save their fishing grounds from government, market structure, and themselves. With each passing season their way of life has slowly been extinguished by old ways of doing business that favors the most efficient and destructive ways of fishing over sustainability.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Outer-Cape Birding and Whale-Watching Hike

Saturday, April 20, 8am – 5pm Meeting Place: Shaw’s parking lot – Route 6 in Dartmouth
Venture by foot to the beaches of the outer cape to observe whale behavior at close range. Each spring whales congregate close to shore to feed on the abundant zooplankton, with high numbers of whales sometimes present. With luck, glimpses of the Endangered Right Whales are possible if this species is still in the area. The walk will take participants through Hatches Harbor to Race Point, passing through pitch pine forest, estuary, salt marsh, and dune habitats en route to the shore. In addition to whales, spectacular vistas and a diversity of birds are a feature of the trip. Time permitting, we’ll stop at other locations as well.
Be advised: For best views of whales, this outing is done entirely on foot and involves extensive walking along beaches and possibly intertidal areas. Participants should therefore be capable of a moderate to strenuous daylong hike of 4 to 5 miles (round trip).
Price: Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Preregister by Friday, April `9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 x 23, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo

Saturday, April 20, 10am – 4pm Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven
The Buzzards Bay Action Committee is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo. Bring your families and come and enjoy a wide variety of exhibits and demonstrations on sustainable activities for a healthy lifestyle that benefit you and the planet! Learn what you can do to protect Buzzards Bay and live lightly on the Earth. Explore exhibits and presentations for adults and children about composting, organic gardening, alternative energy, native plants, toxin-free cleaning, geocaching, feeding wild birds, and more at our first Buzzards Bay Earth Day Expo event! There will also be live music.
For more information, please contact Merilee Kelly, Acushnet Conservation Agent, at 508 998-0202 or via Email

Lloyd Center Annual Meeting

Monday, April 22, 6pm Dartmouth Grange, 1133 Fisher Road, Dartmouth
Dr. Anamarija Frankic, Associate Director of the School for the Environment, and Director of the Green Harbors Project at the University of Massachusetts Boston, has accepted an invitation from the Lloyd Center for the Environment to address its upcoming Annual Meeting at the Dartmouth Grange.

Frankic is an adjunct professor at the Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Split, Croatia and Project Director at the Center for Governance and Sustainability at UMass Boston. She has been recently awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to establish a biomimicry program in Croatia. Frankic is a member of the advisory council at AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) and AAUW (American Association of the University Women). Her educational background in biology, ecology, limnology and marine science, guided her interdisciplinary work in coastal and watershed ecosystem management and restoration, nationally and internationally.

Members of the public are invited to a welcoming reception from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The brief “business” part of the Center’s Annual Meeting will be from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Dr. Frankic’s talk will begin at 7:00 p.m. Learn More Here

Bouchard Oil Spill: Ten Years Later

Tuesday, April 23, 6pm – 7PM Buzzards Bay Center, 114 Front St., New Bedford
During this free public talk, Bay Coalition Senior Attorney Korrin Petersen will discuss the progress that has been made protecting Buzzards Bay from oil spills in the 10 years since the 2003 Bouchard oil spill, which spilled 98,000 gallons of fuel oil in the Bay.
Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

3rd Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference and 2nd Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses Conference

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 8am – 4:30pm Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester, MA
SUSTAINABILITY: PRACTICES AND POSSIBILITIES
The annual Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference connects stakeholders from municipalities, college campuses, government, businesses and nonprofits. 75+ Speakers and 45+ Exhibitors share best practices and resources. Everyone wanting to learn more about best practices, current trends, and resources will find this conference timely, practical and valuable. The two conferences are the same day at the DCU Center. Attendees include hundreds of stakeholders from government, academia, business, non-profits and communities. You may attend either or both conferences.

Benefit from advance registration: $60. Registration after March 20 is $75. Students are $45. This registration fee covers keynote presentation, breakout sessions, exhibitors, lunch, breakfast, roundtable discussions, poster session and FREE raffle. Advance registration is recommended as previous conferences have filled. Pre-register here. Learn more here.

Empowering Young Women, Connecting to the Community

Wednesday, April 24, 9am – 11am Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Young women in Southeastern Massachusetts face unique challenges and opportunities. Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition in discussing obstacles and inspirations encountered by the women of today and yesterday. We will develop strategies for overcoming these obstacles and will focus our attention on building a community of strong South Coast women who know how to communicate their knowledge of and passion for this special part of the world. Workshop participants will be eligible to apply for a paid summer outreach internship with the Bay Coalition. The workshop and internships are made possible with support from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or email. Learn more here

Paper Shredding Day for Southcoast Businesses and Residents

Saturday, April 27, 9am – Noon Parking lot across from New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and North 6th Streets
Businesses and residents of New Bedford and the surrounding communities are welcome to bring paper to be shredded (e.g. bank statements, medical forms, insurance forms, retired tax forms, receipts, personal files). There is a charge of $5 per box for a standard size box used to hold reams of paper. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders. Shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels. Learn more here. Call (508) 979-1493 for more information.

Cherry Blossom Friendship Festival

Sunday, April 28, Noon – 4pm Cooke Memorial Park, Pilgrim Ave., Fairhaven, MA
Sponsored by the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, the afternoon includes a bento box lunch, tea and dessert; bonsai and kimono display; entertainment; tours of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship House and the Fairhaven Colonial Club; dedication of a “Peace Pole.” Entertainment will include Lakeville Youth Taiko (Japanese drumming), Fairhaven elementary school singers, Festival Singers, Kamishibai (paper theater) “The Story of Manjiro” and more.
A limited number of tickets are available. The price is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. To reserve tickets call Gerry at 508-995-1219 or email here. A shuttle is planned with parking at Fairhaven High School.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: There’s Fungus Among Us

Monday, April 29, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Mycology is a growing agricultural practice that can nutritionally substitute some of our meat consumption. We will inoculate a medium to begin this funky process!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Sunrise Hike

Thursday, May 2, 6am – 7:30am Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
This is a hike for all of you early birds. Join a Lloyd Center naturalist on a walk through our property to watch what happens in the morning as the forest wakes up. Bring binoculars if you have them and be ready to spot some of the wildlife in our area as they come to life in the early morning.
Price: Members: $4 Non-members: $5 Preregister by Tuesday, April 30. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

New Economy: Generating True Wealth with Keynote Juliet Schor, author of Plenitude

Thursday, May 2, 8:30am – 12:30pm Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine St., Fall River
In Plenitude economist and bestselling author Juliet B. Schor offers a groundbreaking intellectual statement about the economics and sociology of ecological decline, suggesting a radical change in how we think about consumer goods, value, and ways to live. Humans are degrading the planet far faster than they are regenerating it. As we travel along this shutdown path, food, energy, transport, and consumer goods are becoming increasingly expensive. The economic downturn that has accompanied the ecological crisis has led to another type of scarcity: incomes, jobs, and credit are also in short supply.
In encouraging us to value our gifts – nature, community, intelligence, and time – Schor offers the opportunity to participate in creating a world of wealth and well-being.

In addition to Juliet Schor, a panel representing innovative local businesses and organizations will discuss how they are already working towards creating a stronger local economy. Finally, a breakout session will allow presenters and attendees to get together and discuss how they might best integrate sustainable practices into their organizations and potentially create new ones.

Sponsored by the Institute for Sustainability and Post-Carbon Education at Bristol Community College, The Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability and The UMASS Dartmouth Office of Campus and Community Sustainability. This event includes morning refreshments. It is free and open to the public. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6958

Nasketucket Bay Bike Tour

Sunday, May 5, 10am – 1pm Brandt Beach Ave, Mattapoisett, MA
Tour the Nasketucket Bay watershed on this nine-mile guided bike tour hosted by the Bay Coalition’s land protection staff. The tour will begin at the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking lot on Brandt Beach Ave, heading along the Phoenix/Mattapoisett Bike Path to a nature overlook on Sconticut Neck Road. There, participants will take a snack break and learn about the Bay Coalition’s project to protect 400 acres of land around Nasketucket Bay. Then the group will head back to the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation parking area.
$5/person members $10/person non-members Children 12 and under: Free
Reservations Required. Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or EMail for more information. Learn More Here

Sustainable Cities Series Keynote – Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: the Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World

Thursday, May 9, 6pm – 7pm Grand Library Reading Room at Claire T. Carney Library, UMass Dartmouth
As we wean ourselves from fossil fuels and realize the environmental costs of suburban sprawl, we will see that small cities offer many assets for sustainable living not shared by their big city or small town counterparts: population density (and the capacity for more); fertile, nearby farmland available for local agriculture, windmills, and solar farms; and manufacturing infrastructure and workforce skill that can be repurposed for the production of renewable-energy technology.
Learn more about the author here. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

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Announcements

UMass Dartmouth Sustainability Initiatve Looking to Enlist Student Support for ‘Green Fee’

The Sustainability Initiative is campaigning this school year to educate the student population on a proposed Sustainability Green Fee. This academic semester’s election ballot will include a question of adding a $15 opt-out fee to support “green” campus projects.

The Green Fee will directly benefit students who will not only decide on its approval, but will have a voice in determining how the funds will be spent. This means more student projects and research related to sustainability, like design and engineering projects in renewable energy, waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, and other ‘green’ development.

Funds from the green fee would also go towards supporting sustainability infrastructure projects, such as a campus bike share program and installation of more bike racks for buildings, installing more hydration stations as a means to reduce bottled water purchasing, and greater support for our campus garden, forest trails, and community-grown agriculture., The fee would also facilitate matching students with internships to gain career experience and networking opportunities within the many industries that now incorporate sustainable development practices.

An opt-out fee is an optional fee added to student tuition bills by default. Students not wishing to pay the fee can remove it in their accounts through COIN. If approved, the Green Fee would be included in tuition bills beginning next school year. All revenue from the Green Fee would stay on campus to directly impact quality of life at UMass Dartmouth.

Voting will be April 4th – 7th which is when we need you all to go and vote Yes! for the Green Fee! Students will receive an email with the ballot or can visit the Sustainability Table in the Campus Center.

Follow and Support the Green Fee Initiative here.

Register to Join the Eco-Float Procession for New Bedford’s Earth Eve Parade

Make your earth day statement and experience the fun! An eco-float is anything that a person or group can wear, roll or carry along the procession route. The only requirements are that your eco-float must not use fossil fuel, it must honor the Earth, be mindful of the 3R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle and that you complete the registration form below.

The Eco-float procession gathers at 5:00pm at Market Street next to the Library for the crowning of Mother Earth and Father Ocean. Mother Earth and Father Ocean will then lead the procession through the downtown historic district, along Acushnet Avenue and Pleasant Street with a quick stop for review. Procession will then return to Market Street. Please be aware that the procession passes over cobblestone streets, and takes place rain or shine!
Registration is due by Friday April 5th. For more information contact Katrina Semich at 508-999-8932 or via email. Learn more about the Earth Eve Procession here.

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

Five Unbelievable Home Improvement Uses for Paper Bags

Yes, you could recycle them. But what if you could turn your paper bags into something truly astonishing? Like what, you ask? Like a new floor, for instance, or a vintage-inspired wall covering. Is it weird? Is it cool? Would you even have room to store enough paper bags to make a floor out of them? Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

Doing Laundry without Machines and Detergent

What do you get when you combine a 5 gallon bucket and a toilet plunger? An off grid washing machine. My homemade laundry soap is something I have been using for years, long before I moved off grid. My clothes come out clean, clean smelling, not smelling of perfumes and chemicals. My clothes are also softer. Learn more here.

Global News

Climate Change Yields Agricultural Boost for Greenland’s Arctic Valleys

On the Arctic Circle, a chef is growing the kind of vegetables and herbs – potatoes, thyme, tomatoes, green peppers – more fitting for a suburban garden in a temperate zone than a land of Northern Lights, glaciers and musk oxen. Some Inuit hunters are finding reindeer fatter than ever thanks to more grazing on this frozen tundra, and for some, there is no longer a need to trek hours to find wild herbs. Welcome to climate change in Greenland, where locals say longer and warmer summers mean the country can grow the kind of crops unheard of years ago. “Things are just growing quicker,” said Kim Ernst, the Danish chef of Roklubben restaurant, nestled by a frozen lake near a former Cold War-era U.S. military base.

Major commercial crop production is still in its infancy. But it is a sign of changes here that Greenland’s government set up a commission this year to study how a changing climate may help farmers increase agricultural production and replace expensive imported foods. Change is already underway. Potatoes grown commercially in southern Greenland reached over 100 metric tons in 2012, double that of 2008. Vegetable production in the region may double this year compared with 2012, according to government data. Some politicians hope global warming will allow this country a quarter the size of the United States to reduce its dependency on former colonial master Denmark for much of its food as political parties push for full independence. Read more here.

Also read Global Warming Has Accelerated In Past 15 Years, New Study Of Oceans Confirms.

Squid Wars in the South Atlantic

It was a rare victory in the squid wars: Argentina’s coast guard cutter Thompson fired warning shots at two Chinese trawlers, blocking their escape into international waters. Ten tons of squid were found in the holds of the Lu Rong Yu 6177 and 6178 after they were hauled into port on Christmas Day. But this was just the first such capture in two years, a minor disturbance to the hundreds of unlicensed, unregulated fishing vessels that exploit the South Atlantic, pulling out an estimated 300,000 tons of ilex squid a year. The species, which roams across the maritime boundary between Argentina and the Falkland Islands, is key to a food chain that sustains penguins, seals, birds and whales. Managed well, it could sustain a vigorous fishing industry and steady revenues for both governments.

“It’s like the Wild West out there,” said Milko Schvartzman, who campaigns against overfishing for Greenpeace International. “There are more than 200 boats out there all the time,” and many routinely follow squid into Argentina’s economic exclusion zone, he added. “Unfortunately the Argentine government doesn’t have the naval capacity to continually control this area.” The countries that share the North Atlantic cooperate, with scientists, regulators, fishermen and armed forces working together to monitor fish populations and enforce limits on what can be caught each season. Not so in the South Atlantic, where Argentina ended 15 years of joint fisheries management in 2005 because it didn’t want any government relationship suggesting a recognition of the islanders’ claim to the British-held islands. Read more here.

Ecuador auctioning off Amazon to Chinese oil firms

Ecuador plans to auction off more than three million hectares of pristine Amazonian rainforest to Chinese oil companies, angering indigenous groups and underlining the global environmental toll of China’s insatiable thirst for energy. Ecuadorean politicians pitched bidding contracts to representatives of Chinese oil companies at a Hilton hotel in central Beijing. Previous meetings in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, and in Houston and Paris were each confronted with protests by indigenous groups.

According to the California-based NGO Amazon Watch, seven indigenous groups who inhabit the land claim that they have not consented to oil projects, which would devastate the area’s environment and threaten their traditional way of life. Amazon Watch said the deal would violate China’s own new investment guidelines, issued jointly by the ministries of commerce and environmental protection last month. The third clause of the guidelines says Chinese enterprises should “promote harmonious development of local economy, environment and community” while operating abroad. Critics say national debt may be a large part of the Ecuadorean government’s calculations. Ecuador owed China more than $7bn as of last summer, more than a tenth of its GDP. China began loaning billions of dollars to Ecuador in 2009 in exchange for oil shipments. More recently China helped fund two of its biggest hydroelectric infrastructure projects. Ecuador may soon build a $12.5bn oil refinery with Chinese financing. Read more here.

Also read Peru declares state of emergency over oil contamination in Amazon jungle region.

As Some Nations Scale Back Nuclear Energy, Emerging Nations Look Towards Expansion Over Next Decade

Despite a slew of developed nations putting the brakes on nuclear programs in the wake of Japan’s Fukushima disaster, global nuclear energy generation is expected to increase significantly, climbing 30 percent by the end of the decade, according to recent research. Rapidly increasing demand for electricity coupled with surging fossil fuel prices is making nuclear power an increasingly attractive option for many countries, especially in those where large-scale alternative-energy generation – such as wind and solar – is impractical. Around 45 current nuclear-free nations including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Poland and Bangladesh are looking at adding the controversial power source to their energy portfolio.

“In these countries, there’s very rapidly increasing electricity demand,” says Jonathan Lane, GlobalData’s Head of Consulting for Power and Utilities. “It’s not a question of them managing that [demand] with a single technology – it’s going to have to be a mix of technology and nuclear is an important part of that.” Read more here.

Toxic Products Banned In U.S. Still Exported Overseas

Not until Perry Gottesfeld pulled up to the front gates of Seigneurie in Cameroon did he realize the African country’s leading paint manufacturer was owned by a U.S.-based corporation. His research team had just discovered that more than 40 percent of Seigneurie house paints on the market in Cameroon contained high levels of lead, with the neurotoxic heavy metal accounting for up to half the weight of some paints. House paint containing lead was banned in the U.S. more than three decades ago. The global spread of toxic lead paint follows an unfortunate pattern that covers everything from leaded gasoline to unsafe medications, according to public safety experts. Long after a product has been pulled from U.S. shelves, it still tends to appear in open markets elsewhere — often in developing countries where few regulations protect public health.

Asbestosis another case in point. As the U.S. stopped most traditional uses of the microscopic mineral fibers due to their toxicity, companies continued to ship the substance elsewhere. In 2011, according to the United States Geological Survey, the U.S. exported about $27 million worth of asbestos products. “It’s every sort of toxic chemical you can think of,” said Evan Mascagni, a producer of an upcoming documentary that highlights the global sale of pesticides banned in the U.S. and the health dangers those chemicals pose to unsuspecting farmers, agricultural workers and children. Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• Melbourne, Australia is Now Certified as Carbon-Neutral
• From fat to fuel: Genetically modified bacteria could convert waste into energy
• Scotland to Donald Trump: Screw Off, We’re Building a Windfarm!

National News

Anti-extraction movement in the US gains momentum

Long before dirty energy companies began to frack Pennsylvania, the Ramapough Lunape were suffering from buried poison leaching into their groundwater. In the 1960′s and 1970′s, the Ford Motor Company dumped waste into abandoned mineshafts on their land. The Ringwood Mines landfill site is now a Superfund site. Seven hundred of the thirty-five hundred people in the tribe have documented health impacts; one fourth of homes has at least one person with cancer. The Ramapough Luunape do not want the pipeline on their land. The observer was there to document violations by the construction crew and ensure that culturally and archaeologically important sites weren’t being destroyed.

The anti-extraction movement is about traditionally marginalized people standing up to build a better future: people like the Appalachia Resist! activists who shut down a fracking waste facility in Ohio on February 18th, like the members of the Red Lake tribe currently blocking an Enbridge tar sands pipeline through their land in northern Minnesota, like Debra White Plume and others from the Oglala nation who started blockading Keystone XL machinery in early 2012 and inspired an ongoing campaign of direct actions against the project. At its heart, this struggle is about community resistance and resilience. Read more here

Also read 2013 EPA National Rivers And Streams Assessment: More Than Half Of Waterways In ‘Poor’ Shape.

New Attempts Made to Kick Antibiotics Out of Factory Farms

In an attempt to save modern-day medicine, a microbiologist who serves in Congress is reintroducing an updated version of her Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA). The legislation is a mouthful, but in essence it aims to curb the use of antibiotics in factory farm settings because the unnecessary overuse is breeding hard-to-kill supergerms, rendering many of our most important antibiotics useless for human ailments. It would end farmers’ practice of giving antibiotics to animals that aren’t sick.

In fact, we’re already seeing all sorts of antibiotic-resistant infections claim lives and strain the healthcare system. The most common, MRSA, alone kills about 18,000 people a year in the United States – that’s more than AIDS. Gonorrhea is also on the verge of being untreatable, and many common antibiotics no longer cure urinary tract infections. Read more here.

Climate Change Coming To Classrooms

By the time today’s K-12 students grow up, the challenges posed by climate change are expected to be severe and sweeping. Now, for the first time, new nationwide science standards due out soon will recommend that U.S. public school students learn about the climatic shift taking place. Mark McCaffrey of the National Center for Science Education says the lessons will fill a big gap. “Only 1 in 5 [students] feel like they’ve got a good handle on climate change from what they’ve learned in school,” he says, adding that surveys show two-thirds of students say they’re not learning much at all about it. “So the state of climate change education in the U.S. is abysmal.”

Even when this is taught, McCaffrey says, climate is often sidelined. Why take Earth science, when what you need to get into college is biology and chemistry? A recent report on climate literacy recommends sweeping changes to address such issues. There’s the political battle over how climate change is taught. Last month, Colorado became the 18th state in recent years – including seven this year – to consider an “Academic Freedom Act.” “The bill will go toward creating an atmosphere of open inquiry,” Joshua Youngkin of the Discovery Institute told state lawmakers. The institute is the same group that’s long questioned evolution and the way it’s taught. Now it has crafted suggested legislation that also targets global warming, although Youngkin testified that the aim is not to ban teaching about climate change. Read more here.

California Sea Lions Starving

Southern California sea lions, known for their intelligence, playfulness and noisy barking, are in serious trouble. A record 700 pups have turned up on shore emaciated and starving over the last three months, forcing the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) in Laguna Beach to declare a state of emergency as it scrambles to house the greatest number of sea lions in the center’s 42-year history. “They’re very sick,” Keith Matassa, executive director of the PMCC, told CBS News. “A normal sea lion at this age – 8 to 9 months old – should be around 60 to 70 pounds. We’re seeing them come into our center at 20 to 25 pounds, and really they look like walking skeletons.”

“We don’t know what the problem is now,” Susan Chivers, a biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, told NBC San Diego. “There’s something going on oceanographically [such] that there’s not sufficient food available for the moms to nurse their pups or the pups – as they’re starting to eat on their own – to find.” Read more here.

Urban Greening May Reduce Crime Rates in Cities

Urban planning is not only important to the strategic design behind a city’s infrastructure, but now one study finds that the landscaping itself which emphasizes urban greening and the introduction of well-maintained vegetation, can lower the rates of certain types of crime such as aggravated assault, robbery and burglary, in cities. According to a Temple University study, “Does vegetation encourage or suppress urban crime? Evidence from Philadelphia, PA,” researchers found that the presence of grass, trees and shrubs is associated with lower crime rates in Philadelphia. “There is a longstanding principle, particularly in urban planning, that you don’t want a high level of vegetation, because it abets crime by either shielding the criminal activity or allowing the criminal to escape,” said Jeremy Mennis, associate professor of geography and urban studies at Temple. “Well-maintained greenery, however, can have a suppressive effect on crime.”

Researchers established controls for other key socioeconomic factors related to crime, such as poverty, educational attainment and population density, and examined socioeconomic, crime and vegetation data, the latter from satellite imagery. The authors conclude that this deterrent effect is rooted in the fact that maintained greenery encourages social interaction and community supervision of public spaces, as well the calming effect that vegetated landscapes may impart, thus reducing psychological precursors to violent acts. They offer their findings and related work as evidence for urban planners to use when designing crime prevention strategies, especially important in an age when sustainability is valued. Read more here.

Other National Headlines of Interest

• A Truly Devastating Graph on State Higher Education Spending
• Apple achieves 75 percent renewable energy across the board
• Can We 3D Print Our Way Out of Climate Change?

Voices

Life After Oil and Gas

As renewable energy gets cheaper and machines and buildings become more energy efficient, a number of countries that two decades ago ran on a fuel mix much like America’s are successfully dialing down their fossil fuel habits. Thirteen countries got more than 30 percent of their electricity from renewable energy in 2011, according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency, and many are aiming still higher. A National Research Council report released last week concluded that the United States could halve by 2030 the oil used in cars and trucks compared with 2005 levels by improving the efficiency of gasoline-powered vehicles and by relying more on cars that use alternative power sources, like electric batteries and biofuels.

“It’s absolutely not true that we need natural gas, coal or oil – we think it’s a myth,” said Mark Z. Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and the main author of the study, published in the journal Energy Policy. “You could power America with renewables from a technical and economic standpoint. The biggest obstacles are social and political – what you need is the will to do it.” Other countries have made far more concerted efforts to reduce fossil fuel use than the United States and have some impressive numbers to show for it. Of the countries that rely most heavily on renewable electricity, some, like Norway, rely on that old renewable, hydroelectric power. But others, like Denmark, Portugal and Germany, have created financial incentives to promote newer technologies like wind and solar energy. People convinced that America “needs” the oil that would flow south from Canada through the Keystone XL pipeline might be surprised to learn that Canada produced 63.4 percent of its electricity from renewable sources in 2011, largely from hydropower and a bit of wind. (Maybe that is why Canada has all that oil to sell.) The United States got only 12.3 percent of its electricity from renewables in 2011. Still, many experts say that aggressively rebalancing the United States’ mix of fossil fuel and renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint may well be impractical and unwise for now. Read more here.

Fox News Claims Solar Won’t Work in America Because It’s Not Sunny Like Germany

Thanks to Fox News and its expert commentators, millions of Americans now understand the real, hidden reason why Germany’s solar-energy industry is so much further along than ours. Turns out it has nothing to do with the fact that Germany’s government has long supported the industry far more generously, with policies like feed-in tariffs that stimulate investment in green technologies. No, the real reason is much simpler, explained a trio of journalists on Fox & Friends: It’s always sunny in Germany!

Gosh, why hasn’t anyone thought of that before? Wouldn’t you think that some scientist, somewhere, would have noticed that the East Coast is far less sunny than Central Europe and therefore incapable of producing solar power on the same scale? You would – if it were true. As Media Matters’ Max Greenberg notes, it isn’t. Not even remotely. According to maps put out by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, virtually the entirety of the continental United States gets more sun than even the sunniest part of Germany. In fact, NREL senior scientist Sarah Kurtz said via email, “Germany’s solar resource is akin to Alaska’s,” the U.S. state with by far the lowest annual average of direct solar energy. Read more here.

What North Dakota and Mississippi Reveal About Anti-Choice NIMBYism and Hypocrisy

With the legal struggle in Mississippi working through what may be its last phases and North Dakota on the brink of closing down its last clinic through a TRAP law requiring unnecessarily that abortion providers have admitting privileges at local hospitals, it seems that the NIMBYism strategy of anti-choicers may finally have reached the end goal of completely eliminating access to legal abortion in some states. Beyond just the gross misogyny on display in these efforts, what we’re seeing here is the triumph of symbolic politics over real world issues such as realistic policy goal-setting and the health of the population. Not that this should be any surprise. Make no mistake, these efforts have nothing to do with fetal life or preventing abortion, but are simply a symbolic gesture to enshrine fundamentalist piety about sex and gender roles into law, regardless of the damage that doing so does to actual women.

So really, what’s at the heart of the anti-choice movement is an attempt to create a hypocritical society where non-procreative sex is officially condemned but everyone is doing it anyway. They also intend to create some scapegoats, primarily women and especially poorer women, who will be made to suffer from botched illegal abortions and forced childbirth to pay for the sexual “sins” engaged in by the rest of the community. It’s like looking back on the era of Prohibition and longing for a system where everyone is breaking the law, but only a handful of mostly underprivileged people are paying the price. Read more here.

The True Costs of Industrialized Food

On the buying end, it seems an irresistibly good deal, our 99 cent soda or $1.50 loaf of bread. But these prices represent just a fraction of the true costs of getting that soda and bread into our shopping bags. We pay for the hidden costs of the corporate food supply chain in multiple ways, not all of them financially. We subsidize food corporations through our taxes, which pay for public works like transportation infrastructure for long-distance shipping (highways, airports, and railroads), communication infrastructure (satellites, television, radio and internet), energy infrastructure (coal plants and nuclear power stations), and research and development (like government-funded crop research). Tax dollars also fund the government subsidies that keep certain crop prices low, allowing corporations to create their processed foods so cheaply. Small- and medium-sized farmers pay extremely high hidden costs. Their farms have been steadily disappearing as land is further consolidated into the hands of fewer people. The U.S. has lost 800,000 farmers and ranchers in the last 40 years. Between 1900 and 2002, the number of farms in the U.S. shrank by 63 percent, while the average farm size increased by 67 percent.[ii] The dairy industry has undergone an even starker decline: in just over 35 years, between 1970 and 2006, the country lost 88 percent of its dairy farms, while the average herd size per farm increased from 19 to 120 cows.

Some populations, depending on class, race, nationality, and livelihood, pay more dearly than others. Black farmers and land owners suffer. Farmworkers and other laborers all along the food supply chain also pay by receiving inadequate wages; they are twice as likely to live below the poverty line. As consumers, we all pay with our health and well-being. Our country’s most popular cuisine is affectionately called ‘junk,’ after all. Eating the highly processed food made readily available to us has led to epidemic levels of diabetes and heart disease. Individuals get chastised for their own diet-related problems while ‘junk’ food is much easier and cheaper to access than healthy food. Read more here.

Local News

South Coast Bikeway aims to connect Swansea, Wareham

FALL RIVER – Supporters of the plan to create the South Coast Bikeway from the Rhode Island border to Cape Cod to serve cyclists and walkers continue their momentum to make the project a reality. “We’ve got to get this country moving again. Whether we’re talking about commuting to work or recreation, we are really talking about quality of life,” said Pauline Hamel, the coordinator for Mass in Motion New Bedford and a member of the South Coast Bikeway Committee spearheading the effort.

One of the many advantages of creating a 40-mile biking trail is the health benefit to local residents as the region and nation face a public health crisis that includes obesity, diabetes and cancer, Hamel said. Since 2011, the South Coast Bikeway Committee has been working on plans to build the bikeway that will feature both on- and off-road trails and link the cities and towns of Swansea, Somerset, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion and Wareham, and could include routes to the campuses of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Bristol Community College. Read more here

Fairhaven campaigns powered by Windwise donations

FAIRHAVEN – Wind turbine opponents again are taking an active role in this election season, donating both time and money to challengers in races for the Board of Selectmen and Board of Health. Geoffrey Haworth, running for selectman, and John Wethington, running for the Board of Health, each received upwards of $3,000 in donations since they signed up to run for office, one-third of which came from outspoken turbine opponents.

Donors to Wethington and Haworth include residents active in the Fairhaven Windwise branch. Both candidates have received donations from members Louise Barteau, Curt Devlin, Kenneth Pottel and others, as well as donations from Ann DeNardis, who represented 23 residents in a lawsuit against the town opposing the turbines. The two challengers have raised considerably more money this year than their incumbent opponents, selectmen Chairman Brian Bowcock and Board of Health member Peter DeTerra. Read more here.

The Apartment Complex of Boston’s Tomorrow – 0 Parking Spots, 46 Personal Garden Spaces

In Boston, the city actually requires architects and developers to provide parking spots in all new residential constructions. But architect Sebastian Mariscal, who is the developer as well as the architect for a proposed 18,000-square-foot, 44-unit residential building in Boston’s Allston neighborhood, has a greener option – inserting gardens in spots usually reserved for parking spots. “Prior to beginning the design process, we extensively researched the challenges of the area in conjunction with the environmental demands of our time,” Mariscal tells TakePart, “and both helped define the project’s program and concepts. The decrease of traffic and increase of green space were the two main goals of this project. We see them as intimately related since both are important to improving a city dweller’s quality of life.”

“I see open green space, both public and private, as a primary component of our architecture,” Mariscal explains. “It’s in these voids where the most interesting human engagements occur. In addition to increasing dialogue between people and nature, these voids reduce the amount of conditioned space in the building and, therefore, reduce energy consumption.” Mariscal designed open green spaces throughout the building including a public garden, private gardens, and a rooftop farm. On the roof, 70 percent of the area is dedicated to gardening. Mariscal says that the idea is that each rental unit would include a small piece of ground for people to grow their own vegetables. “This is healthier for residents, both physically and psychologically, less expensive, and environmentally attractive,” says Mariscal. The rest of the roof is given over to a lounge space for cooking and dining that has a view of downtown. Read more here.

Dartmouth solar farm puts old landfill to new use

DARTMOUTH – The capped Russells Mills Road Landfill has a new lease on life after Borrego Solar Systems Inc. quietly topped the former dump with a solar farm, a venture that drew none of the complaints common to similar solar projects in town. “It’s the town of Dartmouth that showed leadership today,” state Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mark Sylvia said during a ribbon cutting for the facility. State and local officials including U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, state Rep. Chris Markey, Select Board Chairwoman Lara Stone and others attended the ceremony celebrating the 5,300-panel, 1.4 megawatt solar farm slated to meet 20 percent of the town’s energy needs.

The project is Borrego’s third in Dartmouth and the California-based company employs more people in Massachusetts than in its home state. The company’s three facilities in Dartmouth also make up its largest collection of projects in any one place, Borrego senior project developer Joe Harrison said. The farm – the state’s third landfill-based solar array – is expected to save the town $105,000 annually and $3 million over a 20-year span. Read more here.

Boston falls short of health goal to shed 1 million pounds

Last April, Mayor Thomas M. Menino challenged Bostonians to lose a collective 1 million pounds in a year’s time. So far we’ve lost 95,697 pounds. Only 904,303 to go. By April 23. Bostonians still have a month to trim down, but maybe the goal was too ambitious. Perhaps a call to gain a million pounds would have better tapped into our strengths. Or to rack up $1 million in parking tickets. But let’s take a step back and examine the goal. Why 1 million pounds? After all, Corpus Christi, Texas officials challenged their citizens to lose only 50,000 pounds, and that community – population 308,000 – was so plump that it was branded “America’s Fattest City” by Men’s Health magazine.

Boston, by contrast, ranked fifth on Men’s Fitness magazine’s 2012 list of fittest cities. Even so, the Boston Public Health Commission figured that the city has about 200,000 overweight or obese adults, and if each lost five pounds, we would hit the million-pound goal. You can’t blame cities and towns for trying. But without societal change, it’s hard for a whole population – or an individual – to lose weight, said Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group in Washington, D.C., focused on nutritional education. “The food environment makes healthy eating like swimming upstream,” she said. “Without major shifts to reasonable portions sizes, more healthy options, and calorie labeling in restaurants, people’s efforts are regularly undermined. People need more than just a diet club or website.” Read more here.

Unique challenges bog down fight against nitrogen pollution

WAREHAM – Though cranberry growing season has not yet begun, the researchers at the University of Massachusetts test bog in Wareham are already hard at work. Monitoring a cranberry bog, it turns out, is a year-long process as snow melts and rain fills the bog with water that needs to be removed. How that water is removed and where it goes and what it does is the subject of an ongoing study at the test bog about cranberry farming’s effect on nitrogen pollution in the bay. The complicated irrigation systems of cranberry bogs make monitoring their effect on the surrounding environment difficult, according to Carolyn DeMoranville, station director at the UMass test bog.

“There is a lot of manipulation involved in keeping the ideal conditions,” she said, standing at a pump monitor amid the purple-red vines and leaves of cranberry plants last Wednesday. “It gets very complex very quickly.” Nitrogen is a key ingredient in fertilizer used on bogs and is crucial to a cranberry plant’s development. But because cranberry bogs contain acidic, sandy soil, excess nitrogen not retained by the berries easily seeps out into the groundwater. When that water exits the bog, it takes the nitrogen with it, ultimately to Buzzards Bay. Read more here.

Burnings aim to restore rabbit habitat

MASHPEE – Stewards of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge are fired up about bringing back the habitat of the threatened New England cottontail rabbit. In late February, several groups – including the Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, which controls around 45 acres of the refuge’s more than 5,000 acres – began a 10-year project of habitat restoration through prescribed burning. “We’re trying to help these rabbits stay off the endangered species list,” Orenda administrator Liz Lewis said.

About 86 percent of the rabbit’s natural New England habitat has been lost, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service statistics. A recent sample near the restoration area by an Eastern Massachusetts Wildlife Refuge Complex biologist found just 27 individual New England cottontails, according to Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Catherine Hibbard. The burning also will bring back other species that prefer the same habitat as the cottontails, and help reduce the chance of forest fires in the area, Joel Carlson, owner of Northeast Forest and Fire Management, said. The company has the contract to work on the mechanical clearing and prescribed burns. Read more here.

Volunteers keeping tabs on Taunton River water quality

A group of volunteers is helping to keep tabs on the quality of water in the Taunton River watershed, an area of 43 communities that includes the Hockomock Swamp, a 6,000-acre wetland in parts of Easton, West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Raynham, Taunton and Norton. On the second Tuesday of every month, volunteers take water samples between 5:30 and 7:30 a.m. from nearby rivers and streams. The volunteers note the pH level, color and temperature of each sample they collect then the samples are sent to Veolia Water North America in Fall River which tests for bacteria and other pollutants. The data is sent back to the Taunton River Watershed Association which runs the volunteer water sampling program, and to Taunton’s public works department.

“We’re not there to police it, we’re out there to get that data and report on what’s going on,” said program director Carolyn LaMarre. Between 15 and 20 volunteers are trained each year and there are about 20 testing sites. Read more here.

Tugboat runs aground in Buzzards Bay, spills as much as 300 gallons of gear oil

Cleanup crews blocked off parts of Buzzards Bay today with booms and worked to clear the remnants of an oil sheen left by a tugboat that ran aground, spilling at least 300 gallons of gear oil into the water, the Coast Guard said. The 93-foot tugboat Justice was towed to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy from the spot near Stony Point Dike in Wareham where it ran aground.

The boat’s lower starboard drive, from which the fluid was leaking, was sheared off the bottom of the boat when it ran aground two miles south of the canal and still remains in the bay, said Adam Stanton, a Coast Guard spokesman. A Coast Guard statement said the drive was carrying 630 gallons of gear oil, a high-viscosity lubricant used in engines to protect gears, but most of the fluid remained in the boat and the submerged drive appeared to have stopped leaking. “Gear oil is more persistent than fuel oil and response personnel are already looking to quickly clean up any pockets of oil found,” the Coast Guard said. Read more here.

Planned use of contaminated soil to cap Dartmouth landfill raises concerns

DARTMOUTH – Town officials have found themselves largely powerless to stop a Brockton company’s plan to bury the dormant Cecil Smith Landfill under 1.4 million tons of soil riddled with unknown contaminants. “It’s not bad enough to be considered hazardous waste but it can’t be used” as topsoil, Director of Public Health Wendy Henderson said. “My concern is that this is a town aquifer and in very close proximity to the Shingle Island River.” Brockton-based Boston Environmental and Trucking Corporation was retained by landowner Mary Robinson to cap the 23-acre landfill and town officials said the firm wants to begin trucking in soil by May.

With the state Department of Environmental Protection responsible for permitting the proposal – expected to involve some 66,000 truckloads of soil over three years – the town’s Select Board and Board of Health have no authority to say yea or nay, although they and the public will be asked to submit comments to the DEP after a public hearing this week. The Conservation Commission, however, will be able to vote after a public hearing on whether to allow the firm to work on the site, which is surrounded by wetlands. The firm can appeal the commission’s decision to either the DEP or in Superior Court, Environmental Affairs Coordinator Michael O’Reilly said. Read more here.

Pawtucket Gasification Plant Pollution Worries Neighborhood

The in-your-face smell, she soon discovered, was coming from work being done at the nearby Tidewater Street gasification plant. Gas storage tanks on the property were being dismantled and decades-old sludge – a mixture of captured rainwater and a chemical concoction – inside the tanks was being removed. She called the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to inquire about the work and the stink. She was passed along to National Grid, which has owned 20 of the site’s 23 acres since 2006. Dygert said the pungent odor – which she later learned, after making numerous phone calls, pouring through mounds of air-quality data and “begging” DEM to investigate – was from toxic chemicals in the sludge that had been released into the air, with little warning to the public, during tank dismantling.

A total of 443,340 gallons of liquid sludge was removed from the gas-holding tanks and 295 tons of solid sludge was disposed off-site, according to National Grid. After the tank/sludge-removal work was mostly complete, DEM requested the project’s air-quality data. Officials found that hazardous substances had, indeed, been released into the air during the fall 2010 work at levels that exceeded health thresholds. With its prime location along the Seekonk River, Pawtucket and Greater Providence would benefit from the remediation of the former industrial site. But, local resident Lon Plynton, like Dygert, doesn’t believe the neighborhood, schoolchildren and the environment should be saddled with health costs to make it happen. “This place is definitely bad news,” said Plynton, who has owned a home on Pleasant Street for the past seven years. His family no longer lives there, having moved to another neighborhood a few years ago. But he has been unable to sell his Pleasant Street house. “I’d like to see more testing done, especially around the schools. There’s all kinds of poisons in that soil.” Read more here.

Ending the nightmare on elm-lined streets: Scientists using survivors to breed tougher generations

Majestic American elm trees in New England that have survived decades of a ravaging disease are being called upon to help create a genetic armor to help future generations resist the disease’s devastation. Scientists from The Nature Conservancy are climbing high into trees in a handful of locations this spring to clip small branches in hopes of developing new Dutch elm-disease resistant strains of the stately tree.

American elms, among New England’s largest trees, once dominated the forest canopy, creating an ecological niche that provided shade and absorbed floodwaters, according to The Nature Conservancy. But the Dutch elm fungus that entered the country in the 1930s changed all that, cutting a swath of destruction that has resulted in the death of some 100 million of the graceful, arching trees. The disease kills by choking the tree. The fungus clogs the tree’s vascular system, which delivers waters to leaves and branches. Eventually the tree withers and dies. Read more here.

Eastham business owners pine for water

EASTHAM – A kennel owner cannot get fire insurance, a restaurant owner pays thousands to treat his water, and a gym owner struggles to keep her indoor pool from clouding up. These are only a few of the challenges facing the business community in Eastham, the only town on the Cape without at least a partial public water supply. For the second year in a row, town officials are pushing for a multimillion-dollar municipal water system. The Eastham Chamber of Commerce refuses to take a position on the plan to install a $114 million municipal water system.

Many business owners want public water, and they want it bad. “If I had municipal water, it would save me a lot of headaches,” said Ken Taber, owner of the Fairway Restaurant and Pizzeria and The Hole in One Donut Shop. Taber, who has run his business since 1989, was recently told by the state Department of Environmental Protection that he needs to begin testing his water daily. Taber, like all restaurant owners with private wells, must have regular water testing done, according to state law, because he offers water to the public. Read more here.

PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Solar farm taking shape in Plympton

PLYMOUTH – Construction progresses on the Plymouth school district’s massive solar farm in Plympton. Borrego Solar is building the 25-acre solar farm near the entrance to Plympton Sand and Gravel. When completed, the 5.57-megawatt project will be the largest solar project for a school district in the state. It is expected to save the school district $500,000 a year.

Plans for a 2.43-megawatt solar project on a parcel off Bourne Road in South Plymouth, meanwhile, remains stalled in regulatory review. The smaller project would save the district another $250,000 a year. Read more here.

At Dartmouth farm, animals with special needs get quality care

DARTMOUTH – The alpacas, with their funny Muppet faces and curly coiffed bangs, were inquisitive when the new people walked up to meet them A pony ran over, head bobbing. Two goats trotted near, like dogs with big horns, to have a sniff and a stare. Todd, the goose, stayed where he was with the ponies and other animals. “He doesn’t like the ducks and chickens,” said Deborah Devlin, who owns Don’t Forget Us Pet Us, a 14-acre farm that is home to all manner of animals that have been neglected or have some form of special needs. Read more here.

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This Week

Lost Arts Workshop Series: Social Entrepreneurship

Monday, April 1, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Being a well-rounded business in this new age economy will bring you to new heights! Come learn from a professional on starting businesses that focuses on being ‘socially green.’ This course is taught by a National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship-certified entrepreneur.
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Sustainability Film Series: The Flaw

Monday, April 1, 7pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 206, at UMass Dartmouth
Made by award-winning documentary maker David Sington, THE FLAW tells the story of the credit bubble that caused the financial crash. Through interviews with some of the world’s leading economists, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, and economic historian Louis Hyman, as well as Wall Street insiders and victims of the crash, the film presents an original and compelling account of the toxic combination of forces that nearly destroyed the world economy. The film shows how excessive income inequality in society leads to economic instability. At a time when economic theory and public policy is being re-examined this film reminds us that without addressing the root causes of the crisis the system may collapse again and next time it may not be possible for governments to rescue it.
Contact Rich Legault via Email for more information. Watch the Trailer here.

Life Cycle Assessment, True Cost Accounting, Social Accounting – What’s Lurking Behind the Wizard’s Curtain?

Tuesday, April 2, 6pm – 9pm 500 Boyleston St., Boston, MA
Many of our undesirable, unintended consequences (environmental, social, and otherwise) come from the design, production, sale and use of products without adequate attention to the resources (energy, water, materials, land and human – social capital) consumed in their entire life cycle including the product’s packaging and other end of life considerations.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology created to assess the environmental impacts of a product at every stage of its life-cycle, from the extraction of the raw materials needed in its manufacture, to its distribution, use, and disposal. True Cost Accounting quantifies the environmental and social costs along side our traditional accounting so that we have a more accurate reflection of the costs incurred by the creation / use / disposal of our products. But do the companies that use this approach spend time creating a scope that accurately defines what is involved? Would they submit the proposed scope for independent peer review? Would they seek to certify LCA with a verifiable standard?

The Boston Area Sustainability Group invites experts and users of these methodologies to share their experience, insights and challenges. If you’ve not grappled with these concepts before, you’ll likely come away with a new way of thinking about things. And if you have, we’ll be excited to hear your insights, challenges and experiences.
FREE Admittance to this event will be granted to anyone from the UMass Dartmouth community who contacts the event coordinator by 4pm, Monday, April 1.
Contact Carol Baroudi via Email or call 617.770.7641 for more information. Learn more and register here.

Decision-Makers Workshop: How to Make Nitrogen Reduction Happen

Wednesday, April 3, 8:30am – 12:30pm Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA
Sponosred by Buzzards Bay Coalition. The 2013 Decision Makers Workshop series offers practical solutions to the biggest problem facing Buzzards Bay and our coastal waters: nitrogen pollution. These free workshops are a resource for individuals who make decisions that affect the health of Buzzards Bay and the local environment. Comprehensive planning and innovative funding on the local, state, and regional scale are essential for making a cost-effective cleanup happen. Presenters will include: Paul Niedzwiecki, Executive Director, Cape Cod Commission; Jag Khuman, Director, Water Quality Financing Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment; and Dr. Bob Duncanson, Director, Chatham Department of Health and the Environment
Attendance if FREE, but Registration is required. Contact Rob Hancock Vice-President of Education and Public Engagement for Buzzards Bay Coalition, or call (508) 999-6363 x222 for more information.

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Save The Date

Creative Connections: Art in the Outdoors with Anastasia Azure

Saturday, April 6, 10am – Noon Slocum’s River Reserve, Horseneck Road, Dartmouth, MA
Join nationally recognized artist Anastasia Azure on a creative journey at the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) and The Trustees of Reservation’s (TTOR) Slocum’s River Reserve in Dartmouth. Anastasia will lead participants in the exploration of “land art,” a process in which the landscape and work of art are inextricably linked. Deepen your connection to the watershed and discover a new way to enjoy your Bay.
While you’re at Slocum’s River Reserve, you can view The River Project, six large-scale site-specific sculptures that are the result of a collaoration between DNRT, TTOR, and talented local artists.
Attendance is FREE, but registration is required. Contact Megan Connolly, Senior Educator for Buzzards Bay Coalition, or call (508) 999-6363 x224. Learn more here.

Family Program: GET LOST!

Saturday, April 6, 1pm – 3:30pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Get Lost in the Woods! This class will introduce children and families to how a compass works. After a brief introduction families will have a chance to create a treasure map for each other using their newly developed orienteering skills. There may even be treasures at the end of their journey.
Price: Members: $5 Non-members: $7 Preregister by Thursday, April 4. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Sustainable Seafood Cooking with Henry Bousquet

Tuesday, April 9, 7pm Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School
Chef and culinary arts instructor Henry Bousquet will share family-friendly approaches to cooking abundant species including Pollock, Redfish and Spiny Dogfish. The audience will be invited to taste his creations and take home recipes.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

The Ideas Behind Timebanking: A Simple Concept with Profound Implications

Wednesday, April 10, Noon – 1:30pm Angus Bailey Auditorium, Room 006, UMass Dartmouth
Time Banking is an alternative monetary system centered on the principle that time one spends performing social and civil services can be turned into currency. One hour of labor served equals one credit of time received, which can be used or saved for accumulation towards a service. Time Banks aren’t just an alternative monetary system; they also forge stronger community relations, build greater social capital, and encourage self-sufficiency. Under/un-employed workers and students looking to improve their economic and social situations can do that by utilizing the skills, time, and energy they already have.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Time Exchange is a regional cooperative in which members post skills and tasks they can do and requests of things they need done in a customized database. When a member finds a post of someone offering something they need, they contact them and arrange to make the exchange. Afterwards, the provider posts the exchange and the amount of time is credited to their “time credit account” and the recipients account is debited. While the system is online, computer knowledge is not required. Coordinators and “computer buddies can assist anyone needing “real human” help. A brief introduction to the Time Exchange will be offered for those new to the timebanking idea.

If you have specific questions regarding the lecture or program, please call Bob Bailey at 774-955-0551, or contact via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Critter Hunt: Under a Log

Thursday, April 11, 2pm – 3:30pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Searching for critters isn’t just for kids. On this guided hike learn about all the animals that make a home under a log and their important role in the forest.
Price: Members: $5 Non-members: $7 Preregister by Tuesday, April 9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

AHA Night Presents: Sustainable SouthCoast

Thursday, April 11, 5pm – 8pm Downtown New Bedford, Various Locations
Spring has sprung, bringing with it new life, warmer weather and longer days. Mark your calendars for the April 11th AHA! Night when – just in time for Earth Day – our theme is “Sustainable SouthCoast.” Join us in celebrating the earth and explore how we can create a sustainable environment for ourselves and others. Hear what others in the community are doing and connect with groups who are making a commitment to positive change.
Celebrate Earth Eve with the largest People-Powered Parade in New England!! The climate is changing, and it’s time to make a statement. The evening will be filled with fun, as the group parades along the procession route with their eco-floats moving to the beat of the New Bedford All-City Middle School Marching Band and the UMass Steel Drum Ensemble. Eco-floats are anything a person or group can wear, roll, or carry along the procession route. The topics of this event are all about reducing, reusing, and recycling. All this begins at 5pm in front of the NB Public Library (613 Pleasant Street) The procession will begin at 5:30pm & travel through the downtown historic district. Plus don’t miss the crowning of Mother Earth and Father Ocean!

Sustainable SouthCoast at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (18 Johnny Cake Hill) – SEEAL’s 6th annual Shrink Your Footprint Fair will promote sustainable practices and local green businesses through informative displays, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and workshops. 6-8pm – SouthCoast Energy Challenge and 3rd EyE Unlimited host the 1st Annual Sustainable Living Film Festival. Local high school students were asked to create a 2-7 minute film with a “sustainable living” theme. The top 5 submissions will be shown.

There will be tons more activities from various local organizations and businesses all over the Downtown New Bedford area. All activities are FREE and open to the public. Learn more here

Green Building Tours

Thursday, April 11, 5pm – 8pm Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Discover and celebrate our local waterways during Sustainable SouthCoast AHA! Night at the Bay Learning Center. We will lead public tours of our green building, which serves as a model for sustainable historic renovation in downtown New Bedford, as well the newly installed Habitat outdoor eelgrass sculpture. Tours begin at 6pm and 7pm.
Contact Alicia Pimental, Communications and Outreach Manager at (508) 999-6363 x226 or email. Learn more here

Graduate Student Lecture Series: Sustainable Cities

Thursday, April 11, 6 – 7pm Claire T. Carney Library Grand Reading Room, UMass Dartmouth
“Measuring sustainability: an introduction to the SouthCoast Urban Indicators Project” – Colleen Dawicki, MPP Graduate 2012; Project Manager, Urban Initiative http://southcoastindicators.org.
Co-sponsored with The Department of Public Policy, The Center for Policy Analysis, The Urban Initiative, and the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement

Film Screening: Red Gold

Thursday, April 11, 7:30pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
At the headwaters of the Kvichak and the Nushagak Rivers in Bristol Bay Alaska – the two largest remaining sockeye salmon runs on the planet – mining companies Northern Dynasty and Anglo American have proposed to extract what may prove to be the richest deposit of gold and copper in the world. Filmmakers Ben Knight and Travis Rummel spent 70 days in Bristol Bay documenting the growing unrest among native, commercial and sport fishermen who oppose the proposed Pebble Mine as well as giving mine officials a chance to argue their case. The open-pit and underground Pebble Mine could require the largest dam ever constructed to contain toxic runoff from mine waste. Red Gold is a portrait of a unique way of life that would not exist if the salmon didn’t return with Bristol Bay’s tide. A discussion will follow the screening.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Herb Basket Workshop

Saturday, April 13, 9am – 5pm Greater Fall River Art Association, 80 Belmont St., Fall River
Get ready for spring by planning to attend an herb basket workshop by artist Sharon Owens at the Greater Fall River Art Association. The hand-woven basket will fit perfectly on most windowsills and will provide fresh herbs for use in culinary endeavors. The basket will measure 9 inches by 4 inches and will be created in colors of your choice. The material is reed and traditional woven. Herbs are rosemary, thyme, parsley, chive, oregano, and basil.
Herbs will be provided as part of the workshop fee of $65, which includes all materials and instructions. Attendees should bring a bagged lunch. Beverages will be provided. To register contact Sharon owens via e-mail.

Planning Your Home Garden

Saturday, April 13, 10am – Noon Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road, Westport, MA
Early spring is the time to get your garden area ready for a new growing season. Get some helpful tips to help make this year’s garden beautiful, healthy, and productive. Workshop is FREE. Contact via email here or 508.636.4693 x103 for more information.

Become a Certified Crew Chief or BPI Building Analyst

Monday, April 15 – Friday, April 19, 9am – 4pm 1213 Purchase St (the Quest Building) New Bedford, MA
The Weatherization Crew Chief course is for those individuals that are already proficient as a weatherization installer and are ready to advance their knowledge of building science and develop themselves as supervisors. The “House as a System” concept, as well as crew and homeowner safety, is reinforced through complete BPI Building Analyst training. Additionally, training and best practices for air sealing and insulation installation will be provided.
COST: Register by April 1 and receive $100 off! Please note that there is a $600 credit for existing Mass Save Contractors. Group Discounts available.
$1,675 – Includes Classes and BPI Certified Testing
$1,075 (for current Mass Save Contractors)
$695 – BPI Certification and Re-certification Test Only Fee
Interested? For more information on scholarships and discounts, or to register contact: The UMass Dartmouth Weatherization Training Center via Email or call (508) 910 – 6484. Learn more here.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: Ecological Design

Monday, April 15, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Creating a working landscape from which we live can be rewarding and is a safe investment for us all. This workshop will show us how to maximize ecological potential. As crops begin to grow, fertilization will be key to success. We will learn the basics of fertilization with compost and how to create a steady supply of this brown gold!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Green Campus Day

Thursday, April 18, 9am – 2pm Woodland Commons Building at UMass Dartmouth
The Sustainability Office’s annual Green Campus Day is a recap of the year’s sustainability initiatives at UMass Dartmouth, while pointing out what lies in the future. This year marks the 5-year anniversary of UMass Dartmouth’s Sustainability Initiative, so there will be a special retrospective of the history of sustainable development at UMass Dartmouth.
In addition, the Office, students, faculty, administration, and colleagues from local/regional organizations will be present to discuss student and academic achievements, ongoing campus projects and renovations, such as the Living Classroom program, gardening and permaculture, building and energy efficiency renovations, and the recently completed LEED-certified Library, and various community initiatives in our surrounding community.
Finally, we will close out the day with our Green Campus Awards, recognizing those allies that have not only embraced and promoted the principles of sustainability at UMass Dartmouth, but have proven crucial to ensuring its fundamental role in the lives and operations of the entire campus.

More details to come soon. Contact the Sustainability Office for more information.

Awaken the Dreamer: Changing the Dream

Friday, April 19, 8:30am – 3pm Bristol Community College, Ryckebusch Faculty/Staff Lounge on the 1st floor of the Commonwealth College Center (“G” Building)
BCC, in honor of Earth Week, is pleased to host a symposium – Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream. This enlightening program is an inspirational educational event developed by the Pachamama Alliance in response to the accelerating degradation of our planet. This symposium’s purpose is to help people bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet.
This important event is free to the public and includes a delicious “sustainable” lunch made mostly from local produce. Please register so that we can plan for sufficient materials and food. To register, e-mail Nancy Lee Wood or telephone 508-678-2811 x2043.
Learn more about this program here.

Film Screening: The Fish Belong to the People

Friday, April 19, 7pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
The Fish Belong to the People follows a group of family fishermen in Port Clyde, Maine as they work to save their fishing grounds from government, market structure, and themselves. With each passing season their way of life has slowly been extinguished by old ways of doing business that favors the most efficient and destructive ways of fishing over sustainability.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Outer-Cape Birding and Whale-Watching Hike

Saturday, April 20, 8am – 5pm Meeting Place: Shaw’s parking lot – Route 6 in Dartmouth
Venture by foot to the beaches of the outer cape to observe whale behavior at close range. Each spring whales congregate close to shore to feed on the abundant zooplankton, with high numbers of whales sometimes present. With luck, glimpses of the Endangered Right Whales are possible if this species is still in the area. The walk will take participants through Hatches Harbor to Race Point, passing through pitch pine forest, estuary, salt marsh, and dune habitats en route to the shore. In addition to whales, spectacular vistas and a diversity of birds are a feature of the trip. Time permitting, we’ll stop at other locations as well.
Be advised: For best views of whales, this outing is done entirely on foot and involves extensive walking along beaches and possibly intertidal areas. Participants should therefore be capable of a moderate to strenuous daylong hike of 4 to 5 miles (round trip).
Price: Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Preregister by Friday, April `9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 x 23, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo

Saturday, April 20, 10am – 4pm Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven
The Buzzards Bay Action Committee is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo. Bring your families and come and enjoy a wide variety of exhibits and demonstrations on sustainable activities for a healthy lifestyle that benefit you and the planet! Learn what you can do to protect Buzzards Bay and live lightly on the Earth. Explore exhibits and presentations for adults and children about composting, organic gardening, alternative energy, native plants, toxin-free cleaning, geocaching, feeding wild birds, and more at our first Buzzards Bay Earth Day Expo event! There will also be live music.
For more information, please contact Merilee Kelly, Acushnet Conservation Agent, at 508 998-0202 or via Email

Lloyd Center Annual Meeting

Monday, April 22, 6pm Dartmouth Grange, 1133 Fisher Road, Dartmouth
Dr. Anamarija Frankic, Associate Director of the School for the Environment, and Director of the Green Harbors Project at the University of Massachusetts Boston, has accepted an invitation from the Lloyd Center for the Environment to address its upcoming Annual Meeting at the Dartmouth Grange.

Frankic is an adjunct professor at the Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, Split, Croatia and Project Director at the Center for Governance and Sustainability at UMass Boston. She has been recently awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to establish a biomimicry program in Croatia. Frankic is a member of the advisory council at AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) and AAUW (American Association of the University Women). Her educational background in biology, ecology, limnology and marine science, guided her interdisciplinary work in coastal and watershed ecosystem management and restoration, nationally and internationally.

Members of the public are invited to a welcoming reception from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The brief “business” part of the Center’s Annual Meeting will be from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Dr. Frankic’s talk will begin at 7:00 p.m. Learn More Here

3rd Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference and 2nd Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses Conference

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 8am – 4:30pm Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester, MA
SUSTAINABILITY: PRACTICES AND POSSIBILITIES
The annual Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference connects stakeholders from municipalities, college campuses, government, businesses and nonprofits. 75+ Speakers and 45+ Exhibitors share best practices and resources. Everyone wanting to learn more about best practices, current trends, and resources will find this conference timely, practical and valuable. The two conferences are the same day at the DCU Center. Attendees include hundreds of stakeholders from government, academia, business, non-profits and communities. You may attend either or both conferences.

Benefit from advance registration: $60. Registration after March 20 is $75. Students are $45. This registration fee covers keynote presentation, breakout sessions, exhibitors, lunch, breakfast, roundtable discussions, poster session and FREE raffle. Advance registration is recommended as previous conferences have filled. Pre-register here. Learn more here.

Empowering Young Women, Connecting to the Community

Wednesday, April 24, 9am – 11am Buzzards Bay Coalition Building, 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Young women in Southeastern Massachusetts face unique challenges and opportunities. Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition in discussing obstacles and inspirations encountered by the women of today and yesterday. We will develop strategies for overcoming these obstacles and will focus our attention on building a community of strong South Coast women who know how to communicate their knowledge of and passion for this special part of the world. Workshop participants will be eligible to apply for a paid summer outreach internship with the Bay Coalition. The workshop and internships are made possible with support from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Contact Margo Connolly, Senior Educator at (508) 999-6363 x224 or email. Learn more here

Paper Shredding Day for Southcoast Businesses and Residents

Saturday, April 27, 9am – Noon Parking lot across from New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and North 6th Streets
Businesses and residents of New Bedford and the surrounding communities are welcome to bring paper to be shredded (e.g. bank statements, medical forms, insurance forms, retired tax forms, receipts, personal files). There is a charge of $5 per box for a standard size box used to hold reams of paper. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders. Shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels. Learn more here. Call (508) 979-1493 for more information.

Cherry Blossom Friendship Festival

Sunday, April 28, Noon – 4pm Cooke Memorial Park, Pilgrim Ave., Fairhaven, MA
Sponsored by the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, the afternoon includes a bento box lunch, tea and dessert; bonsai and kimono display; entertainment; tours of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship House and the Fairhaven Colonial Club; dedication of a “Peace Pole.” Entertainment will include Lakeville Youth Taiko (Japanese drumming), Fairhaven elementary school singers, Festival Singers, Kamishibai (paper theater) “The Story of Manjiro” and more.
A limited number of tickets are available. The price is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. To reserve tickets call Gerry at 508-995-1219 or email here. A shuttle is planned with parking at Fairhaven High School.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: There’s Fungus Among Us

Monday, April 29, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Mycology is a growing agricultural practice that can nutritionally substitute some of our meat consumption. We will inoculate a medium to begin this funky process!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

New Economy: Generating True Wealth with Keynote Juliet Schor, author of Plenitude

Thursday, May 2, 8:30am – 12pm Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine St., Fall River
In Plenitude economist and bestselling author Juliet B. Schor offers a groundbreaking intellectual statement about the economics and sociology of ecological decline, suggesting a radical change in how we think about consumer goods, value, and ways to live. Humans are degrading the planet far faster than they are regenerating it. As we travel along this shutdown path, food, energy, transport, and consumer goods are becoming increasingly expensive. The economic downturn that has accompanied the ecological crisis has led to another type of scarcity: incomes, jobs, and credit are also in short supply. Our usual way back to growth-a debt-financed consumer boom- is no longer an option our households, or planet, can afford.
Based on recent developments in economic theory, social analysis, and ecological design as well as evidence from the cutting-edge people and places putting these ideas into practice, Plenitude is a road map for the next two decades. In encouraging us to value our gifts- nature, community, intelligence, and time-Schor offers the opportunity to participate in creating a world of wealth and well-being.

More information to come. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

Sustainable Cities Series Keynote – Catherine Tumber, author of Small, Gritty, and Green: the Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World

Thursday, May 9, 6pm – 7pm Grand Library Reading Room at Claire T. Carney Library, UMass Dartmouth
As we wean ourselves from fossil fuels and realize the environmental costs of suburban sprawl, we will see that small cities offer many assets for sustainable living not shared by their big city or small town counterparts: population density (and the capacity for more); fertile, nearby farmland available for local agriculture, windmills, and solar farms; and manufacturing infrastructure and workforce skill that can be repurposed for the production of renewable-energy technology.
Learn more about the author here. For more information, contact The Sustainability Office at 508-910-6484

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Announcements

UMass Dartmouth Sustainability Initiatve Looking to Enlist Student Support for ‘Green Fee’

The Sustainability Initiative is campaigning this school year to educate the student population on a proposed Sustainability Green Fee. This academic semester’s election ballot will include a question of adding a $15 opt-out fee to support “green” campus projects.

The Green Fee will directly benefit students who will not only decide on its approval, but will have a voice in determining how the funds will be spent. This means more student projects and research related to sustainability, like design and engineering projects in renewable energy, waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, and other ‘green’ development.

Funds from the green fee would also go towards supporting sustainability infrastructure projects, such as a campus bike share program and installation of more bike racks for buildings, installing more hydration stations as a means to reduce bottled water purchasing, and greater support for our campus garden, forest trails, and community-grown agriculture., The fee would also facilitate matching students with internships to gain career experience and networking opportunities within the many industries that now incorporate sustainable development practices.

An opt-out fee is an optional fee added to student tuition bills by default. Students not wishing to pay the fee can remove it in their accounts through COIN. If approved, the Green Fee would be included in tuition bills beginning next school year. All revenue from the Green Fee would stay on campus to directly impact quality of life at UMass Dartmouth.

Voting will be April 4th – 7th which is when we need you all to go and vote Yes! for the Green Fee! Students will receive an email with the ballot or can visit the Sustainability Table in the Campus Center.

Follow and Support the Green Fee Initiative here.

Register to Join the Eco-Float Procession for New Bedford’s Earth Eve Parade

Make your earth day statement and experience the fun! An eco-float is anything that a person or group can wear, roll or carry along the procession route. The only requirements are that your eco-float must not use fossil fuel, it must honor the Earth, be mindful of the 3R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle and that you complete the registration form below.

The Eco-float procession gathers at 5:00pm at Market Street next to the Library for the crowning of Mother Earth and Father Ocean. Mother Earth and Father Ocean will then lead the procession through the downtown historic district, along Acushnet Avenue and Pleasant Street with a quick stop for review. Procession will then return to Market Street. Please be aware that the procession passes over cobblestone streets, and takes place rain or shine!
Registration is due by Friday April 5th. For more information contact Katrina Semich at 508-999-8932 or via email. Learn more about the Earth Eve Procession here.

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

10 Ways to Clean with Vinegar

From bathrooms to outdoor living rooms, vinegar can clean almost anything. You can create a totally green and non-toxic cleaning supply arsenal with just a few items, all of which can be bought in bulk for additional savings and less packaging: A large jug of white vinegar, a large bulk bag of baking soda, ecological dish soap, rags, a natural cellulose sponge, a good scrub brush, and steel wool pads. You can clean virtually anything in your house with those ingredients, and of course, water. Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

7 tips on how to reduce food waste in your kitchen

America wastes 40 percent of its food, which is really depressing. While we can’t necessarily control the waste that happens in grocery stores and restaurants, we can control the waste that happens in our own homes. Plus, the less we waste, the more we can save! If you’re throwing away 40 percent of your food, you could save a whole lot by cutting that number down. Here are a few ideas. Learn more here.

Global News

Salt marsh restoration could create carbon emission sinks

Allowing farmland that’s been reclaimed from the sea to flood and turn back into salt marsh could make it absorb lots of carbon from the atmosphere, a new study suggests, though the transformation will take many years to complete. Known as coastal managed realignment, the process of turning farmland back into salt marsh involves breaching sea walls and letting the land revert naturally to how it once was. It’s done for a variety of reasons. At present the main one is to comply with the EU Habitats Directive, which obliges the UK to replace salt marsh that’s lost to development with new ‘biologically equivalent’ habitat elsewhere.

But managed realignment offers many other benefits. It can improve biodiversity, since salt marsh hosts many rare and valuable plant and animal species. It can help protect coastlines from flooding by creating a buffer zone between the sea and infrastructure or homes. It can let government bodies save cash on maintaining costly flood defences. And now this study, published in Coastal and Estuarine Science, suggests another possible benefit – absorbing copious carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locking it up in the soil. This could help limit the impact of our carbon emissions on the climate. Read more here.

Ending poverty hinges on tougher environmental goals

Governments must impose radical limits on everything from water use to greenhouse gases if they want to have any chance of ending global poverty, a group of scientists said. States needed to tighten clean air laws, at least halve the amount of water drawn from river basins and start cutting some environmentally damaging pollution, all by 2030, they suggested. “The stable functioning of Earth systems – including the atmosphere, oceans, forests, waterways, biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles – is a pre-requisite for a thriving global society,” the Australian-led team wrote in Thursday’s edition of the journal Nature.

The report was meant to feed into discussions at the United Nations this week on drawing up new targets to take over from the global body’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which are due to expire in 2015. It suggested setting a new aim of ending global poverty by 2030 – but said that would only be possible if states put more effort into preserving the planet while they drove for economic growth. Global warming brought an increased risk of floods, droughts and heatwaves which in turn threatened food production and economic development. Read more here.

Research shows by targeting bigger fish, we are breeding populations of smaller and weaker fish

Scientists have warned that a fishing rethink is needed after finding that catches of big fish trigger a rapid change in the gene pool of fish stocks. Researchers say they found that over-harvesting larger fish leads to a population of smaller fish that are less fertile. The research suggest that the change happens within a few generations. The scientists say the findings could have a massive impact for the future of global fishing policies.

“Our findings have major implications for the sustainability of harvested populations,” said Prof Gary Carvalho, of Bangor University’s School of Biological Sciences. He said a “shift in the genetic make-up of harvested fish to smaller less fertile individuals” would be “serious global consequences for the environment and for global fishing industry”. “We would urge the scientific community, policy makers and managers to consider the capacity of harvested stocks to adapt to, and recover from, harvesting and predation.” Read more here.

Windfarm sickness spreads by word of mouth, Australian study finds

Sickness being attributed to wind turbines is more likely to have been caused by people getting alarmed at the health warnings circulated by activists, an Australian study has found. Complaints of illness were far more prevalent in communities targeted by anti-windfarm groups, said the report’s author, Simon Chapman, professor of public health at Sydney University. His report concludes that illnesses being blamed on windfarms are more than likely caused by the psychological effect of suggestions that the turbines make people ill, rather than by the turbines themselves. Giving the illness a name like “wind turbine syndrome” and “vibro-acoustic disease” had been a key feature in its spread, Chapman said. He accepted that some people genuinely felt ill but “where you set up an expectation in people that something in their environment is noxious, that can translate into an expression of symptoms”.

The report, which is the first study of the history of complaints about windfarms in Australia, found that 63% had never been subject to noise or health complaints. In the state of Western Australia, where there are 13 windfarms, there have been no complaints. The study shows that the majority of complaints (68%) have come from residents near five windfarms that have been heavily targeted by opponent groups. The report says more than 80% of complaints about health and noise began after 2009 when the groups “began to add health concerns to their wider opposition”. Read more here.

Microbes Thrive in Deepest Spot on Earth

The deepest oceanic trench on Earth is home to a surprisingly active community of bacteria, suggesting other trenches may be hotspots of microbial life, researchers say. Life in the deep ocean often relies on organic matter snowing down from above. As these particles waft down, their nutrients get degraded by microbes attached to them, so only 1 to 2 percent of the organic matter produced in surface waters is expected to make it to the average ocean depth of about 12,150 feet (3,700 meters). Just how much makes it to the very deepest parts is unknown.

To learn more about life in the dirt at the ocean’s depths, scientists used a submersible lander to analyze mud from the surface of Challenger Deep, the deepest spot of the Mariana Trench at the bottom of the central west Pacific Ocean. This 36,000-foot-deep (11,000 m) trench is the deepest known point on Earth’s surface. Read more here.

Other Global Headlines of Interest

• Earthquakes Turn Water Into Gold
• 8 vacation spots powered by renewable energy
• World’s largest solar power plant with 258,000 mirrors opens in Abu Dhabi

National News

President Obama Proposes Multi-Billion Dollar ‘Energy Security Trust’ for Renewables and Efficiency Research

President Obama outlined a plan Friday to wean U.S. automobiles off gasoline, citing long-term benefits for the economy, the environment and national security. First mentioned in his State of the Union address last month, the plan would redirect $2 billion in federal oil and gas royalties to an “Energy Security Trust,” which would fund research into cleaner fuels and more energy-efficient vehicles. The announcement came during a visit to Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, where Obama called on American researchers to improve battery technology, ratchet up vehicle efficiency, flesh out biofuels and generally investigate new ways to power automobiles without fossil fuels. The plan reportedly has some bipartisan support, which it will likely need since Congress must approve it.

The money would come from federal oil and natural gas royalties, which are projected to grow due to increased domestic fossil-fuel development. And while the goal of this Energy Security Trust is to eventually curb the country’s reliance on oil, Obama said that “in the meantime, we’ll keep moving on the ‘all of the above’ strategy that we’ve been working on for the past five years.” In fact, on top of doubling U.S. renewable-energy generation by 2020, Obama’s plan aims to further boost oil and gas production, both by having the Interior Department streamline drilling permits and by investing $375 million into “cleaner energy from fossil fuels.” Read more here

Also read Green Job Growth Outpaced All Other Industries 2010-2011

Warming Has Doubled Risk of Katrina-like Storm Surges

Global warming has already doubled the risk of Hurricane Katrina-magnitude storm surges in the U.S.. The study, which was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, estimates that for every 1.8F increase in global average surface temperatures, there could be a two-fold to seven-fold increase in the risk of Katrina-magnitude surge events.

The latest climate projections call for the globe to warm by between 3.2F and 7.2F by 2100, depending on future greenhouse gas emissions and the precise sensitivity of the climate system to such pollutants. When Hurricane Katrina struck the shoreline of Mississippi and Louisiana on Aug. 29, 2005, it carried a wall of water of up to 28 feet onto the shoreline, flattening communities and contributing to the deaths of more than 2,000. Storm surges – which occur due to hurricanes’ strong winds and low central air pressure – are hurricanes’ greatest killer, a point that was driven home again just last year, when Hurricane Sandy killed at least 72, mainly along the coast of New Jersey and New York. Read more here.

As U.S. Cleans Its Energy Mix, It Ships Coal Problems Abroad

Ready for some good news about the environment? Emissions of carbon dioxide in the United States are declining. But don’t celebrate just yet. A major side effect of that cleaner air in the U.S. has been the further darkening of skies over Europe and Asia. The United States essentially is exporting a share of its greenhouse gas emissions in the form of coal, data show. If the trend continues, the dramatic changes in energy use in the United States – in particular, the switch from coal to newly abundant natural gas for generating electricity – will have only a modest impact on global warming, observers warn. The Earth’s atmosphere will continue to absorb heat-trapping CO2, with a similar contribution from U.S. coal. It will simply be burned overseas instead of at home.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released data showing that United States coal exports hit a record 126 million short tons in 2012, a 17 percent increase over the previous year. Overseas shipments surpassed the previous high mark set in 1981 by 12 percent. The United States clearly is using less coal: Domestic consumption fell by about 114 million tons, or 11 percent, largely due to a decline in the use of coal for electricity. But U.S. coal production fell just 7 percent. The United States, with the world’s largest coal reserves, continued to churn out the most carbon-intensive fuel, producing 1 billion tons of coal from its mines in 2012. The trend appears on track to continue, with U.S. coal-fired plants being retired at a record pace. But U.S. coal producers haven’t been standing still as their domestic market has evaporated. They’ve been shipping their fuel to energy-hungry markets overseas, from the ports of Norfolk, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Although demand is growing rapidly in Asia – U.S. coal exports to China were on track to double last year – Europe was the biggest customer, importing more U.S. coal last year than all other countries combined. Read more here.

U.S. gets D+ on infrastructure report card

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) announced that the U.S. earned a grade of D+ in its 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. The latest report card, which is issued every four years, is actually a slight improvement on the “D” grade issued in 2009. But it found that the nation had significant work to do to shore up its infrastructure. ASCE estimates that the U.S. needs to spend $3.6 trillion on infrastructure by 2020 — $1.6 trillion more than current funding levels allow.

The highest grade within the report was a B- for solid waste systems. Americans recycled 34 percent of their 250 million tons of trash in 2010, more than double the rate of 14.5 percent in 1980. The lowest grade, a D-, went to levees and inland waterways. “The U.S. does not have a levee safety program,” according to ASCE. “Public safety remains at risk as roughly $100 billion is needed to repair the nation’s estimated 100,000 miles of levees that increasingly are protecting developed communities.” The report said that many portions of inland waterways have not been updated since the 1950s despite the fact that inland waterways and rivers carry the equivalent of 51 million truck trips per year. Read more here.

Read the report from the ASCE here.

Severe Crisis for electronics recycling: Obsolete materialss and collapsed glass market leave toxic piles

As recently as a few years ago, broken monitors and televisions like those piled in the warehouse were being recycled profitably. The big, glassy funnels inside these machines – known as cathode ray tubes, or CRTs – were melted down and turned into new ones. But flat-screen technology has made those monitors and televisions obsolete, decimating the demand for the recycled tube glass used in them and creating what industry experts call a “glass tsunami” as stockpiles of the useless material accumulate across the country. The predicament has highlighted how small changes in the marketplace can suddenly transform a product into a liability and demonstrates the difficulties that federal and state environmental regulators face in keeping up with these rapid shifts.

With so few buyers of the leaded glass from the old monitors and televisions, recyclers have collected payments from states and electronics companies to get rid of the old machines. A small number of recyclers have developed new technology for cleaning the lead from the tube glass, but the bulk of this waste is being stored, sent to landfills or smelters, or disposed of in other ways that experts say are environmentally destructive. So instead of recycling the waste, many recyclers have been storing millions of the monitors in warehouses, according to industry officials and experts. The practice is sometimes illegal since there are federal limits on how long a company can house the tubes, which are environmentally dangerous. Each one can include up to eight pounds of lead. The scrap metal industry estimates that the amount of electronic waste has more than doubled in the past five years. Read more here.

Other National Headlines of Interest

• Online Atlas Lists Food Deserts in U.S.
• Where Do Bottled-Water Brands Get Their Water? It’s Not In Their Names
• Who Needs Superheroes? These LED Streetlights Fight Crime

Voices

Well-being and the Community – a local perspective

Well-being has been the subject of several recent studies, such as the New Economics Forum’s ‘Five Ways to Well-being’, as well as the focus for many Transition initiatives. We live in a culture based around a market economy, and money and material status (or the lack of it), have become the driving force of most people’s lives. But what real good has this done ourselves or the planet? Apart from living in a badly degraded environment, we are as a collective suffering from ill health, depression, loss of identity and lack of connection to nature and other people. And it doesn’t seem to be getting any better.

For many people (including myself) this winter has felt particularly long, dark and cold, with uncharacteristic feelings of gloom and lowness. When I’ve spoken to people about it, many have said “Oh, it’s not just me then.” Then there are those colds and fevers which seem to take weeks to clear up. Something is clearly not okay. What would it mean if our lives, instead of being determined by GDP, were based on our mutual well-being and happiness – not just our personal well-being, but within the communities and neighbourhoods we all share? What would it mean if instead of striving for our own comfort and security, we valued sharing our resources and knowledge? How would our attitudes to each other change, and what kind of changes in the environment would that bring? Read more here.

Pink Smoke Over the Vatican: Women Demand Greater Role in the Catholic Church

While the world waited for white smoke to flow from the Sistine Chapel chimney to indicate a new pope had been chosen, smoke of a different color began billowing into the sky over the Vatican. It was released by protesters demanding a greater role for women in the Catholic Church.

Democracy Now! spoke with protest organizer Erin Saiz Hanna, executive director of the Women’s Ordination Conference, and with Janice Sevre-Duszynska, an excommunicated Catholic priest. “Jesus, I mean, he was certainly a feminist for his time,” Sevre-Duszynska says. “He welcomed women, along with the rest of the marginalized and outcasts, at his table fellowship.” Read more here.

Depletion: The one word oil optimists refuse to utter

With the media awash in stories telling us how much oil is being discovered around the world, there is one word which the optimists quoted in these stories refuse to utter: Depletion. The simple fact is that depletion never sleeps. It starts as soon as an oil well begins production and goes on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Furthermore, it is not exactly news that oil is being discovered all around the world. The industry has been spending record amounts to find it. What’s critical is the difference between the annual additions to oil production capacity and the annual decline in the rate of production from existing wells, a decline which is running anywhere from 4 to 9 percent depending on whom you talk to.

Even at the low end of decline rate estimates, the world must find and put into production the equivalent of what is currently coming out of the entire North Sea, one the world’s largest finds, and we must do so EVERY SINGLE YEAR before worldwide production can rise. So difficult has this task become, that we’ve only just been able to keep global production on a bumpy plateau since 2005. For now, the oil industry is on a treadmill which requires ever more drilling just to keep production even. To the untrained observer the quantities of oil recently discovered sound large. But, when put into the context of how much we consume, they won’t extend the oil age by much. Norway, which produces oil from the North Sea, recently announced its largest find since 2000, a field with nearly 1.8 billion barrels. How long would the oil in that field last the world at the current rate of consumption? About 24 days. The math looks like this. The world currently consumes about 27.4 billion barrels a year of crude oil including lease condensate – which is the definition of oil. So, just divide 1.8 billion by 27.4 billion and multiply the fractional result by 365 days in a year, and you’ll get the number of days such a discovery could supply the world if we could pump it out at any rate we want to (which we can’t). Read more here.

Charts: Original cost for Iraq war off by $6 Trillion

Ten years later, the Bush administration’s projected price tag for the war in Iraq seems downright cute. According to the first-ever comprehensive count of the true toll of the combined wars, the estimate the administration used to sell the invasion in 2003 was about 100 times too low. So what did that $6 trillion get us, exactly? Since we borrowed to pay for much of the war, we’re facing nearing $4 trillion in cumulative interest between now and 2053, according to the 30 researchers who worked on the “Costs of War” report for Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Studies.

And of course, hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost, damaged, and tragically altered in the meantime. The “Costs of War” report estimates 134,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed, cautioning that the real number could be four times higher. As Reuters put it, “the report concluded the United States gained little from the war, while Iraq was traumatized by it.” Read more here.

Local News

State proposes banning commercial food waste from landfills

State environmental officials are counting on farmers who understand the composting process to help them make better use of organic waste when they implement a ban on disposing it in regular trash systems next year. The proposed ban means any commercial entity that produces more than a ton of organic waste per week, including fruit and vegetable peels, old meat and other plant or animal material, must find alternative disposal methods. The ban will initially affect hotels, universities, assisted living facilities, and others, and the state plans to eventually include smaller businesses and homes. The state’s goal is twofold: to extend the life of existing landfills by sending less waste there, and to reuse valuable food waste either as a fertilizer or as a more direct energy source.

Speaking at a recent sustainability seminar at UMass Dartmouth’s technology center, Greg Cooper, deputy director for consumer programs for the Department of Environmental Protection, said food and other organic waste makes up more than 25 percent of the approximately 7 million tons of solid waste disposed of in Massachusetts each year. About 100,000 tons of that organic waste is already being diverted away from landfills each year, primarily through composting facilities such as the municipal facilities in Acushnet, Dartmouth and Fairhaven. But the state believes it can boost that amount by an additional 350,000 tons annually by 2020, Cooper said. Read more here

Sen. Warren: Gateway Cities have a lot of power, promise

WORCESTER – While special interest groups dole out big money for lobbyists to advance their cause, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said the results of November’s election showed the state’s Gateway Cities also have power in numbers. Referring to a study that found residents in the Gateway Cities – such as Brockton, Quincy, Taunton and Fall River – came out strongly in support of Warren’s run for Senate, Warren said that “it made perfect sense” to her that the votes would swing her way.

The nonprofit think tank MassInc (Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth) is spearheading the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, which is committed to helping a group of Gateway City leaders prepare a skilled workforce, improve public safety, advance community health and build the infrastructure for its economy. “It’s about everyone paying a fair share, but having the resources to make investments in the future – investments in infrastructure, education and research and innovation, and I think that’s true more so in the Gateway Cities than any other place in the commonwealth,” Warren said. Read more here.

Also read High-speed rail study finds that remote cities benefit from connection to global hubs.

Offshore wind forces rally for loan

Offshore wind energy supporters blitzed the U.S. Department of Energy last week with comments aimed at pushing the agency into giving the $2.6 billion Cape Wind project a loan guarantee. “Cape Wind carries tremendous importance for unleashing, at long last, one of America’s greatest reservoirs of inexhaustible clean energy,” wrote some two dozen environmental, public health and labor groups in a letter to the DOE. “Such action will help lay the strongest possible foundation for offshore renewable energy development in the United States.”

The wind farm is fully permitted and awaiting a decision on whether the DOE will provide the loan guarantee – meaning the department would take responsibility for the project’s debt in the event of a bankruptcy – but a spokesman declined to say how much Cape Wind hopes the government would put up. “There would be many other commercial financing partners involved with Cape Wind,” spokesman Mark Rodgers said Friday night, adding that the guarantee would be “a great help.” Cape Wind’s application for a roughly $2 billion DOE loan was put on hold in 2011. It has now been pared to about $350 million, a source with knowledge of the request told the Cape Cod Times last week. Read more here.

Also read Cape Wind has announced it has finalized a deal with Japanese banking giant Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ to provide debt for the project.

New England Grid operator warns of natural gas dependence

The region’s growing dependence on natural gas to generate electricity is a “serious” threat that could cause more frequent power outages and increase energy prices, Gordon van Welie, head of New England’s power grid operator, said in prepared testimony to Congress on Tuesday. Van Welie, chief executive of ISO New England, told the House Energy and Commerce that natural gas is now used by power plant operators to generate more than half of the region’s electricity, largely replacing a diversified mix of oil, coal, gas, and nuclear power. Nuclear accounts for about one-third of the region’s electricity production.

While natural gas is a much cleaner that fuel oil and coal and increasingly plentiful as shale reserves are tapped, New England’s limited natural gas pipeline capacity is constraining supplies here. As a result, the region has experienced price spikes, during periods of high demand, driving average wholesale electricity prices up by more than 100 percent in January and more than 300 percent in February compared to 2012, according to van Welie’s prepared remarks. The lack of fuel diversity is particularly troublesome during extreme weather, which increases power and heating or cooling demands simultaneously. Read more here.

A.D. Makepeace to reopen greenhouse at Wareham/Rochester line, explores retail development

The A.D. Makepeace Company will reopen a deep-rooted greenhouse on the Wareham/Rochester line this spring, and with its purchase of the more than 30 acres of land it sits on, is planting the seeds for a retail shopping center. A.D. Makepeace will open Makepeace Farms at what was formerly the greenhouse and nursery that operated for many years as R.F. Morse, and last year, as Concord Nurseries.

But bigger plans are in store for the property, located at 22 Cranberry Highway. “The ultimate plan is to do some development here,” said Linda Burke, vice-president of marketing and communication for the Wareham-based cranberry grower and developer, as workers tore down an unusable building on the property. Read more here.

From the inside up: Organic business grows in Attleboro

ATTLEBORO – Cooks who favor organic ingredients in their salad could be getting their next batch of bean sprouts or lettuce from an indoor farm. Friends and health food enthusiasts Ashley Driscoll of Seekonk and Brad Rao and John Irving of Attleboro have teamed up to raise thousands of sprouts, herbs and starter seedlings of lettuce, tomatoes and other produce in an unexpected place – the top floor of a 19th century jewelry factory on County Street.

The entrepreneurial trio and several employees and volunteers began growing plants from seed in December. They aim to sell trays of locally grown seedlings this spring through farmers’ markets and commercial garden and health food stores. They also have other big plans, including opening their own outdoor farmer’s market and eventually processing wheat grass and other greens for commercial sale. There’s also talk of an organic food restaurant. Driscoll and company are calling their business Indoor Organic Farm of Attleboro, and plans to raise vegetable and fruit seedlings for sale to gardeners on a seasonal basis. They’ll grow sprouts and other crops year round to supply health food stores and other retailers. Read more here.

Flash mob strikes No Problemo to promote energy efficiency

NEW BEDFORD – The crowd at No Problemo knew something was up even before a dozen UMass Dartmouth students “flash mobbed” the busy downtown lunch spot, proclaiming the wonders of home energy efficiency assessments in song. “It interrupts people where they are,” said Diana Painter, a community organizing manager at SouthCoast Energy Challenge. “People only notice energy efficiency every month when they see it on their bill.”

About 14 students on an “alternative spring break” took part in the impromptu mob – organized by SouthCoast Energy Challenge and UMass Dartmouth’s Office of Campus and Community Sustainability – aimed at convincing passersby to get their homes assessed for energy efficiency. With old homes facing drafty hallways, dripping pipes and aging insulation, homeowners are often left paying more than they should for energy. SouthCoast Energy Challenge’s energy assessments allow homeowners to understand what steps they need to take to stop – literally – throwing money out the window, organizers said. Read more here.

R.I.’s Building Boom Socked It to Soil

Despite its grand importance, soil is often treated no better than an alcoholic’s liver. Soil controls the distribution of rain water and helps prevent flooding, but it’s paved over and built upon incessantly. Jose Amador, a professor in the University of Rhode Island’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences, refers to this reality as “growing houses instead of corn.” “Soil provides a lot of ecosystem services,” Amador said. “You hear a lot about saving wetlands, but not so much about saving the uplands. There are good reasons to save both.”

Since 1945 Rhode Island has lost 80 percent of its good farmland to development. Potato farms have been turned into subdivisions. Asphalt spreads across land that once grew vegetables or sustained wildlife. Pollution from industrial manufacturing has turned acres of land into brownfields and Superfund sites. Less than 7 percent of the state’s land remains in agricultural production, according to the Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture. DEM’s Office of Waste Management oversees the investigation and remediation of some 1,800 contaminated sites. This longstanding neglect of Rhode Island’s earth begs the question: Is the Ocean State in danger of running out of soil? Read more here.

Geoengineering solutions to global warming need oversight, Harvard professor argues

Large-scale projects that could temper or reverse the effects of climate change by blocking some incoming sunlight or manipulating the atmosphere have long been unpopular on two opposing fronts. On one side are those worried about the unintended consequences and doomsday scenarios that could be set off by careless experiments. On the other are those who believe such research is important, but to support it now will detract from the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions that are driving global temperature rise. The result, argues Harvard University applied physics professor David W. Keith, is an impasse: no government framework regulating when and how such research can be done, and very little funding for the work.

Keith is president of Carbon Engineering, a Calgary-based company that is working on technology to capture carbon dioxide from the air and use it to create environmentally-friendly fuels. But he thinks that geoengineering efforts go far beyond the scope of simply removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is why they need more study and funding. Read more here.

UMass students get real world experience on Nantucket

NANTUCKET – The group of 14 University of Massachusetts Boston environmental sciences and biology majors gathered Thursday at an ocean beach off Miacomet Road. For the first time in about 35 years, the university is hosting a spring semester on Nantucket, called LivingLabs, with the idea of changing the way higher education trains new practitioners in the environmental science fields. The course asks them to rub shoulders daily for a semester with both the natural and human influences that will be their future. Read more here.

BCC president: Gov.’s plan to boost education funding could be a game-changer

FALL RIVER – Gov. Deval Patrick’s budget proposal to increase education funding means Bristol Community College will receive up to $2.9 million more in 2014, allowing the school to hire full-time educators and expand existing programs, said BCC President John Sbrega. “The governor’s proposal does have the possibility and potential to be a game changing event for the commonwealth and certainly Bristol Community College,” Sbrega told The Herald News editorial board on Monday.

Out of the state’s 15 community colleges, BCC is currently the lowest-funded institution with an annual appropriation of less than $3,000 per student. With a budget of nearly $70 million, the state funds $13.8 million. If Patrick’s plan to infuse an extra $20 million into the community college system goes through, and with the institution of a new funding formula, the contribution could increase to $16.7 million. Because of decreased funding over the years, BCC has had to hire part-time faculty and increase student tuition and fees, Sbrega said. Read more here.

SOUTH SHORE ENTREPRENEUR: Quincy duo buy and sell used cellphones and other gadgets

QUINCY – Replay’d, appropriately enough, is all about replays. Specifically, replays of the electronics kind. The company, with locations in Allston and Framingham, buys, sells, trades, repairs and recycles used electronics. The inventory includes cellphones, iPods/MP3 players, video game systems and games, digital cameras, laptops and LCD/LED TVs.

Working in the cellphone industry for many years presented a growing trend to us that we thought we could get involved in and simplify. Many of our customers would purchase new cellphones and not know what to do with the old ones or they would be frustrated that they spent so much on their old cellphones and no longer needed them. We also realized that there were no affordable or environmentally safe alternatives to disposing of used electronics, so we offer free electronics recycling to anyone who needs it. Read more here.

Quincy’s restored marshland faces questions of future use

Once a nondescript stretch of land covered by an invasive weed, Quincy’s Broad Meadows Marsh at the base of the Town River now boasts a waterfront view. Gone are the tangled vegetation and dry mounds of dirt, replaced by mud flats and saltwater inlets brimming with tiny ecosystems. For many, the $6 million marsh restoration project is already a success. Yet as the project nears completion, there is still debate on how exactly to turn it into a community asset.

The project – whose funding includes a $4.6 million grant from the US Army Corps of Engineers, about $1.4 million from the city, and $150,000 from the Neponset River Watershed Association – is a return to the beginning for some of the 106 acres of marshland that were essentially ruined by misguided engineering, a common occurrence in the early- to mid-20th century. “People may have understood [the value of the marsh], but dredging the Town River was a higher priority, and there was little to no regulation protecting marshlands,” said Wendy Gendron, project manager for the Army Corps. “We have also come a long way since then. Our understanding of our ecosystem and how everything is linked has greatly improved.” Read more here.

Sen. Montigny to EPA: AVX settlement not enough for clean harbor

NEW BEDFORD – State Sen. Mark C.W. Montigny has written a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency asking the EPA to make a “major course correction” in its cleanup plan for New Bedford Harbor. In his letter to acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Montigny advocated a full cleanup of the harbor and questioned whether the proposed $366 million settlement with harbor polluter AVX would be enough.

“The pace and quality of the cleanup is unacceptable,” Montigny wrote. “While the $366 million proposed settlement between EPA and AVX may take a step forward in removing more (polychlorinated biphenyls) PCBs, this settlement, as drafted, does not leave this deserving community with a usable harbor.” Montigny went on to write that the EPA should have included in its settlement a “reopener” clause allowing it to ask AVX for more funding if needed. Read more here.

Grub of a Different Sort

Finally, Chrissy Teck, marketing manager at Fertile Underground Grocery, who had already eaten one earlier, popped another in her mouth with a smile. In one bite, the toasted cricket was gone. Down the hatch. A small group was forming at the sample tables at Fertile Underground during the store’s “Alternative Protein Night.” Behind one table, fielding questions from curious shoppers, sat David Gracer, owner of Small Stock Foods and longtime proponent of entomophagy, or insect consumption.

According to professor Arnold van Huis, an entomologist at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, “The world population will grow…to 9 billion by 2050, and we know people are consuming more meat. Twenty years ago the average was 44 pounds [per person, per year]; it is now 110 pounds and will be 176 pounds in 20 years. If we continue like this we will need another Earth.” Insects, on the other hand, require little water and few resources to cultivate. According to van Huis, breeding commonly eaten insects such as locusts, crickets and mealworms, emits 10 times less methane than livestock. Insects also produce 300 times less nitrous oxide – also a warming gas – and much less ammonia, a pollutant produced by pig and poultry farming. And, insects pack a protein punch. In their dried form, grasshoppers may contain up to 60 percent protein. Read more here.

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This Week

20th Annual Taste of Taunton

Thursday, March 21, 5pm – 7:30pm Holiday Inn, Taunton
Guests are welcomed to come and sample a variety of food from many local restaurants while supporting the Morton Hospital-based Cancer Care Community Advisory Board. Tickets to the event cost $20. Tickets are for sale at the following Taunton locations, Home Plate Bay Street Grill, Morton Credit Union (on Washington Street), Robin’s Corner Flower Shop (on Bay Street), and, in Raynham, at Rockland Trust (on Route 44). For further information on tickets, call 508-824-6430 and ask for Carol.

Creative Connections: Art in the Outdoors with Anastasia Azure

Saturday, March 23, 10am – Noon Fort Phoenix State Reservation, Green Street, Fairhaven, MA
Join nationally recognized artist Anastasia Azure on a creative journey at Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven. Anastasia will lead participants in the exploration of “land art,” a process in which the landscape and work of art are inextricably linked. Deepen your connection to the watershed and discover a new way to enjoy your Bay.
Attendance is FREE, but registration is required. Contact Megan Connolly, Senior Educator for Buzzards Bay Coalition, or call (508) 999-6363 x224. Learn more here.

Habitat For Humanity’s Second Annual Home & Garden Show

Saturday, March 23 23, 10am – 3pm Tabor Academy, 266 Front St., Marion
Proceeds from the event will support Habitat for Humanity’s work to build affordable homes for families in need across the South Coast. The show will be held inside Tabor Academy’s Travis Roy Ice Rink, located at 266 Front Street in Marion. Admission to the show will be free to the public, and there will be activities for children.
Habitat for Humanity is seeking exhibitors for the event, including contractors, landscape designers, nurseries, banks, mortgage companies, and other home care experts. The exhibit booth donation is $200.00 for a 10 foot squared space. Various sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Businesses and suppliers interested in exhibiting at the show or sponsoring the event can contact Executive Director Christine Lacourse at email, or call 508-758-4517

Cuttyhunk Island Seal and Bird-Watching Trip

Saturday, March 23 23, 10am – 2pm Cuttyhunk Ferry Company parking lot, State Pier, off route 18 in New Bedford
Buzzards Bay is an important stopover location for overwintering marine wildlife, most notably seals of the Northeast region. A small sandbar called “Gull Island” is situated along the Elizabeth Island chain between Cuttyhunk and Penikese. Seals haul-out at low tide and numbers are at their peak in February. Harbor, Grey, and Harp seals may be present, and Associate Educator/Naturalist Jasmine Smith-Gillen will provide commentary about these fascinating creatures. Good looks at wintering waterbirds on the boat ride out and at Gull Island can also be expected.

After seal viewing, the boat docks at Cuttyhunk for lunchtime and an opportunity to set foot on the island. At this point, participants are free to venture through town to the lookout, gaining a feel for the unique landscape and enjoying a panoramic view of surrounding waters. For beachcombers, join Jasmine on a nature walk along the shore. In addition to learning about some unique marine wildlife, attendees will hopefully leave with a new appreciation for Buzzards Bay.

Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21st Price: $43 members, $45 non-members, $20 children (12 and under). Price includes lunch served on boat and packet of background materials. Additional items may be purchased (cash) on the vessel, and on the island. Pre-Register Online or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 x 23, or email. Learn more here.

Lloyd Center’s Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 23, 11am – 12:30pm Lloyd Center for the Environment, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Just in time for Spring, come on an egg hunt at the Lloyd Center. Learn about all the creatures that lay eggs then have a chance to go on an egg scavenger hunt to find where birds, amphibians and reptiles lay their eggs. There will even be some prize’s hidden eggs to take home with you!
Price – Individual Members: $7 Non-members: $9 Family of Four Members: $20 Pre-registration required by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21
Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or email Learn more here.

YMCA Southcoast Presents 50′s Style Sock Hop

Saturday, March 23, 5pm Dartmouth YMCA, 276 Gulf Road., Dartmouth, MA
BOP, TWIST, DIP, and SWING! This family oriented back to the Fifties Dance will feature Live Music from Daddy-O and will support the Dartmouth YMCA Kempo Karate Program. Adults $10 Children $5 Learn more and Register here.

Why and How to Grow Organically: Bed Prep, Planting, and an Organic Overview

Monday, March 25, 1:00pm – 2:30pm Hillandale Farm: 6 Haversham Road, Westerly, RI.
Learn why organic growing techniques matter with Max and Ulrike Hence. The workshop will cover planting bed preparation, seeding, transplanting and an overview of organic practices. Hillandale Farm and several nearby farms are in a partnership with the AYERS Foundation which works to connect people to fresh, local foods. Living classrooms practice and teach children about sustainable agriculture, holistic nutrition and healthy living. Everyone is welcome. Registration is not required. This event is free.
Hosted by NOFA/RI at the Hillandale Farm. Contact Sanne Kure-Jensen at (401) 369-3303 or by e-mail for more information.

SouthCoast Regional Bikeway Summit

Thursday, March 28, 6pm – 8pm UMass Law School, 333 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, MA
Join the South Coast Bikeway Committee and its partners for the third annual South Coast Bikeway Summit. This year’s topic will be the Economic Impact of Rail-Trails. The South Coast Bikeway invites cyclists, walkers, public officials, planners, transit officials, employers, etc. to discuss the importance of making the South Coast region a more bike-friendly region. Presenters include: Craig Della Penna, rails-to-trails and real estate expert, on the economic impact of rail-trails; Rep. Bill Strauss, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation; and John Walkey, Massachusetts Field Organizer for Transportation 4 Massachusetts.
The SouthCoast Regional Bikeway Summit is sponsored by The UMass Dartmouth Sustainability Office, SRPEDD, Mass in Motion, and Voices for a Healthy SouthCoast. The Summit is FREE to attend. You can register for the Summit here. Call SRPEDD at 508-824-1367 for more information.

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Save The Date

Lost Arts Workshop Series: Social Entrepreneurship

Monday, April 1, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Being a well-rounded business in this new age economy will bring you to new heights! Come learn from a professional on starting businesses that focuses on being ‘socially green.’ This course is taught by a National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship-certified entrepreneur.
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Sustainability Film Series: The Flaw

Monday, April 1, 7pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 206, at UMass Dartmouth
Made by award-winning documentary maker David Sington, THE FLAW tells the story of the credit bubble that caused the financial crash. Through interviews with some of the world’s leading economists, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, and economic historian Louis Hyman, as well as Wall Street insiders and victims of the crash, the film presents an original and compelling account of the toxic combination of forces that nearly destroyed the world economy. The film shows how excessive income inequality in society leads to economic instability. At a time when economic theory and public policy is being re-examined this film reminds us that without addressing the root causes of the crisis the system may collapse again and next time it may not be possible for governments to rescue it.
Contact Rich Legault via Email for more information. Watch the Trailer here.

Life Cycle Assessment, True Cost Accounting, Social Accounting – What’s Lurking Behind the Wizard’s Curtain?

Tuesday, April 2, 6pm – 9pm 500 Boyleston St., Boston, MA
Many of our undesirable, unintended consequences (environmental, social, and otherwise) come from the design, production, sale and use of products without adequate attention to the resources (energy, water, materials, land and human – social capital) consumed in their entire life cycle including the product’s packaging and other end of life considerations.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology created to assess the environmental impacts of a product at every stage of its life-cycle, from the extraction of the raw materials needed in its manufacture, to its distribution, use, and disposal. True Cost Accounting quantifies the environmental and social costs along side our traditional accounting so that we have a more accurate reflection of the costs incurred by the creation / use / disposal of our products. But do the companies that use this approach spend time creating a scope that accurately defines what is involved? Would they submit the proposed scope for independent peer review? Would they seek to certify LCA with a verifiable standard?

The Boston Area Sustainability Group invites experts and users of these methodologies to share their experience, insights and challenges. If you’ve not grappled with these concepts before, you’ll likely come away with a new way of thinking about things. And if you have, we’ll be excited to hear your insights, challenges and experiences.
Contact Carol Baroudi via Email for more information. Learn more and register here.

Decision-Makers Workshop: How to Make Nitrogen Reduction Happen

Wednesday, April 3, 8:30am – 12:30pm Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA
Sponosred by Buzzards Bay Coalition. The 2013 Decision Makers Workshop series offers practical solutions to the biggest problem facing Buzzards Bay and our coastal waters: nitrogen pollution. These free workshops are a resource for individuals who make decisions that affect the health of Buzzards Bay and the local environment. Comprehensive planning and innovative funding on the local, state, and regional scale are essential for making a cost-effective cleanup happen. Presenters will include: Paul Niedzwiecki, Executive Director, Cape Cod Commission; Jag Khuman, Director, Water Quality Financing Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment; and Dr. Bob Duncanson, Director, Chatham Department of Health and the Environment
Attendance if FREE, but Registration is required. Contact Rob Hancock Vice-President of Education and Public Engagement for Buzzards Bay Coalition, or call (508) 999-6363 x222 for more information.

Creative Connections: Art in the Outdoors with Anastasia Azure

Saturday, April 6, 10am – Noon Slocum’s River Reserve, Horseneck Road, Dartmouth, MA
Join nationally recognized artist Anastasia Azure on a creative journey at the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) and The Trustees of Reservation’s (TTOR) Slocum’s River Reserve in Dartmouth. Anastasia will lead participants in the exploration of “land art,” a process in which the landscape and work of art are inextricably linked. Deepen your connection to the watershed and discover a new way to enjoy your Bay.
While you’re at Slocum’s River Reserve, you can view The River Project, six large-scale site-specific sculptures that are the result of a collaoration between DNRT, TTOR, and talented local artists.
Attendance is FREE, but registration is required. Contact Megan Connolly, Senior Educator for Buzzards Bay Coalition, or call (508) 999-6363 x224. Learn more here.

Family Program: GET LOST!

Saturday, April 6, 1pm – 3:30pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Get Lost in the Woods! This class will introduce children and families to how a compass works. After a brief introduction families will have a chance to create a treasure map for each other using their newly developed orienteering skills. There may even be treasures at the end of their journey.
Price: Members: $5 Non-members: $7 Preregister by Thursday, April 4. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Sustainable Seafood Cooking with Henry Bousquet

Tuesday, April 9, 7pm Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School
Chef and culinary arts instructor Henry Bousquet will share family-friendly approaches to cooking abundant species including Pollock, Redfish and Spiny Dogfish. The audience will be invited to taste his creations and take home recipes.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

The Ideas Behind Timebanking: A Simple Concept with Profound Implications

Wednesday, April 10, Noon – 1:30pm Angus Bailey Auditorium, Room 006, UMass Dartmouth
Time Banking is an alternative monetary system centered on the principle that time one spends performing social and civil services can be turned into currency. One hour of labor served equals one credit of time received, which can be used or saved for accumulation towards a service. Time Banks aren’t just an alternative monetary system; they also forge stronger community relations, build greater social capital, and encourage self-sufficiency. Under/un-employed workers and students looking to improve their economic and social situations can do that by utilizing the skills, time, and energy they already have.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Time Exchange is a regional cooperative in which members post skills and tasks they can do and requests of things they need done in a customized database. When a member finds a post of someone offering something they need, they contact them and arrange to make the exchange. Afterwards, the provider posts the exchange and the amount of time is credited to their “time credit account” and the recipients account is debited. While the system is online, computer knowledge is not required. Coordinators and “computer buddies can assist anyone needing “real human” help. A brief introduction to the Time Exchange will be offered for those new to the timebanking idea.

If you have specific questions regarding the lecture or program, please call Bob Bailey at 774-955-0551, or contact via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Critter Hunt: Under a Log

Thursday, April 11, 2pm – 3:30pm Lloyd Center Bond Building, 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA
Searching for critters isn’t just for kids. On this guided hike learn about all the animals that make a home under a log and their important role in the forest.
Price: Members: $5 Non-members: $7 Preregister by Tuesday, April 9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen Wimmer at 508-990-0505 x 14, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Graduate Student Lecture Series: Sustainable Cities

Thursday, April 11, 6 – 7pm Claire T. Carney Library Grand Reading Room, UMass Dartmouth
“Measuring sustainability: an introduction to the SouthCoast Urban Indicators Project” – Colleen Dawicki, MPP Graduate 2012; Project Manager, Urban Initiative http://southcoastindicators.org.
Co-sponsored with The Department of Public Policy, The Center for Policy Analysis, The Urban Initiative, and the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement

Film Screening: Red Gold

Thursday, April 11, 7:30pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
At the headwaters of the Kvichak and the Nushagak Rivers in Bristol Bay Alaska – the two largest remaining sockeye salmon runs on the planet – mining companies Northern Dynasty and Anglo American have proposed to extract what may prove to be the richest deposit of gold and copper in the world. Filmmakers Ben Knight and Travis Rummel spent 70 days in Bristol Bay documenting the growing unrest among native, commercial and sport fishermen who oppose the proposed Pebble Mine as well as giving mine officials a chance to argue their case. The open-pit and underground Pebble Mine could require the largest dam ever constructed to contain toxic runoff from mine waste. Red Gold is a portrait of a unique way of life that would not exist if the salmon didn’t return with Bristol Bay’s tide. A discussion will follow the screening.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Herb Basket Workshop

Saturday, April 13, 9am – 5pm Greater Fall River Art Association, 80 Belmont St., Fall River
Get ready for spring by planning to attend an herb basket workshop by artist Sharon Owens at the Greater Fall River Art Association. The hand-woven basket will fit perfectly on most windowsills and will provide fresh herbs for use in culinary endeavors. The basket will measure 9 inches by 4 inches and will be created in colors of your choice. The material is reed and traditional woven. Herbs are rosemary, thyme, parsley, chive, oregano, and basil.
Herbs will be provided as part of the workshop fee of $65, which includes all materials and instructions. Attendees should bring a bagged lunch. Beverages will be provided. To register contact Sharon owens via e-mail.

Become a Certified Crew Chief or BPI Building Analyst

Monday, April 15 – Friday, April 19, 9am – 4pm 1213 Purchase St (the Quest Building) New Bedford, MA
The Weatherization Crew Chief course is for those individuals that are already proficient as a weatherization installer and are ready to advance their knowledge of building science and develop themselves as supervisors. The “House as a System” concept, as well as crew and homeowner safety, is reinforced through complete BPI Building Analyst training. Additionally, training and best practices for air sealing and insulation installation will be provided.
COST: Register by April 1 and receive $100 off! Please note that there is a $600 credit for existing Mass Save Contractors. Group Discounts available.
$1,675 – Includes Classes and BPI Certified Testing
$1,075 (for current Mass Save Contractors)
$695 – BPI Certification and Re-certification Test Only Fee
Interested? For more information on scholarships and discounts, or to register contact: The UMass Dartmouth Weatherization Training Center via Email or call (508) 910 – 6484. Learn more here.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: Ecological Design

Monday, April 15, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Creating a working landscape from which we live can be rewarding and is a safe investment for us all. This workshop will show us how to maximize ecological potential. As crops begin to grow, fertilization will be key to success. We will learn the basics of fertilization with compost and how to create a steady supply of this brown gold!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

Film Screening: The Fish Belong to the People

Friday, April 19, 7pm New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
The Fish Belong to the People follows a group of family fishermen in Port Clyde, Maine as they work to save their fishing grounds from government, market structure, and themselves. With each passing season their way of life has slowly been extinguished by old ways of doing business that favors the most efficient and destructive ways of fishing over sustainability.
In September 2013, the Working Waterfront Festival will mark its tenth anniversary. To celebrate, we are presenting Portholes, a series of free, monthly programs designed to engage residents and members of commercial fishing communities in conversations about critical issues facing the working waterfront. Each month’s programming centers around a theme. Programming during the month of April explores the theme Sustainability.
Contact Laura Orleans, Director of Working Waterfront Festival at 508-993-8894 for more information. Learn more here.

Outer-Cape Birding and Whale-Watching Hike

Saturday, April 20, 8am – 5pm Meeting Place: Shaw’s parking lot – Route 6 in Dartmouth
Venture by foot to the beaches of the outer cape to observe whale behavior at close range. Each spring whales congregate close to shore to feed on the abundant zooplankton, with high numbers of whales sometimes present. With luck, glimpses of the Endangered Right Whales are possible if this species is still in the area. The walk will take participants through Hatches Harbor to Race Point, passing through pitch pine forest, estuary, salt marsh, and dune habitats en route to the shore. In addition to whales, spectacular vistas and a diversity of birds are a feature of the trip. Time permitting, we’ll stop at other locations as well.
Be advised: For best views of whales, this outing is done entirely on foot and involves extensive walking along beaches and possibly intertidal areas. Participants should therefore be capable of a moderate to strenuous daylong hike of 4 to 5 miles (round trip).
Price: Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Preregister by Friday, April `9. Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 x 23, or via E-Mail.
Learn more here

Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo

Saturday, April 20, 10am – 4pm Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven
The Buzzards Bay Action Committee is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Earth Day for Buzzards Bay Expo. Bring your families and come and enjoy a wide variety of exhibits and demonstrations on sustainable activities for a healthy lifestyle that benefit you and the planet! Learn what you can do to protect Buzzards Bay and live lightly on the Earth. Explore exhibits and presentations for adults and children about composting, organic gardening, alternative energy, native plants, toxin-free cleaning, geocaching, feeding wild birds, and more at our first Buzzards Bay Earth Day Expo event! There will also be live music.
For more information, please contact Merilee Kelly, Acushnet Conservation Agent, at 508 998-0202 or via Email

3rd Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference and 2nd Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses Conference

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 8am – 4:30pm Worcester DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester, MA
SUSTAINABILITY: PRACTICES AND POSSIBILITIES
The annual Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference connects stakeholders from municipalities, college campuses, government, businesses and nonprofits. 75+ Speakers and 45+ Exhibitors share best practices and resources. Everyone wanting to learn more about best practices, current trends, and resources will find this conference timely, practical and valuable. The two conferences are the same day at the DCU Center. Attendees include hundreds of stakeholders from government, academia, business, non-profits and communities. You may attend either or both conferences.

Benefit from advance registration: $60. Registration after March 20 is $75. Students are $45. This registration fee covers keynote presentation, breakout sessions, exhibitors, lunch, breakfast, roundtable discussions, poster session and FREE raffle. Advance registration is recommended as previous conferences have filled. Pre-register here. Learn more here.

Paper Shredding Day for Southcoast Businesses and Residents

Saturday, April 27, 9am – Noon Parking lot across from New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and North 6th Streets
Businesses and residents of New Bedford and the surrounding communities are welcome to bring paper to be shredded (e.g. bank statements, medical forms, insurance forms, retired tax forms, receipts, personal files). There is a charge of $5 per box for a standard size box used to hold reams of paper. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders. Shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels. Learn more here. Call (508) 979-1493 for more information.

Lost Arts Workshop Series: There’s Fungus Among Us

Monday, April 29, 12pm – 1pm Claire T. Carney Library, Room 319, UMass Dartmouth
Mycology is a growing agricultural practice that can nutritionally substitute some of our meat consumption. We will inoculate a medium to begin this funky process!
The Living Classroom program at UMass Dartmouth is offering special FREE workshops this Spring 2013 on organic farming and gardening. Dubbed the Lost Arts Series, these workshops are for those looking to take charge of what they consume, grow their own food, and live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Both students and the public are welcome to attend.
Interested parties are to meet at the third-floor landing of UMass Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library For more information, contact Katrina Semich via Email or call 508-999-8932.

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Announcements

Got a Garden? Tell Us About It For Our Database

The Regional Council on Sustainability in collaboration with the Island Foundation is collecting data on community and public gardens for a directory accessible to everyone. In attempts to increase use and public knowledge of garden locations and operations we are looking for your input about a garden that you may know of. If you know of a publicly accessible garden that you would like to have recorded in this directory please send the following:

• Garden Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Phone Number
• Garden Location
• Garden Size
• Any other information such as plot sizes available, fees, cultural ties, and crop preferences

Please E-mail us to be added to our directory.
This is an ongoing project. Check out our ever-evolving Island Foundation Garden Database here.

Submit Your Events to the Sustainability Almanac

If your organization or event resides in the Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island regions, and you want your event news to reach as many people as possible, submit your listing to us. HELP US HELP YOU! Submissions for each issue will be accepted no later than Wednesday morning. Otherwise, your event will go into the following week’s issue. Please only submit events related to sustainability, charities, or civic engagement. If it’s judged to be SPAM, your information will never be accepted.
Submit your event information here.

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Green Tip

3 Insider Tips to Start Thrift-Store Shopping Now

Some people “ooh” and “aww” over puppies. I’m not one of them. Give me a thrift store and I delight in hunting for–and finding–affordable, high-quality secondhand fashion. I’ve been wearing thrift-store clothing from before I even thought it was cool–and I still remember that day my mom made me wear a horrible secondhand top to school in second grade. But I’ll forever remember the moment I found my first vintage fashion steal: a timeless navy blue Armani blazer that I still own today. Learn more here.

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Preparedness Tip

Stranded and Surviving Cold Weather

I’m sure you’ve heard or read stories about lost skiers, hikers, hunters and stranded motorists freezing to death due to prolong exposure to severe cold weather conditions. If you have a car, and should you find yourself stranded in a remote area in your vehicle and you are not sure where you are, which way to go or where the nearest house or town is located, it’s usually best to stay with your vehicle and wait for help to come to you than to wander off looking for HELP. But after waiting 24 hours or so and no one has yet come to your rescue, then here’s what you can do to help increase your chances of being rescued. Learn more here.