|
 News |
Debate Over GM Eggplant Consumes India
MUMBAI (Reuters) - The purple eggplant that Indian shopper Tanuja Krishnan picks out at a Mumbai market stall every week is an unlikely protagonist in a raging debate about whether genetically modified foods should be introduced into India.
Read more here.
Saudi Arabia Says Peak Demand For Oil Is an 'Alarm'
Feb. 15 (Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia must be “very serious” about any possible peak in oil demand, which is an “alarm” for OPEC’s biggest exporter to diversify its economy, a Saudi Oil Ministry adviser said. Saudi Arabia is making a push into renewable energy and is starting its first carbon-capture project, Oil Ministry adviser Mohammad al-Sabban said today at the Jeddah Economic Forum. Read more here.
Householders To Get Slop Buckets In Campaign Against Food WasteEvery household in England could be issued with a slop bucket for food waste under proposals to be announced "within weeks" as the Government declares war on Britain's waste mountain. Environment Secretary Hilary Benn told the Yorkshire Post "it does not make sense" to continue burying waste food, glass, cans, paper, tins or wood in the ground where they create harmful greenhouse emissions. A formal consultation will be launched on banning them from landfill sites altogether. Read more here.
 Obama Ups Nuclear Investment for Climate Fight
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama announced $8.3 billion in loan guarantees Tuesday to build the first U.S. nuclear power plant in nearly three decades, a move designed to help advance climate legislation in Congress.
Obama, a Democrat trying to win Republican support for a bill to overhaul U.S. energy practices, said the United States needed to increase its supply of nuclear power to meet its energy needs and fight climate change. The government backing will go to help Southern Co build two reactors at a plant in the state of Georgia. The reactors, which some experts estimate will cost $8.8 billion, could be in service in 2016 and 2017. Read more here.
 Op-Ed: Global Weirding Is HereOf the festivals of nonsense that periodically overtake American politics, surely the silliest is the argument that because Washington is having a particularly snowy winter it proves that climate change is a hoax and, therefore, we need not bother with all this girly-man stuff like renewable energy, solar panels and carbon taxes. Just drill, baby, drill. Read more here.
 16 'Endangerment' Lawsuits Filed Against EPA Before Deadline
Industry groups, conservative think tanks, lawmakers and three states filed 16 court challenges to U.S. EPA's "endangerment" finding for greenhouse gases before yesterday's deadline, setting the stage for a legal battle over federal climate policies. Read more here.
 Regulator Waffles On Bisphenol AEight days after chemical industry lobbyists met with Obama administration officials, federal regulators delayed action on including bisphenol A in a new effort to better regulate dangerous chemicals. The move is drawing suspicion, considering how the head of the Environmental Protection Agency had been talking tough in one speech after another last fall about the need to protect the public from such chemicals, particularly BPA. Read more here.
 Murray, Baker Disagree on Commuter Rail
Fall River — Lt. Gov. Tim Murray said he feels strongly that a commuter rail will play a vital role in the economic success of the SouthCoast. It’s a concept that Murray said he feels Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker doesn’t understand. Baker recently questioned the necessity of the rail project during an appearance as keynote speaker at the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual meeting.
Answering a question from Mayor Will Flanagan, Baker said he felt the money needed to make a commuter rail could be better spent on other projects that would benefit the region, such as increasing the footprint of the Bristol Community College campus or constructing additional industrial parks. Read more here.
Feds Award $20 Million for New Bedford Rail Project
NEW BEDFORD — The state has been awarded $20 million in federal grant money to reconstruct four freight rail bridges that are a critical part of the infrastructure needed for the South Coast Rail Project, federal officials announced Wednesday.
The project, known as Fast Track New Bedford, was one of 51 projects selected for funding through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, grant program, according to a release from U.S. Department of Transportation. Read more here.
 National Grid Says Customers Conserving EnergyNEW BEDFORD — Three months after launching its Home Energy Report pilot program in Massachusetts, National Grid is claiming that participating customers have collectively cut their energy use by more than 1 percent, and could save up to 3 percent annually by implementing energy efficiency changes. This month, National Grid will expand its Home Energy Reports program to include an additional 75,000 Massachusetts electricity customers, bringing enrollment to 125,000 natural gas and electricity customers. Read more here.
|
|
This Week in Sustainability
|
What's Dr. Seuss Got To Do With It? Jews, The Environment, and Sustainability |
February 17, 7pm, The Underground Cafe, UMass Dartmouth Campus Center
What can “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss teach us about Jewish values and ethics? Join us to find out how the relationship between Jews and the environment has evolved over the last 2000 years. Sponsored by UMass Dartmouth Hillel: The Jewish Student Organization. For more information please contact Robin Kauffman, Student Outreach Coordinator, Hillel, at rkauffman@umassd.edu 508-910-6525 |
Roots Down Meeting |
February 18, 4PM-6PM, Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St. in New Bedford.
This series of four workshops is geared toward new and experienced
gardeners who are interested in learning more about organic growing
techniques, connecting with other gardeners, and learning about
nutrient dense food production.
Each workshop will build on topics presented in the earlier workshops,
so we invite and recommend attending all four dates. More details about
each session available at brixbounty.com
Please RSVP to preregister by contacting us at 508-992-1868 or emailing derekchristianson@gmail.com.
We plan to resume monthly Roots Down - New Bedford Workshops in April 2010. Visit www.BrixBounty.com for more information.
Where: At
the Rotch-Jones-Duff House&Garden Museum, 396 County St. in New
Bedford. Meet in the Coachman’s House (enter off 7th st.) |
Twelve Degrees of Separation – Changing the course of whale safety in Stellwagen Bank |
February 18, 6:00pm, Wareham Free Public Library, 59 Marion Road, Wareham, MA
The Wareham Land Trust is hosting a discussion with local scientist Dr. David Wiley who will address large whale conservation research in the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary at the Wareham Free Library, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. For more information, click here |
Sustainability Film Showing: 'Here Comes the Sun' |
February 18, 6:30 to 8:00 PM, Seekonk Public Library
Here Comes the Sun a film by Dutch director Rob van Hattum If it were up to the sun, we would have no energy problem. Every hour on the Earth's surface, there is more than enough light to provide energy needs for the whole world for a year. We don't have an energy problem, we have a conversion problem. If we are able to harvest sunlight in smart ways, then we can prevent a global energy crisis.
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Sustainable Seekonk Energy Committee • (508) 336-3594 for information |
Annual Owl Prowl |
February 21*, 3:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m., Lloyd Center (van departs at 3:30 a.m.)
Venture out into various locations in the quiet, dark winter woods of
Dartmouth during the predawn hours, when local owls of our region are
highly active. Screech, Great Horned, Barred, and Long-eared owls are
potential species heard and seen.
Around sunrise, you'll depart the forest to visit Barney's Joy beach,
where other seabirds and the beautiful winter beach itself can be
enjoyed. On occasion, diurnal owls such as Short-eared and Snowy owls
can be seen.
(*Weather reschedule date- Sunday, February 28th) Details here. |
February Environmental Coffee Hour |
February 24, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM, Room 314, New Bedford City Hall
Please Join us for an Environmental Coffee Hour.
We will have our usual roundtable discussion about events in the
Environment in the South Coast Region and will also have Two Topics of
interest: 1. Update of the South Coast Rail and its relationship to
Community sustainability 2. Alternative Energy in the South Coast Region. The latest in
Local energy parks and energy alternatives. |
Fall River Park Advocates Meeting |
February 24, 5:30 PM, Fall River Government Center cafeteria
Fall River Park Advocates will meet on Wednesday, February 24, 5:30 PM
at Government Center in the cafeteria. All who live or work in Fall
River and have an interest in using, preserving, protecting and
planning for Fall River’s parks and green spaces are encouraged to
attend. For additional information call or write:
Julianne Kelly, coordinator of Mass in Motion-Fall River at
508-324-2405 or jkelly@fallriverma.org |
Crude Impact - (Sustainability Film Series) |
February 24, 6:30PM, UMass Dartmouth Library Browsing Area
Packed with abundant evidence and persuasive speakers, Crude Impact
sounds the alarm over world peak oil. Once extraction of this
non-renewable resource passes the tipping point, the biosphere and
global economy could collapse (author Thom Hartmann claims it's already
happened). This film examines the way in which the petrochemical
industry has manipulated political events around the world to its
advantage. Details here. |
|
Save The Date
|
Aquaculture Panel Discussion sponsored by SIFE |
February 25, PLEASE NOTE TIME CORRECTION 6:15 pm, UMass Dartmouth Library Browsing Area
Discuss aquaculture. Details here. |
Roots Down Meeting |
February 25, 4PM-6PM, Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, 396 County St. in New Bedford.
This series of four workshops is geared toward new and experienced
gardeners who are interested in learning more about organic growing
techniques, connecting with other gardeners, and learning about
nutrient dense food production.
Each workshop will build on topics presented in the earlier workshops,
so we invite and recommend attending all four dates. More details about
each session available at brixbounty.com
Please RSVP to preregister by contacting us at 508-992-1868 or emailing derekchristianson@gmail.com.
We plan to resume monthly Roots Down - New Bedford Workshops in April 2010. Visit www.BrixBounty.com for more information.
Where: At
the Rotch-Jones-Duff House&Garden Museum, 396 County St. in New
Bedford. Meet in the Coachman’s House (enter off 7th st.) |
Harbor & Aerovox Monthly Cleanup Meeting |
February 25 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. New Bedford Public Library 613 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA
Please join the EPA, MassDEP, and City of New Bedford representatives of the Harbor and Aerovox Cleanup Team for the monthly update and Q&A session at the New Bedford Public Library. February’s meeting will focus on this year’s plan to begin the Aerovox Mill demolition process. The meeting will include a presentation from the responsible party that will be performing the demolition. The meeting space is fully accessible. Translation services will be available. If you have any further questions or special needs, please contact Kate Renahan, U.S. EPA Toll Free 1-888-372-7341 ext. 8-1491 |
Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival 2010 |
February 25 - 28, various locations and times
For
the 2nd year in a row,
Save The Bay brings you some of the most popular short films from the
Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival -- the largest of its
kind in North America! This year the films will be shown over three
days in three locations:
Thursday, February 25 6:00 - 8:00 pm
La Grua Center
32 Water St., #7 Stonington Common
Stonington, CT
Friday, February 26 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Jane Pickens Theatre
49 Touro St., Newport, RI
Sunday, February 28 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Avon Cinema
260 Thayer St., Providence, RI Details here, or order $10 tickets here |
Nest Box Building |
February 27, 1 - 3PM, Watuppa Reservation Headquarters, 2929 Blossom Road Fall River
Help to improve bluebird habitat by building nest boxes to be installed
at a number of our South Coast reservations. The populations of these
beautiful birds have been in decline due to a shortage of natural
nesting cavities and competition from non-native species. By helping to
build well-designed nesting boxes you can encourage the return of these
birds and improve the biodiversity of our region. Register here. $12 covers materials and refreshments. |
Facing the Economic Upheaval Together |
February 27, 1 - 5PM, The Paulist Center - 5 Park Street, Boston
A facilitators-training event.
Who Should Come: People with experience in leading
groups. No other expertise needed. We recommend coming in teams of 2 or
more to make getting started easier. The Training: We will train you on our 5-session curriculum to get you started. It's simple, participatory and truly rewarding.
The Trainers: Chuck Collins and Andrée Zaleska from the Institute for Policy Studies, and Alexa Bradley from On the Commons
On-Going Support: We will provide you with all the materials you need, facilitation support and additional downloadable resources. Register here. FREE. |
John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man and Hoodwinked |
March 1, 7 pm, UMass Dartmouth Campus Auditorium
The current crisis is a classic hit by economic hit men (EHM) – except
this time the victims are us. Drawing on personal experiences described
in his blockbuster books, John Perkins explains how tools honed during
the past four decades in developing countries are enabling the
extremely rich to purchase businesses and real estate at fire sale
prices and exploit human and natural resources. However, crises offer
opportunities. Perkins presents a plan for transforming the economy and
describes ways each of us can employ our individual passions and skills
to not only prosper but also create a world we will be proud to pass on
to future generations. Details here. |
The Elm Dance |
March 3, 7-9PM, Spring Street Meeting House, 83 Spring Street, New Bedford, MA.
We (Marcia Glynn, Deirdre Healy, Emily Johns and Laurie
Robertson-Lorant) hope that you'll be able to join us in at least a few
rounds of The Elm Dance. Dancing one round takes 5 minutes. Created to
honor nuclear radiation survivors around the world, it is a peaceful,
harmonious experience. CONTACT: Emily Johns 508-994-2164. GOOGLE:
Joanna Macy. |
Carbon Panel Discussion |
March 8, 12 noon, Library Browsing Area
Carbon Panel Discussion with Chad McGuire, Ron Fortier, Adam Sulkowski.
Carbon and its implications for a sustainable world. The purpose of
this panel discussion is to explore the role of carbon within the
larger context of sustainability. To do this, the panel will view
carbon through the following lenses: * The carbon cycle; * Human
influences on the carbon cycle * How carbon is regulated * How carbon
is used; and * How carbon impacts our social fabric. The goal of the
discussion is to consider carbon as a singular topic, looking at its
role and impacts on human sustainability. Details here. |
Sustainability Seder |
March 9, 5 p.m., UMass Dartmouth Campus Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room
The community is welcomed to a Sustainability Seder on the UMass Dartmouth campus. |
Shrink Your Footprint Fair |
March 13, 1-5 p.m., Greater New Bedford Voc Tech High School
Now in its third year, the Shrink Your Footprint series of
environmental workshops has expanded into a half-day fair featuring
workshops for the whole family on how to live an economically healthy
and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Several SEEAL partner organizations are working together on this
project, including Buttonwood Park Zoo, Marion Institute, Dartmouth
Natural Resources Trust, Lloyd Center for the Environment,
Massachusetts Audubon Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Westport River
Watershed Alliance, Brick by Brick, and Alliance for Climate Education.
Several vendors will also be at the event with items for sale, and
information that will help attendees shrink your footprint. There will
be a free raffle for everyone that attends, with prizes from the
vendors and sponsoring organizations. Admission is free for the event. |
Dmitri Orlov |
March 25, 7 p.m., UMass Dartmouth Library Browsing Area
Join us for a presentation by Dmitri Orlov, provocative author of Definancialization, Deglobalization, Relocalization: Managing Risk and Building Resilience in a Resource Constrained World |
Regional Conference on Sustainability |
April 27, 8:30-4:00 p.m., Bristol Community College
Regional Conference on Sustainability featuring keynote presenters including Richard Heinberg and Mark Sylvia Director of Massachusetts Green Communities Division, and panel discussions of special interest to municipal leaders and local businesses. Sponsored by the Southeastern Massachusetts Council on Sustainability. |
|
Announcements
|
Vote for Your Favorite "Dream Reborn" Green Video, Audio, and Image |
Green For All, a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy, is accepting votes for entries in its "The Dream Reborn Story Contest." Brief videos, songs, and artwork promoting a green economy have all been submitted, including submissions by local artists Tem Blessed and the folks at 3rd Eye Unlimited! Check out local favorites "Green Anthem" and "Miraculous Apertures." Vote Here Until Feb 24th. |
The Marion Institute seeks a Development Fundraising Professional |
The Marion Institute (MI) (www.marioninstitute.org)
seeks a Development Fundraising Professional to join the Executive
Director and MI team. We are looking for a person who is excited by the
prospect of leading and managing all aspects of MI’s fundraising.
Founded in 1993, the Marion Institute is a member based non-profit that
acts as an incubator for a diverse array of programs and projects that
delve into the root cause of an issue and seeks to create deep and
positive change. We work with individuals, schools and communities to
inspire change in the areas of health and healing, sustainability,
green economics, environmental education, spirituality and much more. More details here. |
Part Time Position-Organizing Fall River Park Advocates |
Deadline: February 22.
Partners for a Healthier Community and Mass in Motion-Fall River seek
committed Fall River resident to assist in organizing Fall River Park
Advocates, a network of groups and individuals committed to the
protection, preservation and planning for the future of Fall River’s
parks and open spaces. Fall River Park Advocates is a branch of the
Urban Park Advocates Network, (www.urbanparkadvocates.org) an initiative of The Trustees of Reservations.
Send: Letter of interest and resume to Julianne Kelly,
Coordinator, Mass in Motion - Fall River, One Government Center, Rm.
443, Fall River, MA 02722 / jkelly@fallriverma.org
|
Mini- Grant Proposals for Fairhaven Schools |
The Fairhaven Sustainability Committee (FSC) is seeking "mini grant"
proposals to be funded for completion by the end of the school year.
Up to $300.00 is available for a school based project to help the
sustainability committee achieve it's mission to study, recommend
and facilitate actions and systems that will educate and engage the
community and lead to the responsible consumption of resources
and the implementation of life sustaining practices in order to
create a healthy environment and future for our community. Teachers
or staff from all disciplines in the Fairhaven school system are
encouraged to apply.
Applicants must complete the short mini-grant application and submit
it to the (FSC) by March 19th. Proposals will be judged by the
Fairhaven Sustainability committee and a winner will be selected by
April 1st for
implementation by the end of the school year.
Here is a copy of the application which can be emailed to dhealy@umassd.edu or mailed to Deirdre Healy 2 Layfette Street Fairhaven |
SEMAP looking for Executive Director |
Position announcement - accepting applications until March 1, 2010
The SEMAP Executive Director:
- Actively seeks economic
development opportunities for the region’s commercial farmers. Is
responsible for securing funding to implement the SEMAP mission, meet
operating needs, and assure long-term fiscal stability of the
organization. In addition to grant writing, the Executive Director is
expected to use multiple approaches including a) corporate membership,
b) individual membership, and c) community visibility and
“revenue-positive” event planning.
- Provides leadership for the operations of SEMAP.
- Maintains and develops SEMAP’s signature programs and services.
- Works with and reports to the SEMAP Board of Directors.
For more information, contact info@semaponline.org -- include "SEMAP search" in the subject line |
Brix Bounty Farm Apprenticeships and Other Opportunities |
Visit - http://www.brixbounty.com/about/apprenticeships/
for more information about agriculture production apprenticeships,
urban agriculture apprenticeships, internships & research
opportunities, and mini-apprenticeships at Brix Bounty Farm. We also
have a listing of other local farms currently offering apprenticeship
opportunities on the apprenticeship page. The next round of
"mini-apprenticeships" are scheduled to begin in mid to late February
2010.
Interested in Joining the Brix Bounty Team? Please send a letter of interest to derekchristianson@gmail.com or call 508-992-1868.
|
Roots Down Winter Schedule |
4 Thursdays (Feb 18, 25 and March 18, 25) 4PM-6PM
This series of four workshops is geared toward new and experienced
gardeners who are interested in learning more about organic growing
techniques, connecting with other gardeners, and learning about
nutrient dense food production.
Each workshop will build on topics presented in the earlier workshops,
so we invite and recommend attending all four dates. More details about
each session available at brixbounty.com
Please RSVP to preregister by contacting us at 508-992-1868 or emailing derekchristianson@gmail.com.
We plan to resume monthly Roots Down - New Bedford Workshops in April 2010. Visit www.BrixBounty.com for more information.
Where: At
the Rotch-Jones-Duff House&Garden Museum, 396 County St. in New
Bedford. Meet in the Coachman’s House (enter off 7th st.) |
Living On Spaceship Earth and Making the Right Decisions – James Munger |
Monday 9:30AM -11:30AM, February 22 – April 12
Take a quick look at the economy of the US at the present time. Take a
look at recent history and the impact of space exploration. Look at the
limits of the earth and what we should be doing to insure the future of
the next generations. What education is needed? What rules are needed
to encourage fairness worldwide? We will answer these questions.
James Munger received his Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State in
1957 and his Master’s degree from Stanford in 1962. He participated in
the first Earth Day in California in 1970. He taught Environmental
Chemistry at Roger Williams University for 29 years and has farmed in
Dartmouth since 1980.
Learn more here. |
Learn Organic Beekeeping |
Organic
Beekeeping Practices course will be offered at Bristol Community
College (BCC) in Fall River for beginning beekeepers from February 22
through March 29. Honeybees are responsible for almost 1/3 of our food
and we need more beekeepers. It's a great hobby and can be a small
business too. More information and registration is available at the BCC website. Look under Noncredit Course Search, "Home & Garden" courses. Questions? james.corven@bristolcc.edu.
|
Participants wanted for 2010 Green Fair |
ROCHESTER — TEAMS and TRWA are seeking
individuals and businesses that would like to display their
environmentally friendly services or products at the 2010 Green Fair,
which is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
Old Colony Vocational Technical High School at 476 North Avenue in
Rochester. Space is limited. Anyone interested should contact TEAMS at teams-info@hotmail.com and visit the web site www.teams-on-web.org for more information. Read more here. |
Lloyd Center Seeking Director of Development |
The
Lloyd Center for the Environment, a highly regarded research and
educational organization, headquartered in Dartmouth Massachusetts,
seeks an experienced Director of Development to work closely with the
Executive Director and the Board of Directors in developing and
executing an aggressive fundraising strategy. Details here.
|
|
Weekly Green Tip
|
Save Some Change Every Morning Reduce waste, as well as toxic chemicals in the environment, by using a reusable mug at home, in the office and on the go, instead of opting for single-use containers for coffee, tea and other beverages. Read more |
|
