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 News |
 Analysis of 80 studies finds BPA exposure is widespreadThe studies show that even in developing countries a majority of people have the harmful form of BPA in their bodies, though some downplay the findings.
A new analysis of more than 80 studies on bisphenol A (BPA) has given scientists a global snapshot of humans’ exposure to this worrisome chemical used in baby bottles, metallic food cans, and other consumer products. And that picture isn’t good, according to the author’s study.
Read more here.
EU says its Kyoto support depends on Russia, Japan
The European Union can only sign up to a continued Kyoto Protocol after 2012 if all other ratifiers including Japan and Russia do the same, an EU official said on Wednesday.
Jos Delbeke, head of the European Commission's climate unit, questioned the value of continuing with the United Nations' Kyoto Protocol in its current form after its present commitment period expires in 2012, and said the 27-country EU was considering all its options. Read more here.
 Obama announces drilling expansion in climate pushPresident Barack Obama announced plans on Wednesday for an expansion of U.S. offshore oil and gas drilling in an effort to win Republican support for new proposals to fight climate change.
Obama, a Democrat, said his administration would consider new areas for drilling in the mid and south Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, while "studying and protecting sensitive areas in the Arctic."
Read more here.
Climate Change Articles
 Among Weathercasters, Doubt on Warming
The debate over global warming has created predictable adversaries, pitting environmentalists against industry and coal-state Democrats against coastal liberals.
Read more here. |
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 Spin, science and climate change
Action on climate is justified, not because the science is certain, but precisely because it is not. Read more here. |
 Moth forces wine country's secret into openLax attitudes about sneaking in cloned vines invite invasions of new pests that can threaten the country's most expensive and economically productive farmland.
One of the dirty secrets of California's wine country is now on everyone's lips. Somehow a voracious grape-eating moth has found its way nonstop from Europe to the heart of the Napa Valley, the land of three-figure cabernet. With valuable fruit at risk, the region's fast and loose play with federal agriculture quarantine laws is getting new scrutiny from investigators and researchers.
Read more here.
 A sweet problem: Princeton researchers find that high-fructose corn syrup prompts considerably more weight gainA Princeton University research team has demonstrated that all sweeteners are not equal when it comes to weight gain: Rats with access to high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same.
In addition to causing significant weight gain in lab animals, long-term consumption of high-fructose corn syrup also led to abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the abdomen, and a rise in circulating blood fats called triglycerides. The researchers say the work sheds light on the factors contributing to obesity trends in the United States.
Read more here.
 U.S. Air Force Pumps Up A-10C Thunderbolt II with Camelina BiofuelThis is a lesson to all weeds: dream big. Camelina is a scrawny looking plant that also goes by the unflattering moniker “false flax,” yet it may turn out to be the biofuel of choice for U.S. military aircraft. The U.S. Air Force has just announced the successful flight of an A-10C Thunderbolt II using a blend of half camelina and half conventional jet fuel, and it plans to test the blend on additional aircraft over the next couple of years. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has also set its sights on camelina-based jet fuel.
Read more here.
 Pearl Jam: rock, trees and businessPearl Jam reckons that 380,000 fans last year drove an average 23.6 mile round trip to the rock band’s concerts.
And two fans travelled in each car, which had an average fuel consumption of 21.9 miles per gallon — roughly what the U.S. government would expect from a Pontiac G6 or perhaps an Audi TT Roadster in a city.
Rather than a bizarre insight from a crystal ball or a step towards a Big Brother society, the figures are part of a complex calculation about the band’s greenhouse gas emissions on a 32-stop tour.
Read more here.
 LNG foes cheer Department of Transportation decisionFALL RIVER —
Leaders of the anti-LNG movement were very happy with a Department of Transportation ruling that would require Weaver’s Cove Energy to recalculate how far a possibly flammable cloud of escaped gas might travel.
The opinion, requested from the DOT by the city of Fall River, also states that the full length of a gas pipeline the company wants to build will be under DOT regulation.
Read more here.
 Wind turbine earnings higher than expectedPORTSMOUTH — The wind turbine at Portsmouth High School earned $281,219 for the town in its first full year of operation — 14 percent higher than projected.
Most of that amount is reflected in a credit on electric bills for schools and town buildings, although a recently enacted change in the law means that the town will instead get checks back every month from National Grid.
Read more here.
Composting Company Considers Dartmouth
Here are a pair of articles about the potential for a composting company setting up shop in Dartmouth:
Company eyes compost facility in Dartmouth
A Delaware company wants to open a $10 million facility in Energy Park off Old Fall River Road in North Dartmouth that would receive 270 tons of refuse per day and produce usable compost in two months. Read more here.
Dartmouth officials impressed with first look at composting facility
Three town officials gave favorable reviews Monday night to a composting facility in Wilmington, Del., whose owners have a serious interest in locating a similar plant off Old Fall River Road in North Dartmouth. Read more here.
Oyster farming digging in
ROCHESTER —
Scott Cowell has been raising oysters off Ram Island for six years now.
“I was the first one to do it here in Marion so I went through the jumping of a few hoops,” he said.
In the past six years, Cowell has invested $25,000 in his Buzzards Bay Oysters operation and hopes to break even this year by selling 500,000 oysters to dealers.
Read more here. |
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This Week in Sustainability
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Southern New England Agritourism Business Conference |
April 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ATMC, Fall River
Whether you're starting out or stepping up your agritourism enterprises,
don't miss this special REPEAT event brought to you by New England
FarmWays and our partners, the MA & RI Samll Business Development Centers,
VisitNewEngland.com and Edible Communities at the Advanced Technoloty and
Manufacturing Center at UMASS Dartmouth, MA.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $75 per person if registered by 4/1! After April 1,
$95. Learn more here. |
Health Effects of PCBs and Dioxins |
April 6, 6 - 8:30 PM, New Bedford Free Public Library on Pleasant Street
This very important talk on "Health Effects of PCBs and Dioxins" will be given by Mark Mitchell MD., MPH, at the New Bedford Free Public Library on Pleasant Street, next Tuesday, April 6th, at 6 - 8:30 PM. This is presented by the New Bedford Environmental Justice Network. |
The Elm Dance |
April 7, 7 - 9 PM, Spring Street Meeting House, 83 Spring Street, New Bedford
Please join us (Marcia Glynn, Deirdre Healy,
Emily Johns, and Laurie Roberston-Lorant) for at least a few round of
The Elm Dance, an easy to learn, European circle folk dance which
honors the strength and courage of those people around the world coping
with the affects of nuclear radiation, be it from accidents, mining of
uranium, etc., or weapons production. One round takes about 5 minutes,
and dancers drop in and out of the circle at will. Created in response to
the nuclear explosion at Chernobyl (1986), and danced worldwide, dancing
The Elm Dance is a peaceful, meditative, and harmonious experience.
More information at www.joannamacy.net & Emily Johns 508-994-2164. held the second Wednesday of every month |
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Save The Date
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ICE: Ignite Clean Energy Business Plan Competition Team Building event |
April 8, 4 to 7:30 p.m., ATMC Fall River
The Team Building Event will feature networking, a presentation on the ICE competition, a discussion with a past ICE competitor as well as an Idea Q&A for those interested in submitting a business plan to the competition.
Questions and RSVP (recommended): Please contact Kaisa Holloway Cripps/Net Impact UMD kaisa.hollowaycripps@umassd.edu Details here. |
First Person: Stories from the Edge of the World with NPR |
April 9, 8pm, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford
Neal Conan's inspired narration, spectacular photographs from National
Geographic, and music by the Ensemble Galilei. Featuring spectacular photographs from the National Geographic Society’s collection on the Zeiterion’s full size screen, NPR Neal Conan’s inspired narration, and music specifically created for the performance, First Person: Stories from the Edge of the World takes audiences along on some of the
world’s most extraordinary expeditions. Climb to the summit of Mount Everest, brave a howling gale aboard a windjammer, and probe the ocean depths with Cousteau. Immerse yourself in the exploration of the human spirit of discovery as music surrounds your senses.Details here. |
Massachusetts Organic Gardening Workshop Day |
April 10, 9:00AM - 12:00PM, Dartmouth (directions)
Join us at Brix Bounty Farm (1 of 10 locations throughout Mass.) at the NOFA/Mass Organic Spring Gardening Workshop Day.
We'll cover the tools and techniques to ensure your 2010 garden is a bounty, including new bed preparation, spring garden renovation, compost, row cover, succession planting and more.
Registration: $30 per person, $5 discount for NOFA Members, and $5 discount if registered by March 27, 2010.
Hosted by Brix Bounty Farm at the Brix Bounty Farm: 858 Tucker Road, Dartmouth, MA. Details and registration here. |
The Greening of Falmouth |
April 10, 1-4:30 pm, Morse Pond School, Falmouth
Green Expo. Refreshments. Brainstorming with local experts. Contact FCAT2010@aol.com for more info.
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Seal and Bird Watching – Cuttyhunk Island |
April 10*, 9:45 a.m. (check-in), 10 a.m. (boat departs) – 2 p.m. (boat returns ashore), 66B State Pier, South Bulkhead, New Bedford
During early spring, coastal waters are quite active with migratory movements, with many 'overwintering' seals and waterfowl highly visible. At 'Gull Island', a small sandbar situated along the Elizabeth Island chain between Cuttyhunk Island and Penikese Island, seals haul-out at low tide, and waterfowl linger in the surrounding waters. Harbor, grey, and harp seals may be viewed, along with ducks, gulls, loons, and cormorants. Details here. *Weather reschedule date: April 11. |
Thinking Green: Organic Living Through Sustainable Practice - Carol Moseley Braun |
April 15, 2:00 p.m., UMass Dartmouth Woodland Commons
She was introduced to the Michael Fields Institute in East Troy, Wis., where her path to the organic products industry started with an initiation into Biodynamic agriculture. Harkening back to her summers in Alabama, Ambassador Braun became a strong advocate for this holistic agricultural system. She realized her commitment to a healthier environment and better quality food production would be best expressed through entering the Biodynamic and organic products industry realm."
Co-sponsored with the Women's Center and Women's Studies Details here. |
Solar for Homeowners and Small Businesses |
April 15, 6:30 to 8 PM, Seekonk Public Library, 410 Newman Avenue
Megan Amsler, Executive Director of Cape Self-Reliance, will give a soup to nuts presentation on solar energy for homes and small businesses, starting with energy efficiency and siting issues and ending with financing, including heat loans and rebate programs. Cape Self-Reliance was founded in 1980 to help communities on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket attain self-reliance in energy, water and food. Amsler is chair of the Falmouth Energy Committee, treasurer of the Cape and Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative, and an adjunct faculty member at Cape Cod Community College where she teaches renewable energy. FREE and open to the public. |
Operation Clean Sweep - Earth Day Cleanup |
April 17, 8:30 a.m - 12 p.m., Brooklawn Park, New Bedford
Spring is a great time for cleaning and pitching in with Operation Clean Sweep. Join in on April 17th from 8:30AM - noon in Ward 2 at Brooklawn Park. To date OCS volunteers have cleaned up more than 46 tons of trash from New Bedford neighborhoods. Community service groups, clubs, businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate in this community event. To learn more, visit www.operationcleansweep.net and pre-register or call (508) 979-1493. Also, find us on facebook. |
Household Hazardous Waste Day |
April 17, 9 a.m - 12 p.m., Crapo Hill Landfill, 300 Samuel Barnet Blvd, New Bedford
The Greater New Bedford Refuse District is holding its Spring Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day on Saturday, April 17th, from 9:00 a.m to noon at the Crapo Hill Landfill, 300 Samuel Barnet Blvd. This is a NEW collection site. See http://www.gnbrrmdistrict.org/ for directions. The event is open to New Bedford and Dartmouth residents only. Proof of residency is required. Call Marissa at (508) 979-1493 for more information. |
Earth Day Beach Cleanup |
April 17, 10 a.m - 12 p.m., Westport Beaches
After a long and cold winter, get out and enjoy the spring air while preparing local beaches for the summer sun. Join the Westport River Watershed Alliance to clean up some of the shoreline areas of Westport, MA. Clean-ups will be held at Cherry & Webb Beach, Gooseberry Island, and East Beach. You can choose any one of the locations and we wll be there with trash pickers, trash bags, gloves, and refreshments. Details here. |
Volunteer Opportunity - Trail Day At The Lloyd Center For The Environment |
April 22, 9:00am to noon, The Lloyd Center, Dartmouth
The Lloyd Center for the Environment invites its members and friends to join their energetic group of volunteers for the year’s first trail maintenance day on Thursday, April 22nd, from at the Nature Center’s Headquarters located at 430 Potomska Road in Dartmouth. In the spirit of Earth Day, work will include removal of invasive species on the Lloyd Center property and clearing of brush, otherwise cleaning up some of these popular hiking trails. All volunteers are welcome, and pre-registration is suggested to enable the center to notify volunteers if weather makes it necessary to cancel the event. We will break at 12 noon for a light picnic lunch (provided by the Lloyd Center). To learn more about this event or to pre-register, call our Event Line (508-558-2918) or visit our website - www.lloydcenter.org. |
Healthy City Spring Workshop |
April 21, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.,
Government Center Atrium,
Fall River Government Center
A gathering to nurture ideas and action for a Healthier Fall River. Join us for any one or all three learning opportunities in the atrium of Fall River Government Center and enjoy a healthy supper prepared by George Malatantis of the Highland Luncheonette. Please reserve your place now and pay only $10 at the door. |
The Paul Winter Consort's Earth Mass |
April 23, 8pm, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day the Z is honored to bring The Paul Winter Consort’s Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) performed by The Consort, guest artists, a choir and “the greater symphony of the Earth” including wolves, whales, eagles, and several dozen other species of “wilderness musicians” to New Bedford’s magnificent St. Anthony of Padua’s church. Details here. |
Net Impact UMD 2nd Sustainable Winery/Brewery Tour |
April 24, 10 am - 4:30 pm, UMass Dartmouth to various local wineries and breweries
Join Net Impact UMD on Saturday, April 24, 2010 for a winery/brewery tour. Assistant Charlton College of Business Dean and wine/sustainability guru Garry Clayton will be lecturing about the finer points of wine, sustainability and the South Coast. The tour via motorcoach will visit Travessia Urban Winery, Buzzards Bay Brewery and Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery. The trip includes lunch, tastings and transportation.
The tour is FREE for members of Net Impact Central and $30 for non-members. Not a NI member? Membership fees are $30 for grads and $10 for undergrads. Professional/community memberships are also available. The trip is open to UMass students, faculty, employees, their spouses and friends as well as the community at large.
Visit the NIUMD website: www.netimpactumd.org or email netimpactumd@gmail.com to reserve your seat and for more info. Details here. |
4th annual - Earth Day Celebration |
April 24, Noon to 4:00pm, 38 Faunce Corner Rd. Dartmouth
I would like to invite any and all Students, Teachers, Staff, Members of the Sustainability Council, & others to attend our Celebration.
We will have Live Green Building demonstrations, a tour of the building, and educational demos & info about the various green building & solar heating components, and the principals involved.
We would also like to invite students or staff to display or handout any info related to Sustainability & the Environment. |
Vernal Pool Exploration |
April 24, 1 - 3pm, Westport Town Farm
Learn how you can attract native bees, butterflies and other benefical insects to your garden and how you can help us to survey and monitor these important pollinators at the Westport Town Farm. Details here. |
Native Pollinator Workshop |
April 24, 9am -11am, Russells Mills - Dartmouth
Join Education Coordinator Shelli Costa in an up-close and personal exploration of some local vernal pools at DNRT's Parson's Reserve. These seasonal water bodies provide crucial breeding habitat for mole salamanders, wood frogs, and other species. We will be getting our hands wet looking for frog/salamander eggs and other critters that are dependant on these pools. Details here. |
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. Details here. |
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Announcements
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 Spring Sustainability Newsletter LaunchedWe're proud to announce that the spring newsletter has been published! Check it out to learn about the imminent launch of our Sustainability Assessment and Climate Action Plan, find out about our plans to turn the long-neglected UMass Dartmouth Forest into a living classroom, get updates on numerous campus sustainability proejcts, and find out about our growing Green Navigator program.
Download the newsletter PDF here. |
City of New Bedford’s Energy Office seeking interns |
The Office promotes sustainability activities within city government as will all other sectors. Activities include energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, waste reduction, green buildings, alternative fuels, efficient transportation, recycling, water conservation, and other areas designed to reduce the environmental impacts of city activities and operations. The team works to develop policies and guidance, as well as identify and implement appropriate projects that will facilitate meeting short and long-range goals and targets, particularly the climate and energy goals established by the Mayor’s Office. Contact Scott.Durkee@NewBedford-MA.gov for more info. |
 Time to start thinking "CSA"As New England eases its way into spring with its ususal fits and starts, it's time to start thinking about joing a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). CSA is a prepaid subscription to a farm's produce for the season. Most CSAs give shareholders a weekly supply of veggies, herbs, fruits and sometimes even eggs and meat. You know it's fresh and you get to meet the farm and people who grew your food! The prepaid CSA arrangements also makes it a source of financial security for the farmer.
Find a list of CSAs here. |
Kettle Farm Pond seeks 3 interns |
For the 2010 season we are looking for three unique individuals to intern from April through October. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about sustainable organic farming by farming! We hope to foster a learning atmosphere that will benefit the farm and the interns. There are plenty of opportunities for interns to share their skills and interests with the farm whether it be writing an article for the weekly newsletter or helping with educational programs. Details here. |
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. Details here. |
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.
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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.
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Weekly Green Tip
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Where can I find a nice, sustainable prom dress?
Morieka Johnson knows you can be green and beautiful, and it doesn't have to break the bank, either.
Learn more here. |
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