Greenadelphia!

PA Senate fails to act on energy efficiency

PennEnvironment — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:17:10 +0000

As is often the case with news from Harrisburg, I’m writing with some good news and some bad news. And a call to action.First the good news: the state budget deal announced Monday includes a $650 million alternative energy funding package, including $180 million for solar power and $25 million for wind and geothermal energy. While less than we had been requesting, this is still a monumental step forward for clean energy in Pennsylvania.

Now the bad news: despite receiving thousands of calls and emails in support of the energy efficiency plan outlined in House Bill 2200, the state Senate is leaving for its summer recess without passing HB 2200.

Let your state senator know that the Senate’s inaction on energy efficiency is unacceptable, and that HB 2200 must be passed immediately upon the Senate’s return this fall:

http://www.pennenvironment.org/action/new-energy-future/sen-followup?id4=ES

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but the longer we wait to get serious about cutting our energy use, the more harm will be done to Pennsylvania’s environment and our economy. But still, the Senate somehow chose to put this debate off until the fall.

To send an email to your senator today, click on this link:
http://www.pennenvironment.org/action/new-energy-future/sen-followup?id4=ES

Drive Smoothly, Save on Gas

Katie Edwards — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:27:01 +0000

New Analysis Reveals Comprehensive Approach to Saving Money on Gas Today

Simple Strategies are Sure-Fire Ways for Drivers to Save Cash by Saving Gas

PENNSYLVANIA (July 2, 2008) – A new analysis from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that keeping vehicles properly maintained, driving smoothly and using transportation alternatives one day per week can save the average driver about $800 on gas per year. The analysis, “Tuning Up America: Real Relief for High Gas Prices,” evaluates and offers strategies to help drivers save gas with the cars they already own. The potential fuel savings are laid out for the 256 different automatic transmission passenger vehicles sold domestically in the United States in model year 2000.

“When the information is made available that offshore and Arctic drilling will only change gas prices by 4 cents a gallon 18 years from now, people are realizing that a kneejerk reaction in Congress might only make things worse”, said Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director of the Clean Air Council. “We already have the tools we need to save money on gasoline. Being a conservative driver can be highly effective and the savings are immediate.”

The analysis evaluated three primary strategies for reducing fuel costs at the pump:

Vehicle Maintenance – Tuning up and maintaining the engine, keeping tires properly inflated, using manufacturers’ recommended oil, and removing heavy unnecessary items from trunks and roof racks.

Smooth Driving – Avoiding rapid acceleration and aggressive high-speed driving.

Transportation Alternatives – Replacing single-occupancy car commuting one day a week with public transportation, carpooling, telecommuting or other options.

Savings for Top 10 Bestselling Vehicles in 2000:*

Vehicle Make/Model	Smooth Driving	Maintenance	Commute Less
Ford F-Series	$371	$346	$302
Chevrolet Silverado	$364	$332	$290
Ford Explorer	$371	$346	$302
Toyota Camry	$244	$229	$200
Honda Accord	$254	$240	$209
Ford Taurus	$280	$273	$238
Honda Civic	$219	$203	$178
Ford Focus	$232	$214	$187
Dodge Caravan	$292	$271	$237
Jeep Grand Cherokee	$351	$326	$284

*Savings in table are based on making the most of the tips listed above and may vary depending on vehicle condition and previous driving habits.

“The right way to deal with high gas prices is by reducing demand through greater efficiency,” said Jim Presswood, energy analyst at NRDC. “We should not open up pristine areas for a drop in the bucket of oil. We have proven ways at our fingertips to save gas, by promoting fuel-efficient technology.”

To read the full analysis, go to http://www.nrdc.org/energy/fuelsavings.pdf

To see the data for all 256 models go to: http://www.nrdc.org/energy/fuelsavings-table.html

Skystream wind turbine installation workshop

Bill Hennessy — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:33:41 +0000

The Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association is offering a wind turbine installation class, July 9-12, at the Kempton Community Recreation Center in Berks County.

To enroll in the workshop, please visit http://www.paenergyfest.com/downloads/08skystream.doc

The public is invited to enroll in the workshop, where they will learn the basics of small, grid-tied residential wind turbine systems, site selection and design, the permit process, electrical safety and installation of a Skystream 3.7 wind turbine on 50-foot monopole tilt-up tower (no crane needed).

The Skystream was developed with funding through the Department of Energy. It is designed for small-scale residential projects with the emphasis on quiet operation, minimal parts and low operating speeds. According to Southwest Windpower, an annual average wind speed of 12 mph will produce 400 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, about one-half the average consumption of a Berks County household.

Cost of the class, which includes lunches, is $375 and enrollment is limited to 15.

For more information, contact Bill Hennessy at bill@berkssolar.com or call 610 682 4300 or visit http://www.paenergyfest.com

PUFFA Full Alliance Meetings

PUFFA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:28:03 +0000

The PUFFA Alliance cordially invites you and your organization to
participate in a facilitated, strategic conversation in service of
clarifying and committing to our beginning vision for healthier, more
sustainable food systems in our communities.

Day 1 Tuesday, June 10th
Special Full Alliance Meeting
Explore and determine our core values
Community conversation for commitment and closure

When: 5:00-5:30pm – Networking & Refreshments
5:30-8:30pm – Meeting

Day 2 Wednesday, June 11th
Dynamic Full Alliance Strategic Planning Meeting
Moving from purpose, values and vision to strategies, tactics and activities

When: 9:00am-3:30pm – Meeting with Breakfast & Lunch Included

Both meetings will be held at:

Alumni Hall Cafeteria
Thomas Jefferson University
1020 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

We must order materials and supplies.
Please RSVP to Imane Hanine at Imane@whitedog.com or 215.386.5211 x106.

Please let us know if you need childcare at the meeting by Monday, June 9th.

Walk Ride Share Closing Celebration & Networking Event

phillycarshare — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:16:22 +0000

When: Tuesday, June 3^rd
5:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

During the month of May, PhillyCarShare challenged local businesses residents to give up their cars for the entire month and to rely on walking, biking, transit, and PhillyCarShare to get around. Their challenge has ended, and its time to celebrate. Check out walkrideshare.org to read their final journal entries.

Come out to mix, mingle, and network with other like-minded Philadelphians, and to celebrate our brave participants in this unique space!

Wine, beer, soda, and lite fare provided
Awards Ceremony to congratulate some of the most funny, daring, and creative accounts
Watch the official break-up between one of the participants and their car. They are moving on and ready to dump their car and hand it over to Central City Toyota (and will receive $500 in PhillyCarShare driving credits plus the value of their car for doing so!).

***Space is limited, so please RSVP with number of guests to Heather Kemp at heather@phillycarshare.org by Monday, June 2nd.

Fair Food Farm Tour Series: U-Pick Berries and Cherries

fairfoodfarmtours — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:24:12 +0000

Saturday, June 28 | 10:00-2:00 p.m.
U-Pick Berries and Cherries
Weaver’s Orchard, Morgantown, PA

Take home some of the last strawberries of the season when we go berry picking at Weaver’s Orchard. Stock up on berries as we pick our own red and black raspberries, sweet and sour cherries, and possibly blueberries as well! On our visit to Farmer Ed Weaver’s fourth generation, 100-acre fruit orchard and vegetable farm, you’ll learn about growing fruit using the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to farming. Our tour will be topped off with with a delicious picnic featuring strawberry shortcakes made with berries that we have picked ourselves! You’ll have plenty of time to shop at their wonderful farm market (including their bakery and ice cream stand).

For more information on IPM, you can go to: http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/ipm.htm

Ticket price includes a deliciously fresh and local picnic, and a donation to Fair Food.
Prices: $25 adult, $12 child (6-13); Kids under 6 are free.
Discounts may be available for groups of 5 or more.
FMNP (WIC or Seniors) participants receive a 50% discount.

We do not want the cost of the tours to deter you from connecting with your local farms and farmers; grants to cover the cost of attending the farm tour may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please inquire below.

Contact Catherine Down for more information or reservations at (215)386-5211 x113 or fairfoodfarmtours@gmail.com.

Experts to Host Public Discussion on Climate Change

Partnership — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:40:10 +0000

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, together with The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, will host a large public forum on May 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., where a panel of scientists and policy experts will discuss the impacts of “Global Warming in the Delaware Valley.” This free, town hall-style meeting is one of many installments in the Academy’s “Town Square” series, which is taking place at the museum’s headquarters near Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

“As scientists, it is critically important to share the latest facts and to hear what people are most concerned about. That is the goal of this forum,” said Dr. Danielle Kreeger, science director at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. “We also want to think strategically about needs and actions in the future. For example, what do we do when changes in climate begin to interact with changes in our backyard, like land use and water management? These are just a few of the things we’ll discuss.”

Prior to the evening’s discussion, scientists will be joined by policy makers and resource managers, among others, for a day-long technical workshop on climate change in the Delaware Estuary. The goal of this earlier gathering is to compare data on climate change in a way that allows professionals to move forward in a concerted, regional approach to natural resource restoration and protection. The results of the workshop will be presented during the evening’s Town Square meeting in an effort to gather public input.

“This is a much needed information exchange and discussion for scientists, resource managers and the public on a very important topic,” said Dr. David Velinsky, an environmental biogeochemist and vice president of the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at the Academy. “The outcomes of this forum will be used to advise environmental leaders regarding the ways they can adapt to the local aspects of climate change we expect to see in the next 10 to 30 years.”

The evening’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, president of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment. Panelists will include Carol Collier of the Delaware River Basin Commission, Barry Seymour of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and Jennifer Adkins of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the latter of which will serve as moderator.

“Town Square” is made possible thanks to the financial assistance of the Claneil Foundation and the Environmental Associates of The Academy of Natural Sciences. For more information, please visit www.DelawareEstuary.org or www.ANSP.org/townsquare.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? Hosts a free E-waste recycling day!

Earth Day Recycler — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:23:52 +0000

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is organizing an electronics recycling drive to mark International Earth Day on Saturday, April 19th, 2008. Our objective is to promote a healthy environment and a healthy community by giving people the opportunity to responsibly dispose of old electronics at no cost.

Meet us at:

- The Metroplex, Chemical & Gallagher Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 /

10am - 2pm Organizer: Brian Fawcett - (610) 731-1210 **TVs not accepted

- “Holme Circle” at Licolli’s Ashton Road Sunoco, 2901 Holme Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

10am - 2pm Organizer: Jack Brady - 215-485-8828

- Columbus Commons, 2300 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA

10am - 3pm Organizer: John Vandeberg - 610-945-6400

- 21 Barclay Pavilion Rt. 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ /

10am - 2pm Matthew McLauglin 856-430-4261

Website: www.1800gotjunk.com/earthday

Ride-sharing by auction (EBAY-Principle) and based on GOOGLE Maps(TM)

didi — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:47:47 +0000

Web 2.0 auction-based ride-sharing running on Google Maps

http://www.drijo.com
We just put this on the web a couple of days ago because we believe with this system you have many advantages

search and offer ride-sharing (as auctions or fixed price)
search and offer car-pooling (ad-based)
due to Google Maps(TM) use any address as start and destination address in the world
the driver can define a route. Therefore also for a partial overlap of routes a passenger can be found (e.g. if somebody drives from New York to San Francisco and a passenger goes only from Pittsburgh to Denver)
the driver can also define a corridor along the route. Hence within this corridor he/she is willing to pick up or drop off
registration and complete use free-of-charge
due to registration you can place feedback on driver/passenger visible to others

Please support us by telling your friends!!!

Regards, Didi

City Council to Hold Hearings on Water Quality

admin — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:38:28 +0000

Philly Officials to Address H20 Quality

By JEFF DONN

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Treading through a morass of revised data, the city’s water officials will attempt to relieve water-quality worries at a City Council hearing over findings of pharmaceutical traces in the local drinking water supply.

The City Council’s committees on public health and the environment were expected Monday to hear from water department officials, as well as environmental advocates. Some Council members were upset to learn from an Associated Press investigation, instead of the Philadelphia Water Department, that the city’s water supply carries minute concentrations of many pharmaceuticals.

Water officials will arrive at the hearing bearing corrected test results, saying that their department accidentally inflated the number of detected pharmaceuticals when it first released data to the AP earlier this year. The department made another correction to its corrections in a follow-up statement to the AP on Friday.

The changes now put the number of pharmaceuticals or their byproducts found in the city’s drinking water at 17, instead of 56; and 32 in its watershed, instead of 63. A department spokesman, Ed Grusheski, said the mistakes occurred during the preparation of a spreadsheet.

The first numbers appeared March 10-12 in an AP investigative series based on survey responses from the Philadelphia Water Department, along with information from other water providers around the country.

Even with the downward revisions, more drugs turned up in Philadelphia than in any of the 24 major metropolitan areas where detections were reported in drinking water.

On Friday, the department made its second correction to the number of pharmaceuticals tested for. It first told the AP that 73 pharmaceuticals had been screened for in its drinking water and watershed; it recently said the correct number was 70. In its latest statement Friday, in response to an AP request for clarification on all of its corrections, department officials said the actual number was 75.

The department was besieged with calls from alarmed residents in the days following the AP’s disclosure that pharmaceuticals had turned up in the drinking water systems of at least 41 million Americans, including those in Philadelphia.

The AP also reported that water utilities, including Philadelphia’s, rarely inform the public when drug traces are found.

To be sure, the drug concentrations in the drinking water for Philadelphia, and elsewhere, are minute, typically in parts per billion. Any risk is poorly understood. Drug companies, water utilities, and some scientists say any risk to humans is probably negligible, but they acknowledge that much is unknown.

The Philadelphia Water Department says that a resident would need to drink eight glasses of water daily for at least 40,000 years to acquire a medical dose of acetaminophen, a non-prescription pain reliever found in the city’s water.

However, because drugs are designed to impact the human body, some scientists believe that even these tiny amounts may cause harm over decades, especially in combination with other drugs. Scientific studies indicate that some drugs, including sex hormones and psychiatric drugs, can harm aquatic species. A smaller, emerging body of research suggests that tiny concentrations of some drugs can interfere with functions in human cells.

Laura Copeland, a city water spokeswoman, said Friday that her department had nothing to add to its views about the potential risk. In past statements, it has characterized its water as safe and high-quality.

In its series, the AP reported that a vast array of pharmaceuticals have been found in water supplies across the nation — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones.

The residues come largely from ordinary people who take medications. Their bodies absorb some, but the rest is excreted. Traces of veterinary drugs also are released in farm runoff. Ordinary treatments of wastewater and drinking water do not remove all pharmaceutical residues.

Philadelphia draws its drinking water from the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, which travel past many populated areas on their way to the city. So far, the federal government has set no national standards for how much of any pharmaceutical is too much in waterways or taps.

The AP National Investigative Team can be reached at investigate (at) ap.org

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