Be Green

Local Awareness Group Meets on Marcellus Shale

2011-01-04T10:43:00.003-05:00

Peters Township Marcellus Shale Awareness Group will be meeting at the Peters Township Library Community Room on January 5. The Facebook page of the group states it's mission is: "to share information on Marcellus Shale issues; to promote the health, safety and welfare of PT residents & the environment". For more information see the article in the Almanac.

Public Forum on Marcellus Shale at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library

2010-11-20T09:08:00.004-05:00

Marcellus Shale: Energy Solution? Environmental Problem?

Public Forum with Representatives from Industry, the Environmental Community, and Government addressing aspects such as land, leases, legal and financial issues, regulations, compliance, safety, and the economic, environmental, and community impact of Marcellus Shale on our state.

Panelists:
Kathryn Klaber, Marcellus Shale Coalition
Jack Ubinger, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Alan Eichler, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Dan Sandman, retired U.S. Steel executive and current board member of Phillips Production Company.

December 2 @ 7-9pm, room A

For press coverage on the program see the article in the Post-Gazette

Marcellus Shale Panel Discussion

2010-09-25T12:36:00.004-04:00

There is another opportunity coming up for interested parties to attend a panel discussion on the Marcellus Shale drilling issue. The participants are:

Kathryn Klaber - President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition;

Dr. Radisav Vidic - University of Pittsburgh, Chair and Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering;

Robert Donnan -Peters Twp resident;

Chris Moore of WQED - moderator.

The presentation will be held at the Engineers' Building, 337 Fourth Ave on October 4, 12noon. Reservations must be made in advance. Tickets are $20 for Press Club of Western Pennsylvania members and $25 for non-members. For more information, call - 412-281-7778.

For more information on the Marcellus Shale Coalition, check their web site. For more information on Kathryn Klaber check this article in the Post Gazette.

Drought Warning for Allegheny County

2010-09-22T13:55:00.002-04:00

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a drought warning for Allegheny and 23 other counties. Please refer to the DEP website for more information on the drought and the measures you can take to conserve water.

Marsellus Shale Updates

2010-09-14T19:50:00.006-04:00

I have attended two Town Hall panel discussion meetings; one in Lawrenceville and one in my living room. Each were very informative. Each had similar representation from gas industry, public health, local/state government representatives, PA, DEP., etc. One of the primary issues that have not been answered to the satisfaction of many of the attendees is environmental pollution of water due to the process of fracking. There is so much concern, City Council member Doug Shields introduced a bill the first week of September banning drilling within the Pittsburgh city limits. The issue is not restricted to Western PA; there is a similar situation in New York where the EPA is scheduled public meetings on the gas drilling technique. Additional reading on the environmental impacts of gas drilling can be found in a report on the Riverkeeper web site. Riverkeeper is a environmental group who's mission is to protect New York drinking water.

The other issue that is a great concern to town hall attendees is "forced pooling": which in the attached article refers to the ability of the gas company "to drill under a landowner's property even if the owner didn't want to lease his land for gas exploration".

Marcellus Shale Debate

2010-07-20T14:45:00.006-04:00

We all have a stake in the outcome of the Marcellus Shale Debate, so to help us keep up to date on the issue, I hope to post relevant updates whenever possible. I will not provide the background to the issue, as others have done it so well already. Please refer to the Eleventh Stack, the blog of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. This is an excellent review of the issue published earlier in the summer. As I find them, I will provide some updates to that overview in hopes of condensing information into one compact source.

In the next few weeks, there are several major events that interested parties should be aware of:

1. Thursday, September 2, Duquesne University is hosting 2010 Pittsburgh Energy Forum, click for the list of panelist and registration information.

2. Tuesday, September 7, Doug Shields will present his bill against drilling before the City Council.

3. Wednesday, September 15, CMU will host another panel discussion, The Promise and Perils of the Marcellus Shale

BP Oil Spill

2010-06-04T11:15:00.026-04:00

Has anyone out there noticed that gasoline prices have dropped since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill? I don't usually comment on financial markets since I lack expertise to comment on the stock market. But, I have been watching the price fall at the pump and thought this was rather curious, so I did a little research. The very short answer to a globally complicated question is: there appears to be lower global demand for oil at the moment. Here is a report from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. We know this is temporary. Right?

Even so, it is hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that oil prices are falling while oil is slipping away and destroying our coastline. Oil is a commodity; one not easily found or extracted. I cannot think of crude oil without thinking "black gold"; it doesn't just bubble up out of the ground a la Beverly Hillbillies. So for me, it begs the question: Why hasn't Big Oil, (especially 20 years following the Exxon Valdez spill) figured out a way to retrieve all that black gold, before it drains into and destroys entire ecosystems, and keep the money in their own pockets? Better yet, why haven't they come up with better technology to cap such spills?

In May we learn that Kevin Costner, along with his lawyer partner John Houghtaling has spent 15 years and $24 million on a contraption to separate oil from sea water. Costner bought the technology after the Valdez disaster. As of two weeks ago, BP agreed to test the machines developed by Costner and his company, Ocean Therapy Solutions. You may view news clips on how it works on the law firm web page of John Houghtaling. According to an article in the NY Daily News, Costner has 300 models of his invention in different sizes. "The largest, at 2 1/2 tons, is able to clean water at a rate of 200 gallons a minute - faster than the well is leaking, Houghtaling noted". I have looked for updates on the success of the test of the Ocean Therapy machines. I have been looking for headlines proclaiming, "Robin Hood Saves Gulf!" or "The Postman Delivers Oil". But the headlines remain grim.

The bad spill news could continue through fall. According to an article yesterday in the Financial Times, it will be August before two relief wells are drilled and finished that will presumably stop the spill. That is not the end of the story by any means. There is talk of class action against BP. There is evidence that BP did not prepare properly. In another FT article reporting on the exploration plan and environmental impact analysis prepared by BP, Robert Wiygul (an environmental lawyer based in Mississppi), contends the reports lack evidence that BP addressed the appropriate technology necessary to manage a spill at 5,000 feet."The point is, if you're going to be drilling in 5,000 feet of water for oil, you should have the ability to control what you're doing."

If I learn more from Costner's Ocean Therapy Solutions, I will be sure to let you know. I looked at the web site and it is oddly secretive. I registered to receive "updates" and I will share any that are interesting or relevant. In the mean time, to learn more about the long term effects of oils spills, here is a short list of books and a DVD available in the library:

Degrees of Disaster: Prince William Sound: How Nature Reels and Rebounds / Jeff Wheelwright / 363.7382 W52d

In the Wake of the Exxon Valdez: The Devastating Impact of the Alaska Oil Spill / Art Davidson / 363.7382 D38i

Crude DVD 628.16833 C77

Women's Health & Environment Conference

2010-04-23T11:12:00.004-04:00

I attended this conference sponsored by Teresa Heinz, The Heinz Endowments, and Magee-Woman's Hospital of UPMC. Interestingly, much of the discussion was concerning chemicals in cosmetics, PBA, and other endocrine disruptors/mimics, that I have covered in my last blog entry and over the past 18 months. There was a terrific lineup of speakers. Many of whom focused their presentations on reform of the existing Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). I am pleased to say that there was focus on solutions to deal with the chemicals to which we are subjected. Most encouraging, was the optimistic viewpoint from the Honorable Lisa P. Jackson, (current head of the EPA) that industry will work with the Administration and Congress to pass legislation to update TSCA. As I mentioned in previous posts, there is no regulation for any but a handful of the over 80,000 existing chemicals today. See this link to the EPA website for more information on this legislation 2000 in attendance.

Attendees to the conference were provided a flash drive with over 70 PDF documents and more. These documents have background papers, and booklets with in depth information on the speakers, their research, etc. I will attempt to create links to the documents that I think are most relevant. Unfortunately, I will be unable to provide access to every publication due the the volume. Watch for updates.

News on scents.

2010-04-13T16:28:00.007-04:00

Over the years, I have become sensitive to perfumes. I do not suffer from headaches or have difficulty breathing. I simply do not like what I smell. When I am exposed to most scents, I smell something acrid and chemical; not flowery or otherwise pleasant. What I have figured out is that I smell the actual chemical(s) that are added to create these products be they perfumes, soaps, lotions, etc. Some people are not as lucky as I and have extreme reactions to fragrances similar to those who suffer from sick building syndrome. Many of these people have extreme chemical sensitivities. You may ask, "What the heck do chemicals have to do with fragrances?" The answer is, most scented products are made with chemicals and are not regulated by any consumer safety organization. According the information I found in the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) website "hazardous chemicals in fragrances include volatile organic compounds, some of which are carcinogenic and cause neurotoxic and respiratory effects. Another class of chemicals of concern is synthetic musks, which, according to preliminary research, may be endocrine disruptors, like phthalates. "

For sufferers of fragrance chemicals there may be relief in sight. Last month there was a court case in Detroit, in which a woman was awarded $100,000 because of her sensitivity to fragrances in her job. We are bombarded by scents every day, from deodorants to air fresheners, to perfume and lotions. For those of us who are sensitive to it, it can make us wrinkle our nose in distaste, cause headaches, trigger an asthma attack, or possibly make us too sick to work. My sister gets terrible headaches from being in close proximity to people wearing scented products. She was very excited by the finding in Detroit. What I would hope is that this will lead people to seek more healthy scents or better yet, unscented products all together. The life they save may be their own. Am I exaggerating? I don't believe so. Take a look at this report from a coalition of environmental groups including the Environmental Working Group. This report shows the types of chemicals in cosmetic products and the problems to which they are linked.

There are resources available to assist you in avoiding products that are laden with unsafe chemicals. I have posted many of them in link rolls over the past 18 months. But here are a few that are recommended by the NRDC. Less Toxic Guide and The Cosmetics Database.

What I Learned At Farm To Table

2010-03-30T16:44:00.003-04:00

-If you are interested in bees, there is a new group in the Three Rivers Area that can help you learn about them. Burghs Bees gave a presentation. Their Apiary is located on Susquehanna St. just off Dallas in the Point Breeze/Homewood area. We were shown a very interesting vodcast of Dennis vanEngelsdorp's presentation concerning the vital importance of bees, Colony Collapse Disorder, and more. Mr. vanEngelsdorp is the Acting State Apiarist for Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture.

-Another good presentation was given by Goutham Rao, MD, Clinical Director or the Weight Management and Wellness Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. They work to help children and adolescents change their behaviors in order to prevent obesity and live healthier lives. Here is their website that provides a lot of useful information for these issues: Healthy Behaviors 4 Life

-Lastly, Kaayla Daniel, Phd, CCN spoke on the "Myths and Truths About Vegetarian Diets". This was a very interesting presentation. She presented too much scientific information for me to condense here. So I suggest interested individuals look for her book: The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of Americas favorite Health Food. Currently, there is only one copy in the library system, but I am sure more will be purchased. After you read the book, you may wish to look at what others have to say about it. For example, here is a review from eatkind.net

Earth Day Celebrations in April and kick off World Environment Day

2010-03-19T16:12:00.003-04:00

I am sure there will be more events in the Three Rivers area than what I will cover here. That said, here is what I know so far:

5th Environmental Film Festival of the Allegheny Chapter of the Sierra Club will be held at the Imagine Environmental Charter School in Regent Square. The Film Festival is during two nights in April: April 14 and 24. The films begin at 6 and 5 respectively and end around 10pm; children's films will be included in the program. Check the web site for specifics. I think I will try to see Michael Pollan's Botany of Desire which will be shown over the two days.

Did you know Pittsburgh is the host city for the United Nations World Environment Day?! This is exciting! Pittsburgh is getting lots of great national and international press these days. April 22 is the kick off for the six weeks of events before the June 5 World Environment Day (although there are events on the calendar before Earth Day). The theme this year is: “Biodiversity — Ecosystems Management and the Green Economy”. Check the Pittsburgh World Environment Day web site for the calendar of events and to read more about World Environment Day.

Happenings in Three Rivers Area

2010-03-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

March and April are gearing up to lots of Green events, Yeah, Spring!! Here is a sampling:

March 11: Chatham University is hosting the Local Food Showcase: A Grower / Buyer Event. It is being held 1-5 p.m. in the Anderson Dining Hall, Mellon Center. For more information go to the Chatham Events Page.

March 22: Women for a Healthy Environment are having a program entitled: Beyond Paper and Plastic: A Closer Look at Recycling and Environmental Toxins. It is being held from 5:30-7:30 at the Carnegie Science Center. For a list of speakers and more information, see the flyer.

March 26-27: Forth Annual Farm To Table Conference. I have been to the previous 3 conferences and I love it. It is inexpensive ($25 for 2 days); there are always good speakers; and they have food exhibitors, Yum! For more information, check out their conference program page.

Michael Pollan Speaks in Pennsylvania.

2010-03-01T14:42:00.006-05:00

Here is a summary of Mr. Pollan's comments generously provided by Troy Bogdan of Pure Earth Organic Farm. Web links are available at the bottom of the article if you wish to learn more about Troy's farm or to contact him via facebook.

You may be interested to know that I was in attendance last night at the presentation by Author, Professor and Movie/TV "Celebrity," Michael Pollan, here in Northwest Pennsylvania, at Allegheny College, in the small town of Meadville (approx. 12 miles away from our farm).
In his talk, which was entitled, "The Sun Food Agenda," he explained (he was preaching to the choir in my case) how we are so dependent on oil for our nation's food supply and how agribusiness uses oil to produce our food, from running machinery, to fertilizing, spraying, and including the transportation network around our country and the world. He went to great lengths to explain how this works, in simple language, that everyone in the audience (this was free and open to the public, and from what I could tell from glancing around, it was standing room only on both levels of the auditorium) could understand. He brought in a Quarter Pounder with cheese burger from McDonalds as a prop, and also had a pitcher of "oil" and four 8 oz. glasses. He went on to say that the amount of oil required to produce this McHamburger (as he poured it into the glasses) was . . . one 8oz. glass, two 8 oz. glasses, three 8 oz. glasses and for the 4th, he poured 2 ounces in the remaining glass, for a total of 26 ounces of oil needed to make one McBurger {He then proceeded to dip his finger in the oil and he licked it off and said Yummy (It was actually liquid chocolate)}!!!

He showed some very interesting slides and also some clips from some of the movies he was featured in (Food Inc.) and explained how the health of our people has been in decline ever since WWII, when farms were partnering with the industrial-military complex (he mentioned that WWII munitions plants were used to produce nitrogen fertilizer for farms) to create a wealth of food.

He also described and showed more slides and videos of some alternative ways of raising food, such as grass farming (Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm was one example) and some other ways of growing food with less oil.

After his talk he took a few questions from the audience, including one concerning an eight year rotation plan that he talked about for raising cattle in South America from our own "Farmer's Wife," Maggie Henry.

One thing I regret not asking him, was, what was his take on the current honeybee crisis? This was fresh in my mind from last weekend's Bee Seminar in Cranberry, and I know he covered some of that topic in one of those PBS T.V. specials, but I wished I would've asked him his thoughts on that during the Q&A session.

I thought the entire presentation was excellent, and I enjoyed it very much. Afterwards, there was a book signing, and everyone that wanted to, had a chance to meet him and have their books signed.

My favorite quote from the presentation was (and I paraphrase) . . . "Denmark is a big producer of Sugar Cookies, which they export to the United States, yet they also import Sugar Cookies from the United States. In my opinion, they should just exchange recipes and make them locally!"

There were so many people in attendance from the local food community and many PASA members. It was a great pleasure to see so many old friends (and some new ones). BTW, Mia made a great plug on behalf of Brian Snyder, for PASA to ask Michael to come and speak at the PASA conference (which falls on Michael's birthday), and I tried to help by telling him the food alone at the PASA conference would be a birthday celebration in itself, but he said "he gets tired of preaching to the choir over and over again." :-(

Troy Bogdan
Pure Earth Organic Farm, LLC19000 New Richmond Road, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403

You may find Troy:

on the web:
http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M5225

on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cambridge-Springs-PA/Pure-Earth-Organic-Farm-LLC/51760106987

map:

http://agmap.psu.edu/Businesses/866

Is Local Food More Expensive? Research suggests, Not

2010-02-02T14:18:00.002-05:00

In Summer of 2009, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture’s Marketing and Food Systems Initiative conducted consumer market research to discover what Iowa consumers pay for locally grown products and whether these prices were competitive with non-local market prices. I recomend you go to the Leopold Center site to read the full report, but findings of the research indicate, that the mean price per pound for the local farmers’ market vegetable basket was lower that that of the non-local supermarket vegetable basket.

From Slow Food to Slow Money?

2010-01-11T14:30:00.002-05:00

My understanding of this philosophy is similar to "buy local" campaign that the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture launched a few years ago. There is, of course, more to it. One of the leaders of the movement is Woody Tasch, a former venture capitalist, who testing a new concept he calls "Nurture Capital". For more information read this article on the MSNBC site, written by Marcia Stepanek on November 10, 2009. There is also a very good blog on slow money.

Do It Yourself : Make Our Own (MOO)

2009-12-29T15:39:00.003-05:00

Back in October friends of mine provided a DIY program on easy herbal remedies and how to make your own laundry detergent. While I am still waiting for the recipes for the herbal remedies to post, Gary Crowth has provided his recipe and philosophy behind MOO: Make Our Own. Click on pdf for the image file. Stay tuned for the herbal info in the new year.

Whistle blower fesses up on oil figures

2009-12-08T15:28:00.005-05:00

Seeing the documentary The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American dream inspired my interest in green programming. While climate issues have always been a the focus for the environmental groups and policy organizations, I have maintained that climate and energy scarsity need to be considered symbiotically when examining the problems and possible solutions. There has been lots of disagreement concerning the theory of Peak Oil and it is understandable now that we find that key figures have been falsified. Last month a whistleblower from the International Energy Agency reported that oil figures were distorted due to pressure from the United States out of fear of panic. A friend posted the Guardian link on Facebook. Oddly, I have not heard U.S. media reports on it, no casual water cooler discussions, nothing percolating out in the 'hood.

Last Green Program for 2009 on December 12

2009-12-08T13:04:00.003-05:00

At the end of October we had our first Do It Yourself (DIY) program with Gary Crouth teaching how to make our own laundry detergent and Yasmeen Arif-Sayid giving a presentation on herbal remedies. I have received a promise that they would write something up for the blog, so stay tuned. We will have our second in the DIY series on:

Saturday, December 12, 10-11:30

Need ways to save money and get through the recession? Things you can do yourself? Mary Beth Thakar and Rose Lord have some ideas for you: -Growing lettuce inside in the cold months -- and herbs as well-Make your own yogurt at half the cost -- and fresher-Healthy, vitamin-enriched sprouts are easy to grow from all kinds of seeds-Cooking three things at once in one pot, saving time and energy-Homemade food gift ideas-Up-to-date "Stone soup" -- making soup from a mix of ingredients -How to refill ink cartridges -Teas from unexpected sources

Be sure to keep watching the program calendar for new programs.

What I learned about ethanol

2009-12-08T09:38:00.003-05:00

I have never been impressed with the reports about ethanol and it has never made much sense to me to use food for fuel. So what I learned from a friend of mine about ethanol usage and car mileage got me thinking: Who is really being served by ethanol?

My friend bought a Prius well over a year ago and in the beginning was very happy with her mileage. Now, however, she is experiencing a rather sizable decline in miles to the gallon; as much as 10 miles to the gallon less than in the first year. After asking around she found that car mechanics are aware of the problem and she learned that the mix of ethanol in gasoline is decreasing mileage.

I wonder why I have not heard much about this in the news. I see lots of blog entries when I google the issue. And I do not notice any major change in my mileage over the past year or so; Although I have always noticed slightly lower mileage during the winter months. Could it be the decrease is more noted in the Prius because the car provides a readout of your gas usage? Are hybrids more sensitive to the mix of ethanol in a blended gasoline?

In a simple google search I found older articles and blog posts (2006) concerning lower mileage blamed on ethanol/gasoline mixes. But a blog called American Fuels provided more recent and scientific data. In summary, this is what it says:
-ethanol has fewer btu's than unmixed gasoline
-gasoline varies in its percentages in btu's (as much as 3.4-4.5%)
-summer gasoline has higher btu's than winter gasoline
-ethanol btu is constant

I think the blog is interesting and I like the variety of links he has listed. For example, I read a posting a year ago about algae being used as a fuel source and this blogger has included it as one of his blog posts.

In The News

2009-12-07T19:44:00.003-05:00

I have been aware of the problem with plastics causing cancer and acting as estrogen mimics for sometime. I try to warn my co-workers not to use plastic in the microwave oven, but it is hard to change habits. It is good to see articles such as this in the New York Times that I can use to educate folks. Don't use 3, 6, and 7 plastics. And don't microwave anything in plastic!

For James H. Kunstler Fans

2009-10-08T11:27:00.002-04:00

For those of you who follow Kunstler, here is a great article in The Sun Magazine. You can also check out his podcasts from his cast site: The Kunstlercast: The Tragic Comedy of Suburban Sprawl.

Presentation materials in support of Library Conference Presentation

2009-10-06T13:33:00.009-04:00

I will be giving a presentation about the Be Green program series at the Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference on October 19. In the spirit of distributing electronically and saving paper, I will be posting all relevant materials on the blog. I created a booklist for the Be Green series, which includes new and relevant books, web sites, dvds, and databases along with the program schedule. I update this booklist 6-10 times per year. Additionally, am posting the slide presentation of the program and it appears under the booklist.

Be Green Booklist and program list

How Green in Your Programming PowerPoint Presentation

Alert about SIGG bottles

2009-09-15T13:38:00.003-04:00

For those of us who have been working to eliminate BPA from our water bottles and bought SIGG bottles it is dismaying to read that SIGG produced and sold bottles with trace amount of BPA in the liners. In today's Huffington Post there is an apology by the SIGG CEO. He gives details on how to return your bottle. Also on the SIGG site there is a link to returning the bottles.

Come to our program: How to create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat

2009-09-04T11:19:00.000-04:00

How to create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat (part of our Be Green series)

September 19, 1-3pm
October 3, 1-3pm
November 7, 1-3pm

Join us for a workshop on creating your Backyard Wildlife Habitat. The Gardeners of Gardenalia are dedicated to building sustainable systems in our natural environment and community. They are trained gardeners and designers specializing in developing, restoring and renovating gardens and landscapes. September 19 is the first of three in our series on creating a wildlife habitat in your backyard. Topics included in the workshop are: soils and prepping the site; how to use plants that work in harmony with wildlife and the conditions of the space; how to create an ecosystem in the backyard that will be self-sustainable; sustainable practices and organic pest management.

The Wonderful World of Water Day Camp

2009-07-30T11:21:00.001-04:00

The 2009 Wonderful World of Water Camp
offers young residents, ages 7-11, of Pittsburgh’s South Hills area, two fun-filled days of environmental learning.

Day campers attending this free camp will:
o Explore watershed basics
o Learn how human activity on the land affects the quality of water in rivers and streams
o Learn what we can do to help protect and preserve our watersheds
o Hike the park’s nature trails
o Conduct water experiments
o Make related crafts

The South Hills Wonderful World of Water Camp will take place at The Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) August 11-12. REEC is located on Mayview Rd. in Upper St. Clair.

The program will begin each day at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.
For more information and registration materials please contact Nancy at 412-431-4449, ext. 247 or nancym@ccicenter.org

Pennsylvania Sunshine Grant Program

2009-06-22T15:34:00.003-04:00

Michael Merck, President of West Penn Energy Solutions came to the library to share information regarding the State and Federal incentives for energy savings applications to our homes. The start date for the programs was May 18 for Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal (heating and water) has not yet been released. However, you can do the paperwork while you wait for the release.

SOLAR:
State Incentives:
Residential: 1kW minimum and limited to 10kW. The cost is around $700-800 per panel, with 5-6 panels (panels have a 20 year warranty) which require at least 100-150 sq. ft. The maximum incentive allowable is less than $22,500 or 35% of the installed cost. The equipment must be new, be listed as eligible under the California Solar Initiative (CSI), include a utility grade meter, have a SRCC OG-100 certification required for solar thermal collectors.

The work must be performed by a program-approved installer, PV systems must generally be grid-connected, shade and system performance analysis must indicate system output at least 80% of optimum, newly constructed homes must be Energy Star certified.

Contact information for the state:
Public Information - PA Sunshine
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Energy and Technology Deployment
PO Box 8772
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772
(717) 783-8411
pasunshine@state.pa.us
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energy

Federal Incentives:
The tax credit is available until 2011. Up to 30% tax credit (off the balance after using the state incentive) of the installed cost of a PV or Thermal system. At least half of the energy generated by the "qualifying property" must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

Renewable Energy Credits (REC)
When 1,000Kwh have been generated, the owner has the right to sell their credit. The going market rate in PA is $350 per REC. Learn more from the Penn State Extension Service.

KEYSTONE HELP
The Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan & Rebate Program is designed to help homeowners improve energy efficiency with special financing and rebates for high-efficiency heating, AC, insulation, windows, door, geothermal and "whole house" improvements. Look at their web site for more application information and how to qualify.

REBATES
Energy Star Rebates are for the installation of qualifying Energy Star improvements or other improvements that meet program standards. The rebate is equal to 10% of the cost of purchase and installation, with a maximum rebate of $250.

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE ENERGY STAR REBATES
These rebates are for the installation of qualifying improvements that exceed Energy Star standards. The rebate is equal to 10% of the cost of purchase and installation, with a maximum rebate of $500.

Web sites for more information
www.dsire.org
www.energystar.gov

Furoshiki in the News!

2009-05-28T19:33:00.003-04:00

Both the Post Gazette and the Almanac published articles on Furoshiki.

Art and the Environment: Furoshiki

2009-05-18T14:55:00.002-04:00

Saturday May 23 at 1pm

Furoshiki: Art, Tradition and History of Folding Cloth and Wrapping Gifts or Treasures.

Wrapping an object is like dressing it in a costume. It is a language that speaks without words at the center. Like skin. Even in Japanese prints you see men and women carrying their food and clothing and belongings in cloth-wrapped parcels. The Japanese for many centuries have used squares of cloth called furoshiki which have a life of their own dating back to the Nara period when the (big) cloths were used to tie up and identify the possessions of the nobles attending the baths--thus (furo--bath and shiki --mat) Not just a scarf, napkin or wall-hanging you can wrap just about anything of any size or shape in a these cloths. Furoshiki (thinking) inspired me to write a series of poems that evolved into a collaborative piece with composer (D Berlin) and dance company (H Boda) performed six times this year and which before an Arts Institute in Valley Forge, PA.

Only when wrapped around something does the square take on a three-dimensional form. You take the inspiration from the item itself--watermelon, bottle, stone, book. computer--even a baby or kimono-ed lady can be folded in a square. How to present a present? How to wrap your belongings? How to wrap yourself? How to wrap an idea? Recently there has been a flurry of interest worldwide in this practical and aesthetic alternative to the ubiquitous non-recyclable plastic bag.

Furoshiki have traditionally been associated with certain occasions and have never gone out of style. You can design your own square of cloth and easily carry with you to use over and over again or present as part of a gift. You can create your own crests or ways of identifying the cloths--a furoshiki can be a comment on what's inside or on the person who receives what you are giving.

We will review the background and history of furoshiki thinking (listen to a bit of Roffman's collaboration) and examine some traditional and modern furoshiki. Bring a treasure to wrap, a bottle, and/or a box if you can (reasonable sizes) and square(s) of cloth (light and silky in texture) if you can. We will have some samples you can practice with if necessary and we will learn to fold and tie square pieces of cloth and create environmentally friendly containers for carrying different objects.

Registration is required. For more information call the Reference Desk. 412-531-1912.

The presentation will be given by Rosaly Roffman, poet and Professor Emeritus (Indiana University of PA). Rosaly has lived in Hawaii and Japan and remembers seeing even heavy machinery wrapped in furoshiki. In Japan she taught at Aoyama Gakuin and Gakushuin Universities and traveled to Hokkaido with Peggy Guggenheim and John Cage. She founded a myth and folklore studies center at Indiana University of PA and helped develop an Asian Studies Program that included Japanese and Chinese Literature in Translation and a Japanese film course. Her sixteenth collaborative piece "Furoshiki" represents her fascination with the subtle connections between content and container in Japanese culture

The Effects of Global Warming on Pennsylvania's Fish and Wildlife.

2009-05-16T14:19:00.003-04:00

May 21, 7-8:45pm in Room A

Climate scientists have called global warming the greatest threat to our planet that we have ever faced. Already, every natural system is being affected, from the loss of sea ice in the Arctic, to the breakup of shelf ice in Antarctica, to the northward migration of plants and animals as the planet continues to heat up. Although scientists are sounding the alarm, most of our fellow citizens remain unconcerned, and are unaware of the urgency. Scientists say we have only a few years left to begin reducing our carbon emissions, so it is crucial that we begin acting now. Fortunately, each one of us can take some action that will reduce our carbon foot print.

Ed Perry is an aquatic biologist who retired in 2002 after a 30-year career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service where he supervised the section responsible for stream and wetland protection in Pennsylvania. He now works with the National Wildlife Federation, educating hunters, anglers and conservationists about the impacts of climate change and what actions they can take to reduce this threat to our way of life.

Presenter:
Ed Perry of the National Wildlife Federation Global Warming Campaign

Globalization Series conclusion

2009-05-14T11:06:00.005-04:00

Part 3 – Date: May 16, 2009, 1:00-3:00pm
The Environmental Impact of Globalization
Speaker: Lauren Horne, Regional Program Manager, Labor Climate Project for the Blue Green Alliance .
Questions to be addressed:
What are the links between globalization and environmental issues, especially climate change?
What are green jobs and why are they increasingly important in today’s world?
How can we shape globalization to benefit rather than harm the environment?

For more information on the Blue Green Alliance click here

Here is an interesting link on how to find a green job.

Our Globalization Series Continues

2009-04-02T15:05:00.003-04:00

Check out this article in the City Paper on the program. It is a good interview of Mr. Kernaghan

Don't forget to attend the second program on Globalization. The main speaker is Charlie Kernaghan. Mr Kernaghan is the director of the National Labor Committee, an independent, non-profit human rights organization focused on the protection of worker rights--especially those of the young women assembling garments, shoes, toys and other products for export to the U.S. in Central America, the Caribbean, China and other developing countries.

Kernaghan became involved in the struggle to defend international labor rights after participating in a peace march through Central America in December 1985. He became the director of the NLC in 1990. Pre-1985, Kernaghan taught at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and at SUNY’s Harry Van Arsdale Labor College in New York City. He worked as a photographer, furniture mover, carpenter and shop steward (Carpenters Union Local 608), and cab driver.

Under Kernaghan’s directorship, the National Labor Committee has played the leading role in bringing the issue of sweatshop abuses and child labor before the American people, including through a number of highly publicized exposés and campaigns focused on, among others, the GAP, Kathie Lee Gifford’s use of child labor, Wal-Mart, Disney, “P Diddy Combs “Sean John” label. Within the last year, Kernaghan and the NLC have released major reports on human trafficking and involuntary servitude in Jordan; sweatshop abuses and the return of child labor to the Harvest Rich garment factory in Bangladesh; tragic worker injuries and the Kaisi Metals furniture parts plant in China, and child labor at the Legumex frozen vegetable processing plant in Guatemala. Through such report, work with the press and public campaigns to introduce legislation that will finally protect the rights of workers in the global economy, Kernaghan and the NLC have kept the issues of sweatshops, child labor and the need to protect workers fundamental rights squarely on the national agenda.

Kernaghan has led numerous fact-finding missions to Bangladesh, China, Jordan, Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Central America. He and the NLC have hosted U.S. tours of workers from Honduras, El Salvador, Haiti, China and Bangladesh. The NLC’s educational videos, Zoned for Slavery (Honduras), Mickey Mouse Goes to Haiti; Something to Hide (El Salvador) and Hidden Face of Globalization have widely used by unions, religious organization and in universities throughout the U.S. and internationally. The NLC’s numerous research reports and many successful international solidarity/corporate campaigns have gained enormous media attention and helped the NLC to develop one of the best social justice networks in the country.

Globalization Program Series

2009-01-13T14:05:00.008-05:00

Part 2 – April 18, 2009, 1:00-3:00pm
Exposing Globalization’s Dark Side: Sweatshops, Worker Rights and the Fight for Fairness in the World Economy.

Main Speaker: Charlie Kernaghan, internationally-known labor rights advocate and Executive Director of the National Labor Committee and the newly-formed Global Institute for Labor and Human Rights.
How do we change the terms of trade so that more people can benefit (free trade vs. fair trade)?

Charles Kernaghan
Executive Director, National Labor Committee

Part 1 – March 21, 2009, 1:00-3:00pm
Globalization & Its Reach Into Our Lives

Speaker: Kim Miller, National Coordinator of Rapid Response, a national grassroots advocacy program of the United Steelworkers
What are the links between globalization and the current worldwide economic crisis?

Kim Miller has served as the National Coordinator for the United Steelworkers’ (USW) Rapid Response program for the past four years. Rapid Response is a nationwide communication and education network that ensures Steelworker members are aware of legislative decisions and actions that can impact their lives. At critical times, Rapid Response takes action, mobilizing members to influence the political process.

Kim also worked as an organizer for the USW, conducting and taking part in campaigns across the country.

Before joining the USW, Kim worked as a Legislative Assistant and Special Projects Coordinator in the leadership office of former U.S. Representative and Democratic Whip David Bonior, working on trade issues during key Congressional debates. She has also done PAC fundraising for Congressional candidates and served in Americorps, a national service program.

Kim holds a master’s degree in political management from the George Washington University and a bachelor’s in communication from Ohio University.

Kim is a third generation union member. She lives in Mt. Lebanon along with her husband and son, and is active in a number of Pittsburgh-area organizations.

Part 3 – Date: May 16, 2009, 1:00-3:00pm
The Environmental Impact of Globalization

Speaker: Hillary Bright, Associate Regional Representative of the Sierra Club

What are green jobs and why are they increasingly important in today’s world?

New Book

2008-12-19T13:14:00.002-05:00

The Green Book: the everyday guide to saving the planet one simple step at a time: is a great little reference guide that provides green information and consumer tips in your workplace and home and suggestions for green shopping alternatives. 333.72 R63--check it out!!

3rd Installment of the Home Energy Savings Program

2008-12-05T14:32:00.002-05:00

These notes are courtesy of Mary Beth Thakar. We hope to have a future program on the federal programs available for energy savings upgrades to make our homes more energy efficient. Watch this space for more details.

Michael Merck’s presentation on Nov. 15th :

Windows: The best are wood or vinyl windows insulated with fiberglass. Look for U-value of .35 and check solar heat value. Make sure your contractor seals the windows properly.

Most of the time, replacing windows is not cost-effective. But if your old ones are steel-framed and single pane, it would be cost-effective to replace them.

Cost considerations: Try to go for modifications that will pay back in 10 years or less. Compare the difference between investing your money in a money market – to investing in your house: the savings and investment ratio. If the ratio is 1, then the two investments are equivalent. If more, then the modification is worth considering.

Replacing your incandescents with CFL’s generally pays back in one year.

Solar: Financially, it is a good time to think of solar. The federal incentives by January, 2009 will allow for a tax credit of 30 percent of your costs. (Photovoltaic and solar hot water installations are about $10 per satt). The state is supposed to match the federal incentives – but how you’d be paid back is uncertain: we’ll know by Jan. 2009. Solar is worth considering in Pittsburgh because we do get about four hours of “peak sun.” Solar hot water is not cost-effective, but worth considering because of the federal and state incentives. Furthermore, as energy costs go up, the payback for solar will be quicker.

Solar installations have to be tilted at 30 to 40 degrees in our region and face south. Michael uses a Solar Pathfinder to determine whether your site would be adequate for a solar installation. He says if you have any shade on the south-facing roof, it is unlikely that solar would work for you.

Roofing considerations: Consider if the roof is in good condition. If it will need to be replaced in 10 years or less, replace before adding solar. If you have a slate roof, you will need to replace the solar part of the roof with asphalt prior to applying solar panels. On flat roofs, panels will be angled at 30 to 40 degrees by raising them on angled supports. Solar installations can also be placed on the ground: these cost more money, but they can be moved and oriented to the sun.

Passive Solar: This entails using the sun without any mechanical means – such as adding windows on the south side of your house – or adding thermal mass to soak up heat – or opening blinds in order to get sun. (Tip: don’t put thermostat in sun warmed room or you will get false readings concerning the remainder of the house.)

Thermal (Hot Water) Solar: A solar hot water system will cost about $8000, including an additional hot water heater to kill “bugs”. (The stagnant water may get germs that are killed in the first hot water tank.)

Photovoltaic Solar: Ideally the homeowner should aim to get his electrical use down to 3000 kw annually before considering photovoltaic. The electricity from solar panels comes out in direct current, and must be converted by an inverter box to AC. Michael suggests buying a larger inverter box – in case you expand your photovoltaic system.

The photovoltaic system can be hooked up to the grid. This arrangements will cost about $10 per watt. The law says that the company must buy back any extra electricity that you make, at the same rate that you are charged by the electric company: this is known as net metering. By January, 2009, interconnection agreements may cost $500 to file: now they are free.

If your photovoltaic system is not hooked up to the grid, you will need to have a “battery room” in which to store your excess electricity. This arrangement will cost you about $40 per watt to install. Batteries are inefficient and require lots of maintenance and lots of money. The battery room must be kept at a controlled temperature.

Instantaneous and tankless Hot water systems: The payback for these systems is 8 to 9 years. It will accommodate both washing and showers at the same time. However, there is a 40 to 60 second delay before the water is heated up. Michael feels that gas tankless is more efficient than electric tankless. (He cited the fact that gas has little transportation losses, while electricity loses 30 % of its energy in transmission. However, electricity, once at your house is 70 % efficient, while gas is 70 percent efficient.)

He also mentioned that hot water heaters will finally get energy star labels – not just energy guide labels.

Geothermal: These can be installed vertically or horizontally in the ground – or can be placed in water (pond, for example). Horizontally, a ditch must be dug below the frostline – and a spiralling “Slinky”-like pipe is buried. For each 12,000 BTUs, you’ll need 100 feet of pipe. It’ll cost you $3000 to $5000 for 100 feet.

Wind Turbines: The tower for these has to be 30 feet high – and you can’t have this tower if your neighbors are within 20 to 30 feet. There are horizontal helix fans that won’t shake: they’re quieter and stable. (Michael thought that Soda Construction might install these fans.)

Radon: We have high radon in this mining area. Michael suggests you get a radon test kit – four sampling bottles altogether – and test your house with three of them, leaving the last one to test the lab. (If results come back for all four, then the tests are questionable, in other words.) If the basement has negative pressure, then it is doubtless pulling in radon: the solution it to airseal the basement.

Michael also suggested that borax be mixed with the cellulose to prevent termites.

Home Energy Savings program reminder

2008-11-11T11:30:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to attend our 3rd and last program in our series on Home Energy Savings this Saturday. Check our Be Green Series Calendar for full details.

Program Highlights: Saving on Home Energy

2008-11-03T14:52:00.004-05:00

Here are notes provided by Mary Beth Thakar on part two of the program series - Saving on Home Energy on October 25 was entitled: Practical and affordable solutions, presented by Michael Merck

Introduction: Pennsylvania ranks 5^th among the states for the largest energy consumption. Most of our electricity comes from coal, but one-third is from nuclear energy.

Gas costs range from $13 to $21 per MCF, while electricity costs between 10 and 18 cents per kilowatt.

Rates are predicted to go up. Natural gas is traded daily, but the price is locked in for consumers for three to six month intervals. Electricity is expected to go up dramatically – on a par with Maryland – which went up 70 percent recently.

Incentives are available to encourage homeowners to improve their home’s energy efficiency. There are 23 counties in the Allegheny Power territory, including part of Westmoreland and Washington counties, as well as the southern tip of Allegheny County. Allegheny Power offers incentives of $200 to $1000 for reducing your energy usage (in BTU’s) from 20 to 50 percent. Note however that you must use a certified energy auditor to prove your savings. The auditor must provide computer modeling to demonstrate your savings. Look at the site for PA Home Energy to get more details.

Additionally, certain low-income persons can get help from certain utilities to cover the cost of energy-saving modifications.

Recently the state approved the expenditure of $150 million to assist homeowners. It is to be distributed over the next 4 to 5 years. Information about how the money is to be disbursed will be available by Jan. 1^st. See these sites for info:

http://www.dsireusa.org/

http://www.gggc.state.pa.us/gggc/site/default.asp

With the federal bailout passage came extension of certain incentives. We were told that you can get up to $9000 for installing solar – or up to 30% of the cost incurred.

House Science Basics

The house is a system.

The system is interconnected with nature – with wind and the “stack effect”

We CAN control the system.

But it is also important to check and control health and safety concerns – particularly carbon monoxide. If you “airseal” your house, you may also keep in the carbon monoxide.

(Stack effect: This effect is stronger as the house gets taller. Air comes up from the basement, and goes out through the attic.)

How to audit your home yourself:

An auditor could come and do a blower test to check the “envelope” of your home and see how tight it is. Or you can look at the west wall of your house – where the wind comes from – and make sure that that side is particularly tight.

See www.energystar.gov for more information about doing an audit yourself.

Begin by comparing your house with others in your area. You calculate the number of BTU’s you use to heat your home, divided by the “conditioned” square footage of your home, divided by the number of heating degree days in your area. If you have an all-electric home, you will have to extract the kilowatts you use to heat your home from your total bill. And for square footage, be sure to subtract any square footage that is not heated or conditioned, such as basements, attics, or garages. And to convert MCF’s to BTU’s, multiply by 1 million – and to convert CCF’s to BTU’s, multiply by 100,000.

The formula looks like this:

(BTU’s used to heat home/conditioned square footage)/5910

5910 is the number of heating degree days in Pittsburgh, believe it or not.

Your answer will tell you how your house is doing on a scale of 0-22. If your house is 8 or under, your house is efficient. If it is between 8 to 22, then there are opportunities to improve your home. See the energystar site above for more information.

Or comparing your home in another way, an average sized home in February should have a heating bill of $200 or less.

In conducting an audit, Michael said one must compare how a homeowner actually uses energy (“trueing up”) with the expected use of energy. Sometimes these differ widely between persons.

Basic kinds of issues in homes:

Diffusion: this is the movement of moisture. The adage is, “Build it tight, but ventilate it right.” A house can be too tight: for example, when you see moisture on an outside wall – that is, an inside wall that touches the outside. In this case, you will need to have a fan to remove the moisture, pushing air out at 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM’s). These days there are exceptionally quiet fans available, using low energy, that work 24 hours per day. You can also use a dehumidifier.

Convection: This is the movement of heat through fluid – air or liquid. The “convective loop” occurs when air is pushed in low, but pushed out high.

Radiation: Heat moves from high to low pressure rather than rising. And it is hot air that will move itself to the coldest part of the house.

An example is when you are standing close to a window on a cold day. You sense that cold air is getting in through the window. But actually what is happening is that the heat from your body is radiating and “convecting” off of your body, making you feel cold.

Another myth about windows is that it is a very good idea to replace windows. There is not that much benefit from going from single pane to triple pane windows. What is more important is making sure that the windows are well sealed. Michael suggests that instead you install storm windows

Improvements that you make towards energy efficiency also lend themselves to improving your comfort.

Do-It-Yourself modifications

You can caulk and weatherstrip. Do these from the outside (both??)

Consider installing interior or exterior storm windows. Even the plastic cellophane products are helpful. Replacing windows is 99 percent not cost effective, unless they don’t close or lock or latch. (This is more of a safety issues.) However, if you have the worst windows – i.e., single pane aluminum metal windows – the payback for these will be 10 years or less.

Install compact fluorescent lightbulbs. (See these websites for more info: http://www.efi.org/ and http://www.maxlite.com/

Be sure to try to “air-seal” before insulating. That is, find the holes and fill them. (When air comes in contact with insulation, it degrades it. Example, if fiberglass is not pink or yellow, then it’s dirty and it is not insulating any more. ) Polyurethane foams no longer contain formaldehyde gases – so these are safe to use.

As regards insulation, the home improvement stores do offer classes on these subjects. Blown in cellulose is simply recycled newspaper – and is not harmful.

Consider acquiring a Kill-a-watt to measure the usage of electricity by your appliances. Here’s a review of this product: http://greenertrends.com/2008/08/13/gt-product-review-kill-a-watt/

Michael’s recommendations – and debunking energy myths:

Switching lights on and off does not use more energy than leaving them on. (Michael wasn’t so sure about fluorescent tubes.)

Bigger HVAC units are not better. If not properly sized for your needs, the unit may short-cycle, going on and off every 5 to 10 minutes. Undersizing is better. If you have a bigger unit – and then you “air-seal” and insulate, you will be better off, cost-wise, to replace a larger unit with a unit that is sized to your new needs.

The furnace is working optimally when on the coldest day of the year, it never turns off.

Michael recommends getting an EnergyStar programmable thermostat that can be programmed for five to seven days. Many people might be able to install this thermostat without aid of an electrician – using the instructions with the device. But he advises to be sure to wrap the wires around a pencil to avoid them falling down inside the wall.

Is a zero energy home possible? Michael says, no, though you can have a “net zero energy home.”

Does a house need to breathe? Yes, it does, but it must be controlled. As an example, air for the furnace should not be brought in from outside – unless it is for combustion. Sometimes hot water heaters use outside air for combustion.

There is an ASHRAE formula for figuring the ventilation required.

7.5 (number of people in the house) = .01 (conditioned square feet) = the required ventilation for tight envelopes.

6. Should I replace a single-pane window in my basement with glass block? Yes, but mostly for security compared to energy savings.

Questions:

Should I vent my attic? That depends. For instance, if there is a heating system in the attic, then, no. Michael recommends gable end ventilation rather than soffit and fascia. A path is needed for humidity.

Why do hot water heaters last such a short time? Another audience member said it was because of all the minerals in our water that accumulate on our electrodes, causing them to erode. Hot water heaters last about 10 years. Michael does recommend gas instantaneous hot water heaters. These can be vented outside of the home. Their life expectancy is better than tanks. These systems can provide water to the whole house or at different locations (bathroom, kitchen sink). If “whole house”, there is some water wasted, but on the whole, you use less energy.

Michael added that you cannot have solar and instantaneous hot water together. Solar hot water requires the use of two tanks, one to kill germs, and the other to heat the water. Solar hot water systems cost $8000 to 10,000.

Michael further added that 30 to 40 square feet of solar hot water would give you enough hot water, while an equal amount of electricity-producing solar photovoltaics would only give you about 500 watts (per day??).

What is the worst furnace?? Michael said in this area, the 80+ atmospheric boiler is popular – but not efficient. Oftentimes, the burners on this boiler get dirty and there is incomplete combustion, causing carbon monoxide to be formed. You can have this boiler tested for CO, but be sure that the test is done inside the tubing between the boiler and the bell. If you cannot afford to replace this unit, then have an HVAC guy come and check the fuel pressure and fuel-to-air ratio.

How can you zone your house, so that hot air goes where it is most wanted? Michael said that it was best to install “slider dampers” on the ducts in the basement, rather than simply closing the vents in the room that doesn’t need heat.

How do you know if your gas oven is burning properly? The flame should be blue rather than yellow. These are notorious for “exhaling” carbon monoxide. Michael recommends having UL-rated (Underwriters Laboratory) CO monitors on every floor. There should be no more than 9 ppm of CO. Side effects of “mild” CO poisoning are grumpiness, edginess, unable to concentrate, and lethargic.

When should I have an audit done? Energy audits can be done at any time of year. Michael’s audits takes two hours.

Which insulation material should I use to insulate a hole above my basement window? Fiberglass does not provide an air barrier – so it would be better to use rigid board or polyurethane foam. Warning: if you have “knob-and-tube” wiring, you cannot use cellulose for insulation in your walls.

Question on insulating ducts: Michael said it was more important to insulate “return” ducts.

Is there a way to insulate brick walls? You can make small holes in the mortar and use a slow-rise foam called “air-crete”.

Where do you find the material to put behind hot water radiators – to radiate the heat back into the house instead of into an outside wall? There is something called “super-tough” at most home improvement . It appears to be blue on the shelf, but it is reflective on the back. Also there is a product called, thermo-ply, but it is not at home improvement stores.

How do you deal with a chimney and fireplace that is no longer used? Michael recommends sealing it at the top. If still using the fireplace occasionally, fit the chimney below with a friction-fitted board. EFI.org has appropriate gizmos.

New Book of Interest

2008-10-28T09:27:00.004-04:00

The library has just received The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems by Van Jones. I saw Van Jones speak at the First Annual Green Jobs conference in Pittsburgh last March. (The conference was excellent, but unfortunately had very little press coverage in Pittsburgh.) Jones is a powerful and inspirational speaker and is the founder and president of Green for All. Learn more about the book on our Green Reads!

Program: Global Oil Issues and Strategies

2008-10-25T11:47:00.003-04:00

The Regional Environmental Education Center in Upper St. Clair hosts:

Global Oil Issues and Strategies
Dates: Wednesday, October 29 ("America's Love Affair with Oil and the Current US Situation")&
Thursday, October 30 ("Drill More/Use Less - What Do the Presidential Candidates' Energy Plans Reveal?")
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Fee: FREE
Audience: General public

Gather at the REEC offices before you make your decision in November, for a timely and informative discussion on global oil issues and strategies during this two night symposium. Worried about gasoline prices, the oil supply and how we got into this mess? Are the oil companies to blame? Are Americans addicted to oil? Answers to these questions will be presented by Rick Jacobs, Manager of Environmental Projects at PPG Industries Inc., and his discussion on the 29th. Then join us again on the 30th for "Drill More/Use Less - What Do the Presidential Candidates' Energy Plans Reveal?" presented by Vanessa Schweizer, PhD candidate in Engineering and Public Policy, CMU. Admission to both events is free.

REEC is in Upper St. Clair in Boyce-Mayview Park. Parking for this event will be in the paved parking areas by the picnic pavilion off of Mayview Road (behind the construction of the new USC Community Rec. Center). Signs are posted, guiding you to the REEC: keep alert, as the new construction has made traversing the park challenging. For directions and information contact JessicaS @ regionalecc . org (If you are on the way, call Jessica on her cellphone at 814/937-7365. Or go to this website for a map and directions.

Pre-registration is helpful, but not required. Leave a message at the REEC's office at 412/838-0064.

Women's Health and Environment Conference

2008-10-21T10:31:00.004-04:00

Installment III

This will be my last installment in the topic of the Women's Health and Environment Conference that I attended September 25. I have mentioned that chemicals are taking a toll on our health. The challenge is understanding the enormity of the problem and then discovering the means to avoid these chemicals.

As for the enormity of the chemical problem:
“More than 82,000 synthetic chemicals are registered for use in manufacturing and industry. Only ten percent of those chemicals have been tested for their effects on human health. Approximately 2,800 of these are considered “high-production volume” chemicals, or those produced in amounts of 1 million pounds or more per year in the United States.”*

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment has developed toolkits to assist you in learning how to avoid many toxic chemicals. Check out their website and download their toolkits. The publications provide recipes for non-toxic cleaners and hints on what foods to avoid as well as links to other resources. Click here for more information.

*Excert from toolkit: What We Know: New Science Linking Our Health and the Environment, authored by Heather Sarantis.

Women's Health and the Environment Conference

2008-10-05T14:57:00.003-04:00

Installment II

Alot of the conference September 25 was about chemicals in our every day life: cosmetic products, food, air, water, food containers, etc. We are exposed to hundreds of chemicals for which there is no FDA or USDA oversight and for which we do not yet know the long term consequences of this exposure. One of problems researchers are discovering is that many of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors which are thought to mimic hormones such as estrogen. A very concise description of endocrine disruptors can be found on the Extoxnet and cooperative effort of 5 Universities http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/pesticide/endocrine.htm.
For more information, check out the film The Estrogen Effect: Assault on the Male a BBC documentary produced in 1998 (DVD616.65071 E87).

Today I came across a book that should interest everyone: Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life, by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD. The author provides a "shopping list" for anti-cancer foods, which have the least risk in pesticides, and which household products to avoid. One of the chemicals he suggests we avoid is one of those endocrine disruptors - phthalates, which can be found in perfumes and soft plastics.

Women's Health and the Environment 2nd Annual Conference

2008-09-29T17:32:00.006-04:00

Installment 1:

I attended the Women's Health Conference last Thursday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. As you may know this conference is sponsored by Teresa Heinz, the Heinz Endowments and Magee-Womens Hospital. Subtitle for this year's conference was: New Science; New Solutions. Moderated by Bev Smith of American Urban Radio Networks, the conference was lively and informative. There were 2,000 attendees who came to hear such speakers such as Devra Davis of The Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, and Diane MacEachern author of the book Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World. (A copy has been ordered for the library). I have my own copy and I think it will turn out to be an essential home reference.

Devra Davis has written two books that many Pittsburghers should know about: When smoke Ran Like Water: Tales of Environmental Deception and and the Battle Against Pollution and The Secret History of the WarAgainst Cancer (for more information see our Green Reads link) . Most of us are aware that we are exposed to toxic pollutants every day due to the burning of fossil fuels, but did you know that we are also exposed to countless chemicals in the household products, furniture and cosmetics that we buy? Since, the FDA, does not require companies to perform product safety tests, it is critical we adopt a "buyer beware" attitude when doing our shopping. To help with this, I have provided a few links to websites I learned about at the conference that will aid you in finding green products, as well as learning what chemicals are in the products you buy, check these web sites: www.womenforahealthyenvironment.org,
www.biggreenpurse.com
http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/

I will be adding more sites to the delicious link roles as I find them.

Peak Moment

2008-09-02T14:50:00.003-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/peakmoment
Peak Moment is a weekly series showcasing perspectives and initiatives for local self-reliant living.

Be Green Programming

2008-09-02T14:34:00.012-04:00

The Mt. Lebanon Public Library is having the following programs this fall for practical solutions of energy savings, both in the home and the garden. On Saturday, September 6th the program- Saving on Home Energy – Practical and Affordable Solutions was very informative. Jerry Huelsenbeck's introduction to the terminology used in the industry as well as an overview of the science of heating and cooling were useful and interesting. He also gave very helpful data concerning real savings one can achieve when doing upgrades in your house. Most important, however, is closing the holes in your house and making sure you are not losing heat in ways you may not realize. In order to see how your house measures in energy usage, with your utility bills in hand, go to this web site: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_yardstick.showStep2.
Follow the directions on the yardstick to determine how efficient your home is. Jerry's Bio further down on this page.

Contact: Caroline Tibbetts 412-531`1912 tibbettsc@einetwork.net

Presenter Michael Merck is the President and Founder of West Penn Energy Audits, a full service Home Performance Solutions Company specializing in Home Energy Audits, Air Sealing, Insulation and Solar Site Assessment. He is a national certified Home Energy Rater with the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and a nationally certified Building Analyst with the Building Performance Institute. (BPI)