clair098

Even though I've been making urban-kitchen compost for some years, from my own kitchen and a multi-user kitchen nearby, and I've been worm-herding (vermiculture/worm castings/worm compost), and using all the compost and all the castings from the worms, I've been hanging back on my own personal vow for environmental right action (my personal commitment to do anything/everything in my power to do "the right thing" to help our ailing environment). Here's how I've changed recently. It's been a fun trip to change my life this way.way. I get to give back to the environment that has supported me all these years. I've loved doing it. It might help you to know what I've done to date, 'cause if I Here's how I've changed recently. It's been a fun trip to change my life this can do it, you certainly can too! I was upset when someone told me they were saving all their plastic bags from shopping and from the produce section....

The recent heatwave may have convinced more naysayers that global warming is real. Those of us already convinced will be glad to hear of more energy efficient options, especially on a large scale. A recent CNN article reported that two-thirds of the one million rooftops in New York City are suitable for solar power. Right now, the city only gets a small amount of it's energy from solar. Increasing our solar energy use would not only decrease the amount of pollution our energy use generates, but reduce the stress on our energy grid, which is always a worry, especially in times of extreme heat. Consider also that once the initial installation of solar panels is made, the energy itself is free. Solar panels can be used on individual homes as well as larger buildings. Learn more about solar energy options for New York City.

Why NYS won't be protected if fracking takes place: On July 8, 2011, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released its draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Study (dSGEIS)—the proposed permitting conditions for the hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells in New York State. While the dSGEIS may appear at first glance to be a significant improvement over the previous document (released by the DEC in 2009), the Catskill Mountainkeeper's investigation into the text's fine print has identified massive deficiencies. These include failing to present a mitigation plan for the inevitable public health impacts associated with fracking, and a blatant disregard to adequate drinking water protections. Additionally, this document presents the industry with a clear road map for fracking in the Catskill Park, the Delaware River Watershed, and throughout the Southern Tier of New York. The Handling of Toxic Wastewater Still a Major Problem The pla...

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reached this morning with the United Egg Producers (UEP_, which could result in a complete makeover of the U.S. egg industry and improve the treatment of the 280 million laying hens used each year in U.S. egg production. Thanks to your support over the years, through our state ballot initiatives and legislative and corporate campaigns, we now have a new pathway forward to ban barren battery cages and phase in more humane standards nationwide. The HSUS and UEP have agreed to work together to advocate for federal legislation that would: Require a moratorium at the end of 2011 on new construction of unenrichable battery cages—small, cramped, cages that nearly immobilize more than 90 percent of laying hens today—and the nationwide elimination of barren battery cages through a phase-out period; Require phased in construction of new hen housing systems that provide hens nearly double the amount of space they’re currently provided; Req...

Last Tuesday, we looked at the work of former sea captain Mary Crowley , who is trying to remove plastic debris from the ocean, specifically from the north Atlantic gyre. Some people think the focus should be on reducing our plastic use and waste and cleaning up what is already there is futile. Captain Crowly thinks you can do both. Mother Nature Network is featuring 19 ways to reduce plastic usage , some of which are easier for coop members than others, as we have access to a variety of options. What else can we do at the Coop and as individuals to reduce plastic usage and waste?

After months of study, the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released their report , and Governor Cuomo has indicated his approval of hydraulic fracture drilling in parts of New York State other than the watersheds of NYC and Syracuse. But what about all the other cities and towns, not to mention farmers and rural dwellers who rely on wells or local water supplies? What about the organic farms that supply the Park Slope Food Coop and others? Unfortunately there is no part of New York State that is not a watershed for somebody. You can make a strong statement by calling Governor Cuomo’s office to tell him that his plan to push hydraulic fracturing in New York State puts New Yorkers at too great a risk and must be abandoned. You can reach the Governor’s office by calling (518) 474-8390 or (212) 681-4580 .

At last! The search is over. Here's a cat litter that’s non-toxic, affordable, and actually works-- and it’s not packaged in plastic. Beth Ann’s Finest All Natural Cat Litter, which is sold in a compostable brown paper bag, is made from 100% biodegradable, non-GMO corn, from Iowa family farms. If you'd like the Coop to carry Beth Ann's Finest All Natural Cat Litter , add a request to the product request book at the Entrance Desk. You can also order it directly from Beth Ann or pick it up from NYC Pet on 5th Avenue. * Originally published on Plastic Albatross .