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Tag Archives: politics
Pollinator Week in NYC
Today kicks off the 3rd National Pollinator Week and New York City beekeepers are campaigning to legalize beekeeping.
Things you can do during the week to show your support:
• You can click here to sign a petition to legalize beekeeping in NYC
• Go to the Beekeepers Ball on Monday 6/22 at Pier 17 (89 South Street) from 6pm-11pm. Click here for more info and tickets.
• Go to City Hall on June 23rd for a press conference and rally with other beekeepers and David Yassky. It will be held on the steps of City Hall at 12:30.
I’m having some technical difficulty, but when that is sorted out I will add a video of my friend Meg, who not only recently became a beekeeper, but has just ordered chicks for her backyard. Go Meg!!
Fallen Fruit
A friend just sent me a great website called fallen fruit. Public Fruit is the concept behind Fallen Fruit, which is an activist art project that aims to map all public fruit trees around the world. They are based out of CA, so most of the mapping is there. When you go to their website there is a pull-down menu. Go to the maps and then click on the interactive online map. What is considered “public fruit” is fruit on or overhanging public spaces such as sidewalks, streets or parking lots. I think I would be respectful of a tree that is obviously in someone’s yard, but otherwise I think the concept is great. Why plant ornamental trees that aren’t even native species, when you could feed hungry people and wildlife?
In addition to mapping fruit trees, they are planning fruit parks in under-utilized areas.
I love this idea and think that everyone should spread the word and add pin points onto their interactive fruit map.
The Story of Stuff
Take a look at this 20 minute video about the downside of our production and consumption patterns. Annie Leonard narrates the video and discusses the social and environmental problems with the current system of consumption. It’s animated and friendly, so you aren’t left completely depressed. There is also a section on the website called Another Way. It shows 10 little and big things you can do to promote sustainability. Take a peek.
Tonight is Earth Hour
Tonight at 8:30 switch off your lights for one hour.
In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.
We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.
VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.
Fresh Kills Park
Fresh Kills Park
On April 4th Staten Island’s very own Fresh Kills Landfill will officially open again as Fresh Kills Park. There will be free tours and they are touting state-of-the-art ecological restoration. In a short video, they talk about how they “capped” the landfill. They pipe out the methane from the rotting crud to power local homes. They covered the entire landfill with 3 feet of fill dirt, an impermeable (ha) plastic cover and then 8 feet of clean soil. What about all the toxins leaching into the water??? I think I’ll have to see this park to believe it!
Michelle Obama will plant veggies on the White House Lawn
Obama's Inauguration Speech
I think I speak for many people all over the world when I say that I am so unbelievably hopeful at this time in American history. The last 8 years seemed to be one disappointment after another. Perhaps disappointment is too light a word. It was a time that I wasn’t proud to be living in this country.
It is a great testament to the people that we were able to recognize how low we had gotten as a country and make a drastic change. Although Obama has a huge job in dragging this country out of an economic, political, healthcare, and environmental crisis, I think he’s up for the job.
I am especially hopeful that he will make strides towards renewable energy. To me, one of the saddest moments was when Ronald Reagan tore down the solar panels from the White House that Jimmy Carter had installed. I’m crossing my fingers that the Obamas put them back up!