Here’s what we’re reading this week:
NYC Must Ensure We Keep Organic Recycling Sites: NYC has faced significant economic setbacks over the past few months due to the COVID pandemic and as a result many community composting sites that receive funding from the city are on the chopping block. We urge Mayor de Blasio to keep his promise of finding new locations for the Lower East Side Ecology Center and Big Reuse composting sites.
Green Tips: Holiday Gift Wrapping: The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is full of holiday cheer, but it also marks the time when we generate the most waste: 25% more than during any other time of the year. Unsurprisingly, much of this waste comes from gift wrapping. With just a little extra thought, you can help make a huge impact in reducing waste. Check out our Green Tips to learn how to gift wrap the eco way!
Combating Adirondack Park Overuse: There has been a huge surge in the amount of people at the Adirondack Park. The trails have seen the consequences of overuse through soil loss, erosion, loss of vegetation, and negative impacts on wildlife.
News Roundup:
Our president Julie Tighe spoke with Spectrum News about why we need investments in environmental programs, including getting the $3 billion Environmental Bond Act back on the ballot, in order to combat climate change and create green and jobs. NYLCV is a part of the New Yorkers for Clean Water and Jobs coalition, which is advocating for these investments. Follow the coalition on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. (Spectrum News)
Governor Cuomo signed legislation by Senator Kaminsky and Assemblymember Englebright to criminalize illegal dumping of waste, which can jeopardize public health, damage our waters, and lead to erosion. (My Twin Tiers)
PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, were found in nearly 15% of private drinking wells tested near the former Northrop Grumman naval weapons site on Long Island. Sen. Chuck Schumer recently urged the Navy to connect the area with the public drinking water supply, rather than letting it continue to rely on wells, and expand its investigation into toxic chemicals at the site. (Newsday)
The Port Authority of NY & NJ board approved a project that will build solar panels over a parking lot at JFK Airport to power the AirTrain and produce energy for the local power grid. The project will produce 12 megawatts of electricity and will come with 2.5 megawatts of battery storage. (NY Daily News)
Cornell University and New York Coalition for Sustainability in Higher Education recently held their annual conference where they illustrated the connections between human health, social justice, and combating climate change. (News 10)
A Central New York startup company is using hemp plastic to create sustainably-sourced bottles and coolers that reduce plastic use by 25%. (Spectrum News)
Sincerely,
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