Storefront environmental museum opening Oct. 1

“e” inc., a Boston-based non profit that promotes environmental science literacy, is opening a storefront museum early next month.

The Learning Room will be a warehouse space to teach students – and the general public – about the science of sustainability with the goal of sparking community action in urban communities.

The group already works with more than 800 students in after school and summer programs.

The storefront museum is designed to teach environmental science to children, youth and families, inspire civic leadership, and train teachers and adults to create and carry out projects to help the environment.

The free opening is on Friday, October 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. at “e” inc.’s headquarters at 337 Summer Street. Afterward, a visit will cost $5 per child for the public and schools will pay a fee for field trips.

“Our aim is to reach every child, teen and family in the Greater Boston area and help them learn about how the Earth works and what they can do to protect it,’’ said “e” inc. director Ricky Stern. “The room is really such a wonderful opportunity for kids to really try things and ideas on and see how they are made or related -- we have them go outside and unroll a 100 foot rope just to see how huge a blue whale is.’’

Article courtesy of Boston.Com The Green Blog Posted by Beth Daley

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"America's cities can be the engines of green innovation, leading the way in new technologies, energy efficiency and sustainable development." –Lisa P. Jackson, U.S. EPA

www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=7788

 

Article courtesy of Smart Growth (www.smartgrowth.org)

HUD Announces Additional $1 Billion to Stabilize Neighborhoods Hard-Hit by Foreclosures

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan has awarded an additional $1 billion in funding to all states, along with a number of counties and local communities struggling to reverse the effects of the foreclosure crisis. The grants represent a third round of funding through HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and will provide targeted emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire, redevelop or demolish foreclosed properties   www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=7789

 

Article Courtesy of Smart Growth (www.smartgrowth.org)

EPA Picks Five Capital Cities to Create Models of Green Design

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has committed to help the capital cities of five states pursue high-quality green development that includes cleaning up and recycling vacant lands, providing greater housing and transportation choices, and reducing infrastructure and energy costs. Through its new Greening America's Capitals program, EPA will fund private-sector experts to provide sustainable design assistance to Boston, Mass.; Jefferson City, Mo.; Hartford, Conn.; Charleston, W.Va.; and Little Rock, Ark.

www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=7788

Article courtesy of the Smart Growth Network

Green Your Bicycle: Get Comfortable

Let's ride! Pedal power is airy, sweaty, liberating – and exhaust-free. This week's tips are about how to make your bicycle even greener.

The more comfortable your bike, the more often you'll trade engine for pedals.

• Choose a bicycle frame that's your size. When riding, you should feel neither scrunched nor overextended.
• For hilly commutes, get a bike with at least 10 gears.
• Raise your saddle to reduce pressure on the knees.
• Look for a saddle that distributes your weight to your sitting bones, not your cheeks. Women, choose wider seats to accommodate your wider hips.
• Attach fenders to protect from mud splatters.
• Install a handlebar cup holder for your caffeine fix.

Article courtesy of The Green Life (green.life@sierraclub.org)

 

Green Your Bicycle: Accessorize Thoughtfully

Let's ride! Pedal power is airy, sweaty, liberating – and exhaust-free. This week's tips are about how to make your bicycle even greener.

Every bike needs the bling to make the ride smoother and safer. Here are some ways to make your accessories eco-friendly: 

• Instead of lubing your chain with petroleum-based grease, use a product derived from natural plant oils.
• Light up without batteries by investing in a solar-powered bicycle light, or convert a cheap garden lamp into one.
• Tote your groceries in a pannier made of recycled materials, or create one from a kitty-litter box.
• Unless you’re a hardcore racer, you don’t need the infamous spandex suit. Instead, rummage around for your favorite worn-in T-shirt and shorts.

Article courtesy of The Green Life (green.life@sierraclub.org)

 

T's Route 28 ride isn't so smooth

New hybrid vehicles haven’t quelled discontent with transit service

 

When the MBTA recently rolled out 25 new hybrid gas-electric buses on Route 28, the agency said they would make commuting easier for riders in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan, where residents have long clamored for quicker, easier rides to points across the city. The 60-foot buses were billed as quieter, safer, and more fuel efficient. Plus, they can pack on more people.

Read more:   http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/09/14/new_buses_on_ts_route_28_havent_quelled_transit_service_discontent/?p1=News_links

 

Tropical Store Julia Forms Behind Major Hurricane Igor, but Karl May Do the Most Damage

Hurricane Igor, is not expected to make landfall imminently, while a new tropical depression, which would be named Igor if it reaches tropical storm strength, has more potential to do damage in the Caribbean and beyond.

Update Sept. 13: Hurricane Igor, now a major category 4 hurricane, is barreling through the Atlantic, with Tropical Storm Julia on its heels. Neither, however, poses any imminent danger to land. An as-yet unnamed tropical depression, which could become Tropical Storm Karl, has more potential for doing damage, as it forms in the Caribbean.

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/noaa-hurricane-2010-forecast#ixzz0zVLP5oDW

Article courtesy of The Daily Green by Dan Shapley

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Green Your Hotel Stay: Monitor the Thermostat

Vacations can be wonderful -- but some check out of their eco-values as soon as they check into a hotel. Whether your shelter for the night is a Ritz-Carlton or a Motel 6, this week’s tips should help you keep your hotel stay green.

Many hotels keep their guestrooms so frigid that entering them feels like stepping onto the tundra. To prevent some of this energy waste, readjust the thermostat as soon as you take ownership of your room. The DOE and Energy Star suggest setting air-conditioning temps to no lower than 78 degrees when you're there, and higher when you’re sleeping or out. (While you’re at it, turn off every light whenever you leave your room.)

Article courtesy of The Green Life (green.life@sierraclub.org)

Coast Guard Responding to Oil Rig Explosion South of Vermilion Bay

VERMILION BAY —

ABC26 News has confirmed that the Coast Guard is responding to an oil rig explosion south of Vermilion Bay.

The U.S. Coast Guard office in Port Arthur, Texas, tells ABC26 News that an explosion was reported on the Vermillion 380 rig, operated by Mariner Energy, at about 9:30 Thursday morning by a commercial helicopter company.

The Coast Guard said initial reports indicated all 13 crew members from the rig were in the water. There were no deaths, but one of the workers was injured, and all workers are being taken to Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma for medical examinations.

Read more:  http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/wgno-news-rig-explosion,0,7240612.story

Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times from WGNO-TV, New Orleans

China coal trucks stuck in 120 km traffic jam

BEIJING | Thu Sep 2, 2010 1:22am EDT

BEIJING (Reuters) - More than 10,000 trucks mainly carrying coal are stuck in a 120 km (75 mile) traffic jam in the northeastern Chinese region of Inner Mongolia, in the latest dramatic snarl-up on the country's roads.

Read More:  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6810UC20100902

Article courtesy of Reuters Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Chris Lewis and Sanjeev Migiani

 

No Impact Week: Food

No Impact Man, a.k.a. Colin Beavan, took a yearlong vow to live a zero-waste lifestyle in New York City. The experiment inspired a blog, a book, a film -- and others to embrace green habits. This week's tips will help you try a one-week carbon cleanse. Sign up here to share the results of your own No Impact Project.

Tip #3: Eat Locally and Seasonally

By making just a few dietary changes, you can lower your carbon "foodprint." Avoid packaged, processed foods and opt instead for locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Raising livestock for food is responsible for more emissions than all modes of transportation combined, so try substituting vegetarian or vegan dishes when you might otherwise have eaten meat.

Article courtesy of The Green Life (green.life@sierraclub.org)