Tag: Environment

Possible Plastic Bag Ban in Pittsfield

It sounds as if Pittsfield, MA, is in the early stages of a possible ban on single use plastic bags. According to an article on TheBerkshireEagle.com, The city’s Green Commission is considering a recommendation to the City Council on an ordinance that would ban the plastic bags commonly used at supermarkets, convenience stores and other businesses.

Pittsfield would be joining two other Berkshire towns, Lennox and Lee, which have already passed similar bans. The environmental impact of a ban in Pittsfield would be tremendous considering the size of the town, and large number of businesses currently using plastic bags. No doubt, the scope of the ban will also be the cause of some push back, which was not seen in Lennox.

For more on this story, and how Lenox and Lee implemented bans, click here to check out the Berkshire Eagle article by Jim Therrien.

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The Linda Food For Thought: Indian Point

the_linda_albany

Food For Thought is a monthly evening of food, film and discussion with a focus on films of social, political, environmental and community interest. Held on the third Thursday of each month at The Linda Performing Arts Studio, the night will feature food samples by Honest Weight Food Co-op, music by Jack Empie, a feature film screening, and an open panel discussion.

This Months Film: Indian Point

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant looms just 35 miles from Times Square. With over 50 million people living in close proximity to the aging facility, its continued operation has the support of the plant’s operators and the NRC — Nuclear Regulatory Commission — yet has stoked a great deal of controversy in the surrounding community, including a vocal anti-nuclear contingent concerned that what happened at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant could happen here. In the brewing fight for clean energy and the catastrophic possibilities of government complacency, director Ivy Meeropol presents a balanced argument about the issues surrounding nuclear energy and offers a startling reality check for our uncertain nuclear future.

This month’s Food For Thought series is AUGUST 18,  7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at The Linda, 339 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206.

For more info on this, and other events at The Linda, visit www.thelinda.org

Follow ColumbiaCountyCurrent.com on twitter @CoCoCurrent.

Columbia County Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Got some old paint cans or toxic weed killers taking up space in your home? The Columbia County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon.  Approved items can be dropped at the County Highway Garage on Route 23B in Greenport.  There is no charge for Columbia County Residents. Proof of residency will be required.

Following is a partial list of what you can take to the Hazardous Waste Collection. Click here for the full list, including what not to bring.

Oil Based Paints
Stains & Varnishes
Wood Preservatives
Solvents Adhesives
Lighter Fluids
Fuels/Gasoline/Kerosene/Antifreeze
Engine Degreasers
Brake Fluid/Carburetor Cleaner
Car Wax, Polish
Roofing Tar
Driveway Sealer
Swimming Pool Chemicals
Poisons, Insecticides, Fungicides
Chemical Fertilizers
Weed Killers
Moth Balls
Flea Control Products, Pest Strips
Aerosol Cans
Drain & Toilet Cleaner
Oven Cleaner
Rug & Upholstery Cleaner
Photo Chemicals
Rubber Cement
Household Batteries
Fiberglass Resins

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How Will Rising Sea Levels Affect Us?

rising sea levels

There is a lot of talk about people’s homes being under water these days when it comes to their mortgages but what about literally being under water?

Sea Levels are rising. Here’s what Climate Central has to say about it:

“Global warming has raised sea level about eight inches since 1880, and the rate of rise is accelerating. Scientists expect 20 to 80 more inches this century, a lot depending upon how much more heat-trapping pollution humanity puts into the sky. This study makes mid-range projections of 1 to 8 inches by 2030, and 4 to 19 inches by 2050, depending upon location across the contiguous 48 states.”

Climate Central has created an interactive map (picture above) to show what these rising sea levels mean for our coastal town. You can check the map out by clicking here and find out if your house might be at the bottom of the sea one day.

Turning a Landfill into a Hiking Trail

CLCYesterday, the Columbia Land Conservancy published a proposal to convert the former Hudson landfill into a public recreation and natural area. The plan would create a network of walking trails that would link Hudson to Harrier Hill Park via the 714-acre Greenport Conservation Area currently located between the two.

The proposed natural lands would be within walking distance of downtown Hudson and would include educational programs about the varied ecosystems of the land and the history of shoreline settlement.