Greening America’s Capitals – Boston and Hartford

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As recently reported by GreenBiz, Boston and Hartford have been chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as two of the five cities that will partake in the Greening America’s Capitals program. This is great news as it means a team of EPA backed designers will visit each city and will create and design plans that promote smart growth and will help ensure the future sustainability for both capitals.

In conjunction with the U.S Department of House and Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the EPA will provide all five cities with plans for “high-quality green development that includes cleaning up and recycling vacant lands, accessing and improving waterways, providing greater housing and transportation choices, and reducing infrastructure and energy costs.”

Specifically, the press release notes that Boston “asked for assistance through EPA Greening America’s Capitals to create realistic greening options for City Hall Plaza that can be realized in the near term. Goals of the redesign will be to create well-defined edges and entrances, provide more bike access and parking, connect the plaza to existing streets, increase green elements such as trees and vegetation for better stormwater management, and support energy efficiency and green building improvements in City Hall and nearby buildings.”

As for Hartford, the program “will help Hartford staff and stakeholders create a redevelopment plan for the Capitol Avenue corridor and connections to nearby locations, such as the Frog Hollow neighborhood and a proposed Sigourney Street bus rapid transit station. Redesigns will focus on public open spaces, such as parks and state building grounds, as well as green street improvements that better manage stormwater, improve the pedestrian environment and aesthetic character of Capitol Avenue, and encourage future redevelopment.”

Along with Boston and Hartford, the three other cities chosen to receive this award are Charleston, WV, Jefferson City, MO, and Little Rock, AK. These cities beat out numerous others for this assistance and we are thrilled that of the pilot cities, two are GreenScene cities in New England. Congratulations to all the five capitals!

Report from a weatherization barnraising

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My team leader, Torrey Wolff, was very patient with us.

On Saturday we went to our second weatherization barnraising, organized by HEET and the Cambridge Energy Alliance. Last time I learned to install programmable thermostats and Jason caulked windows at two apartment buildings. This time I installed Q-lon weatherstripping around doors and Jason insulated skylights at a daycare center. The end result? The blower door test showed a 50% reduction in leaks—the most HEET has ever measured.
Q-lon is foam weatherstripping in the shape of a V attached to a wooden or metal slat. The V expands to fill any open space between the doorjamb and the door—a lot like the V-channel weatherstripping that we use for our windows. When I found out about the Q-lon last time, I still didn’t know quite how to install it, so I was glad to get the chance. HEET actually has a really good tutorial that walks you through the basics. The most important part is making sure the foam isn’t too compressed or too slack. You do this by sliding a piece of paper between the weatherstripping and the (locked) door. If the paper doesn’t fall out when you let go, it’s tight enough. If it comes out when you pull on it, it’s loose enough.

I’m especially interested in this because the self-adhesive foam weatherstripping that we used last year compressed a lot. I don’t know how effective it is anymore. Since the Q-lon is installed on a different part of the doorjamb, we can keep the foam and just add this to it. It’s a much more permanent solution.

It does require some hacksawing, though, to cut the slats down to the size of your door. This may have been the first time I’ve ever used a hacksaw in my life, and I’m proud to say that I got the hang of it after just a couple of ragged edges.

Jason puts Tyvek over a skylight.

Jason got to use spray foam on the cracks around the skylights. This is only the second time he’s used it, and he picked up some tips. First, wear goggles and gloves, and hold something under the can so it won’t drip anywhere. That stuff never comes out. Second, shake it for a long time, then spray it into a trash can until you get a sense of how fast it comes out. It can expand like crazy. You can cut it down with a razor blade once it’s dry, but it’s easier to not have to. Make sure you have a lot of cracks to fill, though—once you start the can you can’t store it to use again later.

I’ve really enjoyed these weatherizations, and I’d definitely do another. I like the idea that the energy savings that the homeowners see will be multiplied by the skills the volunteers learn to use in our own homes. And it’s nice to meet like-minded neighbors (even the crazy ones).

Cross-posted on pragmaticenvironmentalism.com

Second Annual Urban Ag Fair

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Who:You
What:The Second Annual Urban Ag Fair is coming up in Harvard Square just a couple of weeks. If you are a vendor, there is still time to sign up for a table. If you are a foodie who wants to make their opinion heard, there is still time to sign up to be a judge. If you are just a lover of fresh food and want to have a fun free day in Harvard Square, we’ll see you next weekend!
When:September 19th, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where:Winthrop Park, Harvard Square
Contact:www.harvardsquare.com

350.org Solar Road Trip to White House

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Beginning September 7th, Bill McKibben and students from Unity College in Maine are on a road trip to Washington D.C., with a specific goal in mind. This 350.org-affiliated group plans to approach the White House to urge President Obama to install solar panels on his roof in order to finally make a stand on energy issues, set an example for citizens, and to participate in 350.org’s “Global Work Party” on October 10th (10-10-10).

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter put solar panels on the White House. In 1986, President Reagan removed them and they were never replaced. Years later, Unity College in Maine adopted the panels where they have lived ever since. Until now.

Unity College has removed one panel from their cafeteria roof and donated it to 350.org’s campaign to convince President Obama to put solar back on the White House roof.

The road tripping group is carrying with them the one historical solar panel, a public message, and a promise from a company who will donate a slew of new panels to populate the rest of the roof with as long as the President agrees to take the challenge.

As a way of bringing awareness to the mission and garnering support with which to face the White House, the bio-diesel-powered caravan has made stops along the way in Boston and New York City. At each stop, discussions were had and signatures were gathered in a petition of a unique form: on the glass front of the panel!

With the recent failure of any action toward comprehensive clean energy/climate action legislation in the Senate, many feel that it is an imperative time for the President to take a stand on energy issues. This is one way for him to do just that without the rest of the Government interceding; as Mr. McKibben stated, “they can’t filibuster his roof.”

Not only will this be a great first act on the issue of energy, but if the White House takes leadership here, it might jump-start the rest of the country to move in this direction (the 350.org web site details the significant spike in seed sales shortly after Michelle Obama planted the White House garden).

Thus far, somewhere throughout the stops that were made in Boston and NYC, Bill McKibben has spoken with the White House via telephone and heard that they are “interested” but that “it’s complicated.” Plans for further discussion have been scheduled.

Updates on the progress of the road trip are available via email sign-up, or by visiting the website. Less formal updates are available via Twitter, by following @Panel350.

Stay tuned!

You may view a trailer for the documentary surrounding the Presidential solar panels here.

Music for Mountains

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In a recent Orion article by Erik Reece, an important connection between the human sprit, music and environmentalism is made. This connection is illustrated through the destruction of Appalachian mountaintops for coal and the recent Music Saves Mountains concert organized by the National Resources Defense Council and Emmylou Harris.  While the knowledge of mountaintop mining in Appalachia is nothing new, the need for significant public action is.  Emmylou Harris, a renowned folk singer, makes the point that, “It seems like artists today, particularly country artists, tend to play it safe … But mountaintop removal is based on pure greed and it’s doing such incredible damage.”  The bigger question at stake is apathy; what will it take to get Americans to take a stand against blatant environmental destruction, such as mountaintop mining?

In current culture, songs are less and less about environmental issues, as were past folk songs by John Denver for example, and more and more about the individual.  For example, “Toby Keith’s latest single, ‘American Ride,’ doesn’t so much deny global warming as revel in it: ‘That’s us, that’s right, / Gotta love this American ride. / Both ends of the ozone burnin’. / Funny how the world keeps turnin’ . . .”  Clearly one cannot sum up an entire culture based on popular music, and there are many who do not follow standard norms, however, the growing concensus that there’s an increasing disconnect between Americans and nature is a startling one.  In a recent ENN article, the author makes note of the Environmental Paradox and how humans are more and more decoupled from ecosystems due to time lags and increased technology.  Perhaps the need for a psychological grassroots revolution in America is in order?  One reminscent of days when people were less distracted and consumed by massive amounts of information, but were actively involved in their communities, politics and their planet.  Without the collective action of many who care, the Appalachian mountains, like many natural wonders of this Earth, will be left to those who do care  – about profit.

Energy Efficiency: Why Is the Low-Hanging Fruit so High?

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The Green Light Distrikt has posted video of their even, “Energy Efficiency: Why Is the Low-Hanging Fruit so High?” which occurred a few weeks ago. Panelists included CEA’s community outreach manager Lilah Glick (below) as well as representatives from Wattzy, Next Step Living, EnerNOC and Powerhouse Dynamics. Additional videos of their presentation are available
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Green Business Transportation Workshop- 8/25

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Brad Winnett from MassRIDES discusses green alternatives while other panelists look on.

On Wednesday August 25th, the Cambridge Energy Alliance and the Sustainable Business Leader Program hosted a Green Transportation Workshop. Panelists discussed ways to make a key facet of business operations, employee transportation, “green.”

Stephanie Anderberg from Cambridge Community Development discussed how businesses can support alternative transportation with help from Pre-tax Commuter Benefits. Basically, these are ways in which businesses can pay for their employees’ green travel (e.g. shuttles, vanpools, biking, the T) before taxes are considered. These can be administered in several fairly easy ways, including giving vouchers or using a 3rd party administrator.

Jim Gascoigne from the Charles River TMA opened with a significant statistic: a staggering 67% of people in Cambridge – an environmentally forward-thinking city – get to work by driving in cars alone. Mr. Gascoigne went on to explain that while the Charles River TMA’s purpose is to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, it’s also to help Cambridge citizens reach for more environmentally responsible solutions. Specific services Jim discussed were the public $1 per ride EZride shuttle, which goes to areas around Cambridge that the T does not reach, and an Emergency taxi Ride Home voucher for members.

Brad Winnett from MassRIDES spoke about how his state-wide organization works individually with businesses to incorporate customized combinations of transportation programs that suit their unique circumstances. These combos include ride-sharing, vanpools, biking, walking, the T, and tele-working.

Shane Jordan presented for Mass Bike, a state-wide bicycling advocacy group that supplies many services.  Mass Bike Provides three different kinds of 1-hour workshops – general biking, bike maintenance, and one for winter bike-riding. Shane mentioned that Mass Bike has a valet bike parking service, as well as a consulting service. Lastly, Mr. Jordan suggested that if an organization wanted to perform a biking event but didn’t have insurance, they could partner with Mass Bike to be covered under Mass Bike’s insurance.

Zipcar is a membership-based car-sharing service, and was represented on the Green Transportation panel by Matt Kurkowski.  Mr. Kurkowski discussed the various benefits of the multiple Zipcar programs and options. Zipcar was what helped one audience member (Janie Katz) transition from 30 years of driving her own car to a no-car diet; others discussed the convenience of the service when traveling for business or for emergencies. For businesses, the Zipcar program is significantly more cost-effective than it might be for the already-affordable personal accounts, making this a great business choice.

After this, Metro Pedal Power (unable to be represented at the event) was discussed thoroughly by the hosts as well as multiple panelists. This company is a local, bike-powered delivery service that provides regularly scheduled as well as on-call deliveries of up to 500 pounds, in all weather. This service makes sense for so many members of the community who may need to transport something only across town, but would otherwise have to ship via UPS or FedEx, whose warehouse check-in point might even be out of state. The service is cost-effective because of the lack of spending on gasoline, and you are reducing the carbon you emit by keeping fossil-fuel-burning vehicles off the road.

In addition, Janie Katz-Christy, the director of the Green Streets Initiative shared how businesses and employees can get involved in Walk/Ride Days. Walk/Ride Days are on the last Friday of each month, when people can use sustainable transportation and get rewarded by local businesses for doing so. Walk/Ride Days have had excellent results for all kinds of large and small businesses and the Fed DOT is now funding a project to spread Walk/Ride Days to 6 Boston-region communities.

The last mentioned service was that of the downtown-Boston-based Urban Adventours, who offer bike tours throughout the city. This is a great way to get people introduced to the concept of biking as an alternative transportation, as well. For organizations who need bikes to get started, this is one of the bike rental providers in Boston.

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This workshop was full of organizations who, as a combination, can comprehensively make our community more fossil-fuel independent than ever. I strongly urge you to take advantage of some or all of the services detailed here- and tell your friends!

As always- you may comment here, or email me personally at jgorden@cambridgeenergyalliance.org if you have further questions.

Interview with Cambridge Recycling Director Randi Mail, Part 2

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On Tuesday, I shared my conversation with Randi Mail, recycling director for the City of Cambridge, about Cambridge’s new single-stream recycling program. In the process we touched on some general waste and recycling questions that I thought I’d share here. If you have any other questions or want to attend the recycling facility tour, let me know in the comments and I’ll pass it on to Randi.

Are there any plans for collecting compost in the future?

The limiting factor on that right now is that there is no facility within reasonable driving distance of the city that can handle the kind of volume of food scraps that we’d get if we had a curbside collection program for residents. There are a few private companies that are moving forward with plans to build new facilities for the Boston area, so that needs to come first. We need a facility that can process yard waste and food waste together, similar to the way that the San Francisco and the Seattle programs work. The programs in place for businesses and for the drop-off program, that food waste is being taken to farms that are basically at capacity. They can’t handle the kind of volume that we’d get with the curbside program.

What farms are they being taken to right now?

There’s Rocky Hill Farm in Saugus and Brick-Ends Farm in Hamilton. They’re large-scale facilities, but they’re small when we’re talking about providing collection to everybody in Cambridge. I’ve estimated that we’d see at least 3,000 tons a year; it could be three times that. The food waste drop-off program is basically 50 tons a year—we’d be doing about 50 tons a week.

The farms are doing outdoor composting in windrows, long piles they turn every day. It would be impossible, I think, to site an outdoor composting facility in the Boston area. You’ve got neighbors and odor concerns. So the companies are looking at this technology called anaerobic digestion, where you can do composting indoors in an environment where there’s no oxygen, and they can capture the methane that is emitted during that composting for electricity or fuel. The city of Toronto has a few of these, and it’s very popular in Europe in urban areas.

The city is watching what the private sector is exploring. Casella Recycling, is looking at anaerobic digestion, as well as Save That Stuff, a local hauler. There are a few other projects that are being considered.

I think within the next two to three years we’ll be in a better position to consider curbside organics collection. We’ve had the drop-off program for residents for two years, and businesses have had the curbside organics for four years. We get a lot of questions about this, and I hope we will be in a position to offer it.

The best option, of course, is to try to compost at home. If you have backyard space, DPW sells compost bins for $50. Apartment dwellers can compost indoors with a worm bin.

If you’re not sure whether something is recyclable in your town, is it better to toss it in the bin for them to sort at the center or should you just not include it?

Well, the top items that are not accepted are food, plastic bags, Styrofoam, VCR tapes, liquids, and light bulbs. We don’t take glass dishes or cups, and no plate glass, like picture frames or windows, which can be leaded glass. Currently no pizza boxes, but the new program is going to accept empty pizza boxes. Other than those items, we do accept a lot of materials: all paper, all plastics, glass bottles, metal can, and cardboard. With the new program, any stiff plastic will be accepted, even if it doesn’t have a number on it.

Ultimately, if you’re not sure, I’d say, “When in doubt, throw it out.” But call or visit the website and check. The big no-nos are plastic bags and food waste.

Anything else about the program that you want to share?

I’d love to get the word out about the recycling tours. We’ve got one a month: September 29, October 28, and November 18. They’re open to the public, and it’s a really great way for people to see the recycling process in action and feel confident that what they’re putting in their bin is really getting sorted and sent to companies to be made into new products. Recycling is real, and it’s an important industry in our economy. We have a six-minute video on our website of the recycling processes in Charlestown, so if you can’t make the tour, you can also watch that. To sign up, e-mail recycle@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4815.

Cross-posted on pragmaticenvironmentalism.com