Podcast: Download (0.4KB)

Reusable News

A Call to End Coal

Starting TODAY, you can join a new effort called Power Past Coal.  Coal is one of the most serious justice issues facing America today; coal-derived pollutants cause asthma, mercury poisoning, and global warming. The Power Past Coal organization is leading the charge with a campaign against America’s biggest–and dirtiest–fuel source.  Their 100 Days campaign ends on April 30th–until then, people all over the country are taking action in their communities.  You can register a new event or join an existing effort near you.  http://powerpastcoal.org/

James Hansen the NASA climatologist who is arguably the most outspoken scientist on global warming has said “We must halt all new coal plants now, and we must begin shutting down existing ones as soon as possible.  Otherwise we should face up to the truth — as a world, we are driving off the edge of a cliff with the accelerator pressed to the floor. Power Past Coal is the wake-up call we need to put on the brakes.”

There will be an End to Coal Power Vigil in Montclair, NJ tonight January 22nd from 4-5pm on the corner of Church St and Bloomfield Ave.  It is hosted by environmental activist Ted Glick.  To register go to http://events.powerpastcoal.org/events/show/8885 or visit newlygreens.com we’ll have a link to the registration form with details.

ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING ACT BECOMES LAW

New Law Makes New Jersey Eighth State to Create Responsible System
For Collecting, Reusing, Disposing Chemical-Laden Computers, Televisions
The new law will ban the disposal of applicable electronic devices and component parts as solid waste effective January 1, 2009. It not only bans the covered electronics devices from landfills, but also requires retailers to register with the state to help pay for recycling costs. The law will also require every retailer to clearly post and provide information describing how to recycle the electronic device, in addition to the locations for the collection or return of the device. Information on the Department of Environmental Protection’s eWaste Web site and a toll-free telephone number, must accompany the sale of all covered electronic devices, such as a televisions or copiers.

The law ensures that manufacturers and residents use safe and environmentally-sound management practices when discarding unwanted electronics. In 2005, businesses and citizens across the country replaced 65 million computers and discarded 130 million cellphones according to the Computer Takeback Campaign, an environmental group that advocates for electronic-waste regulations.

New Jersey joins California, Connecticut, Washington, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota and Oregon as states that have enacted laws to control e-waste and encourage the recycling of electronic products.

Cape Wind Clears a Major Hurdle

Union of Concerned Scientists
Favorable Federal Environmental Report Should Clear Major Obstacle for Nation’s First Offshore Wind Power Facility

The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) issued its long-awaited final environmental impact statement for Cape Wind, the nation’s first proposed offshore wind energy project. According to local and national clean energy advocates, the agency’s favorable assessment should now clear the way for the path-breaking project to move forward after languishing for years in agency review.
In October of 2008 Governor Corzine approved plans for NJ to pursue 1 Billion dollars in off-shore wind off the coast of Atlantic City. Currently sighting and environmental studies are underway with phase 1 of that project.

National Teach-In on Climate: Feb 5th

Over 600 colleges, universities, high schools, faith organizations and civic groups will be participating in the National Teach-In on Global Warming Solutions, February 5th. The day-long event invites teachers, and students to participate in presentations about Climate Change. Resources will be made available from the organizers through the web and many host locations will be presenting unique programs. Here on the campus of William Paterson Greg will be presenting a 40 minute presentation on Global Warming sponsored by the Climate Project, and there will be activities planned by the Environmental Science Dept. in addition to participating in some of the national events. The Tech In at William Paterson will take place in the Student Center and faculty or students who are interested should contact Sheila Collins through campus email.
It is not too late to sign up National Teach-In :INDEXand you do not have to be a school. If you would like to host an event in your living room you need only apply. We’ll have a link in our show notes at newlygreens.com

New Dehli Says “No More Plastic Bags or Suffer the Consequences!”

From treehugger.com: All New Dehli India shopkeepers have 10 days to stop using and distributing plastic bags to their customers. The penalty for using the bags after the deadline: a huge fine or 5 years in prison!

The stiff punishments are not without reason. Litter caused by thrown out plastic bags clogs up sewage pipes, causing stagnant water which becomes a breeding ground for insects carrying Malaria and Dengue Fever. A previous law banning the bags was roundly ignored by New Dehli merchants. Let’s hope the new law will be taken more seriously!

FDA reverses its claim that plastics are safe

NY Times
According to the New York Times, the Food and Drug Administration has decided to reconsider their recent risk assessment of bisphenol-A, found in many plastic baby bottles, plastic food containers and metal can linings. The reevaluation comes after several other researchers, including the National Toxicology Program, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, have found alarming evidence to suggest that BPA, as the chemical is called, could harm the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in fetuses, infants and children.

In fact a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults with high levels of BPA in their urine were more prone to heart and liver disease and diabetes.

“Exposure to BPA is widespread. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found it in the urine of nearly 93 percent of a sample population.” Bisphenol-A is found in number 7 and number 3 plastics and is most abundantly transferred with hot fluids.