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VOLUME III, Issue 2
http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org

January 16, 2002
    1 – The Heat Is On
    2 – Time for the Fair
    3 – Gas Sipper
    4 – Blue Heaven
    5 – A Hole Lot of Good
    6 – Go to the Snow

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1 – The Heat Is On
The third annual public forum, "Renewable Energy: Choices for Our Environment" was recently held in Lenox, MA. The event featured keynote speaker Kevin Knobloch, Executive Director of the Union of Concerned Scientists. He discussed the need for a national energy policy that supports energy efficiency and renewable energy at the local, state, and national level. Nancy Nylen, the Center for Ecological Technology’s Associate Director, joined Mr. Knobloch for a wide-ranging Q&A with the audience about ideas and concerns related to renewable energy in the Berkshires. Participants were especially interested in how we can reduce dependence on foreign oil and making renewable energy accessible and affordable. The event also featured exhibits on solar, wind, and biomass technologies. For more information on this and other energy issues, contact the Center for Ecological Technology at 413-445-4556 (www.cetonline.org) or the Union for Concerned Scientists at 800-666-8276 (www.ucsusa.org).

2 – Time for the Fair
Each year, from January through March, the Narrow River Preservation Association (NRPA) helps promote science fairs in watershed-area schools. NRPA presents awards to students to encourage their curiosity and respect for the environment. The "Narrow River Preservation Association Science Fair Award" is given to a project in each school that demonstrates strong research and reflects NRPA's goal of protecting the Narrow River and its surrounding ecosystem. The recipient is awarded a certificate and a $50 U.S. Saving Bond. NRPA encourages students to conduct experiments rather than solely literature searches. They should adhere to the scientific method of hypothesis, testing, data collection, and conclusion. For more information, contact NRPA at 401-783-6277.

3 – Gas Sipper
Environmental Defense (ED) recently released a comprehensive study of fuel cell vehicles. The report, "Fuel Cell Vehicles: Technology, Market, and Policy Issues," highlights the rapid progress in fuel cell research and presents the obstacles to their future market success. Authored by ED senior fellow John DeCicco, the report contends that, "…fuel cells hold great promise to address multiple concerns, including air pollution, oil dependence, and global warming." Although several automakers have committed to putting fuel cell vehicles on the road by 2005, the study concludes that it will be 10-15 years before we see mass-market fuel cell cars. This new technology will receive greater government support and research funding in the near future. The report goes on to state that the absence of market-wide requirements for higher fuel economy blocks progress on many vehicle technologies, including fuel cells. For a synopsis of the report or for more information contact John DeCicco at 202-387-3500 or visit www.environmentaldefense.org.

4 –Blue Heaven
The Maine Department of Conservation's Bureau of Parks and Lands announced the purchase of 2,468 acres as an addition to the Mt. Blue State Park. Assisted by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the state’s purchase will increases the size of the Park from about 5,000 acres to nearly 7,500 acres. The property includes a 1,298-foot peak known as Hedgehog Hill and approximately half of the popular 20-mile multi-use trail at the Park. Mt. Blue, which had almost 70,000 visitors last year, is one of Maine's most popular state parks because of its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The Maine Department of Conservation and the Trust for Public Land are working with other local organizations in an effort to conserve an additional 30,000 acres in the region. Conservation priorities include mountaintops, popular recreation trails, and habitat for declining wildlife species. For more information on this and other TPL conservation efforts, visit www.tpl.org.

5 – A Hole Lot of Good
People talk a lot about the depletion of the ozone layer, but have you ever wondered if anyone doing something about it? Since the 1980s, Friends of the Earth's Healing the Atmosphere Campaign has led efforts to phase-out stratospheric ozone depleting chemicals at the state, national, and international level. Friends of the Earth (FoE) encourages decisive action to end production of the chemicals that destroy the ozone that shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without the protection from UV light that the ozone layer provides, we face the risk of developing skin cancers, weakening our immune systems, and developing cataracts. Through their campaign, FoE educates the public about the dangers of ozone-depleting chemicals still in use, including halon fire suppressants and methyl bromide, a toxic pesticide. FoE works to reduce the need for the production of halon by promoting the banking and recycling of this chemical as well as alternative systems for putting out fires, including the use of fine water mist systems. For more information on this and other Friends of the Earth campaigns, visit www.foe.org.

6 – Go to the Snow
While many areas of New England suffer from a lack of snow this year, rest assured that you can use those new snowshoes that you received at Christmas. Join the Green Mountain Club’s Tenth Annual Snowshoe Fest on Saturday, January 19, and enjoy the snow! There is a little something for everyone, including snowshoe demos, guided snowshoe tours, naturalist walks, outdoor gear displays, door prizes and food. Registrants can take part in a variety of workshops that range from sharpening winter skills to fitness walks to winter cooking. Kids can look forward to igloo building and a scavenger hunt. For more information, contact GMC at 802-244-7037 or visit www.greenmountainclub.org.

I Want Candy
What a treat! Earth Share of New England has a limited amount of its promotional goodies left - small packages of Sweetheart candies with our decal on them. Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, so if you would like some to distribute to classes or audiences during presentations (or for any other reason!), please let us know at candy@GreenForNewEngland.org.

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