The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region has selected PhillyCarShare to receive one of the 2008 Environmental Achievement Awards.

This new highly competitive award celebrates and recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions toward enhancing and protecting the quality of our environment. Award recipients are from business, nonprofit and volunteer organizations, and government.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region has selected PhillyCarShare to receive one of the 2008 Environmental Achievement Awards.

This new highly competitive award celebrates and recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions toward enhancing and protecting the quality of our environment. Award recipients are from business, nonprofit and volunteer organizations, and government.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region has selected PhillyCarShare to receive one of the 2008 Environmental Achievement Awards.

This new highly competitive award celebrates and recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions toward enhancing and protecting the quality of our environment. Award recipients are from business, nonprofit and volunteer organizations, and government.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region has selected PhillyCarShare to receive one of the 2008 Environmental Achievement Awards.

This new highly competitive award celebrates and recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions toward enhancing and protecting the quality of our environment. Award recipients are from business, nonprofit and volunteer organizations, and government.

Come check out Footprint’s bamboo ecowear (www.FootprintBamboo.com) first hand this Sunday at GreenFest Philly

Row A table 17 

More info http://www.greenfestphilly.org/

GreenFest Philly is a one-day street fair FREE to the public.  Over 200 exhibitors and 20,000 people are expected at the area’s largest environmental event. The event features vegetarian food, sneaker recycling, live music & entertainment, kids activities, bicycle valet, yoga, local produce, organic pastry contest, composting and recycling, Eco Exchange Fashion Show & Clothing Swap, Water Quality Symposium and Eco-Film Forum.  This year’s theme is water quality so grab your reusable water containers and fill up at our no-waste drinking water stations. 

August 24 1:00-3:30

Rineer Family Farms

Pequea, PA

Diversified Vegetable and Pastured Beef Farm

Come visit this beautiful 110-acre preserved farm located alongside the Pequea Creek.  Protected from development by the Lancaster Farmland Trust, the Rineer family has ensured that their land will remain available for agricultural purposes alone for generations to come. Daryl Rineer will show us his family’s diversified vegetable and beef farm where we will visit the pasture-raised cows and learn about the benefits of a grass-based diet to animal health and happiness. You’ll be able to taste the difference yourself when we have some of Rineer Family Farm’s own Black Angus beef burgers at our picnic!

 Ticket price includes a deliciously fresh and local picnic, and a donation to Fair Food. 

Prices: $25 Adult, $12 Child (6-13). Kids under 6 are free.

FMNP (WIC or Seniors) participants receive a 50% discount.

For more information, contact Catherine Down at Fair Food: (215) 386-5211 ext. 113 or fairfoodfarmtours@gmail.com

Fair Food is a project of White Dog Community Enterprises dedicated to bringing locally grown food into the Philadelphia marketplace and promoting humane, sustainable agriculture for the Greater Philadelphia region.

On Saturday, August 2nd the Sierra Club is hosting two clean energy bus tours in Philadelphia and Bucks County.  There will be local examples of clean energy solutions at work creating green jobs, slashing energy costs, and curbing global warming.

In Philadelphia the tour will highlight the Friends Center, Cusano Environmental Education Center, Project NEAT, Philly Car Share, and a Solar-Thermal Heating Demonstration.  We hope that you will be able to join us.

What: Philadelphia Clean Energy Bus Tour
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Kick off at the Energy Coordinating Agency at 10:00am
            1924 Arch Street
            Return to the Energy Coordinating Agency at 2:00pm

Register for a seat on the bus at:
http://action.sierraclub.org/PhillyEnergyTour
(limited seating available)

In Bucks County the tour will highlight Newtown Elementary, Bucks County Community College-Bristol, Exelon-Epuron Solar Energy Center, and the Gamesa wind turbine manufacturing facility.  Featured guest speakers are Congressman Murphy and the Bucks County Commissioners who will talk about the future of clean energy and green jobs.

What: Bucks Clean Energy Bus Tour
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Kick off at Newtown Elementary School at 9:00am
            1 Wrights Rd (between Eagle Rd and Route 413)
            Return to Newtown Elementary at 2:00pm

Register for a seat on the bus at:
http://action.sierraclub.org/BucksEnergyTour 
(limited seating available)

On Saturday, August 2nd the Sierra Club is hosting two clean energy bus tours in Philadelphia and Bucks County.  There will be local examples of clean energy solutions at work creating green jobs, slashing energy costs, and curbing global warming.

In Philadelphia the tour will highlight the Friends Center, Cusano Environmental Education Center, Project NEAT, Philly Car Share, and a Solar-Thermal Heating Demonstration.  We hope that you will be able to join us.

What: Philadelphia Clean Energy Bus Tour
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Kick off at the Energy Coordinating Agency at 10:00am
            1924 Arch Street
            Return to the Energy Coordinating Agency at 2:00pm

Register for a seat on the bus at:
http://action.sierraclub.org/PhillyEnergyTour
(limited seating available)

In Bucks County the tour will highlight Newtown Elementary, Bucks County Community College-Bristol, Exelon-Epuron Solar Energy Center, and the Gamesa wind turbine manufacturing facility.  Featured guest speakers are Congressman Murphy and the Bucks County Commissioners who will talk about the future of clean energy and green jobs.

What: Bucks Clean Energy Bus Tour
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Kick off at Newtown Elementary School at 9:00am
            1 Wrights Rd (between Eagle Rd and Route 413)
            Return to Newtown Elementary at 2:00pm

Register for a seat on the bus at:
http://action.sierraclub.org/BucksEnergyTour 
(limited seating available)

Fair Food Farm Tour Summer 2008 Series: Tour # 3
August 9, 2008 12:00-3:00
Cherry Grove Farm
Lawrenceville, NJ
Organic Pasture-Based Animal/Heirloom Pig/Cheese-making Farm

Join us for a trip to Cherry Grove Farm where we’ll visit their grass-fed cows, lambs, and heirloom Tamworth pigs in order to learn about the advantages of pasture-based farming- both for the nimals and the eaters! We’ll also visit their farmstand and cheese-making facilities to learn how they make their delicious cheeses (and taste some as well)!

Ticket price includes a deliciously fresh and local picnic, and a donation to Fair Food.

Prices: $25 Adult, $12 Child (6-13). Kids under 6 are free.

FMNP (WIC or Seniors) participants receive a 50% discount.

For more information, contact Catherine Down at Fair Food: (215) 386-5211 ext. 113 or fairfoodfarmtours@gmail.com

Fair Food Farm Tour Summer 2008 Series: Tour # 3
August 9, 2008 12:00-3:00
Cherry Grove Farm
Lawrenceville, NJ
Organic Pasture-Based Animal/Heirloom Pig/Cheese-making Farm

Join us for a trip to Cherry Grove Farm where we’ll visit their grass-fed cows, lambs, and heirloom Tamworth pigs in order to learn about the advantages of pasture-based farming- both for the nimals and the eaters! We’ll also visit their farmstand and cheese-making facilities to learn how they make their delicious cheeses (and taste some as well)!

Ticket price includes a deliciously fresh and local picnic, and a donation to Fair Food.

Prices: $25 Adult, $12 Child (6-13). Kids under 6 are free.

FMNP (WIC or Seniors) participants receive a 50% discount.

For more information, contact Catherine Down at Fair Food: (215) 386-5211 ext. 113 or fairfoodfarmtours@gmail.com

Fair Food Farm Tour Summer 2008 Series: Tour # 3
August 9, 2008 12:00-3:00
Cherry Grove Farm
Lawrenceville, NJ
Organic Pasture-Based Animal/Heirloom Pig/Cheese-making Farm

Join us for a trip to Cherry Grove Farm where we’ll visit their grass-fed cows, lambs, and heirloom Tamworth pigs in order to learn about the advantages of pasture-based farming- both for the nimals and the eaters! We’ll also visit their farmstand and cheese-making facilities to learn how they make their delicious cheeses (and taste some as well)!

Ticket price includes a deliciously fresh and local picnic, and a donation to Fair Food.

Prices: $25 Adult, $12 Child (6-13). Kids under 6 are free.

FMNP (WIC or Seniors) participants receive a 50% discount.

For more information, contact Catherine Down at Fair Food: (215) 386-5211 ext. 113 or fairfoodfarmtours@gmail.com

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As is often the case with news from Harrisburg, I’m writing with some good news and some bad news. And a call to action.First the good news: the state budget deal announced Monday includes a $650 million alternative energy funding package, including $180 million for solar power and $25 million for wind and geothermal energy. While less than we had been requesting, this is still a monumental step forward for clean energy in Pennsylvania.

Now the bad news: despite receiving thousands of calls and emails in support of the energy efficiency plan outlined in House Bill 2200, the state Senate is leaving for its summer recess without passing HB 2200.

Let your state senator know that the Senate’s inaction on energy efficiency is unacceptable, and that HB 2200 must be passed immediately upon the Senate’s return this fall:

http://www.pennenvironment.org/action/new-energy-future/sen-followup?id4=ES

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but the longer we wait to get serious about cutting our energy use, the more harm will be done to Pennsylvania’s environment and our economy. But still, the Senate somehow chose to put this debate off until the fall.

To send an email to your senator today, click on this link:
http://www.pennenvironment.org/action/new-energy-future/sen-followup?id4=ES

As is often the case with news from Harrisburg, I’m writing with some good news and some bad news. And a call to action.First the good news: the state budget deal announced Monday includes a $650 million alternative energy funding package, including $180 million for solar power and $25 million for wind and geothermal energy. While less than we had been requesting, this is still a monumental step forward for clean energy in Pennsylvania.

Now the bad news: despite receiving thousands of calls and emails in support of the energy efficiency plan outlined in House Bill 2200, the state Senate is leaving for its summer recess without passing HB 2200.

Let your state senator know that the Senate’s inaction on energy efficiency is unacceptable, and that HB 2200 must be passed immediately upon the Senate’s return this fall:

http://www.pennenvironment.org/action/new-energy-future/sen-followup?id4=ES

I know I’m preaching to the choir, but the longer we wait to get serious about cutting our energy use, the more harm will be done to Pennsylvania’s environment and our economy. But still, the Senate somehow chose to put this debate off until the fall.

To send an email to your senator today, click on this link:
http://www.pennenvironment.org/action/new-energy-future/sen-followup?id4=ES

New Analysis Reveals Comprehensive Approach to Saving Money on Gas Today

Simple Strategies are Sure-Fire Ways for Drivers to Save Cash by Saving Gas

PENNSYLVANIA (July 2, 2008) – A new analysis from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that keeping vehicles properly maintained, driving smoothly and using transportation alternatives one day per week can save the average driver about $800 on gas per year. The analysis, “Tuning Up America: Real Relief for High Gas Prices,” evaluates and offers strategies to help drivers save gas with the cars they already own. The potential fuel savings are laid out for the 256 different automatic transmission passenger vehicles sold domestically in the United States in model year 2000.

“When the information is made available that offshore and Arctic drilling will only change gas prices by 4 cents a gallon 18 years from now, people are realizing that a kneejerk reaction in Congress might only make things worse”, said Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director of the Clean Air Council. “We already have the tools we need to save money on gasoline. Being a conservative driver can be highly effective and the savings are immediate.”

The analysis evaluated three primary strategies for reducing fuel costs at the pump:

Vehicle Maintenance – Tuning up and maintaining the engine, keeping tires properly inflated, using manufacturers’ recommended oil, and removing heavy unnecessary items from trunks and roof racks.

Smooth Driving – Avoiding rapid acceleration and aggressive high-speed driving.

Transportation Alternatives – Replacing single-occupancy car commuting one day a week with public transportation, carpooling, telecommuting or other options.

Savings for Top 10 Bestselling Vehicles in 2000:*

Smooth Driving

Maintenance

Commute Less

$371

$346

$302

$364

$332

$290

$371

$346

$302

$244

$229

$200

$254

$240

$209

$280

$273

$238

$219

$203

$178

$232

$214

$187

$292

$271

$237

$351

$326

$284

*Savings in table are based on making the most of the tips listed above and may vary depending on vehicle condition and previous driving habits.

“The right way to deal with high gas prices is by reducing demand through greater efficiency,” said Jim Presswood, energy analyst at NRDC. “We should not open up pristine areas for a drop in the bucket of oil. We have proven ways at our fingertips to save gas, by promoting fuel-efficient technology.”

To read the full analysis, go to http://www.nrdc.org/energy/fuelsavings.pdf

To see the data for all 256 models go to: http://www.nrdc.org/energy/fuelsavings-table.html

New Analysis Reveals Comprehensive Approach to Saving Money on Gas Today

Simple Strategies are Sure-Fire Ways for Drivers to Save Cash by Saving Gas

PENNSYLVANIA (July 2, 2008) – A new analysis from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that keeping vehicles properly maintained, driving smoothly and using transportation alternatives one day per week can save the average driver about $800 on gas per year. The analysis, “Tuning Up America: Real Relief for High Gas Prices,” evaluates and offers strategies to help drivers save gas with the cars they already own. The potential fuel savings are laid out for the 256 different automatic transmission passenger vehicles sold domestically in the United States in model year 2000.

“When the information is made available that offshore and Arctic drilling will only change gas prices by 4 cents a gallon 18 years from now, people are realizing that a kneejerk reaction in Congress might only make things worse”, said Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director of the Clean Air Council. “We already have the tools we need to save money on gasoline. Being a conservative driver can be highly effective and the savings are immediate.”

The analysis evaluated three primary strategies for reducing fuel costs at the pump:

Vehicle Maintenance – Tuning up and maintaining the engine, keeping tires properly inflated, using manufacturers’ recommended oil, and removing heavy unnecessary items from trunks and roof racks.

Smooth Driving – Avoiding rapid acceleration and aggressive high-speed driving.

Transportation Alternatives – Replacing single-occupancy car commuting one day a week with public transportation, carpooling, telecommuting or other options.

Savings for Top 10 Bestselling Vehicles in 2000:*

Smooth Driving

Maintenance

Commute Less

$371

$346

$302

$364

$332

$290

$371

$346

$302

$244

$229

$200

$254

$240

$209

$280

$273

$238

$219

$203

$178

$232

$214

$187

$292

$271

$237

$351

$326

$284

*Savings in table are based on making the most of the tips listed above and may vary depending on vehicle condition and previous driving habits.

“The right way to deal with high gas prices is by reducing demand through greater efficiency,” said Jim Presswood, energy analyst at NRDC. “We should not open up pristine areas for a drop in the bucket of oil. We have proven ways at our fingertips to save gas, by promoting fuel-efficient technology.”

To read the full analysis, go to http://www.nrdc.org/energy/fuelsavings.pdf

To see the data for all 256 models go to: http://www.nrdc.org/energy/fuelsavings-table.html

The Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association is offering a wind turbine installation class, July 9-12, at the Kempton Community Recreation Center in Berks County.

To enroll in the workshop, please visit http://www.paenergyfest.com/downloads/08skystream.doc

The public is invited to enroll in the workshop, where they will learn the basics of small, grid-tied residential wind turbine systems, site selection and design, the permit process, electrical safety and installation of a Skystream 3.7 wind turbine on 50-foot monopole tilt-up tower (no crane needed).

The Skystream was developed with funding through the Department of Energy.  It is designed for small-scale residential projects with the emphasis on quiet operation, minimal parts and low operating speeds.   According to Southwest Windpower, an annual average wind speed of 12 mph will produce 400 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, about one-half the average consumption of a Berks County household.

Cost of the class, which includes lunches, is $375 and enrollment is limited to 15.

For more information, contact Bill Hennessy at bill@berkssolar.com or call 610 682 4300 or visit  http://www.paenergyfest.com  

The Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association is offering a wind turbine installation class, July 9-12, at the Kempton Community Recreation Center in Berks County.

To enroll in the workshop, please visit http://www.paenergyfest.com/downloads/08skystream.doc

The public is invited to enroll in the workshop, where they will learn the basics of small, grid-tied residential wind turbine systems, site selection and design, the permit process, electrical safety and installation of a Skystream 3.7 wind turbine on 50-foot monopole tilt-up tower (no crane needed).

The Skystream was developed with funding through the Department of Energy.  It is designed for small-scale residential projects with the emphasis on quiet operation, minimal parts and low operating speeds.   According to Southwest Windpower, an annual average wind speed of 12 mph will produce 400 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, about one-half the average consumption of a Berks County household.

Cost of the class, which includes lunches, is $375 and enrollment is limited to 15.

For more information, contact Bill Hennessy at bill@berkssolar.com or call 610 682 4300 or visit  http://www.paenergyfest.com