Newsletter

 Last Updated 9/7/2010

GreeningUSA advocates for sustainable communities to the benefit of local economies and environments.

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Before printing this email, ask yourself if it is really necessary.
 
EcoInsight:   Green schools for all within this generation – including preschools.

http://www.greenschoolbuildings.org/Homepage.aspx

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Thanks to New Member:

Gary Sluzar, Geo Real Estate Services, West Monroe

Thanks to Renewing Members:

Geraldine C. Aird, Environmental Health Advocate and Community Organizer, Syracuse RogerW. Bradley, Partner, Melvin & Melvin PLLC, Syracuse

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GreeningUSA Launches 12 Traits© Community Rating

System Beta Test and Public Comment Period

GreeningUSA created some real excitement at their Sixth Annual meeting on May 26 by announcing the launch of the 12 Traits© Community Rating System Beta Test Self Assessment Manual and Public Comment Period.  The Syracuse Post-Standard picked up the story on May 27, and again in their editorial section on Sunday, May 30. 

The 12 Traits© is a comprehensive system to determine the overall sustainability of an existing city, town, village or county.   It is the most comprehensive rating system developed for communities to measure their successes, and to make sense of how to prioritize future initiatives in their move to become truly sustainable.  The City of Syracuse has signed on as the first beta tester, and the organization is currently seeking other communities, organizations and individuals to become involved in one of three ways:

     1.   Public Comment Period – is open until September 30, 2010.  Read and review the 12 Traits© Self-Assessment manual and give us your constructive feedback.

     2.   Community Beta Testers - are being sought to complete the self-assessment by the end of this year.

     3.   Expert Virtual Committees are being formed by those with specific expertise in any of the 12 Traits. 

   

To download a copy of the 12 Traits© Self-Assessment Manual, please visit the GreeningUSA web site at www.GreeningUSA.org  

To become a Community Beta Tester or to volunteer to serve on an Expert Virtual Committee, please email the 12 Traits© Program Manager, Peter Arsenault, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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GreeningUSA on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131259257161

You can also join us on Plaxohttp://greeningusa.plaxogroups.com

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in this issue...

Greening Calendar of Events:  (scroll down for details)

Greening in the News Headlines:  (scroll down for details)
- Long, hot summer of fire and floods around the world fits predictions of climate change

- Greenland Glacier Calves Island Four Times the Size of Manhattan

 

Sustainable Communities in the News Headlines:  (scroll down for details)
- The hottest summer since records began 130 years ago in Russia

 

Greening Legislation:  (scroll down for details)

- Proposed bill promotes sustainable community planning

- Eco-friendly disposal of e-waste

 

Greening Resources:  (scroll down for details)

- Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies

- Green Back to School Ideas

- Environmental Working Group’s Back to School Guide

- GrowWNY launches new online resource for Western NY

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Greening Calendar of Events

New Listing

Ithaca:  Ithaca College Sustainability Leadership

September 8-21, 2010

Ithaca College

 

Sustainability Leadership

Seminars in the Professional Certificate Program

Registration:  www.ithaca.edu/gps/sl   

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Syracuse:  SUNY ESF Outreach

September 13 – 16, 2010

On-line and in-person study


Photovoltaic Installer and Maintenance Training

Solar Power as Renewable Energy (SPARE)

Board-recognized by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

NOTE:  Beginning June 30, 2011 NYSERDA will be requiring all PV installers in New York

State to be NABCEP Certified.

Info:   http://www.esf.edu/outreach/pd/spare/

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New Listing

Latham:  Canadian Consulate Buffalo, Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation, AIA Eastern NY & U.S. Green Building Council, New York Upstate Chapter

September 16, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Hotel Indigo

 

Architectural Seminar:  Green Building Solutions

Free - Registration Required

Questions:  Kat Scrivener, 416-250-2779, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    

Program & Registration:  http://www.greenupstateny.org/uploads/AIA_Albany_2010.pdf

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New Listing

Syracuse:  F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse

September 17, 2010, 7:30 – 8:45 a.m.

City Hall Commons, 1st fl Atrium

 

The Near Westside Initiative

Presenters:  Maarten Jacobs, Director, Near Westside Initiative (NWSI)

Alys Mann, Director, Neighborhhod Planning and Property Redevelopment

Everyone is welcome!

More Information:   Charlotte Holstein, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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New Listing

Ithaca:  F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse

September 17, 2010, 8:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Ithaca College, Campus Center, Emerson Suites       

 

The Clean Energy Summit

Re-Imagining Upstate New York’s Energy Future

Closing Keynote:  The Honorable Maurice Hinchey, U.S. Representative, 22nd District of NY

Pre-registration required.

Register Online:   http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/clean_energy_summit_registration

Questions or interested in tabling:   Marian Brown, 607-274-3787 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Ithaca:  Earthdance

September 18, 2010

Tutelo Park


Earthdance

A Global Time-Synchronized Event for World Peace

Ithaca Event Information:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

World-Wide Event:  www.earthdance.org

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New Listing

Syracuse:  Syracuse University

September 21, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Hendricks Chapel

 

Green the Ghetto and How Much it Won’t Cost Us

University Lectures

Speaker:  Majora Carter, Environmental Justice Advocate and

Founder of Sustainable South Bronx

Free and open to the public.

Information:   http://lectures.syr.edu/ 

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New Listing

Buffalo:  Senator Thompson’s Office

October 21, 2010, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Merriweather Library


Business Gets Green

Network and learn about green business opportunities

Info:    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Syracuse:  State University of New York, College of Environmental Science & Forestry

September 21-October 28, 2010

SUNY ESF Campus, Baker Lab, Room 408

 

Leading Sustainability in Public, Private and Nonprofit Organizations

More Information:    http://www.esf.edu/outreach/ls/agenda.htm

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Verona:  American Society of Interior Designers, NY Upstate/Canada East Chapter

September 23 & 24, 2010

Turning Stone Resort & Casino


DNA (Design, Network, Aspire) Chapter Conference

Topics of Focus:  LEED/sustainability for healthcare and education,

generations in the workplace,  and design for the aging.

Featuring extensive education workshops, product exhibits, vendor tradeshow,

student career day and the Chapter Annual Meeting.

More Information:  http://www.asidnyuce.webs.com/  

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Buffalo:  Daemen College

September 25, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

6th Annual WNY Environmental Summit

Free & Open to the Public

Call for Exhibitors

Information:  Brenda Young, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Syracuse:  Syracuse Center of Excellence

September 27-28, 2010

 

The 10th Annual Symposium on Environmental & Energy Systems

Restoring Sustainable, Healthy Communities

Information:  http://www.syracusecoe.org/coe/sub1.html?skuvar=56

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Buffalo:  North American Association for Environmental Education

September 28 – October 2, 2010

Hyatt Regency Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Convention Center


7th Annual Research Symposium and

39th NAAEE Annual Conference

Environmental Education:  Building Connections-Bridging Gaps

Information:  www.naaee.org/conference

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New Listing

Syracuse:  F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, The Tech Garden,

Small Business Administration, WISE & SUNY OCC

September 30, 2010, 12:00 noon

 

The Power of Green

Innovative networking event for green entrepreneurs

 – in particular, women.

Everyone is welcome!

More Information:   Charlotte Holstein, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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New Listing

Syracuse:  Rosamond Gifford Lecture Series

October 5, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

On Center

 

Michael Pollan

Author of In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, The Omnivore’s Dilemma:

A Natural History of Four Meals,  The Botany of Desire:  A Plant’s Eye

View of the World and numerous other books and articles about food,

ecology and sustainability.

More Information:  http://giffordlectureseries.org/FOCLNews/CalendarOfEvents/tabid/412/vw/3/ItemID/549/d/20101005/Default.aspx          

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New Listing

Buffalo:  American Institute of Architects, New York State

& American Society of Landscape Architects Upstate Chapter

October 14-16, 2010

Buffalo Niagara Convention Center

 

Cultural Architectural

AIA NYS and ASLA Upstate Chapter 2010 Convention

LUs, HSW & SD Continuing Education Credits Available

More Information:  http://www.aianys.org/2010Convention/index.html         

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Syracuse:  SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry

October 17-19, 2010

Syracuse University Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center


8th Biennial Short Rotation Woody Crops

Operations Working Group Conference

More Information:  www.esf.edu/outreach/pd/2010/srwc 

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New Listing

Buffalo:  Senator Thompson’s Office

October 21, 2010, 7:30 p.m.

Merriweather Library

 

Business Gets Green

Monthly presentations by green business owners.

More Information:  Bill Nowak, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it       

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Syracuse:  SUNY ESF and the Sustainable Enterprise Partnership (SEP)

November 3 & 4, 2010

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry


SURE Program

Sustainable Use of Renewable Energy:  Renewable Technologies and

Carbon Cycling

November 3:  Renewable Energy 101

November 4:  Renewable Technologies and Carbon Cycling

Information:  www.esf.edu/outreach/sure/

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Syracuse:  SUNY ESF Outreach

November 18, 2010, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

SUNY ESF Campus, Banker Lab, Rm 408


Green Infrastructure Symposium 2010:

Growing Green Infrastructure in Central New York

Info:  http://www.esf.edu/outreach/gi/fall2010/ 

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Call for Abstracts – Deadline October 15.  http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/ 

East Syracuse:  SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry

March 24-25, 2011

Doubletree Hotel, 6301 State Route 298


9th Annual Green Building Conference

Keynote Speaker:  James Howard Kunstler

Urban Planning Expert, Social Critic, Author, Journalist

More Information:    http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/

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Greening in the News

from the Post-Standard

 

Long, hot summer of fire and floods around the world

fits predictions of climate change

Floods, fires, melting ice and feverish heat: From smoke-choked Moscow to water-soaked

Iowa and the High Arctic, the planet seems to be having a midsummer breakdown. It’s not

just a portent of things to come, scientists say, but a sign of troubling climate change

already under way.

Full Story: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/08/long_hot_summer_of_fire_and_fl.html 

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from Science Daily

 

Greenland Glacier Calves Island Four Times the Size of Manhattan

Delaware researcher reports that an "ice island" four times the size of Manhattan has

calved from Greenland's Petermann Glacier. The last time the Arctic lost such a large

chunk of ice was in 1962.

Full Story:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100806161859.htm

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Sustainable Communities in the News

from Yahoo News

 

The hottest summer since records began 130 years ago in Russia

Officials have said that the scorching heat and smog have doubled the number of deaths

recorded in Moscow.

Full Story:  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_russia_fires  

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Greening Legislation
GreeningUSA urges you to be aware and be involved!

 

From UPI.com

 

Proposed bill promotes sustainable community planning

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A bill making its way through the U.S. Senate aims

to help American communities plan for the future.


The legislation, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., provides for

planning and grants that would allow communities to better coordinate transportation,

housing and community development The goals for communities include reducing traffic,

encouraging economic growth, preserving green space and creating more affordable housing.

Full Story:  http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2010/08/03/Proposed-bill-promotes-sustainable-community-planning/UPI-94721280863778/ 

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from the Green UniverseCity at Syracuse University

 

Eco-friendly disposal of e-waste

New York consumers and the environment scored a big win in May when the state’s lawmakers

passed a comprehensive e-waste law. Effective April 1, 2011, manufacturers are required to

take back their electronics such as computers and TVs – regardless of purchase date and at

no cost to most consumers – for proper disposal and recycling. Fees may be charged to

businesses and non-profits with more than 50 and 75 employees, respectively.

Full Story:  http://greenuniversecity.syr.edu/Newsletters.html

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Time to Renew:  Please continue to support sustainable communities

by renewing your membership.

Our Mission:  GreeningUSA advocates sustainable communities

to the benefit of local economies and environments.      

Our Goals:

Sustainable Communities:  Promote, support and advocate sustainable communities.

  • Develop and promote the 12 Traits of Sustainable Communities Manual of Best Practices.
  • Invite and enlist reference standards that exist throughout the nation.
  • Educate others about green and sustainable design.
  • Promote and advocate local economies using green technology, research and development through meaningful links to industries, research entities and professions.
  • Create sustainable communities from pro-active interaction with government leaders.

 

Sustainable Organizations:  Foster synergy, awareness and linkages with other sustainable organizations.

  • Assemble data and information resources to support other organizations and entities.
  • Communicate with members and the public to promote the activities of all green and sustainable environmental organizations.

 

National Membership:  Develop a national membership base, and a financial sponsorship base with programs or resources specifically for these groups.

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THE NEXT GreeningUSA BOARD MEETING:  The public is invited to Board Meetings.  To reserve a seat,

contact Diane Brandli, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     Voting during Board Meetings is reserved

for Board of Directors.  The Board reserves the right to call a closed session.
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Greening Resources

 

from the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ)

 

Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies

This guide lists the most common back-to-school supplies made out of toxic PVC

and suggests safer PVC-free products in over 20 product categories.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/852/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=5306

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from Mother Earth News

 

Green Back to School Ideas

Go There

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from Environmental Working Group

 

Back to School Guide

Go There

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from The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

 

GrowWNY launches new online resource for Western NY

GrowWNY is a hyperlocal source of information about living green‐‐powered by more

than 150 organizations collaborating for our regional environment and YOU.

www.growwny.org

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For an extensive list of "Sustainable Links", visit our web site at www.greeningusa.org.
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GreeningUSA does not endorse the above events, companies or products.  We suggest you verify details.
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Furthering the Conversation...
We encourage you to reply to this email to:

  • send us your Green news,
  • suggest improvements,
  • get involved!

 

Opt-in/Opt-Out
To opt-in or opt-out from future mailings, email Diane Brandli at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Appreciate the value of the GreeningUSA News Digest?  Please forward it to those who may be interested.

JOIN THE MOMENTUM:  BECOME A MEMBER OF GreeningUSA!
A membership application can be downloaded from our web site at www.greeningusa.org.

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GreeningUSA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 September 2010 )