Editor’s note: This article was adapted from Marcy Denker’s Green News Roundup for the Rivertowns email newsletter. Click here to subscribe and receive the newsletter in your inbox every month.
WASTE-FREE, PLASTIC-FREE HOLIDAY
Food waste American households will waste millions of pounds of food this holiday season, according to one recent estimate from ReFED, a New York-based food-waste research organization. Here are six simple tips to make your Thanksgiving (or any holiday party) plastic-free and zero waste.
Remember, Orangetown and Clarkstown residents can drop off all kinds of food scraps for composting.
ORANGETOWN COMPLETES GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
The Town of Orangetown has completed an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from government operations. Transportation is the largest source of emissions, followed by sewage treatment. The Summary Report includes a list of energy efficiency features of the new Town Hall and a proposed projects Future Projects to reduce GHG emissions, including solar canopies and floating solar arrays in reservoirs. See the Summary Report here.
YOUTH FOR CLIMATE ACTION IS BACK
Are you a high school student concerned about climate change? Do you want to make a meaningful difference here in Rockland County? Join the Rockland County 4-H Youth for Climate Action, where you can enhance your knowledge of the issues, develop leadership skills, and work with your peers to address climate change. Learn more here about this terrific program for high school students and spread the word.
ROCKLAND COUNTY SEEKS COORDINATOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources is seeking a candidate to work in their fast-paced department to oversee the maintenance of their county parks and carry out the day-today functions. The work is specialized, diverse and can be complex in nature. This is technical and administrative work involving responsibility for developing and implementing policies with particular emphasis on protecting the environment. In addition, supervision and coordination of a team that has responsibility for the County parks and has responsibility for environmental and sustainability assignments/projects. Read the full details here.
ROCKLAND COUNTY DESIGNATED CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY, RECEIVES 5K GRANT
Rockland has officially been named a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) after completing four High Impact Actions within the program and will receive a $5,000 Designation Grant. The grant will be used to purchase electric landscaping equipment to be utilized by the Facilities Management division of the Department of General Services. A sampling of electric battery-operated equipment, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and weed trimmers, will be obtained to help the County determine how best to transition to the use of electric equipment for maintaining County grounds. Read the full announcement here.
CALLING ALL EV AND HEAT PUMP OWNERS
If you own an EV or have installed a heat pump or heat pump hot water heater in recent years, Nyack’s Climate Smart Committee would like to hear from you. We’re assembling a team of local ambassadors to help others in the community learn more and make decisions about climate smart vehicle and heating purchases as part of upcoming campaigns. Please contact Steve Cea at scea2014@gmail.com.
Here is an info-packed article about heat pumps from the New York League of Conservation Voters–how they work, costs, incentives and more.
HOW TO MULCH MOW by Compost Carrot
Rockland Composters mascot, Compost Carrot, demonstrates his technique for mowing a thick layer of leaves, which will then break down through the fall and winter to fertilize the lawn. See the video here. (He’s a fine musician too!)
