Mr. Gore's plan is far from perfect.  He wants to include nuclear energy and coal sequestration in the mix of new sources of fuel.  However, he has set the bar at a very high level which the Presidential contenders and Congressional leaders can either endorse or come up with their own alternatives.  This is the 21st century version of President Kennedy's vision for a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s.  Landing a man on the moon in 1969 was a tremendous challenge but we did it.  Making 100% of our electricity from renewable and carbon neutral sources in ten years is a daunting challenge but we must rise to the challenge or face awful consequences.  

The first session will be a lecture introducing the meaning of sustainability in a comprehensive manner and will take place on Tuesday, October 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.  The next two sessions will be dedicated to the Green Boroughs Walking Tour of the East Village and Lower East Side on Sunday, October 12 and the Green Boroughs Walking Tour of the West Village and Soho on Sunday October 19 from 1 - 3 PM.  The last session will be devoted to 2 exciting panel discussions with green business owners and environmental leaders.  It will take place on Tuesday, October 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. 

This is the first class of its kind in New York City.  At a cost of only $39 it's a great deal!  For more information and to register for this course please go to www.bmcc.cuny.edu/ce/course_listing.jsp.

It was only my second time at a Green Drinks event and my first time ever at Tavern on the Green so it was definitely a special experience.  However, after a while, I felt that there were just too many people there.  The Tavern on the Green staff was totally overwhelmed.  It took me about 2 hours to get a simple glass of ginger ale!  A couple of people I spoke to agreed with me that it may be time to split up the group into smaller pieces such as West Side and East Side or Upper Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.  I know there are Green Drinks groups in Brooklyn, Queens, and Westchester.  Maybe it's time for a Bronx Green Drinks also.  I like the fact that the NYC group attracts people from all five boroughs and the entire metropolitan area but when you have several hundred people in a small space it's not very enjoyable.

So I'm putting it out there.  Is anyone interested in creating a Bronx Green Drinks group?  Do you agree with me that the Green Drinks NYC events are too big?  If so, what do you think is the solution?  Please send your comments to Les@greenboroughs.com.

See the Walking Tours section of this web-site for the schedule of upcoming tours.  Keep in mind that we also offer custom tours on weekdays and Sundays through the fall.  Call 718.530.5074 or send an e-mail to Les@greenboroughs.com for more information.

It's important to know that recycling is a manufacturing process that breaks a product down into its raw materials and makes a new product from these materials.  Recycling requires a substantial amount of energy to transport an item to the recycling center, break it down into its raw materials, and make a new product.  Once a product is made, it should be re-used or recycled.  However, the best way to reduce waste and help prevent global warming is to reduce waste at the source by not buying stuff you don't need. 

In New York City, residents are required to recycle newspapers, mixed paper, magazines, catalogs, cardboard, metal cans, metal pots and pans, wire hangers, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and jugs, and beverage and juice cartons.  The recycling law has been in effect for several years but surprisingly, there are still New Yorkers who don't understand it.

Unfortunately, there are many items that can not be recycled in New York City such as: cell phones, batteries, computer equipment, styrofoam, plastic take-out containers, tires, old clothing and many others.  However, the Lower East Side Ecology Center, (www.lesecologycenter.org) sponsors special electronic recycling events throughout the year and the NYC Dept. of Sanitation, (www.nyc.gov/wasteless) sponsors special collection days for electronics, textiles, and other items.  Recently, the City Council passed a law to require electronic products manufacturers and distributors in NYC to take back used items for recycling.  So, don't throw out your used electronic stuff!  If it's in good condition, consider donating it or selling it.  If it's not in good condition, you may be able to return it to the manufacturer for recycling.   

Do you have a question about recycling?  I may be able to help you!  Feel free to e-mail me at Les@greenboroughs.com with your questions about recycling and waste prevention.  If I don't know the answer, I will find it.