Around 200 community members showed up for Friday’s press conference, organized by Sustainable Finger Lakes on behalf of the FLX Strong coalition, as part of the statewide ‘Stop Data Centers’ tour. This is led by State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who introduced the bill (S.10642, the Responsible Data Center Development Act) and the environmental group Food…
As part of the Trump Administration’s support for developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and power generation, they have rolled out a new proposal that would allow companies to start building industrial facilities before receiving an air pollution control permit. This would contradict the Clean Air Act policy, where the law requires companies to refrain from…
Findings from the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) report share five issues that emerge as the most prominent challenges facing New York’s power grid. In summary, the five issues are listed below: For more information and details of the key issues, and why upstate NY residents should care, read the staff report from Finger…
On Monday, June 8th, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin visited Binghamton to call for a rollback of the state’s ban on natural gas extraction, which includes fracking. This would push NY state to continue with the Constitution Pipeline project, a controversial 125-mile-long pipeline that would pass through Broome, Chenango, and Delaware counties. Zeldin’s visit…
EarthJustice responded to Hochul’s op-ed (Fitting NY’s climate goals to reality), in which she argues that common-sense updates to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act need to be made, in order to balance the line between protecting the planet while also lowering people’s energy bills. However, representatives at EarthJustice criticize that she is evading…
Robert Howarth, who is deeply involved in the environmental management and policy for communities at the state, national, and international levels, has called for a two-year moratorium on new nuclear power in New York State. He argues that the push for nuclear would go against the recommendations of the Climate Action Council and increase energy…
Shira Evergreen created a documentary video for the Regional Assessment and Barriers Analysis report from CCE Smart Energy Choices – Southern Tier, aka our Regional Clean Energy Hub. Check out the documentary here.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to join Tompkins County in asking the DEC to reject TeraWulf Inc.’s request to draw over a million gallons a day to cool its proposed AI data center facility. This would require the DEC to review the project plan and then reject or reprocess the permit as…
Seneca Meadows, the largest landfill in New York, remains open despite being slated to close at the end of last year. The landfill operator is also seeking to expand the site, which could keep it operating until 2040. While the expansion has not been approved, Seneca Meadows has resubmitted environmental impact statements, and the Department…
In an article from January 2026, the Board of Trustees of Wells College, a liberal arts college that closed in 2024 after 156 years of operation, agreed to sell the campus to the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge. The institute is a nonprofit organization focused on Native American history and education. Their plans are to…
Article from River Reporter By NEIL SELDMAN and YAYOI KOIZUMI NEW YORK STATE — The New York Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S7408/A8007), an extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill, is one of the most talked-about environmental bills in Albany this year. On paper, it aims to make corporations responsible for the packaging waste they…
Located in Yates County, along Seneca Lake, Anthony Road Wine Company has an ideal microclimate – cool temperatures in the summer and a few degrees above average temperature in the winter – for growing grapes. Their products depend on this delicate climate, and their mission of farming responsibly reflects that. To Anthony Road Wine Company,…
While much of the focus has been on the impact on SNAP benefits, the ongoing government shutdown is also affecting a program that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers rely on to help heat their homes. The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, has had its application process delayed until further notice due…
You know those tough, tennis-ball-shaped fruits that litter your yard every year and you ignore? Those are Black Walnuts, and they play a much more important role in our environment than you expect. Black Walnuts are an important species native to New York State, and Black Squirrel Farm aims to keep them from going to…
The New Roots Charter School, founded on values of empowering and educating students on paths in social, economic, and ecological sustainability, is now expanding its operations to be a middle and high school starting this Fall. New Roots offers interdisciplinary coursework for eligible students from grades 6-12, featuring hands-on, community-based learning that gives students problem-solving…
As many NYSEG customers have realized, energy costs have gone up and will continue to rise. Gerri Wiley is a volunteer and long-term resident in NY’s Southern Tier, dedicated to tracking and breaking down delivery and supply cost increases through periodic updates. For electricity delivery costs, the major factors affecting these include aging infrastructure and…
Seneca Lake Guardian (SLG) is a small grassroots group dedicated to preserving and protecting the health of the Finger Lakes Region, its residents and visitors, rural community character, and agricultural and tourist-related businesses that depend on the lake for their livelihoods. Their advocacy includes public education, citizen participation, engagement with decision makers, and networking with…
(The Ithaca Times, 09-18-25, by Matt Dougherty) Despite polling showing that the 2024 presidential race was a toss up, Donald Trump increased his share of votes among several key demographic groups and won every single swing state as well as the popular vote. In response, Indivisible Tompkins was established to inform residents about their rights to protest…
Yvonee Taylor, Co-Founder & Vice President of Seneca Lake Guardian, and President of the National Coalition Against Cryptomining, has been named to the Grist 50. Each year, Grist recognizes 50 leaders and innovators driving bold climate solutions in the country. Yvonne’s inclusion on this list is a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting…
Local environmental groups and community members are raising concerns about a proposal to repurpose the former Cayuga Power Plant site in Lansing, New York, into a large‑scale data center operated by TeraWulf. Gay Nicholson of Sustainable Finger Lakes cautions that short-term benefits, such as increased property tax revenue and construction jobs generated, will not translate…
From the Digital Team at FingerLakes 1 The Finger Lakes Region is a hidden gem when it comes to sustainable living. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, we’re witnessing a surge in eco-conscious practices that not only benefit the environment but also enhance our quality of life. From local farms adopting organic methods…
Read the full article by Rosemary Misdary for Gothamist here. A group of Finger Lakes residents say they’re fed up and taking action against a local cryptomining company as it continues to operate a gas-fired power plant, despite being denied an air permit more than three years ago. The state Department of Environmental Conservation rejected…
Discover how Groton Public Library’s bike repair station came to life with support from our Neighborhood Mini-Grant and see the impact it’s having on the community. 💚🚴♀️ Watch the full interview to learn about the project and its impact!
As demand for both data centers and energy rises, concerns are growing in Pennsylvania about the strain on the power grid. President Trump recently promoted major energy and tech investments in the state, which will need substantial electricity to support planned data centers. The International Energy Agency predicts global data center electricity use will double…
Brandon Hoak (co-founder alongside Ash Ferlito) explains their vision for sustainability through this project! With support from our Neighborhood Mini-Grant, The Marshy Garden, now a native plant and pollinator garden, blossomed into a welcoming space for the community to grow, gather, and connect. 💚 Watch the full interview to learn about the project and its…
Hilary Boyer truly understands how education is an important aspect of sustainability! 🌎 With support from our Neighborhood Mini-Grant, Open Doors English purchased a library cart and books. This initiative is giving students access to reading materials that help them practice English, expand their knowledge, and grow together as a community. Watch the full interview…
Cayuga, Schuyler and Seneca County Cooperative Exension (CCE) associations now are recruiting applicants for the Fall 2025 cohort for this volunteer training, which is described in detail in the release below. Please note that while this training will be offered statewide, not all CCE associations are participating, and the application link and contact info included here…
Students and staff from the Onondaga Nation School and Cornell Botanic Gardens collaborated to transform their school grounds into a culturally significant garden space last September. This year-long collaboration culminated in a medicinal garden on the Onondaga Nation school grounds, located in Nedrow, New York. The garden project aligns with the goals of the Onondaga…
See Press Release below: LOCAL STUDENT AYDEN GRACE GITHINJI RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR: New Roots Charter School student recognized for superior academic achievement by The National Society of High School Scholars ATLANTA, GA – May 12, 2025 – The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) today announced student Ayden Grace Githinji from Ithaca, NY, has been…
Last month, the House passed a massive energy bill, and it’s worse than climate advocates feared. It doesn’t just chip away at the Inflation Reduction Act. It could undo decades of progress. Modeling shows it could increase U.S. emissions by 1 billion tons a year by 2035. Over the next 30 days, the Senate will…
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors will discuss recognizing the Rights of Water and the Rights of Nature at its upcoming meeting on June 10 at 6 pm. The Rights of Nature movement is a growing global effort to grant ecosystems and natural entities the legal standing typically reserved for individuals or corporations. For Seneca…
A recent independent audit has revealed serious management and operational failures at Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) and New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), citing a lack of local oversight and prioritization of corporate profits over New York customers. Auditors uncovered non-existent compliance committees, misleading billing metrics, and incentive structures that reward executives even…
As part of New Roots Charter School’s Spring 2025 Intensives Week, a special time dedicated to immersive, hands-on learning, a group of 12 students took to the streets to reimagine a blank downtown wall as a powerful statement on sustainability, imagination, and collective action. Located at 102 The Commons, the newly unveiled mural is more…
“Landfills might be seen as a necessary evil, since communities produce trash. They also, however, produce harmful substances that can foul water, create health hazards, and significantly add to climate change. Seneca Meadows, New York’s largest landfill, is not immune from those impacts, and as of Spring 2025 seeks an extension of its operating permit…
Ithaca College hosted Sustainability Week 2025 from April 16–26, bringing together students, faculty, and local community partners to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Events included a sustainability fair featuring campus and community organizations, a student‑led colloquium, interactive activities such as pancakes in the IC Natural Lands, and a keynote talk by Terry Carroll, Tompkins…
There were many booths set up for the event, ranging from compost education to children’s entertainment and sustainability efforts in the Ithaca community. At the Sustainable Finger Lakes table, Emily La, communications and outreach coordinator for Sustainable Finger Lakes, said it is nice to see like-minded people at the event who care about the same efforts as them. …
Ithaca’s second annual Earth Day Festival promoted action against climate change on Saturday. Many Cornell students tabled at the event — including Nicole Collins ’25, an intern for Sustainable Finger Lakes and former weather editor for The Sun. Collins discussed the organization’s climate action initiatives, like funding grants to place environmentally-friendly energy solutions into homes and their Finger…
A pilot initiative in Ithaca, New York has been helping landlords and tenants transition rental homes away from fossil fuel heating toward all‑electric systems, such as heat pumps. The Clean Energy and Equity Pilot was run by Sustainable Finger Lakes with funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). It assisted…
Hammerstone School combines craftsmanship with skill-building, offering classes that prioritize women as students and future builders. By teaching building skills, Hammerstone empowers both women and non-binary individuals to use their bodies and minds for creative and practical purposes. They aim to challenge the long-standing societal norm where boys are taught to build while girls are…
Spectrum News 1 reports that a retired veteran in Steuben County can no longer drink water from his well as it has been contaminated by the spread of sewage sludge or the byproduct of human waste. The Sierra Club conducted tests on his drinking water and revealed high levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),…
Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) has received a small grant from Freshwater Future to research and identify sustainable, long-term solutions to combat harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Finger Lakes region. This funding will support efforts to raise public awareness, connect researchers and advocates, and explore effective land-use strategies to mitigate the issue. SFLX has been actively engaged…
Lead in drinking water threatens the health and well-being of many in our Great Lakes region and across the nation. Last year, much-needed improvements to the federal lead in drinking water rule were finalized with the advocacy of people like you – but a bill (House Joint Resolution 18) introduced this month has one goal:…
Yvonne Taylor, co-founder and vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian, via the Finger Lakes Times, shares that the town of Seneca’s vote on the landfill was delayed again until the March board meeting. Importantly, a recent study found that landfill workers have an excess risk of cancer due to “benzene, toluene, ethylene, and xylene compounds…
The Ithaca Times reports that after years of development and delays, Ithaca’s Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, branded as Tompkins Green Energy Network (TGEN), is scheduled to begin enrolling customers by the end of the year. For those unfamiliar with the program, Ithaca Sustainability Director Rebecca Evans describes TGEN as “the Costco of energy” designed…
(Original article from NYSERDA, December 4, 2024) Clean Energy Sector Job Growth More than Doubles Overall Statewide Growth and Remains on Pace with National Rate Governor Kathy Hochul today announced record high clean energy job growth in New York State with 178,000 workers employed at the end of 2023—an increase of 7,700 jobs—per the findings…
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) failure to review expired Title V permits for New York’s largest air polluters has left communities like Tonawanda and Buffalo vulnerable to unchecked air toxins. Title V permits, required under the Clean Air Act, are valid for five years but often remain unrenewed, allowing facilities to operate without updated…
Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments (VINES) is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable community food system. By bringing together diverse groups, with a focus on youth development, VINES establishes community gardens, urban agriculture projects, and green spaces. These programs revitalize urban areas and empower people of all ages and abilities. VINES embodies its mission through…
(Tompkins Weekly, 12-11-24) We are all well aware of the need to limit waste and save the environment from discarded plastic, yet at most restaurants, plastic utensils and condiment packages are automatically included with takeout orders. This is unnecessary as much of the takeout goes straight home where there are reusable utensils and bulk condiments. Simply…
The Environmental Protection Network (EPN) conducted a post-election poll to gauge voters’ views on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and found broad, bipartisan support for the agency’s mission, including significant backing from Trump voters. The poll took place the same day former President Trump announced Lee Zeldin as his nominee to lead the EPA, prioritizing…
Original article by Times Union Editorial Board. New York has received more bad news on the energy front: The New York Independent System Operator, the nonprofit entity that operates the power grid, has found the state’s grid reliability is looking even shakier.’ Its 2024 Reliability Needs Assessment predicts that the grid could be unable to meet New York…
Most US public school cafeterias rely on single-use tableware, producing vast amounts of garbage daily. A school’s investment in reusables can end this waste, save money, and foster a mindset of environmental stewardship. The Dryden Middle School/High School Sustainability Club, a teacher-led group of students devoted to reducing their connected schools’ environmental footprint in many…
Our donors play a vital role in sustaining one of our longest-running programs. A big thank-you to our president, Gay Nicholson, for her contribution to the Sustainable Finger Lakes Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program! This program holds special meaning for her:“When the headlines are bleak, I find hope in the stories of our Mini-Grant awardees and the…
Written by Natalie Goldstein GreenSpark Solar, which is located in Rochester, NY and which installs solar energy systems throughout Central New York, is a certified Top Workplace, Top Solar Contractor, and a NYSERDA Gold Quality Solar Installer. The latter certifications are based on GreenSpark’s stellar work in installing both residential and commercial solar energy systems.…
The Syracuse Urbanism Collective strives to build access to human-centered, walkable, vibrant communities and spaces for all. Their mission is to enhance the urbanism of Syracuse through physical installations and programming in public space, as well as advocacy on policy and design. Through this work, the Collective contributes to sustainability in multiple ways. The more…
🌟 Supporting Food Security & Reducing Food Waste Since 2015! 🌟 Through our Neighborhood Mini-Grants, Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) has proudly funded community-driven projects that promote food security and help limit food waste. 🍅✨ Some of these gardens and initiatives are still thriving today, and we’re excited to add another awardee to our list: ☀️…
Making Downtown Ithaca More Sustainable Together! Since 2009, the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program by Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) has helped fund 9 incredible projects that have made our downtown more vibrant and sustainable! 🌱✨ These grants help turn community members’ ideas into impactful realities. What ideas do you have for our community? 💡 🌿 A Few…
Exciting things are happening at Caroline Elementary School! After two years without updates, TC3 student Austin Gaffey and teacher Jenny Emerson received a Neighborhood Mini-Grant from Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) and are teaming up to breathe new life into the school’s vegetable garden. 🥕🌽 This project includes adding fresh soil and mulch to prepare for…
🌿 The Friends of Lansing Center Trail – Garden Signs🌿 Last April, the Friends of the Lansing Center Trail received a Neighborhood Mini-Grant from Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) to create beautiful new signage for the native plant garden at the trail entrance. ✨ The project began with two horticulturists identifying the plants growing in the…
In April 2023, Ash Ferlito and Brandon Hoak received a Neighborhood Mini-Grant from Sustainable Finger Lakes (SFLX) to expand their marshy garden using native seeds from the Finger Lakes Native Plant Society. Now in its second year, the garden is thriving with biodiversity, attracting species like green frogs and elderberry plants! 🐸🍃 As part of…
On November 14-15, 2024, rapid developments disrupted what could have been a landmark victory for environmental groups in the Finger Lakes Region. The ongoing legal and environmental controversies surrounding Greenidge Generation’s Dresden power plant and its Bitcoin mining operations took a decisive turn with a significant court decision. Court Decision on Greenidge’s Permit Denial New…
Article from Earth Justice Nydia Gutiérrez, ngutierrez@earthjustice.org, 202-302-7531 Victory — Court finds that the NYS-PSC’s approval of the sale of the Digihost/Fortistar power plant did not comply with New York’s Climate Law; The PSC now required to analyze the transaction under the CLCPA North Tonawanda, NY — Today, the Supreme Court of Albany County vacated a decision to approve the…
(Tompkins Weekly, 11-13-24, by Rod Rotondi) In Frank Capra’s classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” Jimmy Stewart’s character gives up his dreams in order to save the Bedford Savings and Loan, a housing bank his father had run for years. This community institution made it possible for those of modest means to get the…
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has enacted new rules to protect state water from farm-based pollution, with a focus on managing the environmental risks of digestate, a toxic byproduct of anaerobic manure digestion. Digestate, produced after manure is processed in an oxygen-free digester, contains chemically altered nitrogen and phosphorus, making these…
(Tompkins Weekly, 10-23-24, by Harrison Hensley) Have you heard of but are skeptical of heat pumps? Local expert Ian Shapiro helps explain how heat pumps work and debunks common misconceptions. Shapiro is the founder of Taitem Engineering and has worked on heat pump design and research for over 30 years. The two types of heat…
Yvonne Taylor, Co-Founder and Vice President of Seneca Lake Guardian, was featured in an article discussing the impact of the upcoming presidential election on cryptocurrency mining in New York. The election could shape the future of a fossil fuel-powered plant in the Finger Lakes region that is currently used to power Bitcoin mining servers. For…
Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) empowers everyday people to work together on climate policy. Their supporters are organized in 420+ chapters across the United States building support in Congress for a national bipartisan solution to climate change. Globally, they also support 150+ international chapters on six continents. CCL has a few local chapters – including Rochester,…
(Tompkins Weekly, 10-9-24, by Adam Michaelides) Fall is the perfect time to start composting or improve upon your composting practice. With the time-intensive work in the garden behind us, fall can be a good time to lay the groundwork for future soil building. With leaves abundant, it is easy to properly balance out wet, dense…
On September 20, 2024, New York State’s Department of Public Service (DPS), as part of the NYSERDA Clean Energy Events, hosted a conference in Albany to discuss the electrification of homes and buildings in the low-to-moderate income (LMI) market segment. The conference was held in response to the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Order on July…
(Tompkins Weekly, 9-25-24, by Gay Nicholson) Sustainable Finger Lakes recently hosted a party to celebrate our first 20 years of connecting, convening, and catalyzing around how to work and live more sustainably. It was quite a walk down memory lane as we worked on pulling the threads of the celebration together. Digging through computer folders…
(Tompkins Weekly, 9-11-24, by Violet Dean and Midula Lejeun) We were scrolling on social media like any teenagers would be, and we came across this video of a ridiculously cute manatee swimming with its little calf. Sadly, the cuteness didn’t last. We swiped and the next thing that came up was a devastating video of…
Do you have an idea for a project to make our community more sustainable, resilient, or inclusive? Need a little help in covering the costs? Sustainable Finger Lakes is accepting applications for our fall 2024/winter 2025 round of Neighborhood Mini-Grants. The Sustainable Finger Lakes Neighborhood Mini-Grant program supports initiatives building resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship in Tompkins County. Since it began in 2008, it…
(Tompkins Weekly, 8-21-24, by bethany ojalehto mays and Peter McDonald) Artificial turf conceals a host of potential environmental and health hazards from the toxins it releases. Yet the City and Town of Ithaca Planning Boards are considering allowing Cornell’s proposal for multiple new artificial turf fields at their proposed Meinig Field House and East Hill…
Peter Mantius reports the situation in his blog, Waterfront Online. Martin Wojciks, the owner of a gravel quarry is pushing to expand his mining alongside Watkins Glen State Park. The public have conveyed their concerns about potential noise pollution, increased flood risk, dust, and an influx of vehicles in said area. Wojciks has also failed…
Harmful algal blooms, more commonly known as HABs, are starting to appear on Cayuga Lake’s shoreline again. To the untrained eye, HABs can be mistaken for pollen because of their yellowish hue and similar appearance on the water. However, HABs can cause nausea and diarrhea in humans and can be deadly for pets and other species in the water. HABs most commonly appear in September and early October, but due to climate change, we are starting to see blooms as early as May. With the Finger Lakes regional economy largely defined by tourism, this threat to the safety of the…
To be bicyclist-friendly, a community needs designated places to securely park bicycles at popular destinations. The Village of Dryden in rural Tompkins County is easily traveled by bicycle and adjacent to the Dryden Rail Trail, but due to a lack of bike racks, many residents of the village and of the surrounding Town of Dryden…
Be they locally based nonprofit organizations or informal neighborhood groups, people in a community can join forces to improve their home. In April 2024, Sustainable Finger Lakes awarded a total of $1,443.58 in five Neighborhood Mini-Grants to organizations and community groups in Tompkins County. Cayuga Meadows Community Garden, a group of residents at the Conifer…
(All credit belongs to Peter Mantius at WaterFront News, May 14th 2024) DRESDEN, May 14, 2024 — Although Greenidge Generation lost its state air permit appeal last week, the company appears likely to continue operating its power plant and Bitcoin mining facility in Dresden through September — or beyond. While the Department of Environmental Conservation…
(Tompkins Weekly, 5-8-24, by Gail Patrice Lockert Anthony) Most of us living in the United States have similar dreams, ambitions, cares, and concerns. We weep, laugh, and have pride in many of the same things. For some, though, (those who’ve been historically and systemically marginalized, brutalized, oppressed); we live in two separate nations. The first…
(Tompkins Weekly, 4-24-24, by Eric Banford) I recently received an invitation to a party at “The Greenest Home in Ithaca” celebrating some friends disconnecting their NYSEG gas line from their home. This self-proclaimed title of “greenest home” intrigued me, so I checked in with co-owner Todd Saddler about this bold statement. “Back when we built the…
(All credit goes to Peter Mantius at Water Front News on April 13th, 2024) I submitted this comment today to the State Department of Environmental Conservation on the proposed expansion of the Padua Ridge gravel mine. The permitting decision is in the hands of DEC’s Region 8 office in Avon, but DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos…
(All credit goes to Peter Mantius at Water Front News, April 12th 2024) WATKINS GLEN, Apr. 12, 2024 — For 14 years, the state Department of Environmental Conservation stood firmly on the need to enforce a rule requiring reclamation of mined-out land under any permit to allow the Padua Ridge gravel mine to expand. But…
Share your voice on the future of our downtown Ithaca! Take their short survey to help shape the Downtown Plan Draft Recommendations. Survey link: https://tinyurl.com/IthacaDTPlan Can’t access the survey online? Printed surveys are available at Tompkins County Public Library and City Hall. Join them at an Open House on May 2 at Tompkins County Public…
(Tompkins Weekly, 4-10-24, by Aaron Fernando) While traveling years ago, I made friends with perhaps the only person I know who has a negative carbon footprint. He plants trees for a small stipend. He doesn’t own a vehicle, and when he needs to get around, he borrows a small motorcycle. Mostly, he walks. He has…
How do you ReUse? Submit a brief video, photos, or quote telling them how you celebrate Earth Day every day through reuse, whether it’s through creative reuse projects or items you reuse in your home or office. Three entries will win a ReUse gift card!
(All credit goes to Peter Mantius at Waterfront News, April 10th 2024) WATKINS GLEN, Apr. 10, 2024 — The drainage ditch that serves as the Village of Watkins Glen’s first line of defense against flooding is filling up with sediment, raising doubts about whether it remains a reliable guard against extreme rain events. “I don’t…
(All credit goes to Peter Mantius at Water Front News, April 4th 2024) WATKINS GLEN, Apr. 4, 2024 — Three state inspectors dropped by the Padua Ridge gravel mine on cold, cloudy December day in 2010 to order the owner, Martin Wojcik, to halt operations because his permit had expired 13 months earlier. They also…
(Tompkins Weekly, 3-27-24, by Dan Antonioli and bethany ojalehto mays) On April 22, 1970, one of the world’s most significant environmental movements, Earth Day, was launched. Earth Day set in motion an ecological focus to highlight the vulnerability of Planet Earth in the face of Anthropocene ecocide. In 1970, social protests were raging. The “ecology…
FRACKING WITH CO2: Examining the Plan for the Southern Tier With Irene Weiser. Retired veterinarian, 3-term town council member, Coordinator of Fossil Free Tompkins, and longtime environmental activist. Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 7 to 8:30 pm by zoom Co-sponsors: Broome-Tioga, Cortland, and Steuben-Chemung chapters of the League of Women Voters, Campaign for Renewable Energy, Fossil…
(Full credit goes to Jeff Brady at NPR, March 4th 2024) ITHACA, N.Y. – Ithaca Tattoo & Piercing is closed on Mondays. But the downtown two-story brick building was bustling recently, even without customers around. Heating and air conditioning vans were parked on the street, and crews brought equipment to replace the building’s natural gas…
(Tompkins Weekly, 2-28-24, by Patricia Ladley) In her beautiful article “There is no companion like a tree” (Ithaca Child, Fall 2023), Lara Johnson writes: “So how do we save the trees? First, we learn how to love them … We plant trees and watch them grow … and remember how to be in relationship with…
(Full credit goes to Peter Mantius at Water Front, Feb 26th 2024) BINGHAMTON, Feb. 26, 2024 — The scientists and activists that pushed New York State to ban high-volume hydrofracking are working overtime against a speculative plan to inject CO2 rather than water into Southern Tier shale formations to extract natural gas. By backing new…
Do you have an idea for a project to make our community more sustainable, resilient, or inclusive? Need a little help in covering the costs? Sustainable Finger Lakes is accepting applications for our spring/summer 2024 round of Neighborhood Mini-Grants. The Sustainable Finger Lakes Neighborhood Mini-Grant program supports initiatives building resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship in Tompkins…
(Full credit goes to Peter Mantius at Water Front News, Feb 22nd 2024) ALBANY, Feb. 22, 2024 — Basil Seggos confirmed late yesterday that he’s stepping down as Commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation after an eight-year term He plans to continue working in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration through state budget negotiations in…
(Tompkins Weekly, 2-21-24, by Erika Frenay) Of all the strategies farmers could employ to both sequester carbon AND shield their farms from climate-changed-induced weather chaos, what do you think is at the top of the list? Silvopasture! Livestock + trees + pasture = silvopasture, and it’s ranked by Project Drawdown as the #1 agricultural strategy…
(Full credit goes to Dan McCarthy at Canary Media, Feb 13th 2024 & ) New York’s future is fossil-gas-free, and it’s time for state policies to fully reflect that. That’s the upshot of testimony last week from climate advocates, who called on Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and the state legislature to pass the NY Home Energy Affordable…
(All Credit Goes To Peter Mantius at Water Front News, Feb 12 2024) On the eve of two state-sponsored public hearings on a plan to quintuple the size of the Padua Ridge sand and gravel mine, the Schuyler County Legislature today passed a resolution opposing any quick approval of the project. Elected officials in Watkins Glen and…
Whether you are new to Ithaca or have been a permanent resident, keeping up with the city’s changes is important. Ithaca’s Green New Deal is a hot topic for the city with ambitious goals and difficulties. This document is meant to be your guide to track Ithaca’s green direction from beginning to end. What is…
(All rights reserved for the science department at The Cornell Daily Sun, Oct 25th 2023) Researchers predict that by 2050, the number of days over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in New York City will triple. The world is expected to see a climb in heat-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits — especially in urbanized areas. Prof. Daniel Katz,…
(Tompkins Weekly, 1-31-24, by Fenya Bartram and Sunrise Ithaca) In 2019, after years of community organizing, the City of Ithaca passed the Ithaca Green New Deal. Inspired by the Green New Deal proposed to Congress by the national Sunrise Movement, it sets two main goals. One is to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, given…
(Tompkins Weekly, 1-24-24, by Adam Michaelides) Several years ago, a Tompkins County Master Composter said, “Composting is the ultimate sustainable action.” Although his statement seemed a bit bold at the time, it also stuck with me. Composting involves the transformation of once-alive items back into the organic part of the soil. By using finished compost…
(Full credit goes to Kevin Smith at Tompkins Weekly, Jan 10th 2024) After a few years of developing, planning and applying for grant funding, the town of Dryden’s streambank restoration project has commenced. Known as the Fall Creek streambed and streambank stabilization project, it will involve: The project began last year and is anticipated to conclude…
(Full credit goes to Hannah Fichter at Tompkins Weekly, Jan 10th 2024) One topic of discussion at the Jan. 5 Newfield Town Planning Board meeting was a solar development proposal submitted by Robert M. Sutherland, P.C. for Solar Power Network, LLC. The plan involves developing five community solar farms near Superior Heights and Elmira Road.…
(All Credit Goes To Peter Mantius at Waterfront, Jan 2 2024) PERINTON, Jan. 2, 2024 — People who live near a giant waste dump that stinks can’t rely on New York State’s Green Amendment to force state agencies to take action against landfills that pollute, state Attorney General Letitia James argues in a recent court filing.…
(Tompkins Weekly, 1-3-24, by Miranda Phillips) Like many of us, I’ve struggled with climate despair. This came to a head one winter when, hearing about the death toll of an intense Christmas ice storm, I said to my husband, “How many more people have to die senselessly before we do something.” My husband replied, “I…
(Tompkins Weekly, 12-13-23, by Katie Church) The Youth Farm Project is a local organization entering its 15th year. Since 2010, we have been mobilizing the next generation of leaders towards transformative actions for food sovereignty. Our programs encourage young people to build loving relationships with the land, themselves, and each other while growing nutrient rich…
Thanks to many generous donors, our 2023 Giving Tuesday campaign raised over $3,500 for the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program, surpassing our goal and creating an ample funding pool for the April 2024 round of grants. Since 2008, this program has awarded over $91,000 in 224 grants for grassroots initiatives building resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship in…
(Full Credit belongs to Eric Niiler at The Wall Street Journal, December 6th 2023) A water hog is lurking in your crypto wallet. Bitcoin-mining operations slurp up billions of gallons of water globally each year. Estimates vary, but the annual footprint is projected to surpass 591 billion gallons of water this year, according to an article published last week in…
(All credit goes to Peter Mantius at Water Front, Nov 29th 2023) LANSING, Nov. 29, 2023 — The potential sale of Cargill’s huge salt mine under Cayuga Lake has prompted new state legislation to require the company — or a mine buyer — to provide financial security to cover any damages due to a roof…
(Tompkins Weekly, 11-22-23, by Cathleen Banford) Recently I was asked to develop an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion outline to share with our newest Sustainable Finger Lakes board members. Building Bridges provided us with a “Walking Our Talk” workshop a few years ago and this outline will also explore overlapping content, but there is always more…
Environmental stewardship can begin early in life if adults have the resources for teaching it. In October 2023, Sustainable Finger Lakes awarded three Neighborhood Mini-Grants for school initiatives helping students to reduce their waste and share their knowledge. (To help the Neighborhood Mini-Grant program keep giving, please donate to our 2023 Giving Tuesday campaign.) BJM…
(Full Credit: Nectar Gan and Ella Nilsen at CNN.com, Nov 15th 2023) The United States and China have agreed to resume a working group on climate cooperation and pledged a major ramp-up of renewable energy, the two sides announced Wednesday ahead of a leaders’ summit in San Francisco, as the world’s two largest polluters seek to overcome their…
(Full Credit Goes To Peter Mantius at Water Front. November 11th, 2023) BINGHAMTON, Nov. 11, 2023 — A newly formed company with Texas roots wants to drill thousands of new natural gas wells across the Southern Tier in order to store carbon dioxide underground and to extract methane from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. …
(Tompkins Weekly, 11-8-23, by Jaime Cone Hughes) What is the answer to 268,740 problematic plastic utensils thrown away annually at Ithaca’s schools? It’s sporks, of course! Yayoi Koizumi, founder of Zero Waste Ithaca, had been looking for a way to help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated locally by using plastic utensils. Schools seemed…
(Tompkins Weekly, 11-8-23, by Sargent Joey Diana Gates) Patriotism is defined as love, pride and devotion one feels towards one’s land and country. Environmentalism is to be concerned about and to work for the protection of the environment, i.e. the land, air and water, and hence the health of all beings, to include humans. There…
(Copied from Daisy Simmons at The Yale Climate Connections. Written October 25th, 2023) Kylie Flanagan’s intersectional new book features essay-style conversations with climate leaders, plus practical, inclusive ways to get involved. Native rights activists, queer liberation ecologists, youth organizers, Latinx wilderness experts, and other climate leaders fill the pages of a personal and rousing new…
Here is your invite to the Fracking Science Compendium 9.0 International Release & Briefing Webinar. On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, please join scientists and health professionals for a webinar release and briefing of the Fracking Science Compendium, a major new report that synthesizes findings from over 2,500 scientific studies, government reports, and journalistic findings. The…
(Tompkins Weekly, 10-11-23, by Cathleen and Eric Banford) A new documentary called “Common Ground” is coming to Cinemapolis Oct. 13 to 19, and based on its Oct. 1 screening, it is a must see film. It’s the sequel to “Kiss the Ground,” which has been seen by over 1 billion people globally and inspired the…
(Tompkins Weekly, 9-27-23, by Cathleen Banford, Eric Banford, and Holly Payne) On Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 10AM to 1PM, come to Stewart Park to check out a variety of the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) on display and chat with EV drivers. Try Ithaca Bikeshare’s electric bikes, climb aboard electric buses (from our local…
(Tompkins Weekly, 9-13-23, by Betsy Keokosky) There is a sustainable investment development gaining momentum recently that is worth keeping an eye on. It is the practice of analyzing a company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, and assessing opportunities for improving them. Here, Governance means the internal governance of the company itself in areas such…
Do you have an idea for a project to make our community more sustainable, resilient, or inclusive? Need a little help in covering the costs? Sustainable Finger Lakes is accepting applications for our fall 2023/winter 2024 round of Neighborhood Mini-Grants. The Sustainable Finger Lakes Neighborhood Mini-Grant program supports initiatives improving environmental sustainability, equity, and environmental, economic,…
(Tompkins Weekly, 8-23-23, by Peter Bardaglio) Once again, as it has since 2009, the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative (TCCPI) issued its annual report earlier this summer on member efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate the transition to clean energy, and build a more resilient, sustainable community. A coalition of activist leaders and concerned citizens, TCCPI…
In his new Waterfront blog, Peter Mantius discusses Cargill Inc.’s, the current owner of Cayuga Lake Salt Mine, current attempt to sell the mine and exit the salt industry. For years, many environmental risks from the mine have been risen and ignored by New York state regulators. Following this recent news, local environmental advocates (including…
On Monday, August 14, a Montana judge ruled in favor of a group of youth climate activists who sued the state for lack of consideration for their wellbeing when signing off on fossil fuel projects. In Held v. the State of Montana, the court found that young people have a constitutional right to live in…
(Tompkins Weekly, 8-9-23, by Peter McDonald) The feeling often begins as a knot of disbelief when the climate crisis comes up, as if the world we grew up in is now in the grips of some dangerous fever that is far larger than we can grasp. Often this disbelief transforms into grayer palettes of other…
(Tompkins Weekly, 7-26-23, by Dan Antonioli) If you live in Upstate New York, chances are you’ve seen one of the many solar farms in our rural landscapes. Such a solar farm has a large presence at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and it’s one of the first things you notice when you drive onto the…
(Tompkins Weekly, 7-12-23, by Eric Banford) If you were lucky enough to meet Martha Ferger, I’m sure you remember her beautiful smile and her seemingly endless energy. Sadly, she passed away on June 24th at the ripe old age of 99. She has been a mainstay in the social justice and environmental movements in our…
After the last Water Front blog about high rates of cancer in areas surrounding the Seneca Meadows landfill, the New York State Department of Health announced it would no longer be releasing cancer data by census tract. While they claimed this decision was made before the article was published, this news makes it much harder…
In his new Water Front blog post, journalist Peter Mantius dives into question of why lung cancer rates are so high in the area surrounding Seneca Meadows, New York’s largest landfill. Seneca Meadows holds garbage from all over New York, New England, and Canada, and the surrounding area had 50% more cases of lung cancer…
(Tompkins Weekly, 6-28-23, by Jeff Jones) Dude, the global economy right now is such a bummer! The “Business as Usual” economy is resulting in terrible outcomes: By simply participating in the “Business as Usual” economy – for example, buying a carrot at the grocery store with a credit card – we generate human misery, ecological…
The state of New York denied Greenidge Generation Holding’s Dresden based bitcoin mine an air permit renewal this time last year- however, they still continue to operate as though they hold a permit. In his Water Front blog, Peter Mantius writes about this issue, as well as financial and safety concerns that have been brought…
(Tompkins Weekly, 6-14-23, by Karim Beers) Get Your GreenBack Tompkins is saying goodbye. For 12 years, this community-supported initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County has engaged and supported households and organizations with local food access, waste reduction, savings on transportation and energy, and carbon emissions reductions. As director of Get Your GreenBack, I…
On June 13, journalist Peter Mantius published another story on his blog Water Front regarding sewage sludge being used as fertilizer. A third Steuben County town, Bath, has stepped up and enacted a one-year waste moratorium to prevent sludge from being spread on their farmland. Citizens expressed their concerns of harm of humans and land…
A recent New York Times article presents a new and scary look at the problem of noise and the health problems it can cause, even in more rural or suburban areas. The article states that noise “…is a largely unrecognized health threat that is increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attacks worldwide, including for more than…
A great big thank you to Greenstar Food Co+Op for their generous donation to the Finger Lakes Climate Fund and Sustainable Finger Lakes as a part of the Partners for Change program! We would also like to extend a thank you to all the Co-op members for your climate caring and votes.
From staple foods to bicycling infrastructure to botany education, small locally-based initiatives can help to meet the needs and improve the lives of people in rural areas. In April 2023, Sustainable Finger Lakes awarded a total of $2,500 in four Neighborhood Mini-Grants supporting such projects across Tompkins County. Artist/ecologist Ash Ferlito and ecological landscape designer…
In his new Water Front blog post, Peter Mantius tackles the issue of sewage sludge being used as fertilizer. It is very hard to understand how the DEC keeps pushing forward on sewage sludge spreading in the face of all the evidence on the toxicity of PFAS – to the point of the state of…
(Tompkins Weekly, 5-24-23, by Debra Freeman) Whether you are a Finger Lakes native or visitor, if you want to better understand global climate change and see local signs of sustainability, start at the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI). Affiliated with Cornell University, PRI comprises four buildings, 100 acres, and more: laboratories in Palmer Hall; outdoor education…
Contact: Holly Hutchinson, Project Coordinator, 607-272-1720, holly@sustainablefingerlakes.org 50 low-to-moderate income mobile home owners in Tompkins County will receive support to upgrade their homes with high efficiency heat pumps as part of a Sustainable Finger Lakes pilot program funded by a Tompkins Community Recovery Fund grant. Location: Tompkins County, New York Affordable housing and an equitable…
Gov. Hochul and the New York State legislature finalized the 2023 New York State budget on Tuesday night. Here is how the budget is addressing climate and environment issues: Gains Losses For more details, and for updates on the other categories — education, health, housing, transportation, taxes and subsidies, and criminal justice — read this…
Seneca Lake’s 59th annual National Lake Trout Derby is taking place at the end of this month. Although many contestants will plan to eat their catches, this may not be safe — recent studies have shown that Seneca Lake fish are highly contaminated with PFAS. Read this article by Peter Mantius to learn more: https://waterfrontonline.blog/2023/05/01/suny-esf-tests-confirm-seneca-lake-trout-laced-with-pfas-state-advisories-protect-anglers-habits-not-their-health/
The draft 2023 New York State Solid Waste Management Plan proposes to increase the recycling rate of sewage sludge, despite growing concerns about pollutants in sludge. Read this article by Peter Mantius for more information: https://waterfrontonline.blog/2023/04/26/hochul-administration-is-projecting-major-expansion-of-sewage-sludge-spreading-as-fertilizer-on-farmland/
(Tompkins Weekly, 4-26-23, by Elizabeth Keokosky) Every 5 years Congress negotiates the Farm Bill. It is a wide-ranging bill with more than half a trillion dollars to spend, and twelve separate segments, called “Titles,” that authorize most federal policies governing food and agriculture. It was first passed in 1933, during the catastrophes of the Depression…
This past Saturday, on Earth Day, Seneca Lake Guardian organized a protest against plans to expand the Seneca Meadows Inc. landfill, which is the state’s largest municipal landfill. Read this article by Peter Mantius for more information: https://waterfrontonline.blog/2023/04/22/earth-day-crowd-of-protesters-hears-speakers-call-on-gov-hochul-to-require-seneca-meadows-to-close-by-2025/
Last year, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation denied Greenidge Generation’s air permit renewal due to the environmental harm of their energy production for Bitcoin mining. However, Greenidge is still operating as they appeal the decision. Read this OpEd by Tony Del Plato about why the DEC must stand their ground: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/opinion/2023/04/21/greenidge-generation-air-permit-finger-lakes-nys-dec/70133974007/
At a recent public hearing over a municipal sludge-spreading operation permit, emotions got high as it was debated whether sewage sludge spreading is protected by New York’s Right to Farm law. Read the full article by Peter Mantius for more information: https://waterfrontonline.blog/2023/04/06/sewage-sludge-debate-in-cameron-turns-into-complete-stshow-pitting-right-to-farm-law-against-neighbors-rights/
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s support for a new method of accounting for methane emissions, which would undercount these emissions and potentially save polluters billions in compliance costs, will weaken the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act. Read this article by Peter Mantius for more information: https://waterfrontonline.blog/2023/04/04/hochul-backs-11th-hour-bid-to-undercut-ny-climate-law-greens-say-accounting-trick-undercounts-methane-emissions/
Tompkins Weekly 3-23-22 By Graham Savio It’s heartening to see common threads in recent Signs of Sustainability articles highlighting the triple bottom line of economics, environment and equity in our local agricultural system. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (CCE-Tompkins) is engaging with these challenges in a number of ways, one of which is through…
Elmira College is hosting a day-long event dedicated to critical dialogue and interactive demonstrations on practical, just climate solutions. Participants can join virtually or in person. Some of the activities and presentations offered include: Panel sessions on climate justice & solutions, climate & health, and climate & religion (with one focused on climate solutions at…
Regional HeatSmart Teams, Renewable Heat Now, and various community partners and guests are offering a webinar series this spring on building electrification. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to heat your home without using fossil fuels? Learn about heat pumps, energy efficiency, and more by attending the following webinars, each one at 7pm on…
Do you have an idea for a project to make our community more sustainable, resilient, or inclusive? Need a little help covering the costs? Apply for a Neighborhood Mini-Grant! We are accepting applications for our Spring round of Neighborhood Mini-Grants through April 1, 2022. Our Neighborhood Mini-Grant program supports initiatives improving ecological stewardship, community well-being,…
This Thursday, March 10th, The Sanctuary for Independent Media is hosting a Virtual Town Hall about Direct Air Capture, in conjunction with Clean Air Coalition of Greater Ravena Coeymans, Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls, Beyond Plastics, People of Albany United for Safe Energy, Food & Water Watch, Green Education and Legal Fund, and…
Please join us in welcoming Ryan Kincaid to our team! “I am excited to be at the forefront of the environmental and social justice movement back home, as the new Sustainable Finger Lakes Program Coordinator with Sustainable Tompkins! I am passionate about improving how groups and systems function and am eager to help facilitate positive…
Are you interested in learning about the language and culture of local indigenous groups? Stephen Henhawk is a first-language speaker who grew up on the Six Nations Reservation in Canada, where many Gayogohó:nǫˀ (Cayuga) people settled after being forced out of their ancestral homeland at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. He now lives in…
We are excited to announce that we have a new Outreach Coordinator, Sarah Nickerson! Sarah brings over 6 years of experience supporting administrative needs, events, outreach efforts, and communications for local nonprofits in Tompkins County. Sarah will be supporting all of our programs, producing much of our communications and social media content. She spends much…
Tompkins Weekly 2-23-22 By Eunice Grande and Joey Diana Gates It is time to be social again, and now, people are planning for their greatest events. After much uncertainty through the pandemic times, one thing is certain: businesses have adapted to survive. There is a shift in how things get done because now,…
Tompkins Weekly 2-9-22 By Cathleen and Eric Banford Farming is changing at a rapid pace. As we look past the industrial farming model, some of the fast-emerging focuses for small farmers are Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), farm-to-table relationships, healthy lunch school programs and edible food forests. Benefits include added nutritional value, but beyond that, it…
Tompkins Weekly 1-26-22 By Mothers Out Front Tompkins New York food growers will soon be able to take advantage of the provisions of a new law, the Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act, which will provide farmers with the tools and resources to be active partners in New York’s efforts to mitigate the climate crisis.…
Tompkins Weekly 1-12-22 By Eric and Cathleen Banford If our children are to have the possibility of wellness in the future, it is vital that we change how we hold ourselves in relationship to the natural world of which we are a part. How do we honor people’s needs while still being accountable for ecological…
Tompkins Weekly 12-22-21 By Eric and Cathleen Banford This year has been another intense year. Change is here to stay, and depending on how we react in the here and now, that could be a blessing for us all. Perhaps it’s time to stop saying, “Hopefully next year will get back to normal” and embrace…
A new cycle of classes will start on January 11th, 2022! This course will be a 20-hour basic installation of low ambient mini-split heat pump class. This class will focus on the skills needed for an entry-level position as an installer of residential heat pump systems. Students will learn the basic skills and gain hands-on experience using the tools, equipment, and best practices for installing heat pump systems in cold climates. Upon successful completion of the program, a TST BOCES certificate will be issued.
Tompkins Weekly 12-8-21 By Marisa Lansing This fall, Discover Cayuga Lake, well known for its community eco-cruises, Floating Classroom and even DJ cruises, joined the local business carbon offsetting campaign to battle climate change, Finger Lakes Enterprises for Climate Action (FLECA). With the help of cruise-goers, they offset three years of their boat’s diesel emissions…
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a land purchase agreement has been reached between the Finger Lakes Land Trust and New York State Electric & Gas Corp. for the 470-Acre Bell Station, the largest privately-owned undeveloped lake shoreline in the Finger Lakes. Governor Hochul in September announced that NYSEG had canceled the auction of land known as Bell Station with 3,400 feet of pristine shoreline on the east side of Cayuga Lake in Tompkins County, and that three state agencies would facilitate permanent protection of this parcel and maximize public access.
Tompkins Weekly. 11-23-21 By Katie Church At the Youth Farm Project (YFP), November is all about tucking the farm into bed for the season: pulling drip tape from the fields, taking down the deer fencing, planting cover crops and mulching. This fall has been long and warm, if wet. In the bedtime analogy, we…
On November 4, 2021, the Tompkins County Legislature renewed the Climate and Sustainable Energy Advisory Board for another three-year term and expanded its membership to 11 seats. The Climate and Sustainable Energy Advisory Board is charged with providing expert input to the Legislature on regulatory initiatives and successful community programs relating to energy and climate change, as well as emerging energy efficiency, renewables, and climate adaptation technologies. The advisory board will continue to assist the County in engaging with state policymakers and regulators, utility staff, municipal leaders, developers, businesses, and community groups to set Tompkins County government and the wider…
Tompkins Weekly 11-10-21 By Becca Harber Forests and our effects on them are woven throughout our lives, often without our knowledge. Learning how our choices affect forests and making different decisions can contribute to better health and continued existence of forests worldwide. Cumulative effects of numerous people making different choices contribute to lessening climate…
Join us this Wednesday, November 10th to discuss the City of Ithaca’s electrification program! The fifth installment of the 1000 Conversations: Power Lunches series is this week. The City of Ithaca made history this past Wednesday as the first city to commit to decarbonizing 100% of its building stock – including commercial and residential buildings. From 12:00pm to 12:45pm on Wednesday, November 10th, Dr. Luis Aguirre-Torres, Director of Sustainability, will be joined by Donnel Baird, CEO of BlocPower, to talk about the City’s plans to roll out this monumental, first-of-its-kind program.
Tompkins Weekly 10-27-21 By Zak Kozlowski Have you gathered any wild foods this month? This October is often my favorite time of year. Like many folks around Tompkins County, I enjoy gathering and hunting wild foods from the local landscape. September through mid-October is usually when I do most of my foraging, processing and storing…
Tompkins Weekly 10-13-21 By Cathleen and Eric Banford How do we realize the vision of living with zero food insecurity in Tompkins County? What does this look like in relation to sustainability and Ithaca’s Green New Deal? What is our untapped potential? How do we coordinate and balance our county’s needs regarding food security and…
The New York Farm Viability Institute works to help New York farmers become more profitable and improve the long-term economic viability and sustainability of New York State’s farms, the food system, and the communities they serve. To that end, NYFVI has issued an RFP for its competitive grant program, which will provide grants of up to $125,000 over two years in support of proposals that have clear relevance to the state’s agriculture community, demonstrated producer support, and have the ability to deliver farm-level economic impact over time.
Fall is here – the heating season is imminent. Are you ready? If you experienced ice dams last winter, now is an excellent time to get an energy audit and see if your home’s insulation can be improved. If your furnace, boiler, or water heater is coming to the end of its life, now is the time to consider replacing them with heat pumps.Not sure where to start? That’s where HeatSmart comes in! Please peruse our website, which is chock full of information, including fact sheets, webinars, and virtual home tours. Join HeatSmart for their upcoming Webinar Wednesdays Installer series! Their…
New York State has a long history of nut growing and harvesting, dating back at least 6,000 years. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in this nutritious, perennial crop as part of our agricultural systems. Samantha Bosco, a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University’s School of Integrated Plant Science, recently gave an inspiring and informative talk on the history and potential of nuts. The talk was titled “Nut Production in New York: Past, Present, Future” and is available on the Cornell Small Farms YouTube Channel, along with other talks from the current series. Bosco covered the history of nut tree…
Tompkins Weekly 9-22-21 By Eric and Cathleen Banford New York State has a long history of nut growing and harvesting, dating back at least 6,000 years. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in this nutritious, perennial crop as part of our agricultural systems. Samantha Bosco, a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University’s School of…
The Tompkins Food Future team invites the public to attend a free community event where results of the Tompkins County Food System Baseline Assessment will be shared. The event will be held on Wednesday, September 29th at 5:00pm at the Ithaca Farmers’ Market, 545 Third Street, in Ithaca. Organizers will review the results of the baseline assessment so far. This will include challenges, strengths and opportunities in the Tompkins County food system which have been identified via interviews, surveys, focus groups and data collection throughout 2020 and 2021. Tompkins County residents, community members, municipal leaders, and food system stakeholders are invited to eat, connect, offer feedback, and provide input on…
After 20 years of leadership, vision, and rigorous work to monitor and protect our local streams and lakes, CSI’s founding Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Penningroth, is preparing to transition away. The Managing Co-Director position is described, in brief, below and is now open for applications.
Tompkins Weekly 8-8-21 By Katie Hallas and Don Barber Food Policy Council (FPC) of Tompkins County is a grassroots Good Food advocacy group created in 2016 with representatives from all facets of our food system: production, food access and security, retail, consumption and waste. In 2020, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County,…
Are you passionate about water resources and climate change? Looking for a career advocating for clean water and protecting our watershed? Do you have experience in sustainability, water policy or environmental science? The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (CLWN) has begun the search for its new Executive Director to lead, administer and build upon its mission during this time of climate crisis. The CLWN is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with offices at Wells College in Aurora, NY.
Tompkins Weekly 8-25-21 By Becca Harber Through the years I’ve lived in my one-story house, I’ve gradually made various changes to it that make my home cooler when it’s hot outdoors and warmer during cold weather. With the increases in very hot days and higher temperatures, keeping myself cooler inside is more important than ever.…
Over the past 10 years, we’ve helped dozens of families in Ithaca and surrounding counties to become climate heroes by providing gap financing for insulation, air sealing, and high efficiency equipment. But in a city where nearly 75% of the population rents their living space, it requires a bit more effort and outreach to replace outdated, dangerous, and inefficient HVAC equipment in rental properties. This summer, our team at Sustainable Tompkins is conducting a door-to-door survey focused on lower-income neighborhoods to capture the reality of residents’ energy cost burdens and related health, indoor air quality, and home comfort issues.
Friday, September 10, 5:30 to 8:30pm. Sheldrake Point Winery 7448 County Road 153, Ovid, NY. Please RSVP as soon as possible as space is limited to 120 people. Please forward widely. The event has several purposes…
SewGreen in Ithaca, NY invites artists and artisans to transform old denim jeans, jackets, or skirts into wearable art and enter them in an art and fashion show. Artists are encouraged to use a variety of media from paint to stitchery. The show will open at SewGreen in November 2021 as part of downtown Ithaca’s gallery night, and will stay up through the end of the year. Entries can be modelled at the opening or displayed as wall art.
The Tompkins County Planning and Sustainability Department is currently seeking a Senior Planner to join our team of eight professional planners who work collaboratively across disciplines on planning as well as policy and program development and implementation. This Senior Planner position will primarily focus on sustainability, energy, and climate change, including overseeing the County’s innovative Business Energy Advisor (BEA) program.
HeatSmart CNY is now offering even more funding for cold climate air source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters to low & moderate income customers! Income limits for eligibility will decrease with the Assisted Home Performance income limits to 80% at the end of the month. One more reason more money is needed for these households. If you’ve been considering switching to a heat pump, be sure to get your applications in for assistance before the end of the month to take advantage of highest incentives!
Join Community Science Institute for these educational family-friendly events on the lake in August.
Dryden residents are invited to a FREE Community Café Conversation at TC3 on Wednesday, August 18, 6:30 – 8:30pm to talk about increasing a sense of belonging for all Dryden community members. Community Cafés are a great way to engage and empower people within our community to make changes together! Come and voice your opinion!
Tompkins Weekly 7-28-21 By Peter Bardaglio Raging wildfires in the U.S. West. A megadrought in the Southwest, where reservoirs that supply drinking water to Las Vegas and Phoenix are at historic lows. Soaring temperatures in Siberia, Canada and the Pacific Northwest that smash previous records. Disastrous flash floods in Europe, China and Japan.…
The City of Ithaca is accepting applications for Sustainability Specialist, a temporary contract position that will help implement the City’s Green New Deal. Applications are due July 28.
Every summer, incendiary highway flares create the beautiful red glow we know and love during the Ring of Fire. While creating an exciting fizz and bright light, they also leave behind potassium perchlorate burn-off, which contaminates the air, soil, and lake, in addition to leaving behind metal spikes that can pollute the lake. Consider a new lake-friendly tradition this summer: LED flares.
Tompkins Weekly 7-14-21 By Cathleen and Eric Banford We recently interviewed Sean Dembrosky and Sasha Kellner-Rogers of Edible Acres, who dare to honor nature, their own well-being and the reality of today’s challenges. Edible Acres is a permaculture nursery and forest farm research space in Trumansburg focused on hardy perennial plants and low- and no-tech…
Thank you to our generous donors who have helped us raise $5,795 of our $10,000 goal! There is still 2 days left to donate. Please help us support our young staff – the next generation of sustainability stewards – so we can keep delivering our climate change & equity programming to the community 💚 #GivingisGorges
Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County is proud to coordinate sessions of Chicana Motherwork’s 6-week curriculum for Tompkins families. This education plan is for parents seeking to teach their children about historical oppression, social justice, and how to create a socially just world. Current sessions are intended for ages 4-10 but can be modified for all ages. Class sessions will be hosted online only. Register here. Groups of 3-4 families will be engaging in intimate discussions surrounding race, racism, sex, class, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues. Registration is rolling. Please email tompkinsfamilies@gmail.com with any questions.
Do you need a learn to ride session or want to refresh your basic bike skills including your skills for safe riding in traffic? Small group bike skills classes for adults are back for Summer 2021. Each session will be customized to the skills you want to learn. Instructors are equipped to work with a range of abilities.
Tompkins Weekly 6-23-21 By Yvonne Taylor Bitcoin, or proof of work cryptocurrency, may seem like some distant, data mumbo jumbo that has little impact on those of us living in the Finger Lakes, but we must learn about this issue and act like our very planet depends on what happens with this industry because it…
Giving is Gorges is tomorrow! Even though early giving has already started, this year’s main event on June 23rd has something special in store for all Sustainable Tompkins supporters. Our dear friend Jon Jensen has kindly donated a one-of-a-kind, fully functional upcycled lamp that will be raffled off to ANYONE who donates between 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the 23rd. Share our fundraiser on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and get an extra entry per platform!
Assemblymember Anna Kelles, who is the sponsor of A7389, the bill that would put a moratorium on Proof-of-Work cryptocurrency mining, recently gave an update on the bill’s progress. The bill was vetoed in the last few days of the legislative session, which ended on June 10th. This was attributed to union opposition, mainly, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who are an electrical union that represents 40 contract workers employed by the Greenidge mine in Dresden.
Let’s celebrate the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement! Join Sustainability Coordinator Nick Goldsmith this coming Thursday evening, June 17th, outside of Northstar House in Ithaca, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm.
Job searching? Here’s some current openings at sustainability-minded organizations in the region…
Tompkins Weekly 6-9-21 By Luis Aguirre Torres It was the night before what was meant to be one of the most important dates of my professional life. I was expected at the White House at 9 a.m., where I was going to be recognized as Champion of Change for my work on climate justice in…
On Friday, June 11, 2021, at 7:00pm, Ithaca Asian American Association is holding the Perspectives 360 Film Festival. Keeping with the “Virus has no Nationality” campaign (created in response to recent hate-crimes against Asian-Americans), IAAA encourages you to “be bold and brave in challenging issues of racism, sexism, xenophobia, ableism, heterosexism, classism, and all -isms.”
Tompkins Weekly 5-26-21 By Mothers Out Front Tompkins Regenerative farming’s distinct approach centers on soil quality and paralleling natural systems. Local small-scale farmers use minimal or no tilling as well as cover crops to keep carbon in the ground, rather than releasing it to the air as CO2, a greenhouse gas. Their plant diversity and…
.Thank you to Roger Beck of Beck Equipment for being our sponsor of the Home Page of the Sustainable Finger Lakes website, and the sponsor of the Democracy & Justice page on the Sustainability map. Roger is a long-time donor of Sustainable Tompkins, and has been a member of our Board of Directors for the past 6 years. These most recent sponsorships amount to $5,000, but over the course of his relationship with ST, he has donated over $27,000 in total. Roger is a rockstar! Roger’s company, Beck Equipment, services and rents out construction equipment in the Ithaca area. But…
Need help determining the heat pump system that might be best for your home? NYSERDA has developed the Heat Pump Planner tool to help you learn more about heat pump technology, the types available, installation and operation costs, and questions to ask an installer. Check it out!
Tompkins Weekly 5-12-21 By Cathleen and Eric Banford It’s hard to remember the feeling of meeting in person. It can be a sure sign of sustainability to find ourselves venturing into new experiences, with others or alone, and ways of thinking as our community takes on so many challenges that it can also feel overwhelming.…
The Game Changer Intensive is a donation-based, 8-week training program hosted by the Pachamama Alliance that reveals who we need to be and what we need to do in order to make a difference in the world. Learn more about this program here.
Mentors will receive extensive training and support to be able to help teach people how to bike, encourage more bicycling this summer with fun activities, and connect folks to all the bicycling resources available in our community. And you may qualify for a $1,200 scholarship!
This Saturday, April 30th, the last reactor at the Indian Point nuclear plant will shut down for good. This closure was hard won after decades of activism by dozens of organizations* and thousands of individuals. Indian Point needs to close because it poses a threat to the safety, health, and environment of downstate New York. Here are some events you can attend to celebrate this victory…
Tompkins Weekly 4-28-21 By Mothers out Front We have learned much in the last year about the importance of our health, our community and our environment. We are more keenly aware of the availability of food and unequal access to it. As we take in the big picture, the magnitude of the climate change crisis…
TCAT General Manager Scot Vanderpool along with state and local representatives will provide brief comments for the first half of the event, until about 11:00am when TCAT will offer free rides on the new buses from neighboring Seneca St. Station around the Commons.
NYSEG Smart Solutions brings you products that can save you money and energy all year long. Check out Earth Month discounts on their top smart thermostats and energy saving products to make a lasting change today!
Tonight at 7pm – Join Tom Snyder, Director of Programming and Conservation Action of the Seneca Park Zoo Society (of Rochester), as he explains the benefits of planting native on your property and around your town. Learn how native species are more robust, improve human health, and make for healthier lawns.
WATKINS GLEN, Apr. 16, 2021 — “Bitcoin mining interests have called Watkins Glen officials in recent weeks to explore the possibility of setting up a cryptocurrency processing operation within the village to take advantage of its cheap electric rates.
Good news! Affordable internet access is a basic utility that must be provided to all residences (for no more than $15 a month). Read more about this development here.
You are not alone. In this Tompkins Weekly article, Anna Marck describes her journey actively combating climate panic and dread…
Tompkins Weekly 4-14-21 By Anna Marck In January of 2019, when Greta Thunberg said “I want you to panic,” I decided to lace up my shoes and get to work, panicking. I panicked to everyone I talked to. I panicked to myself. Unfortunately for the fifth-graders I was working with at the time, I panicked…
From fertilizer runoff to road salt, what happens to our roadside ditches ultimately happens to our precious Finger Lakes. As we further explore and combat harmful algae blooms in our area, it’s important that we take into consideration EVERYTHING going into the lake.
As Earth Day approaches, Religious leaders representing over 400,000 people of faith across upper NY state signed on to a statement calling for a transition away from fossil fuels. Join dozens of places of worship in the CNY region for a press conference via Zoom, called “Religious Leaders Support Transition Off of Fossil Fuels” on Monday, April 19th at 2:00pm.
Next Thursday, April 15th at 1:00pm, join the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) via Zoom for “Tackling the Lead Dilemma in Small Municipalities: A Closer Look into Lead Service Line Replacement Programs, Funding, and Inventorying in Small Municipalities.” The speakers will share lessons learned and best practices on lead service line replacement in smaller municipalities (with populations of roughly 5,000-35,000). During this webinar, EPIC will also share information about a new incentive program, the Lead-Free Water Challenge, that will assist small municipalities with lead service line replacement.
Residents living along streams and other waterbodies are encouraged to participate in the DEC’s “Buffer in a Bag” program. The goal of the Buffer in a Bag program is to increase forested riparian buffers across the state by encouraging landowners to undertake small-scale plantings. Streamside plantings help decrease erosion, slow floodwaters, and protect fish and wildlife habitat.
Tompkins Weekly 3-24-21 By Eric Banford One of the issues that this pandemic has made very clear is how precarious our food system is. As soon as businesses started shutting down, there was a general panic, and people started stockpiling food and other essentials. Shortages quickly became apparent as the sight of bare shelves appeared…
Yes, you read that right! A lucky winner will go home with a 2020 Tesla Model 3, ($36,000) ARV, in the Friends of Rogers Electric Car Raffle 2021. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $25, 15 for $50, 35 for $100 or 200 for $500 and benefit Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center.
Cornell has multiple maps that outline the eco-friendly features on every corner of campus. Check out the maps here!
Each spring and fall, VINES select a limited number of households to receive either a raised bed built in their backyard or up to 10 grow bags. Anyone who lives in the City of Binghamton, Johnson City, Endwell, or Endicott is eligible for the program. More information on eligibility and the program in general can be found here.
Ithaca Tenants Union has put together this great resource for renters in upstate NY. Take advantage of it and make sure you know your rights!!
Tompkins Weekly 3-10–21 By Cathleen Banford Signs of Sustainability (SoS) is a twice-monthly column that aims to promote sustainability in our community. Mothers Out Front, self-described as being “unified by the drive to protect all children from the climate crisis that impacts their health today and a livable climate for them tomorrow,” recently asked if…
Good news: Canandaigua, Rochester, Geneva, Brighton, Irondequoit, Pittsford, Penfield, Lima, Brockport, Victor are all adopting a CCA(Community Choice Aggregation), making renewable energy the default choice – And it seems as though Ithaca is next! So what could this mean for the Finger Lakes as a whole?
Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins & Cortland Counties is holding an open application period from January 15th – April 15th 2021. The selected homebuyer family would partner with Habitat and White Hawk Ecovillage Community, Inc in Danby to build a modest, efficient, and ecologically minded home in the White Hawk Community. The family will work alongside TCHFH’s staff and volunteers, including White Hawk members, to build their home.
Help reduce waste, protect the environment and improve gardens by teaching others to compost in Tompkins County! Join other enthusiastic volunteers for 10 in-depth classes and 20 hours of practical learning outside of class. Classes cover a variety of compost and education topics that will prepare you to become a compost educator in Tompkins County. The 20 hours of training outside of class include hands-on composting, teaching or assisting at classes, researching compost topics, and designing an independent volunteer project. After training, use your new compost know-how and teaching experience to help others in the community.
Through a series of eight online training sessions, Navigators will learn about programs and incentives that exist to help others make positive changes in their life! Topics include understanding energy bills, home energy efficiency, renewable heating, solar energy, transportation alternatives, and more. Applications are due Friday, March 19th, and online training begins on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021.
‘You’ve famously said: “When I hear the words climate change, I hear jobs.” We agree. While the climate crisis presents incredible challenges, it is also the greatest economic opportunity for innovation, job creation, new businesses, and investment in our communities. It goes hand in hand with restoring justice and building an equitable, inclusive, and just future for all.”‘
The founders of Life After Hate are former extremists, committed to helping people leave the violent far-right to connect with humanity and lead compassionate lives. Read their guide for advice on engaging with these people in your life in a constructive way.
The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) announced the opening of the Warren D. Allmon Changing Climate: Our Future, Our Choice Exhibit – including a permanent exhibit at the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, as well as an online version that can be accessed anywhere in the world. As of December 26th, the physical exhibit is now open. Some features of this new exhibit include a feedback station where visitors can voice their opinions, a digital map that lets you explore energy sources across the U.S., and a miniature house where you can make energy choices and calculate its carbon footprint.…
“A coalition of environmental groups (including Food & Water Watch, NYPIRG, and more) is mounting a campaign for a statewide ban on the spreading of brine from oil and gas wells on roads for deicing or dust control”. These products are waste products from fracking and, thanks to a new law, can legally be used for these purposes, despite their poisonous properties.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County is now accepting applications for the 2021 CCETC Master Gardener Volunteer Training (MGVT) Program! Applications are due by Wednesday, January 6th. Alternate payment options and scholarships are available!
Considering purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle? Energy Navigator, Stuart Friedman, is committed to helping you find the EV of your dreams! There are two attractive offers out there:
This coming January, a municipal transfer station with on-site organics management (aka composting!), called the Geneva Resource Recovery Park, is coming to Geneva, NY! This center is brought to you by Closed Loop Systems, a local company that designs, builds, operates, and maintains customized resource recovery facilities for municipal, agricultural, industrial, and institutional clients. Their mission is to replenish global topsoil using waste! They also engage in advocacy work and education around healthy soil and the importance of the soil food web.
Gerri Wiley, the queen of all things energy, has put together another monthly update on utility rates from energy supply companies (ESCOs). Here is her letter to all those interested in navigating their best energy options…….
Need a lift? Here’s the latest good news on climate — lots of it! Credit goes to the NY Southern Finger Lakes Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Education.
Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) — headquartered in Syracuse, NY within the unceded territory of the Onondaga Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy — works to bring about a just transition to 100% renewable electricity, heating, and transportation. And they’re looking for two new team members: a Deputy Policy Director and an Events and Communications Manager!
When you make a donation in a loved one’s name, you will receive a holiday card that you can give to them, letting them know that you made a donation in their honor. We are offering a range of small gift options to make it easy for everyone to show their love by supporting others in our community.
Are you or someone you know in need of a new heating system, and on a modest income? NYSERDA is spending 5 million dollars giving away 500 heat pump systems! Participating contractors are available to install either geothermal or air source heat pump systems in income-qualified homes as part of a short-term study at little to no cost to the homeowner (renters qualify too!). Those making under 60% median income can get air-source heat pumps installed for free. If your home needs insulation, they will also do that first. This money will go very quickly! Get enrolled today!
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a precedent-setting agreement hammered out between grassroots environmental groups, the NYSEG and RG&E utilities, and energy regulators to stop growing gas sales and turn toward renewable heating alternatives, while keeping gas rate increases low. The PSC additionally agreed with grassroots environmentalists and consumer advocates that the utilities’ proposed electric rate increases were too high and ruled to reduce them to 2% per year or less.
“For years, independent geologists have warned that bedrock separating the mine from the lake runs dangerously thin in northern sections of the mine. They say that as miners continue to push north, a catastrophic breach grows increasingly likely.” Read more at Water Front.
The New York State League has successfully settled a lawsuit to allow voters to address and correct issues with their absentee ballots. New York voters will also now be protected from having their ballots thrown out for small technical issues. For the upcoming election, voters will be given five to seven days (depending on the date of receipt of the ballot) to verify their identity and fix any problems with their ballot after being notified by the Board of Elections. Visit the League of Women’s Voters of New York State’s website to read more about the details of this great…
A group of Yates County residents has asked state environmental regulators to modify, suspend or revoke Greenidge Generation’s operating permits to reflect the power plant’s rapidly developing role as an off-the-grid data center that “mines” Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency”. Bitcoin mining is an energy-intensive activity, and one with major environmental impacts involved. To learn more, read this article by Peter Mantius.
“The New York State Department of Health has taken the final step to establish drinking water standards for three toxic chemicals that have polluted water in communities across the state. In doing so, New York leads the nation with some of the most stringent drinking water protections for PFOA and PFOS (part of a broader class of PFAS chemicals), and the only drinking water standard for 1,4-dioxane”…
While most booths are now full with vendors and some other COVID-19 related restrictions have been loosened, Ithaca Farmers Market is still enforcing their own rules to minimize risk and help visitors to feel more safe. The market is following a slow-reopen plan, so you can check in on this page of their website (which is updated regularly) if you are planning a visit to see how restrictions have changed. is Read the Ithaca Voice article here.
After a six month hiatus, the pantry, located at 113 Geneva Street is now open to the public every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Fresh produce from Stick & Stone Farm is available every week in addition to other pantry items. New COVID-19 precautions have been put in place to protect both recipients and their older volunteers. Read the Ithaca Voice article here to learn more about their reopening, and visit their website to learn more about the pantry itself.
Spend some time in the great outdoors and pick some fruit to bring home too! Cornell Cooperative Extension has compiled some lists of U-Pick farms for your convenience!
The Public Service Center has proudly supported the local community through tutoring and other academic programs for almost 30 years. In our best effort to continue supporting the needs of our community, we have established a new virtual tutoring program as a response to the cancellation of in-person tutoring opportunities. The Supportive Tutoring for Area Youth (STAY) program is offering free, remote tutoring by Cornell students for grades K through 12 in a variety of subjects based on students’ needs.
Healthy Food for All, a project of Cornell Cooperative Extension is boxing up packages of fresh food for over 600 families in need to help those suffering with economic effects of the COVID crisis. Grant money is being used to pay local farmers for packages and are being distributed to food-insecure community members in Tompkins County. To request a box of produce and pantry items, sign-up here. To support the project and help provide fresh produce and pantry boxes for neighbors in need, make a donation directly on Healthy Food For All’s website. 100% of donations will go towards compensating…
Greenstar has recently sold The Space, to be eventually be used as some food/beverage/entertainment space, part of a larger project called “Agora”. However, because of the COVID crisis, that development will be put on hold for the time being. But for now, it’s being put to good use. According to the Ithaca Voice, “Thanks to some coordination between the new buyers and Tompkins County Legislator Anna Kelles, it’s being used in the short-term as a “Food Hub” by the Food Bank, meal and CSA delivery services, and other organizations working to prevent a hunger crisis in a time where thousands…
Empower Equity – EMPEQ, a NYSERDA-portfolio company focused on delivering equipment and project financing for commercial and industrial buildings, has broadened its portfolio with over $2 billion in available funding 💸💸💸. With this funding, EMPEQ can provide immediate financing, ranging from $10,000 to $10 million, for small- to mid-sized organizations to upgrade their essential building equipment—such as HVAC systems, chillers, and boilers—with new systems. They’re sealing the cracks! 👏👏👏 Bravo! Visit their website to learn more and click “APPLY” in the top toolbar to apply.
Alternatives Federal Credit Union announces… the Community Assistance Loan Fund! They’re offering a 0% interest loan to offset the expenses that have accompanied COVID-19 💸💰🤩🥳 They’re offering Personal Loans up to $3,000 and Business, Non-profit, and Organizations Loans up to $8,000. Both members and non-members are encouraged to apply. Visit their website to learn more about your options or apply for a loan.
Our current circumstances have many using a critical lens to look at our healthcare system and its fundamental shortcomings. Potential alternatives, such as the NY Health Act and Medicare for All, spark curiosity amongst many, including Tony Del Plato, a trustee for the Village of Interlaken and a business owner in Interlaken. Del Plato wrote an Op-Ed for the Finger Lakes Times on how New York State is handling (or neglecting to handle) healthcare around the pandemic and how they should be instead, arguing for a more affordable, functional, and better equipped healthcare system. Read the full Op-Ed here.
Free and safe rides in a sanitized vehicle now are available for individuals scheduled for COVID-19 testing at the Cayuga Health Sampling Site located at The Shops at Ithaca Mall thanks to a group of transportation service providers and partner agencies including United Way of Tompkins County, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Human Services Coalition, Tompkins County Health Department, TCAT, Center for Community Transportation and Way2Go. You must register for testing online or by calling 607-319-5708, then call 2-1-1 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm to schedule a ride with ASAP cab company. This service is free of charge.…
Did you know that you can now buy trash disposal punch cards and coupons, solid waste permits, and more without leaving your home? RecycleTompkins.org has a Shop Online feature!
The City of Ithaca enacted a hiring freeze this week, putting the newly created Director of Sustainability position, which would have started in early May, on pause for the foreseeable future. The new director was supposed to create an action plan for implementing an Ithaca Green New Deal, which would aim to create a carbon-neutral city by 2030, amongst other ambitious goals. A global conversation has ensued surrounding the necessary transition to more sustainable and just practices and infrastructure in the realms of energy & climate, economy, healthcare, etc, in response to COVID-19. It seems that the time is now…
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Ithaca Farmer’s Market opened this weekend to the public, with some added precautions to keep vendors and customers more safe. According to the Ithaca Voice, “The market is scheduled to return for its spring market on Saturdays in April at the Steamboat Landing pavilion, with shortened hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pavilion has 88 booths, but this month the vendor capacity will be capped at 40 –– with vendors spaced out in every other booth. The shorter hours and the empty booths will allow more room for customers to navigate the shopping…
A “net zero energy residential housing development” may be coming to the Village of Lansing in the near future if approved by the Planning Board. The housing complex would consist of 43 homes powered by solar energy and heat pumps, a project of The Solar Home Factory, a company based in Geneva. The houses would be clustered to preserve green space and minimize encroachment onto wetlands, and would be compliant with CLCPA [New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act]. Read more about this exciting plan here!
Protesters took the streets in Ithaca to oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline construction through Indigenous unceded land in “British Columbia”. Police blockades on both Green Street and Cayuga Street last Wednesday morning caused major delays for travelers, some of which were exiting their vehicles to confront the protestors. To read more about the protest, see Anna Lamb’s Ithaca Voice report. Want to get in on the action? Visit the Wet’suwet’en solidarity coordinating facebook page. For updates from the frontline, see the Unist’ot’en Camp Facebook page and the Wet’suwet’en Access Point on Gidimt’en Territory Facebook page. To donate, and for all…
30 U.S. senators, including local NY Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, have signed a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler asking them to implement the 2019 PFAS mitigation plan, made over a year ago. High PFAS are thought to be, at least in part, attributed to firefighting foam used by the town of Romulus for nearly 60 years, which ran off into the water. PFAS have been linked to birth defects, cancer, and other health risks, which raises concern for communities around Seneca Lake. Read more in the Finger Lake Times. Photo credits: Finger Lake Times.
Love the idea of eating locally-grown fruits and veggies? Want to support your local farmers and local economy? Don’t know where to begin? buylocalfoodny.org, a project of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, is a great place to start. There you’ll find a directory of places to find local food, tips for saving money, and much more. A wonderful resource to take advantage of, for those new to buying local and all you seasoned buyers!
Check out this article on geothermal heat pumps, written by Sustainable Tompkins’ own, Gay Nicholson!
The City of Ithaca is seeking a Director of Sustainability to launch the City in an organizational transformation initiative to meet the goals of the City’s Green New Deal. The successful individual will have experience with issues surrounding climate change, be a strong visionary with deep commitment to environmental justice and advancing social equity through environmental stewardship, public health, and sustainable urban development. Applications are due February 10.
With so many proposed plans, it is hard to differentiate the pros and cons. Dr. Brian Coyne, a federal health care lobbyist, will compare the various national health care proposals (ACA, Medicare for All, Medicare by Choice, Public Option, etc). A representative from New York Health Care Plan will present that version of a State based health care system.
A proposed galvanizing mill at the Seneca Lake Depot property (abandoned US military depot) presents another threat to Seneca Lake because of both potential leakage of zinc from the facility, and concerns with future Phase 2 and 3 of the project, a milling and welding facility. Seneca County IDA and the town of Romulus are being urged to address the areas of concern prior to making any approvals of the proposed plant. To learn more, read the Finger Lakes Times article.
Summary Job Description: This position will work closely with Groundswell’s Executive Director and staff, and a Project Advisory Team to develop, coordinate and teach many of Groundswell Center’s farmer training programs including a 6-month Farmer Training Practicum, technical workshops and an annual farm business course. Integrating input from multiracial stakeholders in program development and designing these programs with and for marginalized and aspiring growers who often experience barriers to these opportunities is an essential component to this position.
Tompkins Weekly 11-21-11 by Christian Nielsen The Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair was started in 2004 by two young women (Meaghan Sheehan and Angela DeFelice), inspired by a program of The New American Dream. They raised about $8,000 to benefit local non-profits. It will take place Saturday, December 3, from 10AM to 6 PM, at two…
Tompkins Weekly 11-7-2011 By City of Ithaca Planning Staff As environmental concerns and rising energy costs have an ever increasing impact on our daily lives, individuals are learning to integrate concepts of sustainability into their regular routines. They use their vehicles less, buy energy-efficient appliances, and are more mindful of their water consumption, just to…
Tompkins Weekly 10-31-11 by Gay Nicholson A recent opinion piece in the Ithaca Journal accused anti-fracking activists of moral hypocrisy. The writer assumed that those wanting to ban shale gas drilling in NYS were not doing anything to reduce their own fossil fuel consumption, and were therefore willing to push the negative effects of producing…
Tompkins Weekly 10/17/2011d By Kristen Olson Here in Tompkins County, historic buildings are going green and businesses are meeting the demand for skilled restoration professionals. Several recent and ongoing projects illustrate how sustainability and historic buildings are a natural match, proving there is little difference between “green building” and “historic preservation.” On East State Street,…
Tompkins Weekly October 10, 2011 by Nick Vaczek The world’s first vineyard classification system was introduced in northeastern Hungary’s Tokaj region in 1730. France’s Roquefort cheese, from the Midi-Pyrenees region, was the first cheese to be granted “Apellation d’Origine Controllee” status in 1925. Bonding hereabouts to our winescapes and foodsheds is easy as we access…
Tompkins Weekly 10/3/11 by Joe Marraffino and Gay Nicholson Leaders in the sustainability movement believe that the most promising economic development strategy available may be a focus on economic justice. This would reduce poverty and increase tax revenues, strengthen democracy and the sense of a shared future, reduce the tax burden for social services, and increase…
Tompkins Weekly 9/25/2011 by Guillermo Metz Photovoltaics: we all know they can power our homes. We’ve seen them on homes and businesses. But how many of us have had a chance to talk with the people who use them to learn about the process of installing them and what it’s like getting their power from…
Tompkins Weekly Sept.19, 20011 By Guillermo Metz Last month, Tompkins Weekly ran an article about Warm-Up Tompkins. This is a program Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County is running to incentivize homeowners to have energy work done on their homes, and which provides a rebate for converting to heating with a pellet stove. The crux of…
Tompkins Weekly 9/12/2011 By Jennifer Dotson Livable Streets Film Festival The Livable Streets Film Festival is a free showcase of short films on alternatives to car culture. 21 short films provide an off-beat and humorous take on sustainable mobility and great neighborhoods. A local jury selected some films on the you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it principle. Films are drawn…
Tompkins Weekly 9/5/11 by Gay Nicholson Governor Cuomo recently announced a new approach to solving the state’s growing economic problems. With the formation of 10 regional economic development councils, Cuomo hopes to channel all state and federal resources for job creation and business development through a more coordinated, appropriate, and community-based framework for growth. The Southern Tier…
Tompkins Weekly 8/29/11 by Abbie Webb Do you feel that the City’s decision making balances human, environmental, and economic needs adequately? If not, how would you change city operations to achieve this triple bottom line? On Monday August 8th, over one hundred fifty people gathered downtown to hear the City of Ithaca’s Mayoral Candidates respond…
Tompkins Weekly August 23, 2011 by Teri Reinemann Independence is one of the primary goals for today’s older adult – to be able to take care of yourself, enjoy life and carry out daily tasks as you have always done. But a serious fall can limit activities of a healthy senior and could lead to…
Tompkins Weekly July 25, 2011. By Steve Gabriel Many residents of the Finger Lakes region have taken an active interest in managing their landscapes sustainably but are overwhelmed by the task of learning all the parts that make the whole; from gardening to compost to raising small animals. Since 2009, Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute (FLPCI)…
Tompkins Weekly July 18, 2011. By Gay Nicholson It was another serene summer evening as I joined TeeAnn Hunter, Town of Ithaca board member, for a tour of the town’s West Hill community garden near the Linderman Creek Apartments. TeeAnn was the driving force behind the garden, leading the effort to win a Park Foundation…
Tompkins Weekly June 27, 2011. By Nick Vaczek Corn, beans and squash…. with summer’s warmth they are starting to crop up in our fields of thought and in our gardens. Known as the Three Sisters, this approach to planting and provisioning has ancient origins, developed by indigenous peoples on this continent – influencing changes in…
Tompkins Weekly July 4, 2011. By Shira Golding When a group of over seventy Ithacans came together in the fall of 2009 to make Frac Attack: Dawn of the Watershed, we had no idea how widely our twenty-minute zombie movie about the dangers of natural gas drilling would be used. Since its premiere to a…
Tompkins Weekly June 6, 2011. By Gay Nicholson. The failures of global growth capitalism are apparent to anyone feeling uncertain about their economic future – from the Baby Boomer eyeing retirement with greatly diminished health and pension benefits, to the young graduate frustrated by the lack of opportunity, to the middle-aged couple underwater in their…
Tompkins Weekly May 30, 2011. By Kate Richard. As the Green Revolution gains momentum and more eco-friendly products become available, it’s increasingly harder to distinguish the real green products or services from ones that are just marketed as being green and really aren’t, a practice known as green-washing. Consumers are finding it difficult to know…
Tompkins Weekly May 16, 2011. By Jack Jensen. How many times have we heard complaints about un-handy Handymen, or Fix-It folks who broke more than they repaired? They’re usually uninsured, and seemingly don’t care about their reputation. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a construction company that did great work on small jobs, with…
Tompkins Weekly April 25, 2011. By Joshua Dolan. Symptoms of the global food crisis including malnutrition, childhood obesity and diabetes are most prevalent in poor communities. Gardens 4 Humanity (G4H) is a community-driven organization addressing issues of food access, community health and neighborhood empowerment through support of urban gardens and gardeners in the Ithaca areas…
Tompkins Weekly April 18, 2011. By Katie Kelly Despite growing scientific evidence and public concern, toxic chemicals remain on the market and are commonly found in our homes, workplaces, everyday products, food and bodies. The federal law regulating chemicals in products, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, is outdated and badly in need of…
Tompkins Weekly- April 4, 2011. By Gay Nicholson. Sustainable Tompkins and more than 20 partners are hosting the second community Energy Fair on Wednesday, April 6 from 6:30-9:00 pm at the Women’s Community Building. The evening’s theme will be our community’s pursuit of true energy security. The oil and gas industry has long waged a…
Tompkins Weekly- March 28, 2011. By Shannon MacCarrick. Two years ago, Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties completed the construction of its very first ENERGY STAR home. Two years before that, Habitat’s Board of Directors made the commitment to build all of its homes as “green” and energy efficient as possible.
Tompkins Weekly – March 21, 2011. By Liz Walker. Are you trying to embrace a greener lifestyle? Are you eager to have your kids spend less time in front of the TV and more time playing outside with friends? Would you love to know your neighbors well enough to share some meals and help each…
Tompkins Weekly – March 14, 2011. By Sara Wells. This latest installment in our Signs of Sustainability series was organized by The Sustainable Enterprise & Entrepreneur Network (The SEEN), online at www.greenresourcehub.org/SEEN. A standing room only crowd blew the doors out of La Tourelle’s banquet room for our “Taking Back Our Local Food System”
Tompkins Weekly – March 7, 2011. By Gay Nicholson. “There must be some kind of way out of here,” said the Joker to the Thief. “There’s too much confusion, I can’t get no relief.” With these words, Bob Dylan starts his most performed song “All Along the Watchtower,” about the clash of values in America…
Tompkins Weekly – February 14, 2011. By Chrisophia Somerfeldt. Whether you enjoy or avoid winter driving, love your car or don’t own one, driving less or differently can reduce your stress, save money, and even bring new people or fun into your life. Consider the following strategies, from the brand new, to the tried and…
Tompkins Weekly – February 7, 2011. By Carol Eichler. Sustainability is all the rage these days, as well it should be. Our society has long celebrated prosperity, freedom and consumption with little thought to the costs of our actions. Lately, however, we’ve realized that there are real limits on our natural resources,
Tompkins Weekly – January 31, 2011. By Liz Falk. In an effort by the City of Ithaca to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from 2001 levels by 2016, the City is no longer accepting yard waste in plastic bags of any kind. If you are a homeowner, you are likely well aware of this…
Tompkins Weekly- January 17, 2011 By New Roots Charter School staff New Roots Charter School is a tuition-free regional public high school in the heart of downtown Ithaca with a commitment to developing students as leaders in community development, social justice and sustainability. As we approach the middle of our second school year, over 130…
Tompkins Weekly – January 10, 2011 By Richard Franke, Ph.D. As MLKing Day 2011 approaches, a unique and timely movement is unfolding across Ithaca and Tompkins County. Ten thousand free copies are being distributed of Martin Luther King’s last book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? Thousands of students are reading the…
Tompkins Weekly- January 3, 2011 By Tom Shelley This month marks the second year I have managed the Signs of Sustainability column for Sustainable Tompkins. We are blessed with a wide variety of active organizations and it is a privilege to be able to showcase the activities and the thinking of some of these groups,…
Tompkins Weekly – December 20, 2010 By Richard Franke, Ph.D. The sustainability movement has a future vision in which…well, what? Here are two recent contrasting books. The ultimate pessimist is peak oil theorist Richard Heinberg. In his 2007 book Peak Everything: Waking Up to the Century of Declines, Heinberg offers up “A letter from the…
Tompkins Weekly – December 13, 2010 By Sharon Anderson Climate affects everything in our lives from food production to water supplies to health. When people are tired of winter, global warming and climate change may sound good but climate disruption is closer to the truth.
Tompkins Weekly – November 16, 2010 By Jack Jensen We work hard and smile often during Community Building Works! workdays.
Tompkins Weekly – November 9, 2010 By Carole Fisher, M.S. It is estimated that people spend 90% of their time indoors and 50% or more of each day inside their homes.
Tompkins Weekly – October 25, 2010 by Gail Blake and Adam Michaelides As of November 1, 2010 the City of Ithaca will no longer accept yard waste in plastic bags of any kind.
Tompkins Weekly – October 18, 2010 by Gay Nicholson I’ve been working on my “sustainability makeover” for several years now.
Tompkins Weekly – October 11, 2010 by Liz Walker Sometimes the newest ideas have ancient roots.
Tompkins Weekly – September 27, 2010 By Hilary Lambert, Nick Vaczek and Danielle Klock There is nothing like the curative of seeking knowledge and taking actions ourselves. Rugged independence is an American tradition, after all.
Tompkins Weekly – October 4, 2010 By Hilary Lambert, Nick Vaczek and Danielle Klock Last week’s Signs of Sustainability column focused on the 2010 Finger Lakes Bioneers We Make Our Future Conference first-day events. This week’s column follows up with a summary of activities for Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24.
Tompkins Weekly – August 23, 2010 By Gay Nicholson The Finger Lakes Bioneers return October 22-24 with the second annual We Make Our Future conference. Each day of the conference offers a chance to get deeply engaged with fellow citizens to co-create new responses to the challenges we face.
Tompkins Weekly – August 30, 2010 By Shira Golding Bring what you can, take what you need. It’s a simple but powerful concept that inspired the formation of Share Tompkins in May 2009.
Tompkins Weekly – September 6, 2010 By Sharon Anderson “I don’t understand why anyone would do that!” came the exasperated comment of a participant at a program on shale gas drilling. I’ve hear similar reactions from both opponents and proponents of gas drilling activity.
Tompkins Weekly – September 20, 2010 By Guillermo Metz There will be some old, some new, and something for everyone at this year’s Green Buildings Open House! This annual event kicks off the first weekend in October for two days of touring some of the most incredible green buildings in the greater Ithaca area.
Tompkins Weekly – August 15, 2010 by Nicole StumpfRebuy, along with the other 4R superheroes, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, is getting ready to go back to school.
Tompkins Weekly – July 26, 2010 by Bob Rossi What does success mean to you? Perhaps it means happiness or achieving specific goals. Perhaps it relates to your business, family, or sport. Now take a moment to consider what your best path to success might be. Most likely you cannot travel this path alone.
Tompkins Weekly – June 28, 2010 By Sharon Anderson Does play mean a romp in the park or hours in front of a video game for the children in your life?
Tompkins Weekly – July 5, 2010 by Suzanne Cerquone We’ve all heard the term “greenwashing” by now – companies who disingenuously spin their products and policies as environmentally friendly.
Tompkins Weekly – July 12, 2010 By Tom Shelley The Cayuga Sustainability Council is an informal gathering of representatives of the various sustainability-related organizations in the area.
Tompkins Weekly – June 21, 2010 By Katie Quinn-Jacobs A new web-based tool will connect local farmers and buyers online.
Tompkins Weekly – June 14, 2010 By Melissa Doak Composting and gardening go hand-in-hand. Not only does a compost pile serve as a convenient place to dump garden waste, but the finished compost has a myriad of uses in the garden.
Tompkins Weekly – June 8, 2010 By Sharon Kaplan People have enough choices to make these days. Why should they have to think about which body care products to use and which to avoid? It’s not that hard to choose healthier products once you learn a few basics.
Tompkins Weekly – May 17, 2010 by Wendy Skinner Sustainability advocates talk a lot about “closed loop” systems. For example, a factory might use its waste output to fuel its manufacturing process. A business might recycle unsold inventory to create new products.
Tompkins Weekly – May 10, 2010 By Carl Feuer As our economy transitions toward greater sustainability and environmental responsibility, as we must, it is important that we focus on more than just preserving or restoring the quality of our environment.
Tompkins Weekly – May 3, 2010 By Kitty Gifford Businesses, organizations, schools and individuals are able to offset their carbon emissions by purchasing carbon offsets from the newly created Finger Lakes Climate Fund.
Tompkins Weekly – April 26, 2010 By Joanna Green Let’s say you’re a young adult – or maybe a not so young adult – and you’re interested in learning about small-scale farming as a potential livelihood. Where can you go to find out what farming is all about and get the training you need to…
Tompkins Weekly – 4/19/2010 by Katie Kelly As the 40th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, it’s easy to remember the environmental successes of the last several decades.
Tompkins Weekly – April 12, 2010 By Bethany Schroeder So much about Ithaca and our community support systems is exceptional and, sometimes (dare I say it?), even unique. For example, the Ithaca Health Alliance may be the only organization of its kind in the US: a cooperative model of health services driven by the needs…
Tompkins Weekly – March 22, 2010 By Carol Eichler To address the population growth in Tompkins County we need more housing – 4,000 new housing units over the next 10 years, to be exact.
Tompkins Weekly – March 29, 2010 By Patricia Haines When Senator Gaylord Nelson called for a nation-wide environmental rally in 1970, he had no idea that 40 years later Earth Day would be a week-long global celebration involving millions.
Tompkins Weekly March 8, 2010 By Wendy Skinner Despite a lull in the economy and the persistence of poverty, most American families can still afford to buy and own increasing volumes of “stuff.”
Tompkins Weekly – March 15, 2010 by Marnie Kirchgessner The Ithaca Town Board in February, 2009 adopted a simple yet powerful resolution supporting the establishment of a community garden on park land on West Hill.
Tompkins Weekly 3-10-14 By Becca Rimmel US schools spend an average of $.95 on a school lunch-that’s not a lot considering the cost of high quality fruits, vegetables, meats and other ingredients. More importantly, perhaps, a lot of this food is being produced by ‘agri-business’ and little of it, if any, is coming from the…
Tompkins Weekly by Apollonya Porcelli ITHACA, NY – February 22, 2010 – What makes the built environment sustainable and also comfortable and beautiful? How can we make our homes as functional as possible while using the most “green” materials available and still stay within budget?
by Brent Katzmann In a recent press release, the National Association of Home Builders suggested “The key to the mainstreaming of green is to make sure that consumers understand the value of green upgrades – and exactly how cost-effective sustainable construction can be in the long run”.
by Daniel Segal In less than a month (March 5th and 6th), Ithaca will host its second annual Designing with Native Plants Symposium at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
February 9, 2010 by Chrisophia Somerfeldt Transportation is critical to people’s lives and the life of our community, yet it often carries a high price.
By Christina Orlandini and Marian Brown This is the fourth of our series in which Sustainable Tompkins introduces you to the large number of “Signs of Sustainability” in the category of new sustainability programs or activities by existing businesses or organizations.
By Christina Orlandini and Marian Brown This is the last of our series in which Sustainable Tompkins introduces you to “Signs of Sustainability” in the category of new sustainability programs or activities by existing businesses or organizations.
By Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis At New Roots Charter School, a new public high school in downtown Ithaca, our faculty, staff and community partners are preparing our students to understand that: A) They are not too young to make a difference.
By Catherine McCarthy If you haven’t been to the Cayuga Nature Center lodge in the past two months, you may be surprised to hear that it is warm indoors thanks to a new super-efficient biomass boiler.
December 14, 2009 Tompkins Weekly By Christina Orlandini and Marian Brown This is the first in the series of articles in which we will introduce readers to the bumper crop of Sustainable Tompkins’ “Signs of Sustainability” for 2009. Even though this has been a fairly dismal economic year, we are able to note the appearance…
December 21, 2009 Tompkins Weekly By Christina Orlandini and Marian Brown This is the second in our series in which Sustainable Tompkins introduces you to the large number of “Signs of Sustainability” in the category of new sustainability programs or activities by existing businesses or organizations.
December 28, 2009 Tompkins Weekly By Christina Orlandini and Marian Brown This is the third of our series in which Sustainable Tompkins introduces readers to the large number of “Signs of Sustainability” in the category of new sustainability programs or activities by existing businesses or organizations.
November 30, 2009 Tompkins Weekly Sustainable Tompkins continually seeks to identify the newest “Signs of Sustainability” in our community. For the past four years, we have tried to spotlight individuals and organizations all doing their part to help advance community sustainability. We highlight these efforts in order to help these new activists “plug in” and…
A unique opportunity exists in the coming week and it will happen right before many of our eyes on Sunday October 18th when Dorothy Cotton, Civil Rights leader and former Education Director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, addresses the crowd at the inaugural Finger Lakes Bioneers – We Make Our Future Conference. In this…
Our actions and our inactions determine our individual and collective future. Although the exercise of our free will may be constrained at times, the creative power of our species is undeniable. The We Make Our Future conference being offered October 16-18 by Finger Lakes Bioneers is based upon the above two premises: mutual authorship of…
By Bethany Schroeder and Elan Shapiro According to the recently released guide to green jobs, “Green-Collar Jobs in America’s Cities,” as well as the associated study and action plan for leaders called “Greener Pathways,” a green-collar job by definition provides wages and benefits to support a family, career opportunities and mechanisms to reduce waste, pollution…