Seagulls, they’re everywhere, am I right? Like pigeons, it may be hard for New Yorkers to see them as “wildlife” when they act like such annoying scavengers so much of the time. And because they’re what are known as “opportunistic carnivores”, they tend to hang around the species that provides the most food opportunities- humans.
But actually we can learn a lot from seagulls, and especially how they’re affected by our behavior.
This is a picture of a piece of expanded polystyrene foam- the ubiquitous squishy plastic foam that takeout food containers, hot coffee cups, hospital and school meal trays and packing peanuts are all commonly made from- under an electron microscope. Plastic foam (often referred to by the brand name Styrofoam) is lightweight and well insulating; it’s also unrecyclable and pretty damn near indestructible when put into a landfill.
There’s been talk of a NYC ban on plastic foam products for years, and a ban was actually approved under Mayor Bloomberg in 2013, but the city decided to do a study to see whether there might be an effective and efficient way to recycle it. That study concluded that trying to recycle the foam wouldn’t be feasible, so now it’s out.
This holiday season, lots of people will be getting shiny new toys to play with: game consoles, TVs, computers, tablets, phones and smartwatches. Some people will even get new appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and other appliances. Even though holiday shopping is down this year, rest assured that the holidays still add up to a lot of trash and waste.
How can I make my heating system quieter? Reduce my bills? Eliminate drafts? Stop smelling foul smells from my neighbors?
In this educational evening, you will learn some basic building science and solutions to your heat and comfort problems, techniques for working with your building residents, and state monies available to help make everything work better.
October 1
6:30-9:30pm
at NYSERDA
1359 Broadway bet 36th and 37th Sts
Attend as our guest for FREE by using the discount code “Solar1” when you register here.
On Sunday September 21, you can be part of what looks likely be the biggest march for climate justice EVER.
The March will kick off Climate Week in NYC, as world leaders converge on the UN to try, once again, to craft a global response to the climate crisis. The March begins at Columbus Circle at 11:30am (groups will be assembling on Central Park West between 59th and 86th Sts) and will proceed east on 59th Street to 6th Ave, south on 6th Ave to 42nd St, and west on 42nd St to 11th Ave. You can find full details and sign up here.
Organizers 350.org is calling for this March to be the biggest, the most beautiful and the most impactful demand for a serious plan for the global environment. Don’t miss it!
Poster by the Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative.
