Archive for September, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. – Dozens of volunteers will gather to stencil water protection messages and brightly colored fish on storm drains located throughout the N.C. State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 4. The event is being organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, in partnership with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Stormwater runoff is the number one cause of water pollution in North Carolina and the nation. The stenciled images provide a strong visual reminder that everything that flows into storm drains also flows into our creeks, streams, rivers and ocean. (more…)

GARNER, N.C. - A new Garner park will set an example for the community by “going green.”

Officials broke ground Tuesday on what will become White Deer Park.

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Girl power has gone green. A new fashion and lifestyle magazine, Boho, has launched, featuring articles on fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle as well as stories about strong green women.

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As part of its Aging Initiative, EPA is seeking grant proposals that train older adults to be environmental leaders, and demonstrate how greenways and sustainable streets can improve the quality of life and environmental quality for the active aging. The solicitation opened Sept. 24 and closes Nov. 21.

States or state agencies, the District of Columbia, territories, American Indian Tribes (federally recognized), and possessions of the United States are eligible to apply. It is also open to public and private universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions and 501 (c)(3) organizations.

EPA will award two grants totaling $200,000 in the winter of 2009.

Get more information about the grants.

So, yeah, the folks at Larry’s Beans have a new bio bag. So how does it work?

Click here to find out.

By Jackie Asztalos, NBC17 Reporter

One of the largest green communities in the Triangle is now opening its doors in Chatham County.

Developers and Chatham County officials introduced the Brier Chapel community to the public Thursday. This development was constructed to provide homeowners with greener homes including increased solar capabilities and increased water conservation.

They will build over 2,400 homes and 900 acres will be open space for parks and trails. About 600,000 square feet will be dedicated to retail and office space.

President of the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation said Brier Chapel is a perfect fit for the area.
 
“It also is very consistent with the values that people hold dear in Chatham County; the open space, the integration of art.  It also promotes sustainable energy and building practices,” Reid said.

The developer also donated land to rebuild the Woods Charter School just down the street from the community.

They will hold their VIP celebration and grand opening on Saturday.

This blog from The Daily Green tries to sum it up.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — EPA, NOAA and nine other federal agencies have announced the completion of an interagency report to plan how individual federal agencies can prevent and reduce marine debris.

Marine debris, which includes improperly discarded plastic grocery bags, bottles, ropes, tires, soda rings and lost fishing gear, is found in the ocean and along coasts around the world. Marine debris threatens public safety, hurts the economy with costly cleanups and deterred tourism, and harms and kills marine life such as seals, sea turtles, sea birds and coral reefs.

The report, written by IMDCC at the request of Congress, focuses on marine debris sources, impacts, and strategies, and represents another step in implementing recommendations called for in the President’s Ocean Action Plan. (more…)

MORRISVILLE, N.C.–Devmire, Inc. will unveil a new line of socks under the Sierra Club name that is made from organic cotton, soy, bamboo and other eco-friendly materials.  Read More.

W.G. Pearson Elementary school is going green, and environmental leaders are taking notice.

Recently, the school was recognized for its “leadership in energy and environmental design,” or LEED. It is the first school rated as a leader for LEED in the Triangle, and the second elementary school in the state to earn the rating that school officials say distinguishes a “high-performance building,” according to Durham Publci Schools.

“It means that we are an environmentally friendly building to all the people that are here, the students, the staff, and the land that we’re on,” said principal Sandy Chambers.

The school’s LEED rating means Pearson’s design is now certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Officials say the two-story, 82,000 square-foot building offers bike racks as a healthy alternative to vehicles. The school also boasts green construction materials, many of which were locally made, which officials say improves the school’s air quality,.

“It teaches them that we’re environmentally conscious, and we’re trying to save our planet,” Chambers said. “We’re making big efforts into doing that and with buildings that we have. That’s a major step in that direction.”

Durham Public Schools Superintendent Carl Harris agreed, saying, “Not only is this an indication of our doing our best to conserved, but it also is a tangible example for our students of what can be done to protect the environment.”

Chambers said the unique certification makes students “…aware that we can start saving the world on a bigger scale.”