A lot has changed since I first started Green Brooklyn. Both for myself, as well as in the world of sustainability and politics. Almost all for the better.

As it must be fairly clear to readers, I have significantly cut back on both writing and posting to the site. Firstly, I apologize for leaving you hanging with no notice. Secondly, I want to thank each and every one of you for reading, contributing, and interacting with the site and with me.

So, a heartfelt thank you to all!

With that, I bring my involvement with this website to a close.

I believe there is still a need for a green blog in Brooklyn.

If anyone who reads this is interested in taking over the management of the website, please get in touch. The contact form and email addresses still work. The website will remain as-is until either someone takes it over for me or until I decide to pull the plug.

We’ve come a long way since my first real post on December 6th, 2006. Only a few years, but it seems like an eternity. It sure was fun.

And once again, I just want to thank everyone who came along for the ride.

See ya round,

Ethan

PS, I would love to keep in touch with the many friends and associates I have met over the years. Please shoot me an email or connect with me on Facebook or LinkedIn. CHEERS!!!

Brooklyn, NY — November 1, 2009 – Boro Fuel Oil Co., Inc., a Brooklyn fuel and energy services dealer for 80 years, is going green.

      On November 1^st the company will introduce BioGreen™ – a new premium biofuel that’s kind to both heating systems and Mother Nature. Boro Fuel Oil is the first heating oil dealer in New York City to offer BioGreen™.  A blend of traditional heating oil and 10% soybean oil, eco-friendly BioGreen™ premium biofuel is clean, renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. BioGreen™ is also kind to the American economy: Domestically produced from soybeans grown in the U.S.A., BioGreen™ helps to support American agriculture and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.

     BioGreen™ also offers heating oil customers the following benefits:

• BioGreen™ burns cleaner than conventional heating oil – it contains almost no sulfur, and significantly reduces emissions that contribute to air pollution and global warming.
• BioGreen™ has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel, for satisfying warmth.
• BioGreen™ lubricates heating system parts more thoroughly and efficiently – resulting in fewer service calls and a longer heating system lifespan.
• BioGreen™ costs the same as conventional heating oil – and consumers don’t need to modify their heating equipment or change their warranties.

      BioGreen™ users will also be rewarded financially, thanks to New York State’s Bioheat^® Tax Credit, which allows Boro Fuel Oil customers a direct tax credit of 10 cents for each gallon of BioGreen™ they buy through 2011.

     “We are proud to be at the forefront of the green energy revolution with our eco-friendly BioGreen™,” says Jeff Cohn, President of Boro Fuel Oil.  “And, of course, we’re proud to be the first heating oil dealer in Brooklyn to offer this breakthrough product. Not every fuel company out there offers a green, clean fuel like BioGreen™. It’s one more way we’re helping our customers save energy … which also saves them money.”

     “BioGreen™ is just another way Boro Fuel Oil has been going green,” continues Cohn.  “For decades, we’ve been helping our customers save energy – whether by installing the latest high-efficiency comfort equipment, performing annual tune-ups to keep their heating systems working at top condition, or offering conservation advice to help them reduce their carbon footprint.”

     “With the introduction of BioGreen™, we’re making New York City a greener place to live,” says Cohn.

     Boro Fuel Oil is particularly pleased to enter the exciting world of biofuels. Available to residential and commercial customers, the company is rolling out its BioGreen™ brand with a dedicated Web site, www.BioGreenNY.com and phone number, (888) OK-BIOGREEN, as well as a promotional campaign that includes newspaper, radio and television advertising.  For additional information on BioGreen™, contact Jeff Cohn at (718) 854-7500 or (888) OK-BIOGREEN.

     Founded by Joseph Cohn in 1929 with offices in Borough Park, Brooklyn, Boro Fuel Oil is a family-owned and operated energy company serving Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. In addition to heating oil and diesel fuel delivery, Boro Fuel Oil installs and services oil- and gas-fired boilers and furnaces, hot water heaters and oil tanks for its residential and commercial customers. Jeff Cohn is also a principal in Great Eastern Energy, providing discounted natural gas in seven states and from twenty different utilities.

CONTACT:

Jeff Cohn, President
Boro Fuel Oil Co., Inc.

(718) 854-7500 or (888) OK-BIOGREEN

www.borofueloil.com ? www.BioGreenNY.com

###

It’s no secret that in general, money is a little bit tight these days. Everyone is doing what they can to save money. Reducing your energy bills not only saves you money, it’s good for the environment as well. But how can you do this without sacrificing the A/C or heat you may need to get through the extreme temperatures of the summer and winter? The answer is in how you select your window treatments.

Let’s say you live in a region where it is cold most of the year and your biggest concern is losing heat. If correctly installed, window shades can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent heat loss. Shades that are mounted as close to the glass as possible with the sides of the shade close to the wall create a sealed air space, making it difficult for the heat to escape. During the winter, shades should be raised on the south side of the house in the daytime to let in the heat from the sunlight and then lowered at night. Dual shades are even more effective for insulating as they are reflective on one side and heat absorbent on the other. These types of shades must be drawn all day to be effective and the reflective side should always face the warmest side.

Draperies are a very common form of window treatment, but it is difficult to generalize about their energy efficiency as it relies on many factors. Draperies can reduce heat gain by up to 33% if they are medium-colored and have white plastic backings. They are also perfect for summer weather as their pleats and folds lose heat through convection. Unfortunately, most conventional draperies can only reduce heat loss by 10%. However, if they are hung as close to the window as possible with a cornice installed at the top and the drapery is sealed at both sides and overlapped in the center, you can push it to about 25%.

If heat gain is your primary concern, it might be best to go with blinds. Because of the numerous openings between the slats, blinds are much more effective at reducing heat gain in the summer than heat loss in the winter. But, the advantage blinds have over shades is that these slats and be adjusted to control light and ventilation. Heat gain can be reduced by around 45% when highly reflective blinds are completely closed and lowered on a sunny window.

There is no single type of window treatment that can be energy efficient if applied to every home. Your home’s specific insulation needs are the biggest factor, but the type, color and fabric of your treatment all play a part as well. But, with this information you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about which treatment is best for you, your wallet and the environment.

Hi!

We own a small farm in Upstate NY and raise heritage breed pigs on pasture. We then handcraft our pork into a variety of fresh charcuterie treats like specialty sausage, fresh cuts, pates, lard, terrines, confit, lunch meat, bacon and more.

We have a winter meat CSA up in Ithaca, but we’re thinking of starting a small version of a meat CSA this winter in Brooklyn.  We were wondering if anyone could recommend some good places that would host a distribution for our farm?

Heather Sandford

The Piggery
“Local, old-world style charcuterie”

I bet GBK readers can hook Heather up with some spots in Brooklyn. Contact her at The Piggery (www.thepiggery.net).

This year for the first time Hattie Carthan Community Garden in Bed-Stuy is hosting a Community Farmers Market. We want to get the word out for our opening Sat, July 11th. Hopefully you can join us or pass the information along to others who might be interested!

See our press release and flier for our Grand Opening for more info.

The Community Market Grand Opening celebration July 11th will begin with Ribbon Cutting at 9:30 followed by events throughout the day including cooking demos, recipe sharing, live music, storytelling and cultural presentations.

July 25th is Salad Fest in the Market. Community Food Educator Yonnette Fleming explores the art of salad making and tosses up a bevy of seasonal salads.

Join us throughout the season. Fresh fruits and vegetables for sale from local farms and community gardeners, and a community space for gatherings and events. Every Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm from July 11th to November 5th.

We accept EBT FMNP WIC HEALTH BUCCS

For more info, go here: Hattie Carthan Community Garden
Or visit the garden: Corner of Marcy Avenue and Clifton Place, Brooklyn, NY

11 Sessions - July to October 2009

Presented by The Center for Bioregional Living and Andrew Faust

This course will cover the core 72 hour Permaculture Design curriculum, including additional hours of in class and out of class activities to adapt this course to our region and to contemporary ecological issues in the United States. You will learn how to apply Permaculture principles to a diversity of settings and issues with an emphasis on urban and temperate environments.

This Permaculture design course provides a positive and empowering vision for social and ecological transformation. Come be inspired by the possibilities of today and not by the fear of tomorrow!

Permaculture

• is an ecological design science that provides insights and practical techniques for living a fruitful and abundant life.
• is addressing the major issues of our day from a whole systems perspective.
• is a worldwide movement that is helping to regenerate local ecologies and economies.
• is a solution oriented ecological approach to retrofitting our societies.

This course is perfect for a diversity of individuals who wish to use Permaculture in Urban environments as well as a diversity of other environments.

Lectures, extensive and diverse handouts, field trips and hands-on activities will explore: Methods for regenerating local economies and regional self reliance, the economics of globalization, providing individuals with practical tools for creating positive social change, inner-city gardening techniques, indoor and apartment gardening, making fermented foods, whole foods, Living Machines and natural wastewater treatment, biogas generators, ecological niche market and value added business ideas, passive integrated water systems, rain gardens that alleviate flooding while addressing sewage treatment plant overflows and clean water, living roofs, rooftop gardens and regional energy systems.

Other topics include:

The evolution of agriculture, Biodynamics, natural history of Eastern woodlands, passive solar and natural building techniques, Biodynamic orchards, fruit and berry production, watershed health, the integration of animals into cultivated ecosystems, indoor mushroom cultivation and solar oven and portable rocket stove construction.

2 girls 1 cup

To receive a certificate students must attend all 11 classes and present a final Permaculture site design. Students will be given the option to present their final design individually which is a different approach than most PDCs. In our experience, and from what our growing number of students say, this contributes to a more practical, professional and intellectually stimulating learning experience. As a result a number of our students final presentations have gone from paper (or Powerpoint Presentations) to actualized, real-world designs.

View Syllabus

All classes are on either Saturday or Sunday, from 9am to 5pm, and will be held in two locations:

July 25th and August 8th sessions will be held at:

Curious Pictures
440 Lafayette St. 6th floor
Manhattan

The remaining days:

August 1st, 15th, 16th, 29th
October 3rd, 4th, 17th, 25th, 31st

Will be at:

Sixth Street Community Center
Lower East Side Manhattan
638 E. 6th Street between Ave B and C

Andrew Faust is one of the premier Permaculture teachers and designers in North America with 17 years of Permaculture experience, 10 years as a certified alternative school teacher (Upattinas-Glenmoore, PA) and 8 years living off-the–grid in rural West Virginia. Living in Brooklyn since August 2007 he has been applying his knowledge to urban needs and working on the development of The Center for Bioregional Living in Ellenville, NY, a pilot campus for his New York City students and clients. Andrew has taught the PDC course over 13 times at Yestermorrow Design/Build school in Warren,VT. This will be his fourth PDC course in New York City.

Guest speakers will include:

Keith Morris is an organic farmer, builder, and environmental educator. For the past five years, he has been designing and establishing an edible forest garden and ecological homestead in Johnson, Vermont along the Lamoille River. Prospect Rock Permaculture combines reforestation, wildlife refuge, and ecological restoration with food production and community building, while educating about and experimenting with sustainable techniques and ways of building.

Lisa DePiano is a certified Permaculture designer and co-founder of the Montview Neighborhood Farm, a human-powered farm and edible forest garden in the Connecticut River Valley. She has a Master’s degree in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts and likes to ride with the worker owned Pedal People in Northampton, MA.

Rafter Sass of Liberation Ecology has facilitated workshops on social project design, Permaculture design, the economics of globalization, mycology, and wild foods and medicines. In his own words, “I do this work because I want to be in conversation with people who are hungry for change, and the tools for making it.”

Bill Young of Young Environmental LLC is a recognized leader in the environmental field with more than 25 years of experience as a project manager, designer, and wetland specialist. His expertise includes habitat restoration on disturbed lands, wetlands monitoring and construction, botanical inventory, wildlife assessment, streambank restoration; and erosion and sediment control.

Lars Chellberg of CENYC and Water Resources Group builds and maintains low cost Rain Water Harvesting systems across the five boroughs and leads educational workshops on sustainable water practices. He will be leading a tour of one of the systems he designed for a community garden in the Lower East Side.

Paula Hewitt Amram is the founder of Open Road Park and will be talking to us about the transformation of a former bus depot/brownfield into the thriving community garden it is today.

Adriana Magaña a certified Permaculture Designer and Horticulturist will be leading the hands-on workshops. She is working with Andrew Faust to create The Center for Bioregional Living upstate on their 14 acres of property in Ellenville, NY.

Together this teaching team brings a wealth of wisdom and a diversity of experience ranging from city to country, from forests to deserts and beyond. Come and learn from the premier practitioners of ecological design in the Northeast and be a part of the growing community of cutting edge designers and community leaders!

Before July 10th $1000
After July 10th $1200
$100 paid in advance to reserve your spot
Register early for discount!

For more information go here or to register email andrew@homebiome.com
Andrew Faust
The Center For Bioregional Living
www.homebiome.com
Ellenville / Brookyn, NY

From our friends at the SRWA:

GREENING THE RIDGE 2009!
SUNDAY, JUNE 14th, 2009 at Veteran’s Memorial Pier at 69th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
10am- 6pm

Festival Schedule:
9am-10am: Exhibitor setup
10am: Festival Opening Ceremony
10am-Noon: Xavier High School Jazz Band “Bailout”
11am, 1pm, and 3pm: Dance Performance Installation, “What We Can See From Here,” by Cassie Mey and Jesse Phillips-Fein
Noon: Dance Performance Installation- Kids Workshop!

2:00pm: OLPH Twirlers!
2:30pm: SRWA Green Youth Award Ceremony
Noon to 6pm: Pill Hill Radio and Musical Guests
6pm: Festival end

The Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance is pleased to announce our Second Annual Greening the Ridge Festival in 2009! This annual summer festival will bring vendors, agencies, programs, and individuals to the pier for an educational festival on how to green our community.

Building upon the success of our First Annual GTR Festival in 2008, this year’s event will bring even more people, and more inter-active booths to the Veteran’s Memorial Pier at 69th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. In addition, we are unveiling our Green Youth Award Program at this year’s festival, click here for more information!

Special music entertainment provided by: Xavier High School Jazz Band, and Pill Hill Radio with Musical Guests!

Special dance performance:
What We Can See From Here
Performance Installation by Cassie Mey & Jesse Phillips-Fein

Meet our current sponsors & exhibitors:

Petri Plumbing
Kettle Black
Alley Cat Exterminating
Green Spa
Ben Bay Realty Co.
Ben Bay Realty Co. of Bay Ridge

Smart Car Manhattan

Gallery 364
Bay Ridge CSA
Bay Ridge Food Co-op
Greenmarket
Center for Urban Greenscaping (CuGreen)
EPA
Narrows Botanical Gardens
Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth Collection
Petit Oven

Circles International Natural Foods
Bettencourt Green Building Supplies
WowGreen
Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
Farm Sanctuary
Natural Resources Defense Council
FDNY Smoke House
GreenBrooklyn
CleanAir NY

Garden Direct
Xaverian High School Environmental Club
Scandinavian East Coast Museum
Transportation Alternatives
Life Scout Troop 20, Edward Maddalena
Bay Ridge Historical Society

Plus many more to be added!

This all-day festival is FREE to the public.

More info at SRWAlliance.org.

If you are interested in obtaining more information, please contact Heather McCown: heather@srwalliance.org / (917) 971-0007.

The Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance gratefully acknowledges support from Councilman Vincent Gentile, Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer, Congressman Michael McMahon, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and State Senator Marty Golden.