Join me and my guest Matt Goodman, as we discuss his role as the manager of the sustainable consulting practice at NYC ITAC, a non-profit consulting firm focused on growing NYC manufacturing. Matt is also a member of the Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB) a group that advises the Manhattan Borough President on solid waste management programs. He is a fine example of how the millennials are stepping up to help keep the planet clean and green. For info on NYC ITAC go to www.itac.org
Category: Environment
#1426: Veronica Horvath, Environmental Advocate
My guest this week is Veronica Horvath, a member of Americorps, who coordinates environmental service learning programs at the Prospect Park Alliance. Veronica is passionate about all things green, but she is most concerned about water issues, and what needs to be done to keep water safe and clean. We talk a bit about her eco adventures in Jordan, and her role as a volunteer for Riverkeeper. Tune in to find out what items popped up on the shores of Brooklyn Bridge Park during the Riverkeeper Sweep event. Veronica’s passion about all things environmental is truly a breath of fresh air. For more info on Riverkeeper go to www.riverkeeper.org
1425: Michael Tobias, author of “Hope on Earth: A Conversation”
My guest this week is Michael Charles Tobias, ecologist, filmmaker, and president of the Dancing Star Foundation, which focuses on conservation, global environmental education, animal protection and more. He recently co-authored a book with Dr. Paul Ehrlich (known for his groundbreaking book “The Population Bomb”), entitled Hope On Earth: A Conversation. Michael and I discuss topics that touch on issues of water, biodiversity, reproductive rights, treatment of animals( especially the cruelty and mass slaughter of billions of chickens annually), and most importantly the need to teach compassion and non-violence within our education system. Perhaps courses in meditation, mediation and yoga, will make for more solid and humane citizens, especially in light of the rash of school shootings, which has plagued the United States since the tragedy at Columbine High School. We have to care about the one, so that we can forward that knowledge to the many. You can get the book, Hope on Earth: A Conversation on Amazon.com and check out www.dancingstarfoundation.
#1425: Michael Tobias, author of “Hope on Earth: A Conversation”
1421: The Margo Family
How special it was to have my mom Ruthie, the Queen of F’ing Everything join me in the studio for her 95th Birthday. Token Bros Phil and Mitch Margo were also there to celebrate mom, and to talk about growing up in Brooklyn and being sustainable before it became a buzzword. Mom talked about gardening and nature walks on Ocean Parkway, and vacant lots that grew wild flowers and shrubs that we used as cuttings. Throw in some politics and music to spice things up, and voila a birthday celebration turned into a show. My Dad Leon, was definitely looking down from the heavens and smiling. For more info on Phil and Mitch go to www.thetokens.com and check out a great reading tool www.margoreader.com.
1424: ‘The Plan?’, a film by Dr. Susan Rubin
Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide, Dr. Susan Rubin and I discuss her new short documentary film, “The Plan(?)”, which focuses on the evacuation plan, or lack thereof for the Indian Point Nuclear Facility in Buchanan, NY. The plant is 35 miles north of NYC, and an orderly and safe evacuation scenario is a fantasy. Where would you go, and what would you do, should there be a catastrophic event at the plant? How do you safely evacuate 300,000 to 20 million people? Would you go to your local evacuation bus stop with the Blue and White signs?? Would you jump into your car and pray that the roads are clear? Are those options based in reality???
To find out more, tune in to the program, and please view the film “The Plan(?)” by viewing below or going to: www.vimeo.com/96615872
http://www.drsusanrubin.com/spread-plan/
#1424: The Plan, a film by Dr. Susan Rubin
Trailer for the film:
1419: Mike Bond, The Last Savanna
Mike Bond, author of The Last Savanna, is my guest this week. The book is based on many of his personal experiences in Africa. Mike is working to raise awareness of the very real possibility that our grandchildren will never share the earth with a living elephant. Poachers in Africa and Asia are killing these majestic and emotional creatures in vast numbers, and they are on the brink of extinction. Mike is working to stop this madness. His role as a journalist, environmental activist, and human rights advocate has taken him all over the world, where he has witnessed the toll of poaching on both wildlife and humans. He is also working to bring awareness to the plight of wolves in North America. We will no longer be dancing with wolves, if the current policies in the US continue to permit the shooting of these amazing animals. You can get more information by going to www.mikebondbooks.com to find out how you can help save paradise.
1418: June Stoyer, The Organic View
My guest this week is June Stoyer, radio host of The Organic View and bee advocate. Our discussion focuses on why bees are dying by the millions. One of the major culprits in this horrific scenario is the chemical neonicotinoids, a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. It is used to as a pesticide to kill insects on crops, and the residue is entering nectar and pollen which is fatal to bees. Neonicotinoids are present in the nursery plants you buy, so you must be very prudent in picking plants that are organically grown.
Organic produce is the way to go. In addition, we discuss another alarming practice called “Canned or Trophy Hunting,” which is decimating the Big Cat population in Africa. On a brighter note, June is a master composter and volunteers her time to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, a most beautiful and sustainable place. For more info go to www.theorganicview.com
#1423: Nancy Bruning, Green Gym Day
Nancy Bruning, founder of Nancercize, and organizer of Green Gym Day is my guest this week. We discuss the importance of using our city parks to walk, jog, play ball and hike, in order to connect with nature and keep fit. You don’t need to workout in an expensive gym, when there are “101 Things You Can Do on a Park Bench”…..by this we mean things like push-ups, knee bends and more. Hike the Heights in Northern Manhattan (on 6/7/14), and be a part of Green Gym Day (on 6/8/14). Go out and utilize public spaces and get moving, it is good for the body and the soul. For more information go to www.greengymday.org and www.nancercize.net.
1416: Sara Romanoski, East Village Community Coalition
The East Village in NYC is a mecca for the arts, the bohemian in all of us, and it is a NYC treasure that must be preserved. Sara Romanoski, Managing Director of the East Village Community Coalition, is working hard to maintain the character, architecture and sense of community in this vibrant and historic neighborhood in Manhattan. Community Gardens dot the area with flora and fauna, and buildings with rich histories must be cared for and cherished. One must often fight for what’s right, and legal actions to maintain these buildings are intense and involve many community residents, and yes, many lawyers. The plight of the old PS 64 building has been an example of how the community has come together to save the 100 plus year old structure. With the influx of new money comes certain changes that do not reflect the character of the neighborhood, which is why the East Village Community Coalition is working to preserve the past and build for the future. Please visit www.evccnyc.org to find out how you can help keep the East Village diverse, bohemian and beautiful.
#1415: Recyclebank
Americans do not recycle enough and landfills are clogged with unnecessary waste. Enter Recyclebank, a model company that rewards towns, businesses and individuals for increasing their recycling capacities. Erika Diamond, Vice President of Community Solutions, explains that behavioral change is possible when incentives and rewards are put into place to promote positive behavior. Recyclebank is working to increase recycling rates, which will reduce waste disposal via education, gamification and public/private partnerships, to get communities to participate in green actions thus making the planet cleaner and safer. To find out how you can get involved, go to www.recyclebank.com
#1420: John Parker, Environmental Attorney
Joining me on the program this week is friend of the show and environmental attorney John Parker. We discuss the problems associated with transporting Bakken crude oil via rail and boat. There have been several accidents attributed to the transport of this very volatile product, and communities affected both in upstate New York and in Canada have become very vocal opponents of how the oil is being moved around the country. We also had a special guest, Liam, who told us about his experience aboard the Riverkeeper patrol boat with Captain John Lipscomb. You can learn more about NYS environmental initiatives and get more information by emailing John at [email protected]
#1414: Doug Semmes, Green Mountain Energy
An educated consumer makes the best choices. I can now say I made the best choice, and I am a Green Mountain Energy customer. Doug Semmes and I discuss how important it is to make an effort to have a part of your electric consumption be provided via renewable energy. It is a positive way to reduce your carbon footprint, and be a good eco-citizen. It is easy to sign-up, and it is worth knowing that you are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are damaging the atmosphere. Cleaner electricity is here to stay, so become part of the solution. You can get more info on Green Mountain Energy by going to www.greenmountain.com.