Earth Share of Washington

Earth Share Notes - September 2005

Monthly perspectives from Earth Share of Washington staff members on activities and trends.

Dear Reader:
The busy workplace giving season is upon us. Our staff and representatives from our organizations will spend the next several months traveling around Puget Sound, speaking at charitable campaign events.

We face a very challenging task. That is, teaching people at these corporate and government workplaces that environmental issues touch every part of people’s lives from the regional economy to our health and quality of life. Demonstrating this connection motivates me to do this work, and Earth Share is uniquely poised to connect environmental organizations to workplaces, and workplaces to the community.

As you venture outdoors to enjoy the last vestiges of summer and sunshine before the winter rains encroach, consider this – What is it that makes Washington State such a uniquely beautiful place in which to live? I believe it is the commanding presence of Puget Sound and the flowing rivers of Washington, the abundant forests and wildlife, and our livable cities and communities. Like all of our staff and the staff at our organizations, I feel charged with protecting all that makes Washington unique and beautiful.

We look forward to meeting many people on the campaign trail this fall for the first time, and to talking with those that continue to provide their support year after year.

Dave Manelski
Program Coordinator

Protecting People and Property

- By Tom Geiger of ESW organization Washington Environmental Council

Recently, at our three-year old son’s childcare, I was reading a story about a certain wolf trying to ruin the quality of life of a threesome of little pigs. The kids were entranced. As I read, I realized that we have a great honor as we work to preserve what is great about the quality of our state. Their future really does depend on what we do today.

And today, our quality of life is soon to be threatened. Land speculators and others who would benefit from the removal of effective land use laws are getting poised to strike at the heart of our state’s bedrock land use law.

What am I talking about? Let me explain. In Washington State we have protections that keep our growing population from resulting in California-style sprawl, even more gridlocked traffic, and loss of our open space and rural communities. The state’s Growth Management Act, while far from perfect, has done a fairly good job over the last decade at stemming out-of-control and poorly-planned growth. It continues to help us grow without losing our quality of life.

What if these protections were taken away? What if a huge mall was allowed to be built in your neighborhood, or next to the farm that grows food for your local market – and there wasn’t anything you could do about it? Unlikely, you say? Can’t happen?

Well you might think twice before you say that. Oregon used to have laws that protected its communities from irresponsible development. But last fall an Initiative (Measure 37) passed there that overturned three decades of good protections. It allows certain property owners to demand a ransom from the taxpayers whenever basic zoning laws curb development. If the public can’t pay, the protections go away. Maintaining existing safeguards could cost billions and, because Oregon’s local governments lack the funds to pay, it’s expected that many of the state’s land use restrictions and environmental protections will be waived.

Take the example of land in a residential area, which has a higher dollar value as a shopping center, and was purchased before it was zoned residential. In this case, taxpayers would either be required to pay the property owner the difference between what the land is worth for a shopping center and what it is worth for houses, or else allow the shopping center to be built in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

Indeed, the Polk County Board of Commissioners recently approved a proposal to pave over 1 million square feet of land in a farming community to make way for a massive mall-like development. And there are over 1,000 other applications in process throughout Oregon to approve other types of land use changes.

And now there is an effort underway in Washington to bring that Initiative north of the Columbia River to our state. You might remember Tim Eyman, who already has decimated local government finances in Washington. Well, he and others, like the lobby for industrial farms and big-time land speculators, are looking to put this type of initiative on the ballot in Washington next year.

That’s why Washington Environmental Council has joined forces with conservation organizations like Futurewise and Washington Conservation Voters and others to make sure they don’t succeed. We know that people want to protect themselves and their property. We feel that balanced and fair local protections that lead to better communities, safer streets and cleaner water are worth keeping.

In Full Bloom: The Garden Connection Program

- Submitted by Holly Unger from ESW organization Community Coalition for Environmental Justice

The Garden Connection (GC) youth interns are hard at work gardening, reaching out to the community and donating fresh vegetables to low income families in Seattle’s Central District. The mission of Garden Connection, a new Community Coalition for Environmental Justice project, is to support the Central District’s low income community through inter-generational relationships and sustainable organic gardening.

Garden Connection provides free, organic produce to low income families, connects youth from local high schools to senior citizens and adults through the medium of organic gardening and provides employment opportunities to local youth. Garden Connection collaborates with many partners, including Cultivating Communities, Madison Market and other community garden projects. The bountiful GC garden sites are the Hawkins P-Patch, Judkins P-Patch and NOVA High School.

The Crew
If you happen to be in the Central District and see a group of young women strolling down Cherry Street with large garden tools; don’t be alarmed, it’s just the GC Crew! The first-ever group of interns for the Garden Connection is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, in and outside of the garden.

The Works
The GC crew has been hard at work watering, weeding, presenting and planning for a productive summer full of good food and community building activities. Most recently the GC crew gave an environmental justice presentation to a group of 7th and 8th graders at the local non-profit Powerful Voices.

Throughout the rest of the summer the GC Crew will be presenting to a variety of youth oriented organizations including Seattle Youth Garden Works and Garden Raised Bounty in Olympia.

Veggie Donations
The GC has donated over 25 pounds of lettuce and kale to the CAMP food bank (Central Area Motivation Program) and directly to families at Yesler Terrace. Community Coaltion for Environmental Justice hopes to expand the program next season by opening a new garden plot directly behind their offices.

Calling All Volunteers!
Are you dying to put your green thumb to good use? Consider volunteering! Please contact Nate or Charhyse for more information or to volunteer at (206) 720-0285!

Wetland Restoration

- By Kevin Mack, PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Naturalist

On Tuesday, August 2nd, I stood on top of a crushed, empty cardboard box in about 10 inches of water. My hiking boots were already full of water, so the carrier was more to prevent me from sinking into the mud than it was to keep me dry. I thought about the rubber boots I had accidentally left sitting under my desk back at PAWS. I let the thought go and embraced the feeling of standing ankle-deep in a wetland. It certainly gave me a more intimate familiarity with the preferred home of the beings I was about to release.

There was no solid ground on which to set my release carriers, so I held the first one out in front of me and opened it. A Green Heron emerged, and veered off to my right, diving into the cover of a nearby patch of low alders. After getting situated on a branch, he stretched his neck straight up and blended perfectly with his surroundings. Seeing him in his natural environment, it was easy to understand how the work crew that was clearing brush around a Sammamish retention pond on July 5th had overlooked him and his four siblings. Two of his siblings had perished when their nest was destroyed, and the other two now sat in their release carrier waiting to experience the same freedom that their former nest-mate was now enjoying. The three surviving herons had spent the last month at PAWS feasting on smelt, tadpoles, and other heron delicacies. They grew up quickly, and after proving both their flying and foraging skills in a pre-release cage, they were ready to live the wild life they deserve.

I held the second carrier out and opened it. One of the two herons contained within hopped out and perched on the edge of the box. After performing a wobbly balancing act for a second or two, the heron flew off to my left and took cover behind a large Skunk Cabbage. Shortly after she landed, the heron tentatively stretched her neck up to peer at me from behind the thick leaves of the cabbage. Her long neck blended perfectly with the bulrushes and grasses around her. I turned back to the carrier, as there was still one bird that had yet to emerge. He seemed to be having difficulty, so I decided to give him a little help.

The final heron was attempting to fly out of the box, but it was too narrow for him to get any lift. His siblings had both jumped to clear the lip of the carrier, but he seemed less inclined to do so. As I reached in to lift him out, I felt his long toes close around my fingers. In his disorientation, he stayed on my hand for a few seconds after I lifted him out of the box. He peered in the direction of the alder bushes, and after I made an abrupt movement to remind him that he was on an unsafe perch, he flew a path almost identical to that of the first heron that was released. His landing in the alder was not exactly graceful, but he moved effortlessly through the thick brush once he had gained a perch. As he disappeared, his siblings could still be seen standing frozen to my left and right. It was clear that they were nervously awaiting my next move. I’m sure it came as a huge relief to them when I turned, and on squishing shoes walked back out of the wetland the same way I had come in.

At the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, trained professionals and volunteers rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned animals with the goal of returning them to the wild. In addition, PAWS educates the public about peaceful coexistence with wildlife.

Coalition Created to Bring Clean Marina Program to Washington State

- By Chris Wilke of ESW organization Puget Soundkeeper Alliance

Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, a Seattle-based Earth Share organization, has embarked on a Clean Marina program, designed to reduce pollution from recreational boating in Washington State. Puget Soundkeeper Alliance is partnering with Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and the EnviroStars Cooperative to implement this project. The Clean Marina program focuses on hazardous waste management, pollution prevention and environmental leadership within the marine industry and the greater community. The Clean Marina Washington program was formally announced on August 13, 2005 at a National Marina Day celebration at Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle. The event also honored Elliott Bay Marina’s 10-year history as an environmentally responsible marina.

A Clean Marina designation indicates that a marina is in compliance with environmental regulations, has voluntarily adopted additional environmental practices, and has passed an extensive certification inspection by a county hazardous waste investigator. In Washington, a Clean Marina certification indicates that the facility has also been certified as an EnviroStars business. The EnviroStars program, an incentive-based pollution prevention certification program administered by County governments, rewards businesses that take voluntary steps to reduce pollution, with particular focus on hazardous waste management and reduction. The EnviroStars Cooperative currently serves Jefferson, Whatcom, King Pierce and Kitsap Counties. Over 600 businesses of different types are currently certified as EnviroStars.

Boaters and marinas have the opportunity to reduce spills and other environmental impacts from boating and boat maintenance activities by instituting Best Management Practices (BMPs). Many marine-grade products are highly toxic to the environment and handling these products near the water requires special prevention measures, detailed in the BMPs. Marinas are motivated for the Clean Marina award in order to become better stewards of the waters, and by the prestige of being recognized as an environmentally responsible business. Washington will follow 21 other states that have Clean Marina programs in place.

“The Clean Marina program represents a 3-way partnership between the recreational boating industry, non-profit environmental advocates, and government, in order to safeguard our waters and shoreline environment. This is long overdue, I’m very excited.” Says Michael Campbell, president of Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA). The NMTA produces the Seattle Boat Show each January.

Puget Soundkeeper Alliance was instrumental in recent Clean Marina certifications of Stimson Marina, Bell Harbor Marina and Harbor Island Marina. The Alliance is spearheading a campaign to reach every marina in both King and Kitsap Counties and hopes to eventually expand the program statewide.

Pesticide Free Zone

By Philip Dickey, Washington Toxic Coalition Staff Scientist

Do you have a pesticide-free yard or garden? If so, the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) has a great deal for you! You can get a free, attractive metal yard sign to mark your landscape as pesticide free.

Over the past two years, Washington Toxics Coalition have been working with local businesses and individuals to distribute our Pesticide Free Zone signs, encouraging people who do not use toxic chemicals on their landscape to be proud of their efforts and post a sign, letting others know that their lawn is safe for children, pets, and beneficial insects. Landscapes that have posted the signs include Seattle University, Evergreen State College, the Good Shepherd Center, and thousands of individual homes.

So far, WTC has distributed over 2500 signs. Through a grant awarded to them by the Department of Ecology, they now have 1,000 free signs to give away. All Washington state residents are eligible to receive one of these free signs by taking a four-part pledge. The pledge asks that you:

• put up the sign in your yard;
• choose the least-toxic method to maintain your landscape (while trying your best to avoid using synthetic pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides);
• talk about pesticide-free yard care to at least three other people; and
• respond to a brief follow-up questionnaire about six months after receiving your sign.

For those who live out of state, do not want to commit to the pledge, or would like more than one sign, WTC has regularly priced signs available for $7.50 each including shipping and Washington State sales tax. The eight-inch diameter aluminum signs are permanent and have two mounting holes that allow them to be attached to a stake, fence, or wall or hung from a wire. Some retail stores in the Seattle area are also selling the signs. The sign comes with three fact sheets: What’s Wrong with Using Pesticides?, Talking to your Neighbor about Pesticides, and the Pesticide Free Zone Sign Owners Manual. In addition, purchasers of the sign will receive a one-time discount on our popular Home Safe Home fact sheets.

One of the questions frequently asked is, “what does pesticide free mean?” Ideally, pesticide-free means that no chemical pest controls at all are used. However, WTC considers the use of organically certified materials and EPA-exempt pesticides to be compatible with their philosophy because they want to encourage manufacturers to develop safer products. Signs are distributed on the honor system. Nobody monitors what materials you use. If you feel that the sign accurately reflects your practices, you should display it. Should you have questions about the suitability of any products, please feel free to call the Toxics Coalition for more information at 206-632-1545.

To order a free sign, you can contact WTC by mail, telephone, or e-mail. Their address is Washington Toxics Coalition, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue N, Suite 540, Seattle, WA 98103, telephone 206-632-1545, e-mail: info@watoxics.org. Or you can visit their website – www.watoxics.org

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• Saturdays in September – EarthCorps Restoration Events – September 10 – Hitt’s Hill, Licton Springs, & Dearborn Park. September 17 – Seward Park. September 24 – West Duwamish Greenbelt. October 1 – Thornton Creek & Cheasty Greenspace. For more information about these Seattle area events, please visit the volunteer section of the Earth Share website – http://www.esw.org/help/
• September 10 – Help Host an Information Booth at the Organic Harvest Fair - The summer is winding down and so are the opportunities for outdoor activities. Seattle Tilth will mark the beginning of fall with an Organic Harvest Fair. A farmers market, demonstration garden, and children activities adorn this annual event. Staff an information booth on behalf of Washington Toxics Coalition from 2-4 PM and help hand out FREE Pesticide Free Zone lawn signs. For more information or to signup for this event, contact Kristina, Outreach Coordinator, at 206-632-1545 ext 120 or klogsdon@watoxics.org.
• September 17 - Turning Basin Habitat Restoration - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Turning Basin - Duwamish River, Seattle, WA - Join People For Puget Sound and Sound Stewards removing invasive weeds such as butterfly bush, tansy and Himalayan blackberry where they threaten to overtake native plants. No experience necessary. Children 10 and under must have one to one adult supervision. Bring sturdy footwear, dress for the weather (event takes place rain or shine) and bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Bring your own sack lunch. If you have tools and work gloves, bring them along, but if you don’t we will have some to spare. For more information or to signup, please contact Dave Krupa at davek@pmsi.com
• September 20 - Introduction to lobbying your government: Making positive changes happen - ?6:15 to 8:30 PM - Bellevue Regional Library, Room 11111 - Give your values a voice. Elected officials want to hear from people like you. Many share our values and want to do the right thing. City and county councilmembers, school board members, mayors, and state legislators all have families, want to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and don’t want to reward polluters. But they can’t lead if they’re not sure we are behind them. Program speakers will include local elected officials, professional lobbyists, and volunteer lobbyists. There is no cost, but an RSVP is required by Sept 15. There is a size limit, so register early by email to Peter Orth at: Legislative-Chair@cascade.sierraclub.org
• September 24 - Puget Sound Kids Day Celebration - 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Mt. Vernon, WA - Join People for Puget Sound for this annual celebration for kids of all ages at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Mount Vernon. Spend the afternoon creating fish prints, learning about marine life, listening to music and the chance to win some great door prizes! This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is not necessary, but you’re welcome to let us know you’ll be attending, especially if you’d like to volunteer! For more information or to signup to volunteer at this event, please contact Britta Eschete at beschete@pugetsound.org or call (360) 336-1931.
• September 30 - 8th World Wilderness Congress - Anchorage, Alaska - The theme of the 8th WWC is Wilderness, Wildlands and People – A Partnership for the Planet. This Congress will generate the most up-to-date and accurate information on the benefits of wilderness and wildlands to contemporary and traditional societies, and will review the best models for balancing wilderness and wildlands conservation with human needs. The 8th WWC will include delegates from around the world, and the models, projects, data and analyses presented will be global in scope. This Congress will also have a special focus on the wilderness, wildlands, and marine resources of Alaska, Siberia, Canada, and the North Pacific, and will mark the first time that WWC events are held in Russia.For more information please visit http://www.8wwc.org/
• October 19 - Washington Toxics Coalition’s Auction for Action - Washington Toxics Coalition cordially invites you to their fifth Annual Auction for Action Celebration and Dinner on Wednesday, October 19, 2005. Please join them in celebrating their recent victories and 24 years of protecting public health and the environment! The festivities will be held at the Shilshole Bay Beach Club. For more information about the Auction for Action or to RSVP, please visit the Washington Toxics Coalition website: www.watoxics.org. They also have volunteer opportunities available the evening of the auction. For more information about volunteering for this event, please contact klogsdon@watoxics.org.