Earth Share of Washington

Earth Share's Day in the Park - September 29, 2007

Day in the Park is presented by IKEA

When: Saturday, September 29, 2007, 9:30am – 1:30pm

Where: 8 park locations around the greater Seattle Area

• Carkeek Park, Seattle
• Frink Park, Seattle
• Golden Gardens, Seattle
• Grand Ridge Trail, Sammamish
• PAWS Wildlife Center, Lynnwood
• Richmond Beach Strandberg Preserve, Shoreline
• Seahurst Park, Burien
• Seward Park, Seattle

What:
Day in the Park invites volunteers to team up with leading non-profit conservation organizations and community groups for an honest day's work enhancing local parks. Volunteers remove invasive plant species, plant trees & native vegetation, clean up beaches, and rebuild trails. Under the guidance of parks personnel and Earth Share of Washington crew leaders, hundreds of volunteers join together to the values of teamwork and stewardship while having fun and giving back to the community.

Learn more, then register at http://dayinthepark.org/

See you at Day in the Park!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS: We will send a personalized invitation to your friends, family and/or coworkers on your behalf, inviting them to Day in the Park to join your volunteer team -- http://www.dayinthepark.org/tell_more.html

Bicycle Commuter Specialist Peddles the Case for Bikes

- Submitted by Bobby Mullins from ESW organization Bicycle Alliance of Washington

Bicycle commuter specialist Kent Peterson completed a pedal-powered mission to check on the status of bicycle facilities around the state, meet local cycling advocates and spread the word about bicycles as transportation. Peterson, who combines his love of long-distance cycling with a job as the commute-program director at the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, racked up more than 1100 miles on a multi-county loop.

Peterson set off July 14 on a two-week odyssey that included visits to Port Townsend, Bellingham, Spokane, Walla Walla and Vancouver. In addition to long days on his bike saddle, Peterson scheduled visits to bicycle advocates in communities he pedaled through. Some joined him on the road to talk to him first-hand about the status of cycling in their own communities.

“I wanted to get a sense of what it's like to cycle in various parts of the state - cities, small towns and little country roads. I figured the people who can give me the best information about these places are the folks who live and ride there every day, so I spent a lot of time chatting with local cyclists.” Peterson says. “The issues that might come up in a place like Spokane are very different from those in rural areas like the Methow Valley.”

The information Peterson collected on his cross-state journey was used by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, a Seattle-based group that represents the interests of bicyclists all over Washington. The group works with law-makers in Olympia to ensure that transportation plans include provisions for bicycles and addresses safety issues.

"As a state-wide group, it's really important that we know what kinds of problems local communities are dealing with," says Bicycle Alliance executive director Gordon Black. "An issue that is a barrier to bicycling in one city might well have been satisfactorily solved in another community. Kent's trip will allow us to gather information and at the same time strengthen our connections with groups all over the state."

Kent Peterson provided the Bicycle Alliance with updates from the road via phone calls, digital photos and blog entries. His complete trip report can be read at the Bicycle Alliance website at: http://www.bicyclealliance.org/, or follow his trip blog:
http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html

Potential Alpine Lakes Wilderness Addition Considered

- Submitted by Nalani Askov of ESW organization Washington Wilderness Coalition

Middle Fork Valley - At an August 8 event held at the Middle Fork (Snoqualmie River) Campground, Congressman Dave Reichert announced his intention to introduce legislation that would add to the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness area and designate the Pratt River as a Wild and Scenic River. Washington Wilderness Coalition and a host of other conservation groups joined local stakeholders and elected officials in highlighting conservation opportunities in the remaining wild forests and rivers in the 8th congressional district.

Washington Wilderness Coalition’s Conservation Director Tom Uniack facilitated the event which featured statements from Congressman Reichert, King County Executive Ron Sims and several representatives from the conservation and recreation communities. Following the announcement, more than 40 elected officials, members of the media and local stakeholders participated in a tour highlighting the values of this remarkable area.

“This is an exciting time for Wilderness in Washington,” said Uniack. “We have worked for new wilderness legislation in Washington for more than two decades and this fall we could have two efforts making their way through Congress. The Wild Sky Wilderness campaign has really shown what is possible when our champions come together in a bipartisan collaborative effort." The Wild Sky Wilderness, which lies north of Index, awaits approval by the U.S. Senate, which is expected this fall. President Bush says he will sign the legislation.

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976. The designation permanently protected what has become one of the nation’s most popular wilderness destinations. Unfortunately, some of the region’s most important low-elevation forests including the Pratt, Middle Fork and South Fork Snoqualmie Valleys were left out of the 1976 proposal. These areas are truly the backyard wilderness for the millions of people who live in the Puget Sound basin, providing world-class recreation and ensuring the region's clean water and environment. During the past 30 years, local grassroots supporters have continued working to see these spectacular low-elevation forests protected.

In addition to the wilderness protections, Congressman Reichert also expressed his intention to designate the entire Pratt River as a Wild and Scenic River. This designation will ensure that the Pratt River is fully protected, securing critical habitat for cutthroat trout, elk, mountain goats and many other species. Wild and Scenic designation will also ensure that recreational opportunities on the river including unique backcountry kayaking and world-class hiking can continue, while safeguarding clean water resources for hundreds of thousands of local residents.

"The Pratt is one of the last pristine rivers in western Washington. It is a rare and special thing to have a wild river so close to an urban area, and it’s rivers like the Pratt that make living in the Pacific Northwest so special," said Bonnie Rice, associate director for conservation for the Northwest office of American Rivers. "A Wild and Scenic designation would protect the Pratt’s clean water, fish and wildlife, and recreation opportunities for future generations. There is no question the Pratt deserves to join the ranks of Washington’s other great Wild and Scenic rivers, like the Skagit and White Salmon.”

Congressman Reichert has indicated his intention to introduce legislation to protect the Pratt after Congress returns from recess in September.

16 Ways to Green Your Home

16 tips and trick for greening your home and transportation from the Earth Share’s newest organization: Cascadia Region Green Building Council – http://www.cascadiagbc.org/

1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandescent bulbs with fluorescents and enjoy reductions in heat production, energy use, and electric bills!
   Savings: Changing five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year on electric bills!
2. Program Your Thermostat - When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78 ̊F or higher in the summer and 62 ̊F or lower in the winter. Programmable thermostats allow you to program the systems to reduce output when they are not needed (e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the evening when everyone is sleeping).
   Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
3. Plug Air Leaks - This simple step can go a long way toward keeping your home at the temperature you desire, saving money on heating and air conditioning bills and more. Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with weather stripping and caulk can be a simple task for anyone.
   Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
4. Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System - Have a checkup for your HVAC system every 2 years to make sure it is running efficiently. Be sure to clean the filter monthly during times of peak usage; a dirty filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC.
   Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
5. Choose ENERGY STAR Appliances - ENERGY STAR qualified products meet a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings on electric bills. When considering the price of a new appliance, take into account not only the purchase price, but also the long-term savings associated with an energy-efficient appliance.
   Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $50 per appliance per year or more!
6. Reduce Water Use
   • Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (available for a few dollars at your local home supply store) to your sink faucets and changing to low-flow showerheads.
   • Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your landscape plan and minimize high maintenance landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.
     Savings: Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per year!
7. Switch to Green Power - Green Power is an optional utility service for customers who want to help expand the production and distribution of renewable energy technologies. With green power, you do not have to change your electricity provider. Instead, customers choose to pay a premium on their electricity bill to cover the extra cost of purchasing clean, sustainable energy. More info on green power can be found at: http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml
8. Buy Local - Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil fuels required for the transportation of products from other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying local reduces consumption of valuable natural resources.
9. Use Low-VOC Products - Improve your indoor air quality by switching to products that don’t give off “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs). Some common low-VOC or no-VOC products include:
   • Paint: A low-VOC paint is available from most major paint brands
   • Cleaning products: Low-VOC cleaning alternatives are available for sale, or you can make your own VOC-free cleaning products using simple household materials like baking soda, vinegar and borax.
10. Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certified Wood Products - The type of flooring and cabinetry materials you use can have a positive effect on your health and pocketbook while reducing your environmental impacts.
    • Consider using environmentally preferable and rapidly renewable products such as linoleum, bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet.
    • Choose wood products from sustainably managed forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
    • Use locally sourced products when possible to reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of those products.
11. Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials - Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking flooring options made from grasses and trees that mature in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes hardwoods to reach market size. Bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus flooring products are a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods.
12. Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House - This simple step can help you save money on heating and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful views around your home.
13. Use Native Plantings - Native plants have been growing and evolving in your area for thousands of years and, as a result, have adapted to the local soils and climate. As a result they are more likely to thrive with minimal care, unlike exotic plants. That can mean less need for water, fertilizer and pesticides. Additional info on green landscaping techniques can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/
14. Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques - Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households have pesticides stored within reach of children. About 230,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are affected by pesticides and garden equipment emissions.
15. Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible - Environmental responsibility does not begin and end at your doorstep; green transportation means can greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon emissions from your daily routine.
16. Buy a High-efficiency Car - See the U.S. Department of Energy’s list of most fuel-efficient cars at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• September 8 - Golden Gardens Volunteer Work Party - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department as they work to restore the urban forest of 88 acre park. The health of Golden Garden’s urban forest is in danger due to non-native invasive plant species such as English ivy, Himalayan blackberry and garlic mustard. Volunteers will remove ivy and other invasive plants that are detrimental to the native habitat. Other possible activities include spreading woodchips and planting native trees to restore the native tree canopy. For more information, contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• September 15 - Me-Kwa-Mooks Park Restoration Work Party - 10:00am to 2:00pm - Me-Kwa-Mooks Park, located along the shoreline of West Seattle, offers gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains. Work with EarthCorps, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Green Seattle Partnership as they work to keep this urban forest happy and healthy. Contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• September 15 - Cascade Land Conservancy Trail Maintenance Workshop - 10:00am to 2:00pm
 - Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve, Sammamish - Come learn the technical ins-and-outs of trail maintenance from Bill Brosseau of EarthCorps. Bill will lead a hands-on session on the importance of trail maintenance in natural areas, trail standards, tool care & use, terminology, safety, and reporting. He’ll also cover drainage issues, side-cutting, brushing, blowdown, trail structures, and signage. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided. It is free but outside participants will be asked to commit to attending a volunteer restoration event to apply their new skills to help Cascade Land Conservancy restore the lands and parks of this region. If you have any questions or to RSVP contact kendras@cascadeland.org
• September 17-19 - Discover Brilliant Conference - Discover Brilliant International Conference and Expo, to be held September 17 - 19, 2007 in Seattle, Washington, is the premiere event focused on the sustainable economy. A roster of world class thought leaders and market makers are lining up to shed light on the revolution underway that brings more value with less impact to our buildings, businesses, utilities, communities, and transportation. At Discover Brilliant, you’ll meet the right people, hear the critical insights, see the latest solutions, and find the best opportunities in this emerging space. Join hundreds of other pioneers who are making it happen—business leaders, utility decision-makers, government leaders, policymakers, building industry executives, investors, financiers, academics and industry experts. This is the one event that brings it all together under the same roof—economics, environment and security. If you care about renewables, water, buildings, efficiency, cleantech/greentech, sustainable practices and more, this is the place to be. Visit www.discoverbrilliant.com for more information.
• September 22 - Llandover Woods Restoration Work Party - 10:00am to 2:00pm - Join EarthCorps, the Green Seattle Partnership, and the Friends of Llandover Woods for the day and volunteer to create healthy forests. Llandover Woods is an urban haven located right along the Seattle-Shoreline border. Following its 1/2 mile trail, you can see huge Douglas Fir, giant Big Leaf Maple and forget that the noise of the city is right around the corner. Contact Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 217 or email chris@earthcorps.org
• October 1 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party - 2:00pm - 5:00pm - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. Contact Lina Anne Rose, Project Manager at (206) 322-9296, ext. 225 or email lina@earthcorps.org