Brooklyn Blogfest 2009

Dear Editors: The constitution of this country reserves a special place for newspapers in this unfinished democracy: a special place which comes with specific responsibilities to the polity. Newspapers are expected to inform and edify the masses beyond the mundane day to day events of life in this city, state and nation. Its columnists, free-lance journalist […]

In New York City, political activists know that September is primary month; and soon enough Democrat State Senator Kevin Parker faces an old nemesis (Wellington Sharpe) in a primary for Brooklyn’s 21st senatorial district. It will be an intriguing contest: so fasten your seat belts all you political junkies. The relationship between these two individuals has […]

Of all the well known black leaders in this country, Al Sharpton has been one of the most enigmatic. Who else could have worn an FBI wire and still maintain a certain level of credibility in black nationalistic circles? Who else could be so flawed in character -over his years of activism- and still have candidates such as Hilary Clinton (and now Andrew Cuomo […]

Sustainable Flatbush has posted a rehash of the Neighborhood Energy Forum held in March.  You can see the highlights and download the presentations here. […]

New York City has over 960,000 buildings. Only 9,000 of them (less than 1%) use the dirtiest heating oil (grades #4 and #6). But those 9,000 buildings are responsible for over 86% of the soot and ozone pollution in the air. These particulates contribute to the failure of New York City’s air to meet the National Ambient Air […]

Catherine Mohr in her TED talk explains how to get down to brass tacks in deciding how to build your house.  The basis of her decisions is how much energy is embodied in the extraction, manufacture, transportation and installation of all the elements that go into a new building. She’s right but I wish she talked more […]

At this year’s Friends of Greenwood Playground Spring Flea Market, the Toeprint Project will kick off our Green Brooklyn Energy Audit Campaign to make the buildings in our neighboring communities of Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Flatbush, Ditmas Park Sunset Park and Park Slope more energy efficient!  Come see us at our vendor table. If you own a 1-4 […]

  Thanks to 3Rblog for this. If you are like me and can’t remember which plastics go where, Real Simple published an easy-to- read guide about how to recycle everything.   Many of these links are national and concern specific products. If you live in NYC, check the Don’t Throw It Away page from the Department of Sanitation. For books, […]

Healthy indoor air is arguably the most important benefit from green building. I lived in an apartment for 4 years that had mold hiding somewhere.  Turns out I’m allergic to mold. I coughed basically the entire time I lived there.  It was miserable but I know from where I speak! When I give a talk about the […]

I was sad when my favorite eco-friendly store 3R Living closed in Park Slope due to the recent economic downturn (downturn? it feels more like a relentless chokehold…but I digress). The Owners, husband and wife team Samantha Delman-Caserta and Mark Caserta and Samantha’s sister Tracy Ferdinand set up a lovely little shop in Montclair, NJ. I guess […]

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We weatherized our house last year.  You can read all about it here. So far, in the 11 months since we completed the work, we have saved approximately $900 on our annual heating bill.  Assuming energy prices remain constant (which they won’t – all projections indicate rising energy prices), we will payback the insulation and air […]

We have some exciting news! Ellen Honigstock Architect has teamed up with The Chartier Group to provide energy audits for existing buildings large and small! Is your building overheated in the winter?  Does the air feel too dry?  Is there a lot of dust on the surfaces of your living space?  These could be signs […]

By our neighbors at the One World Symphony: […]

And speaking of Rosh Hashannah, at the other end of the sectarian spectrum, the venerable local reform temple, Beth Emeth, has a great deal for first-time attendees: $18 per ticket. The Thursday morning service next week begins at 10:00 a.m, with a children’s service at 12:45 p.m., followed by Tashlich services at Propect Park. […]

NSR_0053, originally uploaded by flatbushnelson. Is that you Earl? […]

Folks from Congregation Prospect Park Ohel Yitzchok (1419 Dorchester Road at Marlborough Road) email that it is offering free seats for area residents: An orthodox synagogue, where everyone is welcome, air conditioned with a comfortable womens’ balcony. This year we will also be providing Artscroll Rosh Hashona Machzorim to all. The synagogue has morning ser […]