What Grows On in Rhode Island ~ News Blog

Northeast Biochar Symposium ~ November 13, 2009

Northeast Biochar Symposium 2009

13 November 2009

University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA

This Symposium will highlight current biochar research and technological advances and provide vital information to public officials, researchers, foresters, and sustainable energy and agriculture professionals. Biochar is considered a significant strategy for removing net carbon from the atmosphere for safe storage in soil, enhancing forest resources and preventing land degradation, and creating clean energy from agricultural stover and forest biomass. Panels will include discussion of the use of biochar for land application and fertility and the role of biochar in the UNFCCC climate talks.

RI Sustainable Schools Summit ~ September 24, 2009

From Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living:

There is still room at the 2nd Annual RI Sustainable Schools Summit Thursday, September 24th 8:00am - 4:00pm at the URI Shepard Building at 80 Washington St., Providence, RI

 

Rhode Island Schools: Taking Strides to Sustainability
Attention Superintendents, Administrators, Teachers, Students, School Board Officials, Facilities Managers, Principals, Parents, School Green Teams and Community Members:
 
Join the Apeiron Institute for this FREE program as we take an in-depth look at some green initiatives in local schools and discuss ways to integrate environmental sustainability in school environments, school food systems, & curricula. 
Register for free at www.apeiron.org

Rail~Volution Scholarships ~ October 29 - November 1, 2009

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and its partners invite you to join us at Rail~Volution 2009 this coming fall.  We have two special opportunities for public officials, citizen activists, community organizations, government agencies, and students.  Please see below for details.  We hope to see you at the conference in Boston, October 29 - November 1!

Bioneers by the Bay ~ October 22-25, 2009

5th Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change 
October 22-25, 2009 | Downtown New Bedford, MA
 
Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change, the Marion Institute’s 5th annual conference will be held in historic Downtown New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009. Bioneers by the Bay provides an opportunity for concerned citizens to meet with environmental, scientific, and social justice innovators to address the Earth’s most pressing challenges. We are planning a rather remarkable three days of live keynote speakers, afternoon workshops, an extensive Youth Initiative program, a downlink of the 20th Annual Bioneers Conference in California [www.bioneers.org], an exhibition hall featuring sustainable businesses and organizations, a 350 Day of Action event, films, music, art installations, a farmers’ market and local & organic food. If you purchase your 3 day pass before September 18th, you will save 30% off of the regular admission price. Also we have scholarships and volunteer opportunities available—if you want to come to the conference we want to help get you there. For more information, please visit connectingforchange.org or call 508.748.0816

Providence Sustainability Festival ~ September 26, 2009

From the Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living:

The schedule for the first Providence Sustainability Festival has just been released, and it includes several interesting walking tours of Providence as well as informative workshops.

For instance, explore the Providence River banks, take an environmental justice walking tour, and/or take the Walk Downtown tour to experience the challenges pedestrians and bicyclists face and consider what can be done about traffic. There's also a tour of a green building.

Workshops of interest to homeowners include the pros and cons of replacement windows, "Simple Steps to a Green Home," LEED for homes, architects and sustainability, insulation, and composting.

Other workshops announced today address Rhode Island's food system, local food, what is a sustainable economy, 21st century entrepreneurial opportunities, green jobs, transportation and the environment.

If you don't want to do any of the above, there are bike rides (bring your own bike), alternative energy vehicles on display, a healing tent, the GEM energy pavillion, and an Open Skate (bring your own skates or skateboard). And Miss Earth United States 2009 is showing up.

The music lineup at the moment (September 11) with more to be added soon will be Mi Son Gaitero, Sol 18, Tim Taylor Blues Band, Santa Mamba,  Reasmey Kampuchea Music Group, and The Kris Hansen Kollective.

Thank you, Apeiron, for organizing this festival!

Greening the RI Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2008

Contact: Denise Parrillo 401-331-6972, 401-864-7974 (cell), dparrillo@cleanwater.org

“Green Jobs Now” Event Kicks Off a National Day of Action in the Ocean State

Warwick—On Saturday September 27 a community discussion about “Greening the Rhode Island Economy” will be held at the New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, RI.   The event will run from 9:30-11:30 AM.  There will be a petition signing and photo opportunities as part of a national day of action that brings together diverse groups and individuals calling on the federal government to make a greater investment in green jobs and clean energy.  Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will give the keynote address and Providence Mayor David Cicilline will offer remarks.  A panel of experts will then convene. 

“As Rhode Islanders struggle to make ends meet amidst a declining job market, a turbulent economy, stagnant wages, and record high gas prices, our green economy presents an opportunity to dig ourselves out of the ditch,” said Whitehouse. “Investing in clean renewable energy production and improving the efficiency of our cars, homes and businesses will stem the tide of global warming, break our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and create entire industries of new ‘green collar’ jobs to sustain American workers.”

Providence Mayor David Cicilline has gone so far as to integrate sustainability into the city’s Comprehensive Plan.  “We know that green technology is going to be a major growth area for good jobs in the 21st century. It’s an enormous opportunity for Rhode Island that we must seize, especially in these difficult economic times. We’re working hard on this in Providence and by developing a strong federal-state-local partnership, there will be nothing keeping Rhode Island from being a leader in this field,” stated Mayor Cicilline.

In addition to hearing from Senator Whitehouse and Mayor Cicilline, there will be a panel of experts on hand to discuss various aspects of greening Rhode Island’s economy.  Panelists include:
•    Mrs. Connie McGreavy, Chair-Elect, RI Green Building Council
•    Dr. Joseph Ilaqua, Professor of Economics, Bryant University
•    Mr. Al Durand, Business Manager, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 99
•    Mr. Steven Kitchin, VP Corporate Education and Training, New England Institute of Technology
•    Mr. Anthony Hubbard, Program Director, YouthBuild
•    Rep. Art Handy, Sustainable RI Coordinator, Apeiron Institute of Sustainable Living

Green for All, 1Sky and the We Campaign call for a Green Jobs Now national day of action that promises to bring tens of thousands of people together to stage 520 grassroots events in 48 states.  People will demonstrate readiness to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and curb global warming. 

To register for the free RI event, please go to http://www.GreeningRIEconomy.com and click on REGISTER, send email to info@GreeningRIEconomy.com, or call Greg Gerritt at 621-8048.  To find out more about the national event see www.greenjobsnow.com.    

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Aquidneck Island Energy Conference ~ September 20, 2008

AQUIDNECK ISLAND ENERGY CONFERENCE Share the Power! Saturday September 20th!

Bringing energy conscious providers and citizens together to explore sustainable energy solutions for Aquidneck Island individuals, companies and municipalities

Saturday, September 20th Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Conference 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Salve Regina University O'Hare Academic Center Newport RI

Keynote Speaker U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Dozens of Exhibits, Speakers and Breakout Sessions!

“Green Jobs Now” Event ~ September 27, 2008

Press Advisory

“Green Jobs Now” Event Kicks Off a National Day of Action in the Ocean State

Contact Denise Parrillo, 331-6972, 864-7974 (cell)

What: 
•    Community discussion regarding "Greening the Rhode Island Economy"

•    “I'm Ready” petition signing and photo opportunities as part of a national day of action that brings together diverse groups and individuals calling on the government to make a greater investment in green jobs and clean energy.  Full program available upon request.

When: Saturday September 27, 2008, from 9:30 AM –11-30AM.

Who:
Welcoming Remarks – Greg Gerritt, Founder, Rhode Island Prosperity Project

Introduction of Keynote Speaker and Remarks - David Cicilline, Mayor of Providence

Keynote Speech - The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, United States Senator (9:45 AM)

Panel of experts

•    Mrs. Connie McGreavy, Chair-Elect, RI Green Building Council (also, panel moderator)

•    Dr. Joseph Ilaqua, Professor of Economics, Bryant University

•    Mr. Al Durand, Business Manager, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 99*

•    Mr. Steven Kitchin, VP Corporate Education and Training, New England Institute of Technology

•    Mr. Anthony Hubbard, Program Director, YouthBuild*

•    Rep. Art Handy, Sustainable RI Coordinator, Apeiron Institute of Sustainable Living*

* Indicates affiliation with the Green Jobs Alliance

Where: New England Institute of Technology, 2480 Post Road Warwick, RI in the Student Lounge

Green Jobs Now is a national day of action that will bring tens of thousands of people together to stage hundreds of grassroots events throughout the country.  People will demonstrate readiness to build an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and curb global warming. 

To register for the free RI event, please go to http:/www.GreeningRIEconomy.com and click on REGISTER, send email to info@GreeningRIEconomy.com, or call Greg Gerritt at 621-8048.

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Bioneers by the Bay Conference ~ Connecting for Change ~ October 23-26, 2008

Fourth Annual Bioneers by the Bay Conference Tackles Environmental Sustainability Crisis with Global and Local Solutions

• Northeast's Premier Environmental Conference Grows into New Location, Larger Venue
• "Green Collar" Job Advocate Van Jones and Other Leading Eco-Experts Connect for Change

New Bedford, Mass. – In a season where politicians, leading scientists and average citizens are discussing the impending urgency of our climate crisis, an important conference is bringing together speakers from multiple disciplines to showcase and discuss global and local solutions to inspire change.

The Fourth Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change, hosted and produced by the Marion Institute, will be held in historic Downtown New Bedford, MA from October 23-26. The conference uses the ideas of international and national environment and social justice experts to inspire individuals and groups in local communities into action. Featured speakers include Van Jones and Majora Carter of Green For All and many others listed below.

Explains Marion Institute Executive Director Desa Van Laarhoven, "A lot of the rhetoric this election season about a planet in peril, not to mention a bleeding economy, can leave people feeling overwhelmed or helpless. Bioneers by the Bay seeks to inspire and remind folks that innovators – or the environmental and social justice super stars, as we like to call them – are developing and implementing real solutions to address climate change." She continues, "The conference also emphasizes the importance of our actions which matter not only individually in practical ways but, collectively, in shaping a powerful and earth saving social movement."

Due to the growing demand from an audience attracted to its rich and cutting edge programming, the event has moved from Dartmouth, MA to the Zeiterion Theatre, a larger 1,200 seat venue in New Bedford, MA with various events happening city-wide. Over the course of the three day conference, Bioneers by the Bay expects to have 2,500 people converse and cross pollinate ideas from a broad range of topics to build a healthier world.

In addition to keynote speakers, the event will also include workshops, a youth initiative, films, music, exhibits by sustainable businesses and organizations and a farmer's market with local and organic food. The event's appeal and success hinges upon its diversity. Speakers include a cross section of innovators such as environmentalists, scientists, grassroots activists, physicians, scholars, farmers and entrepreneurs tackling eco-topics ranging from green business to food to farming to diversity.

Van Jones, Majora Carter and Simran Sethi will present at the FREE open to the public Bioneers by the Bay kick-off event at 7:30pm on Thursday, October 23rd, at New Bedford's Zeiterion Theatre at 684 Purchase Street. They will present their pioneering ideas for green collar job training and our collective imperative for environmental justice, made all the more critical in today's economic climate.

Attendees, from individuals to youth groups and other organizations, leave the event empowered to fight for local, city and state commitments to climate change, build carbon-neutral homes, institutionalize composting and food purchasing programs, develop projects to support indigenous populations, secure funding for school gardens or donate time to progressive nonprofits.

Featured presenters at the 2008 Bioneers by the Bay conference include: 

Politics of Food Conference ~ September 22-24, 2008

From the Environmental Leadership Program:

For more than eight years, the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) has successfully developed a national community of emerging leaders addressing some of the most difficult environmental and social issues of our time.  From September 22-24, 2008, in Raleigh, NC the ELP community along with the Park Scholars and Food Science Department of North Carolina State University will co-host a national conference on how America grows, distributes, buys and eats its food.

The conference, entitled "The Politics of Food" will draw on diverse perspectives from farmers, workers, businesses, academics, social activists, government regulators and artists, and will engage participants in a challenging exploration of how and why our food system works as it does, whether it is secure, just and sustainable, and how it might be reshaped for the future.