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Events

Register Now!

Certified Sustainable Products: Innovation in Manufacturing

Friday, March 12
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Eaton Corporation, 1000 Cherrington Parkway, Moon Township
Fee: $75.00 Sustainable Pittsburgh/C4S members; $95.00 nonmembers
Register at www.C4SPgh.org.
Contact: Matthew M. Mehalik, Ph.D., Program Manager, Sustainable Pittsburgh at (412) 258-6644 or mmehalik@sustainablepittsburgh.org

One of the key strategies used by advanced economies that maintain an extensive regional manufacturing infrastructure involves promoting ways for manufacturers to climb higher on the value chain. This means companies supply products and solutions that demand a higher return because the products and services reflect greater levels of skills, knowledge, capabilities, and innovation. Other parts of the U.S. do this for aerospace products. Switzerland does this for precision watches. Germany does this for optics. Japan for electronics.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is well-positioned to help its manufacturers command the growing field of products based on sustainable solutions—-products that meet the quality functional needs that other business or retail consumers want, while using materials that eliminate or reduce the impacts of those products that are otherwise externalized on society as a whole.

This workshop features manufacturers and purchasers who have successfully achieved sustainable product certification as well as guidance on the certification process itself. Two panels of high profile industry leaders provide details on the benefits of certification—in terms of financial payback, regulatory risk minimization, and, most importantly, as an innovation driver for tapping into growing new markets.

Learn more

Resources

C4S Workshop: Certified Sustainable Products: Innovation in Manufacturing

Friday, March 12
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Eaton Corporation, 1000 Cherrington Parkway, Moon Township
Fee: $75.00 Sustainable Pittsburgh/C4S members; $95.00 nonmembers
Register at www.C4SPgh.org.
Contact: Matthew M. Mehalik, Ph.D., Program Manager, Sustainable Pittsburgh at (412) 258-6644 or mmehalik@sustainablepittsburgh.org

This workshop features manufacturers and purchasers who have successfully achieved sustainable product certification as well as guidance on the certification process itself. Two panels of high profile industry leaders provide details on the benefits of certification—in terms of financial payback, regulatory risk minimization, and, most importantly, as an innovation driver for tapping into growing new markets.

Credibility of green claims continues to impact how sustainable products are perceived in the marketplace. Greenwashing has become commonplace. This workshop provides certified and credible/verifiable standards that address greenwashing concerns in an increasingly complex marketplace.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is well-positioned to help its manufacturers command the growing field of products based on sustainable solutions.

Agenda: Certified Sustainable Products

8:30 Continental Breakfast

9:00 Welcome - Kevin McLean, Senior VP of Marketing, Eaton Corporation

9:10 Program Objective

9:15 Manufacturing Panel
• Jason Bondra, WESCO Sustainability Director
• Denny Darragh, National Sales Director, Forbo Flooring
• Steve McGuire, Philips Sustainability Director
• John White, Eaton Energy Director

Issues:
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Sustainable product attributes & prerequisites
- Third party certifications
- Increasing sales & profitability
- Sustainable manufacturing underwriting
- Certified sustainable product credits
- Eliminating greenwash & market confusion
- Leadership standards campaign

10:30 Break

10:45 Purchasers Panel
• Shawn Carter, Regional President, Home Depot (invited)
• Joe Parisi, GSA Public Building Service
• Heidi Goldstein, Thompson Hine, LLP

Issues:
- Home Depot Eco Options
- Executive Order compliance - Lacey Act
- Sustainable manufacturing underwriting standard for retailers & manufacturers

11:30 How to Get Certified - Keith Winn, President, Catalyst Partners

12:30 Adjourn

The Green Chemistry Debate is ON!

POLICY ISSUES AND REFORM OF THE TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA)
Thursday, March 18
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
New Hazlett Theater, Allegheny Square East, North Side
Cost: $30; Light refreshments will be served.
More information and registration

Join Sustainable Pittsburgh's Champions for Sustainability and the Rachel Carson Homestead Association for what promises to be a GREAT debate on Green Chemistry, Policy Issues and the reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This formal debate will feature key representatives from industry, environmental groups and other experts, and includes the American Chemistry Council, Environmental Working Group and Bayer Corporation. Green Chemistry is happening now and is already changing the way major corporations and green-tech start-ups are designing the products people use every day. With the upcoming reform of TSCA - originally passed in 1976 - is there a need to put greater emphasis on safety and public health when it comes to a new chemicals policy in the United States? Learn why TSCA is so important to your business, your health and the environment - and the future of green chemistry.

Moderator:
Gordon Mitchell, Director, William Pitt Debating Union, University of Pittsburgh (to be confirmed)

Debaters:
Michael P. Walls, Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, American Chemistry Council
Timothy Jones, Regulatory Affairs - Material Science, Bayer Corporation
Jason Rano, Legislative Analyst, Environmental Working Group
Maryann Donovan, Ph.D., MPH, Director, UPCI Center for Environmental Oncology

Panel of Questioners:
Terry Collins, Ph.D., Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University
Student(s),William Pitt Debating Union, University of Pittsburgh
(other names to be published)

Sustainable Development Academy:
Putting Energy Savings to Work in Your Municipality

A partnership between Local Government Academy and Sustainable Pittsburgh
Friday, March 19
9:00 am - Noon
Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building, 710 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon
Fee: $35
Registration

In today’s economy, what sort of investment will pay 15% return on investment within three years? The answer is investments in energy savings! This program for municipal officials is designed to mirror the well-attended program recently organized for businesses. The morning-long event features: examples of how energy and money saving programs have been successfully implemented in municipal operations, experts in the areas of energy auditing and efficiency, and information about funding for initiating energy savings programs in communities.

Agenda:
8:30 Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 What is possible: Energy and Municipal Operations - John Trant, Cranberry Township; Greg Wozniak, G. A. Wozniak & Associates
9:45 Energy Audits: What to expect? - Greg Wozniak, G. A. Wozniak & Associates; Chuck Watson, Energy Chaser.com; and Danelle Ardell, Noresco
10:30 Funding Energy Programs - Dave Defide, Duquesne Light; Carolyn Pengidore, Clearchoice Energy
11:15 From Recommendations to Practice: Mt. Lebanon (tour of facilities) - Steve Feller, Mt. Lebanon
12:00 Adjourn

SAVE THE DATE!
Water Matters! Global Water Conference

A World Environment Day key event serving to raise awareness of the importance of water and its interconnectedness with biodiversity.

Thursday, June 3
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh
Information coming soon. www.pittsburghwed.com
For sponsorship opportunities, email cgould@sustainablepittsburgh.org.
To be an exhibitor, email sue@mcmahon-cardillo.com.

The United Nations Environment Programme appointed Pittsburgh as North America's Host City for World Environment Day 2010. Plan to attend this remarkable, milestone for the region, Water Matters! Global Water conference.

Partial list of presenters:
- David Ainsworth, United Nations Convention on Biodiversity
- Herb Buxton, USGS
- Marla Cone, Environmental Health News
- Marc Edwards, Virginia Tech
- Amy Fraenkel, UNEP Regional Office for North America
- Chip Giller, Grist
- Greg Koch, Global Water Stewardship Program, Coca Cola Company
- Mike Magee, healthy-waters.org
- Rich Meeusen, Badger Meter Co and Milwaukee 7 Water Council
- James Rogers, Duke Energy
- Carl Safina, Blue Ocean Institute

Presented by the Pittsburgh World Environment Day Partnership
In Collaboration with: United Nations Environment Programme
Conference Sponsors: Bayer Corporation

SAVE THE DATE!
Paddle at the Point: Kayak and Canoe World Record Attempt

A World Environment Day key event serving to raise awareness of the importance of water and its interconnectedness with biodiversity.

Saturday, June 5

Bring your boat down to Pittsburgh’s North Shore on Saturday, June 5th and help break the World Record for largest flotilla of kayaks and canoes. Venture Outdoors is organizing this event in celebration of World Environment Day on June 5th. Groups, individuals and clubs welcome! Email worldrecord@ventureoutdoors.org for more information and updates.

2010 Census Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, March 3
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm (Lunch will be provided)
Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG), 1901 Centre Avenue, Suite 200, 15219.
Cost: FREE for all PCRG Members; $12 for all PCRG government and bank partners; $15 for non-member organizations
RSVP: Jared at programs@pcrg.org or 412-391-6732 ext. 210
All RSVPs must be received by noon on Friday, February 26th. Space is limited.
Flyer

Benita Johnson, Partnership Specialist with the US Census Bureau, will be discussing the 2010 Census. The Census is more than just a simple counting of every person within the United States of America. It plays an important role in the amount of federal funds that get distributed for hospitals, schools, job training centers, and many more social services for our communities. The discussion will center on how imperative it is for neighborhoods to complete the census and its effects on businesses, non-profit organizations, and our communities.

Public Meetings for 32-Mile Trail along Allegheny River

Tuesday, March 2
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Avenue, Millvale

Wednesday, March 3
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Alle-Kiski Museum, 224 E. 7th Avenue, Tarentum

Saturday, March 6
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Boyd Community Center, 1220 Powers Run Road, O’Hara Township

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and Friends of the Riverfront are hosting a series of public meetings to discuss the Allegheny Valley Community Trail Initiative, a trail and riverfront development plan that will connect 17 municipalities along the Allegheny River between Millvale and Harrison Township. Residents in the communities along the proposed 32-mile trail may learn more about the trail study conducted in 2009 at these meetings.

The Allegheny Valley Community Trail Initiative is a coalition of municipal leaders, trail groups, greenway advocates, and elected officials from Aspinwall, Blawnox, Brackenridge, Cheswick, Etna, Fox Chapel, Frazer Twp., Harmar Twp., Harrison Twp., Millvale, O’Hara Twp., Pittsburgh, Shaler, Sharpsburg, Springdale Borough, Springdale Twp. and Tarentum. The project is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Allegheny County, Allegheny Rivertown Enterprize Zone, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Friends of the Riverfront, and the 17 riverfront municipalities. O’Hara Twp. and the Fox Chapel District Association are also assisting with community outreach and fiscal responsibilities. Once completed, the Allegheny Valley Trail will tie into the Erie-to-Pittsburgh Greenway and the Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Mainline Canal Greenway, which follows the 320-mile path of the historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. For more information about the Allegheny Valley Community Trail Initiative and to download plans, please visit the Trail Status page of www.friendsoftheriverfront.org.

Leadership Development Series-Alpha Class

Tuesday, March 2
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Community College of Allegheny County–Allegheny Campus, 808 Ridge Avenue, Tom Foerster Student Service Center (SSC), Room 314
Cost: $90 AALA Members; $125 Non-AALA Members
AALA Web site
FLYER

A partnership with CCAC, this professional development series will cover topics including mentorship, legacy, servant leadership etc. Facilitators include Rick Adams, Dr. Audrey Murrell and Dr. Walter Smith. African America Leadership Association (AALA) members can attend for a discounted rate. All attendees will be awarded a certification in leadership, presented at the 2nd Annual African American Leadership Summit. This is a great professional development opportunity. Supervisors and managers are urged to encourage employees to attend. Seating is VERY limited for this 3 series workshop, so sign up TODAY!

Childhood Food Education Training by Visiting Author of Food Is Elementary

March 6-7, 2010
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Center for Victims of Violence and Crime, 5916 Penn Circle, East Liberty
Open to anyone interested in teaching the curriculum in elementary schools as a certified Food Educator.
Registration for the Food Educator Training is open until full, but space is limited.
Fees apply. For more information or to register, contact Rosemary Traill at (412) 741-5167 or at macrorose@msn.com.

The innovative, award-winning Food Is Elementary curriculum is coming to Pittsburgh! This hands-on approach to teaching children about nutrition will be the subject of a two-day training led by author, Dr. Antonia Demas. Based on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, the Food is Elementary Curriculum teaches children about the relationship between food choices and disease prevention in a fun, practical, and sensory way. The curriculum is the result of the pioneering work of Dr. Antonia Demas, founder and president of the Food Studies Institute (www.foodstudies.org). Demas hopes to teach the 28-unit curriculum to a new generation of Food Educators who will take the lesson plans and healthy foods into elementary school classrooms. Food Is Elementary has won national awards from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Society of Nutrition Education. Currently it is taught in more than 2,000 schools nationwide, including three in Pittsburgh so far.

Unhealthy diets are a major cause of health problems like obesity, which are on the rise in childhood. The number of children who are overweight or obese has more than tripled since 1980. That is over 9 million children in the U.S. The Food is Elementary program is a practical and direct approach to addressing this problem.

Course in Zoning

Three-Part Course
March 8, 15 & 22, 2010
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Community College of Allegheny County, Boyce Campus, 595 Beatty Road, Monroeville
Fee: $95
Continuing Education Credits are available for real estate professionals and attorneys for an additional fee.
Register Here

One of those most important appointments is for the Zoning Hearing Board--a quasi-judicial body of a municipality. Consequence of this board functioning poorly can be damaging to a municipal organization and the community. Be sure everyone involved in zoning--especially your zoning hearing board--is well-trained.

Among the topics in the course are:
· The relationship of zoning to comprehensive plans
· The key terms used in zoning and how they are applied
· The critical issues in drafting a zoning ordinance and map
· The procedures for adopting and amending ordinances
· Basic zoning administration.

Instructors:
Jeff Pierce and Chris Rearick, Olsen & Associates, LLC

There is more to me than white: Moving from Whiteness Studies to Privilege Studies

Tuesday, March 16
Noon – 1:30 pm
School of Social Work Conference Center, 2017 Cathedral of Learning, 20th Floor, Oakland
Lunch will be provided; registration is not required.
More information: 412-624-7382 / www.crsp.pitt.edu

As part of the Reed Smith Spring 2010 Speaker Series, the Center on Race and Social Problems from the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh presents Abby L. Ferber, Associate Professor of Women's and Ethnic Studies, University of Colorado. Abby Ferber is the author of "White Man Falling: Race, Gender and White Supremacy," Rowman & Littlefield, (1998), and co-author of the American Sociological Associations' "Hate Crime in America: What Do We Know?" (2000). She is also the co-author of "Making a Difference: University Students of Color Speak Out", Rowman & Littlefield (2002), and a co-edited anthology with Michael Kimmel, "Privilege: A Reader", Westview Press (2003.) She is also the author of "Home Grown Hate: Gender and Organized Racism", Routledge (2004.) She is widely recognized as a leading scholar of the far right, and her articles have been widely published in academic journals (including Ethnic and Racial Studies, Rural Sociology, Sociological Perspectives, Social Identities, Men and Masculinities, Sociological Focus and Teaching Sociology) as well as news outlets including The Denver Post and The Chronicle on Higher Education. Ferber is a frequent presenter at the meetings of the American Sociological Association and the Society for the Study of Social Problems. She received her PhD in Sociology from the University of Oregon.

Beyond Paper and Plastic: A Closer Look at Recycling and Environmental Toxins

Monday, March 22
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Carnegie Science Center, North Shore
Flyer

Join Women for a Healthy Environment for informative evening at the Carnegie Science Center. Featured speakers:
Sarah Alessio - Environmental Program Specialist, Pennsylvania Resources Council
The PA Resources Council presentation will focus on the issues of toxins that one comes into contact with on a daily basis and how these toxins can affect human health and the health of the environment. This presentation will also cover practical solutions to help people avoid exposure to toxins such as safe product alternatives. Also discussed will be the proper way to dispose of such materials at home and at local collection events.

Ned Eldridge – President, eLoop llc
For the last 25 years the products of technological advancement and innovation have entertained the world, improved data processing and placed people in touch minute-to-minute for 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. These products have clearly improved the quality of life for those in developed countries, but they were designed and built with materials that have an adverse impact on the environment. While future devices may contain less toxic materials through a more sustainable design, the current devices contain toxins that require more effort to dispose of properly. Constant and rapid innovation causes premature obsolescence for these products that are retired from service. Some products can be refurbished and resold, but most of this material is destined to be discarded creating the fastest growing waste stream in the world. eLoop llc is committed to managing the ewaste stream.

Mike Gable – Executive Director, Construction Junction
Construction Junction will present an overview of the environmental, social, and economic benefits of choosing to reuse material. Construction Junction will outline reuse strategies to incorporate into your home and commercial remodeling projects with an emphasis on the potential environmental toxins encountered when reusing materials and how to remodel safely. The presentation will also focus on why reuse trumps recycling on the solid waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse and recycle.

The mission of Women for a Healthy Environment is to educate and empower women to be ambassadors about environmental risks so that they can make healthy choices for themselves and their families and advocate for change for a better tomorrow for all.

2010 Heinz Distinguished Lecture: "Taking the Green Leap"

Thursday, April 8
4:00 pm Lecture, William Pitt Union Ballroom, University of Pittsburgh, Oakland
5:00 pm Cocktail Reception, William Pitt Union Lower Lounge
Register online

This lecture features Dr. Stuart L. Hart, Samuel C. Johnson Chair in Sustainable Global Enterprise at Cornell University in discussing "Taking the Green Leap." The 2010 Heinz Distinguished Lecture is sponsored by The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation and The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering University of Pittsburgh.

This year’s lecture is taking place as part of the University’s Blue, Gold & Green Celebration. For more information on these events, please visit http://www.bluegoldandgreen.pitt.edu/index.html.

The Business of Brownfields Conference

April 19 - 21, 2010
Sheraton Station Square Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA
Questions: Call 412-261-0710, ext. 11 or e-mail c.mcgarvey@eswp.com
More information

Plans are underway for the 15th Annual Business of Brownfields Conference (BoB)! The 2010 event will highlight the technical, legal and financial aspects of brownfields reclamation and development, and will feature experience and research-based presentations from stakeholders who are involved with the assessment, cleanup and reuse of abandoned, idled or under-used commercial and industrial sites.

If you are associated with brownfields development, the "BoB" is the place to be!

The 2010 Technical program of the "BoB" will feature the five main actions of brownfields development:
* Public Health/Institutional Controls
* Marketing & Finance
* Site Characterization
* Site Remediation
* Working within Legal/Regulatory Framework

Diversity Conference

May 20-21, 2010
Holiday Inn Monroeville, 2750 Mosside Boulevard, Monroeville 15146
Contact: Jennie Thye at 412-471-8722 ext. 214 or jthye@3riversadopt.org

Plan to join Three Rivers Adoption Council and Family Design Resources for a compelling two-day conference exploring diversity issues impacting services to children & families. May 20th features keynote speaker Dr. Sharon E. Moore, Professor of Social Work, University of Louisville. Dr. Moore will address: “Racial and Ethnic Identity Development in Youth." May 21st will feature a panel of distinguished professionals from the child welfare, juvenile justice, education, medical and mental health fields who will address the critical nature of diversity and inclusion in the practice of serving children and families.

This event is geared towards professionals from the child welfare, juvenile justice, education, medical and mental health fields and for resource families. CE, CLE credits will be available. Act 48 approval is pending. Resource Family re-certification hours available.

Resources

A Call for Help to Identify Individuals-Groups Working on Citizen Surveillance of Marcellus Shale Gas Extraction and Natural Gas Underground Storage Activities

The Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh (CHEC) is working to identify community groups, individuals, etc. that are thinking about or have started some kind of citizen surveillance concerning Marcellus Shale Gas Extraction and Underground Gas Storage in PA, NY, OH, WV, and MD. The intent is to gather contact information, plus data, pictures, concerns, incident reports, etc. for posting on a central website. Turning data, pictures, and concerns into information that can be used by the groups themselves is an important undertaking as it shows them that they are not alone. This turning of data to information also will help inform legislators/academics/regulators and more citizens about what these operations actually look like--the traffic accidents, and road degradation, and fragmentation and the more than occasional leak-spill.

Citizen surveillance can take many forms--many are most concerned about water quality problems--but there are a host of social/emotional/behavioral and public health effects from these operations. Many groups are exploring not only the water quality issues but also accidents, infrastructure impacts, infrastructure degradation, development of "mancamps", landscape fragmentation, school incidents, over-provision of local EMS and Fire Department Services---as well as classical environmental problems (water, air, noise, lighting, etc).

For questions and more information please contact Conrad (Dan) Volz, DrPH, MPH at (724) 316-5408 or cdv5@pitt.edu. Please cc Chuck Christen and Samantha Malone at CHEC.

Meeting addresses Marcellus shale drilling issues

Marcellus shale natural gas well drilling and the water issues associated with it were the hot topics of conversation during a discussion on environmental issues Thursday hosted by state Rep. Timothy Mahoney, D-South Union, at the State Theatre Center for the Arts.

"I hope we can all go away knowing a lot more about the industry. We don't want to end up like we did 100 years ago with the coal companies where we are still paying for it with the brown fields and contaminated streams," Mahoney said.

Environmental Education Matters More in a Down Economy

“The Engaged Organization” provides survey results and case studies documenting that environmental education is already standard practice at many companies. Environmentally educated employees are improving a business’ bottom line and helping it implement its sustainability goals. Sustainability practices save money and reduce environment impact. By engaging their workforce, companies large and small are making changes to everyday business practices that show tangible, bottom-line results.

More

$63M in US funds make streetcar a go

Downtown revitalization, the University of Arizona and the whole Tucson region got a shot in the arm Wednesday with the U.S. Department of Transportation award of $63 million to help build the city's modern streetcar.

Is the age of the suburb over? 4 key demographic trends

“The age of suburbanization and growing homeownership is over,” McIlwain said in a recent report, “Housing in America: The Next Decade.” “The coming decades will be the time of the great reurbanization as 24/7 central cities grow and suburbs around the country are redeveloped with new or revived walkable suburban town centers.” This transition will be fueled by the growth of two-person households, an end to baby boomers’ suburban infatuation, and public policies designed to stimulate compact development. In his report, McIlwain points to four key demographic trends to watch:

Climate insurance

The Earth is warming. A chief cause is the increase in greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere. Humans are at least in part responsible, because the oil, gas and coal that we burn releases these gases. If current trends persist, it's likely that in coming decades the globe's climate will change with potentially devastating effects for billions of people.

Contrary to what you may have read lately, there are few reputable scientists who would disagree with anything in that first paragraph. Yet suddenly we're hearing that climate change is in doubt and that action to combat it is unlikely. What's going on?

One Book One Community & World Environment Day

The Allegheny County Library Association is pleased to invite dialogue around environmental issues through its 8th One Book One Community program featuring "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. With Pittsburgh’s selection as host city of World Environment Day 2010 what better opportunity could there be to encourage all of our community members to be good stewards of our region!

This year’s One Book One Community will allow us to help promote the good work of other environmentally conscious organizations as we bring individuals together for stimulating discussion and provoke new thinking. Below you will find more information about this year’s featured book. The timeframe for the program is throughout the month of April leading nicely into Earth Day and World Environment Day. Public libraries across Allegheny County will be hosting a variety of One Book related programs and discussions. The goal is to inspire community members to personal action in their daily lives, their own homes and neighborhoods, and across the region.

Each year the Library Association collaborates with a variety of community partners! You're invited to highlight your organization and WED initiatives through One Book One Community. Are you hosting a WED event? Would you like volunteers? Does your organization have “green” tips to share with the community? Can you tell us about your favorite green space to enjoy in Allegheny County? Here are a few possible ways to share your visions of sustainability with One Book One Community readers within our region. Get in touch before February 26th!

Guest Blogger
Highlight your organization and WED events on the One Book One Community blog by being a guest blogger.

Speakers Bureau
Take your show on the road as part of the One Book One Community speakers bureau. Provide the program name, description, length, minimum and/or maximum audience, speakers name and contact information. Also note if there is a fee or honorarium for the program.

Volunteer Opportunities
Share 1-2 sentences including the name of your organization and the volunteer opportunity or types of volunteer opportunities available with a link to more information.

10 Ways to Be Green
Share 1-2 sentences with a link to action.

Green Fun in Allegheny County
Share 1-2 sentences with a link to more information.

Podcasts and Videos
Share a podcast or video highlighting your organization.

Braddock shop helps clean Third World countries' water

As a distressed community, Braddock could make a good argument for getting a government bailout. Instead, it has become a producer of stimulus packages for communities with greater problems. . . Mr. Fetterman said the pot shop "is such a great fit on so many levels, a perfect marriage between artistic endeavor and public policy, a slant we like."

UPMC's Environmental Initiatives

UPMC is playing a leading role in creating a new model for “green” health care — one in which health systems not only recycle medical equipment and remove mercury from their hospitals, but also educate new parents on environmental health issues and support research into the mysterious links between the environment and disease. These efforts recently garnered recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Self-Organizing the Sun Corridor

Metropolitan officials in the Sun Corridor of Arizona are increasingly working together to form a self-organized super-region, according to this analysis. These communities are taking their lead from cities in the Intermountain West, where inter-metropolitan self-organization has resulted in such projects as the Denver area's FasTracks rail system. "Now the sometimes fractious Sun Corridor of Arizona has become a hot spot of self-organized super-regionalism. Putting aside petty inter-metropolitan rivalries, leaders from Phoenix, Tucson, and other locales in the Arizona urban super-zone have increasingly been finding ways to work together--though not by fiat from some higher authority.

Parking Bombs

This post from The Overhead Wire looks at the impact of parking lot sprawl in American downtowns--and finds a striking resemblance between those downtowns and bomb-ravaged cities from World War Two. "It's unfortunate that we didn't see what we were doing to our wonderful cities in the name of cars first. Europe had war, yet we dismantled our cities in a similar way in the name of progress. So much parking though, what has that done to the city's value? What has it taken away in terms of tax revenue from land and greater employment agglomerations?"

The Chemicals That Should Be on Your Radar ... but Probably Aren't

Consider endocrine disruptors (EDs). As a class, these chemicals can have profound and unparalleled impacts on families, communities and businesses because of their possible links to learning disabilities, selected cancers, reproductive disorders, diabetes and other health disorders. . . Companies should look towards Europe for clues about endocrine disruptors that could become management concerns in the United States. . . .So what might you and your company do?

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Sustainable Pittsburgh affects decision-making in the Pittsburgh Region to integrate economic prosperity, social equity and environmental quality bringing sustainable solutions to communities and businesses.

Sustainable Pittsburgh benefits from support ($1,000 and up) in 2010 from:

Allegheny County - Dan Onorato, County Executive
Atkins Family Foundation
BNY Mellon
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Dollar Bank
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
FedEx Ground
Port Authority of Allegheny County
Richard King Mellon Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
UPMC
Waste Management


Special thanks to the SP Members

Sustainable Pittsburgh
425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1335
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 258-6642
fax (412) 258-6645
E-mail SP