3E Links readers are early adopters of sustainable policies, products, and practices, and agents of change who educate friends and colleagues about the triple bottom line. Please share your issue of 3E Links with others and encourage them to subscribe by e-mailing info@sustainablepittsburgh.org.

Events

World Environment Day and Actions for Business event on May 20:

World Environment Day - Upcoming events

As has been the case each week, numerous World Environment Day events are slated for this weekend and upcoming week. From celebrating Arbor Day to safely disposing unwanted chemicals, there is much to see and do!

Join Global Solutions Pittsburgh on the RiverQuest Explorer to hear Dr. Conrad Volz, Director of GSPH's Center for Healthy Environments and Communities and Lisa Brown, Director of Operations and Outreach, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association. The Southwest Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership's "Get Green Inside" event will show you ways to reduce pollution, conserve energy, improve your health, and protect your community. Drop off unwanted common household chemicals for safe disposal ($2/gallon cash only fee) at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Attend the Global Warming Conference, which features speakers Dr. Robert Bullard, director of the Environmental Justice Center at Clark Atlanta University, to discuss climate justice and Dr. Michael Mann, renowned climatologist from Penn State University, who will provide the science behind global warming. Help TreeVitalize Pittsburgh celebrate 250 new trees for downtown Pittsburgh with free music, fun and a seedling giveaway at the Root for Trees Rally. Also join Three Rivers Earth Force at the Three Rivers Earth Force Youth Summit in recognizing the accomplishments of up to 700 Pittsburgh youth who led watershed improvement projects over the past school year.

Check out www.pittsburghwed.com for specific dates and details.

Actions for Businesses: Learn How to Measure Your Energy Savings!

EPA Portfolio Manager Training Session
Thursday, May 20
Two Sessions: Session 1: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm; Session 2: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Point Park University
Free to businesses but RSVP required; space is limited.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn all the details on how to start tracking your business’ energy usage to measure your progress in saving energy. This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for an upcoming regional competition to reduce energy usage. The training involves learning how to use Portfolio Manager, free software the US EPA offers to businesses so they can securely and privately track their energy usage over time. Portfolio Manager also gives businesses the means to confidentially compare the energy efficiency of their operations with other comparable buildings across the country.

Presented by: The Business Climate Coalition (BCC) and Champions for Sustainability, a program of Sustainable Pittsburgh

More information

Resources

9th annual Great Outdoors Week

May 14 - 23, 2010
Various times and locations throughout southwestern PA
Visit www.wallsarebad.com for more information.

A celebration of the outdoors, the 9th annual Great Outdoors Week serves to highlight the many outdoor amenities available in Southwestern Pennsylvania — rivers, greenways, parks, trails, and much more. During this special week, numerous activities are available for the sampling, including cycling, hiking, paddling, and bird watching-—all hosted by local outdoor groups in the region. Four signature events are included as well: Learn to Row and Paddle (5/14), Pedal Pittsburgh (5/16), National Bike to Work Day (5/21) and the Venture Outdoors Festival (5/22).

New this year is the recognition of Great Outdoors Week as part of the official World Environment Day (WED) - Pittsburgh celebration. Individuals and groups are encouraged to take an active part in Great Outdoors Week this year by hosting or participating in an event, and helping to promote this ten-day celebration. Flyers are available for distribution.

Actions for Businesses: Learn How to Measure Your Energy Savings!

EPA Portfolio Manager Training Session
Thursday, May 20
Two Sessions: Session 1: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm; Session 2: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Point Park University
Free to businesses but RSVP required; space is limited.
Contact: Jake Baechle, BCC Coordinator at (412) 258-6652 or jbaechle@sustainablepittsburgh.org
More information

Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn all the details on how to start tracking your business’ energy usage to measure your progress in saving energy. This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for an upcoming regional competition to reduce energy usage. The training involves learning how to use Portfolio Manager, free software the US EPA offers to businesses so they can securely and privately track their energy usage over time. Portfolio Manager also gives businesses the means to confidentially compare the energy efficiency of their operations with other comparable buildings across the country.

Southwestern Pennsylvania businesses are invited to come participate in one of these training sessions. Cadmus, the EPA’s Contractor, will assist attendees with using and understanding the many functions of Portfolio Manager. Computers will be available for use on-site. When the session is complete each company will walk away with a better understanding of their energy usage and the ability to continue tracking energy usage and reductions.

Improving energy performance in business operations and commercial buildings is a sound business strategy. Organizations that improve energy management:
• reduce expenses,
• improve tenant satisfaction,
• increase the asset value of their portfolios and,
• demonstrate their commitment to regional sustainability. Presented by: The Business Climate Coalition (BCC) and Champions for Sustainability, a program of Sustainable Pittsburgh

REGISTER NOW!
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
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh
For sponsorship opportunities, email cgould@sustainablepittsburgh.org.
To be an exhibitor, email sue@mcmahon-cardillo.com.
Registration is now open. For more details visit the Conference Web site.

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.

This conference will be a milestone for our region in establishing water as imperative to prosperity--life, health, recreation, industry, competitiveness. Water Matters! will galvanize the region to address water challenges and opportunities and be a leader in providing sustainable water solutions for the world.

Open to the public and intended for all audiences. Conference will conclude with a networking reception and exhibition providing hands-on activities and displays.

Come be part of a remarkable, eye-opening exploration of the ways Water Matters!

Partial list of presenters:
- David Ainsworth, United Nations Convention on Biodiversity
- Herb Buxton, US Geological Survey
- Marla Cone, Environmental Health News
- Don Correll, American Water
- Marc Edwards, Virginia Tech
- Julie Eilperin, The Washington Post
- Amy Fraenkel, UNEP Regional Office for North America
- Kathryn Jackson, Westinghouse Electric Company
- Greg Koch, Global Water Stewardship Program, The Coca-Cola Company
- Mike Magee, healthy-waters.org
- Rich Meeusen, Badger Meter Co. and Milwaukee 7 Water Council
- James Rogers, Duke Energy
- Carl Safina, PhD, Blue Ocean Institute

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

SIGN UP NOW! 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
Email worldrecord@ventureoutdoors.org or visit www.paddleatthepoint.com for more information and updates.

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! The record is currently held by the Inlet Area Businesses Association in upstate New York and it will take 1,105 kayaks and canoes for Pittsburgh to set the new world record.

Global Warming 2010: Experts and Heroes Creating a Climate for Justice

Sunday, May 2
1:30 pm - 6:00 pm (Refreshments and check-in from 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm)
August Wilson Center for African American Culture, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh
Admission: $10; Free for PennFuture members and students with a valid ID. Refreshments included.
Pre-registration is required by Thursday, April 29.
To sign up for a table for your organization, or to volunteer at the event, contact Sharon Pillar
More information and registration

Experts on global warming are under attack as never before, but they are standing firm and speaking out, showing heroic leadership for the planet. This conference allows you to meet great experts and heroes, and learn how a climate for justice is created here in western Pennsylvania.

Heroes and experts and their topics include:
Dr. Robert Bullard, Ware Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University to discuss racial and social implications of climate justice;
Dr. Michael Mann, renowned climatologist and director of Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University, to describe the facts behind global warming science;
Peter Altman, Climate Campaign Director, National Resources Defense Council, who will explore the origins of the recent attacks on climate science;

Local Green Opportunities Panel will include:
- Lee Ann Briggs of Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center (moderator);
- Carla Castagnero of AgRecycle, our region’s only commercial composter;
- Richard Taylor of ImbuTech, a company that sells LED lighting;
- Joe Simko of Hodge & Elyria Foundry, manufacturer of wind turbine components;
- Tonya Johnson of Green Empowerment Training Alliance, an organization preparing minority and low-income people for the green economy.
Other speakers will cover state and federal energy and climate policy and the low carbon fuel standard;

Visit tabling organizations to find information on sustainable foods, solar, wind, geothermal, energy efficiency, biodiesel, green building materials, and more!

Please note: The Pittsburgh Marathon will be held earlier on May 2. Most of the marathon activities will be finished by the start of the conference, but please allow extra travel time.

Marcellus Shale Policy Conference

May 3-4, 2010
More details to come.
For information, call: Pennsylvania Environmental Council at 412-481-9400 or marcelluspolicyconference@pecpa.org

How should Pennsylvania construct an effective regulatory framework that allows the natural gas industry to prosper. . .while protecting environmental and conservation values? If you have a stake in the development of regulatory policy and decision-making pertaining to Marcellus shale gas production in Pennsylvania, then you should attend this important conference!

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Duquesne University invite you to the Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Policy Conference, which will work to identify strategies and practices for the effective and sustainable development of this extraordinary resource. Among the topics we'll discuss include:
- The economics of Marcellus shale development in America's energy mix
- Regulatory obstacles and opportunities in Pennsylvania
- Opportunities and benefits of a successful Marcellus gas development industry in Pennsylvania
- Finding the balance between conservation and gas resource development
- Local community considerations
- Environmental issues
- Best management practices and long-term conservation methods
- Policy recommendations
...and much, much more.

2010 Budget Cuts Threaten Community Safety Net – collective action needed now!

Tuesday, May 4
10:30am
Catholic Charities Susan Zubik Welcome Center, 212 Ninth Street, downtown Pittsburgh, 15222
If your organization is interested in participating in district visits or have questions regarding the press conference, contact Terry Beggy at beggy@forbesfunds.org.
Flyer

The Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership will host a press conference to address the impact of budget cuts and importance of passing a responsible budget with adequate revenue measures on time.

Here's how last year’s budget impasse impacted everyone –
28 staff members were laid off at Focus on Renewal and 4 programs were cut.
Close to 30,000 individuals lost critical services due to the budget impasse.
Over 3,500 children lost child care services.
Statewide, 69% of organizations that responded to the United Way of Pennsylvania Nonprofit Budget Impasse Survey had to reduce or eliminate services.
Organizations that had to take out a loan to get through the impasse are still paying it down.

Projected revenues are already $750 million below estimates and some estimates are even calling for a $1 billion deficit by summer. Instead of addressing budget challenges and restoring critical services lost, PA legislators are first turning to more cuts. These cuts will primarily affect nonprofits and the individuals we serve and it comes at a time when residents in the Pittsburgh region are already struggling to provide basic needs for themselves and their families. Further cuts without balancing other actions such as increasing revenues will cause our families and our economy to suffer.

Before You Flip That Switch: The Hidden Costs of Energy

Thursday, May 13
6:00 pm
Imagine Environmental Charter School, 829 Milton Street, Regent Square
Suggested Donation: $10 ($5 for students)
RSVP to bryan@gasp-pgh.org by Friday, May 7
Flyer

Join Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) for a lecture and discussion led by Dr. Jared Cohon, President of Carnegie Mellon University and chair of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Health, Environmental, and Other External Costs and benefits of Energy Production and Consumption.

Pharmaceutical Collection

Saturday, May 15
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Hampton Township Community Center, Allegheny County (3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park)
Cost: $3/person - CASH ONLY
Pre-Registration REQUIRED
Flyer
Event registration

The Household Hazardous Waste Task Force is hosting an opportunity for Pennsylvania residents to safely dispose of unwanted or expired pharmaceutical products including both controlled and non-controlled substances. A professional contractor, law enforcement officials, and licensed pharmacists will be on site to ensure all material collected is handled in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.

Please note, the Task Force will NOT accept the following: durable medical goods, health and beauty aids, home care supplies, home health equipment, household hazardous waste (paint, aerosol cans, etc.), illegal substances and paraphernalia, infectious waste, institutional waste, medical devices and equipment, medical sharps (needles, lancets), mercury thermometers, personal care items, radioactive materials.

Chill the Drills: Oil Development and Climate Change in America's Arctic

Thursday, May 20
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, First Floor Gallery, 420 Blvd. of the Allies, Downtown Pittsburgh
Free to attend; RSVP requested.
To RSVP or with questions, contact alleghenyesa@gmail.com
Website: www.alleghenysc.org
Flyer

“The Arctic region is the single most endangered ecosystem on the planet.” So says, Kit McGurn, the Sierra Club’s national expert on the Alaskan Wilderness. No one knows more about the impact of unrestricted development on this environment. Come be a part of a multi-media presentation as Kit describes the growing threat of climate change and oil development to Alaska’s most pristine habitats. Join other environmentally conscious citizens and find out what you can do to help.

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.

Rain Garden, Bioswale & Infiltration Garden Design

Tuesday, May 25
7:30 am - Noon
Connelley Learning Center, 1501 Bedford Ave, 15219, Uptown
Cost: $75
To register, please contact Mary Ann at (412) 263-1000 or by email at mvf10@psu.edu
Registration deadline: May 20
More information

This is the first in a series of moderate to advanced training intended for engineers and landscape architects with prior knowledge on the topic. The workshop will focus on:
- Design, construction and maintenance - soils, plants, construction, maintenance and long term management considerations
- Exercises and case studies
- Local policies and future rulemaking

Presenters:
Dr. Robert Berghage
Associate Professor of Horticulture at Penn State

Dr. Rick Stehouwer
Associate Professor of Environmental Soil Science at Penn State

Janie French
Director of Green Infrastructure Programs, SW PA
PA Environmental Council

Rachel Carson Celebration of Biodiversity with E.O. Wilson

Thursday, May 27
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Oakland
Contact: Fiona Fisher at (724) 274- 5459 or fiona@rachelcarsonhomestead.org
Register

As part of the United Nations World Environment Day celebration in North America, the Rachel Carson Celebration of Biodiversity Symposium will focus on the human impact on biodiversity. Featuring E.O. Wilson as keynote speaker and including a panel of experts, people can begin with an initial visioning for a New American Dream that is environmentally sustainable, developed by participants in this event--a roadmap that will address the effect people have on the environment, and the critical inter-relationships between human habitat and the quality of life for generations to come.

There will be a special reception after the symposium at which E.O. Wilson will be presented with the Rachel Carson Legacy Award, which recognizes and honors people who have made significant impact on the application of Rachel Carson's principles to modern public policy issues that interface the environment. Wilson is a two-time Pulitzer prize winner, world-renowned entomologist and one of the scientists who provided research data to Rachel Carson while she was writing Silent Spring.

Register Today: 2nd Annual African American Leadership Summit

Friday, May 28
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Herberman Conference Center; 2nd Floor Auditorium, 5230 Center Avenue; Pittsburgh
Shadyside Hospital (Center Avenue garage for parking)
www.aala.webs.com

Join the African American Leadership Association (AALA) for the 2nd Annual African American Leadership Summit sponsored in part by UPMC's Center for Inclusion (Registration and Breakfast begins at 8:00a). This year's theme is "Success in Leadership."

The dynamic & exciting line up of speakers, facilitators and panelists include keynote speaker, Jay Williams, the current and first African American mayor of Youngstown, Ohio; Dr. Marcia Sturdivant, Doris Carson Williams, Oliver Byrd, Honorable William Robinson, Karris Jackson, Donna Baxter, Kenya Boswell, Peggy Harris, Rick Adams and more! The panel discussion "Success in Leadership" will be moderated by Rev. Dr. John Wallace, from the University of Pittsburgh and Bible Center Church in Homewood. Breakout sessions include Black Leadership; Past, Present and Future, Influential Leadership and Image & Brand in Leadership.* Sandidge Photography will be on site providing professional head shots.

AALA recognizes leaders in its annual awards ceremony for the following: Blazing Leaders, Influential Leaders and Innovative Inclusion (awarded to one corporation demonstrating inclusion at all levels)! Awardees are:

Innovative Inclusion - Fifth Third Bank
Blazing Leaders - Errika Fearbry Jones, Pittsburgh Board of Education; De'netta Benjamin, Family Links; Dwayne Muhammad, Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards and Pastor Eugene Blackwell, House of Manna
Influential Leaders - Elwin Green, Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Brenda Moye, Northside Community Activist

Race in America: Restructuring Inequality

June 3–6, 2010
University of Pittsburgh, Oakland
Fees vary. Register before March 31st for the early bird discount.
Conference brochure
More information

The University of Pittsburgh has set the stage for a solution-focused dialogue on race, one that will bring together some of the best minds on this important subject. Pitt’s School of Social Work and the school's Center on Race and Social Problems will host Race in America: Restructuring Inequality, a national conference in Pittsburgh, Pa.

"Times of challenge provide the opportunity to create change. As the nation continues its efforts to recover from an economic downturn, there has never been a better time to re-examine and correct racial inequalities in American society. It is our intent to make this the best conference ever on race in America. More importantly, it is our goal to make it the most useful one."

—Larry E. Davis, dean of the School of Social Work and Donald M. Henderson Professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

Who should attend?
* Academic researchers
* Community leaders and organizers
* Community members
* Economists
* Educators
* Health care professionals
* Law professionals
* Policy makers
* Psychologists
* Social workers
* Sociologists

Be a part of this dialogue on race and how it relates to every facet of society – from the economy, to families, to the criminal justice system.

Resources

World Environment Day Survey - Be Part of the Region's Innovation

The Pittsburgh World Environment Day Partnership is pleased to announce it has teamed with Campos Inc, a Pittsburgh based market research firm, to develop a survey for the purpose of accelerating the policy and practice of sustainable development in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Partnership would sincerely appreciate it if you could take a few moments of your time today -- April 22, 2010 (Earth Day) to participate in this convenient online survey.

More

Go Green. Save Water. Win Prizes!

With Pittsburgh hosting World Environment Day this year, you can join in the celebration – and you don’t have to leave home to do it.

Take part in the regional Water Savers Competition, and save money, save energy, save water – and sign up to win some really great prizes. Log on at gogreensavewater.com. There you’ll find easy, money-saving actions you can take to save water and energy. Register online – and register your community group, neighborhood, school, or organization to win one of the great prizes in the Water Savers Competition. The groups that save the most water by June 4, 2010 will win the contest, and be featured at an awards ceremony on June 5 at the Carnegie Science Center.

The Water Savers Competition is part of The Black and Gold City Goes Green Campaign (www.theblackandgoldcitygoesgreen.com). The goal of the campaign is to work together to reduce heat-trapping gases that cause global warming, making a significant measurable decrease in pollution. Each month, the Campaign details a new set of actions (green, greener, greenest), which anyone can do at little or no cost. The Black and Gold City Goes Green Campaign is coordinated by Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture).

The Allegheny Front covers Marcellus Wastewater, World Environment Day, and Bike Advocacy

The Allegheny Front, environmental radio for Western and Central Pennsylvania, reports on efforts of drilling companies to reuse their wastewater to replace some of the huge amounts of clean water needed to fracture the Marcellus shale. Environmental groups want the state to regulate the process. In a related story, city residents express concern over potential drilling in their urban neighborhood. The United Nations chose Pittsburgh as its North American host city for World Environment Day on June 5th. We talk with Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox of the UN's Environment Programme. A Pittsburgh bike advocate says cycling should be a public priority. In other news, a river research center closes its doors.

More

Marcellus Shale: Pipe dreams in Pennsylvania?

A region is discovering that the price of the economic boom from natural gas drilling may be irreversible environmental damage and peace of mind. "I don't have confidence that the state of Pennsylvania is where it needs to be," said Bernie McGurl, executive director of the Lackawanna River Corridor Association. "They're tripping over themselves to get well heads installed. We're going to have holes all over the northern tier of Pennsylvania. What is the implication of that long-term? They're going too far, too quick, with not enough oversight."

Thomas L. Friedman / ET, phone home: The U.S. must lead the energy revolution or fall far behind

"Yes, if we pass this energy legislation a small price on carbon will likely show up on your gasoline or electricity bill. I'm not going to lie. But it is an investment that will pay off in so many ways. It will spur innovation in energy efficiency that will actually lower the total amount you pay for driving, heating or cooling. It will reduce carbon pollution in the air we breathe and make us healthier as a country. It will reduce the money we are sending to nations that crush democracy and promote intolerance. It will strengthen the dollar. It will make us more energy secure, environmentally secure and strategically secure.

Energy sector poised for innovation -- with the right spark

This country runs on innovation. The American success story -- from Ben Franklin's bifocals to Thomas Edison's light bulb to Henry Ford's assembly line to today's advanced microprocessors -- is all about inventing our future. The companies we ran, Microsoft and DuPont, were successful because they invested deeply in new technologies and new ideas. But our country is neglecting a field central to our national prospect and security: energy. This is why we have joined other concerned business leaders -- including Norm Augustine, former chairman of Lockheed Martin; Ursula Burns, chief executive of Xerox; John Doerr, partner at Kleiner Perkins; Jeff Immelt, chief executive of GE; and Tim Solso, chairman of Cummins -- to create the American Energy Innovation Council.

More Companies Moving Back to the City

The suburbanization of business headquarters may be coming to an end. More businesses are ditching their suburban office park headquarters and moving back into the city, according to this piece from Harvard Business Review. "The change is about more than evolving tastes; it’s at least partly a reaction to real problems created by suburbs. Their damage to quality of life is well chronicled. For instance, studies in 2003 by the American Journal of Public Health and the American Journal of Health Promotion linked sprawl to rising obesity rates. (By contrast, new research in Preventive Medicine demonstrates, people living in more urban communities reap health benefits because they tend to walk more.) Car culture hurts mental health as well. Research by behavioral economist Daniel Kahneman and his team shows that out of a number of daily activities, commuting has the most negative effect on people’s moods. And economists Bruno S. Frey and Alois Stutzer have found that commuters who live an hour away from work would need to earn 40% more money than they currently do to be as satisfied with their lives as noncommuters."

Cities blazing a green trail

Though two American cities made the list, it is mostly the European cities that are leading the world in urban sustainability, reports Matthew Knight of CNN. In compiling the list of the world's most green cities, a number of environmental measures were taken into consideration, such as availability and popularity of mass transit, renewable energy, scenery, green space, and water management. Those models that "blaze a green trail," according to the article, include: Curitiba, Portland, Reykjavik, Chicago, Copenhagen, Frieburg, Malmo, Masdar, and Vancouver.

A National Network Of Bike Trails? It Could Happen

"We’re elevating it to the point where as we develop new road systems, as we develop communities where people can use light rail or street cars or buses, bike trails and walking paths will be equal partners, if you will, and equal components of those kinds of transportation opportunities in communities across America," LaHood tells NPR's Guy Raz.

Moving with Dignity: A small detail that can help foster kids at a crucial moment

Traditionally, the team removing the child would bring trash bags to load up the child's clothing and other belongings as quickly as possible. But the folks at A Second Chance (ASCI) decided several years ago that there must be a better way. They began collecting gently used luggage, believing that packing a real bag rather than a trash bag could bring a bit more dignity to the child's experience.

Ever-increasing Interest in the Global Water Tool

The Global Water Tool (GWT) is the first step for all multinational companies to make water-informed decisions (see www.wbscd.org/web/watertool.htm). Launched in 2007, it is now being used by some 300 corporations worldwide and is increasingly being recognized as a critical and practical tool by non-business stakeholders too.

A company needs water for its own operations, employees and supply chain, and ultimately its customers. In order to manage risks related to global water issues now and in the future, companies have to understand their water needs in relation to local conditions, such as: water availability (current and projected), water quality, water “stress” (relating to people, environment and agriculture), access to safe drinking water sources and sanitation, as well as population and industrial growth. To manage your water globally, you need to understand the water situation locally – which is increasingly unpredictable as climate change unfolds.

For information on becoming a Member of Sustainable Pittsburgh, please visit our website.

3E Links is sent as a service to Sustainable Pittsburgh Members and interested parties and is being distributed for informational purposes. The information above was provided by or obtained from the organizing institution or one of its representatives. Our distribution does not imply endorsement. To unsubscribe, reply to this e-mail and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Click here to access the 3E Links Archive. Use "Search" on SP's homepage for a great resource.

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