"TAPPED" - A look at the Big Business of bottle water

Is access to clean drinking water a basic human right, or a commodity that should be bought and sold like any other article of commerce? Stephanie Soechtig's debut feature, “Tapped,” is an unflinching examination of the big business of bottled water. The Peters Township Public Library’s GO Green Club will offer a free screening of the film on Friday, October 21 at 6:30 p.m. The film will be followed by a presentation by Josephine Posti, External Affairs Specialist from Pennsylvania American Water, who will discuss who Pennsylvania American Water is, where your water comes from, how it is treated and the value of drinking water.

From the producers of Who Killed the Electric Car and I.O.U.S.A., this timely documentary is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that ought never to become a commodity: our water. Register for this after-hours program online, visit the library circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430.

From the plastic production to the ocean in which so many of these bottles end up, this inspiring documentary trails the path of the bottled water industry and the communities which were the unwitting chips on the table. A powerful portrait of the lives affected by the bottled water industry, this revelatory film features those caught at the intersection of big business and the public's right to water.

Director Stephanie Soechtig began her career ten years ago producing documentaries for 20/20, Primetime Live, produced for Good Morning America covering the 2000 presidential elections and worked with ABC's long-form unit to produce "Planet Earth" hosted by Leonardo DiCaprio. She then brought her documentary skills to Fox News Channel where she produced network specials for Bill O'Reilly before moving on to produce his daily show, The O’Reilly Factor.

2nd Annual Local Foods Potluck Dinner

A celebration of locally grown foods will take place at the Peters Township Public Library on Friday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the 2nd Annual Local Foods Potluck Dinner. The event is being hosted by the library’s GO Green Club and Cooking Club.

Attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish to share made with locally grown or produced foods or some samples of the bounty from their home gardens. During the dinner, Liz Kanche from American HealthCare Group will discuss “Eating Locally in Western Pennsylvania.” American HealthCare Group has sponsored the Farm to Table Conference in Pittsburgh for the past 5 years.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified a 16% increase in the number of operating farmers markets from 2009 to 2010. "Seeing such continued strong growth in the number of U.S. farmers markets indicates that regional food systems can provide great economic, social and health benefits to communities across the country," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Farmers markets provide fresh, local products to communities across the country while offering economic opportunities for many producers of all sizes." Pennsylvania ranks in the top ten states with the most farmers markets.

Register online to attend the potluck dinner or at the library’s circulation desk by Monday, August 1, 2011.

Electronic Recycling Station now open!

In cooperation with eLoop, we now have an electronic recycling drop off facility at the Peters Township Public Works Department at 750 Bebout Road (at the entrance to Peterswood Park.). Electronics (TV’s, Computers, Monitors, Printers, Toasters, Stereos, Coffee makers, etc.) can be dropped of Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. –11a.m. and  noon-3p.m. You must call 724-941-6161 in advance to ensure someone will be there. All computers will have their hard drive destroyed. The Township has entered into this partnership with eLoop in preparation for the January 2012 statewide prohibition of placing electronics in with your garbage. You can read a complete list of items that can be dropped off. This is a free program to the public. All township residents are encouraged to use this facility now and not wait until the state mandate. Waste Management will be continuing to collect these items throughout this year, but it would be better for the environment to recycle these items.

Two Summer Programs With Candy DeBerry!

Dr. Candy DeBerry, Associate Professor of Biology at Washington and Jefferson College, returns to the Peters Township Public Library to present two free programs focusing on pollination in gardening.

Programs to be offered by Dr. DeBerry include:
Plant Sex: How The Birds and the Bees Are Responsible for One-Third of the Food You Eat (and What You Can Do to Help Them)” on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. will explain what pollination is, why it is important, which animals pollinate plants, and how your garden can support pollinators. Register online to attend or at the library's circulation desk.

Plants for the Pollinator Garden” will be offered on Thursday, August 25 at 7 p.m. What brings joy to your garden? Hummingbirds darting among the blossoms? Butterflies flittering above the flowers? The deep drone of busy bumblebees? Bumper crops of tomatoes, squash, raspberries and watermelon? The secret to obtaining all of these will be revealed in this workshop - the very best plants to grow to attract pollinators. Register online to attend or at the library's circulation desk.

These programs are sponsored by the library's GO Green Club.

"Pennsylvania's leading industry – agriculture – is dependent on the work of insects that pollinate 80 percent of the world's crops," explains Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig. "One-third of the food we eat is a direct result of pollination, so it is critical to remind all citizens they can and should play a role in protecting declining pollinator populations that set fruit and produce seeds for the future."

Candy DeBerry is an associate professor in the Department of Biology and faculty advisor to Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society. She is also a member of the Biochemistry Steering Committee. She regularly teaches general biology, freshman cell biology workshop, cell biology, biochemistry, biochemistry seminar, and experimental biology. Dr. DeBerry is also passionate about ecological gardening, and her property is certified as Backyard Wildlife Habitat #48,3330 by the National Wildlife Federation and listed as a Bird Habitat by the Audubon Society of Pennsylvania.

Recycle your empty ink cartridges at the library!

Did you know in North America, over 350 million cartridges are thrown out each year, and it can take as long as 450 years for a cartridge to decompose in a landfill?

Bring your empty ink jet or laser cartridges to the library and drop them in the blue and yellow Cartridge World collection box in the main lobby. The library will receive a small cash award for each name-brand cartridge that is collected. Do something good for your community and your library!

Peters Township - We need to step-up our game!

In case you were not aware, there is a recycling competition going on in our area! Ten South Hills communities are taking part in the competition: Mt. Lebanon, Scott, Peters, Dormont, Upper St. Clair, Brentwood, Pleasant Hills, Baldwin, South Park and Jefferson Hills.

Read more about the contest in this article from the Post-Gazette!

We are looking for volunteers to help at Community Day this Saturday, June 25! We will be directing Community Day visitors to special bins that will be collecting recycleables that day and educating the community about how they can recycle materials from home everyday. Please email us if you can help for an hour or two on Saturday!

Going Solar in Peters Township

Thinking about solar panels for your home? This article from the Observer-Reporter discusses two families in Peters Township that have installed solar panels at their home and the benefits they are reaping as a result!

Hard to Recycle Collection on Saturday, June 11

In case you missed the Hard to Recycle Collection at Steel City Harley Davidson, the next Hard to Recycle collection is being held Saturday, June 11th at the parking lot of Mall at Robinson. See the attached event flyer for more details. Thanks, Jennifer, for forwarding the information to us!

Organic Lawn Care

With all the rain we have had in the area this spring, there is barely time to cut the grass! Hopefully the weather will improve soon, and we will be able to get outside to work in our yards and gardens.

The subject of organic lawn care has come up several times at our GO Green Club meetings, so I thought I would share this article from the Post-Gazette that I came across - "Lessen your carbon footprint with organic lawn care" by Mykie Reidy. It contains alot of good information about overseeding, good lawn mowing practices, and why go organic for your lawn care.

Take a look at the article now and you will be ready to "go green" when the sun shines again!




Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11104/1139063-47.stm#ixzz1MoTFhkus

Volunteers needed for Hard-to-Recycle Collection

Our friends at the PA Resources Council can use our help this Saturday, May 14. (They were one of the vendors at our recent Green Fair in March.) There will be a Hard-to-Recycle Collection at Steel City Harley Davidson in Washington, PA and they need volunteers. The details are below. To volunteer call Sarah Alessio Shea at PRC at 412.488.7490 ext. 236 or email at saraha@ccicenter.org

Volunteers Needed for the Saturday May 14th Hard to Recycle Collection Event at Steel City Harley Davidson in Washington, PA.
1375 Washington Road Washington, PA 15301

Here are the details:

Hard to Recycle Collection Event Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are an essential part of each and every collection event, and volunteering is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment of Southwestern PA! At this event the public is able to bring electronic waste, tires, batteries, and more and all materials will be recycled or reused! This event is run by the PA Resources Council (PRC) with support form the Allegheny County Health Department, Colcom Foundation and many other partners!

What does a volunteer do?

As a collection volunteer, you will:

• Participate in a brief training session prior to the start of your event

• Perform tasks such as set up, directing traffic, handing out educational materials, unloading vehicles, and much more!

Volunteer shifts are as follows:

 Full-day shift: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

PRC will be providing breakfast and Steel City will be grilling out and will provide lunch and refreshments for the day.

The event is Rain or Shine so please dress appropriately!

To volunteer call Sarah Alessio Shea at PRC at 412.488.7490 ext. 236 or email at saraha@ccicenter.org

Got Shredding to Do?

Brentwood Bank is offering a Shred Day for the community on Saturday, May 14. Here are the details:

The Bethel Park branch of Brentwood Bank, located at McMurray and South Park roads, will host Community Shred Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14.

There will be free on-site shredding of documents with a limit of four boxes per customer. There is no charge for the service.

There is no need to remove staples or paperclips. Documents accepted for shredding include tax records, legal documents, financial records, invoices, account records, medical records, cancelled checks and CDs.

Details: Barbara Provins at 412-833-5400.

This information was from today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Library to host Summer Program Series from PA Resources Council

Learn how to collect rain water, set-up a backyard compost bin, and make your own non-toxic cleaning products in one of three different workshops being presented at the Peters Township Public Library in a new partnership with the Pennsylvania Resources Council. This program series is being sponsored by the library’s GO Green Club.


At “Rain Water Harvesting and Watershed Awareness” you will learn how to harvest rainwater from your roof and divert it for on-site usage in the yard and in the garden. Attend this workshop and return home equipped with the knowledge and hardware needed (not the 55-gal. drum) to assemble and install a rain barrel. This program will be held on Saturday, May 7 at 10 a.m. at the library.  Registration is required through the “Programs” page on the PA Resources Council website  or call Nancy Martin at (412) 488.7490 ext. 247. The price of the workshop is $35/person or $45/couple.

The “Backyard Composting” workshop covers the importance of composting, setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways of using finished compost. Participants will receive an Earth Machine Compost Bin with attendance. This bin, approved across the state as an ideal bin for urban and suburban areas, has an eighty-gallon capacity. The workshop will be offered on Saturday, June 11 at 10 a.m. at the library. Registration is required through the “Programs” page on the PA Resources Council website or call the PRC’s compost hotline at (412) 488.7490 ext. 226. The price of the workshop is $50/person or $55/couple.

The “Healthy Body, Healthy Home, Healthy Planet” Workshop on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m. discusses the consequences of the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis and what we can do to limit our exposure. You will learn how to make your own cleaning and personal care products, toxins to avoid in personal care products, and how and what to cook with to keep you healthy. All participants/couples will receive a green cleaning starter kit and personal care product samples. Registration is required through the “Programs” page on the PA Resources Council website or call Sarah Alessio Shea at (412) 488.7490 ext. 236. The cost of the workshop is $20/person or $25/couple.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council, established in 1939, is one of the Commonwealth's oldest citizen action environmental organizations. Recognized as a state and national leader in waste reduction and recycling, the remainder of PRC's work focuses on litter and visual blight prevention, watershed awareness, and composting. The strength of PRC's programs is derived from its continuing efforts to bring people, businesses, and government together to prevent and solve environmental problems.

Meeting tonight!

The PTPL GO Green Club will be meeting tonight on the second floor of the library in the conference room at 7 p.m. Join us if you can!

Organic Lawn Care

The Go Green Club has been discussing organic lawn care on and off since last summer. This article in today's post-gazette.com explains the benefits of going organic and how to do it yourself. There are even a few organic lawn services listed in the article if you need help. The good news is - leave your grass grow high, 3-4"!

First Annual Geek Art /Green Innovators Festival this weekend

Now this looks like something fun and different to do on a Friday night! Check out the GA/GI Festival blog for a schedule of events and watch the video below for highlights from the 2010 festival.

Sustainable food packaging

When doing the family grocery shopping, coming home without a lot packaging that cannot be recycled or composted is quite a challenge. This article from today's Post-Gazette, Biodegradable packaging can provide economic challenges, discusses what food companies are doing to try and meet the demand for better packaging while maintaining food quality.

Green Fair 2011 was a success!

Over 150 people attended our first ever Green Fair held at the Peters Township Public Library on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click on the links below to read the press coverage about the fair:

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Peters Library's Go Green Fair slated for Saturday


From PetersPatch
A Green Fair to Remember


From The Almanac
Peters Township Library hosts green event


Thank you to all our vendors and all our GO Green Club volunteers who worked so hard for so many months to make this event a success!


GREEN Fair to be held on March 19

The Peters Township Public Library GO Green Club will be sponsoring a GREEN Fair at the library on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library.

The all-day event will feature local businesses and organizations that can help community members live a greener and more sustainable life. At the fair, 19 vendors to date will showcase their products and/or services with small items for sale to persons attending the event. No registration is required to attend this free event.

Participants in the fair include:

Adam Solar Resources

Appalachian Botanicals

Artemis Environmental

Bean Catering and Building New Hope

Cartridge World

Cherry Valley Organics

Conservation Consultants, Inc.

Construction Junction

Envirobikes

Goose Creek Gardens, LTD

Green Irene

• Isidore Foods

Meals on Wheels

Organic Personal Chef Service

Pennsylvania Resources Council

• Poverty Hollow Naturals and Exotics

SOLAR-TEC

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commissions CommuteInfo

VOX Energy Solutions

Along with vendor exhibits and displays, a speaker series will be on-going throughout the day. Registration is required to attend each speaker session as space is limited.

Doug Oster, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Backyard Gardener, will discuss “Grow Organic; Easy Steps to go Green in the Lawn and Garden” at 11:00 a.m. Register online, at the circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430. 

Dr. Candy DeBerry, Associate Professor of Biology at Washington and Jefferson College, will present “"Native Plants for the Home Landscape” at 12:30 p.m. Register online, at the circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430. 

Faith Starr, local radio host of “Living Green with Faith” will discuss “Is Your Home Healthy?” at 2:00 p.m. Register online, at the circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430.  

Please join us to learn more about "living green" from the many experts we have gathered for you. You will find information about reducing your energy bills, how and why to buy local foods, alternative transportation options, environmentally-responsible products for your home, and more. For more information about this event, email the Peters Township Public Library GO Green Club.

Is Your Home Healthy?

Are there unhealthy, toxic materials lurking in your kitchen, bathroom, and children’s rooms? Are your vet bills high because your animals keep getting sick? It could be a reaction to products you have in your home. Find out how easy it is to have a natural, healthy home for your family by attending “Is Your Home Healthy?” at the Peters Township Public Library on Saturday, February 12 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Register to attend this free program by emailing the library or call 724.941.9430. This is a Peters Township Public Library GO Green Club program.

Local radio host Faith Starr will use all the diverse components of her comprehensive background to offer valid, usable tips for living a healthy, organic, and green lifestyle. She will share her knowledge about where to obtain healthy food in Western Pa - without breaking the bank. She is passionate about helping you find the hidden toxins in your own home environment. Faith Starr is in her fourth year of talk radio and is the host of "Living Green with Faith," which can be heard on Wednesday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. on 620 AM WKHB radio on WKHB in Pittsburgh.