February 03, 2014

New from GRACE - 'Meet the Nexus' Guide !

February 03, 2014/ Debra Italiano

You all know that SJC is a fan of the Grace Communications Foundation. They have a great website and their Eco-Centric Blog is filled with news and information that help us to understand the various impacts of Climate Change and the inter-relationships of food, energy and water sustainability issues. While good decisions about one of these systems can carry multiple benefits, the reverse is also true. For example, if we're not conscious about decisions we make about how we manage our food supply, we can negatively impact our water and energy supply too. This is called NEXUS THINKING !

This hand guide is really accessible and fun, with bite-sized learning opportunities. For example, did you know that it takes 42 gallons of water to make just one slice of pizza ? Who knew !! Included in the guide is their New 9-Tip Guide to Food, Water and Energy at Home.

Bravo GRACE - well done.

January 21, 2014

Free Green Infrastructure Community Training Coming Up Next Friday January 31st !

January 21, 2014/ Debra Italiano

Change happens when individuals and organizations work together. That includes how we all participate with local municipal officials on initiatives such as more Green Infrastructure in Jersey City. To do this effectively, a variety of folks need to get educated and this opportunity is pitching to just that. As the NJ DEP works with the PVSC (the regional authority overseeing stormwater infrastructure matters for our geography), to roll out new rules for municipalities that encourage them to incorporate more Green Infrastructure into their planning processes, everday citizens, city workers and interested professionals need to understand more about this topic, how it can serve our interests and how to make it happen.

The PVSA (Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission - sexy name!) is pulling together public forums to train community stakeholders in Green Infrastructure concepts and practices - FOR FREE ! While SJC has had a number of workshops with excellent speakers come to town to discuss this, we highly recommend this public training which is open to everyone.

Details here http://www.meetup.com/Sustainable-Jersey-City/events/160303952/

December 11, 2013

Why Rain Gardens in Jersey City ?

December 11, 2013/ Debra Italiano

SJC believes we get a lot of bang for our buck by installing Rain Gardens city-wide, especially since we are braiding community education and the arts into this campaign for more Green Infrastructure in Jersey City. Rain gardens provide many benefits to nature and local communities; don't underestimate their ability to transform our neighborhoods.