National Cut Your Energy Costs Day: Jan 10

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day: Jan 10

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The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency
John Krigger
Saturn Resource, 2008
644 2008 KRIGG

Helps homeowners set realistic personal goals for reducing their energy consumption. These methods for making homes more energy efficient will also improve comfort, safety, durability, and resale value. The book guides readers through the process of assessing current energy usage, and predicting the benefits and estimating the costs of remodeling options.

Clean Air Act

Clean Air Act - December 17, 1963

The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 was the first federal legislation involving air pollution. This Act provided funds for federal research in air pollution. The Clean Air Act of 1963 was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control. It established a federal program within the U.S. Public Health Service and authorized research into techniques for monitoring and controlling air pollution. In 1967, the Air Quality Act was enacted in order to expand federal government activities.

The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act provides a brief introduction to the 1990 Clean Air Act. The 1990 Clean Air Act is the most recent version of a law first passed in 1970 to clean up air pollution. This summary covers some of the important provisions of the 1990 Clean Air Act and may help you understand what is in the law and how it may affect you.


New air pollution standards restrict soot particles
The Environmental Protection Agency, announcing the limits, predicts that they could save on healthcare costs from respiratory ailments.
LA Times: 12.14.2012 by Neela Banerjee

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration announced a new air pollution standard Friday that would bring about a 20% reduction in microscopic particles of soot emitted by coal-fired power plants and diesel vehicles that contribute to haze and respiratory ailments.

The new limit, fought by industry and welcomed by environmentalists, marks the first time the Environmental Protection Agency tightened the soot standard since it was established 15 years ago.

"These standards are fulfilling the promise of the Clean Air Act," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We will save lives and reduce the burden of illness in our communities, and families across the country will benefit from the simple fact of being able to breathe cleaner air."

.     .     .     .     .     .     .

The new standard will have a particular impact on California, due to problems from the burning of diesel fuel. According to the EPA's regional office of the Pacific Southwest, seven California counties may not meet the new standard by 2020: Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Kern, Merced and Tulare. Still, over the last decade, soot levels have been cut by almost 50% in the Los Angeles area and almost 30% in the San Joaquin Valley, the office said.

.     .     .     .     .     .     .

States have until 2018 to submit their plans to meet the new standards and then until 2020 to comply. Moreover, they could ask for an extension until 2025 "depending on the severity of an area's fine particle pollution problems and the availability of pollution controls," the EPA said. READ MORE !

Smogtown: the lung-burning history of pollution in Los Angeles
Chip Jacobs
Overlook Press, 2008
363.7392 JACOB

America Recycles Day: November 15

America Recycles Day: November 15
a program of Keep America Beautiful, is a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.

Burbank Recycle Center

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
Where to Recycle, Schools & State Agencies, Resources

Federal Agencies: U.S. EPA
iWARM – Online tool calculates energy saved by recycling small quantities of household products
Resources for Teachers
Climate Change & Waste
Office of Solid Waste – What You Can Do In Your Community
Recycling Publications

Industry
The Aluminum Association
Recycling Facts for Kids, Curbside Recycling, Teacher Resources, Statistics
Batteries: Call2Recycle
Recycling at Home, Recycling at Work
Glass Packaging Institute
Recycling & the Environment, Community Recycling, Bar & Restaurant Recycling, Best Practices
Consumer Electronics Association’s Greener Gadgets
Responsible Electronics Recycling, Where to Recycle Electronics, Emerging Trends
American Forest & Paper Association
Workplace Recycling, School Recycling, Community Recycling, Paper and the Environment
Plastic
American Chemistry Council: Plastics Division
Plastics Recycling Rates, Plastic Bag Recycling
National Association for PET Container Resources
PET Recycling, FAQs, Fun Facts, Kids Corner
Steel Recycling Institute
Steel Recycling Rates, Buy Recycled, Steel Recycling Locator, Resources for Kids
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
Facts and Economic Data, Scrap Recycling Specifications, Policy Information

Garbage and Recycling
-Global Viewpoints Series
Garbage issues throughout the world.
Greenhaven Press, 2011

Composting Workshop
October 3 - 6:30 PM
Burbank Recycle Center
500 S. Flower Street

Burbank'sComposting Program
Since December 1989, the City of Burbank has provided residents with free composting instruction and top-quality composters. Over the years, composting has played an essential part in the City’s ability to divert 50% of its waste from the landfill as required by State law. The City collects over 1,000 tons of green waste per month at the curb and takes it to a composting facility outside of Burbank. Backyard composting helps to reduce this amount.

Getting started
If you are interested in backyard composting, please call the Burbank Recycle Center at (818) 238-3900 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and ask about upcoming workshops.

Residents receive free composters at the workshops. The compost bins available through the City are selected based on a variety of attributes including bin capacity, quality, ease of assembly and handling, cost, attractiveness, and durability. Brand names vary, depending on the best available product on the market at the time. If you move within Burbank, please take your composter with you, and call the Recycle Center with an address change. If you move out of Burbank, please call the Recycle Center so that your composter can be returned and reused in Burbank.

The compost specialist: the essential guide to creating and using garden compost, and using potting and seed composts
David Squire
New Holland, 2009
631.875 SQUIR

In our ecologically aware times, composting is one smart way to minimize our carbon footprint and help the earth. This new entry in the highly successful Specialist series gives gardeners all the guidance they need to start making, storing, and using their own compost.

Drug Take Back Day: Sep 29

Drug Take Back Day
September 29: 10am – 2pm
200 N Third Burbank

The Burbank Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration are providing the public with an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs. The public will be able to drop off their expired, unused, and unwanted pills at the Burbank Police station, in the rear parking lot, free of charge, and no questions asked. By doing so, they will be helping prevent drug abuse and theft.

Prescription Medication
Our water has a drug problem, and as a result, we’re all taking in way more medication than we bargained for. Drinking water in many major metropolitan areas is contaminated with all kinds of pharmaceuticals—from antibiotics to antidepressants—and it’s not just the result of them passing through our bodies. Instead of flushing your prescription meds down the toilet, donate drugs that are still usable. Not every state has a recycling/redistribution program or allows patients to donate directly.

Are your prescriptions killing you?: how to prevent dangerous interactions, avoid deadly side effects, and be healthier with fewer drugs
Armon B Neel
New York : Atria Books, 2012
615.7042 2012 NEEL

Los Angeles River Presentation: Sep 27

Los Angeles River: Past, Present & Future
Sep 27, 2012
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Buena Vista Branch Library
300 N. Buena Vista St.

A multi-media presentation with Kari Rasmussen, Education Coordinator at Friends of the Los Angeles River.
For further information, call 818-238-5620.

The Los Angeles River: its life, death, and possible rebirth
Blake Gumprecht
Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999
979.493 GUMPR
Three centuries ago, the Los Angeles River meandered through marshes and forests of willow and sycamore. Trout spawned in its waters and grizzly bears roamed its shores. The bountiful environment the river helped create supported one of the largest concentrations of Indians in North America.

World Rivers Day - September 30

October 4 PremierRock the Boat
Downtown Independent Theater

A thoroughly awesome doc about the 3-day kayaking expedition, and a smart, funny, wise film about the LA River.

Book Watch: New Green Books @ BPL

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

Bottled lightning: superbatteries, electric cars, and the new lithium economy
The rise of lithium batteries and the implications of the new energy economy.
Seth Fletcher
Hill & Wang, 2011
621.31242 FLETC

Force of nature: the unlikely story of Wal-Mart's green revolution
A green business revolution @ Wal-Mart.
Edward Humes
Harper Business, 2011
338.927 HUMES

Let them eat shrimp: the tragic disappearance of the rainforests of the sea
Profound importance of mangrove forests to the ecological balance of the areas near the ocean where they are located.
K P Warne
Island Press, 2011
578.7698 WARNE

Mindfully green: a personal and spiritual guide to whole earth thinking
Finding a personal connection with green living.
Stephanie Kaza
Shambhala, 2008
333.72 KAZA

Book Watch: Burbank Library

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

Aerotropolis: the way we'll live next

John D Kasarda – Farrar, 2011

Eye-opening look at the new phenomenon called the aerotropolis gives us a glimpse of the way we will live in the near future and the way we will do business too.read

307.0112 KASAR

Earth, the operators' manual

Richard B. Alley – WW Norton - 2011

Explores the history of energy use by humans over the centuries, gives a doubt-destroying proof that already-high levels of carbon dioxide are causing damaging global warming, and surveys the alternative energy options that are available to exploit right now.

333.79 ALLEY

Mindfully green: a personal and spiritual guide to whole earth thinking

Stephanie Kaza – Shambhala, 2008

In three parts, she guides readers through the principles of Buddhism as they apply to taking responsible action toward the earth: reducing harm, understanding suffering, seeing the big picture, letting go of desire and being in the moment.

333.72 KAZA

Plastiki: across the Pacific on plastic-an adventure to save our oceans

David de Rothschild – Chronicle, 2011

Explorer, global green leader, and eco-TV host David de Rothschild recounts the extraordinary journey of the Plastiki, an innovative and mostly untested sixty-foot catamaran that floats on 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles.

910.9164 ROTHS

Girls gone green

Lynn Hirshfield – Participant Media, 2010

Filled with stories from real girls who made a difference, plus lots of celebrity green girls who are doing their part to help out, Girls Gone Greengives girls everywhere the inspiration to do something to help their world.

333.72 HIRSH

Book Watch

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

The blue economy:

10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs: report to the Club of Rome
Gunter A Pauli – Paradigm Publications, 2010
333.7 PAULI

Choosing green:
the homebuyer's guide to good green homes
Jerry Yudelson – New Society, 2008
-what to look for, what questions to ask a builder, which green home rating systems to trust
643.1204 2008 YUDEL

Energy independence:

your everyday guide to reducing fuel consumption
Christine Woodside – Lyons Press, 2009
-intro to accessible alternative energy sources
333.79 2009 WOODS

Investing in a sustainable world:
why GREEN is the new color of money on Wall Street
Matthew J Kiernan – Amacom, 2009
-guide for investors who want to explore “green” markets
332.6042 2009 KIERN

Book Watch

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

Compost: the natural way to make food for your garden
Ken Thompson – DK, 2007
631.875
THOMP

Ecoholic: your guide to the most environmentally friendly information, products, and services
Adria Vasil – Norton, 2009
640.4
VASIL

Power hungry: the myths of "green" energy and the real fuels of the future
Robert Bryce – Public Affairs, 2010
~ contrarian assessment of America's energy situation--and the gulf between the goals of the green movement and our vast need for power--by the author of Gusher of Lies
333.79
2010
BRYCE

Book Watch

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives
Ruth Winter – Three Rivers, 2009
~ Descriptions of 12,000+ ingredients in Plain English
R 664.0603
7th Ed
2009
WINTE

Natural Enemies Handbook
Mary Louise Flint – U of California, 1998
~ Control pests in gardens, farms, or landscapes. Listed alphabetically according to the common name of major groups such as aphids, beetles, caterpillars and mites.
R 632.9
1998
FLINT

Our World of Water
Beatrice Hollyer – Holt, 2009
~ Explores where water comes from and means to children in Peru, Mauritania, U.S., Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Tajikistan.
J 363.61
HOLLY

Book Watch

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

Farewell, My Subaru: an Epic Adventure in Local Living
Doug Fine – Villard, 2008
333.72 FINE
~ recounts hard won lessons learned from trying to live a sustainable lifestyle

Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies
Eric Corey Freed – Wiley, 2008
690.8047 2008 FREED
~ fun and easy way to plan and build your dream green home

Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities & the Durable Future
Bill McKibben – Times, 2007
306.3 MCKIB
~ a new way to think about the things we buy, the food we eat, the energy we use, and the money that pays for it all

Book Watch

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture
Ellen Ruppel Shell – Penguin 2009

381.149 SHELL
~ The engine of globalization, outsourcing, planned obsolescence, and economic instability in an increasingly unsettled world.

The End of the Long Summer: Why We Must Remake Our Civilization to Survive on a Volatile Earth
Dianne Dumanoski – Crown 2009

551.6 DUMAN
~ Ecological consequences beyond global warming resulting from modern human activity; describes the possibility of massive instability and climate swings, including a possible return to ice ages of the past.

The End of Energy Obesity
Peter Tertzakian - John Wiley & Sons 2009

333.79 TERTZ
~ Explores how the world can reduce its energy appetite and change its diet of fuels for a prosperous and secure tomorrow.

Book Watch: Summer Reading

Summer Reading List for Kids - Time to "Go Green!"
Literacy and Reading: July 13, 2009
Asst. Prof. Jennifer Turner, College of Education-University of Maryland

I have known about "going green" for some time, but I didn't really understand its importance until my 6-year old son, Elijah, came home from school one day and started saying, "Be green." He would remind us to turn off the lights, saying with a sweet smile, "Mommy we need to be green." He'd unplug appliances that were not in use, turn off the water when he brushed his teeth, and constantly ask me to get a recycling bin for our plastics and glass.

Curious to know where he had learned this phrase, I emailed his kindergarten teacher to ask what books she had read. She told me that she had read several books within a popular curriculum series on recycling and going green for Earth Day. She had also read How Do Plants Get Food?, by Meish Goldish (1989), a wonderful book that has interesting science facts presented in a kid-friendly manner. Reading books and talking about the Earth was a very enjoyable activity for Elijah, and this started his quest to greener living.

Books for Kids Aged 3-8
Why Should I Save Energy? (Why Should I?)
Jen Green, 2005, Barron's
J 333.79 GREEN @ Burbank Public Library

Books for Kids Aged 9-12
Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment
Linda Schwartz, 1990, Learning Works
J 363.7 SCHWA @ Burbank Public Library

Books for Kids Aged 13-17
The Green Teen: The Eco-Friendly Teen's Guide to Saving the Planet
Jenn Savedge, 2009, New Society

Complete list @ Literacy & Reading News

Book Watch

New Green Books @ Burbank Public Library

Eco-craft: recycle, recraft, restyle
Susan Wasinger – Lark Books, 2009
745.5 WASIN

Who knew taking care of the planet could look so good? "Eco*Craft" shows how, with 30 truly beautiful home decor projects that elevate environmental consciousness to stylish new heights.

Green IT: reduce your information system's environmental impact while adding to the bottom line
Toby J Velte – McGraw-Hill, 2008
658.4038 2008 VELTE

Explains how to adopt a business-driven green initiative and provides a detailed implementation plan; strategies for reducing power needs, procuring energy from alternative sources, utilizing virtualization technologies, and managing sustainable development.

Homebrew Wind Power: a hands-on guide to harnessing the wind
Dan Bartmann – Buckville, 2009
621.3121 BARTM

Harnessing the wind can be a tricky business, but the authors provide step-by-step, illustrated instructions for building a wind generator in a home workshop. Even if you don't plan on building your own turbine, this book is packed with valuable information for anyone considering wind energy.

Green Day Planner: Earth Day

NAVIGATING TODAY ~ INNOVATING TOMORROW
Re-Shaping the Future of Burbank’s Economy
Woodbury University Auditorium

Thursday, May 28, 2009
7:30 am - 11:30 am

Keynote speaker Dr. James Canton, renowned global futurist, social scientist, and visionary business advisor and author of The Extreme Future: Top Trends That Will Reshape the World for the Next 5, 10 and 20 Years and Technofutures: How Leading Edge Innovations Will Transform Business in the 21st Century.

Organizers are committed to bring every available resource to the aid of Burbank businesses in order to develop new markets, promote sustainability, embark on new and innovative collaborations, increase economic efficiency and achieve success during this challenging period. “Navigating Today, Innovating Tomorrow” is a new phase in the rebuilding process, one that is intended to lead the business community a step closer to achieving rewards in the changed economy. Register Now @ Burbank Chamber of Commerce. Information: 818 . 238 . 5180

Opening Remarks: Michael S. Flad, City Manager

Woodbury University Auditorium
7500 North Glenoaks Boulevard
Burbank

~ Check Out Extreme Future 303.49 CANTO @ Burbank Public Library

Book Watch

New ' Green ' books @ Burbank Public Library

Ecological Intelligence:
How Knowing the Hidden Impacts of What We Buy Can Change Everything
Daniel Goleman - Broadway Books, 2009
333.7 GOLEM

The bestselling author of "Emotional Intelligence" and "Primal Leadership" reveals the hidden environmental consequences of what societies make and buy, and how that knowledge can drive the changes necessary to save the planet. Examines the inconsistencies and delusions at the core of the "going green effort," the author argues that consumers are "collective victims of a sleight of hand," helplessly unaware of the true provenance and impact of the products they purchase.

The Eco-Travel Guide
Alastair Fuad-Luke - Thames & Hudson, 2008

910.202 2008 ECOTR

One-page overviews of the destinations focus on how the lodge or resort uses eco-architecture and environmental management systems and benefits the local culture and environment. Destinations are not reviewed or rated here.

The Gorgeously Green Diet: How to Live Lean and Green
Sophie Uliano - Dutton, 2009

613.26 2009 ULIAN

Green guru and ecolicious consultant Sophie Uliano has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, The View, and other national television shows. Sophie shows how to love food, live healthily, lose weight, and save money and the planet.

Green Day Planner: Earth Day

Earth Day

The 39th Annual Earth Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 18th. The event will be held at Stough Canyon Nature Center, 2300 Walnut Avenue in Burbank, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

There will be a special guest presentation at 1:40 pm by Senator Liu of the 21st District on “Greening The 21st District” and ways we can create partnerships.

A children’s theatre presentation of “All That Trash” will be held at 2:00 pm. Other activities will include interactive and informational activities, live animals, arts and crafts, zero waste and sustainability, composting and recycling, and water and energy conservation information.

FREE refreshments and reusable shopping bags will be available (while supplies last) ! The Stough Canyon Nature Center is located at 2300 Walnut Avenue, Burbank. For more information please call (818) 238-5440.

You Are Here: Exposing the Vital Link Between What We Do and What that Does to Our Planet
Thomas Kostigen – Harper, 2008
363.7 KOSTI

Check It Out @ Burbank Public Library

Green Day Planner

Green Job Fairs and Links

@ Burbank Public Library Green Pages

Green Career Conference: April 25, 2009
San Diego State University

Solar Photovoltaics
Solar Hot Water
Wind Energy
Biomass
Green Building
Green Cleaning
Energy Efficiency
Entrepreneurs
Energy Conservation/Energy Audit
Green Building / LEED

also June 7, 2009 @ UCLA

Burbank Reads: Sustainability Day

Green Reigns on Sustainability Day
Library event hosts a variety of environmentally friendly products and offers tips to create zero waste in the city.
Burbank Leader: April 8, 2009 by Zain Shauk

BURBANK — A plug-in hybrid car, electric bicycles, eco-friendly cleaners and homemade reusable bags were on display for the Buena Vista Library’s sustainability day, where visitors got a range of suggestions for living greener lives.

From recycling tips to lessons on energy-efficient light bulbs, representatives from city departments, local organizations and businesses offered pointers to help residents move toward Burbank’s goal of being a zero-waste city by 2040.

“We’re just trying to get people thinking about everything we do in our life and what can we change to make our planet and our city more sustainable,” said Sharon Cohen, the city’s library services director.

The event was the culmination of the library’s Burbank Reads campaign, which this year encouraged residents to read “Living Like Ed,” a book by author Ed Begley Jr. that includes a series of suggestions on living a more environmentally friendly life, Cohen said.

The library held a series of events during the last month to help residents learn more about the sustainability solutions discussed in the book, but Saturday’s event served as an easy resource for visitors to hear about several easy ways to go green.

City officials answered questions about Burbank’s efforts to become more eco-friendly, which included a campaign to encourage more bike riding and an explanation of the city’s recycling system. READ MORE !