The Channing Memorial Church Social Action Committee meets on the third Tuesday of every month (with the exception of July) at 7PM in the Channing House Library. All members and friends of the church are welcome to attend. For more information, contact the committee chair at socialaction@channingchurch.org or call the church office at (401) 846-0643.


Monday, September 28, 2009

Step It Up/Cool Aquidneck Island Update #26

Hi, Green Friends,
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I've been continuing my totally unscientific survey of coffee shops that give discounts for bringing your own mug. (All my research has been done on the Island.) If a shop isn't listed, it's because I haven't been there yet. Here's the latest:
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The best discounts I've found are at Empire Tea and Coffee, Broadway, Newport (more than .25 per cup) and Custom House Coffee, Aquidneck Ave., Middletown and West Main Rd., Portsmouth (they'll fill your mug--usually the equivalent of a medium or large coffee) for the price of the small size. Starbuck's gives a .10 discount. So far, Dunkin Donuts, Ocean Coffee Roasters and Bliss Cafe haven't caught on to the wisdom of this discount, but why not bring your mugs wherever you go, and thank those who have, while encouraging those who haven't to give it a try? While you're at it, ask them if they serve fair trade coffee. Feel free to contribute your experience to this important research venture.
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Thanks to Arthur Erhardt who shared an article on the power of houseplants to fight indoor ozone pollution. (SOURCE: American Society for Horticultural Science.) Briefly:

  • Ozone can infiltrate from outdoors, and can also be released by ordinary copy machines, laser printers, ultraviolet lights, and some electrostatic air purification systems.


  • Because people in industrialized countries spend as much of 80% to 90% of their time indoors, indoor air pollution has been ranked as one of the world's greatest public health risks.


  • A research team from the Pennsylvania State University tested three common house plants--snake plant, spider plant, and golden pothos-- and found that ozone depletion rates were higher in the chambers that contained the plants than in the control chambers without plants, but there were no differences in effectiveness among the three plants. They chose the plants because of their popularity, primarily due to their low cost, low maintenance, and rich foliage, and their reported ability to reduce other indoor air pollutants.

And your rain barrels can provide the water for them! And your worm farm and compost bin can fertilize them!
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All our events (and lots more great stuff) are listed at http://www.coolaquidneckisland.org/ soon after we get the information.
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Events: 
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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AI Transportation Study's first public workshop 

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Time: 6 to 9 PM
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Location: Middletown Town Hall, E. Main Rd.
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Please be sure to join us on September 29 for the first public workshop, 6 to 9 pm, of AIPC's newest project, the Transportation Study. This study marks the first time the entire island traffic system will be studied as an integrated unit. This ground-breaking $500,000 study (funding provided by FHWA, SPP, RIDOT) will take a macro and micro look at all of the major and feeder roads for traffic flow, safety and multi-modal access. It will impact the entire Island economy.
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The study is results-oriented and will produce a state project listing for short, medium and long-range transportation construction and redesign projects on Aquidneck Island. It will help direct additional federal and state monies into Island projects that will improve the entire transportation system.
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A key to success for the project is public participation, which includes an interactive web site (Transportation Study Website), opportunities for stakeholder interviews and input and at least four public workshops. Everyone is invited to become a part of the solution to what we all agree is a significant quality of life challenge (traffic) for Aquidneck Island.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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Climate Change and Justice
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Time: 10 to 10:50 AM
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Location: URI Kingston, Memorial Union, Atrium II
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This workshop provides a scientific overview of the causes and impacts of climate change and makes the point that climate change raises challenging ethical questions, especially related to social justice: The first people to suffer from climate change are those who have contributed the least greenhouse gases, for example people in Africa as well as the indigenous people in small island states and in the Arctic regions. The talk concludes with ideas how we as individuals can express fairness and justice in our lives by reducing our own carbon footprint.
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For more information contact Christine Muller at chmuller@etal.uri.edu. This event is part of URI’s Diversity Week
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
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*NEW* ELECTOBERFEST (Clean Water Action)

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Time: 6 PM

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Location: Hot Club, 575 S. Water St., Providence
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Your support for our political programs is a long-term investment in preventing pollution, building an economy based on environmentally safe jobs and businesses, and empowering all Americans to take charge of our environmental future. Say YES to help educate and mobilize voters to elect pro-environment candidates!
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Donation: $25 and up. They're tax-deductible, and donations up to $2500 will be matched by another donor. Call to make your donation ahead of time and RSVP to: (401) 331-6972. web site: www.cleanwateraction.org/ri.
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Green Drinks Newport
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Time: 5:30 PM
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Location: Max's Market, 469 Thames Street, Newport
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Join us for this networking opportunity for professionals and volunteers in the environmental field. Special guest speaker, Sarah Kite, Recycling Manager for Rhode Island Resource Recovery (RIRRC).
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Saturday, October 3, 2009
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*NEW* Eco-Depot Household Hazardous Waste Collection 

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Time: 8 AM to 1 PM

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Location: City Yard, 80 Halsey St., Newport
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This free program, sponsored by Newport's Clean City Porgram and RI Resource Recovery Corp., is open to all RI residents. Appointments will be accepted until Oct. 2, at 942-1430, x241. Information on substances accepted is at www.rirrc.org. Computers and electronics, but not TVs, can also be dropped off that day without an appointment. (Newport residents can recycle electronics at the City Yard any day during regular business hours.)
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Seminar: Introduction to Wind Power 

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Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Location: Knight Campus, CCRI, Warwick
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To address a special interest from the public, CCRI is offering special non-credit informational seminars about wind and solar energy. If yu're looking to learn more about alternative energy, this course will teach you the basics. 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, $45 to enroll, plus $5 course fee. More information: www.ccri.edu/cwce, or call 825-2293.
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35th Annual Harvest Fair 

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Time: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

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Location: Norman Bird Sanctuary, 3rd Beach Rd., Middletown
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A classic! October 3 and 4. Activities, games, crafts, home and garden contests (flowers, produce, food,) scarecrow contest, "General Store," vendor booths, and lots more! Admission charges. Please leave dogs at home!
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Monday, October 5, 2009
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Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update workshop-Waterfront 

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Time: 6 to 8 PM
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Location: City Hall, Broadway, Newport
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Share your goals and priorities for promoting "the health and vigor of the city." Join a lively discussion about updating our Land Use Plan. The committee wants to hear your viewpoint. This second of three topical discussions addresses the waterfront.
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