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A Bag Law We Just Can’t Support

You may have heard the Village of Atlantic Beach, NY passed an anti-plastic-bag law last week.

You might be surprised to hear we are not cheering. It calls for a ban on all except “biodegradable” checkout bags.

We’re sure the Village are well intended. It sounds great… except there is actually no such thing as biodegradable plastic, at least not as you might reasonably expect the word “biodegradable” to mean

This will cause more problems than it solves.

We honor the heartfelt campaign from locals Kevin Kelley and others for a fee or ban on all checkout bags. This “bio” option sounds good on the surface, until you think it through. You then realize it creates unintended consequences and eliminates little single use waste from going into our environment.

Why isn’t it good policy?

Merchants complying with it who care about the viability of, or prefer to avoid confrontation over “biodegradable” plastic bags will likely go to paper, which is worse for the environment overall, except that it biodegrades. It leaves them few good options and puts the problem on them.

Paper will bring merchants’ cost for a bag from 2-3 cents to 12-25 cents. These costs will be passed on to everyone, drastically increasing the current >hidden< bag tax. All shoppers pay, so some can take bags they’re going to throw away.

Increasing merchant costs like this creates financial incentive to not comply with the law. Instead, had they instituted a fee it would reimburse them ONLY for bags used, which people pay for as they take them. Capitalists used to call this “purchasing them” which is what happens under a mandatory fee for all bags. No one loses their freedom of choice. Some devout capitalists insist they’re entitled to a “free” bag everyone else pays for- go figure! The fee simply covers the merchant’s costs of storing and supplying the bag and administering the process as a partner in making a cleaner environment. To make it their problem is bad policy.

From our laypersons “legal” view, based on policy and what hasn’t worked elsewhere, this law provides no definition of “biodegradeable” which the Federal Trade Commission says cannot be used to market plastic materials. At best, it invites debate at the point of sale, skirting the law on the grounds of free speech as to what one might assert “biodegradable” means, or at worst, lawsuits from vested industry interests a small village may not withstand that would vacate the law and cost them to fight.

Bio-debateable.

I’m sure when you hear “biodegradable” any rational person would think that means it just “poof” melts(?) away and harmlessly disappears? Reality is, it just doesn’t. It’s greenwashing to present it as harmless or as a solution to plastic pollution.

From plasticbaglaws.org this week:

According to the FTC, the term #biodegradable can’t be used to market #plastic. It’s inherently misleading to customers because it has no commonly accepted test or definition. #Amazon⁠⁠ just settled a lawsuit & will stop selling those bags. #greenwashing☹️

https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2018/08/15/amazon-settles-biodegradable-claims-case/

Key things to think about “biodegradable”:

  • How long does that breakdown take?
  • Where does that bag go during that time?
  • If it’s fast, or when it gets wet, what happens to a bag full of groceries in the rain?
  • What does it require the user to do (ie: bring to a special biodegrading facility)?
  • Must bag users separately sort it for a special “bio /composting” pickup (which our municipalities do not have)?
  • Will they just be thrown out if included in recycling? (yes)
  • Does it break down in landfill or must it be exposed to air, sun, and/or water (and blow around in the meantime? -most need that). What are you supposed to do, put them on a clothes line to turn into goo?
  • “..’bio-plastics’ fail to fully biodegrade in the natural environment, as they require processing by an industrial composting facility. A study by the 5 Gyres Institute that tested biodegradability in aquatic conditions shows that bio-plastic straws made from PLA (a plant-based plastic) did not substantially degrade in a 24-month time period at sea” (5Gyres, 2017). https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5522e85be4b0b65a7c78ac96/t/5acbd346562fa79982b268fc/1523307375028/5Gyres_BANlist2.pdf

The Solution

Once you realize there is no “away”, you cannot really solve any of those problems with a “throwaway” bag of another material. So the best policy also reduces non-plastic alternatives as well, and the solution pushes towards that goal. A fee or ban or both on ALL bags is key to promote the goal: to remove the opportunity for needless items to become pollution and for everyone to bring your own bag, instead.

The Village seem to have their heart in the right place. They also seem to have simultaneously ignored what nearly every environmental organization or good public policy group proposes based on what works elsewhere, sound policy, and scientific data. It concerns us why they came up with this novel idea instead. Is there a new “biodegradable bag lobby” or companies pitching this “solution” to municipalities without discussing all the issues involved? We hope not.

Of course, you can avoid all this yourself. Just bring your own bag Atlantic Beach – we know you got this!!

And the rest of you, too!

Comment on PSEG-LI’s plan for the clean energy grid

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PSEG LI have a plan for LI. Is it really good enough? Use our online comment form to let them know we want renewables and a 21st century grid we’re paying for, that works for all Long Islanders.

Comments due by MARCH 6, 2017.
Comment form, their plan and our response to the plan to help you comment can be found at https://www.allourenergy.com/march2017dps

Our Work Recognized 

Long Beach Reach annual awards (l-r) Long Beach City Councilman Anthony Eramo, Long Beach Reach Executive Director Joseph Smith, State Senator Todd Kaminsky, Honoree Debora Staiano, Honoree Kevin Reilly, Honoree George Povall, Honoree Betsy Glazer, Chairman Scott Nigro and Long Beach City Councilwoman Eileen Goggin.

Long Beach Reach annual awards (l-r) Long Beach City Councilman Anthony Eramo, Long Beach Reach Executive Director Joseph Smith, State Senator Todd Kaminsky, Honoree Debora Staiano, Honoree Kevin Reilly, Honoree George Povall, Honoree Betsy Glazer, Chairman Scott Nigro and Long Beach City Councilwoman Eileen Goggin.

All Our Energy President George Povall was honored on October 23, 2016 by Long Beach Reach at their Annual Awards Brunch for our work on environmental issues.

Thanks to our team, our allies and volunteers whose work and support made this possible.

Congratulations to the other honorees we are very humbled to be included with-Betsy Glazer, Kevin Reilly and Debora Staiano.

We also thank the board and membership of Long Beach Reach for such an honor and recognition of our work. Thank you all, including Scott Nigro, George Trepp, Carolyn Cuttler, Rosalie Machalow, and the members including Eileen Goggin and Executive Director Joseph Smith, Ph. D.

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Thank you also to all the representatives and officials who also congratulated us- Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Nassau County Executive Mangano, Nassau Comptroller George Maragos, and Long Beach City Council-Len Torres, Anthony Eramo, Eileen Goggin. Scott Mandel, and Anissa Moore.
We’re very grateful, have huge admiration for their work, and you can donate to Long Beach Reach at this link.

Long Beach Bag Ordinance Passed

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Thanks to YOU and your voices, an amazing team who did so much work, with some smart officials, and the support of the business community, The City of Long Beach unanimously passed their checkout bag law Tuesday October 18, 2016!

Thanks are in order!

First, I want to thank the Long Beach City Council who listened, were forward-thinking and who took action to be the leaders on this issue as the first municipality in Nassau to do so.
Thank You to Vice President Anthony Eramo, whose early declaration made it a priority this year and who helped bring our campaign into the city, Eileen Goggin, who helped host more events, Council President Len Torres, Council Members Scott Mandel and Anissa Moore for your attention and perseverance to get this done. Thank you all for your leadership!! The community really came together and you are the reason.

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Thanks also to City Manager Jack Schnirman and staff Ryan Mc Tiernan who was instrumental in all of this.

Thank you to All Our Energy’s campaign partners Surfrider Foundation Central LI Chapter and Sierra Club Long Island Group whose financial, technical, and moral support pushed this campaign through to victory.
I thank the other members of the BYO Bag LB leadership team- Amanda Moore, Scott Bochner and Tara Bono for the amazing efforts you have delivered to help this succeed, and my wife, Barbara Hackett, who lived with this campaign 24-7 and helped more than anyone could know. Thank you!

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We had some incredible volunteers working on this, and none gave more than Stacy Russo, Joanne Moore, Joan Monahan, Robin Csabon, Jo Eisman, and James Mangels, with help and support from All Our Energy team leader Matt Kearns.
We were inspired with artwork from Laura Swan and Stewards of the Sea throughout this process that made it vibrant and heartwarming. Thank You.
Thanks to the youth team, especially Fin Ashmead, Mia Mangels, Noele Micheman, and Lucy Tomicick.
Thank you, to the Long Beach Chamber and so many members who have been instrumental in helping the business community come together.

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Some individuals who helped make a big difference- Sam Pinto, Bernadette Martin, Georgia Meckes, Joey Naham, Kelly Sullivan, Liz Treston, Mary Velosovitch, Nancy Schulman, Dieter Von Lehsten, and many others, I’m sorry if you’ve been left out!

I want to thank the other businesses and organizations that have been so supportive – Sunpower by Empower Solar who have hosted so many meetings and sponsored events. Thanks to event partners Gentle Brew Coffee, Cybernet, East Park Chiropractic, Lift, Bridgeworks, Long Beach International Film Festival who all supported the campaign and we really appreciate it!

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We got so much support from organizations, too- Sane Energy Project, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Arts in the Plaza, Long Beach Farmers Market, Long Beach Martin Luther King Center, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Long Beach Parks and Recreation, St James of Jerusalem Episcopal Church, Key Food East, and Key Food West.

This is FAR from everyone, so simply by reading this, know I thank you for your support and involvement!

 

So now what?

Well, this work is far from done.

We have 1000 low income residents that need -a full set of reusable bags- and our help to get them.

We have many people who still have no idea about this.

We have merchants still unaware or with concerns.

We will be here to help the transition happen so it STICKS and becomes part of our culture. Hopefully at the same time it will raise consciousness of all plastic, waste, energy, air and water and many other environmental issues and help people address those issues as well.
For now, its enough to say- we did it- all of us, I’m glad we took the journey together.

Thank you all.

NY Renews Long Island Town Hall

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NY Renews Town Hall Meeting
Yes We Can Community Center
141 Garden St, Westbury, NY 11590
Facebook event here.

On Thursday 10/13/16, coalition members New York Communities for Change, Long Island Progressive Coalition, and All Our Energy are holding a Town Hall event on Long Island, part of a series we’re doing across the state to engage communities and hold our elected officials accountable.

Want to learn more about the coalition and our policy platform? Want to come together with diverse constituencies from across LI dedicated to climate justice?

RSVP now for the NYRenews Long Island Town Hall on October 13th!

At this first town hall meeting, find out about the climate policy platform NY Renews is trying to pass in Albany, and who’s in the coalition. We’re bringing together climate activists, economic justice advocates, and labor voices from across LI to talk about a statewide ‘just transition’. State officials will be in the room and our goal is to keep them accountable by demonstrating our people power and having them hear from community members. Find out about upcoming NYR activities on LI and how people can take action locally to support the statewide campaign.

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Report: Our Undersea World- An Unnatural Danger

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Thank you to Steve Abbondandolo from The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation for braving the storm to come and give an intriguing presentation on marine debris and our undersea environment!
We learned about the biggest problems our marine life face, from pollution to entanglement to damaging human interaction.

We also learned some of the ways to help alleviate these problems and as always, if you see a stranded marine animal to stay away and call The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation at their hotline: (631) 369-9729

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Stay tuned as we partner with The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation and others for beach clean ups and documenting what is found.

Event: Sustainability In Focus, NYC

All Our Energy will be part of the panel for this event.  

Sustainability in FocusInternational Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) – NYC Chapter – July 28th Event

 Join the launch of the ISSP-Greater NYC film series, Sustainability In Focus, and an outdoor terrace celebration of the inaugural year!

Sustainability In Focus kicks off with the award-winning Ocean Frontiers II. Produced by the visionary Green Fire Productions, Ocean Frontiers II travels off the shores of New England where a wave of big ships, energy industries, and a changing climate are now testing the limits of an already crowded sea. But on a pioneering path of far-sighted planning—pushed by blueprints for offshore wind energy—old residents and new have come together to keep their ocean and livelihoods alive.

A deeply researched film, Ocean Frontiers II reveals the issues within the pending Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan, just recently released to public comment before being finalized this fall. Following the screening, an expert panel will discuss the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan and its potential impact on the Northeastern seas of the United States.

After the panel, ISSP-Greater NYC invites you to an outdoor reception overlooking Rockefeller Plaza to celebrate our chapter’s inaugural year!
Title:

Ocean Frontiers II: A New England Story for Sustaining the Sea

Date, Time, & Location:

Thursday, July 28th, 5:30pm – 8pm

Registration: 5:30pm – 6:00pm

Screening: 6:00pm (Please note that the screening begins promptly at 6:00pm and unfortunately no latecomers can be admitted).

Where: Natural Color Diamond Association, 22 W 48th Street, Suite 1400 (between 5th & 6th Avenues), New York City

Wines and refreshments will be provided.

 

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Space is limited – register today!

Current ISSP Members: $10

Non-members: $25

After July 25th or at the door, all attendees: $35
REGISTER NOW!
For more information on this event and the ISSP Greater NYC Chapter, please contact:

Mark Wolf, mark.wolf@rcn.com, 917-608-0348.

BYO Bag LB Marsh Clean Up 

Joan had the catch of the day

Joan had the catch of the day

The BYO Bag LB team cleaned up some unbelievably trash and plastic polluted bay marsh land this past Saturday.   Led by Scott Bochner, with the help of Operation Splash, Surfrider Foundation- Central Long Island Chapter, Sludge Stoppers Task Force, All Our Energy, SunPower by EmPower Solar, and thanks to City of Long Beach, New York for support, we made a big difference in the cleanliness of one section of marsh.

Some of the brave volunteers from our Marsh/Bay clean up. In a short time, we pulled about 20 full size garbage bags of mostly plastic and styrofoam debris off of about 500 feet of marsh.

Some of the brave volunteers from our Marsh/Bay clean up. In a short time, we pulled about 20 full size garbage bags of mostly plastic and styrofoam debris off of about 500 feet of marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a short time, we pulled about 20 full size garbage bags of mostly plastic and styrofoam debris off of about 500 feet of marsh.

Scott Bochner, up to his hip boots in debris cleaned off the Marsh.

Scott Bochner, up to his hip boots in debris cleaned off the Marsh.

Hoses, foam seats, lots of #plastic and #styrofoamcup pieces, #plasticbottles, cigarette butts, and the dreaded shredded #plasticbag debris.

 

The dreaded, shredded, plastic bag debris.  Yuck!

The dreaded, shredded, plastic bag debris. Yuck!

Good work and also sad how much it needs to be done! Thanks to all who helped.

Wind 4 LI: 5/18/16 Clean Energy Day of Action

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Join our media-worthy action/demonstration for the next LIPA Board meeting and preparing to help everyone testify at the upcoming Clean Energy Standard (CES) hearings.  Somehow, they are scheduled for the same day!!

Naturally, we are responding with a Day Of Action for renewable energy!!!
Will you join us?  Please click the RSVP’s below and let us know!!
 

Join All Our Energy, Sierra Club Long Island Group, NYPIRG, Beyond Coal, the Win Wind NY (winwindny.org) Coalition and others for a Day of Action on Wednesday 5/18/16 
LIPA Meeting Action / Rally & Testimony
10:30am Group Turbine Raising then March Giant Plugs into LIPA offices. 
11:30am LIPA Board Meeting-testimony follows
LIPA headquarters. 
We will hold a demonstration of our support for a just transition away from fossil fuels and the rapid development of economical and readily available offshore wind for Long Island’s power needs. 
Participate in this creative action at LIPA headquarters to create newsworthy visuals that provide great media imagery, as we collectively raise a “wind turbine” and brandish laughably oversized plugs as we invite LIPA to lead the way and “plug us in” to offshore wind!  
Then…
Nassau Clean Energy Standard Hearing:
That evening on May 18th, Long Islanders will descend on the Clean Energy Standard hearing in Mineola to help spark a renewable energy revolution in the Empire State. It’s time for a renewable energy future in New York!
6pm Info Session. 
7pm Public Comments
Nassau County Executive and Legislative Bldg
Governor Cuomo aims to have 50 percent of the state’s energy come from renewables by 2030. This new goal must be enforceable so it lives up to its promises and must include a specific commitment and path to large-scale offshore wind development that could create thousands of new jobs here on Long Island. 
Additionally, the CES must apply to LIPA, as is proposed by the Public Service Commission, to ensure compliance and uniform standards for all NY power producers.  
There are Clean Energy Standard Hearings also in Riverhead (5/17) and Far Rockaway (5/18) – we are not covering these, but we can get you the info if you need-just ask!
       .   .   .
All Our Energy will host 2 meetings in the lead up to this, for public education to help you to testify at these events, and make artistic and logistic preparations for our May 18, 2016 Day of Action turbine raising and the props needed:
Wind 4 LI: Prepare for LIPA & CES Day of Action
Wind 4 LI: Art Build 4 LIPA & CES Day of Action
Levittown Public Library

bring your advocacy, passion, organization, and artistic talents to make this memorable, fun and have a big impact!  WE NEED YOUR HELP!

I know together we are going to make a big statement and help move the conversation from “if” to “how” to NOW!

Forward Long Island Off Shore Wind

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May 27, 2014. Today the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, as part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to create American jobs, develop domestic clean energy sources and cut carbon pollution, announced it will move forward with a competitive bid process to lease the designated Wind Energy area off Nassau County’s South Shore.

The area, at its smallest point, starts 11 miles off Long Beach, NY. It widens and moves away from that spot, to approximately 19 miles away(see map). This area will be just barely visible from shore on clear days. The turbines should appear shorter and many times less wide than the majority of tanker and cargo ships that continuously sit off Long Beach on any given day.

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Due to multiple inquiries of interest to develop the wind farm, BOEM has opened up the area for competitive bidding and is seeking public input on two issues that may impact future wind development offshore New York:

1) a liquefied natural gas facility that has now been proposed to be located in this same area which had already been designated for wind power

And
2) existing commercial and recreational fishing activity in and around the region.

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In editorial response to these issues, All Our Energy are already on record AGAINST the LNG port for a multitude of reasons. You can find that information here : Stop the LNG Port Off Our Shore from June 2013.

As far as affecting commercial and recreational fishing, check out New Jersey’s “Fisherman’s Energy“, a consortium of fishing interests trying to be the people to bring offshore wind to New Jersey (and may very well bid on this project ). They believe it is not only a “cash crop” for fisherman and right for the future of our energy generation, it would also help fishing as it creates an artificial reef that provides fish with habitat to foster greater abundance of fish. They say :”Fishermen’s Energy is a developer of offshore wind energy projects, founded by New Jersey commercial fishermen to respond to the public’s need to develop the ocean for renewable wind energy. Fishermen’s goal is to turn Atlantic coastal waters into an unmatched source of clean energy, while maintaining a vibrant commercial fishing industry.”

You can leave your comments for BOEM by clicking on this link

We believe properly sited, with environmental best practices used, through companies committed for the long term, with long term price assurances, this will be the best thing to happen to assure Long Island’s clean energy future.