Information bringing people together...

Local food resources

The Putting Down Roots Sustainability Salons have continued each month.  The second Sustainability Salon (as well as the 14th, 15th, 26th, and 27th!) focused on food -- growing it, and sourcing it locally.  Afterwards, Maren put together a list of many such local sources:  CSA farms, farmers' markets, grassfed and humanely raised meats and dairy, natural foods suppliers, bakeries, and advocacy organizations.  This list now resides on a growing Resources section of the Putting Down Roots Blogger site.

Jun 27: Backyard goats

Learn the basics of keeping goats in your back yard with Dr. Susan Beal, DVM.

10 a.m. - noon;  location TBD.

May 16: Freedom from Fracking benefit concert and festival

Freedom From Fracking: Clean Air, Water & Energy is a festival to benefit victims of fracking and those raising awareness of the dangers of fracking -- while educating the public on clean, green energy alternatives.

Don't believe the hype!  The gas companies' propaganda will have you believe fracking is safe.  Meanwhile thousands of families struggle to live after their water has been poisoned and they suffer from a myriad of health issues caused by fracking. 

Meet victims of fracking and learn about viable clean energy alternatives you can begin implementing now- for a day of community building, educational solutions, and powerful music of a variety of genres.  Fracking affects all people- of every age, sex, race, and economic background.  We all must unite to protect our future!

5 p.m. to midnight at Mr. Smalls Theatre (400 Lincoln Ave., 15209).  Proceeds will benefit The Friends of the Harmed.  Advance tickets: general admission $30, VIP $40;  day-of tickets #35/$45.  Purchase tickets online here.  This is a 21+ event, sponsored by Pittsburgh City Paper.

Featuring 6 hours of music across 3 stages:
Rusted Root
Website: http://www.rustedroot.com/
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialRustedRoot 
Free Song Download:http://www.rustedroot.com/freemp3/

Mike Stout & The Human Union
http://mikestoutmusic.com/

Kellee Maize & Friends:
http://kelleemaize.com/

UJAMAA Collective
http://www.ujamaacollective.org/

Anne Feeney
http://annefeeney.com/

Smokestack Lightning
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smokestack-Lightning

DJ Paul Dang

Liz Berlin
www.lizberlin.com

Gene Stovall
https://soundcloud.com/genestovall

Jasiri X
http://jasirix.com/

Palermo Stone of RARE Nation
www.rarenation.com/palermo-stone

Vanessa German
http://www.vanessagerman.com/

The Benevolent Sneaky Mike
https://www.facebook.com/ilooklikesneakymike

Tom Breiding
http://www.tombreiding.com/

Mar 27 & 28: Farm to Table conference

This annual local foods conference provides consumers with two days of networking and educational opportunities.  Speakers, hands-on cooking demonstrations, talks on gardening, nutrition, and health as well as local food tastings.  Exhibitors include farmers, vintners, brewers, restaurateurs, purveyors, educators, and activists.  The conference provides consumers with ideas and information about where their food comes from and where to find businesses and organizations who can provide them with healthy food and healthy lifestyle choices.

The conference takes place at the David Lawrence Convention Center.  More information and online registration at http://farmtotablepa.com/conference 

Mar 22: MOSAIC Conference on Gender

MOSAIC, CMU’s annual gender conference, has expanded from its traditional focus on women’s issues to address the larger issue of gender, in response to the continual growth of the conference and the evolving needs of the campus community.  MOSAIC provides an opportunity to promote gender equity and to open a forum for exploration and discussion of the role that gender plays in the lives, careers, and education of men and women as individuals, and in the larger scheme of culture, society, and government.

This year's keynote speaker will be Kate Bornstein.

9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cohon University Center.  The MOSAIC Committee welcomes proposals and registrants from other universities, individuals, and community organizations.  Register to attend Mosaic 2015 here.

Mar 21: Sustainability Salon on Food

The date is set for the 38th Sustainability Salon, which will focus once again on FOOD -- growing it, sourcing it locally, eating healthier and more humanely, education and policy, food writing, and building local food systems.  Join us on March 21st (from 3-10 p.m., with potluck food and drink).  We'll hear from Rayden Sorock and fellow Grow Pittsburgh staff about some of their amazing programs bringing food-growing to all corners of Pittsburgh, Erin Kelly about the East End Food Co-op's Fair Trade practices, and Erin Hagan about the upcoming Farm to Table Conference (the theme this year is Cook At Home).  More details will appear here as I finalize the speaker roster. 

The next Salon will be on April 11th, continuing our fourth Springtime Food Focus.  

Salons run 3-10 p.m. at Maren's house in Squirrel Hill.  Please don't arrive before 3 p.m.  We'll aim to start the program sometime around 4, after folks have had a chance to meet, mingle, and tour around an interesting and productive urban permaculture site.   Please email me with salon in the Subject line to RSVP (yes or maybe), or click on the link in your EventBrite invitation (if you're not already on my list, please email me to be added!).  Please RSVP each time -- it helps greatly in several ways.  Among other things, attendance varies widely, and these events have been so successful that we need to begin limiting attendance.  So RSVP early if you can, to ensure your participation!  The free virtual "tickets" on Eventbrite may run out (you don't need to print any tickets, by the way, just be on the list).  Also, weather and such can be unpredictable and it's good to know who to contact if there's a change -- and I'll send directions and/or a trail map if you need 'em on Friday or Saturday.  Be sure to include salon in the Subject line, as I receive a ridiculous amount of email every day.  And if you're new, please let me know how you heard about the Salons!

Bring food and/or drink to share if you can, along with musical instruments if you play.  Check back on MarensList (where you can find information on all sorts of environmental and social justice events) for updates.  And if you aren't yet on my list, if you're interested in Sustainability Salons (and our occasional house concert, simply contact me and I'll put you on my email list.  

As always, I'll be sending out directions and such, and any late-breaking info, to all the RSVP'd folks by the morning of the salon if not before.  So if you don't have it yet, please be patient! One of these days I'll streamline this process a bit, but for now it takes a while to to dot all my i's and cross all my t's.  (All the extraneous requests for the address don't help;  I have lots of other stuff I send out with it, but don't like to let them go unanswered so it adds hours to my prep time.  If you RSVP properly (see above), you should get the info by the morning of the salon!)

For the uninitiated, a Sustainability Salon is an educational forum;  a venue for discussion and debate about important environmental issues;  a house party with an environmental theme.  We usually have featured speakers on various aspects of a topic, interspersed with stimulating conversation, lively debate, delectable potluck food and drink, and music-making through the evening.

Past topics have included green community revitalization, solar power, climate change, environmental art, environmental education (Part I & Part II), community mapping projects, environmental journalism, grassroots action, community solar power, Marcellus shale development and community rights, green building, air quality, health care, more solar power, trees and park stewardship, alternative energy and climate policy, regional watershed issues, fantastic film screenings and discussions (led by filmmakers) over the winter with Rachel Carson and the Power Of One Voice, Sustainability Pioneers, films on consumption, Living Downstream, Bidder 70, YERT, Gas Rush Stories, and food, food, food, food, and more food.

Quite a few people have asked me what sorts of food to bring -- and my answer, as always, is whatever inspires you;  I believe in the "luck" part of potlucks.  Tasty noshings for the afternoon, hearty main dishes or scrumptious salads and sides for dinner, baked goods from biscuits and breads to brownies or baklava -- and/or beverages of any kind:  wine, beer, hard or sweet cider (the latter we can mull if you like), juice, tea, whatever (I've got the kombucha covered, though it's always fun to compare).  The more the merrier!  Local fare is always particularly welcome, whether homegrown or boughten.  Dishes containing meat or dairy are fine, though if it isn't really obvious please make a note of it.  

And if you like to make music or listen to homemade music, don't forget the evening sing -- we typically run the gamut from Irish fiddle tunes to protest songs to the Beatles, and a fun time is had by all.  Bring instruments if you play, and/or pick up one of ours.  Conversations will continue through the evening, as well. 

Mar 14 & 21, Apr 21 & 25, May 2 & 14, and other dates: Garden Workshops

Grow Pittsburgh is offering a whole raft of workshops this year, including seed-starting, fruit tree pruning, building raised beds, soil testing and soil building, school gardens, container gardening, edible perennials, pest and disease ID, preserving food, and season extension.

Times and locations vary.  Each workshop is only $5 (free for GP members!), but registration is required;  you can sign up online.  Information on each workshop is here, and if you have more questions contact Jake by email or phone (412-362-4769 x102).

Mar 7: Second-year Beekeeping course

Beekeeping 201 -- Second-year Beekeeping.  This one-day classroom-based course offers second-year beekeepers more advanced information, such as swarm management, split making, and pest management.  (For rank beginners, 101 is offered on March 21st.)

More details on the Burgh Bees web site.

Mar 7: Backyard Chickens

Learn the basics of keeping hens in the city, including the latest state of local legislation, from Pittsburgh Pro Poultry People (P4).

10-11 a.m. at the Carnegie Library's Allegheny Branch (1230 Federal St. 15212);  free & open to the public.

Mar 5, 12, and 19: A Garden Primer

Don't know the first thing about vegetable gardening, but want to learn?  Do you have some experience but want to iprove your growing?  Join Grow Pittsburgh for a three-part educational series.

6:30-8:30 p.m. at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 South Highland Ave., 15206.  $50 for GP members, $60 for non-members;  scholarships available.  Free childcare;  please email Jake or call 412-362-4769 for details.

Mar 5: Community garden meeting on the Northside

Food City community meeting, with garden plots available!


5:30 at the Limbach Community Center (816 Tripoli St., 15212).  For more info, contact Kimberly Bracken by email or at 412-322-5058 x220.

Mar 2: Civil Rights talk and panel

A Half-Century of Struggle and Success: A Civil Rights Retrospective  The University of Pittsburgh's Honors College will hold a panel discussion, "A Half-Century of Struggle and Success: A Civil Rights Retrospective," on March 2, 2015 to commemorate 50 years of the civil rights movement. Joining us will be four of the nation's top voices on the issue of race who fought for civil rights on multiple fronts or have chronicled its history. The program will begin with an opening talk by Vernon Jordan followed by a panel discussion. Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Former president, National Urban League Dorie A. Ladner Freedom Rider and Freedom Summer organizer Larry E. Davis Dean, School of Social Work and director, Center on Race and Politics, University of Pittsburgh David J. Garrow Professor of Law & History and Distinguished Faculty Scholar, University of Pittsburgh School of Law Moderated by David Shribman, executive editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 7:30 p.m. in the 7th floor auditorium in Pitt's Alumni Hall.  This lecture is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Follow the link below to reserve your seat now!  Click here to reserve your seat! http://www.honorscollege.pitt.edu/civil-rights-retrospective

Feb 28: Sustainability Salon film series with The Power of One Voice

The 37th Putting Down Roots Sustainability Salon will take place on February 28th (3-10 p.m., with potluck food and drink), closing out our third Wintertime Environmental Film Series.  The next Salon will be on March 21st, our fourth Springtime Food Focus.  

Our feature this month is The Power of One Voice: A 50-Year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson, a groundbreaking documentary examining the life of Rachel Carson and the profound implications of her environmental work.  Our ever-rousing discussion will be led by filmmakers Mark Dixon (of YERT fame) and Patty DeMarco (Director Emerita of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University).  Today, Rachel Carson remains a role model and inspiration for people across the globe, even as the controversy created by her challenge to the chemical industry continues unabated.  By highlighting the power of Carson’s voice, we hope to inspire others to add their voices to this essential conversation.  And preceding the main feature, we'll enjoy some local color in the form of WQED's Pittsburgh from the Air.  

Perfect for classrooms, community events, or private viewing, The Power of One Voice pulls insights from a variety of speakers at the 50-year anniversary celebration of Silent Spring held at Chatham University and The National Aviary on April 11-12, 2012.  The film explores the historical context of Carson’s remarkable achievements and renews her prescient warnings for the modern era.

Notable interviews include renowned Rachel Carson expert and historian, Linda Lear, and a rare interview with Rachel Carson’s adopted son, Roger Christie.  Additional interviews include professor Louis Guillette, author Scott Weidensaul, U.S. Fish and Wildlife historian Mark Madison, journalist Don Hopey, as well as longtime Carson scholar Patricia DeMarco.

Part of Rachel Carson's inspiration was immersion in nature, from just outside Pittsburgh to the coast of Maine.  We'll also be focusing on one dimension of that phenomenon, with clips from Song From The Forest -- a lovely film that contemplates the stark contrast between the peaceful jungle of the Central African Republic and the bustle of New York City.  It follows the life and work of Louis Sarno, who settled in the jungle after being captured by the sounds of nature and the indigenous music of his adopted tribe.  That film will be shown as part of Carnegie Mellon University's International Film Festival, the night before our Salon -- and the IFF organizers, who will be with us on Saturday to discuss the clips, are also extending a discount for admission to the full screening on Friday night ($5 instead of $10, including a panel discussion and Congolese food) to salongoers!  I encourage you to attend if you can, and bring your reflections along on Saturday.

Why films this time (and in December & January)?  During the winter (when weather can throw a wrench into the best-laid plans), we take a break from speakers to host screenings of important environmental films, often with the filmmakers on hand to lead the discussion.  Please be sure to RSVP if you might come (email Maren with "salon" in the Subject line).  General information and links to past Salon topics are below.  In March, we'll be returning to our annual focus on Food;  check back on MarensList for updates!

3-10 p.m. at Maren's house in Squirrel Hill.  Please don't arrive before 3 p.m.  We'll aim to start the film sometime around 4, after folks have had a chance to meet, mingle, and tour around an interesting and productive urban permaculture site.   Please email me with salon in the Subject line to RSVP (yes or maybe), or click on the link in your EventBrite invitation (if you're not already on my list, please email me to be added!).  Please RSVP each time -- it helps greatly in several ways.  Among other things, attendance varies widely, and these events have been so successful that we need to begin limiting attendance.  So RSVP early if you can, to ensure your participation!  The free virtual "tickets" on Eventbrite may run out (you don't need to print any tickets, by the way, just be on the list).  Also, weather and such can be unpredictable and it's good to know who to contact if there's a change -- and I'll send directions and/or a trail map if you need 'em on Friday or Saturday.  Be sure to include salon in the Subject line, as I receive a ridiculous amount of email every day.  And if you're new, please let me know how you heard about the Salons!

Bring food and/or drink to share if you can, along with musical instruments if you play.  Check back on MarensList (where you can find information on all sorts of environmental and social justice events) for updates.  And if you aren't yet on my list, if you're interested in Sustainability Salons (and our occasional house concert, simply contact me and I'll put you on my email list.  

Please note that I'll be sending out directions and such, and any late-breaking info, to all the RSVP'd folks by the morning of the salon if not before.  So if you don't have it yet, please be patient! One of these days I'll streamline this process a bit, but for now it takes a while to to dot all my i's and cross all my t's.  (All the extraneous requests for the address don't help;  I have lots of other stuff I send out with it, but don't like to let them go unanswered so it adds hours to my prep time.  If you RSVP properly (see above), you should get the info by the morning of the salon!)

For the uninitiated, a Sustainability Salon is an educational forum;  a venue for discussion and debate about important environmental issues;  a house party with an environmental theme.  We usually have featured speakers on various aspects of a topic, interspersed with stimulating conversation, lively debate, delectable potluck food and drink, and music-making through the evening.

Past topics have included green community revitalization, solar power, climate change, environmental art, environmental education (Part I & Part II), community mapping projects, environmental journalism, grassroots action, community solar power, Marcellus shale development and community rights, green building, air quality, health care, more solar power, trees and park stewardship, alternative energy and climate policy, regional watershed issues, fantastic film screenings and discussions (led by filmmakers) over the winter with Sustainability Pioneers, films on consumption, Living Downstream, Bidder 70, YERT, Gas Rush Stories, and food, food, food, food, and more food.

Quite a few people have asked me what sorts of food to bring -- and my answer, as always, is whatever inspires you;  I believe in the "luck" part of potlucks.  Tasty noshings for the afternoon, hearty main dishes or scrumptious salads and sides for dinner, baked goods from biscuits and breads to brownies or baklava -- and/or beverages of any kind:  wine, beer, hard or sweet cider (the latter we can mull if you like), juice, tea, whatever (I've got the kombucha covered, though it's always fun to compare).  The more the merrier!  Local fare is always particularly welcome, whether homegrown or boughten.  Dishes containing meat or dairy are fine, though if it isn't really obvious please make a note of it.  

And if you like to make music or listen to homemade music, don't forget the evening sing -- we typically run the gamut from Irish fiddle tunes to protest songs to the Beatles, and a fun time is had by all.  Bring instruments if you play, and/or pick up one of ours.  Conversations will continue through the evening, as well. 

Feb 28: Seed, Seedling, and Perennial Swap

Come swap seeds, perennial plants (if you can dig 'em up at this point!), and seedlings at the Library with Grow Pittsburgh and Phipps Conservatory.  Bring extra open-pollinated (not GMO or hybrid) seeds (commercial or ones you've saved) -- or don't!  There will also be some seeds that have been donated by wonderful seed companies.  There will also be a hands-on activity for children, a seed-starting workshop, and seed-saving and gardening experts available to answer gardening questions.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Carnegie Library's main branch in Oakland, 4400 Forbes Ave. 15213.  Free and open to the public;  pre-registration not required.

Feb 27: Song From The Forest film screening

Song From the Forest Directed by Michael Obert | Germany / Congo | 2013 | 96 min. Friday, February 27 | 6:30pm McConomy Auditorium, CMU University Center

SNEAK PREVIEW EVENT!

presented in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Humanities Festival

"Song From the Forest succeeds in being a striking and gently haunting film."

-- Mark Adams, SCREEN INTERNATIONAL

Drawn to the Central African Republic to study the songs of the Bayaka pygmies 25 years ago, American musicologist Louis Sarno abandoned modern civilization to join the tribe and start a family. Fulfilling a long-standing promise to show his teenager, Samedi, the world, father and son trade the rainforest for the concrete jungle and travel to New York City, visiting family and friends like Louis’s college roommate, director Jim Jarmusch. While Samedi takes it all in, Louis, surprisingly, is the one who becomes the fish out of water.

Director Michael Obert will introduce his film with a special greeting from Tanzania.  The screening will be followed by an insightful panel discussion! Panelists include:

• David Rothenberg, the film's Music Supervisor 
• Anicet Mundundu, Ph.D., Ethnomusicologist specializing in Congolese traditional and contemporary music 
• Marie Agatha Ozah, Ph.D., Assistant Professor from Duquesne University specializing in African Ethnomusicology 
• Robert Fallon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Musicology from CMU
• Mark Dixon, local environmental filmmaker

6:30pm at McConomy Auditorium, CMU University Center, with a delicious Congolese food reception.  General Admission tickets are $10 -- $5 for Students, Seniors (60+), and Salongoers.  Tickets available at the door or online.

This screening event is presented in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Humanities Festival, co-presented with University of Pittsburgh Department of German and the Sembéne Film & Arts Festival, and supported by the Carnegie Mellon School of Music, The Center for African American Urban Studies & the Economy, the Putting Down Roots Sustainability Salon, and the Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research.

Click here for more information.

There will be a ONE DAY ONLY SPECIAL OFFER available to all attendees to this Sneak Preview Event!

The ninth edition of the Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival, sponsored by the Humanities Center, is dedicated to the legacy of world-renowned filmmaker, psychologist, and Carnegie Mellon professor, Paul Goodman, and to his professional focus on the human challenges and achievements of diverse groups of workers worldwide. Audiences will have the opportunity to explore “Faces of Work”through the Pittsburgh premiere screenings of new, distinctive, and award-winning films and documentaries from around the world. More than a screening experience, the Faces Festival will offer Q&A sessions with directors, artists, and academics, live musical performances, international food receptions, and more!

General festival tickets:

General Admission:  $10 // $5 Students, Seniors (60+)

Opening Night w/ Jonathan Demme:  $20 // $10 Students & Seniors (60+)

Full Access Pass:  $50 // $25 Students & Seniors (60+)

Short Film Student Competition:  $5 All

(A valid student/OSHER ID must be presented when picking up tickets for student pricing)

Key dates for the festival:

Opening Night w/ Jonathan Demme:  March 19, 2015

Short Film Student Competition:  March 22, 2015

Closing Night:  April 11, 2015

Become a Sponsor!

Find out how you can support the festival here.

Feb 26: Solarize Etna & Millvale workshop

Come out for a Go-Solar Workshop about the benefits of solar and how you can get solar through the Solarize Allegheny campaign. 

6:30-8:30  p.m. at the Etna Volunteer Fire Department (27 Crescent Street, Etna).  Bring a copy of your electric bill and we can tell you if your home is good for solar right at the workshop!  Please register online. For more information, contact Sharon Pillar of Solarize Allegheny at spillar@smartpower.org.

Solarize Point Breeze is a local campaign under the Solarize Allegheny umbrella - a project funded by the Heinz Endowments and managed by non-profit organization SmartPower - to double the amount of solar energy throughout Allegheny County over two years. The team of Etna & Millvale is one of four communities that will host the campaign over the next 20 weeks. Through Solarize Etna & Millvale, residents and businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of solar energy through a robust on-the-ground outreach campaign. In addition, Solarize Allegheny will also incorporate a valuable on-line tool for residents and businesses that helps them connect directly to local, pre-screened, qualified solar installers who will offer competitive bids, guidance and help them get solar on their homes and businesses.

The price of solar has dropped dramatically over the past several years, so that solar is now as affordable as your monthly electric bill. There’s even a 0% interest loan program through the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority for people with qualifying incomes that makes solar a great deal and will help customers save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the solar system.

Come and find out why Solar Makes Sense for Etna & Millvale and for your home or business!

Mar 21: Beginning Beekeeping

Beekeeping 101 -- Condensed Beginning Beekeeping:  A one-day classroom-based course offering beginning beekeepers an introduction to honeybee biology and basic approaches to beekeeping.  More details on the Burgh Bees web site.

Feb 21: The Power Of One Voice at Chatham

Following a successful Pittsburgh premiere at the National Aviary (introduced by Mayor Bill Peduto), there are two more local screenings of The Power of One Voice: A 50-Year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson.

One is next week at our Sustainability Salon, and the other takes place at Carson's own alma mater, Chatham University.

7:00pm at Chatham University's Eddy Theater.  General admission is $15 and students get in for free.  You can purchase tickets online at http://j.mp/POOVChatham .

The Power of One Voice: A 50-Year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson is a groundbreaking documentary examining the life of Rachel Carson and the profound implications of her environmental work. Perfect for classrooms and community events, this 51-minute film features interviews with Rachel Carson’s adopted son, Roger Christie, her biographer, Linda Lear, and other notable writers, scientists and advocates. By highlighting the power of Carson’s voice, the filmmakers (Director/Producer Mark Dixon and Executive ProducerPatricia DeMarco) hope to inspire others to add their voices to this essential conversation.

The film's website: http://powerofonevoicefilm.com/

The film's trailer: http://youtu.be/6Xm653dYfeM

Feb 21: "Years of Living Dangerously" screening

The Pittsburgh chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby presents a free screening of "Years of Living Dangerously", the 2014 Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Nonfiction Series.  Episodes 2 and 3 will be shown, with discussion to follow at the Bakery Square Panera.  

5:30-8 p.m. starting at TechShop (192 Bakery Square Boulevard 15206).  This event is free, but you need to RSVP via EventBrite so the organizers can make sure to provide the correct amount of seating. 

Feb 20: Energy transitions talk

Routes of Power:  Energy Transitions Then and Now.

Christopher F. Jones is a historian of energy, technology, and environment who studies how we have come to use and depend on fossil fuel energy sources. His book, Routes of Power: Energy and Modern America, was published by Harvard University Press in April 2014.  He has written prize winning articles in this domain and writes a blog on energy for the Huntington Post.  He serves as Assistant Professor of History in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University and previously held postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University and University of California-Berkeley.  His Ph.D. in History is from the University of Pennsylvania Department of the History & Sociology of Science Department.

4:30-6 p.m. in Gregg Hall Auditorium (Porter Hall 100 at CMU).

Feb 19: Green Drinks with Zipcar

Come join Green Drinks Pittsburgh this month with Zipcar Pittsburgh, Pgh's carsharing company reducing our carbon footprint and building the local sharing economy- Come meet representatives from Zipcar and learn more about sustainable transportation in Pittsburgh and across the US.

Green drinks is a free monthly happy hour that brings together people interested in local and global green issues, featuring local change agents of the green movement in Pittsburgh. As always, Green Drinks is free and open to the public - bring your friends!

5:30-8 p.m. at The Porch at Schenley.  Finger foods compliments of Zip Car and The Porch.  The Green Drinks crowd will be in the front space to the right of the entrance - see you there!

Feb 19: Public meeting on fracking

Plans are underway to drill in Harmar Township near the Allegheny River and the communities of Fox Chapel, Indiana, and Cheswick.  Wells would be drilled near homes, schools, parks, churches, and businesses -- and just upriver from the Pittsburgh water treatment facility that provides drinking water to 300,000 residents.  Please join your neighbors at a public meeting about this prospect.

7 p.m. at the Harmar Township Building, 701 Freeport Road.

Feb 18: Food and the environment

Environmentalism Starts On Your Plate:  Jeffrey Cohan, Executive Director of Jewish Vegetarians of North America, will speak about the environmental ramifications of food production, comparing plant-based and animal-based diets. After Jeffrey’s talk, our Co-op and a group of Repair the World Fellows, who are working to allay food justice issues in our community, will host a collection of activities to stimulate both your social conscience and inner foodie. Join us in learning how an act as simple as eating dinner can change the world. 

6:30 p.m. at Repair The World: Pittsburgh (6022 Broad Street).  Activities will include a recipe swap, foodie trivia game, a photo booth, and light snacks.  Free and open to the public; call 412-242-3598 to RSVP.

Feb 18: Launch party for Solarize Etna & Millvale

Join the officials of Etna & Millvale Boroughts for two events to kick off an exciting new solar campaign in our community – Solarize Etna & Millvale!  To kick off the program, a brief presentation about the program will be offered along with appetizers and a cash bar. You can check out your home to see if it’s good for solar with our online tools right at the event.  There’s also a followup workshop on February 26.  

6:30-8:30  p.m. at the Millvale Community Library (213 Grant St. in Millvale).  Bring a copy of your electric bill and we can tell you if your home is good for solar right at the workshop!  Please register online. For more information, contact Sharon Pillar of Solarize Allegheny at spillar@smartpower.org.

Solarize Point Breeze is a local campaign under the Solarize Allegheny umbrella - a project funded by the Heinz Endowments and managed by non-profit organization SmartPower - to double the amount of solar energy throughout Allegheny County over two years. The team of Etna & Millvale is one of four communities that will host the campaign over the next 20 weeks. Through Solarize Etna & Millvale, residents and businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of solar energy through a robust on-the-ground outreach campaign. In addition, Solarize Allegheny will also incorporate a valuable on-line tool for residents and businesses that helps them connect directly to local, pre-screened, qualified solar installers who will offer competitive bids, guidance and help them get solar on their homes and businesses.

The price of solar has dropped dramatically over the past several years, so that solar is now as affordable as your monthly electric bill. There’s even a 0% interest loan program through the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority for people with qualifying incomes that makes solar a great deal and will help customers save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the solar system.

Come and find out why Solar Makes Sense for Etna & Millvale and for your home or business!

Feb 13: Global Divestment Day Rally

Rally in solidarity with those most impacted by the effects of climate change and fossil fuel extraction to call on the City of Pittsburgh and its universities to divest from fossil fuels.  Hear the stories from those living in front-lines communities most affected by oil and gas extraction.  Hear from those organizing on their campuses and in their communities. 

11:30 a.m. in the big tent on Schenley Plaza.  Afterwards, join actions organized by local campaigns and a teach-in/discussion at the University of Pittsburgh at 3pm in room 837 of the William Pitt Union.  RSVP for the Teach-In here. 

In a time where climate and environmental justice issues are largely dismissed or ignored by the mainstream media and most of our political leaders, we must do our part to fight for change.  We must challenge our institutions to rise to the occasion and play their part.  We must challenge them to divest.  The fossil fuel industry's profits rely on accelerating global climate change, toxic pollution at home, and lobbying to dismantle protections for working people's public health.

Feb 12: Proposed urban agriculture regs

Community meeting about the proposed changes to Pittsburgh's Urban Agriculture Zoning Code:   find out what the new code will mean for you.

6-8 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Public Market, 2401 Penn Ave. 15222 (in the Strip).