Posts Tagged ‘New York’

Eco-Libris: Another Harlem Renaissance — Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe

Sign with logo from Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe, Harlem, New YorkEditor’s note: Our friends at Eco-Libris have another success to share: a “book offset” partnership with Harlem’s Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe. As with each of these partnerships, Eco-Libris blogger Raz Godelnik profiles the store; we’re pleased to publish that profile, along with an interview of majority partner Marva Allen, today. This post was originally published on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

Starting few weeks ago with the interview of James “Surendra” Conti of East West Bookstore, we continue in our presentations of the bookstores that are part of our bookstores program and the people behind them.

Today we have the pleasure to present you with the Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe of Harlem, NY and its co-owner and managing partner, Marva Allen.

When I entered Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe few months ago, I knew immediately I arrived to a unique bookstore. The bookstore located in the heart of Harlem, New York has established itself as an important part of the commercial revival of Harlem, becoming the largest and best-known African-American bookstore in the U.S.

Dry and Thirsty? No Great Lakes Water for You!

A map of the Great Lakes. (Image credit: Great Lakes Commission.)A Great Lakes compact that would prevent the region’s water from being siphoned off into the thirsty Southwest and other dry parts of the country is a little closer to taking effect, now that lawmakers in Michigan have OK’d the deal.

The Great Lakes Water Resources Compact aims to protect the water rights of the eight states bordering the lakes: Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Michigan’s approval of the agreement brings the number of states signed on so far to five: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and New York.

Trendy Thieves Eye Used Grease, Metals

A spool of copper wire. (Image credit: Hawyih at Wikimedia Commons, released into public domain.)Rising prices for everything from copper and platinum to flour, gas and cooking oil are creating new markets for trend-minded thieves across the U.S.

With gasoline prices in the U.S. breaking new records weekly, for example, law enforcement officials are seeing more cases of cooking grease thefts from fast-food establishments and other restaurants. Why used grease? Because cooking oil can be converted into biodiesel fuel that can be sold at a cool profit.

Campaign Funds for Green Candidates in NY

NYLCV buttonThe New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) has launched the Climate Action PAC to financially support candidates with proven track records at supporting climate change initiatives.

The Climate Action PAC will start with New York State legislative seats in 2008 and local races all over the state in 2009. The overall goal, according to the NY League of Conservation Voters, is to get politicians thinking about developing a comprehensive statewide energy plan.

New York Power Authority to Test Subaru R1e Electric Car

Suburu R1e in New York CityState-of-the art, fast-charge lithium batteries power this two-seat electric car, capable of speeds up to 105 mph and a range of up to 54 miles.

Based on Subaru’s R1 minicar now being sold in Japan, the R1e was developed in partnership with the Tokyo electric Power Company, Inc.

An AC permanent magnet synchronized motor produces 54 hp, and can be quick-charged to 80-percent capacity in 15 minutes while connected to a standard household [...]

How Green is March Madness?

Basketball. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Ixitixel.)New York/D.C.-based Juice Energy released an interesting analysis this week showing what various colleges represented in the NCAA tournament are doing to reduce their environmental impact.

Juice environmental analyst Kevin Berkemeyer summarized how schools from different conferences are trying out different sustainability measures.

Another Argument for Public Transit

New York City traffic near Times Square. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Mdanser.)Here’s another reason to take public transportation when you’re in New York City: there really is no parking … or at least not nearly enough for the number of drivers looking for a space.

The New York Times reports that a “long-awaited” city study found that, outside of those drivers lucky enough to have city-issued placards that give them special parking privileges, typical commuters face near-hopeless odds of finding a parking space in some areas. The city’s financial district, for example, offers only one-third the number of spaces needed for the non-placarded drivers passing through.

Free Subway Rides? Come Hear the Discussion At The Green Renter Lecture Series in NYC

254020358_0455f13cea_m.jpg

Come out Monday, March 10 at 7 pm to the Green Renter lecture series held at the Solar One house on the East River. This week’s lecture will feature Charles Komanoff, a renowned energy-policy analyst and environmental activist, speaking about Ted Kheel’s policy approach to NYC’s congestion problem: 100% free mass transportation.

I’ll admit—sheepishly—some days when I’m extremely tired from a long day at work, head bouncing to some tune on my ipod, I often walk into the subway and without thinking, try to walk through the turnstile without swiping my card. After I’m jolted out of my stupor by the immovable metal bar at my crouch, I realize I’m entering, not exiting the station and I must pay. I often dream about free subway rides—my dream could come true if New York City adopted Ted Kheel’s plan.

Congestion Pricing Plan in Trouble

New York City’s proposed congestion pricing plan may be in trouble.

As part of NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s long term sustainability plan, PLANYC 2030, congestion pricing is intended to reduce the amount of cars coming into the city, thus reducing the amount of auto emissions contributing to air pollution. While many city council members like the idea of cleaner air, some are questioning the details of the plan.

Energy New York Award Recognizes Energy Excellence

The New York Energy Consumers Council recognized leaders in energy with the Energy New York Award on Tuesday night.

New York University and John Gilbert, chairman of the New York Building Congress Energy Committee were recipients of the 2007 award.

New York University has made energy a large focus of the campus Green Action Plan, part of which is the construction of a new co-generation plant . NYU is also the largest purchaser of wind power by any institution in New York City.

John Gilbert was recognized for his work as chairman of the New York Building Congress Energy Committee, which includes spearheading three Building Congress publications on long term electricity needs of NYC.

EPA Chief on Hot Seat Over California Emissions Denial

stephen-johson.jpgLast December, EPA administrator Stephen Johnson denied California’s request to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Today, the Senate released documents putting Johnson squarely in opposition with the scientific and legal experts on his staff when he denied the request.The documents were requested by Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works chair Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who said:

“These documents paint a picture of an Environmental Protection Agency in crisis. They show the dedicated professional staff of the EPA working hard to do what they are paid to do by the American people - protect our health and our environment. At the same time, we see more and more evidence of Administrator Johnson ignoring the science and the facts, and discarding the advice of his professional staff.”

“I believe this decision will be reversed by the next President or by the courts, but the Administrator can save the taxpayers time and money, and can get us started cleaning up our air if he would simply follow the law, the facts, and the advice of his agency professionals.”

Advertisement