March 13th reflections

The Green Apple

In the first article I was surprised to learn that NYC is listed under sustainable cities. The author keeps making reference to the Green Apple instead of the Big Apple, I found this interesting. I think she has a valid point. NYC is such a mecca of fashion, culture and diversity, it is also one of the most visited places in the world. It stands to reason that it could also be the place that could be used to make a bold statement about sustainability. Whatever happens in NYC is largely imitated in the rest of the world therefore, what better international stage to have than NYC to take a stand for the environment. Also, as I read this article I am reminded of a story that a friend related to be about when he lived in NYC.
My friend is from a small town in Louisiana. He grew up walking to the garbage and throwing out the trash, basically doing his part to help the environment. When he become an adult he made the inevitable pilgrimage to NYC, fell in love with it and moved there indefinitely. My friend who we will call Bob, lived in one of the high rises where everyone in his building had the disgusting habit of throwing their trash out the window and into an alley adjacent to the building. He related to me his shock about having witnessed this phenomenon the first couple of times and then gradually he too started doing it because apparently it was the cool thing to do. I was stupefied to say the least. But this is an example of how people copy New Yorkers because they do not want to appear to be an outsider. Peer pressure is still rampant. NYC is perhaps the best place to use its influence and clout for the good of the environment and people are bound to sit up and take notice.
The rise of community gardens, private rooftop gardens are testaments to what a little peer pressure can do. NYC estuaries are cleaner and the fish are returning. Recycling is the highest for any American city with over 1 million people. NYC is also engaged in selling their recyclables now. However, the cut to the Sanitation Budget threatens progress. Education on ecology and the environment is being incorporated into the curriculum in schools and universities.
NYC’s environmental movement is trying to oust the private car. They want to emphasize that you do not need a car to live in NYC. This could also be applied/emphasized in other American cities. It is a bike friendly city.
The author purposely excludes the major environmental problems associated with NYC, which I think is prudent.

Sustainable Urban Environments

Majority of the people in the world prefer and do live in urbanized environments. Urban environments have upset the natural flow of the universe. They contribute to declining environmental quality. I really like these lines, “We have failed to realize the full potential of our green infrastructure because we have designed and managed landscapes as "pictures" rather than as functioning ecosystems. Sustainable urban ecosystems recognize the interconnection of natural resources, human resources, site design, building design, energy management, water supply, waste prevention, and facility maintenance and operation.” They encapsulate the urban environment dilemma.
The study seeks to reconnect people to sustainable environments because sustainable environments have many benefits for people and wildlife. The study also seeks to answer a number of valid questions. We do have to partner with nature instead of trying to conquer it. We have to find a balance between nature and people. That is the essence of sustainability and this class.

The Solaire

One word, “wow.” It almost seems to good to be true. Does this place even exist? The theme “Live Green” is complementary to the first article where the author kept making reference to the “Green Apple.” This site purports that this tower is the first of its kind in America and that it is supposedly environmentally advanced. How advanced is my question? I cannot help but be skeptical. The tower apparently provides more light, cleaner air (I remember someone making a joke about wanting to return to the fresh air of NYC once), fresher water and made from natural materials. It would be interesting to see this place and to ascertain what kind of scales they are using to define the benefits of this tower.
Maybe a little class road trip should be conducted to view this miracle, wink, wink.