October 2008
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I don’t just vote, I elect to conserve |
Don’t delay, vote today! Go to the iConservePA website and support one of five PA iCons who are competing for the top prize of $5K for their affiliated conservation organization. The month-long, friendly Elect to Conserve online competition matches the candidates with five causes—trees, water, open spaces, native species and trails—and five statewide organizations who work to protect these resources. Voters can register to win a nifty rain barrel and composter. Everyone’s talking about it, including CNN (the Conservation News Network). Now this is the election to watch!
Young filmmakers wanted
Lights, camera, action! The National Council for Science and the Environment NCSE is hosting a video contest, Voices and Visions from the Next Generation of Conservationists, as part of the Biodiversity in a Rapidly Changing World conference this December in Washington, D.C. Persons ages 12 to 25 (individuals or groups of up to 5) are invited to submit a short video (up to 5 minutes) focusing on how today’s youth are and will be addressing the challenges that threaten biodiversity. The contest deadline is October 31. The top three videos in four age categories (12-14, 15-18, 19-22, and 23-25) will be showcased at a reception and award ceremony at the conference. Go here for more details.
Shop at ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews or from individuals who wish to show their support for Habitat. In addition to raising funds, ReStores help the environment by rechanneling good, usable materials into use. For information on the nine ReStores in Pennsylvania, go here.
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Congratulations to Barbara Rockwell of Mt. Joy, the winner of a monthly drawing from the SEEDS subscription list. Ms. Rockwell receives a copy of It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living.
Sign up if you received this e-mail from a friend and would like to add yourself to the Seeds mailing list.
iConservePA is a program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Edward G. Rendell, Governor.
PAiCon of the month
Meet Erin from Sullivan County, who volunteers at her local state park. Whether leading guided walks or picking up litter, she wants everyone to see the beauty of nature. Volunteer your own beautiful insights on conservation by becoming a PAiCon too.
Did you know?
Americans burn 800 million gallons of gas each year trimming their grassy yards, according to the EPA. One gas mower running for an hour emits the same amount of pollutants as eight new cars driving 55 mph for the same amount of time. For those with lawns, there are alternatives—from electric or propane-powered mowers to un-powered push reels or cutting-edge solar models, such as this new solar electric hybrid lawnmower.
Spotlight on…
The Spruce Creek Company, an official iConservePA partner and Pennsylvania-based maker of the Rainsaver rain barrel and distributor of other quality backyard stewardship and gardening products. Conserve water and reduce runoff in style with a Spruce Creek Rainsaver.
© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources