Sustainability+in+the+News

=__**Sustainability in the News**__=

//NY Times// //(2/3/13)// Real Estate section An interview with Ron Shiffman, an Israeli-born, Bronx raised urban planner and a Park Sloper, has been trying for half a century to contribute to NYC development as a green city. to NYC: mass transit, density, good bones (?) gives NYC the framework for being sustainable but we have to devleop good plans.to adapt to rising sea levels and more severe storms.More trees and plants to absorb water, reduce heat from sidewalks, provide more shade have a cooling effect on hot days.Reducing heat yields a healthier environnment and makes buildings cheaper to operate. Larger issues: reducing and recyclong waste, reducing need for natural resources, less waste means less pollution. Individuals can get rid of all toxic chemicals from under the sink, make hot water heaters more efficient, and put white roof on house to reduce heat.

For people who don't really believe that climate change, reframe the argument: Do you want to pay less for energy? Do you want to live in a building with more light and fresher air? Do you want a cleaner city with less soot? Do you want ot have to depend on a car to get around especially as you get older? Green measures will make living conditions better. Hunts Point an dBronx River: cleaned up the river, rerouted trucks, planted medians thatmake area healthier and tree pits that capture water. Maintain and retrofit building -- rain barrels to catch water and use water to water plants.