Support Governor's Call for Bottle Bill
American Littoral Society Awarded Funds for Operation CleanSweep
Littoral Society Lauds Governor Spitzer for Including Bottle Bill in Budget
2006 International Coastal Cleanup
Assembly passes Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill by 2 to 1 Margin
"MARSH MADNESS" - Volunteer for Earth Day Marsh Cleanup and Planting
15th Annual Holiday Fund Raiser
Jamaica Bay Guardian Awarded Grant
NYC Department of Sanitation Trucks Help Spread the Call for Volunteers for the 20th Annual International Coastal Cleanup
What is the Condition of Our Beaches?
The Great White Shark: Demystifying the Man-eater
New York Poll Shows Strong Support for Bigger Better Bottle Bill
Hike Fire Island Wilderness with American Littoral Society (ALS)
American Littoral Socitey Supports National Bottle Bill
Clean Sweep Program for Jamaica Bay Continues
National Estuaries Day Celebrated on Jamaica Bay
Volunteers Document "Apres Isabel" Beach Scene
Life's a Beach
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PRESS RELEASE
January 22, 2008…………………………………………………………..For Immediate Use
BOTTLE BILL BOOSTERS BACK BUDGET BILL
The American Littoral Society and groups from across the state praised Governor Eliot Spitzer for including improvements to New York's "Bottle Bill" in the executive budget proposal he released today.
The Governor's budget proposal makes long overdue reforms to the Bottle Bill. Currently, the law only requires 5-cent deposits on beer and soda containers. The Governor's proposal would update the Bottle Bill to cover bottled water, iced tea and other non-carbonated beverages that were not included under the original 1982 law.
In addition, the Governor's proposal closes a loophole in the current law which has led to bottlers and distributors keeping over $2 billion in unclaimed bottle deposits over the past 25 years. The Governor's proposal requires beverage companies to transfer all unclaimed bottle deposits to the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), starting January 1, 2009.
The Division of Budget estimates that closing this loophole would generate $100 million in annual revenue once fully operational. Because the law would not go into effect until the fourth quarter of FY 2008-2009, the proposed budget adds $25 million for the coming fiscal year. However, the real numbers could be substantially higher. The Container Recycling Institute estimates that unclaimed deposits from an expanded bottle bill could range from $190 million to $222 million annually, based on the latest marketing data and redemption rates.
The "Bigger Better Bottle Bill" is a win-win for New Yorkers. The expansion will result in cleaner communities and a healthier environment for all New Yorkers. Revenue from the unclaimed deposits will help boost environmental funding at a time when the state is facing a significant economic downturn.
Barbara Toborg of the American Littoral Society commented on the need for the expansion: "In our beach cleanups throughout the state, our volunteers find twice as many beverage containers without the deposit as those with it. We urge all New Yorkers to contact their state legislators and urge them to keep the Bottle Bill in the budget."
The Governor's bottle bill budget proposal is similar to what he included in last year's proposed budget, which was supported by the State Assembly but failed to succeed in the final budget due to the opposition of Senator Bruno and the Senate Majority. Over 600 groups and local governments across New York have called on the State Legislature to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill.
Other environmental groups lauding the Governor for his action on the budget include:
The Adirondack Council o Environmental Advocates of New York o Group for the East End o League of Women Voters of New York State o Natural Resources Defense Council o New York Public Interest Research Group o New York State Association of Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3) o North Shore Land Alliance o Parks & Trails New York o Scenic Hudson o Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter o Surfrider - New York City Chapter * Upper West Side Recycling o Wildlife Conservation Society
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Press Release…………………………………………………………..for immediate use
June 7, 2007
Broad Channel, NY
American Littoral Society Awarded Funds for Operation CleanSweep
The Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society, located in Broad Channel, Queens, was recently awarded a $42,300 grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation for its leadership role in Operation CleanSweep, a program that removes abandoned boats, docks, and other large items of debris from Jamaica Bay. The award ceremony took place on June 4 at the Dancing Crane Restaurant at the Bronx Zoo and was hosted by Lynn Dwyer of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation.
The CleanSweep program allows impacted marshes to regenerate once the debris is removed. Areas that fail to respond are planted with appropriate native species. The CleanSweep program enjoys widespread support from volunteers from the Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers, NYC Audubon and the Sierra Club. Don Riepe, Chapter Director and Jamaica Bay Guardian, has also obtained the cooperation of governmental agencies such as the Port Authority of NY and NJ, NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection, the National Park Service and NYC Police Harbor Unit.
The grant was from the "Dissolved Oxygen Environmental Benefit Fund for the Western Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay." The sources for this fund are from settlements to mitigate discharges from water pollution control plants managed by NYC and the impact of fuel storage tanks at JFK International Airport. Among the other organizations impacting Jamaica Bay that also received funding were Eastern Queens Alliance, Inc. for habitat restoration and a trail project at Idlewild Park Preserve, and NY/NJ Baykeeper for the free sewage pumpout service for recreational boaters in Jamaica Bay.
For more information, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 driepe@nyc.rr.com
 Picture caption: At the award ceremony, Barbara Toborg (ctr) of the American Littoral Society is flanked by Barbara Brown of Eastern Queens Alliance and Tony Morenzi of NY State DEC, Region 2. |
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Press Release…………………………………………………………..for immediate use
January 31, 2007
Broad Channel, NY
LITTORAL SOCIETY LAUDS GOVERNOR SPITZER FOR INCLUDING BOTTLE BILL IN BUDGET
Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Guardian and Director of the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society, hailed Governor Eliot Spitzer's inclusion of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in his proposed executive budget as a giant leap forward in protecting the health of New York's environment and called on the State Legislature to support it.
· The Update of New York's bottle bill would include non-carbonated beverages such as water and juice, and earmark unclaimed deposits, which are currently kept by the beverage companies, to the state's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). "During our annual beach cleanups throughout New York State, our volunteers have consistently found non-deposit bottles twice as often as those with the deposit," said Riepe.
· $100 million or more would go to the Environmental Protection Fund over the next two years, using revenue from the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. This year's increase is projected at $25 million, based on a January 1st start date, with an anticipated $100 million or more flowing to the EPF from unclaimed bottle deposits in future years. "Increasing the amount in the Environmental Protection Fund would offer hope of funding needed to solve many of the state's water quality issues, including those that affect the Jamaica Bay Estuary," said Riepe.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the bottle bill, New York's most successful litter prevention and recycling program.
Said Riepe: "Both the Governor and the Assembly have supported making communities cleaner and healthier by updating the bottle bill to include bottled water and other non-carbonated drinks. We urge the Senate to support this common-sense measure."
Caption for attached photo: ALS volunteer Fred Toborg asks you to compare the pile of 494 beverage containers that don't have a deposit to the 193 containers with the deposit found at the International Coastal Cleanup at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
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Press Release…………………………………………………………..for immediate use
July 15, 2006
Broad Channel, NY
2006 BEACH CLEANUP NEEDS YOUR HELP
Please help us attract volunteers for the 21st Annual New York State Beach Cleanup by publicizing this upcoming event. The beach cleanup is organized in New York by the American Littoral Society and is part of the International Coastal Cleanup of The Ocean Conservancy.
When: September 16, 2006
Where: At over 300 beaches statewide. For the most up-to-date listing, visit our website www.alsnyc.org in August.
Who: Thousands of volunteers from local environmental groups, students, scouts, dive clubs, civic organizations, corporations, government agencies, and the general public. . In 2005, over 9,000 New Yorkers came together to do something constructive for the environment, removing and documenting over 156,000 pounds of debris at 329 sites.
Why: To compile data to devise strategies to combat pollution
To increase public participation in solving the problems of pollution
To increase public appreciation of the coastal environment
Volunteers: Call Beach Cleanup Hotline 1-800-449-0790 or visit www.alsnyc.org
For further information, contact Barbara Cohen, Beach Cleanup Coordinator 718-471-2166, alsbeach@aol.com
For a picture from a previous cleanup, send e-mail to Don Riepe: driepe@nyc.rr.com
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
May 15, 2006
Broad Channel, NY
ASSEMBLY PASSES BIGGER, BETTER, BOTTLE BILL BY 2 TO 1 MARGIN
For More Information Contact: Barbara Toborg 718-318-9344
Don't Let it Die in the Senate! Call or Write Your State Senator and Majority Leader Bruno to Pass the Bill This Year.
Environmental groups and elected officials praised the New York State Assembly for passing the Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill (A2517D-DiNapoli) on May 10, 2006, and called on the State Senate to take up the measure this session.
After a three and a half hour floor debate, the Assembly passed the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill by a vote of 92 to 45, with broad-based bipartisan support.
The bill (S1290D-LaValle) now goes to the Senate where it faces an uncertain fate because of opposition from Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. The bill does have six Republican Senate cosponsors, including Marchi, Maltese, and Padavan. It has strong support among the Senate Democrats.
"The New York State Assembly has always been a leader in environmental stewardship. Today's vote extends the Assembly's long history of protecting our environment for future generations," said bill sponsor Assemblyman Thomas P. DiNapoli (D-Great Neck).
"It is extremely important that we continue efforts to protect and preserve our environment. Improvements to the bottle bill will not only encourage proper disposal of bottles, but will steer additional dollars to the Environmental Protection Fund and further enhance the ability of local governments to improve the quality of life within their communities," said bill sponsor Senator Kenneth P. LaValle (R-Selden).
"The bottle bill is the single most effective recycling and anti-litter law that we have. It is time to improve the law by adding deposits on non-carbonated beverages and using the unclaimed nickels to bolster the Environmental Protection Fund. I applaud the State Assembly for passing this vitally important legislation and urge the Senate to do the same," said New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.
The bill has the backing of environmentalists, civic groups, farmers, local governments, and many small businesses.
"We are enormously grateful to Assemblyman DiNapoli for his hard work and leadership on this issue," said Laura Haight, senior environmental associate for NYPIRG. "We applaud the Assembly for supporting cleaner communities and more recycling in New York State, and urge the Senate to take up this important measure. Each year that legislators fail to close the "litter loophole," nearly two billion bottles and cans end up in the trash or polluting our rivers, parks and communities."
"It's encouraging to know that our representatives in the Assembly responded to the grassroots campaign of the people of New York," said Barbara Toborg, Conservation Coordinator for the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society. "Common sense carried the day! It's ironic that the bill passed by a 2 to 1 margin; that's the same ratio that our volunteers find non-deposit containers over deposit containers at our annual beach cleanup throughout New York State."
"Passage of the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill, one of the environmental community's four 'Super Bills,' is a tremendous achievement," said Rob Moore, executive director of Environmental Advocates of New York. "Assemblyman DiNapoli's leadership on this legislation should be applauded. We thank everyone who supported this common-sense bill for recognizing that New York needs to expand our current bottle law to match the drinking habits of today's consumers."
Theresa Cassiack, Legislative Associate, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, said: "The Sierra Club thanks Assemblyman DiNapoli for his work to get the plastic drink bottles and broken bottle glass off our shorelines, playgrounds and streets. We thank the Assembly members who voted to protect our children and our environment by reducing litter and increasing recycling. Finally, we call on the Senate leadership to put the interests of our children and the environment first and stop stalling action on the Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill."
"We applaud the New York State Assembly for its overwhelming endorsement of an updated bottle bill," said Jennifer Gitlitz, research director for the Container Recycling Institute. "This popular and effective recycling and litter prevention program deserves to be voted on by the full Senate."
The "Bigger, Better Bottle Bill" would extend the current 5-cent container deposit law to include non-carbonated beverages like bottled water and iced tea. It would also require beverage companies to return the unclaimed deposits to the state to fund recycling and other environmental protection programs.
The Bottle Bill is New York's most effective litter prevention and recycling program. As soon as the law went into effect, New Yorkers could see the difference-fewer bottles and cans along roadsides, less broken glass in streets and playgrounds, cleaner beaches and parks. Driven by the nickel deposit, more than 90 billion bottles and cans have been returned and recycled in New York since 1982 instead of polluting our communities or ending up in landfills. The 70% return rate enjoyed by the bottle bill far exceeds municipal recycling rates in New York.
The Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill enjoys tremendous popular support, with endorsements from more than 350 local governments, small businesses, and a broad range of groups from across New York State. Polls show that most New Yorkers support this proposal. However, the bill has faced stiff opposition from well-financed industry groups such as beer wholesalers, soda and beverage companies, and supermarkets and convenience stores.
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
April 3, 2006
Broad Channel, NY
"MARSH MADNESS" - Volunteer for Earth Day Marsh Cleanup and Planting
The American Littoral Society (ALS) is seeking volunteers for a marsh cleanup and planting event at a location in Broad Channel on Saturday, April 22. Help stem the loss of marsh in Jamaica Bay by first removing debris from a local marsh and then planting plugs of Spartina alterniflora, commonly know as saltmarsh cord grass. Volunteers should wear boots and old clothes. Gloves will be provided. Youngsters ages 10 and above are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at 9:30 AM at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on Crossbay Boulevard just north of Broad Channel. For further information, contact Don Riepe, the Jamaica Bay Guardian, at 718-318-9344 driepe@nyc.rr.com
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
December 7, 2005
Broad Channel, NY
15th Annual Holiday Fund Raiser
The Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society, a coastal conservation organization with an office in Broad Channel, held its 15th Annual Holiday Fund Raiser on December 3 at the Ryan Center, the historic control tower building on Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Over 90 members and friends attended, enjoying a nature walk in the “North 40” led by Mickey Cohen and a party afterwards, complete with dinner, raffle, Ugly Auction, Irish step dancing, and flamenco with ALS’s own Don Riepe! In addition, National Park Service Ranger John Daskalakis gave a tour of the control tower, with great views of the Manhattan skyline. The annual get-together for the Littoral Society is a cooperative effort, with members helping to decorate, bringing a special dish, and donating items for the raffle and Ugly Auction. Also contributing were businesses, such as D’Agostino Supermarkets, Danny’s Szechuan Garden, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Newman’s Own, Prima Pasta, Singas Famous Pizza, Starbucks, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.
Littoral Society programs include the Jamaica Bay Guardian, the annual International Coastal Cleanup, Jamaica Bay Junior Rangers, and inexpensive nature trips. Visit www.alsnyc.org for more information about the society.
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For more information, contact Don Riepe at (718) 318-9344
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
November 28, 2005
Broad Channel, NY
JAMAICA BAY GUARDIAN AWARDED GRANT
Don Riepe, the Jamaica Bay Guardian and director of the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society based in Broad Channel, Queens, announced receipt of a $15,000 grant from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc., for the Jamaica Bay Guardian program. “I want to express my deep thanks to the foundation for its support of our efforts to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the bay,” said Riepe. “We appreciate the foundation’s support of our efforts to educate the public about the importance of the bay and serve as an intermediary between community members and the governmental agencies that make policy for the estuary.” Alexandra Herzan, President of the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc., stated in her award letter: “It is a pleasure supporting this valuable work.” The Jamaica Bay Guardian program began in 2003 with funding from a Jamaica Bay wetlands violation settlement imposed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
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For more information and/or picture, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344.
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
August 2005
Broad Channel, NY
NYC DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION TRUCKS HELP SPREAD THE CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL INTERANTIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP
The American Littoral Society (ALS) is happy to announce that the Department of Sanitation is helping to advertise the September 17 International Coastal Cleanup, coordinated in New York by ALS, by placing posters on 500 of its trucks. The poster, which spreads the call for volunteers for the beach cleanup, was designed pro bono by Terry Clarke of Housewren.com and funded by Con Edison and members of the American Littoral Society. ALS wishes to thank NYC Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty and Vito Turso, Deputy Commissioner for Community Affairs, for their cooperation in implementing the outreach program.
The Sanitation precincts involved include Queens 10 (Ozone Park, Howard Beach), Queens 14 (Rockaways, Broad Channel), all of Staten Island, Bronx 10 (Eastchester, Edgewater), Brooklyn 13 (Brighton Beach, Coney Island), Brooklyn 15 (Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach), and Brooklyn 18 (Canarsie, Bergen Beach, Marine Park).
A day after the posters went on the trucks (August 17), the phone calls started to come in to the Beach Cleanup Hotline. A man from South Ozone Park called and said he was looking at a sanitation truck outside his window, saw the poster, and decided to call to volunteer.
More details about the Beach Cleanup.
The 20th Annual International Coastal Cleanup is organized in New York by the American Littoral Society as part of the International Coastal Cleanup of The Ocean Conservancy.
When: September 17, 2005
Where: At over 300 beaches statewide. For the most up-to-date listing, visit our website www.alsnyc.org in August.
Who: Thousands of volunteers from local environmental groups, students, scouts, dive clubs, civic organizations, corporations, government agencies, and the general public. . In 2004, over 7,000 New Yorkers came together to do something constructive for the environment, removing and documenting over 215,000 pounds of debris at 312 sites.
Why:
For a picture from a previous cleanup, send e-mail to Don Riepe: driepe@nyc.rr.com.
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
August 2004
Broad Channel, NY
WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF OUR BEACHES?
See for yourself at the 19th Annual New York State Beach Cleanup organized in New York by the American Littoral Society as part of the International Coastal Cleanup of The Ocean Conservancy.
When: September 18, 2004
Where: At over 300 beaches statewide. For the most up-to-date listing, visit our website www.alsnyc.org.
Who: Thousands of volunteers from local environmental groups, students, scouts, dive clubs, civic organizations, corporations, government agencies, and the general public.
In 2003, over 10,000 New Yorkers came together to do something constructive for the environment, removing and documenting over 334,000 pounds of debris at 351 sites.
Why: To compile data to devise strategies to combat pollution
To increase public participation in solving the problems of pollution
To increase public appreciation of the coastal environment
Volunteers: Call Beach Cleanup Hotline 1-800-449-0790 or visit www.alsnyc.org
Support for the coordination of the beach cleanup has been received from:
ADP Foundation * Citizens for NYC * Consolidated Edison * Independence Community Foundation KeySpan Foundation * Long Island Sound Study/US Environmental Protection Agency * Lucius N. Littauer Foundation * JP Morgan Chase Foundation * National Park Service * NYC Department of Environmental Protection * NYC Department of Parks & Recreation * NYC Environmental Fund/Hudson River Foundation * NY State Department of Environmental Conservation * NY State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation * Philip Morris USA * Port Authority of NY/NJ * Project AWARE Foundation * Sounds Conservancy/Quebec-Labrador Foundation * South Shore Estuary Reserve Council/NY State Department of State * Sweet’n Low * The Ocean Conservancy
For further information, contact Barbara Cohen, Beach Cleanup Coordinator
718-471-2166, alsbeach@aol.com
For a picture from a previous cleanup, send e-mail to Don Riepe: driepe@nyc.rr.com
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
March 25, 2004
Broad Channel, NY
“The Great White Shark: Demystifying the Man-eater”
A presentation on the Great White Shark will be given by Dean Fessler, Education Director of the Shark Research Institute, on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 6 PM at the Lighthouse (Ames Auditorium), 111 East 59th Street, Manhattan. The program is a joint endeavor of New York City Audubon Society and the American Littoral Society.
Mr. Fessler’s slide presentation will illustrate that much of the white shark’s reputation is based on myth and folklore and that its predatory nature is much exaggerated. He will also discuss other shark species, such as the whale shark – the world’s largest fish.
The program is FREE and open to the public. For more information, call NYC Audubon at (212) 691-7483 or the American Littoral Society at (718) 318-9344 www.alsnyc.org.
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PRESS RELEASE……………………………………………………For Immediate use
February 14, 2004
Broad Channel, NY
New York Poll Shows Strong Support for Bigger Better Bottle Bill
As a member of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill Coalition, the American Littoral Society, a coastal conservation organization, congratulates New Yorkers for their common sense in supporting a measure that not only would reduce litter but also obtain revenue for the state in these times of budget crises.
The telephone survey of 800 randomly sampled registered voters in New York was conducted in January by Public Policy Associates, a national research firm based in Lansing, Michigan. The survey has a margin of error of (+/-) 3.5%.
The poll was designed to gauge public response to reforms proposed in legislation in Albany: A.3922-A/S.1696-A sponsored by Assemblyman Thomas P. DiNapoli and Senator Kenneth LaValle.
The poll’s key findings included:
• 84% of New York voters support the current bottle-deposit law;
• 70% support expanding the law to include non-carbonated beverages, such as bottled water, juice, sports drinks, and iced tea;
• 86% support the state taking back the unclaimed deposits from the beverage industry to fund environmental programs.
The poll was commissioned by several groups in the Bottle Bill Coalition: Environmental Advocates, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York Public Interest Research Group, and Container Recycling Institute.
“I’m not really surprised by the results of the poll,” said Barbara Toborg, Conservation Coordinator for the Littoral Society’s Northeast Region based in Broad Channel. “If you talk to ordinary people, they know that the beverage container law is a good and effective measure. Expanding it will make our beaches, parks, and highways a lot cleaner.”
“During the annual International Coastal Cleanup that our organization conducts across New York State, our volunteers documented 2 to 1 odds of finding beverage containers that did not have the nickel deposit as those that had the deposit.”
“What did surprise me was the breakout of who the public thought keeps the unredeemed deposits at this time. Only 19% of New Yorkers knew that the beverage industry keeps them; 29% thought the stores that sell the beverages keep them; 23% thought the state already gets them.”
Mark Izeman, senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said, “With state and local governments facing huge funding gaps, law makers would be remiss to overlook the revenue from taking back unclaimed deposits. This poll shows there is overwhelming public support for this reform, which would generate nearly $180 million a year for environmental programs in New York.”
The full report is available on-line at:
www.eany.org
www.nypirg.org
www.container-recycling.org
www.publicpolicy.com
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For further information, contact Barbara Toborg at the American Littoral Society 718-318-9344.
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PRESS RELEASE…………………………………….………for immediate use
January 15, 2004
Broad Channel, NY
HIKE FIRE ISLAND WILDERNESS WITH AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY (ALS)
The American Littoral Society, a coastal conservation organization, is sponsoring a winter walk at the Otis Pike Wilderness Area on Fire Island led by ALS naturalist Steve Finn on Sunday, January 25. Meet at 10 AM at the Smith Point Visitor Center. If arriving by Long Island Railroad, get off at the Shirley Station. Cost is $10. You are encouraged to dress warmly, bring lunch and binoculars. For reservations, call Steve Finn evenings at (631) 821-2160 or the American Littoral Society office at (718) 318-9344.
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PRESS RELEASE…………………………………….………for immediate use
November 14, 2003
Broad Channel, NY
AMERICAN LITTORAL SOCIETY SUPPORTS NATIONAL BOTTLE BILL
The American Littoral Society (ALS), a national coastal conservation organization, joined other environmental groups, including Natural Resources Defense Council, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, and Sierra Club in signing a letter to US Senators urging them to co-sponsor the “National Beverage Producer Responsibility Act of 2003” put forth by Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords. The legislation aims to increase recycling, reduce litter, save energy, create jobs, lesson our dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve natural resources.
The legislation sets a performance standard that the beverage industry must meet (to recover 80% of used, empty beverage containers for recycling or reuse), but allows the industry the freedom to design the most efficient deposit-return program to reach that standard.
For over thirty years, bottle bills have been extremely effective in promoting recycling. In the 10 states with deposit laws, more containers have been recycled than in the other 40 states put together.
The Northeast Chapter of ALS has been involved in New York’s fight for a Bigger Better Bottle Bill that would extend the deposit to non-carbonated beverages. It has used the Annual International Coastal Cleanup which it coordinates in New York State to obtain statistics on beverage containers found on our beaches. Volunteers at 67 beach cleanup sites documented that 62% of the 16,915 containers found had no deposit. This finding mirrors results of riverside cleanups conducted by Scenic Hudson.
ALS is pleased that Senator Jeffords is taking the lead on bringing the discussion on bottle bills to the national level. “In many states, environmental groups are working to establish bottle bill legislation or improve upon exiting laws,” said Barbara Toborg of the American Littoral Society. “A workable national bill would be the best possible scenario.”
For more information on the bottle bill issue, contact Barbara Toborg of the American Littoral Society at (718) 318-9344.
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PRESS RELEASE…………………………………………………..for immediate use
October 1, 2003
Broad Channel, NY
CLEAN SWEEP PROGRAM FOR JAMAICA BAY CONTINUES
The Jamaica Bay Clean Sweep Program, in its fourth year, has been busy removing over 30 abandoned boats and other large debris from the shores of Jamaica Bay. This cooperative program is a valuable offshoot of the annual participation of Gateway National Recreation Area in the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated in New York by the American Littoral Society. The Broad Channel Eco Watchers and the American Littoral Society are working with a variety of agencies in the effort, including the National Park Service, the Port Authority of NY/NJ, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, US Park Police Marine Unit, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation Marine Unit, NYC Department of Sanitation, and US Environmental Protection Agency.
The Eco Watchers and the American Littoral Society were recently awarded a $5000 grant from the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program (US Environmental Protection Agency) to facilitate their participation in the program.
The program is credited with eliminating several problems posed by abandoned boats, such as impediments to growth of marsh vegetation, sources of petroleum pollution, and mosquito breeding grounds. The long term commitment is to clean the shoreline of Jamaica Bay. Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Guardian, and Dan Mundy, president of Eco Watchers, are pleased that the Clean Sweep Program has brought together community activists and governmental agencies at the city, state, and federal level in a collaborative effort that will enhance the health of Jamaica Bay.
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PRESS RELEASE…………………………………………….for immediate use
September 28, 2003
Broad Channel, NY.
NATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY CELEBRATED ON JAMAICA BAY
In celebration of National Estuaries Day, the American Littoral Society and Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers conducted the Jamaica Bay Sunset Ecology Cruise this date and have another scheduled for October 4 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
This special tour of the marshes and backwaters of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge aboard the 96-foot vessel Dorothy B VIII educated those aboard about the history, ecology and wildlife of this 9,000 acre preserve. The narrative provided by Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Guardian, Dan Mundy, Founder of EcoWatchers, and Mickey Cohen, Senior Naturalist of the American Littoral Society, emphasized the issues that have arisen over the disappearance of salt marsh in Jamaica Bay.
Attending were elected officials, representatives from a variety of government agencies and environmental organizations, as well as the general public.
This event is funded in part by a grant from the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program.
For further information, contact Don Riepe at (718) 634-6467 or Dan Mundy at (718) 634-5032.
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PRESS RELEASE………………………………………………………for immediate use
September 22, 2003
Broad Channel, NY.
VOLUNTEERS DOCUMENT “APRES ISABEL” BEACH SCENE
Thousands of New Yorkers traveled to a beach this past Saturday, September 20, removing and recording marine debris left in the wake of Tropical Storm Isabel. The Annual New York State Beach Cleanup, coordinated by the American Littoral Society as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, enjoyed perfect weather and the turnout was impressive. The cleanup was scheduled for over 300 beaches, from Montauk at the tip of Long Island, along the Atlantic, Long Island Sound, the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary, the Hudson River to the Great Lakes.
Beach cleanups were scheduled for all five boroughs of New York City and in 23 other counties across the state. When final reports are in, Beach Cleanup Coordinator Barbara Cohen predicts over 10,000 New Yorkers will have demonstrated their commitment to reducing pollution of our beaches and waterways. (At the 2002 New York State Beach Cleanup, 10,740 volunteers cleared 377 miles of shoreline of 282,091 pounds of debris at 292 sites!)
The International Coastal cleanup is unique in that the debris is recorded on detailed data cards. The information is tallied, analyzed, and tracked year to year. The information is used to influence public policy on waste management, prompt legislation, and raise the consciousness of the public about the effects of marine pollution and how they can “make a difference.”
While no one has yet reported finding the side of a house, as one group of beach cleanup volunteers did during the 1995 cleanup at Robert Moses State Park on Long Island, volunteers did find plenty of cigarette butts, plastic pieces, straws, balloons, beverage containers, tires, and abandoned boats. At the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a part of Gateway National Recreation Area, over 100 volunteers, including scouts and students, documented the debris found around the West Pond and at the North Channel Bridge. They kept beverage containers in separate bags in order to document which containers had the nickel deposit and which did not. Not surprisingly, 494 containers for bottled water, juice and sports drinks far outnumbered the 193 containers found with the deposit. The American Littoral Society is a member of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill Coalition that is attempting to add non-carbonated beverages to the state’s Container Recycling Law.
A valuable offshoot of the annual beach cleanup in the New York City area is the Jamaica Bay Clean Sweep program in which abandoned boats that litter the shores and marshes are removed. Large debris such as boats and docks impede growth of marsh grass, a contributing factor in the degradation of Jamaica Bay currently being studied by various agencies. The Clean Sweep program is a cooperative effort of Gateway National Recreation Area, the American Littoral Society, the Broad Channel EcoWatchers, Gateway National Recreation Area, Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, US Park Police Marine Unit, US Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Department of Sanitation and NYC Harbor Police. Dan Mundy of the EcoWatchers recently reported removing 7 abandoned boats weighing approximately 23,000 pounds. The Port Authority has also been busy removing over 32 boats around the bay.
Visit the American Littoral Society website www.alsnyc.org where beach cleanup results throughout New York State will be posted and to learn about Society natural history field trips.
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Press Release…………………………………………………………..for immediate use
August 31, 2003
Broad Channel, NY
LIFE'S A BEACH!
Please help us attract volunteers for the Annual New York State Beach Cleanup by publicizing this upcoming event. The beach cleanup is coordinated in New York by the American Littoral Society and is part of the International Coastal Cleanup of The Ocean Conservancy.
When: September 20, 2003
Where: At over 300 beaches statewide. For the most up-to-date listing, visit our website www.alsnyc.org/cleanup.htm
Who: Thousands of volunteers from local environmental groups, students, scouts, dive clubs, civic organizations, corporations, government agencies, and the general public.
In 2002, over 10,000 New Yorkers came together to do something constructive for the environment, removing and documenting over 280,000 pounds of debris.
Why: To compile data to devise strategies to combat pollution
To increase public participation in solving the problems of pollution
To increase public appreciation of the coastal environment
Volunteers: Call Beach Cleanup Hotline 1-800-449-0790 or visit www.alsnyc.org/cleanup.htm
Support for the coordination of the beach cleanup has been received from:
ADP Foundation
Bank of America Foundation
Consolidated Edison
Independence Community Foundation
KeySpan Foundation
Lucius N. Littauer Foundation
Long Island Sound Study/US Environmental Protection Agency
JP Morgan Chase Foundation
National Park Service
NYC Department of Environmental Protection
NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program/USEPA
NY State Department of Environmental Conservation
NY State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
The Ocean Conservancy
Philip Morris USA
Port Authority of NY/NJ
Project AWARE Foundation
Sounds Conservancy/Quebec-Labrador Foundation
South Shore Estuary Reserve Council/NY State Department of State
Sweet’n Low
For further information, contact Barbara Cohen, Beach Cleanup Coordinator
718-471-2166, alsbeach@aol.com