My fiance and I just purchased our first home and we are very excited! After the first burst of energy painting, primping and polishing our nest, we are now refocusing on making some energy improvements that will help us save through the fall and winter months.

Have Your Furnace Inspected by a Professional
The first stop on our energy saving journey was to have our oil burning furnace inspected and tuned up by a professional. After three hours, he had cleaned the entire inside of the unit, replaced the vent damper on the flue, and increased the efficiency of our "antique" boiler by about 10 percent! We'll still be looking into replacing the unit with a newer, more energy efficient one in the next few years, but we were able to increase the performance of the older unit with proper care and maintenance. Contact your local heating professional to schedule maintenance on your furnace and increase efficiency.

Recycle The Hot Air From Your Electric Dryer
If the waste air from your electric dryer is being directed to the great outdoors, it is just being wasted. Consider recycling the air by installing a dryer heat-recycling device (about $8) that allows the hot air from your dryer to be pumped back into your home. The only downside to this is that the air will be moist and could cause condensation build-up in areas that are not well ventilated. A dehumidifier can solve this issue and you'll be enjoying a warmer basement/garage in no time. NOTE: DO NOT USE THIS VENTING SYSTEM IF YOU HAVE A GAS DRYER, AS THE REDIRECTED AIR COULD BE DANGEROUS INSIDE THE HOME.

Change Your Light Bulbs
While it sounds simple, changing your light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent can save you a lot of money over time. We changed all the bulbs in our house on October 6th (the Long Island Power Authority's "Change A Light Day"). ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last 6-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Plus, the Long Island Power Authority is offering rebates through the end of November -- you could save 50 cents off eligible ENERGY STAR qualified bare spiral CFL bulbs at participating retail stores. Other rebates are available through the end of the year (see lipower.org).

Kate Schertel

With the cold weather creeping in, it may be tough for you to imagine shifting gears from your bathing suit into a bomber jacket, but think positive. There are so many beautiful places to enjoy on the East End and many become even more beautiful from fall into winter. So, bundle up and get out there!

One of my newly discovered favorite places to hike on the East End is Inlet Pond County Park in Greenport. The park boasts over 50 acres of preserved land bordering Long Island Sound and 1.6 miles of hiking trails that allow you to stop and observe wildlife. I visited there on Saturday, September 11th and walked the blue trail through the woods, to an observation deck above the pond. Along the way, my friend and I spotted a Common Gartner Snake basking in the sun along the trail. Never fear, there are no poisonous snakes native to Long Island.

More...

Two weeks ago I had a numbing experience as I participated in a beach cleanup at Goldsmith Inlet.  It resulted in the realization that I need to reduce my use of plastics – no if, ands or buts.  A few purchasing changes I made immediately:  biodegradable toothbrushes, biodegradable disposable silverware and the swearing off of disposable plastic bags!

Even for the environmentally conscious readers, there are still lessons to be learned and habits changed by participating in a beach cleanup and really examining what you pick up.

I picked up enough plastic utensils to host a dozen cookouts.  Cigarette lighters, hair combs and plastic bottle caps were found in droves.  You could fill a dentist’s office with a year’s supply of toothbrushes that were scattered around the outskirts of the inlet. 

More...

LOCAL GROUPS TEAM UP TO SAVE GOLDSMITH INLET

Volunteers Participate in the Ocean Conservancy’s Coastal Cleanup,
Gathering Data About Oceans and Shoreline Debris Worldwide

August 23, 2010, Southold, NY – On Saturday, August 21^st, Group for the East End and the Group to Save Goldsmith Inlet (GSGI) recruited nearly 50 volunteers to clean up the shores of Long Island Sound and Goldsmith Inlet, near the end of Mill Road in Southold. These dedicated folks were able to collect an amazing 4,360 lbs. of marine debris (enough to fill a 20-yard dumpster donated by Mattituck Sanitation) that was once littering the shoreline.

The event was part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day (scheduled for September 25^th this year). During and surrounding this event each year, participants collect marine debris and data about the items found so the Ocean Conservancy can include the information in their annual global report. “By understanding what’s out there, we can work together on solutions.” For information about the International Coastal Cleanup Day, visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org.

An environmental advocate at Group for the East End (http://www.eastendenvironment.org), Jenn Hartnagel was inspired to participate in 2009 at Rocky Point beach in East Marion – 60 lbs. of marine debris were collected, including an astonishing 196 bottle caps along less than a half mile stretch of the beach. This year, Jenn contacted the GSGI in an effort to help with their ongoing restoration of Goldsmith Inlet. “Beach debris is a serious problem for many coastal locations, but Goldsmith Inlet especially, due to its location and tidal activity. Every bit of effort helps,” she said.   

Long term, the GSGI (http://goldsmithinlet.org/) hopes to restore tidal flow and remove sand that fills the Inlet, implement ecological best practices for adjacent property owners, mitigate storm water runoff, and remove invasive plants to restore native habitat. “The cleanup is just the tip of the ice burg for bringing Goldsmith Inlet back into pristine condition,” said Lillian Ball, a member of the GSGI. “Whether you attended Saturday’s cleanup or not, you can help in the ongoing effort to save Goldsmith Inlet!”

To get involved with the Group to Save Goldsmith Inlet, or sign up to participate in future cleanup projects, contact Hugh Switzer at hugh@switzers.com or visit http://goldsmithinlet.org.

The Southampton Town Planning Board is about to approve a 48-acre development that will transform one of Bridgehampton’s last woodlands into a 37-lot residential subdivision, known as Vintage Vines.

The new 37 lots will generate thousands more vehicle trips, add acres of new pavement, and introduce millions of gallons of household sewage and wastewater into our local groundwater system. Additional lighting will threaten the natural beauty of our night sky (also affecting nocturnal wildlife species) and carve up what remains of Bridgehampton’s rural heritage. With so little left, we must take a stand today for preservation.

Preservation Is A Priority
The Town of Southampton already considers the Vintage Vines parcel to be ecologically significant, and has listed the parcel on Southampton Town’s Community Preservation List of Priority Parcels.  Importantly, the Town has raised over $20 million in Community Preservation Fund revenue in just the first 7 months of this year, so funding for this project should be available.


WHAT YOU CAN DO
Southampton Town Planning Board is holding a public hearing on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. to consider public comments on the environmental impacts of this proposal. The Planning Board has no authority when it comes to preservation decisions, therefore it is critical that every concerned citizen contact the Southampton Town Board and tell them to preserve the Vintage Vines parcel.

Please write to Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst & Members of the Town Board and express your support for the preservation of the Vintage Vines subdivision parcel.  Please copy and paste the language below into an e-mail or letter and mail it to the Board as soon as possible.

More...

Inflate your tires to the proper pressure!  You’ll save gas, money and the air just like I did last week.

As a proud owner of a 2007 Prius (I will never own a non-hybrid car again… that’s soooo the 2000s)  I am constantly aware of my gas mileage and genuinely get upset when the car does not meet the 50 miles per gallon mark.

For the first several years of ownership I cruised along at 50, 51, 52 even hitting 53 miles per gallon.  Lately my mileage slipped to a pathetic 47 to 48 miles per gallon.  Upset by this, I began to investigate what might be bringing it down.  Checked out a bunch of tips found here (http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml) and decided to check my tire pressure.   Shame on me  - my front tires were really low.

So, before I embarked on my annual family vacation up to the Adirondacks, I stopped at the gas station and filled them up.

Wouldn’t you know – my mileage increased back up to the respectable 51. 2 miles per gallon all the way up to the mountains.  Check your tire pressure to increase gas mileage, save money and prevent further air pollution!

Jenn Hartnagel

My excursion to Great Gull Island started on a beautiful sunny day.  Three guests were heading out to do volunteer work relating to Roseate and Common Tern chicks.  As we approached the island the high pitch "chi chi chi" of thousands of terns slowly set in. Great Gull Island is home to the largest North American population of the federally endangered Roseate Tern (1,375 breeding pairs), and the single largest population of Common Terns in the world (9,400 breeding pairs).
 
Upon arrival, we carried our food rations off the boat and headed for the living quarters. The Island was originally a fort, built to protect Long Island and New York City during the Spanish American War. It didn’t take long to realize that this 17-acre island is now completely dominated by the terns -- humans are only pests that visit the island.  Anywhere you go on Great Gull Island, in the spring or summer, you will be dive-bombed by overprotective parents, and you'll probably get pooped on. Everyone on the island wears flower hats with a wide brim to stop the poop from hitting your face!

More...

The International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) in Edmonton, Canada was an inspiring experience. There were over 1,500 attendees -- it was amazing to see that many people who dedicate their lives to conservation. 

The most motivating speech I heard at the ICCB conference was from the winner of the most notable award (Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award), Dr. David Schindler. This man implemented his research on eutrophication in lakes and caused the ban of phosphates in laundry detergents.  The core of what he was saying is something that I have felt very strongly about through my college career --  “Scientists have to be advocates.” He said if the people who are most interested in the natural world (biologists and other scientists) do not fight for conservation, then who will? 

There are far too many scientific studies stored somewhere, waiting for action. “At the rate our ecosystems are being devoured, there is little hope for biodiversity conservation.”  Enough waiting. All scientists need to put their knowledge into action if they want the natural wonders they are studying to be around for their grandchildren. 

The key is in “the transformation of good science into policy.”  This comes from a man who has saved vast quantities of marine life, through his push to ban phosphates in detergents. I will die a happy man when I have such a positive impact on our evolutionary brothers and sisters.

Paul Stoutenburgh

Heather Lanza, the planning director of Southold Town, gave an update on Tuesday, June 29th about “The Future Zoning of Plum Island”.  Heather explained that the GSA (General Services Administration) is asking Southold Town what the zoning of the island will be.

Town Supervisor Scott Russell said he would like to “leave the rest of the island intact as a preserve.” The town board members agreed that the undeveloped portion of the island should be preserved as parks and conservation zoning.  This would mean that future development would be limited to the area that is already developed. 

On top of this, the town wants the development to be in the form of a research facility of some sort, either a continuation of the Animal Research Lab or something new like an alternative energy lab.  Al Krupski suggested writing to Washington to advise them to use the island for energy research. 

As long as Southold Town follows through and puts conservation zoning on the island, then the future of Plum Island will be bright and full of life -- wildlife!

Paul Stoutenburgh