Protecting Our Natural Heritage and Empowering Communities

Plastic bags kill. That sounds like a drastic statement, but it's true--when plastic bags get loose in our communities, they strangle wildlife, are ingested by fish and other animals, and break down into microplastics that pollute waterways and food sources, causing illness and death. These bags are made from petrochemicals--oil and oil derivatives, which are produced using highly polluting drilling and chemical processes. Call New York State Assembly Speaker Heastie today at 518-455-3791 and tell him you support a plastic bag ban with a disposable bag fee.

Almost a third of the food we eat every day relies on pollinators, mostly bees, but also birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, moths, and flies. Bees and other pollinators are vital to stable and plentiful food supplies, a healthy environment, and a strong economy.

But populations of New York State honeybees and other pollinators are crashing at an alarming rate. The causes include the use of harmful pesticides and fungicides, the spread of viral pathogens and parasitic mites in beehives, loss of habitat, and the effects of climate change. If we don’t act right now to address this collapse, it will soon be too late. 

Read on to learn more about the problem and how Mountainkeeper is helping.

February 5, 2019

In “Prepare for winter weather challenges,” Jan. 29, Michael Randall discussed frozen pipes and suggested adding insulation and leaving a tap open. I’d like to highlight the importance of improving building envelopes, which will not only keep pipes from freezing, but increase your home’s energy efficiency and decrease your energy bills.