Search Results

Become a Sponsor MAKE MORE POSSIBLE The Federated Conservationists of Westchester County value the investment our partners and sponsors contribute to the organization. Sponsorships of all amounts are mutually beneficial as we make efforts to ensure the larger audience is aware of our collaborations. We invite you to join our mission by becoming a financial investor and proud advocate of the environment. Our Sponsors 1 Redwood min $5,000 and 2 years of relationship Official Grand Sponsor(s) and underwriter of Fundraiser Two-year FCWC membership A company representative can give a special welcome message during event speeches. Four paid tickets to annual fundraisers. Recognition in the upcoming issue of our digital e-newsletter with a broad readership of environmentally concerned Westchester residents, businesses, and policymakers. Permission to use the FCWC logo in company advertising associated with the event. Your company is mentioned in all media communications. Your company logo on our T-Shirt if paid for by October 1st. 2 Evergreen min $2,500 and 2 years of relationship Your company is mentioned in all media communications, and your logo will be displayed on our website. Two paid tickets to annual fundraisers. Permission to use the FCWC logo in company advertising associated with the event. Recognition and acknowledgment at the event. One year FCWC membership Your company logo on our T-Shirt if paid for by October 1st. 3 Dogwood min 1,000 and 2 years of relationship We will display your logo on our website. One paid ticket to the annual fundraiser. Permission to use the FCWC logo in company advertising associated with the event. Recognition and acknowledgment at events and on social media. One year FCWC membership Your company logo on our T-Shirt if paid for by October 1st. 4 Maple min $500 and 2 year relationship We will display your logo on our website. Permission to use FCWC logo in company advertising Acknowledgment at events and on social media. Your company logo on our T-shirt if paid for by October 1st. Let's Work Together Would you like to learn more about why your company should invest in the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County? Join me for coffee, and let's chat!

Green Resources Let FCWC help you stay up to date with current job opportunities, green home tips and tricks, and our bi-monthly newsletter. Green Jobs & Volunteer Opportunities Green Home Solutions E-Newsletter & Blog CURE100 Carbon Tracker

Contact FCWC Welcome to our page! Feel free to send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 78 North Broadway Gerber Glass Library, Room 108 White Plains, NY 10603 Phone 914-422-4053 (M-W 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM) Email fcwc@fcwc.org First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Youtube

FCWC Staff Members Managing Director Jane Curtis Jane brings a variety of Westchester based experience in environmental advocacy, network and coalition building, civic engagement, local land use policy, government affairs, and organizational development, to strengthen FCWC for the critical work ahead in adapting to climate change and pursuing environmental justice. Board of Directors Federated Conservationists of Westchester County board members come from various environmental backgrounds. We are always looking for additional board members! ​ Anyone interested in joining the FCWC Board of Directors should send a cover letter and resume to Tracy Stora (tracy@fcwc.org ). ​ If you have a specific question about a certain area of environmental work, please call the office at (914) 422-4053 or email fcwc@fcwc.org President: Carol Durst-Wertheim Co-Vice President: Carole Griffiths Co-Vice President: Stephen Levy Treasurer: John Cotter Secretary: Alicia Molloy Jan Blaire Robert Carroll Carolyn Cunningham Jessica Kaplan Jason Klein Joan Kuhn Chuck Lesnick Rand Manasse Larry O'Connell Anjali Sauthoff Nortrud Spero Colleen Ward ​ CLICK HERE TO READ BOARD MEMBER BIOS

FCWC is a member of the Coalition to Prevent Westchester Airport Expansion. The coalition strives to ensure no expansion at the airport and works with Westchester County legislators and the county government to alleviate the noise and pollution impacts of the airport. Coalition to Prevent Airport Expansion Mission Statement: The coalition exists to protect the Kensico Reservoir and Blindbrook watersheds, our quality of life, and the welfare of Westchester County and the surrounding regions. Read the full Vision Statement Here FCWC Position on Airport Expansion FCWC is committed to preserving and protecting the natural resources of Westchester County. We have constantly advocated keeping the airport appropriately sized for a residential county. We must protect our drinking water and air quality and reduce gas emissions. Read our full statements below: July 2017 June 2022 How can you help prevent airport expansion? Become an advocate by contacting your legislator, signing petitions, attending meetings, or financially supporting the coalition. Click the button below to learn how you can help their cause. Take Action

< Back Protect the Hudson from Radioactive Waste! Holtec International, who received $2.4 B dollars of New York ratepayer funds, should not be allowed to dump one million gallons of tritiated water into the Hudson River. Educate yourself and sign the petition. Educate yourself! Hear from the experts about Critical Public Health and Safety Impacts of Indian Point Decommissioning : Click here for First Forum (1/26/23) Click here for Forum 2.0 (2/16/23) Read this excellent local and regional coverage: Gothamist Highlands Current article Sign this Petition Posted on Change.org Bring forward a Municipal Resolution to your elected officials Here is a suggested Municipal Resolution, a Cover letter, along with "Talking Points for Meetings with Elected Officials." Also, a reference that explains the impact of tritium on the human body when ingested. Sample Cover letter Municipal Resolution Talking Points for Meetings with Elected Officials Refer them to Arjun Makhijani, Ph.D.'s "Exploring Tritium Dangers: Health and Eco-system Risks of Internally Incorporated Radionuclides" Thank you for taking these steps to protect the Hudson! Previous Next

Green Lifestyle Common Questions: I'm thinking about incorporating renewable energy sources in my home. Where do I begin? How do I reduce my home's carbon footprint? I'm going to be renovating my home. What should I do about all of the construction waste? What is Sustainable Investing and how can I get started? Carbon Footprint 1 I'm thinking about incorporating renewable energy sources in my home. Where do I begin? ​Bankrate Article for Eco-friendly Homes As homeowners have become more aware of environmental concerns, many have opted for eco-friendly home improvements. Experts highlight conscious steps that homeowners can take during the remodeling process to become more environmentally friendly on a budget while adding value to their homes and making a positive impact on the world's energy consumption. ​ SOLAR POWER GUIDE The Solar Power Guide is a bank of resources put together by Bob Robertson that is full of important information and links to help you start your solar journey and to help continue the process along the way. ​ Let's Go Solar Let's Go Solar provides how-to checklists, easy-to-follow financing explanations, expert tips, and state-specific solar scenarios. ​ Solar Energy Guide Consumer Affairs has created a solar energy guide that will allow you to compare solar installers, read reviews of installers, and learn more about the costs, savings, and options when it comes to installing solar on your home or business. ​ Home Solar Panels; Pros, Cons, and Hidden Costs Sponsored by Expertise.com, based out of Seattle, this article goes into the many questions about home solar installation. Read for a straight-forward introduction of the basics of solar for your home. ​ Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Energy DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. ​ American Solar Energy Society Founded in 1954, ASES is dedicated to inspiring an era of energy innovation and speeding the transition toward a sustainable energy economy. ASES is involved in many endeavors that promote solar and renewable technologies. Find a Solar Professional Solar energy resources, calculator, and blog Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) is The Voice of the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry in the United States. As a non-profit trade association, we promote the manufacture, design and installation of GeoExchange® systems—the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling technology in the world. International Ground Source Heat Pump Association The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is a non-profit, member-driven organization established in 1987 to advance ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology on local, state, national and international levels. 2 How do I reduce my home's carbon footprint? EPA's Household Carbon Footprint Calculator You can use the following online calculator to get a rough “ballpark” estimate of your personal or family’s greenhouse gas emissions and explore the impact of taking various actions to reduce your emissions. Do-It-Yourself Energy Audit Tool Home Energy Saver Bedford 2020: Energize Bedford The Energize program was introduced in 2011 with the mission of connecting homeowners in specially selected Westchester communities with available State incentives to assess home energy efficiency and, where indicated, to perform home energy improvements. Bedford was the first such Town to pilot an Energize program, and the success has been staggering. Architecture 2030 Architecture 2030, a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization, was established in response to the climate change crisis by architect Edward Mazria in 2002. 2030’s mission is to rapidly transform the built environment from the major contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a central part of the solution to the climate and energy crises. Home Performance with Energy Star ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Rise of Eco-Friendly Building Practices Going green is a lifestyle change that requires you to incorporate sustainable products and practices into your daily routine. When it comes to buying patio furniture , many people who wish to establish an eco-friendly design prefer companies that use green construction methods. 3 I'm going to be renovating my home. What should I do about all of the construction waste? Freecycle A grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Green Demolitions Green Demolitions is North America’s premier luxury recycler for kitchens, high-end renovation items, showroom displays, and new-in-box overstocks. How2Recycle How2Recycle Label is a voluntary, standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. This organization also provides clear information on local recycling programs. Click here to find local recycling locations. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4 What is Sustainable Investing and how can I get started? The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Investing The Carbon Collective believes that the only solution to the climate crisis is divesting from fossil fuels and holding industries that rely on them accountable. Learn how to use your investments for climate action. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Anchor 1 Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Renewable Energy Incorporating renewable energy sources into your home is a positive move sustainably and financially. By investing in renewable energy sources, you will decrease your dependence on unreliable fuel. When deciding what type of renewable you would like to include in your home, you need to begin with the question: what do you want to achieve? From there you can narrow your options. Here are a series of links aimed at helping you answer this question. Most of our daily activities cause emissions of greenhouse gases, especially those centered around the household. If jumping into renewables is too big of a leap at the moment, look into reducing your carbon footprint through other measures. Doing an energy audit on your home could highlight areas of your home that are weak spots. Construction Waste Home renovation can be a very wasteful process, and is something to be cautious of when making home upgrades. Here are a series of links that can help make this process a little greener. Sustainable Investing Sustainable Investing and Green Investing are on the rise. How can you make sure that your investments align with your values for a more sustainable future? Check out these great articles!

Upcoming Events Register Now March 1st, 2024 February 25th, 2024 Register Now Past Events June 22, 2023 Register Now June 11, 2023 Register Now May 18, 2023 Register Now April 24, 2023 Register Today! March 22, 2023 Register Now March 16, 2023 Register Now January 22, 2023 Register Now October 13th, 2022 Register Now October 26th, 2022 Register Now

Where to Take Action in Your Community Would you like your initiatives on our page? Contact us! Preserve Buttonhook Forest These 20.3 acres are part of a rare 100-acre “carbon sink” that's helping to fight climate change. ​ ​If the subdivision is approved 676 trees would be clearcut and bedrock blasted, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, noise, air, and water pollution. Read More Protect the Hudson from Radioactive Waste! Holtec International, who received $2.4 B dollars of New York ratepayer funds, should not be allowed to dump one million gallons of tritiated water into the Hudson River. Educate yourself and sign the petition. Read More Public Hearing Single-Use Foodware Fact Sheet There will be an opportunity for public comment on March 6th at 7 PM. Learn about the proposed Single-use Foodware law and get informed using the fact sheet attached. Read More Save Pocantico Lake - Signatures Needed! Pocantico Lake and its adjoining county park have served as a place of respite for Westchester residents and for wildlife for over three decades. But now, it is all at risk. Read here about our grassroots effort to oppose environmentally destructive development and protect this irreplaceable natural resource for generations to come. Read More Sunrise Movement Westchester: Youth Climate Action Demands For far too long, Westchester municipalities have made proclamations of climate progress without actually setting real deadlines for themselves. Westchester's young people demand a change. Read More Urge Westchester County to Develop a Zero Waste Plan The City of Peekskill, the host community, is an Environmental Justice community that has been severely and disproportionately impacted. For decades, Peekskill has been ground zero for the continuous hazardous air emissions and a legacy of pollution from this facility that is our county’s largest industrial air pollutant. Read More

< Back Backyard Wilderness: A film discussion Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated director/producers Susan Todd and Andrew Young will discuss their first 3D Giant Screen/IMAX film, Backyard Wilderness which was filmed in the Eastern Forest of the U.S. The film swept the 2018 GSCA Achievement Awards, including Best Film/short subject, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects and Best Lifelong Learning. Susan Todd will show some "making of'' sequences which provide a glimpse of what it is like to work with animals and birds. IN PERSON EVENT Power in Numbers ​ Programs ​ Locations ​ Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Urge Westchester County to Develop a Zero Waste Plan The City of Peekskill, the host community, is an Environmental Justice community that has been severely and disproportionately impacted. For decades, Peekskill has been ground zero for the continuous hazardous air emissions and a legacy of pollution from this facility that is our county’s largest industrial air pollutant. Organization Sign On: docs.google.com Request to Hire Zero Waste Consultant for Comprehensive Westchester County Zero Waste Plan Dear County Executive Latimer and Chairperson Pierce, We, the undersigned organizations from across Westchester County, join with Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (WASS) in requesting that Westchester County retain certified Zero Waste consultants to prepare comprehensive protocols and implementation plans to work toward robust Zero Waste goals as part of the critical transition away from trash incineration and in concert with steps for the closure of the Wheelabrator Westchester trash incinerator, the County’s end-of-cycle waste management disposal system. The City of Peekskill, the host community, is an Environmental Justice community that has been severely and disproportionately impacted. For decades, Peekskill has been ground zero for the continuous hazardous air emissions and a legacy of pollution from this facility that is our county’s largest industrial air pollutant. Westchester County needs to be prepared for the abrupt closure of the aging Wheelabrator Westchester trash incinerator. The incinerator is now 38 years old, one of the oldest in the nation. The average age of the 48 trash incinerators that have closed since 2000 was just 24. Rarely do incinerators make it past the age of 40. Privately-operated, but publicly-owned incinerators also tend not to be well maintained, as private companies like Covanta and Wheelabrator invest more in the plants they own, while deferring maintenance on publicly-owned facilities until things break down, becoming a capital expense to be covered by the county. It’s not unusual for older incinerators to close or break down, before their waste contracts expire. Wheelabrator’s 35-year old Portsmouth, Virginia incinerator is scheduled to close in January 2024, years before its waste contracts expire, simply because the plant will no longer be economically viable. Abrupt, unexpected closures of incinerators are not unusual. The Detroit incinerator closed for good with no notice in 2019, requiring the city and suburban municipal customers to redirect waste on a dime. The Covanta Fairfax trash incinerator in Virginia closed for 11 months in 2017 after a huge fire caused $40 million in damage, requiring the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia communities to make other plans for their waste. Before the Hartford, Connecticut incinerator closed for good this past summer, both of the plant’s generators failed at the same time a few years ago, causing trash to pile up illegally as the state struggled to make other plans. Before the county’s contract with Wheelabrator expires in late 2029, there’s a good chance the facility could become unavailable, perhaps without notice. Greenhouse gas emissions from trash incineration are roughly twice that of landfilling the same waste, no matter the transportation distance involved. CO2 emissions from trash incineration are about 65% worse than burning coal. Incineration does not replace landfills, but makes them more dangerous by filling them with toxic ash. For every 100 tons of waste burned, about 30 tons of toxic ash are produced and shipped to landfills – in our case, to an ash dump in Putnam, Connecticut. Researchers are also now warning that incinerators are contributing to plumes of airborne PFAS pollution and could be spreading PFAS significant distances contaminating water and soil. European researchers are finding alarming levels of PFAS downwind of incinerators. A recent study from Vermont found a downwind plume of PFAS dispersal that extended over roughly 125 square miles from a factory source. Zero Waste is defined as “the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” A Zero Waste system is a cyclical, 21st century solution, the global choice for sustainable cities using a circular economy approach that involves redesigning our systems and resource use from product design to recovery to prevent wasteful, costly, polluting and climate damaging practices. Zero waste initiatives are flourishing worldwide with aggressive efforts to move away from incineration facilities. The Network of Zero Waste Municipalities in Europe has more than 350 active cities that are on the road to zero waste with some managing to divert more than 90% of their waste from landfills or incinerators. Villages, towns, and cities across the globe are making real progress toward the goal of zero waste. There are real cost savings through the implementation of zero waste strategies, especially those higher on the Zero Waste Hierarchy such as source reduction and reuse, but also composting of food scraps, which is a large portion of the waste stream for there is not universal curbside collection service. Diverting organic waste would save millions of dollars in tipping fees each year. In December 2021, the County Executive of suburban Montgomery County, Maryland directed his Department of Environmental Protection to prepare for closure of its county-owned incinerator within 12-18 months – three years before the end of their contract. The county has hired zero waste consultants to guide the county’s transition. Similarly, Delaware County, Pennsylvania has hired a zero waste consulting team to guide their transition away from burning the county’s trash in the nation’s largest trash incinerator, located in a small city within a suburban Philadelphia county – a textbook case of environmental racism similar to our county’s situation. Delaware County was specific in their RFP to call for a certified Zero Waste consultant to respond and to apply the internationally peer-reviewed definition of Zero Waste and the Zero Waste Hierarchy as guiding principles in their county solid waste plan. We urge you to take the actions necessary to ensure the hiring of consultants with the proper expertise in transitioning from incineration toward Zero Waste so that the county can follow the lead of other suburban counties working to gain from the jobs, health, economic, environmental and potential cost-saving benefits of such a transition. Sincerely, Municipal Governments/ Officials: Village of Ardsley Mayor Nancy Kaboolian Village of Ardsley Board of Trustees Gov't Agencies/ Organizations: Balaboste Bedford 2030 CCoHope Indivisible Cortlandt-Peekskill Anti-Racism Collaborative (CPARC) Croton100 CURE100 Energy Justice Law & Policy Center Energy Justice Network Federated Conservationists of Westchester County Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Grassroots Environmental Education Hastings-on-Hudson Zero Waste Advisory Task Force Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition Indivisible Scarsdale Indivisible Westchester New York Interfaith Power & Light New York Solar Energy Society Northern Westchester Mothers Out Front Parish House Inc Peekskill Hispanic Community Corp. Peekskill Progressives Peekskill Walks Repair Cafe Hudson Valley Resist Spectra Rye Sustainability Committee Safe Energy Rights Group Sustainable Putnam United For Clean Energy WESPAC Foundation, Inc. Previous Next