New York

New Live/Raw Cafe in Huntington, NY!

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The world is changing for the good…I never thought I’d see the day that a raw/live food cafe would open, not only on Long Island, but in my hometown!! Much appreciation and praise go to Okima Wilcox, owner of the new Live Island Cafe, for manifesting this wonderful place where we can now eat fabulous vegan food. I’ve tried several items and especially loved the “cheese,” nori rolls, and pies all made from healthy ingredients, with natural enzymes- and potent flavor- intact. Word is spreading, and Okima says the fresh food made daily often runs out long before closing time, so get there early! Viva the Live Island Cafe!

Location: 201C East Main St, Huntington, NY.

For more info see www.liveislandcafe.com.

“What’s On Your Plate” Book Signing & DVD Release

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Beth, Sadie & Safiyah

This week I got to meet the makers of one of my favorite movies– “What’s On Your Plate?” — at their book signing and DVD release! This beautiful film was made by Catherine Gund, and featured her daughter Sadie and Sadie’s friend Safiyah. The film follows the two lovely young ladies as they learn about where their food comes from, and as they become active about the need for more fresh food and farmers markets to be available in all neighborhoods of New York City. They were so brave to go out and interview many people for the film, even Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough president, who helped coordinate a book featuring healthy recipes by Harlem chefs. Now Ms. Gund and the girls  have a book out also called What’s On Your Plate, with activities for kids. It was a privilege to meet these inspiring people, especially Sadie and Safiyah who are so mature and accomplished for their age, as well as the Angel family farmers who were also featured in the film. I hope they keep up their great work. See: www.whatsonyourplateproject.org.

The girls and film-maker/author Catherine Gund

Met Gov. Paterson at solar carport event!

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Congratulations to Suffolk County, NY and LIPA as they launch their partnership for 7 carports made of solar panels. Today was the groundbreaking for the first one, located at the Brentwood train station. A win for the environment and local jobs– good stuff. Attended by County Executive Steve Levy, former CEO of LIPA Kevin Law, Town Supervisor Nolan, Assemblyman Ramos, Legislator Vivian Fisher, the LIRR, Gordian Raacke of Renewable Energy LI and Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. The best part: NY State Governor Paterson was there, and I got to speak to him afterwards! He grew up near Molloy College. :  )

A good day for Long Island….

 

Beth Fiteni & Gov Paterson

 

Gov. Paterson at Solar carport groundbreaking, Brentwood, NY

Smart Growth Summit Nov. 19, 2010

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Nine hundred people attended Vision Long Island’s annual Smart Growth Summit at the Melville Marriot this year — its largest yet. The conference is an educational one, made up of numerous workshops to discuss the latest in public transportation efforts, the new smart growth policy adopted by NY State, green buildings and neighborhoods, affordable housing for young people, and more. Many elected officials took part in the event. It was encouraging to see how the momentum has grown over the past few years to include more and more people who are  incorporating smart growth concepts into our local planning so LI can stop being an area of endless sprawl.  See www.visionlongisland.org.

Beth Fiteni at 2010 Smart Growth Summit

BCERP – Breast Cancer & The Environment Research Program Nov. 16-18, 2010

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A project of the National Institute of Environment al Health Sciences (NIEHS), BCERP held its annual conference in NYC this year (it rotates around the country). It brought together breast cancer advocates, students, scientists, and Judith Enck of the US EPA to discuss the latest research on such chemicals as PDBEs (Flame retardants), BPA (bisphenol A), and high fat diets in relation to breast cancer. Top scientists from around the country, who are funded by NIEHS, reported their recent findings. Not surprisingly, chemical exposures especially during infancy and puberty, and high fat diets were in most cases indeed found to increase breast cancer risk. They are also increasingly finding breast development in girls earlier than normal. Interestingly, consumption of healthy unprocessed soy foods was found to reduce risk.

To me, the real question now is how to get this information out to the general public so they can make healthier choices — through physicians, school lunchrooms, restaurants, etc. that influence our decision-making. We are starting to do so bit by bit…. See hbcac.org and ribbet.org.

Karen Miller & Samantha Graham of Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition at BCERP meeting

Barneys on Going Green Nov. 18, 2010

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The Fashion Institute of Technology hosted a workshop with Julie Gilhart, the main buyer for Barneys, an upscale fashion retailer with locations in NY and cities around the world. Having been inspired by the film, An Inconvenient Truth, she wanted to help the fashion industry lessen its impacts on the planet. She spoke of their efforts to include high quality and stylish designs from global handcrafters. Barneys looks for what is sustainable, in both the materials & dyes themselves being earth-friendly, but also the conditions of the designers and workers involved . Her slide show talked about several bag and clothing lines made by designers and women’s co-ops in Africa, an Earth Day project where customers brought back used jeans in exchange for a discounted new pair, and the concept of “upcycling” of fabrics. For example, a nephew of Ralph Lauren is making jackets out of army bags. She predicts a trend that in the next few years we will see customers demanding much more accountability and interest in knowing where & how our clothing is made.

Julie Gilhart at Fashion Institute of Technology