By Hugh Parkhurst
I spent almost two months without a car earlier this summer, getting around by bike, the Long Island Rail Road and rides from friends. During this time, I put around 300 miles on an old Schwinn 3-speed bicycle, gathering local census information and doing grocery shopping and other activities. I’d like to share some of my thoughts on this experience.

300 Miles on a 3 Speed Schwinn

In early spring I began working for the Census Bureau as an enumerator, going door to door to obtain information necessary to complete a comprehensive picture of America’s population. A week into the fieldwork, my car began to operate erratically. Fortunately the census work was local. Out came my trusty old 3-speed Schwinn. I adapted quickly to going door to door with the bike and in many respects, the bike proved more convenient than the car. For example, the bike took me closer to mail boxes and I was able to go by more slowly, without holding up traffic, while I looked for addresses. In addition, I also was able to park quickly and exactly where I needed to be. The weather cooperated and I completed the remaining six weeks of census work on the bike.

Buying groceries was another important task. I had a set of panniers—bags, like saddlebags, which fit on either side of a carrier rack on the rear of the bike. Using them and a small knapsack, I was able to carry a week’s necessities from my favorite grocery store, a round trip of approximately 13 miles. I could have shopped closer, but I came to enjoy the trip. Frozen vegetables doubled as “ice” to help keep meat cool. Fruits and vegetables were strongly preferred over snack food. The snack foods contained empty calories and simply took up too much valuable space. During this period, I lost over 10 pounds, which I attribute to the increase in exercise and a healthier diet.

The bike was also used for 9 mile round trips to my allergist, running to pick up parts for the car and even a couple of scouting trips for a newer car, with most of the distance covered by the LIRR. I live in Greenlawn on the North Shore just east of Huntington and traveled as far southwest as Merrick (23 miles each way) and as far southeast as North Bellport (27 miles each way).

What happened to the car? Eventually it was fixed, without any apparent long-term damage to the engine, so the hunt for a newer car was called off.

During the time I was without the car. I saved 8 weeks worth of gas and avoided leaving a carbon footprint of over 200 pounds of CO2. It also felt good that I had reduced my petroleum consumption during the BP oil spill. I was also pleased and grateful that friends shared rides.

Riding a Bike

To me, the three most important rules for riding a bike are:
1. Know the roads on which you will be traveling and do not ride anywhere you don’t feel comfortable. For a beginner, start by considering where you can ride your bike as you walk or drive around the neighborhood.
2. Always wear a helmet.
3. Observe all motor vehicle laws, especially the requirement to drive WITH the traffic.

Lots of other good tips are available at http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/.

If you use the bike to run errands, so much the better. For a run to the local drugstore, supermarket or library, a simple knapsack can easily accommodate prescriptions, numerous books, a few odds and ends, several grocery items or even a half-gallon of milk or OJ.

For more experienced riders, a reasonable pace is 10 to 14 miles per hour, depending on the type of bike, trip distance and strength and endurance. 10 miles round trip is a reasonable distance and generally adds 10-30 minutes travel time. Scout the route first, looking for the side streets you can take and shoulders you can use on those main roads you can’t avoid. Google Maps provides a tool for planning bike routes. Another handy feature of Google Maps is that it gives both instructions and distance to the destination.

I want to weigh in to answer a simple question: is there any plausible physical mechanism by which cell phones or cell phone towers could cause cancer? The short answer is no, but to convince you of that, we need to go into a little bit of physics.

By way of introduction, I am an editor, a physicist, and an environmentalist. I am a member of Yes We Can! Long Island‘s Energy and Environment Committee. I should also note that I don’t even know anyone in the cell phone industry. I work for a scientific journal.

I am writing here today because I want the environmental movement to succeed, and because it is essential we make our policy decisions in possession of the scientific facts. There are serious problems facing our planet, and the last thing we need is for people to be able to dismiss environmentalists as being unknowledgeable. I am afraid that this cell phone debate is providing fodder for that. Please allow me to explain, and please consider the facts below with an open mind.

Cell phones use microwaves. Microwaves are a kind of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light, except less energetic. Electromagnetic radiation is made up of little packets called “photons” which are categorized by frequency. The higher the frequency, the more energetic the photons. The various types of electromagnetic radiation and their frequencies are shown in this diagram. The most energetic electromagnetic radiation is gamma rays, followed by x-rays, and then ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These are called “ionizing radiation” because their photons have enough energy to ionize atoms (kick electrons out of their orbits) and break chemical bonds. Next comes visible light, and then infrared radiation, followed by microwaves and on down to radio waves. These are called “non-ionizing radiation” because their photons don’t have enough energy to break chemical bonds. Note that the bond has to be broken in one shot, which is why there is no effect if the photons are below an energy threshold, independent of the intensity of the source (Albert Einstein discovered this threshold property in 1905).

As far as we know, in order to cause cancer, you need to break bonds in genetic material. If heat could cause cancer, heating pads, hats, and other warming devices would have far more effect than any device which does not produce noticeable body heating. Thus ionizing radiation can cause cancer, non-ionizing radiation, like microwaves, cannot. Let me say that again, microwaves can’t break chemical bonds and thus can’t cause cancer. That’s why we put on sunscreen to protect against UV radiation and not indoor light. If the sun, as bright as it is, emitted only visible light, infrared radiation and microwaves, you would not need to put on sunscreen. Light bulbs emit photons which are 1000 times more energetic than those from cell phone towers. One should certainly ban all light bulbs (including incandescent and fluorescent ones) and sit in the dark before banning cell phone towers (light bulbs are safe too–don’t ban them–I am just pointing out that cell phone towers are at least as safe as light bulbs).

Now when there is a serious concern, such as the existence of cancer, there is a tendency to want to find “the cause.” I know, I am a cancer survivor. I would love to know what caused my cancer (if it was due to a single cause). But sometimes people point to something which stands out, something which is alien, even if it could not have been the cause. I am afraid cell phone towers fall into that category.

I just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird, and so I can’t help making an analogy. In the book, a man who stands out is accused of beating (and raping) a woman. Whoever committed the crime hit the woman repeatedly with his left hand. But after it is revealed that the defendant has a crippled left arm, and thus could not possibly have committed the crime, most people’s opinions are unswayed. It is hard to give up on one’s preconceived notions.

Cell towers are alien. They are obvious targets. But they are innocent on the grounds of basic physics.

I hope proposed regulations will be considered in light of the science, and I hope that concerns about the environment are redirected to real issues, such as addressing climate change, which is the problem of our time.

-Robert Garisto, PhD

Dear Friends,

I’ve been alerted by the Nassau County Department of Health that last night’s planned ground spraying to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus will be continuing TONIGHT, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. in sections of Port Washington, Sands Point, Plandome, Plandome Manor, Plandome Heights, Manhasset, Munsey Park and Flower Hill. Additionally, aerial spraying will be occurring TONIGHT and TOMORROW NIGHT from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. throughout the entire county between Northern Boulevard and the Southern State Parkway. Based on weather conditions, this spraying may continue into next week. A map showing all areas to be sprayed can be found here.

My office has been advised that county workers and planes will be spraying low concentrations of the chemical resmethrin in order to control mosquitoes that may be carrying the West Nile virus. Resmethrin is a pesticide that can be found in other commonly used pesticide products.

These steps are being taken amid an unusually high number of mosquito pools that have recently tested positive for West Nile in Nassau County.

While the sprayings are taking place, county officials are recommending that:

Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain indoors during the spraying and for approximately 30 minutes afterwards.
Windows and doors should be kept shut, window fans turned off, and air conditioners be set to re-circulate if they are able.
Children’s toys be kept indoors.
Any direct exposure to skin, eyes or clothes be immediately rinsed off with water. Consult your healthcare provider with any additional concerns.
Garden fruits and vegetables that may be consumed within the next few days be picked and washed thoroughly.
Pets, as well as their food, water dishes and toys be kept indoors.
Fish ponds be covered.
Since the effects dissipate within a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment.

If you have any further questions, Nassau County has set up an information hotline that will be active until midnight tonight. Call 1-888-844-8657, or go to www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.

Sincerely,
Craig Johnson

Read the article on the proposal:

More Points of View on LIPA’s New South Shore Wind “Farm” Proposal

Beverly Visconti
I knew it as soon as I heard the new plan was to locate the turbines 13-17 miles south of Long Island. A hard bottom on the ocean floor is needed on which to build the structures. 13-17 miles south of Long Island is exactly where Cholera Banks is located, exactly where ASIG had planned to build the now-defunct Safe Harbor LNG Island.

Cholera Banks is the only rugged, rock hard-bottom surface area in this region of the ocean, which is mostly made up of sand and silt. And that’s why marine life has developed there so profusely.

And now, of course, the LI Commercial Fishing Association is starting its fight, as it should. We can’t agree to sacrifice the vast marine life that thrives in that area or the fishermen whose livelihoods depend on Cholera Banks, just like the Louisiana fishermen depend on the Gulf.

Wind turbines are a wonderful idea, in keeping with our need to invest in green energy sources. As much as I hate to say this, perhaps 3 miles south of Jones Beach would be the better choice. Preserving the view does not stand up as a good enough reason to oppose the plan as preserving sea life.

Phil Heckler
Yes We Can! Long Island did not support the LNG Island for several reasons, one of which was the impact on Long Island’s fishing grounds. However I do not think that individual windmills with small footprints can be compared to the Impact of the 60 acre LNG island. In fact windmills in other countries have been found to attract abundant sea life.
In addition the LNG Island offered no benefits to Long Island or the environment. That is not the case for windmills. They are a necessary step to stop climate change and help provide energy independence and green jobs. Thus I do not think we should take a knee jerk opposition this windmill project.

Neil Yeoman
For a variety of reasons, which we all know all too well, LIPA must be supported in its effort to substitute wind for fossil fuels as a source of energy for Long Island. Yes We Can! Long Island and every other responsible organization and individual, must support whatever makes the best long term technological and economic sense.
The public needs to be educated about the realities of the world; they must understand that there will never be perfect solutions to any of the world’s problems; and they must permit, indeed, encourage those responsible for Long Island’s energy future to do their imperfect best for the people they serve.
The current project is a response to the needs of the community and the successful opposition to the closer in project mounted by people who claim to have been environmentalists but were anything but.
Stopping that first wind project was an environmental tragedy, a virtual crime perpetrated against the people of Long Island and the people of the world. LIPA must do what is best, and we all must support them. That may be an expanded version of the closer in project or some combination of the two projects. We must no longer allow people and groups who are insensitive to reality and accountable to nobody to continue to interfere with what needs to be done in the best interests of the community.

More opinions from Yes We Can! Long Island activists will be posted as they are submitted.

This entry comes by popular request. A lot of people have been asking what they can do to use less oil, and reduce demand for the sticky stuff ruining beaches everywhere. Here’s my top ten, feel free to add to it in comments:

1. Carpool, cycle or use public transport to go to work.

2. Choose, when possible, products packaged without plastic and recycle or re-use containers.

3. Buy organic fruits and vegetables (fertilisers and pesticides are based on oil more often than not).

4. Buy beauty products (shampoo, soap, make-up) based on natural ingredients, not oil.

5. Choose when possible locally produced products (less transport involved).

6. Buy clothes made out of organic cotton or hemp – not from oil derivatives.

7. Use non-disposable items in picnics and summer festivals.

8. Quit bottled water.

9. Fly less.

10. Demand that your government encourage renewable energy instead of subsidizing oil.

Richard Kessel, president and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority, said the turbines, up to 400 feet high, would be so far off the coast they would be all but impossible to see from land with the naked eye. A 40-turbine project proposed off Jones Beach tanked in 2007 after opposition arose, but those proposed turbines would have been 3 1/2 to 5 miles off the coast. – Newsday

The true cost of the project is yet to be disclosed and will certainly be scrutinized as much or more than the last proposal.

Clean renewable energy reduces our dependence on foreign oil which reduces cost associated in foreign policy and war fighting. Many American and foreign lives are saved by reducing armed conflict associated with energy policy that is incompatible with other nations policies. Let’s face it, we would not be at odds with Middle Eastern cultures if we did not need their oil so desperately.

Whether or not you believe global warming is a threat, this technology is better for the environment. You don’t have to be a meteorologist to understand that the fewer pollutants we put into the atmosphere the better of as humans we are and the better off the planet is without large quantities of these contaminants. It should be noted that these contaminants which only exist in these quantities because of human production.

The last Long Island coastal wind farm project I remember had its problems with proving a worthwhile return on investment. Without being sure what comprised of the cost and funding I would be willing to bet that we have never factored in the true cost of not building renewable energy sooner and in a more ample supply. While it is not advisable to build at any cost I think that even if this project is in the red it should be built with federal aid. Federal aid could be justified because it is an investment in reducing the cost of foreign policy and war fighting as well as saving American lives lost in foreign conflicts.

This project is a clean energy project that represents the newest in emerging technologies which can be deployed in large expansive areas and produce large amounts of energy. Although wind production can produce large amounts of energy it cannot be our soul source for the obvious reasons one of which is when the wind stops blowing the turbines stop producing.

We are at the early stages of developing a comprehensive renewable energy policy using technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal, tidal and others. A good renewable energy policy will have to strike a balance between the variable applications and true cost of each technology. Only when we can achieve this balance will we re-emerge as a new world energy leader in control of our own foreign policy and environment.

Music by: Duane Eddy, Bright Eyes, Buffalo Springfield and Willy Mason.
Video by: Ben Brodsky

This Saturday’s HANDS ACROSS THE SAND event will be duplicated throughout Long Island, across the entire U.S. and around the WORLD!

This is an important happening! We can influence elected officials by showing UNITY and STRENGTH IN NUMBERS.

WE CAN DO THIS! WE NEED TO DO THIS!!

SATURDAY, June 26, The BOARDWALK at Neptune Blvd., Long Beach. Begin to gather between 11:00 and 11:30AM. We JOIN HANDS at noon.

Share and RSVP using our Facebook event
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136081013069561

HANDS ACROSS THE SAND is a “national movement to oppose offshore oil drilling and to champion clean energy and renewables.” It is a peaceful protest against intrusion into our waters for the development of fossil-fuel facilities.

Like Yes We Can! Long Island, the Hands Across the Sand event is issue-driven and crosses political affiliations. It is “a movement made up of people of all walks of life. It is not about politics; it is about the protection of our oceans, our coastal economies, marine wildlife, and the fishing industry.”

Keep in mind that like all the proposed off-shore drilling plans, as well as BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf, the Atlantic Sea Island Group’s proposal to construct the “Safe Harbor Energy” LNG Island off the coast of Long Island, 13.5 miles south of Long Beach is another such intrusion into our waters intended for the development and use of more fossil-fuel, instead of renewable energy.
Read more about Yes We Can! LI’s opposition to the LNG Island by clicking here.

Merrick Patch Article on LNG Island

BE THERE!! AND BE COUNTED!!!