Category Archives: environmental

Water restrictions relaxed in Birmingham

Posted on April 14, 2008 | Leave a comment

The Birmingham Water Works board has relaxed the Birmingham metropolitan area’s drought status to Stage 1, meaning that water restrictions will now be voluntary and fines will not be levied on those that choose not to participate. The utility made the announcement via a press release earlier today that was published by Fox 6 on their website. As of the time of this posting, the release had not been made available on the Water Works’ website.

The announcement comes nearly a week after the utility announced changes to their drought management plan. The changes were the result of suggestions made during the drought summit as well as others made by customers. The long term threat is still not over as the U.S. Drought Monitor still lists the utility’s service area as one in extreme conditions.

Seven Springs Ecoscape dedicated

Posted on April 14, 2008 | Leave a comment

Seven Springs walk - Andre Natta/Flickr

Arnold Rutkis accompanies Birmingham City Councilors Miriam Witherspoon and Valerie Abbott through the Seven Springs Ecoscape shortly after the end of its ribbon cutting ceremony. André Natta/Flickr

We figured we’d save this story for today as a way to warm up. The Seven Springs Ecoscape was officially dedicated yesterday during a mid-afternoon ceremony that included attendance by Birmingham City Councilors Miriam Witherspoon (it is located in her district) and Valerie Abbott.

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Wildflower hike, Ruffner Mountain

Posted on April 9, 2008 | Comments Off

The diversity of plant life on Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain is never more evident than in Spring when beautiful wildflowers are in bloom. Join a naturalist-led hike to see these beauties. Just look for the brown signs to show you the way. Call 833-8264 for more information.

Cost: $7/$5 for members
Location:
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
1214 81st St. South (directions)

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Posted in environmental, Events, Nature, Timetable

Tagged AL, Alabama, April 26, Birmingham, hike, Ruffner Mountain, wildflowers

T-minus 2 hours until Earth Hour

Posted on March 29, 2008 | 2 comments

We’re right around two hours away from the second observance of Earth Hour. We hope you’ll join us at 8 p.m. and shut down any non-essential electrical items around you.

If you need some ideas on what to do during Earth Hour 2008, try out these suggestions courtesy of the event’s website.

We’ll see you on the other side.

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Posted in environmental, Events

Tagged 2008, AL, Alabama, Birmingham, Earth Hour, information, worldwide

How green is “clean” fuel?

Posted on March 11, 2008 | Leave a comment

The New York Times has been calling attention to a lot of things recently in the state of Alabama. Now you can add the issue of pollution to that list, though it’s from a source that you wouldn’t necessarily expect…

The story in question (registration required) focuses on spills from an Alabama Biodisel plant that was producing earth-friendly fuel from soybean. Unfortunately the byproduct wasn’t being as friendly. It’s an interesting look at a rarely discussed issue (which has apparently been resolved) as we begin to look at new ways to power our vehicles. BTW – look out for the mention of local environmental organization Black Warrior Riverkeeper.

Critical Mass rolls through Birmingham tonight

Posted on February 29, 2008 | 2 comments

Critical Mass March 2007 (New York City). Seth W./Flickr

The grassroots movement known as Critical Mass will attempt to make its presence known in Birmingham this evening at 6 p.m. Their inaugural ride will begin at Linn Park downtown. These rides, which take place monthly throughout the country (and the world) are geared to remind drivers that cyclists should be allowed to share the road and that they’re here.

The cyclists follow all of the rules of the road, emphasizing bicycle safety and a sustainable method of transportation. There’s no real leader or plan to the route – it just seems to happen (and it’s been happening now for more than 15 years). As you can see, the longer it goes, the more people get involved – like the scene from NYC up above.

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Posted in 35203, environmental, Events

Tagged AL, Alabama, bicycle, Birmingham, Critical mass, cycling, downtown, event, first, inaugural, inaugural ride, ride

AEC: All plastics now accepted

Posted on February 27, 2008 | 3 comments

AEC logo Area recycling enthusiasts should be quite happy with this announcement by the Alabama Environmental Center. Beginning this past Monday they are now accepting all plastics, #1-7.

Previously the plastics had to have a screw-on lid, so you couldn’t take in frozen entree trays, most kitty litter bins and things like that because different processes were required to recycle them.

Just in case you need a reminder about what items are accepted at the drop-off center in downtown Birmingham, click here to see the list. You can also check out this page to learn more about Birmingham’s current curbside program or here to watch a video explaining your options.

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Posted in Citywide, environmental

Tagged aec, AL, Alabama, alabama environmental center, announcement, Birmingham, information, plastics, recycled, recycling