Posts by Ingrid Gendler
Futures Conference Reaction
The Futures Conference was somewhat underwhelming. My group and I attended the Sunday afternoon session where we delivered our presentation about our policy proposal. Our moderator’s chosen format of reserving questions for the end of each session (there were two) was not conducive to more natural discussion. The other groups presented on a variety of topics, many of which felt somewhat disconnected to our work, but which were engaging nonetheless. The groups were thorough in their discussion of the problems they observed, but most did not provide or make attempts at solutions. A presentation that I really enjoyed was one that sought to address mental health issues among college students. The group proposed integrating yoga into colleges, to not only help relieve stressors that may contribute to poor mental health, but that would teach students valuable skills to manage their mental health well. The presentation ended with a single minute mindful meditation exercise lead by one of the students who is a trained yoga instructor, which I thought was a very creative way of involving us the audience in the presentation. Overall however, some of the presentations, though well done, felt disjointed from one another as well as from the theme of the conference.
Revised Cohen Mini-Presentation
Transforming Transportation
After hearing our class group’s presentation about their goals of improving the transportation system of New York City, I was reminded of this photo I took during a recent trip to IKEA in Brooklyn. This is the first time I have seen charging stations for electric vehicles in person and though it does make me optimistic for the vehicles and transportation of the future, I wonder why it took so long to turn this technology into that which is even remotely more accessible to the common person (which it still isn’t really). With the great environmental potential this technology has, why are we not funneling more money into innovating the technology to be less expensive and therefore widely consumed? Why did it take so long for this technology, which has been available for much longer than it has been widespread, to catch on? Is this because they face some very powerful opponents who would benefit from the status quo remaining as is, namely fossil fuel interests and auto manufacturers? Or is it because we are not collectively ready or willing to alter our own behavioral patterns even when we know they are damaging our planet? These questions are difficult to answer, but they are important to consider as we look to transform our transportation habits.
A Small Act with Big Impact
The Union Square Farmer’s market provides a great opportunity for urban dwellers to purchase fresh and local produce and delicious organically produced goods like honey, bread, and yogurt. But it also provides city dwellers a chance to give back to the local New York State farmers who work so hard to produce the food we eat. It was sort of coincidental how I came upon this food scrap drop off so soon after my group and I discussed the potential of farmer’s markets to act as take in points for food scraps, where this waste can be composted. I am however, very glad to have spotted this, and hope more people take on worthy causes like this. Closing this circle of food production is not only a step toward sustainability, but one that New Yorker’s are clearly open toward taking up. I am inspired by these full buckets, which show that people are willing and able to do their part in helping the environment. Collecting food waste and taking it to a scrap drop-off point is such a small individual act, but it has the potential to have an incredible impact. The organization running this food-scrap drop-off is doing amazing work in urban sustainability and you can learn more about what they do here (they’re also a great resource if you need to get in that volunteer requirement).
Adapting Urban Design Solutions
A few weeks ago, google’s doodle honored the first installation of this tactile pavement also known as “Tenji blocks” or sometimes braille blocks. Japanese inventor Seiichi Miyake designed these blocks to alert vision-impaired individuals of when they are close to train platform edges and traffic. The two types of patterns – blocks to signal caution and bars to signal pedestrian traffic direction, were instrumental in allowing individuals with visual disabilities to navigate public city spaces safely and independently. An innovation that started 52 years ago at an intersection in Okayama, Japan, has now grown to be standard in cities all over the world. An example of the ways cities can learn from each other, these kinds of urban design solutions are critical and we must make every effort to increase accessibility across NYC. They are invaluable to maintaining the safety and independence of all New Yorker’s, disabled or not. As we plan to improve our city to work better for the environment, we must also make it work better for all of the people who call it home.
Food Waste: Group Project Detailed Progress Report (Revised)
Group Members: Makinoon, Vicki, Kevin, Anastasiya, Ingrid
Our presentation
Issue: The recovery and recycling of commercial food and organics waste in NYC.
Proposed Policy Solution: A mandate for organics and food waste recycling and recovery that would apply to all consumer-facing businesses in NYC. Taking inspiration from the proposed NYS Food Recovery and Recycling Act, our two-part legislation would encourage small businesses to either partner with local food rescue organizations or have their food waste picked up as a part of trash collection, and would seek to incorporate technology into the organic waste recycling process.
Food Waste Facts (Makinoon): Our research shows that food waste not only negatively impacts the environment, but also results in loss of embedded resources used to get the food from the seed to the table. Based on estimates from the USDA, food loss at retail and consumer levels corresponded to 133 billions pounds and $161 billion of food in 2010. Food waste accounts for 21-33% of US agriculture water use. So, throwing away a hamburger would be wasting water equivalent to a 90 minute shower. In terms of environmental damage, when food waste is decomposed, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas 86 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in its contribution to global warming. Food waste is responsible for 11% of all landfill-generated methane emissions and +2.6% of all US greenhouse gas emissions.
Current Organics Policy (Vicki): In 2013, Mayor Michael Bloomberg challenged restaurants to reduce food waste in our landfills by 50%. This challenge resulted in 2,500 tons of food waste being diverted from landfills. Starting in 2016, food establishments that met certain criteria are required to separate their organic waste (ie. places with a floor area greater than 15,000 square feet and are a part of a chain of 100 or more locations in NYC). Businesses have to either partner with a private carting company, self-transport, or install an on-site composting unit. There is currently a push for the Food Recovery and Recycling Act, which would require large generators of food waste to not only recycle their food scraps, but also donate viable foods to food rescue operations.
Comparable Policies (Kevin): Our research on similar policies both globally, and nationally, has shown that governments are developing new methods of recycling food waste through partnerships with restaurants & the implementation of new policies. Multiple U.S. states, including Vermont, California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, have set policies to turn food waste into energy, stop the overflow of landfills, and cut food waste from industrial places and residential homes. In parts of the U.S. health departments have begun setting fines from $100 to $2000 for all food waste being thrown away by restaurants. Internationally, European cities such as Milan, have focused on reusing food waste from restaurants to produce food for homeless shelters. We can use these methods as examples on which to base our policy.
Incorporating Technology (Anastasiya):Through our research we have seen that restaurants such as Pret and Starbucks have committed to donating all of their unsold food. Starbucks employs its own workers to drive around in a pick up car, collecting all of the food from different Starbucks locations. Pret does a similar program but they have food rescue organizations come pick up the food from them once they pack everything up. Berlin has public refrigerators where businesses and individuals can leave food, and others that need it can pick it up whenever they need to. Although this is currently being investigated on whether it is a health hazard, it is a good idea and could be an inspiration for a similar process in NYC. An important issue with our project is how do we prevent food contamination? By having an app, people can have profiles and be held somewhat accountable for the food they provide. Having designated drop off/ pick up areas would implement the fridge idea, but the online app would limit who can drop off the food. The app idea comes from Olio, which is an app that allows people to post food they don’t want and allows for others to pick it up. Our idea would eliminate the need for people to schedule exchange times/places.
Potential for Food Rescue Expansion (Ingrid): On the topic of food rescue organizations and partnerships, our research shows that New York City has substantial capacity to increase its food rescue, with the NRDC finding that the city could close an additional 23% of its meal gap and highlighting the potential of health inspectors to act as points of connection between businesses and food rescue organizations. The NYC Department of Sanitation incentivises businesses to develop ways to combat food waste while donating to those who struggle with hunger, through its annual Food Waste Fair and its Microgrant Initiative. There are substantial numbers of food rescue organizations active in NYC who prioritize using edible food waste to close the hunger gap, and whose utility can be expanded under our proposed policy.
Group breakdown:We divided the research into five primary sections, which we will combine in our presentation to make a thorough case for our policy proposal. Each member was responsible for researching and analyzing their individuals section (the name of the contributor is in brackets next to their respective contribution), and we will come together to formulate a conclusive analysis.
Remaining work: We must determine appropriate enforcement measures that will encourage widespread adoption of more sustainable food waste practices. Now that our research is complete, we will jointly conduct a cost-benefit analysis of our proposal, and identify some major effects and pitfalls of the policy. Lastly, together we intend to come up with a conclusion summarizing the need for our proposed policy.
Annotated Bibliography
(more…)
Cohen Takeaways
We must optimize urban infrastructure to encourage concentration of human activity in cities & we must be mindful of the environmental consequences of our activity, in order to protect and preserve the natural world.
Cohen mini-presentations
See my mini-presentations here. As a note, the explanation of the way the effort can be adapted/adopted in NYC is in the speaking notes under each slide.
Let’s Get this Bread?
Though my shoddy photography skills might make it look like that truck is moving, I can assure you it’s not. It’s idling. I’ve been trying to get a photo of an idling vehicle since I came across this article, about a new enforcement measure for NYC’s anti-idling law which now allows regular people to get paid for reporting idling commercial vehicles. Trying to get a good photo these past couple of days have made me acutely aware of how many vehicles idle on the streets of New York. Idling commercial vehicles, or those trucks, buses, and the like which stand still but keep their engines on and pumping out noxious fumes, are so pervasive in the city that we think the noise they produce typical of the city environment. But under this new law, any commercial vehicle stopped and idling for longer than three minutes, can be photographed, reported, and the person doing the reporting can earn 25 percent of the fine. So if you find yourself looking for some extra cash, what better way than by catching some idler’s in the act. Plus, you get the added satisfaction of doing your part to help save the environment.
Comments by Ingrid Gendler
"This reminded me of the MTA's recent claim of the improved on-time subway rate, which made the round a few months ago. While I'm optimistic about the progress being made, I can't help but wonder what goes into this figure. Are there actual improvements being made, or are they relying largely on rushing trains through stations? You know, as frequently happens on the 6 when you're waiting at 23rd for the train and suddenly the station manager announces that this train will not be stopping. Its absurd to think that in order to improve their image of efficiency, the MTA is willing to actually make its system less efficient for its users, but I don't think a little skepticism can hurt. This strategy seems eerily similar to whats happening here. Having less frequent trains obviously makes the few trains that do run more time efficient and can make it easier for the MTA to claim improvements, while the rider's experience tells a very different story."
--( posted on Apr 12, 2019, commenting on the post
packed in like sardines )
"I'm wondering if there is a way to keep trash off the subway tracks to minimize or eliminate this as a cause of delays. Some subway stations in different cities have platform edge doors, which separate the train platform from the tracks and which do not open until the train has come to a complete stop. Though they are common in new metro systems, they can be retro-fitted in old systems, and can decrease trash debris and increase passenger safety."
--( posted on Apr 6, 2019, commenting on the post
The real reason why trains are delayed )
"I have never taken the Roosevelt tramway, and in earnest I forget it exists sometimes, but your post made me want to. I'm wondering what we can do get more people on board with the idea of taking trams all over the city. Personally I wouldn't mind it and I think if I had one near my house, my commute would be a lot faster."
--( posted on Mar 30, 2019, commenting on the post
More Aerial Trams for NYC )
"That photo makes me think about the devastating impact of our carelessness toward earth's resources. Whats really startling to me about the disappearance of freshwater sources like these lakes, is that freshwater is already a scarce resource, and if we don't do more to protect it we run the risk of completely running out."
--( posted on Mar 23, 2019, commenting on the post
Water Shortages )
"I've always wondered how this trash got there and how long its been lying there. I'm sure that some of it is decades old. Riding the train everyday you become so desensitized to it being there, that you just accept it as part of the terrain. I would be interested to know if any efforts have been made to clean it up?"
--( posted on Mar 16, 2019, commenting on the post
The View Behind an MTA Train Window )
"Hey Robert,
I totally agree that the MTA prioritizes repairs that bring them substantial financial return rather than evenly benefit the people they serve. Its an unfortunate reality that leaves many subway lines and stations neglected. Hopefully, as the system continues to break down, they'll be quicker to respond to much needed repairs, or risk the cost of reduced ridership."
--( posted on Mar 9, 2019, commenting on the post
The True Cost of Long Needed Renovation )
"Hey Vicki,
I totally agree that there is no reason people can't carry around collapsable reusable bags. I think plastic bags exemplify one of the many problems our way of packaging goods harms the environment. Single use plastics, like plastic bags, but also like toothpaste tubes, and toothbrushes, are some of the most difficult objects to recycle, if they are recyclable at all. However, the blame doesn't fall squarely on the consumer here. Companies that produce goods like deodorants and shampoos for example, should be held responsible for produce products using sustainable or recycled packages. This field of sustainable packaging design is quite new, but this podcast does a good job of explaining how difficult it is to be a completely conscious consumer today: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/national-sword/"
--( posted on Mar 1, 2019, commenting on the post
“would you like a bag?”: a rant )
"Hey Hugh, I totally agree that one of the biggest problems we need to address is how to make people care about problems like this which we don't often experience first hand. We need to care about these extinctions, before they are reflected as financial consequences that affect our bank accounts, when they are still preventable. This species cemetery at the Bronx zoo definitely feels like an important attempt."
--( posted on Feb 23, 2019, commenting on the post
‘apocalyptic zoo’ is a very dramatic way to phrase it )
"I completely agree that getting people to care about problems such as river pollution, and figuring out how to distribute the burdens and benefits of maintaining this collective good, is one of the biggest challenges facing our society. It is hard to get people to see the larger social consequences of their individual actions, but doing so is the first step in solving these broad commons problems."
--( posted on Feb 15, 2019, commenting on the post
East River )
