Welcome to the (slightly late) June 2009 Green City Newsletter!

This month we are focusing on the upcoming events and including Green Tips.

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The City of Fort Wayne Invites You To The Environmental Certification Program for Businesses on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory - Orchid Room; 12:15 pm Registration; 12:30 p.m.—4:30 p.m. Free Training Session; and Lunch will be served. Space is limited so please register by July 9 for this FREE training session by calling Julia Gorrell at 427-6059 or via e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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City Utilities To Hold Open House at Wetlands

Did you know that Fort Wayne City Utilities owns a man-made wetlands east of McMillen Park?  You and your family are invited to visit the Camp Scott wetlands at 3615 Oxford Street during an open house on Saturday, June 27 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Camp Scott is a constructed wetlands that helps to prevent flooding and sewer backups in several Fort Wayne neighborhoods during rain storms.  Stormwater runoff from neighborhoods around McMillen Park is collected in a massive underground storage tank and then pumped about six blocks east to the wetlands.  The water filters through the wetlands and is released through a storm sewer to the Maumee River after the rain stops.

In addition providing stormwater storage and treatment, the wetlands is a natural area that attracts wildlife including song birds and shore birds.  A three-quarter mile long walking path encircles the site.

During the open house on June 27, you can get information about the plants and animals of Camp Scott, the history and pre-history of the site, and the benefits of wetlands for water quality.    A variety of education material will be available and fun activities are also being planned.

For more information about the Camp Scott wetlands, visit the City’s website at www.cityoffortwayne.org.
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Green Tips

WHAT YOU CAN DO, WHAT YOU CAN USE

Save your skin. Avoid overexposure to harmful solar UV rays: put on sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses, and a t-shirt, and make every day "Don't Fry Day."
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/hq_2009-5-19_Don't_Fry_Day

Save energy in summer and fight climate change. Get tips and advice to reduce both energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by one third.
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/hq_2009-5-12_Summer_Energy_Tips

Use MyEnvironment to find data online. Search for maps, alerts, and environmental data and information based on ZIP code or place name.
http://www.epa.gov/myenvironment/

Comment using regulation development. Regulations.gov increases transparency by offering a one-stop, online forum for citizens about regulations issued by the U.S. government. Share your opinions about the site, too.
http://www.regulations.gov/exchange/

Join the Greenversation - Each week we ask you a question related to the environment and invite you to share your thoughts. Recent questions:
What's one scientific fact you learned as a youngster that still affects your environmental decisions as an adult?
Where do you think more scientific attention should be focused?
What branch of science do you find most interesting?
What is your definition of science?
http://blog.epa.gov/blog/category/question-of-the-week

June sneak peek: EPA's airPLUS label will cover over 30 design and construction features to help protect home indoor air quality.
http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/
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Air Quality Action Day for ozone today June 24, 2009

Ozone Air Quality Action Days are likely on days with calm winds, heat, lots of sun.  The air becomes filled with volatile hydro carbons (gas fumes), and nitrogen oxides, which react to create ozone, which degrades rubber and constricts air passages, especially in children and people with sensitive systems. Ozone Air Quality Action Days happen only in the summer, whereas Particulate Matter 2.5 Days can happen at any time of the year.
 
In Fort Wayne, Citilink offers Free Bus Rides on Ozone Air Quality Action Days.
Particulate Matter 2.5 Air Quality Action Days are called when super tiny particles that are formed by reactions in the atmosphere accumulate to unhealthy levels.  These fine particulates accumulate in the air, when the air becomes stagnant. These particulates are created by burning things such as leaves, wood, diesel, gasoline and at coal power plants.  These fine particles get respired deep into your lungs and can cause lung cancer, emphysema, and premature heart attacks.
  
Ozone Action Day Recommendations;
   * mow and refuel after 7 PM
   * avoid idling & drive-thru windows
   * use public transit or carpool
   * maintain proper air pressure in tires
   * conserve electricity by turning off lights
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We will contact you once per month with the email newsletter, as well as on Air Quality Action Days to alert you when air conditions indicate you need to take action.
 
If you would like to suggest topics or articles to include in monthly email newsletters, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please pass this email newsletter on to your friends and family, so that everyone can share in the knowledge and have an impact on reducing energy consumption.

Sincerely,
Julia Gorrell
Energy and Environmental Services
Visit the City of Fort Wayne’s Energy & Environmental Services Website: http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy
Visit the City of Fort Wayne’s Green Business Page: http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/energy/gb

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