Climate Week NYC Sept 20 - 26

September 20 - 26 has been declared Climate Week here in NYC as it coincides with the United Nation's General Assembly meeting, and perhaps more specifically, the United Nations Summit on Climate Change which took place on September 22, 2009 in NY.


In order to support this gathering, Climate Week NYC features dozens of events, exhibits, discussions, etc. with the central theme tied to Climate.

One such event took place last night (Thursday Sept 24), a panel discussion entitled "Building Solar Pathways to Economic Empowerment in the Developing World" . The event was co-hosted by Solar One, a green energy education and arts non-for-profit based in Manhattan, while the panelists included :

• Nicola Armacost, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Arc Finance (New York City)
• Asim Buksh, Chairman, The Buksh Foundation (Lahore, Pakistan)
• Max Lacayo, Sales Manager, Ecami S.A. (Managua, Nicaragua)
• Sarah Butler-Sloss, Executive Director and Founder, The Ashden Awards.

The speakers offered examples of solar projects currently being implemented throughout the world, as well as an overview of the particular benefits of solar energy to developing nations or populations that do not have any access to electrical energy. The topic of financing was brought up as well, in particular models that allow for individuals to use solar technology. There was also a dynamic question and answer period with attendees further guiding the discussion. For example, one attendee asked if deployment of solar technology was being tied to disaster relief organizations so as to provide some form of electricity for areas where access to electricity was affected by natural disaster. Others asked questions ranging from the cost of current solar technology, to the scope of implementation, as well as adaptability to specific populations/uses/locations (for example, one solar cube was shown which is water-proof and can be used at sea or in rainy weather).

To check out events scheduled for today, Friday September 25, visit the Climate Week NYC website at: http://www.climateweeknyc.org/events/2009-09-25#90 .

For events throughout the year, check out Solar One's website as well: www.solar1.org

If you attend any of the exhibits, we'd love to hear your comments.

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream... $1 !!

As if you needed another reason to indulge yourself in some insanely good Peter Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream... here's one you can't resist: $1 cones until 1:00pm.

If you are anywhere near 72 West 36th Street (midtown) or can get there within a reasonable amount of time... get there. The ice cream has been around for some time, but I only recently discovered it a couple of weeks ago. The base ingredients like milk, sugar, and are sourced locally (NY and surrounding region) and the specialty ingredients are sourced from heritage beans and ingredients in Europe and elsewhere. In addition, their napkins, cups, etc are made from 100% renewable resources.


You can read more about the company here: http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com/


And I suggest you follow them on Twitter for special announcements (like today's): http://twitter.com/Vlaic


Seriously, if you are in the area... this is an unbeatable deal. You'll most likely thank me after your ice cream cone. Can't wait for mine :))))



A side note-- As everyone in NYC knows by now, it's Fashion Week time. If you are heading to the ice cream truck, you will most likely encounter the Fashion Week crowds. If you want to do some shopping afterwards, check out Fashion's Night Out -- a one day event (today only) which offers unique performances, specials, consultations, music, etc at various fashion venues in the City. This is the first event that I can remember of this kind. There is also a charitable component to the event if you purchase a specially designed t-shirt to commemorate the event, 40% of the proceeds will go to the National September 11th Memorial and Museum. By the way, Fashion's Night Out is not only in NYC.. it's happening around the world.