Earlier this year a new law went into effect in Pennsylvania that prohibits the collection of covered devices, such as computers, laptops, computer monitors, televisions and tablets with their trash. The Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act (CDRA) was passed in 2010 and went into effect on January 24, 2013.

Fortuantely in the Pittsburgh area we have several options for recycling electronic waste. 

Goodwill has a program, Reconnect, that not only deals with the problem of electoric waste it helps make a difference in lives of others. Residents can drop off any brand of used equipment at a participating Goodwill donation center for free and you'll get the benefit of a tax receipt. 

Construction Junction offers both recycling and reuse to the region. Working with eLoop, they offer residents recycling options for everything from laptops to lightbulbs.

eLoop llc offers recycling options for both residents and businesse and is certified to both the R2 and BAN e-Steward (ISO 14001) standards, and operates a DEP-permitted facility.

As spring approaches there will be various recycling events posted to the calendar ranging from electronics to out of date pharmecuticals. 

It's been a busy week for the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Tuesday saw the opening of their new Center for Sustainable Landscapes and today they received news that they are one of the finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. 

“Museums and libraries serve as community gathering places and centers for lifelong learning, and we are very proud to announce Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens as a finalist for the 2013 National Medal,” said Susan Hildreth, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “This year’s finalists exemplify the many wonderful ways museums and libraries can respond to the needs and wants of the communities they serve.”

BACKYARD BIRD COUNT IS ON

Interested in helping with the big bird count? Volunteers are asked to meet up at the Sewickley Heights Borough parking lot from 9 to 11 a.m. for a bird watch and data collection.  This is an annual event to gather information on the local bird population "to create a mid-winter snapshot of the numbers, kinds and distribution of birds across the continent."

You want to bring binoculars, good shoes and warm clothes.

If you're interested in more bird events in the are, check out Scott Shalaway's recent story on Pittsburgh love of birds. 

There's nothing like it anywhere in the world and we have it here in Pittsburgh. The Center for Sustainable Landscapes at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens opened its doors to the public today. 

And while a visit to the Phipps is always a great adventure, the new center offers education and research programs, showcasing Pennsylvania green design. Totally self-sustainable, visitors will explore numerous forms of renewable energy from solar panels to geothermal wells and wind turbine. 

Plan on spending the day exploring the green rooftop which features native plants along with a great view of Oakland, the new lagoon, rain garden and wetlands. 

“The CSL was created to act as a model for how we can all work together with nature to make our communities healthier, safer and more supportive of life,” says Phipps Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini. “It will also give our guests the opportunity to see just how beautiful and practical green can be, and we are very excited to share this inspiring new space with Pittsburghers in the days to come.” 

And just think this is all included in the price of admission to the Phipps, one of Pittsburgh's great bargains has just gotten even better and greener. 

More PG coverage: Phipps offices aim to meet world's highest environmental standards

It’s always interesting what you run into while job hunting on the internet.

I received a call today regarding a position at Fisher Scientific. Now I have no idea if I’ll end up working there but when I started exploring their website I ran into their corporate green page which I felt was worth sharing.

Besides, I loved the frog!

The PG’s Theresa Linderman’s story “Stores partner with nonprofits to reuse material, merchandise" is a good read on what local companies are doing to make a difference.

American Eagle Outfitters' "Recycle. Rejean"  and Dick's Sporting Goods winter coat trade-in promotions not only  made good business sense for both companies and consumers, they also meant less waste ending up in a landfills.

News update for Pittsburgh cyclists

We have an update from Bike Pittsburgh on the latest installment of new bike lanes in the East End. This is good start for Pittsburgh bike riders and car drivers but there are  more streets and other issues that needs to be looked at throughout the city. 

Wind Power Report

Last week PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center released their report, “Wind Power for a Cleaner America: Reducing Global Warming Pollution, Cutting Air Pollution and Saving Water." With the expiration of the wind power tax credit looming, reports like this are extremely important.

With the holidays coming up and the environment in mind why not try shopping locally at one of Pittsburgh’s finest new traditions?

On Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, the “I Made It Market” returns to Bakery Square, 6425 Penn Avenue (map).

With 90 local artisans you can expect a wonderful shopping experience for family, friends and even your furry buddies who are welcomed to join in the holiday fest! Head over to their website for all the details and, if you can, please bring along a tote bag with food donations for the Pittsburgh Food Bank. 

For all the glorious details, check with our friends at “I Made It Market”.

Feeling a bit crafty yourself?

Then head over to Construction Junction on Saturday, December 1, 11 – 12:30 for a bit of crafty wreath making from old door knobs and keep the environment in mind.

You need to register beforehand so drop an email to Natalie at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The class fee is $55 per person.

Want to meet some of Pittsburgh's environmentally conscious citizens and feel like a Friday night cocktail? Join Pittsburgh Green Drinks EsSPA Kozmetika in Aspinwall. 

Or if you're feeling like a bike ride and want to catch some of the Light Up Night action in Pittsburgh? Join the Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club for an evening ride through the South Side and the city. Meet at Triangle Bicycle Rental, departure at 6:15. More info.

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FYI - One of our favorite places has moved to new digs. East End Brewing Company has moved to 147 Julius Street. New place and new hours.

If you're heading down to the Pet Expo at the David Laurence Convention Center bring along your clean, empty aluminum pet food cans for recycling. Not only are you doing a good thing for the environment but you may win a year's worth of pet food. Additionally for every can collected, five cents wil be donated to the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center.

Pennsylvania Resources Council is partnering with the Animal Rescue League, Petco, and the City of Pittsburgh Recycling Division in this project.

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On Nov. 15, 2011, the final meeting in the planning process for the Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard will be held at the Teamster Temple in Lawrenceville. 

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Interesting story on Pop City: Heidelberg Passive House now complete, first in Western Pennsylvania