Don't Slash Our Funding, Say Aquarium, Botanic Gardens Execs

Leaders of several Brooklyn environmental institutions gathered today at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to denounce the elimination of the state’s Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Grant Program (ZGBA).

As of April 1, 2010, the $9 million state program that supports 76 institutions statewide is set to have its funding eliminated entirely. This would result in a $725,000 loss for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a $722,000 loss for the New York Aquarium in Coney Island and a $62,000 loss for the Center for the Urban Environment (CUE). (The Prospect Park Zoo will not be affected, as it does not receive ZGBA funds).

Speakers Thursday were understanding of the challenging economic situation, but felt they were being asked to withstand an unfair percentage of funding cuts. All three institutions already face, or expect to face, cuts in city funding as well.

“These institutions represent the best of Brooklyn and it would be foolish to consider anything close to what we’ve heard suggested,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz... read more

Pictured above are Scot Medbury, president of Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Borough President Marty Markowitz.

Story and photo by Phoebe Neidl

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Comment Response: Is Green Really Green?

Fellow blogger tapsearcher responded to yesterday's post about green jobs, and I thought it was an important comment so I'd like to expand on it. It's true that products thought to be environmentally friendly or green that are sourced from outside the United States really aren't what you think. Sure, if you use a water bottle every day instead of buying plastic water bottles, keeping them out of landfills, that's good. But where did the bottle come from? In its trip to the U.S., how much carbon was emitted in the process? This is why it's so important to purchase food and goods locally, because you're not only boosting the local economy, but reducing carbon emissions at the same time.

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