EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region named its new series of podcasts "Environment Matters" carefully, hoping that listeners would agree that "matters" is both a noun and a verb. The series includes topics as diverse as consumer and health tips, how EPA uses sound science to make decisions, recognition of exemplary environmental protection, and things we all can do to improve the environment. Podcasts will be produced as often as weekly, but more typically twice each month. http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/R3Podcasts.xml en-us Copyright 2008 Thursday, 24 July 2008 Thursday, 24 July 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov 60 scipione.tony@epa.gov EPA's Mid-Atlantic region named its new series of podcasts "Environment Matters" carefully, hoping that listeners would agree that "matters" is both a noun and a verb. . The series includes topics as diverse as consumer and health tips, how EPA uses sound science to make decisions, recognition of exemplary environmental protection, and things we all can do to improve the environment. Podcasts will be produced as often as weekly, but more typically twice each month. Tony Scipione scipione.tony@epa.gov No http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/EPC.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/EPC.mp3 Since 9/11, emergency preparedness has received a new emphasis in this country. Government workers who used to clean up oil spills and Superfund sites have a new assignment – dealing with a whole array of modern threats to public health and the environment.   Podcasts Friday, 16 October 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No These include chemical hazards released into the community by fires, plane crashes and meth labs; biological attacks like anthrax and ricin; and radiological events like nuclear plant waste and dirty bombs.      This year's Emergency Preparedness Conference will be from November 15 to the 18th at the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton Hotels in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. 00:04:38 EPA, environment, disaster, emergency, emergency preparedness, hurricane, anthrax, dirty bombs, earthquake, flood http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/2009awards.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/2009awards.mp3 When you think of the Department of Defense's National Security Agency, you probably picture a bank of supercomputers helping us make sense of our adversaries' electronic communications. Well, try to imagine the amount of paper and other valuable materials this generates and the huge recycling opportunity—more than 11 million pounds last year--now being taken at the NSA's Ft Meade, Maryland campus.   Podcasts Thursday, 24 September 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No In selecting our second annual Environmental Achievement Awards, EPA gave the National Security Agency high marks for being a pollution prevention leader among government agencies.      NSA officials joined other winners for a ceremony at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia where our featured speaker was Terry Ruggles, television news anchor for Philadelphia's NBC10. 00:05:55 EPA, environment, awards http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/pic.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/pic.mp3 Picture this: A desolate, dirty property, emanating despair in one of Philadelphia's grittiest neighborhoods is transformed into one of our nation's premier farmer's markets.   Podcasts Tuesday, 24 August 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Look north to Allentown, where acres of bleak, post-industrial land has been transformed into a gleaming new baseball stadium, seating 10,000 and home to Allentown's proud Iron Pigs.      Next, we look west to Lancaster. Here, in an under-served community that once craved a safe haven for their children, a rundown, rusted play yard has been replaced with a greenspace with high-end playground equipment. 00:04:25 EPA, environment, land revitalization, brownfields http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Bay_TMDL.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Bay_TMDL.mp3 Conditions in the Chesapeake Bay have changed quite a bit since Captain John Smith first sailed its pristine waters in the early 17th century. Back then, it's told, oysters were piled so high they would clang off the hulls of ships.   Podcasts Tuesday, 11 August 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Today, though, oyster reefs are no longer a navigation issue. In fact, their scarcity is part of a much larger concern as the nation's largest estuary continues to struggle in poor health.      Chesapeake Bay scientists know what the problem is – too much nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pouring from the Bay's massive watershed that stretches from the Finger Lakes in New York to the southern reaches of Virginia – 64,000 square miles in all. 00:05:15 EPA, environment, Chesapeake Bay, TMDL, water, nitrogen, phosphorus, oysters, watershed http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/EnergyEfficiency.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/EnergyEfficiency.mp3 Fossil fuels. That's where 85 percent of the energy consumed in the United States comes from. The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas also produces carbon dioxide or "CO2", the dominant greenhouse gas, which is why alternative and renewable energy is gaining more appeal.   Podcasts Friday, 24 July 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Alternative and renewable energy comes from sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, and geothermal power which comes from the heat within the earth. Although the market for these alternative and renewable energy sources is growing, it still represents a small percentage of the energy consumed in the United States. That's why using energy efficiently is so important in our homes and businesses.      Now is the best time, for homeowners and business owners alike, to be more energy efficient because there are new tax credits available. 00:04:52 EPA, environment, energy, Energy Star, green living, appliances http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/peya2009.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/peya2009.mp3 Since 1971 the President of the United States has joined with EPA to really recognize those young people across the United States who really take on the issue of environmental stewardship. These are the leaders of tomorrow. Ryan Morgan really took an innovative approach. He saw the work of the grass roots activist in Farm Aid. He saw Vice President Al Gore's movie "Inconvenient Truth," and he was motivated to address global climate change. And he realized that one person, even a teenager, could really make a difference.   Podcasts Friday, 10 July 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No That was Ruth McCully speaking. Ruth directs EPA’s environmental education program at our Washington headquarters.     A highlight for the ten regional winners is a trip to Washington, where they have an opportunity to share their ideas with fellow honorees, see the sights, and even meet some Washington VIPs. 00:03:54 EPA, environment, PEYA, energy, students http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/WPHS.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/WPHS.mp3 Tucked away on a small city block in West Philadelphia is an auto garage that may seem pretty innocuous to most people who pass by. But inside, big things are happening as students are working to build super fuel-efficient cars that may one day hit the consumer market place.   Podcasts Friday, 26 June 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Students from West Philadelphia High School's Academy of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering are hard at work. They're building two hybrid cars that will compete for a $10 million prize, as part of an international competition for a new generation of super fuel-efficient vehicles.     These inner-city high school students are the youngest competitors amongst top academic and automotive industry experts worldwide. And yet, they are rated in the top 10 as likely winners. 00:05:42 EPA, environment, automobiles, hybrid, pollution, students, inner city http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/CleanBeaches.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/CleanBeaches.mp3 With summer in full swing, Americans are loading up their beach chairs, slathering on the sunscreen and heading to the shore, ready to ride the waves or just relax under a sprawling umbrella.   Podcasts Friday, 12 June 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Last year, beaches were open for use 95 percent of the possible time, and EPA and the states are working year-round to ensure that beach closure signs are rare sightings.    EPA works closely with the states to identify and stop pollution that could impact the beaches. Over the last 30 years, EPA has helped states and towns through billions of dollars to build wastewater treatment plants, to fix sewers increase beach monitoring and, in particular, notify the public about beach quality. We're also doing a lot of research to help identify better ways of protecting health from water-related problems at the beaches. 00:02:52 EPA, environment, beaches, water http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/SolarPanel.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/SolarPanel.mp3 In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. Will solar panels be a solution?   Podcasts Monday, 28 May 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Have you ever wondered if investing in solar panels is really worth it? Do they save money? Do they benefit the environment? Mike Dunn, from EPA's Office of Environmental Innovation, believes that solar panels may not only save you money, but actually earn you money, too!    The key with solar power systems is really to design a system that makes sense for your specific needs. Solar panels generally cost between $20,000 to $40,000 to install, depending on the size of your house or business. 00:04:01 EPA, environment, energy, solar power, solar panel http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/earthdaykids.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/earthdaykids.mp3 This year marks the 39th anniversary of Earth Day, and now more than ever, our nation’s children are keenly aware of the fragility of our planet Earth and the responsibility they share in protecting it.   Podcasts Monday, 18 May 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No So, we asked the children of some of EPA’s employees “What are they doing to help protect the environment?”    We learned that these kids are well versed in the three ‘Rs’ – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. 00:04:01 EPA, environment, Earth Day http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Recovery1.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Recovery1.mp3 After a few short weeks of intense planning with our Washington headquarters and partnering state agencies, EPA’s regional offices are now ready to begin spending billions of dollars to create green jobs, jumpstart local economies, protect human health and our nation’s environment.   Podcasts Friday, 17 April 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Around the office, we call it the “stimulus program” or the “Recovery Act,” but the official name for this very important plan is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It was signed by President Obama on February 17th, to jumpstart the economy, create or save millions of jobs, and help begin to build the green energy economy of the 21st century.   Here at EPA, the Recovery Act provides more than $7 billion to support infrastructure investment, hazardous site cleanups, Brownfields assessments, job training, diesel emission reductions, and underground storage tank oil cleanups. 00:05:12 EPA, environment, Recovery Act, stimulus http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Greenhouse_Gas.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Greenhouse_Gas.mp3 In 1824 scientists discovered that the greenhouse gasses in the earth's atmosphere trap heat - - which is needed to keep our world's climate livable. However, since the Industrial Revolution, we have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.   Podcasts Friday, 27 March 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Megan Goold, an environmental scientist, with the EPA is here to help us understand what's happening – where are these greenhouse gases coming from -- and what's being done about it.   Greenhouses emitted by our activities remain the atmosphere for decades, to centuries, and therefore it is virtually certain that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases will continue to rise over the next decades. Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations tend to warm the planet and it's very likely that this is contributing to global climate change. 00:03:29 EPA, environment, emission. climate change, greenhouse gas http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/RunOff.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/RunOff.mp3 One of the biggest problems facing local waters is the pollution that runs off hard surfaces when it rains.  Podcasts Tuesday, 13 March 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Rainwater picks up a mix of pesticides, oil, pet waste and other contaminants as it rushes into storm sewers and out into your favorite rivers and creeks. The overload of nutrients and dirt harm fish and other living things - even far downstream in big waterbodies like the Chesapeake Bay.   There are ways to reduce and even eliminate this stormwater runoff, and the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program is challenging the public to take action. Called the No-Runoff Challenge, the goal is to see how low you can go – that is in preventing stormwater from leaving your property. 00:03:43 EPA, environment, water, rainwater, runoff, storm drain http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/FlowerShow09.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/FlowerShow09.mp3 As the weather gets warmer, our thoughts turn to spring and to gardening. And what better way to get some helpful gardening ideas than here at EPA's Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit.  Podcasts Tuesday, 3 March 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Traditional landscaping practices can uintentionally harm the environment. While they may be beautiful to look at, large lawns and manicured arrangements of exotic ornamental plants place a heavy toll on the environment. There may be extensive use of mechanical equipment, heavy use of water, excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides, and very large quantities of yard waste.   We're speaking today with Todd Lutte, an EPA environmental scientist who works to enforce laws and regulations for the protection of wetlands. Todd is a key partner in creating EPA's exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show -- the largest flower show in the world, reaching a quarter of a million people in nine days. EPA's exhibit is entitled: Water is Life, Life is Water. 00:04:35 EPA, environment, wetlands, flowers, Flower Show, plants, native plants http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/RM_Superfund.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/RM_Superfund.mp3 574 – That’s the number of contaminated properties or sites here in the mid-Atlantic region that are getting the highest priority for clean-up by the EPA.   Podcasts Friday, 20 February 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No These sites are known as Superfund sites – the name given to the environmental program established back in 1980 to address the country’s worst, abandoned hazardous waste sites.   And EPA staff who work with these sites are called Remedial Project Managers. To get an in-depth view of what a strong, efficient RPM looks like -- RPM standing for Remedial Project Manager -- we sat down and talked to Kristine Matzko, a mother, a scientist, and an EPA employee who has spent the last 9 of her 18 years as a Remedial Project Manager. 00:03:57 EPA, environment, Superfund http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/SmartWay.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/SmartWay.mp3 We are here on the floor of the Philadelphia Auto Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center where EPA is promoting the SmartWay Program.  Podcasts Friday, 6 February 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No EPA is partning with vehicle manufactures to help consumers identify those vehicles that are the most fuel-efficient and least polluting vehicles on the road today. SmartWay is hopefully going to be a brand that consumers associate as excellence in the transportation industry. The SmartWay mark will let people know that these are vehicles will help save them money at the pump and also pollute less when they are on the road.   Actually, the surprising thing is that even if you are looking for a larger size sedan, a pick-up truck or even a sport utility vehicle, there are Smartway Leaf choices in each vehicle class. So the consumer should feel free to choose the size vehicle that they need. And then if they are looking for more environmentally-friendly choices they can visit our website and use our interactive Green vehicle guide. And that will help point the consumer to the best choices in each vehicle class. So it's not just the small cars but also larger vehicles that qualified for SmartWay certification. 00:04:20 EPA, environment, energy, SmartWay, Smart Leaf Campaign, automobiles, emissions, Clean Air, fuel efficiency http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/CFL.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/CFL.mp3 Have you been putting off switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs because you’ve heard they contain a small amount of mercury? Or maybe you've heard that they're hard to dispose of?   Podcasts Friday, 23 January 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No With the issue of climate change on everyone’s mind these days, people are looking for ways to cut down on energy use. And compact fluorescent light bulbs – which are also called CFLs – are a great way to do that. But, people do have some concerns about using them.   CFL saves about 75% of the energy compared to a traditional incandescent light bulb. That definitely outweighs any disadvantages. 00:04:36 EPA, environment, energy, CFL, mercury light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Radon.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Radon.mp3 Do you think testing your home for radon is just another one of these good-to-do 'green ideas?'   Podcasts Friday, 9 January 2009 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No EPA's Cristina Schulingkamp says homeowners may approach some of the home greening ideas with a bit of skepticism, but testing your home for radon is important for health reasons.   Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States for non-smokers. While many health challenges may be tough to solve and expensive, radon testing is easy and inexpensive.   00:03:48 EPA, environment, air, radon http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Air_Monitoring.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Air_Monitoring.mp3 Lately there has been a lot of media attention focused on air monitoring.  Podcasts Friday, 19 December 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No We are talking today with Drew Hass who specializes in air monitoring networks at EPA. Drew, what is this seven foot tall awkward looking metal structure that we're standing in front of today?  This monitor collects tiny particles called particulate matter on a filter. These tiny specs of soot and dust are approximately 2.5 microns in diameter or even smaller.   00:03:19 EPA, environment, air, air quality, air monitoring, PM.2 http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Tap_vs_Bottle.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Tap_vs_Bottle.mp3 Bottled water has certainly come a long way since it was introduced to American society as an upscale beverage for the health conscious.  Podcasts Friday, 5 December 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Thanks to influential marketing and a willing public, every day, many people make the choice between tap water and bottled water.  Explanations varied, but generally speaking, the responders who drink tap water appreciate its low cost and safe availability. And those who drink bottled water gave reasons like: it is convenient while they are on-the-go; bottled water tastes better; and they're uncertain about the safety of tap water.  00:03:44 EPA, environment, water, drinking water, bottled water http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/IndoorAir.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/IndoorAir.mp3 When the weather cools off, we spend more time indoors with our windows shut and our heaters on. We know that means less fresh air in our homes. Today, we have some tips to help us keep our indoor air healthier.   Podcasts Friday, 14 November 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Cristina Schulingkamp, an EPA indoor air quality scientist and a mother of young children, has found four areas where we need to pay special attention.   The first clean air tip has to do with cleaning products. Most commercial cleaners are designed to be used in very small quantities. Read the label and use them as directed. Never combine cleaning products if you don't have to – the result can be very toxic.  00:03:43 EPA, environment, asthma, air, indoor air quality http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/halloween.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Halloween.mp3 Frightened by the thought of heating your homes and businesses this winter? Well you can escape ghastly high heating bills if you take some simple steps to save energy.   Podcasts Friday, 31 October 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No As our nation is shifting to a green culture, more people are making changes in their homes and businesses to help protect the environment. Winter is fast approaching, and the EPA encourages you to put your house on an energy diet.   Using an ENERGY STAR light can prevent 500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions - - as good for our environment as not driving for two whole weeks. 00:02:57 EPA, environment, Energy Star, electricity, winterize http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/SAN.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/SANS.mp3 If you live in Philadelphia or in one of the city's surrounding counties, chances are your tap water comes from the Schuylkill River. The river, one hundred and thirty miles long, flows from its headwaters at the Tuscarora Springs in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, to the tidal Delaware River at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.   Podcasts Friday, 24 October 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No For more than two centuries, the Schuylkill River has been an important source for drinking water in the Philadelphia region. Today, one-and-a half million people rely on the Schuylkill as their source of tap water, that's why protecting the river is a high priority for Philadelphia and neighboring communities working together as SAN -- the Schuylkill Action Network.  Jennifer Adkins, executive director of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and member of SAN, says since 2003 when EPA, the City of Philadelphia's Water Department and others joined to create SAN, progress has been made. 00:05:06 EPA, environment, water, Schuylkill Action Network http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/GreenHighways.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/GreenHighways.mp3 If Dominique Lueckenhoff had her way, the answer to our riddle would be – U.S. highways. With nearly 4 million highway miles stretching across our nation, Lueckenhoff says getting these roadways to be good for the environment is no stretch of the imagination.   Podcasts Friday, 10 October 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No At EPA, she helps direct programs designed to clean up and protect watersheds throughout the mid-Atlantic region. She saw a need to focus on highways for a number of reasons, and steered EPA's attention to the transportation sector. Dominique explains why there was a need to focus on highways and the transportation sector. For instance, how during heavy rainfall, highways act as conveyors of pollutants, carrying stuff like heavy metals and sediment that can run off into nearby waterways. Even the volume of rainwater that runs off highways can be damaging to the adjacent banks of soil, eroding the stability of those banks. Highway maintenance can present problems too, and so there was a need to have guidelines and standards that would help minimize environmental damage during highway maintenance projects. 00:05:12 EPA, environment, infrastructure, roads, highways, transportation http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/2008awards.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/2008_Awards.mp3 In Pennsylvania's Lower Makefield Township, if you have an idea for improving the environment, chances are it'll soon be in place. Over the past two years, the township has been on a mission to be one of the cleanest and greenest. And those efforts have caught the eye of EPA's Mid-Atlantic region.  Podcasts Friday, 26 September 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No In selecting its first-ever Environmental Achievement Awards, EPA gave Lower Makefield high marks for being a green leader among towns. Township officials joined other winners for a ceremony at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia where the featured speaker was the EPA's top official, Administrator Steve Johnson. 00:04:34 EPA, environment, conservation, awards http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/WaterSense.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/WaterSense.mp3 H20…Water…Agua…The thirst quencher. Any way you say it, you need it. We all do.  Podcasts Friday, 12 September 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but guess what? Only one percent is available for human use. And while the population increases and the demand on freshwater resources is expected to escalate, the supply of freshwater remains constant. Benjamin Franklin said it well, when he said, "We know the worth of water when the well runs dry." In the United States, it is predicted that at least 36 states will experience some shortage by the year 2013 where residents’ water usage may be restricted. 00:04:17 EPA, environment, water, drinking water, conservation http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/mira.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/MIRA.mp3 Some of us fondly remember the children's TV show Romper Room, which really knew how to hold an audience. Podcasts Monday, 8 September 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No It wasn't until the end of each program that the teacher looked into her Magic Mirror and identified by name some of the kids watching the show at home. "I see Steve and Lisa and Marcus. I see Linda and Johnny…" While it may have seemed a little freaky to the kids, it worked. They were on the edge of their seats waiting for their names to be called. Though it may not generate the same sense of anticipation, EPA's mid-Atlantic region has its own magic MIRA – as in M...I...R...A. It stands for Multi-criteria Integrated Resource Assessment – clearly not kids stuff. MIRA enables the regional staff to peer out at its environmental challenges and identify areas where our limited resources can make the greatest difference. 00:04:05 EPA, environment, indicators, MIRA http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/bottle.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Message_in_bottle.mp3 Nearly 40 years ago, some of the most important footprints were left on the moon by the Apollo astronauts. Families at the time gathered around TV sets to see the grainy, black and white images of the tracks left by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Podcasts Friday, 29 August 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No These days, other important footprints are capturing our attention – the ones we all leave here on Earth – our environmental footprints. One group of fifth graders in Bridgewater, New Jersey is doing something to tread a little lighter on the planet. The class at the Hillside Intermediate School won an EPA contest challenging elementary school students to reduce their carbon footprints.  00:03:51 EPA, school, environment, recycle, http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/school_2008.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/BacktoSchool_2008.mp3 All good things must come to an end. And for more than 60 million children in the United States that includes their summer vacation. Podcasts Friday, 22 August 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No As August fades into September, the need for school supplies will reach full tilt. With that in mind, the EPA has some timely tips that can help save you money as well as reduce waste. Before starting a new school year, parents and children can sort through the materials from the year before. Many supplies can be reused or recycled. Notebooks, folders and binders are good examples of supplies that can be reused. Pens and pencils or other items that have a long shelf life and can be reused. Sharing used books with friends, relatives or siblings is another great way to help reduce waste and save a little money.  00:04:12 EPA, school, environment, recycle, http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/sovereign.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Revolution_in_York_Final.mp3 History is built by revolutionaries, by those willing to deny what has been accepted as true and unchangeable, and who then commit themselves to change. Podcasts Friday, 15 August 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No As our country, which was founded by those of the same revolutionary spirit, progresses, we learn more and more about our environment and our impact on it. It is from this awareness that the latest revolution has begun. Through the efforts and collaboration of EPA, private funders, property owners, and government partners, the area of Codorus Creek in York City finally received the redevelopment it desperately needed. The once deteriorated industrial site is now home to the Sovereign Bank Stadium, a new landmark of York. 00:03:57 brownfields, land revitalization, EPA http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/beaches.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/Beaches_Podcast_Final.mp3 With summer in full swing, Americans are loading up their beach chairs, slathering on the sunscreen and heading to the shore, ready to ride the waves or just relax under a sprawling umbrella. Podcasts Friday, 8 August 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Last year, beaches were open for use 95 percent of the possible time, and EPA and the states are working year-round to ensure that beach closure signs are rare sightings. With me today to discuss beach protection is Jon Capacasa, EPA's regional water protection director. EPA works closely with the states to identify and stop pollution that could impact the beaches. Over the last 30 years, EPA has helped states and towns through billions of dollars to build wastewater treatment plants, to fix sewers and to increase beach monitoring and particularly notifying the public about beach quality. We're also doing a lot of research to help identify water-related problems at the beaches. 00:03:18 environment, beaches http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/sedp.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/SEDP_Final.mp3 School’s out for the summer, but the learning continues for a group of inner-city students. They’ve been selected for a special EPA program that’s helping to build the next generation of environmental leaders. Podcasts Friday, 1 August 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No In Philadelphia and Washington, DC, EPA’s Student Environmental Development Program is giving middle-school kids a close up look at all things green. Combining hands-on classroom instruction with weekly field trips and activities, the program is in its 15th year and has never been more popular. As part of the experience, students work in small groups to prepare skits on important environmental issues. When the summer program comes to a close, the skits are performed in front of federal employees and family members. Last year, the audience included the head of EPA, Administrator Steve Johnson, who was so impressed that EPA made it a priority to expand the program this summer. 00:04:15 students, environment, classroom http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/gas.html http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/playercontents/audio/gas_final_3.mp3 There are a lot of gadgets on the market today that promise better fuel economy. But are they worth the money? Will they do what the ads promise? What can we really do to improve fuel economy and stretch our gasoline dollars? EPA’s Brian Rehn says drivers should approach such fuel-saving devices and fuel additives with caution. Podcasts Friday, 25 July 2008 scipione.tony @ epa.gov No Drivers want to find a device that will, at a low cost, help them to reduce their gasoline usage especially with the steep increase in the price of gas and the greater reliance on foreign imports to support our growing oil dependence. There are quite a few products being sold now…fuel line magnets, chemical additives, ionizers, inline flow fans, air disturbers. There are such things as additives that you can dump in the tank that supposedly will stretch your mileage, and some even claim to be able to run the car on water. But the truth of the matter is, EPA has tested over a hundred of such devices and in general they don't meet the manufacturer’s claims of improved fuel economy. In general, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. EPA maintains a list of such devices here on our website at www.epa.gov. Drivers want to find a device that will, at a low cost, help them to reduce their gasoline usage especially with the steep increase in the price of gas and the greater reliance on foreign imports to support our growing oil dependence. There are quite a few products being sold now…fuel line magnets, chemical additives, ionizers, inline flow fans, air disturbers. There are such things as additives that you can dump in the tank that supposedly will stretch your mileage, and some even claim to be able to run the car on water. But the truth of the matter is, EPA has tested over a hundred of such devices and in general they don't meet the manufacturer’s claims of improved fuel economy. In general, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. EPA maintains a list of such devices here on our website at www.epa.gov. 00:05:36 gas