What do we do?
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We champion solutions to the climate crisis.
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We work for clean air, safe water, land protection, and a vibrant natural world.
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We fight for environmental and social justice.
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We believe in getting people outside to enjoy the outdoors.
Stand with us by contributing your comments and finding ways to take action HERE
ACTION NEEDED
DEQ Comment period on Gen X
Sign on With North Carolina Conservation NetWork
Write your own information courtesy of NC Coastal Federation
More information HERE
Dead Line March 16, 2021
FEBRUARY UPDATES
February Program: Growing Our Urban Forest
A robust urban forest enhances the quality of life for present and future generations. Join Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and Alliance for Cape Fear Trees President, Connie Parker, for a presentation on the significance of trees in our urban environment. Mayor Saffo will discuss the Wilmington Tree Initiative’s partnership with the community to develop our urban forest by planting over 1000 trees. Ms. Parker will talk about the aesthetic, cultural, and environmental importance of urban forestry and what you can do to help.
Attend “Growing Our Urban Forest,” via zoom, on Monday, February 15, from 6:30 - 8 pm, by using the link below:
We look forward to seeing you on the 15th!
NC Marine Debris Symposium Feb 10-12
Check out this online event for community members and social entrepreneurs wanting to grow their plastics network, learn from national and global experts, and pitch ideas for funding opportunities for plastic waste reduction.
Visit their website to see the program schedule and register!
Swine Waste Biogas Should Not Be Considered Green Energy
Smithfield contract growers have requested a permit change for hog waste lagoons in their production operation. The change would allow for a covered lined lagoon where methane can be captured. This permit change does not limit the ultimate practices of spraying the untreated hog waste over nearby fields and impacting nearby homes. After the methane is captured, it is burned to produce carbon dioxide, and the nitrogen and phosphorus remain concentrated in the waste. Many of these production facilities are close to our rivers, which are severely impacted by remaining compounds in the waste even after the methane is captured. The secondary lagoons are just like what we currently have — an unlined and uncovered waste lagoon still subject to overflow into our rivers and streams.
This process of methane capture does little to control the problem of toxic stench drifting into nearby homes. The argument is valid that release of the carbon as carbon dioxide after burning the methane has less impact on greenhouse gases than methane. The impacts of the hog waste remain the same. We still have the environmental toxins of untreated hog waste. Other states have more stringent laws concerning hog waste. As concerned citizens, we can reduce hog waste and associated problems by adopting a more plant-based diet, thus reducing demand for animal products.
For further reading:
Sierra Club Guidance/Position and information
Article by Kemp Burdette of Cape Fear River Watch
Although the comment period has passed, here is a link at NC DEQ for more information
Tree Planting Volunteers Needed
Join Alliance for Cape Fear Trees in planting trees throughout Wilmington on Saturday, February 6th and Saturday, February 20th. It will be a fun way to help our local ecosystem and enjoy community and the outdoors while staying safe with Covid protocols.
Get more information or sign up to volunteer here!
JANUARY UPDATES
Cape Fear Sierra Club MLK Program:
Environmental Justice in Southeastern NC
Please join us, via zoom, for our annual MLK Program on Monday, January 18, from 6:30 - 8 pm. We are excited to present a moderated 3-speaker panel on some of the most pressing Environmental Justice issues impacting our region, including industrial animal farming (CAFOs) and the wood pellet industry. Our speakers are:
Devon Hall, Executive Director of Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help (REACH)
Belinda Joyner, Environmental Justice Advocate and Organizer with Clean Air Carolina
Naeema Muhammad, Organizing Co-Director for North Carolina Environmental Justice Network
Our moderator is Ashley Daniels, NHC resident and Environmental Justice Advocate
To attend this important program, just use the zoom link below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85640359547?pwd=emZuZExhV2VaZnJsL01ZWXRJQlJjQT09
We look forward to seeing you there!
It's Veganuary!
Curious about incorporating more plant-based foods into your life? With animal agriculture wreaking havoc on forests, waterways, and communities, consuming less meat and dairy is a great way to help combat climate change.
Veganuary focuses on giving vegan eating a try for the month of January. Their website has a ton of resources including recipes and nutrition information. The Cape Fear Sierra Club website also offers answers to frequently asked questions and suggestions on how to get started.
Interested, but not quite ready to jump in? Design your own plan! Pick just one week instead of a month. Or dedicate this month to learning and be ready to go come February! As with all of the environmentally-conscious choices we make, each little bit adds up. Each day following a vegan diet saves 1,100 gallons of water, 40 lb of grain, 30 sq. ft of forest, 20 lb of CO2, and the life of one animal.
The Wood Pellet Industry Is Still Causing Harm
VICE News shares the stories of community members affected by the wood pellet industry in Northhampton County and Robeson County. Watch this short video to learn more about current facilities in NC and the harm they bring to both communities throughout the southeast and our environment.
Tree Planting Volunteers Needed
Join Alliance for Cape Fear Trees in planting trees throughout Wilmington on January 16th and February 6th. It will be a fun way to help our local ecosystem and enjoy community and the outdoors while staying safe with Covid protocols.
Get more information or sign up to volunteer here!
DECEMBER UPDATES
The Cape Fear Group will not hold a monthly meeting in December. We hope you enjoy your holiday season and look forward to getting 2021 off to a great start with your help !
NOVEMBER UPDATES
WE DID IT!
Our future looks brighter already with the recent election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. To those who had the hard discussions with neighbors, worked the phone banks, sent out letters, volunteered at the polls, and most of all, voted, THANK YOU. We are exuberant at the idea of making bigger environmental strides than ever with the support of an administration who cares about this planet as much as we do. The climate change fight is far from over, but let's look to the future as we make this planet great again!!!
Upcoming Chapter Meeting: NC Legislative Update
Please join us for our annual NC Legislative Update from Cassie Gavin. Ms. Gavin is Director of Government Relations for the NC Chapter of the Sierra Club. An attorney, Ms. Gavin represents Sierra Club at the NC General Assembly. She will provide a summary of the major environmental policy accomplishments and challenges this past year and a preview of the coming year, including impacts of the recent election.
The event is on Monday, Nov 16 from 6:30 - 8pm. Please use this zoom link to attend.
Meeting ID: 875 4186 8928
Passcode: 727918
Find your local Zoom number
Help Keep Hog Farm Giants From Polluting Our State Further
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is taking public comments on a draft air quality permit for the first project that relies on polluting industrial-scale pits of hog manure and urine to capture biogas by Align Renewable Natural Gas – a joint venture of industrial hog producer Smithfield Foods and energy giant Dominion Energy. The public can submit comments until November 20, 2020, and a virtual public hearing will be held on November 16 at 6pm.
This article from the Southern Environmental Law Center helps explain the situation and contains helpful links to summaries and talking points that can help in designing your comments. These operations change because of voices like ours. Use yours today!
Tree Planting Volunteers Needed
Join Alliance for Cape Fear Trees in planting trees on November 21st at Greenfield Lake. It will be a fun way to help our local ecosystem and enjoy community and the outdoors while staying safe with Covid protocols.
Get more information or sign up to volunteer here!
Check Out the NC Chapter's YouTube Page!
Find recordings of our past events and the events of other NC groups, as well as other exciting environmental information. Last week's Zoom meeting with Roger Shew is available for viewing now!
You can find their page here.
Your are Visitor Number:
Help us spread the word.
September 12, 2020
Come Meet our Endorsed Candidates - Virtually!
Join us on a Zoom call to "meet" some of the local candidates endorsed by the Cape Fear Sierra Club. Get to know more about them, their policies, and why we have faith that they are the best choices to help lead us to a healthier planet!
Here are the endorsed candidates:
NCGA Senate: David Sink 08 and Harper Peterson 09
NCGA House: Christopher Shulte 04, Debbi Fintak 16, Deb Butler 18, Marcia Morgan 19, Adam Ericson 20
County Commission: Jonathan Barfield, Leslie Cohen, Kyle Horton
Our meeting will be Monday September 21st at 6:30pm, please register in advance here and we look forward to seeing you!
September 12, 2020
Cape Fear River Swamp Classification
This is an announcement for a comment period and upcoming online hearing for the proposed removal of the Swamp (Sw) classification and a portion of the water quality management plan from a part of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties (Cape Fear River Basin). The proposal would affect the part of the Cape Fear River from the upstream mouth of Toomers Creek to a line across the river between Lilliput Creek and Snows Cut, where the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) meets the river.
The public hearing and comment period are to be held in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act that requires States to conduct a Triennial Review, which includes an assessment and revision of the designated uses of waters (classifications) and the water quality criteria (standards), which are based on the designated uses.
The hearing will be held online on Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00pm. Register here for the hearing and indicate a preference about speaking at the hearing; registration must be completed by 12:00 p.m. on October 20, 2020.
Comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing by postal mail or email anytime through November 2, 2020.
Learn more about how, when, and to whom to direct your comments here.
August 28, 2020
We're on Instagram!
The Cape Fear Sierra Club Instagram page is live! Follow us on Instagram for event updates, community news, and tips for keeping our planet healthy.
August 12, 2020
Learn to Tackle Plastic Pollution with Oceana
Oceana, a leading ocean conservation organization, is hosting an online workshop series for people interested in ending the impacts of plastic pollution in our oceans and communities. The series brings students face to face with scientists, elected officials, media professionals, justice experts and more over a four part series. Students will learn about the background of plastic pollution and the steps to create change at their local community level. Reserve your spot today for the upcoming series that will be covered over four Saturdays between August 29th and September 19th.
August 12, 2020
Let's Go Joe!
This November, we need to elect a climate justice champion who understands the scale and urgency of the climate crisis and is ready to take bold action to solve it. That's why we're proud to endorse Joe Biden for President.
While Donald Trump has prioritized fossil fuel executives’ profits over the best interests of the American people, Joe Biden has listened to the climate justice movement and laid out ambitious plans to transition to a clean energy economy and prioritize environmental justice.
We’re working to mobilize voters across the country to elect climate champs and then hold them accountable to make sure these ambitious plans become a reality. Read the full statement from National.
July 17, 2020
A Message From Our Friends at 350 Wilmington
Lindsay here! I've been working as part of the Mayor's Ad Hoc Clean Energy Task Force for the City of Wilmington, where I am a part of the sub-committee tasked with researching North Carolina's Clean Energy Policy and Legislation.
The Task Force is committed to hearing what the community has to say about clean energy and has initiated the following survey to get public perspective on what actions Wilmington should prioritize in pursuing a Clean Energy goal.
Please take a moment to give your thoughts on Wilmington's clean energy future.
The survey is open until July 24th, so please share far and wide within your networks. It is important that as many voices are heard as possible.
July 17, 2020
2020 Endorsements
Each election cycle, your local Sierra Club volunteers undertake a good deal of work to identify and endorse candidates who are advocates for clean air, clean water, environmental justice, and healthy communities.
We are proud to present our selections and will continue to share their names as voting opportunities begin. The Cape Fear Group asks for your vote and support for these endorsed candidates who we best believe will lead us to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Although different from past events, we will still be holding a fundraiser this year to raise money for these campaigns. Stay tuned for fundraising details, as well as upcoming endorsements for state and national offices.
New Hanover County Commissioners
Jonathan Barfield
Leslie Cohen
Dr Kyle Horton
NCGA House
District 4 - Christoper Schulte
District 16 - Debbie Fintak
District 17 - Deb Butler
District 19 - Marcia Morgan
District 20 - Adam Ericson
NCGA Senate
District 8 - David Sink
District 9 - Harper Peterson
As you know, boundaries have changed, so please check your district. We look forward to electing inspiring candidates with your help!
July 17, 2020
BREAKING: ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE CANCELED
Following years of legal battles and community opposition, Duke Energy and Dominion Energy announced they are canceling construction of their 600-mile, $8 billion fracked gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The project had become increasingly controversial as communities, environmental organizations and racial justice advocates raised concerns over the effects it would have on public health, water quality, and the climate. This historic news comes after numerous legal defeats, ongoing court cases, and a massive coalition spanning multiple states demanded that the pipeline be canceled.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“If anyone still had questions about whether or not the era of fracked gas was over, this should answer them. Today is a historic victory for clean water, the climate, public health, and our communities. Duke and Dominion did not decide to cancel the Atlantic Coast Pipeline -- the people and frontline organizations that led this fight for years forced them into walking away. Today’s victory reinforces that united communities are more powerful than the polluting corporations that put profits over our health and future.
“Stopping the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is a historic victory for the health and well-being of communities along the route of the project, and adds to the mountain of evidence that we do not require fracked gas to meet our energy needs. Now, rather than investing in the further destruction of our clean water and communities, we can continue to grow the booming clean energy economy creating jobs and protecting public health.”
We are so grateful for this progress. We all could use some good news right now!
June 22, 2020
In-Person Meetings are Still on Hold
In-person Sierra Club events are on hold through the summer, but we hope to stay as connected as possible as we navigate a new normal. Be on the lookout next month for a Zoom event with your local Cape Fear Group. We hope to see you then!
June 22, 2020
Further Resources for Pursuing Equality
As champions for the environment, we especially know it takes more than just not doing harm to ensure a healthy planet; we must actively fight against wrongdoings and implement more effective ways of living and treating the Earth. The same is true for combating racism; it is not enough to not be racist, we must actively be anti-racist. As we as both individuals and an organization learn how to best do this, here is a starting list of resources that can give us perspective, information, and motivation to unite and work together to dismantle systemic racism and create a healthy environment and future for people of all color.
June 22, 2020
The Sierra Club Continues its Involvement with Black Lives Matter
The Cape Fear Group stands with the national Sierra Club and their following statement:
Our hearts are heavy with the grief and pain that our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) members, friends, partners, and communities continue to experience as a result of systemic racism, police brutality and the heightened risk from COVID-19.
Environmental issues cannot be separated from racial and social justice. We can’t succeed in enlisting humanity in protecting the human and natural world while racism continues to divide us and inflict suffering. Sierra Club is on a journey to becoming a better ally and accomplice against racism. We commit to centering and uplifting the voices and experiences of BIPOC people.
June 09, 2020
Sierra Club and Black Lives Matter
The Sierra Club stands in solidarity with the Black community in envisioning a future free of discrimination, police brutality, and systemic injustices. The national Sierra Club signed on to a letter supporting these goals and eyeing a brighter future alongside the NAACP, Service Employees International Union, and Planned Parenthood, representing groups across a spectrum coming together for a crucial cause. You can find the joint letter here.
May 12, 2020
Learn The Ropes Of Absentee Ballots In North Carolina
It's never too early to start thinking about voting! With an unprecedented health concern affecting our election year, many people will take to mail-in ballots and skip the polling places. We want everyone to have all the information they need to have their voice heard. NCvoter.org has comprehensive information on requesting ballots, registering, and more. Absentee ballots must be received by your county's Board of Elections by Tuesday, October 27th. Ballots must be completed in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public; details can be found here. Elections have been won by single digits; make sure your voice is heard!
May 12, 2020
Join Us As We Take Our Green Drinks Social Online!
We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. While in-person meetings are still on hold, we are taking our Green Drinks social online again this month. We will use Zoom to video chat with one another about environmental issues and more, and enjoy the company of fellow environmentalists at a safe distance. Green Drinks will take place on Thursday, May 28th from 6:30pm to 8pm. Please pre-register to join the Zoom call here. Be well and we hope to see you online!
May 12, 2020
Turn That Plastic Knowledge Into Action!
We need your help! The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act would phase out certain single-use plastics and shift the burden of plastic waste to the companies producing it.
We must seize this opportunity. The equivalent of roughly a garbage truck’s worth of plastic enters our oceans every minute. You’ve seen the result: Dolphins, whales and other marine life killed by ingesting plastic debris or being entangled in it. Now is the time for the federal government to act. Tell your members of Congress to protect our oceans and marine life from plastic pollution.
Take Action Here!
May 12, 2020
You're Invited To A Screening Of The Story Of Plastic
The #StoryOfPlastic is the story BIG PLASTIC does not want you to see, and it’s fueling the global movement to #BreakFreeFromPlastic. Even though we can't watch together in person, we can still flatten the curve and be together virtually.
Our great panel discussion will include Wilmington-based plastic expert Bonnie Monteleone, the Executive Director and Director of Science, Research and Academic Partnerships for the Plastic Ocean Project, Inc. We will also host Erin Carey, Manager of Coastal Programs for the NC Sierra Club and Dave Pollock, Chair of the Cape Fear Sierra Club.
You are invited to attend this virtual screening and discussion on any of these three dates - whichever works best for you. Once you are in the meeting, the film link will be posted. We will all use the link to view the film and as soon as the film is over, we will resume the meeting. Please sign up with one of the Eventbrite links below. Don't forget to invite your friends!
Wilmington: 5/19/20
Register and get your ticket on Eventbrite; watch the trailer and RSVP on Facebook
Morehead City: 5/20/20
Register and get your ticket on Eventbrite ; watch the trailer and RSVP on Facebook
Greenville: 5/21/20
Register and get your ticket on Eventbrite; watch the trailer and RSVP on Facebook
This event is sponsored by Oceana in addition to the Cape Fear, Croatan, and Cypress Groups of the NC Chapter of the Sierra Club.
May 12, 2020
Hands Across The Sand Virtual Event
We will be VIRTUALLY joining hands on May 16th to continue our momentum to say NO to filthy fuels and YES to clean energy. Hands Across The Sand has created a video featuring messages from their founder, sponsors, organizers, and participants over the last eleven years. The event will be live on their Facebook at 12pm on Saturday, May 16th.
Please like, comment, and share the live stream to show support for the fight to protect our oceans and lands! If possible, tag your government representatives! Thank you for joining us in our quest to save our planet from climate change!
April 27, 2020
Green Drinks Goes Virtual!
We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. While in-person meetings are still on hold, we are taking our Green Drinks social online this month. We will use Zoom to video chat with one another about environmental issues and more, and enjoy the company of fellow environmentalists at a safe distance. Green Drinks will take place on Thursday, April 30th from 6pm to 8pm. Please pre-register to join the Zoom call here. Be well and we hope to see you online!
April 16, 2020
Community Updates on Active Energy Pellet Plant and Methyl Bromide Regulations
Thank you to all activists who have sent in comments to DAQ on the Active Energy pellet plant in Lumberton and new state regulations for methyl bromide. New comment deadlines are April 27th for the wood pellet plant and May 8th for methyl bromide.
Email comments to DAQ.publiccomments@ncdenr.gov. Please type “Active Energy Renewable Power” in the subject line. The draft permit, permit review, application and environmental justice snapshot are available here. To submit comments on methyl bromide click here. Your voice counts!
April 16, 2020
Action Alert - Make Your Voice Heard on the UDO
New Hanover County is updating its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO is a set of development and land use standards for the county. Before us is a rare opportunity to ensure this update reflects today’s economic, cultural and environmental realities.
The Cape Fear Group of the Sierra Club and other partners in our community need you to reach out to the New Hanover County Planning Board and Commissioners to ask for thoughtful county-wide ordinances that promote environmentally sustainable economic development, recruitment and business practices that will maintain our public health and quality of life.
Click here for suggested language to use when contacting Planning Board members and Commissioners.
April 20, 2020
CFSC Monthly Meeting (Via Zoom!)
"Rain Gardens -- Heal Our Waterways!"
Link up to learn about how you can help heal our local waterways, including by installing a rain garden at your home. Protecting our waterways from polluted stormwater runoff doesn't have to be hard. There are options simple to put in place and relatively easy to maintain. A rain garden is one of the best options, helping to soak in polluted stormwater runoff while reducing your water use at the same time! Anna Reh-Gingerich, the Interim Watershed Coordinator for the Heal Our Waterways Program sponsored by the City of Wilmington, will be presenting--in time to put in your gardens for this coming season!
Join Zoom Meeting : https://zoom.us/j/667917869, Meeting ID: 667 917 869. To join via phone only: One tap mobile +16468769923,,667917869# US (New York); +13126266799,,667917869# US (Chicago)
March 16, 2020
March 16th Monthly Meeting Cancelled
*Following guidelines released from the Sierra Club we are cancelling all in person meetings until Sunday June 14th. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you soon.
February 17, 2020
Febuary Monthy Meeting With Applachian Voices
Josh McClenney, NC Field Coordinator For Applachian Voices (Click here about Josh)
Josh will be speaking about Energy Justice, and how that ties into the work that Appalahian Voices and the Energy Justice North Carolina Coalition is doing to end Duke Energy's monopoly in the state at both a grasstops and grassroots level.Link to Appalachian voices
Meeting Starts at 6 PM with free pizza
Program starts at 6:30
Location: Halyburton Park
March 18, 2020
Public hearing Methyl Bromide fumigant
This is a public hearing about the use of the neurotoxin methyl bromide. Many people have work hard to stop the use of this chemical in our state. Methyl bromide has been banned around the world due to its effects on life and the ozone layer. If you cannot attend the meeting please write.
