Artists invited to 'Bug Draw Off' to benefit the fight against pesticide pollution

Toxic Free NC -- a Raleigh-based nonprofit that fights pesticide pollution and promotes safe alternatives -- is holding a Bug Draw Off to support its work.

Artists are invited to submit work showcasing the important role bugs play in the environment. Those selected will have their work displayed for a month at 101 Lounge + Cafe in downtown Raleigh. They will also have a chance to win prizes including free art supplies, with a benefit auction of the art set for First Friday on Aug. 7.

Here are the contest details, according to an announcement posted at Facebook:

* All interested artists must send an email to cbgrohs@gmail.com with your contact information, an electronic photo of your fine artwork PLUS a mini (as in TINY, Itty bitty, blurb style) bio on you, the artist.

* Deadline for all submissions is July 10th.

* The event has two parts: a bug drawing competition with a chance for some mighty prizes (like free art supplies, food and even a holistic facial!) on First Friday in August, as well as a month-long exhibit of artists’ interpretations of their favorite bugs.

* All proceeds from sales of the art will be going to support Toxic Free NC’s courageous work to fight pesticide pollution in North Carolina. More on that at www.toxicfreenc.org.

* All selected artists will be promoted like mad throughout the month. Each will be asked to contribute between one and three pieces to include in the month-long exhibit. Artists may also be asked to participate in the night-of competition.

(Photo of praying mantis by PiccoloNamek)

Raleigh moves toward a greener future with energy conservation initiatives

The Raleigh City Council recently approved a slate of energy efficiency and conservation programs that the city plans to undertake with a $3.82 million block grant from the U.S. Department of Energy that's part of the federal economic stimulus package. Among the initiatives the money would fund are loan programs for home weatherization and commercial energy efficiency initiatives, a pilot program to boost recycling, and electric vehicle recharging stations.

Meanwhile, the city recently completed its first outdoor lighting project combining light-emitting diode (LED) technology with solar renewable energy in place of traditional dirty electric sources like nuclear and coal plants. LEDs are electronic lights that consume less energy and last longer than traditional lightbulbs and even compact fluorescents. Progress Solar Solutions of Apex installed the sun-powered lights at the city Parks and Recreation Department's Marsh Creek remote operations facility near New Hope Road and Daly Road in eastern Raleigh.

"Energy costs for municipalities can be significant," said Julian Prosser, assistant city manager. "Our sustainability team is a strong advocate of adopting proven, high-performance technologies that can save local taxpayers on energy costs and at the same time protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions. We are excited about the opportunity to move to a cost-effective, renewable energy alternative. It seems like a win-win for everyone."

(Photo of the new LED lights in the parking lot of the Marsh Creek facility from the city's website.)

ConAgra plant disaster releases toxic ammonia to environment

Today's explosion at the ConAgra plant in Garner just south of Raleigh killed at least two people and injured more than 40 others. It also resulted in the release of ammonia to a tributary of Big Branch Creek, which flows into the Neuse River.

Speaking at an 11 p.m. press conference, a Garner fire department captain reported there had been a "small ammonia release" to the tributary on the plant's property at 4851 Jones Sausage Rd. An earthen dam has been constructed at the spot where the release occurred, and the company and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring downstream, he said.

There were also reports following this morning's explosion of a strong ammonia smell around the facility.

The plant manufactures Slim Jim meat snacks. Meat processing operations often use for a refrigerant anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance under various federal environmental laws.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration considers ammonia a high health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. It's also flammable at concentrations of greater than 15% by volume in air and can explode if it's released in an enclosed space with an ignition source, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire.

Breathing ammonia can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, laryngitis, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, pink frothy phlegm, chest pain, asthma, rapid pulse, and increased blood pressure, according to the National Library of Medicine.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board, a federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents, has sent a team to the site of the explosion.