Welcome to Deco Resources News
What’s In A Library
If someone asked what you might expect to find in a library, it wouldn't be surprising if the first answer was "books." What if the answer was hammers and hand drills? How about electronic and circuitry wiring materials? How would you respond if you learned that the...
Sustainable Food
The East End Food Co-op is Pittsburgh's "only member-owned natural and organic food market," as stated on their GreenerPittsburgh page. We wanted to find out how the store ensures that their food is natural and organic. It turns out that the Co-op has a...
DECO named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business
DECO Resources, LLC named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists Building a better future in alignment with nature Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized DECO Resources with a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Business...
Bikes
It is well known that, at DECO, we like to talk about all things bicycle. Our last post about biking (No Motor Vehicles) was posted way back in the beginning of June so we decided it would be alright to bring up the topic again, especially seeing all that is happening...
Have you tried shrub yet?
The newest Netgreen member, Strip District-based Caffe d'Amore is hosting the first Pittsburgh Shrubdown. But what is shrub? Shrub is a Colonial-era method for fruit preservation. Local artisanal shrub makers are combining fruit, vinegar, and sugar to create a variety...
Life Cycle Assessment
In spring 2013, a team of Carnegie Mellon University students, including Michelle Cong, Melissa Daly, Hao Ming, Haoran Zhang, and Wanbing Zhu, completed a project called Life Cycle Inventory and Cost Analysis of CulinArt Food Packaging Options. Their goal was to...
One Year On
Today officially marks the first full year of operation at DECO Resources, LLC. We want to thank everyone who has helped us along the way. Pittsburgh is a great place to start a business, as we have found tremendous support from the local community. Over the past...
Green Quiz Part 2
Our team would like to thank everyone who participated in Part 1 of our Green Quiz over the past week. As a warning, Part 2 might be more difficult! Before we get to that, let's talk about the results from Round 1: First, this report from KDKA talks about exactly what...
SolarFest 2014
Saturday marked the summer solstice, or longest day of the year. It also marked Pittsburgh's first festival to celebrate solar power. The event, called SolarFest, was held in Millvale's Riverfront Park and DECO's team was there to present the Solar Water...
Compost
"It's not about killing the bad guys," says Phipps Master Gardener Keith McNeish, "It's about out-competing them." McNeish spoke about organic compost at the Homegrown workshop Thursday evening at the YMCA in Homewood. The Homegrown Edible Garden Program from Phipps...
No Motor Vehicles
Urban biking is seen as a preferable mode of transportation for some people but it can also be seen as a near-certain trip to the local hospital for others. This post is geared (get it) towards people who might be less than confident on two wheels. As always, we...
The Natural Gas Debate Continues
What really happened in Harrisburg on Friday, May 23rd? According to one news source, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett issued an order "prohibiting leasing for natural gas development in Pennsylvania's state parks and forest". Another source claimed that the governor...
Sustainable Strategy 1.0
Since February, DECO has been meeting with local business leaders in an effort to learn what companies are doing to be green and to see what obstacles they are facing. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive strategy that improves the environmental footprint...
Shedding Light on Lighting
"You don't notice lighting until it's gone," says local lighting consultant and owner of LED Light Shed, Barry Stolar. But once you take notice, there can be a lot to learn about lighting. Last week, I visited the certified LEED Platinum office of the Green Building...
Energy Audit
An energy audit is not typically something that brings the community together. The Green Building Alliance, however, is not your typical organization. This week, they brought in Cindy Bittel and Tom Cosgro of sustainability consulting firm RCx Building Diagnostics....
Earth Day
The old adage my mother says every April 22nd is that "Every Day is Earth Day." While that might be true, it is helpful to establish time each year to reflect on the Mother of All Mothers: The Earth. This year, DECO will celebrate by volunteering at Einhorn Media...
Pittsburgh Public Transit Gets a FaceLyft
Lyft on Mt. Washington. Photo Source Pop City Media I Mustache You A Question DECO's Facilitator & Design Officer, Mary Sullivan, recently used Lyft, Pittsburgh's newest public transportation option. Lyft is a San Fransico-based ride-sharing service that uses an...
All is Well That Ends Well
Pittsburgh has long been at the epicenter of global energy production. From the first commercial oil well, just north of the city in Titusville, to America's rise to the top as the world's leading natural gas producer, the Pittsburgh region has yielded tremendous...