Watch Part 1, “Long Island: The Green Capital of America”

Watch Part 2, “Renewable Energy and Conservation”

Watch Part 3, “Ways to Go Green”

Will Long Island lead the nation as the energy capital of the United States? GOING GREEN LONG ISLAND, WLIW21 New York Public Television’s latest local documentary, makes the case through interviews with environmental advocates, business and community leaders, and residents who are actively engaged locally to make a difference globally. The one-hour special serves as a “Green 101” primer for viewers who have seen the many stories about global warming and the concept of “going green” but haven’t fully understood the local role and impact.

GOING GREEN LONG ISLAND defines what it means to “go green” by reducing your “carbon footprint” — the amount of energy a person consumes and the amount of natural resources needed to produce that energy — explaining that the more gasoline you burn, the more electricity you use, and the more waste you don’t recycle, the larger your carbon footprint will be. From renewable energy to pesticide pollution and land and water preservation, WLIW21’s documentary brings the issue into focus for Long Island. Garden City resident and home improvement expert Leslie Segrete, familiar to television viewers from TLC’s Trading Spaces, WE tv’s The Ugliest House on The Block, and radio’s “The Money Pit,” hosts and offers green tips. Learn Ten Simple Steps You Can Take to Go Green and see other resources.

The program begins with an overview of energy consumption and the impact of everyday actions on the climate crisis of global warming. Congressman Steve Israel, an active proponent of energy reform, warns that dependence on foreign fossil fuel is also a national security issue and calls for policies to grow the economy with “green collar” jobs to protect the environment and the country at large.

Exploring green initiatives already taking shape all across Long Island in the area of research and development, GOING GREEN LONG ISLAND spotlights the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center currently under construction on the campus at Stony Brook University. The center is a partnership between academic and research institutions, energy providers and industrial corporations, whose mission is to become a national leader in innovative energy research, education and technology deployment. Working with the Long Island Chapter of the US Green Building Council, also featured in the program, they are at the forefront of green building design.

GOING GREEN LONG ISLAND also teaches viewers about lifestyle choices one can make to “go green,” from using energy-efficient light bulbs and recycling to growing produce, buying locally and home remodeling. Profiles include community initiatives like Green Levittown and local homeowners who have converted their homes to “green” homes with solar panels and wind energy generators. These Long Islanders reveal how they are saving the environment — and money — in pioneering ways that could be replicated around the country. Another segment about local growers and the importance of buying local produce features representatives from King Kullen and the Long Island Schmitt farming family, to bring the issue right to the dinner table. Consider this startling statistic: a typical carrot has to travel 1,838 miles, using 650 gallons of diesel fuel, when supermarkets don’t buy locally*. Click here for a complete list of participants.

GOING GREEN LONG ISLAND continues WLIW21’s commitment to present the issues most important to Long Island residents and celebrate the Island’s unique people and places. Past programs include Smart Growth: Long Island’s Future, Leaving Long Island, Visions of Long Island, Long Island: Picture Perfect. Upcoming productions include Shoreline Sonata (December 2008) and Hometown Huntington (June 2009).

A WLIW21 New York Production. Underwriter: Arrow Electronics, Inc. Executive Producer: Theresa Statz-Smith. Writer/Producer: Charlotte Coté. Production Coordinator: Stephanie Marsh.

Ten Simple Steps You Can Take to Go Green

1. Change light bulbs to fluorescent energy saving bulbs
2. Turn off electric appliances and electronic devices when not in use
3. Adjust your thermostat
4. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
5. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full
6. Recycle bottles, cans and newspapers
7. Cut down on garbage — reuse, donate, rethink before purchasing something new
8. Use green or eco-friendly cleaning products
9. Drive less — carpool, walk, bike, use public transportation more
10. Spread the word — tell your friends and let your community, state and national leaders hear from you. Persuade politicians to make “green” a top priority.

GOING GREEN LONG ISLAND Participants

(In order of appearance)