Transportation
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a contributor to many health problems—both because of the pollution caused by motor vehicles and because people get less exercise.
- To learn how you can reduce your dependence on the automobile andimprove your health and the health of the community, visit CAT — the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation.
- Read State Representative Bob Freeman’s article on light rail—originally published the April 1981 edition of the New Valley Press, it is still very appropriate today!
- Read Pratima Agrawal’s op-ed on Light Rail for the Lehigh Valley. (Express-Times, April 30 2006)
Focus On:
- Environment & Ecosystems >> Air
- Health >> Environmental Health
- Health >> Local Health Issues
At a Crossroads
The Lehigh Valley, like so many other regions, is at a crossroads. In choosing which path to take in regional planning, our choice is between business-as-usual, 20th century approaches, a path often characterized as “New Jersification”, and an alternative path … more
Is Sustainable Urban Living a Viable Outcome of Our Current Political System?
“Without systemic change, sustainable communities are not possible.” This is the opening statement from a whitepaper by Ben Price, Projects Director for the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF). He is speaking here of our political system and goes on … more
Social Research | Social Justice Conference
A unique and excellent addition to the Lehigh Valley’s offerings, the Social Research Social Justice Conference began in 2003 as a collaboration between faculty and students in the Department of Media and Communication at Muhlenberg College, with the goal to … more
Endowment Investments with High Return & Ultra-Low Risk
This is another no-brainer. Recently, colleges and universities have been earning an average 6–8% return on their endowment funds. Most facilities projects to reduce energy & greenhouse gas emissions [GHG] have a 5–7 year payback — a 14%–20% return—which means … more
Sustainability Questions for Students & Educators
To make good decisions about sustainability, people need to know the facts. Here are some questions that have arisen and might be suitable for class projects or independent study: What steps can local & county government take to produce immediate reductions in … more
Public Spaces
This article from On the Commons makes a number of important points about land use, pedestrian-friendly environments, and building community. The Rise and Fall and Rise of Great Public Spaces by Jay Walljasper Public space is a literal commons: the … more
A Local Food Economy
Obtaining more of our food from local sources is a great way to strengthen the local economy and obtain fresh, healthful food at the same time. If we’re going to increase local food production, of course, it’s essential to make … more
Idling Gets You Nowhere!
This page is adapted from a poster created by intern Julia Ward. Save Money, Your Health, & the Environment — Be Idle Free! If you’re going to be stopped for more than 60 seconds, turn your engine off (except in traffic). … more
Diesel Pollution in the Lehigh Valley
Many believe that school buses are the safest method of transportation for children to get to school, but is it the healthiest? Diesel pollution is becoming a more significant problem across the United States today and specifically, the Lehigh Valley … more
Health Costs of Traffic Congestion
Harvard Center for Risk Analysis examines the public health costs of congestion A Health Risk Assessment conducted by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis challenges the tendency for analysts and policymakers to focus only on excess fuel consumption and wasted … more