by Kayla Harper Climate change is a looming reality, and with approximately twelve years to make significant changes in our way of life before permanent damage is caused, it is important for restaurants to become responsible climate activists and change their business practices. My short-term focus is on educating local businesses in the Lehigh Valley about ways to become … [Read more...] about The Importance of Restaurant Sustainability
Focus on Pages
The "Focus On" section provides in-depth information and opinion on many facets of sustainability. (Although these topics may appear quite distinct and separate, it’s important to remember that they are interconnected and interdependent in multiple ways — in general, the 4 basic principles of ecology apply to all complex systems.)
When you select a Focus On… topic, the system will select all the articles and posts in that category with the most recent pages at the top, just under a brief introduction to the topic. (Many articles appear in multiple categories.)
Background & detail information is organized into the main categories listed in the left sidebar.
Food
Go to our main page on Sustainable Food Systems to find resources for impacts on soil, the environment, and health, campus food, and more.
Also see: Healthy Food for Healthy Communities
Gleaning for the Future
by Cathy Snyder By 2030, the world's population will exceed 8.6 billion people, all of whom will need access to healthy food. Much needs to change if we are to meet the challenge. Americans waste as much as 40% of all food grown. Considering all the resources that go into producing that food, water, fertilizers, labor and fuel, this is clearly not a sustainable path for our … [Read more...] about Gleaning for the Future
Recommendations (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
The recommendations take a holistic view to mitigate the challenges associated with the Da Vinci Science City and explore opportunities. Each recommendation indicates which of the five impact areas (climate, community, local economy, health, and environment). All recommendations are directed to the Da Vinci Science Center unless otherwise stated. To operationalize … [Read more...] about Recommendations (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
Teaching About Food, Climate, and Sustainability
by Alyssa Fama Growing up, I always admired the beauty of nature and the world around me; blossoming flowers in the spring, the buzzing of insects during the summer, changing leaf colors in the fall and the silent snowfall in the winter. My childhood eyes were never opened to what we were doing to our planet, and it wasn’t until recently I began to understand. We go … [Read more...] about Teaching About Food, Climate, and Sustainability
Farms and Food Security: How Saving Excess Food Can Help Food Security
by Jennifer Giovanniello Food insecurity is a complex problem, and it is just as connected to environmental issues as it is to social ones. Many lower-income sections of cities are food deserts, and certain areas in Easton are no exception. Though there are food options in food deserts, they lack grocery stores within walking distance and don’t have corner stores that serve … [Read more...] about Farms and Food Security: How Saving Excess Food Can Help Food Security
Growing and Cultivating Successful New Farmers
by Heidi Secord & Gary Bloss In a recent discussion with experienced direct market farmers we asked ourselves how we and the communities we serve can encourage the next generation of farmers; and how new and beginner farmers can identify market channels that match their level of operation both now and in their anticipated future. The overall direct market for fresh … [Read more...] about Growing and Cultivating Successful New Farmers
The Real Cost of Food
By Stephanie Bennett For many of us, the food that is on our plate is so far from what our ancestors consumed a century ago. Fortunately, the sustainable food movement has been growing and consumers have been incorporating more organic, non-processed foods into their diets. Yet, this can appear to be an expensive endeavor, which many families believe they cannot afford. The … [Read more...] about The Real Cost of Food
Climate & Sustainability in Schools Initiative
This project explores ways to integrate climate & sustainability in schools, with a focus on student-centered, inquiry-based learning. As of January 2017, the initial phase is complete: the GHG calculator and the background information for teachers, including a subject-by-subject look at cross-curriculum integration, is now complete. The full text is available online at … [Read more...] about Climate & Sustainability in Schools Initiative
School Wellness Policies
Most school districts have a wellness policy that addresses multiple aspects of student health, often including both food and physical activity. This section deals with food, lunchtime environment, and the importance of the precautionary principle. Healthy School Food Lunchtime Environment Precautionary Principle in Wellness Policies [More information to be added … [Read more...] about School Wellness Policies
Healthy School Food
In addition to meeting the nutrition requirements of the USDA, school food should also follow the 'first principle of care', which is to do no harm. We believe this requires food that is raised without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers or pesticides, since these chemicals cause harm to people in the communities where the food is raised and to those who eat it. In … [Read more...] about Healthy School Food