An excerpt from the Executive Summary: The way we manage agricultural land matters. It matters to people, it matters to our society, and it matters to the climate.… This paper is not merely a revisiting of the problem or yet another dire report on the state of our planetary health. It is not another “wake up call” asking the reader to pay attention to the science or the … [Read more...] about Regenerative Agriculture Is a Win-Win-Win Climate Solution
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 for Thought
by Hannah Provost & Jessica Levy Many people and organizations in the Lehigh Valley are chipping away at the unsustainable industrialized food system that undermines our health, the climate, and a sustainable future. Their efforts are improving food education, expanding access, supporting local farmers, and more. Fresh, sustainably-grown local food means food … [Read more...] about Food for Thought
Note from the Editors
(Sustainable Lehigh Valley – Fall 2020) This issue inaugurates some important changes to Sustainable Lehigh Valley. While we continue to feature a variety of essays, we will also include more creative writing and visual art such as drawing, photographs, and paintings. A greater variety of creative pieces allows messages and ideas to be expressed in different ways and thus … [Read more...] about Note from the Editors
When the Water Is Low
by Tara Zrinski Tara Zrinski resides with her family in Hanover Township, Northampton County, and serves on the County Council. She has taught Philosophy at both Northampton and Lehigh-Carbon Community Colleges and is an energy consultant for Trinity Solar. She has been an advocate for clean … [Read more...] about When the Water Is Low
‘Fragile Beauty’
by Tara Zrinsky “The gentle entanglement of vines and grass form an image that is both beautiful and fragile. At any moment, a single strand could be pulled to unravel what has been crafted and crowned with and silenced by a single rose. Yet, if you look long enough and the features of the intense stare, a delicate nose and strong jaw line subtly reveal the vulnerability … [Read more...] about ‘Fragile Beauty’
10 Ways to Sustain your Mental and Emotional Health during COVID-19
by Victoria Alercia-Casella Your thoughts lead your day – Begin your day by reading a positive quote, doing a meditative exercise to repeat a mantra, saying a prayer, or identifying something positive that you are looking forward to doing that day. Just start with 1 – We often feel overwhelmed by a huge to do list as soon as we wake up in the morning. With any goal you … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Sustain your Mental and Emotional Health during COVID-19
Patria y honor
Steven Escobar Mendez Nataj che? There was a tragedy, do you remember? There was violence, do you remember? There were struggles, do you remember? There was a promise, do you remember? Of course I remember the tragedy, I still stand Of course I remember the violence, It was in our land Of course I remember the struggles, like the back of my … [Read more...] about Patria y honor
What They Never Taught Us
As a senior in college, I have been reflecting on my education throughout the years. In elementary, middle, and high school. I find myself angry at our country. Our schools have failed us by teaching that Martin Luther King Jr. solved racism, and Christopher Columbus was a hero who discovered America. The current political climate has divided our country into those who think … [Read more...] about What They Never Taught Us
A Reflection on Recent Events in Palmerton
by Maison Allen On July 18, in the small town of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, a non-violent protest in support of Black Lives Matter turned aggressive and dangerous as protesters were confronted by armed and hostile counter-protesters. My good friend, Sierra Hahn and I, both Palmerton natives, organized the original protest to raise awareness and help people understand racism … [Read more...] about A Reflection on Recent Events in Palmerton
Please, I Can’t Breathe
by Johnny Wilk Originally from Palmerton, Johnny has been a Lehigh Valley resident for most of his life. … [Read more...] about Please, I Can’t Breathe