Audrey Crocco The wind-swept field, summoning the waltz of the wild violet. Deliriously swaying to the whir of the world like the lick of a flame. But the wave of lush purple warmly regards its atmosphere, selflessly. Of intimate mornings and autumnal sky, riverbanks and neighboring marigolds. The mellow incense of the herbaceous plants garnish the air. Pollen that wafts to … [Read more...] about Earthly Murals
environment
Food Waste in Bethlehem
by Elijah Zemsky Food waste in our country has devastating and lasting effects on the environment and our communities. The food supply chain pumps unneeded food into homes and businesses, then completely mismanages the waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 40 million tons of food are produced in America every year, and 40% of that — 16 million … [Read more...] about Food Waste in Bethlehem
Let’s Talk About Climate Justice
by Audrey Dai Climate justice. These two simple words are probably not as familiar as the now politically infused “climate change”. Instead, these words emphasize how environmental changes are an issue of civil rights, and how these changes will affect each of us living on this planet, just some more than others. And this is regardless of your political standing. In the … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk About Climate Justice
Of What Is and What Used to Be
Joseph C. Welsko I’ve watched this road freeze and melt over the winters and springs, but this year’s frost is deep and hard, down to the roots connecting everything, and the sun can hardly penetrate it, though I can’t be kept from this way for long.I walk this trail because its forests need a friend from the other side, hands to care and to keep, eyes and … [Read more...] about Of What Is and What Used to Be
Land and Green Space Preservation
by Maclaine Oskin Development and construction through the years has overtaken our land with asphalt and concrete, making commercial districts and office buildings abundant while the number of trees and open space dwindles. The Lehigh Valley, with an ever-growing population and robust mixed economy, continues to develop. As a result, it becomes even more critical to protect … [Read more...] about Land and Green Space Preservation
Sustainable Food for Thought
by Eirlys Chui As times are changing, so are the trends we see in today’s food system. People are growing interested in natural, organic, locally sourced, and sustainable food. They are exploring dietary selections such as vegetarian and vegan options that benefit personal health and that of the environment. Yet there are also arising obstacles—environmental degradation, … [Read more...] about Sustainable Food for Thought
The Environment, the Beauty Industry, and the Responsibility of Women
by Sakura Shinjo We generally understand today that we need to cut our consumption of fossil fuels: we must end the use of plastics in our foods; we should try to make more responsible decisions in transportation; however, some of these issues are more easily tackled than others. Millions live in food deserts where the question of healthy foods cannot yet be asked. And … [Read more...] about The Environment, the Beauty Industry, and the Responsibility of Women
Solutions—Not More Problems
by Stephen Hoog Many years ago, I began studying the Macrobiotic way of living and eating which was embedded in a comprehensive world view. Fundamental to the philosophy was the idea of life force or chi energy. Every food we ate had not only a nutritional effect but an energetic effect as well. Each type of cooking or preparation had a different effect and each type of fuel … [Read more...] about Solutions—Not More Problems
Reawakening: A Story of Spring
by Jamie Ratchford The first rain of spring came as I sat inside my house on a warm April afternoon. My sister rushed over to tell me so I wouldn’t miss it. “Come quick,” she said. We stood at the back door watching the sky pour, peering eagerly through the glass pane. But that wasn’t enough. We needed to get closer. We needed to be a part of it. “Take off your … [Read more...] about Reawakening: A Story of Spring
‘Garden’, by Matt Bednarsky
This is a reminder that the arts are powerful ways to communicate, to raise awareness of contemporary issues. Local singer-songwriter Matt Bednarsky recently wrote a song titled "Garden", about losing touch with our roots and surroundings. "Where I’m currently living, there’s a factory that’s nearly always working away. Constantly and consistently humming, clanking, and … [Read more...] about ‘Garden’, by Matt Bednarsky