About the Alliance and the 2019 Summer Internship Project on Climate Action Planning The Alliance for Sustainable Communities–Lehigh Valley is a nonprofit organization that focuses on a wide variety of environmental and social justice issues that contribute to more-sustainable communities. Based in Bethlehem, PA, the Alliance has been active since 2003 and offers summer, … [Read more...] about Climate Action Planning –Acknowledgments
GHG reduction
Climate Action Planning for the Lehigh Valley
→ Executive Summary Introduction Across the nation, cities are responding to climate change by implementing local policies and initiatives. In particular, municipalities have created climate action plans as a way to assess and plan for the issues that they face, and will face. These plans contain mitigation strategies to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and … [Read more...] about Climate Action Planning for the Lehigh Valley
Sustainability Practices for Cafés & Restaurants
→ Executive Summary Introduction We live in a world filled with concerns about climate change, food and health, pollution and degradation of the environment, and other aspects of sustainability. Unfortunately, the problems are growing at exponential rates. When we look at the causes, it becomes clear that many of our current practices cause or contribute to the problems. … [Read more...] about Sustainability Practices for Cafés & Restaurants
Thanks again, Greta
Once again, Greta Thunberg speaks out to government 'leaders' who are guilty of failing to act on global warming and climate change. Read her April 23 address to Parliament. Their failure to act parallels the failure of politicians in most 'developed' countries. (Just look at the idiotic responses to the 'Green New Deal' proposal in the US!) I am impressed by the … [Read more...] about Thanks again, Greta
‘You did not act in time!’
'(Greta Thunberg's full speech to MPs, London, 23 April 2019) by Greta Thunberg My name is Greta Thunberg. I am 16 years old. I come from Sweden. And I speak on behalf of future generations. I know many of you don’t want to listen to us — you say we are just children. But we’re only repeating the message of the united climate science. Many of you appear concerned … [Read more...] about ‘You did not act in time!’
FYI: News you won’t find in mainstream media
There’s a Toxic Weed Killer on the Menu in K-12 Schools Across the US – Glyphosate has been found in over 70 percent of oat-based breakfast cereals served in US schools. Creative Communities Are Addressing Social Isolation – Social connections are not just nice to have—they can significantly affect our health and well-being. Inspired by creative approaches abroad, … [Read more...] about FYI: News you won’t find in mainstream media
Colleges Lead the Way
by Samantha Keenan The Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (‘LVAIC’) held its third valley-wide Campus Sustainability Conference in February. Keynote speaker Shana S. Weber, who directs the Office of Sustainability at Princeton University, kicked off the day with a talk on the importance of developing an ethos of sustainability on college campuses. … [Read more...] about Colleges Lead the Way
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 District Climate & Sustainability Commitment
Climate and Sustainability Commitment(As adopted by the Bethlehem Area School District, 28 April 2014) “Changes to Pennsylvania’s climate are happening now. While there is uncertainty as to the extent and timing of these impacts, it is undeniable that action must be taken to minimize risks to the public.”—PA Climate Adaptation Planning Report: Risks & Practical … [Read more...] about School District Climate & Sustainability Commitment
Education & sustainability
Education and schools have important connections to becoming more sustainable. Schools need to: Model sustainability in their facilities and operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions [GHG] and minimizing environmental & health impacts. Teach about sustainable living and develop students who are ecoliterate by providing many rich opportunities for students to learn … [Read more...] about Education & sustainability