A number of questions arise when people are considering synthetic turf or synthetic playground surfaces or running tracks. Some of the most common concern health & safety claims, other health concerns, cost, and feasibility for high-use fields. (For additional information, please go to the Synthetic Turf section of this website.) Claims that synthetic turf has been proven … [Read more...] about Peter Crownfield: ‘Synthetic Turf Q & A’
health
Synthetic Turf Update – More reasons for concern!
Since we first raised concerns last winter, new reports have confirmed the presence of multiple carcinogens in crumb rubber infill — and that annual costs for artificial turf are much higher than for natural turf. Carcinogens — A June 2015 Yale analysis of crumb rubber infill & playground mulch shows dozens of carcinogens. Costs — Grass not cheaper on the artificial … [Read more...] about Synthetic Turf Update – More reasons for concern!
Synthetic Turf update
Because synthetic turf has been identified as a serious health concern that's present at almost every school, college, and university in the Lehigh Valley, we've added some additional material. If you have questions or want more information, email us at turf@sustainlv.org. Synthetic Turf – Overview First Aid for Turf Burns Health & Safety Guidelines for Synthetic … [Read more...] about Synthetic Turf update
PennEast Pipeline – a threat to communities
On Thursday, November 20, Nurture Nature Center held a program on 'Pipeline Science: Environmental Considerations for Communities'. Presentations by Dr. Dru Germanoski, Professor of Geology at Lafayette College, and Mark Gallagher, consultant with Princeton Hydro, outlined the risks presented by the geology in some of the areas on the route for the PennEast Pipeline and … [Read more...] about PennEast Pipeline – a threat to communities
‘April’, by Sarah Mantz
In 1994, this poem by Sarah Mantz, then a sophomore at Salisbury High School, was selected as a winner in an Earth Day writing contest sponsored by the Lehigh County Office of Solid Waste Management. (Her winning poem was also published in Echoes Magazine.) Her poem seems to fit not only this month, but the ecosystem-threatening times in which we live: April I am the fourth … [Read more...] about ‘April’, by Sarah Mantz
Tar Sands Hell
The tar sands issue isn't only about the danger from pipelines crossing the U.S. so the dirty tar sands oil can be refined and shipped overseas, it's about the destruction of thousands of square miles of wildlands in Alberta, severe health impacts on thousands of indigenous people, and a major increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The Canadian government and regulators bow to … [Read more...] about Tar Sands Hell
A Sweet Problem: High Fructose Corn Syrup
by Julia Ward High fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, is something that I keep coming back to, time and time again. What is so fascinating yet horrifying to me is the fact that many consumers, if not the majority, know how bad high fructose corn syrup is for their body's and their health but continue to consume it. But why? Because it makes that soda taste that much better? In the … [Read more...] about A Sweet Problem: High Fructose Corn Syrup
What is PM2.5?
by Julia Ward PM2.5 is all around us, whether you know it or not. In general particulate matter, or PM, is the term for particles found in the air including dust, dirt, soot, and smoke. These particles can be suspended in the air for long periods of time. PM2.5 more specifically, is considered to be a small particle that is released into the air due to diesel and vehicle … [Read more...] about What is PM2.5?
BPA and Emotional Problems in Young Girls
by Julia Ward Recently, there have been links between bisphenol A ('BPA') and emotional and behavioral problems in young girls. BPA is used to make plastic containers and the liner in canned foods. It is also found in dental sealants and some cash register receipts made from thermal paper (so be careful what you touch!). The study was conducted by Harvard School of Public … [Read more...] about BPA and Emotional Problems in Young Girls
The Benefits of Natural Cosmetics
by Julia Ward The cosmetics business makes about $20 billion dollars a year. But it is one of the least regulated products on the market, which causes numerous toxins to be included in the products that many people use daily. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does not authorize the FDA to approve cosmetic ingredients which only allows the companies to put everything and … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Natural Cosmetics