[See link at bottom to download the full report] Executive Summary Developing a comprehensive climate action plan helps municipalities to mitigate climate change and adapt to the coming changes in ways that address people's needs. Climate change is a daunting issue: humanity’s actions have caused the Earth’s greenhouse gases to reach levels not seen for over 120,000 … [Read more...] about Climate Action Planning 2.0
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Climate Action Planning for the Lehigh Valley 2.0
→ Executive Summary Introduction Across the nation, cities are responding to climate change by developing and implementing local policies and initiatives. In particular, municipalities have created climate action plans to demonstrate their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and protect their communities from the results of climate change. These plans … [Read more...] about Climate Action Planning for the Lehigh Valley 2.0
Table of Contents (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
Table of Contents Executive Summary [You can download the full report in PDF format.] Introduction Why a Sustainability Impact Assessment?What does Sustainability Mean?Types of Impacts ConsideredThe Easton – Phillipsburg Area Impacts Building Design & SystemsTransportationFoodEducational Programming & OperationsConstruction Recommendations & … [Read more...] about Table of Contents (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
Impacts (Sustainability Impacts Assessment)
This project examines the inter-related facets of climate, community, health, environment, and local economy. While the project focused on the proposed Da Vinci Science City project in Easton, the descriptions below provide an introduction to the various types of impacts to be potentially considered for any new development project. Climate Climate change effects … [Read more...] about Impacts (Sustainability Impacts Assessment)
Sustainability Impact Assessment
In 2018, a team of Alliance interns completed a preliminary sustainability impact assessment on a proposal to construct Da Vinci Science City (DVSC) in Easton. (See link at bottom of page for a PDF of the full report.) Prepared by: Olivia Barz (Lehigh ’19), Ryan Dougherty (Lafayette ’19), Harris Eisenhardt (SUNY–ESF ’19), Ashley Kushner (Lafayette ’19), and … [Read more...] about Sustainability Impact Assessment
Empowerment and Engagement for Sustainability and Climate Action
by Joyce Marin We are hearing a choir of voices around the world rising in urgency regarding Climate Action. Many people, especially young people, are gaining the courage to look at, inform themselves about, discuss and ask for Climate Action. Why? “Because there is no Planet B,” a young friend of mine says. In my role as executive director of RenewLV, the regional … [Read more...] about Empowerment and Engagement for Sustainability and Climate Action
Peter Crownfield: ‘Synthetic Turf Q & A’
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’
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