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
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‘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
Food Matters!
"Food matters" is probably the understatement of the year. Some of us are vegan, and some are carnivorous; some strive for a traditional, nutrient dense diet, and others follow a macrobiotic regime. But I think we all want food that is tasty & nutritious, food that is produced without toxic chemicals so it doesn't harm us or others, and food that is produced without slave … [Read more...] about Food Matters!
‘Progress’, a poem by Lisa J. Parker
…on the human effects of coal mining and other resource extraction industries: Progress In a ton of black gold boring through the fatness of the Blue Ridge on the Clinchfield freight lines, three generations are trapped. The first generation talks in short bursts of emphysemic speech, trying to stand straight, coughing quietly while the second generation glorifies the … [Read more...] about ‘Progress’, a poem by Lisa J. Parker
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
EPA Regulations Save Lives
The following is in response to an op-ed titled 'EPA coal plant rule could cost U.S. jobs' that ran in The Morning Call on Monday, August 22 2011. It was published in The Morning Call, with a few minor changes, on Thursday, August 25 2011, under the headline 'EPA coal regulations necessary to protect people's health' John P. Nelson’s recent column titled ‘EPA coal plant rule … [Read more...] about EPA Regulations Save Lives