Lehighvalleylive / Express Times recently ran an editorial ['Bird-brained plan to bring chicken coops to Bethlehem should be plucked'] opposing current efforts to allow backyard chickens again. This caught my attention because it seems to completely miss the point that raising backyard chickens is a simple way for folks at all income levels to enjoy fresh, nutritious eggs — … [Read more...] about Backyard chickens?
Healthy Food for Healthy Communities
Implementing Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan
Editor's Note: All three reports were prepared before the IPCC's August 9 release of part 1 of the Sixth Assessment Report, which only confirms the urgency of the interns' recommendations! Editor's Note: This is the primary report from the Climate Action Project (summer 2021) ; it is complemented by reports that focus on development ('Build Sustainably — for Business … [Read more...] about Implementing Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan
Food for Thought
by Hannah Provost & Jessica Levy Many people and organizations in the Lehigh Valley are chipping away at the unsustainable industrialized food system that undermines our health, the climate, and a sustainable future. Their efforts are improving food education, expanding access, supporting local farmers, and more. Fresh, sustainably-grown local food means food … [Read more...] about Food for Thought
A few good reads for the week
Here are several articles that look at food, the pandemic, and other topics from a more holistic point of view than we usually see, showing the need for re-thinking in these areas. From the current issue of Yes! Magazine — the 'Community Power issue'. What’s in a Social Justice Diet?The Light at the EndWhat Indian Country Remembers About SurvivalWe Had … [Read more...] about A few good reads for the week
Is your food contaminated with glyphosate?
Recent tests show that much of the food sold in stores, fast-food places, and high-end restaurants is contaminated with glyphosate, a toxic pesticide that is the principal ingredient in RoundUp. The best way to avoid it is to buy food that is raised organically. Glyphosate is known to be toxic, carcinogenic, and an endocrine disruptor. It has been classified as a toxic … [Read more...] about Is your food contaminated with glyphosate?
The Real Cost of Food
By Stephanie Bennett For many of us, the food that is on our plate is so far from what our ancestors consumed a century ago. Fortunately, the sustainable food movement has been growing and consumers have been incorporating more organic, non-processed foods into their diets. Yet, this can appear to be an expensive endeavor, which many families believe they cannot afford. The … [Read more...] about The Real Cost of Food
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
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
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!
Campus Food in the Lehigh Valley
[This page was originally created by intern Julia Ward from Lafayette College.] The Dining Services offered at local colleges and universities have taken some measures to becoming more environmentally sustainable. Specifically, Lafayette serves some produce from the student organic garden; Lehigh has also taken steps to reduce waste in on-campus dining halls and has created … [Read more...] about Campus Food in the Lehigh Valley