By Carole Gorney Waste (also known as rubbish, trash, refuse, garbage, junk) is unwanted or useless material. Or is it? Americans each generate 4.4 pounds of trash per person a day. That’s a staggering 1,600 pounds times 300 million people per year. The bad news is that only one-third of that tonnage is recycled. The good news is that creative ways to turn waste into usefu... »
By Kathryn M. D’Imperio The craze for natural and organic products doesn’t stop with humans. More and more companies are offering healthier alternatives to standard pet products, including better foods, natural treats, and more eco-friendly bedding, toys, supplies, and even holistic health remedies. Before you get stuck in the same old dog food rut, consider the more natur... »
By Maya Rodale The “green” movement has its roots firmly planted in the Lehigh Valley. In 1940, J.I. Rodale (my great-grandfather) purchased an old farm in Allentown. This plot of land on Cedar Crest Boulevard was where he tried out his organic farming ideas—and from where he subsequently launched the organic farming movement in America. Since then, life in the Lehigh Vall... »
By Maureen Sangiorgio I am sitting on my deck with my feet propped up on the railing, holding a glass of wine. The sun warms my face and rolls over me like a loving embrace–life, my friends, is good. New research suggests that wine has been a source of relaxation and enjoyment for man since the start of the earliest civilizations in 8,500 B.C. While much has changed from ... »
Carli S. Timpson From the drive-through at your favorite fast food restaurant to the aisles at your local grocer, nutritionally empty food choices abound. American consumption of fats has increased 56% since the mid-1970s, and per year sugar intake is an astonishing 15lbs more than 1970*. Making healthy food choices today is difficult to say the least. Even those who striv... »
By J.F. Pirro Plenty of college campuses have green initiative buildings—buildings designed and built with green innovation in mind—but Lehigh University’s Green House stands out as a residential community of students who are “living green.” Green House is the campus’ evolving environmental residence hall that’s geared toward sustainable living. Its 17 residents promote da... »
By Sara Vigneri January 3, 9 a.m.: The winter vacation is over and all I’m left with is the stark reality of the cold, dark winter ahead of me. Considering the Lehigh Valley begins decorating for winter nearly three months before it begins, how soon can we start decorating for spring? Perhaps I’ll buy some yellow silk tulips and start a new trend. January 5, 7:... »
By Jill Spotz As holiday decorations and memories are literally and figuratively packed away, we look forward to spring and warmer weather. But what is a crafter to do when the cold winter still lingers? There is no better time than now to start a scrapbooking project. If you have holiday pictures still resting in their Snapfish or Shutterfly delivery envelopes, or worse, ... »
by Mary Beth Schwartz A plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies while watching a chick flick. A cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream after sledding. A decadent chocolate cake for your birthday. Racing to the pantry yet to see what you might have on hand? There’s something about chocolate that can take the blahs out of dreary winter days and make them much more ... »
By Christine A. Krahling Winter is the perfect time for curling up by the fireplace with a good book and then getting together with people who share your interests to discuss it. What a great way to beat the winter blues! In fact, book clubs that meet throughout the year are quite popular, offering friendship, fun and stimulating discussions of the written word, no matter ... »
