Factoid of the Month:
A simple tune-up can improve your car's fuel efficiency by 15% or more (up to 50%!)

Eco-tip: Energy Savings on the Road:
1.) Keeping your tires properly inflated will save you about one tank of gas per year. Check the tire pressure monthly, using the same gauge every time. Underinflated tires also wear out faster.
2.) While driving at highway speeds, do not open your windows. This creates drag that will cost more fuel. Open the vents instead. On really hot days, yes, you can use the air conditioner on the highway. While in town, open the windows.
3.) Remove excess weight from your vehicle. Every 100 pounds reduces your MPG by 2%.
For more information about fuel economy, gasoline prices, vehicle comparisons, and alternative fuels, please visit: www.fueleconomy.gov/

Eco-tip: Harvest the SUN!
The price of solar systems is coming down, though a set of rooftop solar panels can still cost thousands of dollars. the next generation of PV will put electricity-generating solar cells in films, which can then be embedded in all sorts of flexible materials. Soon, solar cells will be embedded in virtually everything from shingles and windows to the tops of cars, with every bit of solar power displacing electricity produced from fossil fuel.
Solar power's costs are predicted to match coal's by 2010... Get your roof ready!

Eco - tip: Read The Label!
The sources of the eco-labels showing up on so many products can be either governmental or private. Neither is a guarantee of authenticity. Here is a rundown of some of the most common and how reliable they are:
Energy Star - Reliability: Excellent
Fair Trade Certified - Reliability: Excellent
Green Seal - Reliability: Excellent
LEED - Reliability: Excellent
USDA Organic - Reliability: Good
Sustainable Forestry Initiative - Reliability: Poor
For more information, see the Consumer Reports Greener Choices web site.

Links:
Live Earth - Concerts for Climate in Crisis - 07/07/007
Web site features information about concerts as well as news and tips to help reduce your carbon footprint.

Sign the Live Earth Pledge - Join the global movement and take action against the climate crisis. make a commitment to reduce your carbon footprint and encourage others to do the same.

Wildlands Conservancy - Local to the Lehigh Valley, this organization works to protect the Lehigh River Watershed as well as other areas in Easter PA.

GreenPeace - Uses peaceful direct action and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.

Energy Star - Looking for ways to use electricity more wisely and cut your energy bill? This web site has the answers.

E-Cycling Central - Find out where to recycle your old electronics.
Note: 3 locations listed for Allentown!

Alliance for Sustainable Communities - Lehigh Valley
We are individuals, organizations, small businesses, and farmers concerned about the welfare of the Greater Lehigh Valley. We have come together as the Alliance for Sustainable Communities – Lehigh Valley, to work on sustaining and enhancing the quality of life in this area.

Looking to buy local Produce:
Farmers' Markets:
Bethlehem (Southside): Thursdays, 2-6pm
Macungie: Thursdays, 3-7pm
Easton Farmers' Market: Saturdays, 8am-1pm
Emmaus Farmers' Market: Sundays, 10am-2pm
Hellertown-Saucon Valley Farmers' Market: Sundays, 9am-2pm