Civicstory Podcast Library

(Published on Apr 23, 2014) A municipal curbside composting program in Princeton, and abundant produce from Mercer County's many local farms are showcased in the 2014 "Living Local Expo" at the Lawrence Armories, attended by more than 2,000. The Expo included 80 venders, demonstrations, food and live music, and was sponsored by five organizations: the Green Teams of Ewing, Lawrence and Hopewell; Sustainable Lawrence; and the Mercer County Department of sustainability. Princeton Recycling Coordinator Janet Pellichero describes the start-up of the city's curbside composting, initiated by the Mercer County Improvement Authority and Central Jersey Waste. Chair of Sustainable Jersey and Terhune Orchards owner Pam Mount explains the long-term economics of buying local when factoring in the costs of transporting produce from California by air or by ground transport.

(Published on Sep 16, 2014) NJ farmers and food producers not only provide us healthy, fresh food. They're educating the public about eco-friendly and environmentally-sustainable food production. Chocolate-maker Ann-Marie Macarthur (Lumberton, NJ) discusses the benefits of raw chocolate, and what it means to be “organic.” Megan Dewalt (Fulper Family Farmstead) describes environmentally sustainable farming practices, and beekeeper Beatrice Tassot (Milford, NJ) explains the link between pesticide use and the decline in bee populations.

(Published on Sep 24, 2014) NJ environmental researchers and students know the dangers of toxins in conventional household cleaners, and the benefits of using natural cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar. "Lemon juice, soap and water, elbow grease, can solve most of your problems,” says Neil Chambers, green building designer and member of the South Orange Environmental Commission. "You don't want neurotoxins around growing children,” warns Princeton resident Tineke Thio. Rider University student and radio co-host Katie Lassiter claims that using just a small amount of vinegar "works wonders.”

(Published on Oct 7, 2014) The Village Green in Summit, NJ is home to "10,000 Reasons," a 14-foot-high sculpture created by internationally renowned contemporary artist Willie Cole. The sculpture took two days to install, and is made up of thousands of used water bottles. "I often use recycled objects. Water and life are so related to recycling," explains Willie Cole, a NJ resident whose works are in museums around the world. "I think it brings a whole lot of discussion to the community," says Estelle Fournier, co-chair of the Selection Committee for Summit Public Art, a volunteer organization that commissioned Cole to create the sculpture. "10,000 Reasons" will be on display in Summit through May 2015.

(Published on Oct 22, 2014) The Princeton Girlchoir's annual Children Making a Difference concert teaches young girls about service and community while raising funds for a local nonprofit. The Princeton choir is joined by the newly- formed Philadelphia Girls Choir. "Singing has the mission of creating great citizens," says Philadelphia Girls Choir director Nathan Wadley. Melissa Malvar-Keylock, Associate Director of the Princeton Girlchoir, explains, “Learning perseverance, learning discipline, all these things are above and beyond just singing beautiful music.”

(Published on Nov 11, 2014) Restaurant owners on Halsey Street in Newark are witnessing change and development in the downtown cultural district. Surrounded by three colleges and universities (Rutgers-Newark, NJIT, and Essex County College), and within walking distance of the Newark Museum, NJPAC, and the newly-restored 6-acre Military Park, the Halsey Street district is attracting students and business professionals. “I’ve never seen development happen as quickly as it’s happening now,” says Newark writer Felicia Walker Benson. “I like to walk the long way to Penn station, just to be energized by the environment.” Cathy Scalera, Assistant Manager of 27 Mix, explains how the area’s restaurants form a supportive community. “We have wonderful neighbors. If one of us runs out of something and we can help each other out, we sure do.”

(Published on Dec 22, 2014) Industrial arts, gallery exhibitions, photo shoots, special events. These are typical activities at Paterson's Art Factory. Once a busy manufacturing site for textiles and ship rigging, this 400,000 square foot complex houses studios and work spaces for a growing number of artists and builders. Architectural designer and artist Matt Gosser curates an exhibit entitled "The Big Show," featuring art works of "found" and recycled materials.