Welcome back to Princeton Perspectives!
A lot has happened in the month since we launched. COVID-19 is no longer something happening there, it’s happening here and everywhere. We wish you all good health and are eternally grateful to our essential workers, saving lives in hospitals, selling us groceries, teaching our children, collecting our trash and so much more. The rest of us are staying home doing our part to try and flatten the curve. But did you know some scientists speculate that over time climate change will kill more people than COVID-19? What will it take for people to start making changes to help flatten that curve?
In this April issue, One Person, One Family, One Town – Our Role in Sustainability we take a look at different ways you can contribute, explore how one family has changed to do more and take a deep look at what is happening in and around Princeton to save our planet. We planned this issue back in January, anticipating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd, before we had any inclination that COVID-19 would hit us like this. It is amazing to see how it’s infiltrated so many parts of our lives, even living a sustainable one.
In To Go Reusable or Use Plastic Bags? That is Again the Question I had intended to share the changes that have been made or are underway in town to eliminate plastics. As I started to research my story, I found that not only had COVID-19 derailed some of the plans, it has made some people temporary rethink their reusables. Read on to find out how the story unfolds.
Some things, so far, do remain unchanged and that includes the ability to ride bikes. The author of My Biking Life takes us on her two-wheel journey around Princeton. Her story and interactions mostly took place before our days of isolation, but they offer great insight into how one person and one family can make a difference for themselves and the rest of us.
We also each play a major role in climate change. With everyone staying home and cars remaining in driveways, it’s been amazing to see evidence on recent maps of China detailing lower levels of pollution in the sky. Here in Princeton, you’d be surprised to learn how many ways you can do your part. Bending the Climate Curve shows us what roles we’ve played to get us where we are today and what we can do going forward.
Little by little, we all can help clean up our environment and make it a better place for future generations. It was amazing to find that even the best intentioned are a bit confused when it comes to recycling, so I’m hoping to clarify it all for you in Are You Doing it Right – Recycling 101. Curb-side pick-up continues, and you can help make it the most efficient by reading what goes in, what does not and why!
The Pulse of Princeton is a poll this month and we want your perspective! Take the poll to tell us how much (or how little) environmentalism weighs on your travel decisions.
We are excited that more than 2500 of you checked out our inaugural issue, School 101- Education in Princeton Today! If you missed it, it’s available under archives.
We wish you continued good health and hope you enjoy this issue. We look forward to sharing more with you next month as Princeton Perspectives delves into Connections – What’s Gotten us Through and What Keeps us Going!
Lisa Jacknow spent years working in national and local news in and around New York City before moving to Princeton. Working as both a TV producer and news reporter, Lisa came to this area to focus on the local news of Mercer County at WZBN-TV. In recent years, she got immersed in the Princeton community by serving leadership roles at local schools in addition to volunteering for other local non-profits. In her free time, Lisa loves to spend time with her family, play tennis, sing and play the piano. A graduate of the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, Lisa was raised just north of Boston, Massachusetts but has lived in the tri-state area since college. She is excited to be Editor and head writer for Princeton Perspectives!