Eco-Pods
Podcasting with The Bronc at Rider University

Natural Steps with Sustainable Lawrence

In a joint broadcasting venture with Rider University's 107.7 The Bronc (WRRC-FM), Sustainable Lawrence explores what it means to live sustainably on campus, at home, and in our community. New episodes air live in Lawrenceville, NJ on Sunday mornings at 10am.

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Your Host: Bob Carson
Executive Producer: Ralph Copleman
Podcaster: Kirk LeCompte

RECENT EPISODES

A short list of recent episodes - scroll farther down the page
to find and listen to a specific podcast or visit sustainable.podbean.com.

No Impact Man - Colin Beavin
Clean Air & Water, New Jersey Environmental Federation
Lessons Learned, Sustainble Lawrence reviews a year of broadcasting with Rider University
Quality of Our Water, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed
Impact on Community, Staff of Sustainable Lawrence
Sustainability on Campus, Rider University & Princeton University

Episode 42 of Natural Steps

31 min Air Date: 2010-05-02

"No Impact Man" Colin Beavan got his family to go along with his big experiment: could they go an entire year living sustainably in their ninth-floor Manhattan apartment. That meant, for example, no riding the elevator. How did they do it? More important, did they get though the year? Ralph Copleman interviews Colin.

Guest: Colin Beavan, PhD, Author and Writer, and more recently, No Impact Man
Guest Host: Ralph Copleman, Sustainable Lawrence
Links: No Impact Man, No Impact Project

Episode 41 of Natural Steps

29 min Air Date: 2010-04-25

Members of the New Jersey Environmental Federation discuss the challenges facing our local community and state with regard to clean air and water.

Guest: Jane Nogaki, Founding member of the New Jersey Environmental Federation
Guest: Dr. Susan Wolf, Member of the NJ Environmental Federation
Links: NJ Environmental Federation, Clean Water Action

Episode 40 of Natural Steps

32 min Air Date: 2010-03-14

Enriching community and strengthening neighborhoods is central to the emergence of sustainability, here or anywhere. Listen as leaders from two separate Lawrence neighborhoods compare notes as they build strong local businesses, create well-used gathering places, and expand cultural offerings on the neighborhood level.

Guest: Howard Nelson, President, Lawrenceville Main Street, and Economics Professor at TCNJ
Guest: Tahirih Smith, Sustainable Lawrence Liaison to Greater Eldridge Park Neighborhood Association (GEPNA)
Links: Lawrenceville Main Street, GEPNA Plan (11MB PDF)

Episode 39 of Natural Steps

23 min Air Date: 2010-03-07

Executive Producer Ralph Copleman turns the tables on our on-air host Bob Carson and interviews him about what he's learned from doing nearly 40 Natural Step radio shows. What has he learned? How has he changed his own habits? Which of the shows stand out? How does sustainability relate to other topics he discusses on his weekly political talk hour? Hear Bob as a guest on his own show!

Guest: Bob Carson, Radio Talk Show Host
Guest Host: Ralph Copleman, Executiver Director at Sustainable Lawrence

Episode 38 of Natural Steps

28 min Air Date: 2010-02-21

Everything you need to know about local streams and ground water (the stuff we consume daily) gets covered in Ralph Copleman's interview with Jennifer Coffey and Gwen McNamara of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, as they release a first-ever report on the quality of the region's water. Hint: drink all the tap water you want.

Guest: Jennifer Coffey, Policy Director, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed
Guest: Gwen McNamara, Communications Manager, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed
Guest Host: Ralph Copleman, Executiver Director at Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed, Water Sense

Episode 37 of Natural Steps

28 min Air Date: 2010-02-14

The staff of Sustainable Lawrence, Tahirih Smith and Ralph Copleman, run down some of the lessons they've learned about doing sustainability work in a typical American community and cover details about Sustainable Lawrence events coming up in March around the region.

Guest: Tahirih Smith, SWELL Neighborhoods Coordinator at Sustainable Lawrence
Guest Host: Ralph Copleman, Executiver Director at Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Sustainable Where wE Live in Lawrence

Episode 36 of Natural Steps

32 min Air Date: 2010-02-07

Shana Weber and Melissa Greenberg coordinate Sustainability activities at their respective universities, Princeton and Rider. They discuss what "green" efforts and cultural changes are happening on campus, and the increasing awareness and expectation from the university community.

Guest: Shana Weber, Sustainability Manager at Princeton University
Guest: Melissa Ross Greenberg, Sustainability Manager at Rider University
Guest: Ralph Copleman, Executiver Director at Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Office of Sustainability at Princeton, Broncs Go Green at Rider

Episode 35 of Natural Steps

50 min Air Date: 2010-01-31

Leaders of three sustainability programs from three different Mercer County communities discuss the challenges they face, where progress is being made, and what the future may hold for similar efforts in the region.

Guest: Wendy Kaczerski, Sustainable Princeton and Princeton Environmental Commission
Guest: Rob Benjamin, Sustainable Hamilton
Guest: Ralph Copleman, Sustainable Lawrence, Executive Director
Links: Sustainable Princeton, Sustainable Hamilton, Sustainable Lawrence, Sustainable Cherry Hill

Episode 34 of Natural Steps

27 min Air Date: 2010-01-17

Sandy Bauers, environment reporter, columnist, and blogger for The Philadelphia Inquirer, cites her top recommendations for living sustainably at home. She also talks about the challenge of covering environment-oriented stories in today's media environment.

Guest: Sandy Bauers, environment reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer
Guest Host: Ralph Copleman, Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Green Space Blog, Goodbye to Edison's bulb

Episode 33 of Natural Steps

31 min Air Date: 2009-12-20

Christopher Bobbitt, LEED Architect, discusses the roles and responsibilities of an architect and the trend toward green buildings that are cost-efficient and energy-saving. Topics include the use of both old and new technology and the establishment of standards to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated.

Guest: Christopher Bobbitt, LEED Architect
Guest: Ralph Copleman, Executive Director Sustainable Lawrence
Links: US Green Building Council

Episode 32 of Natural Steps

29 min Air Date: 2009-12-13

Albie Zakes, Director of Public Relations for Terracycle, discusses recycling and upcycling, such as how his company converts waste into eco-friendly products, including waste that we don't typically consider recyclable, and products, like backpacks, that we don't typically consider as being made from leftovers. Also discussed is the role businesses can take to unify the local community around sustainable practices and how responsible practices are profitable practices.

Guest: Albie Zakes, Director of Public Relations for Terracyle
Guest Host: Ralph Copleman, Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Terracycle

Episode 31 of Natural Steps

30 min Air Date: 2009-11-22

Mike Mercer, Executive Director of Northwest Earth Institute, is part of an organization that helps folks understand that we can't wait for public policy before making changes in our daily lives that lead toward a more sustainable and enriching future. Through discussion courses, both individuals and organizations are both inspired and empowered to make a transformation.

Guest: Mike Mercer, Executive Director of Northwest Earth Institute
Links: Northwest Earth Institute

Episode 30 of Natural Steps

34 min Air Date: 2009-11-15

Beth Feehan, Executive Director of West Windsor Community Farmers' Market, discusses the introduction of a farmers market in West Windsor and the importance of reducing the distance between the farm and the consumer. She tells just how shorter distance translates into healthier food, a healthier local economy, and reduced energy consumption.

Guest: Beth Feehan, Executive Director of West Windsor Community Farmers' Market
Guest: Ralph Copleman, Executive Director Sustainable Lawrence
Links: West Windsor Community Farmers' Market

Episode 29 of Natural Steps

23 min Air Date: 2009-11-01

Carleton Montgomery, Executive Director of Pinelands Preservation Alliance, talks about the Alliance's role and expertise in ensuring the preservation of the Pinelands, which includes the sandy Pine Barrens, but also includes land under threat from development. The challenge is a implementing a growth plan that respects the conservation goals of what is almost 25% of the land area of the State of New Jersey.

Guest: Carleton Montgomery, Executive Director of Pinelands Preservation Alliance
Links: Pinelands Preservation Alliance

Episode 28 of Natural Steps

26 min Air Date: 2009-10-25

Josh Tickell & Rebecca Harrell, the Director and Producer of the Sundance award-winning film Fuel. They discuss their Green Bus Tour and the information gap about alternative fuels - the gap between what is known at the grassroots level and what is known by lawmakers. Their Veggie Van, fueled by algae, has been driven across the country and to Capitol Hill. This very information session sheds light on just what fuels we should be focusing on for a sustainable future.

Guest: Josh Tickell and Rebecca Harrell, Director and Producer of the movie FUEL
Links: The Movie Fuel

Episode 27 of Natural Steps

17 min Air Date: 2009-10-11

Peter Kasabach, Executive Director of NJ Future, gives his insight on smart growth in New Jersey. Founded in the mid-1980s, NJ Future researches issues, convenes stakeholders to advance policy, and advocates for land use changes in the state. Policy translates into preserved open space, walkable communities, revitalized urban areas, transportation choices, and gainful local employment. Working with the Office of State Planning to coordinate both growth and preservation is a challenge since the official State Plan is primarily a guide and not law.

Guest: Peter Kasabach, Executive Director of NJ Future
Links: NJ Future

Episode 26 of Natural Steps

26 min Air Date: 2009-09-20

Tom Gilbert, a Regional Conservation Services Director for the Trust for Public Land, discusses how TPL works to create inner city parks, suburban open space, and wildlife reserves across the nation. Specific topics such as a ballot initiative in New Jersey to fund the Garden State Preservation Trust are explored.

Guest: Tom Gilbert, Regional Conservation Services Director at the Trust for Public Land.
Links: Trust for Public Land

Episode 25 of Natural Steps

30 min Air Date: 2009-09-13

Brian Malone, discusses his role as publisher and editor at the Times of Trenton, the future of Newspaper publishing, and the nexus with sustainability. At a time when newspapers are challenged by the transition to electronic delivery and reduced revenue streams, the Times of Trenton is adapting in ways that are more efficient and also more eco-friendly. Brian also reports on a variety of sustainability activity in our region.

Guest: Brian Malone, Publisher and Editor at the Times of Trenton
Links: Times of Trenton

Episode 24 of Natural Steps

25 min Air Date: 2009-09-06

Note: Audio volume is low on this recording. You may need to turn up the volume.

Beth McManus, an urban planner with Clarke Caton Hintz, discusses the technical and social issues facing planners such as land development patterns, minimizing impact on the environment, farmland preservation, and affordable housing. She highlights the importance of adding sustainability elements to the master plan for townships and understanding the needs of tenants and owners when marrying design, location and technology.

Guest: Beth McManus, Urban Planner with Clarke, Caton, Hintz
Links: Clarke, Caton, Hintz

Episode 23 of Natural Steps

22 min Air Date: 2009-08-30

Tahirah Smith, Outreach Coordinator for Sustainable Lawrence, is working to actively promote sustainable activities neighborhood by neighborhood in Lawrence Township, NJ. Sustainability provides an excellent shared goal that brings neighbors together. The SWELL program ("Sustainable Where wE Live in Lawrence"), encourages neighbors to work together to save money, protect the environment, build community, and improve the quality of life. Ms. Smith gives examples of what's happening locally.

Guest: Tahirah Smith, Outreach Coordinator for Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Sustainable Lawrence

Episode 22 of Natural Steps

38 min Air Date: 2009-08-16

Carol Collier, executive director of Delaware River Basin Commission, discusses the challenge of managing our water resources, the key to our economic and environmental future. The Commission provides a leadership role in protecting, enhancing, and developing the water resources of the Delaware River Basin by serving as a policy-maker, regulator, planner, manager and mediator.

Guest: Carol Collier, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission
Links: Delaware River Basin Commission

Episode 21 of Natural Steps

51 min Air Date: 2009-07-19

Rick Dovy, president of Atlantic County Utilities Authority of NJ (ACUA), discusses the ways his organization embraces renewable energy and other sustainable technologies. The ACUA is responsible for enhancing the quality of life through the protection of waters and lands from pollution by providing responsible waste management services. The Authority is an environmental leader and adopter of cost saving technologies like single stream recycling and wind power.

Guest: Rick Dovy, President of Atlantic County Utilities Authority
Links: Powering a Wastewater Treatment Plant with Wind

Episode 20 of Natural Steps

Recording of Episode 20 has been lost:

Guest: Lori Braunstein of Sustainable Cherry Hill

Episode 19 of Natural Steps

20 min Air Date: 2009-06-21

Note: Audio quality is poor on this recording, but content makes it worth listening!

Dr. Phil Meara, Superintendent, and Tom Eldridge, Business Manager of Lawrence Township Public Schools discuss numerous initiatives in the school system that focus on sustainability. Projects include physical upgrades such as solar panels on the roofs of all buildings that save $140,000 per year in electricity costs, as well as curriculum that allows children to explore their relationship to the environment through school gardens and science projects. Initiatives also include meeting educational needs through tutoring and headstart programs such as Every Child Valued.

Guest: Dr. Phil Meara, Superintendent of Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS)
Guest: Tom Eldridge, Business Manager of Lawrence Township Public Schools (LTPS)
Links: Lawrence Township Public School , Solar Initiative at LTPS, Every Child Valued Program

Episode 18 of Natural Steps

27 min Air Date: 2009-06-14

Note: Audio volume is low on this recording. You may need to turn up the volume.

Fran McManus, marketing director for The Whole Earth Center in Princeton, discusses the 1970 origin and ongoing mission of Princeton's Whole Earth Center. Built on passion and local demand for safe, healthy, and organic food that didn't come out of a box, the Whole Earth Center was a leader in filling a community need for earth-friendly food and products. The center also partners with other groups to educate the public on environmental issues and has been working with responsible local farmers for over 30 years.

Guest: Fran McManus, marketing director for The Whole Earth Center in Princeton
Links: The Whole Earth Center

Episode 17 of Natural Steps

31 min Air Date: 2009-05-24

Richard Krawzcun, Municipal Manager of Lawrence Township, discusses environmental and sustainability challenges facing the town, and the actions being taken locally. Topics include storm water management, green building standards (LEED), composting at Lawrence Ecological Center, redevelopment, open space preservation and energy.

Rich recognizes importance of Sustainable Lawrence to involve local residents and businesses to convey their needs and desires as part of a vision for the township, as well as educating and conveying the choices available to citizens. Even small, simple changes add up to big changes.

Guest: Rich Krawzcun, Municipal Manager of Lawrence Township, NJ (22 sq mi, 30K residents)
Links: Lawrence Township Public Works

Episode 16 of Natural Steps

27 min Air Date: 2009-05-17

Dr. Jonathan Yavelow, Professor of Biology at Rider University, asks what is it in the food you eat, in the air your breathe, and in the water you drink that is responsible for your health. Yavelow's discussion explores environmental mutagens and the man-made stuff that endangers our health, particular as it relates to cancer and disease, and the changing mindset that is happening with the sustainability movement.

Guest: Dr. Jonathan Yavelow, Assistant Dean for Science & Professor of Biology at Rider Univ.
Links: King Corn, Rider University Sciences

Episode 15 of Natural Steps

28 min Air Date: 2009-05-10

A discussion with David Prescott, the driving force behind the upcoming conference "Stoking the Sustainability Fire" at Rider University June 5th and 6th. A retired lawyer and businessman, Prescott has taken on leadership roles in New Jersey's sustainability movement. He discusses the conference, the need for change in NJ, GreenFaith, and some of what drives our passion for sustainability.

Guest: David Prescott, Trustee and former Chair of GreenFaith, Chair of Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Stoking The Sustainability Fire, Sustainable Jersey, GreenFaith

Episode 14 of Natural Steps

33 min Air Date: 2009-05-03

A discussion with Donna Drewes, Community Planner on staff at The Municipal Land Use Center at The College of New Jersey. Donna holds degrees in soil science and regional planning. She reminds us that soil is a living ecosystem and needs our protection. As we put more land into active use, it's imperative we understand the impact our actions have on the health of this ecosystem, so our communities can plan for sustainable growth.

Guest: Donna Drewes, Community Planner at TCNJ
Links: The Municipal Land Use Center, Stoking The Sustainability Fire

Episode 13 of Natural Steps

29 min Air Date: 2009-04-26

A discussion with Dr. Laura Hyatt, associate professor of biology and a leader in the institutional sustainability movement at Rider University. She has taught several courses related to the subject, including one on the biology of climate change. She discusses what's happening at Rider, in higher education in general, and the science of sustainability.

Guest: Dr. Laura Hyatt, Associate Professor of Biology at Rider University.
Links: Student Video: Sustainability in Lawrence Township

Episodes 10, 11, 12 of Natural Steps

Author and educator Jennifer Morgan reads from her trilogy for children and adults, "Born with a Bang", "From Lava to Life", and "Mammals Who Morph". Each book reading is a separate podcast.

The first podcast includes a nine minute interview with Ms. Morgan who discusses the nexus of theology, cosmology and nature, and her inspiration to write. The books are read in the voice of the narrator - that is - the voice (and vibration) of the universe.

38 min Air Date: 2009-04-05 "Born with a Bang"

33 min Air Date: 2009-04-12 "From Lava to Life"

27 min Air Date: 2009-04-19 "Mammals Who Morph"

Guest: Author and educator Jennifer Morgan

Episode 9 of Natural Steps

44 min Air Date: 2009-03-29

Bill & David Mettler of Quiet Riot lead us through a high energy, fun conversation on sustainability and going green. The duo uses comedy, storytelling, music, and sound effects to amplify an empowering message for our time.

Guest: Brothers Bill & David Mettler of Quiet Riot.
Links: Quiet Riot

Episode 8 of Natural Steps

40 min Air Date: 2009-03-22

A discussion with Linda Meade of D&R Greenway Land Trust about open space and the work involved in preservation and stewardship of our land for improved quality of life for everyone. D&R Greenway has protected over 13 million acres of land in NJ and deals regularly with issues such as preserving native plants, funding for purchases, public access, conservation easements, education and awareness.

Guest: Linda J. Meade, Executive Director of D&R Greenway Land Trust, central New Jersey's non-profit land preservation organization.
Links: D&R Greenway Land Trust

Episode 7 of Natural Steps

18 min Air Date: 2009-03-15

Phil Vecere of The Lawrenceville School gives tips for homeowners on the advantages and value of being green when it comes to choosing construction materials and products that are energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. Choices available for remodeling and new construction. Insights on how to deal with municipal inspectors.

Guest: Phil Vecere, Green Builder and Director of Carpentry at The Lawrenceville School
Links: US Green Building Council, The Lawrenceville School Green Campus Initiative

Episode 6 of Natural Steps

25 min Air Date: 2009-03-08

An award-winning spiritual writer and nationally-recognized preacher on the environment, Rev. Fletcher Harper speaks about the moral and spiritual basis for environmental stewardship and justice and addresses specific legislation and policy in NJ. Discussion topics include how religious organization of any faith can go green from what they preach to how they build.

Guest: Rev. Fletcher Harper, executive director of GreenFaith, an interfaith organization dedicated to inspiring people to reconnect with the sacred in nature.
Links: GreenFaith

Episode 5 of Natural Steps

33 min Air Date: 2009-03-01

A discussion with Bert Cohen, environmentalist, educator, and co-founder of the Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative encompassing Porstmouth, NH. Faced with challenges of similar size and scope as those faced by Lawrence Township, Portsmouth also aims to be an eco-municipality with strong support from citizens, government, and business.

Guest: Bert Cohen, co-founder of the Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative and Instructor at University of New Hampshire
Links: Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative

Episode 4 of Natural Steps

34 min Air Date: 2009-02-22

A discussion with Mike Azzara and David Zaback about healthy food and farming including what organic food is. These local organic experts explain the concept of slow food and the importance of year round farmer markets. Efforts to connect the best farmers with local outlets is bringing us good nutrition, sustainable environmental practices, and healthy living.

Guest: Mikey Azzara, Owner of Zone7, a small distribution company that brings fresh NJ farm products to NJ restaurants and grocers. Also President of Lawrenceville Main Street, and board member of Sustainable Lawrence.
Guest: David Zaback, Farm Manager of Gravity Hill Farm, a small family-owned farm dedicated to teaching about nature and nurture through organic farming and raising animals.
Links: Gravity Hill Farm, Slow Food NJ, NJ Farm to School Network, Lawrenceville Farmers Market

Episode 3 of Natural Steps

39 min Air Date: 2009-02-15

A discussion with Ralph Copleman on environmental practices that concern all of us, and simple steps we can all take to make a positive impact, as well as steps currently being taken at the State and Federal level.

Concerns over fresh water usage and sources, bottling versus tap water, and lawn care are put into perspective. Energy conservation is framed by the impact we can make by simply turning off lights, turning off power strips connected to stereos and computers overnight, and walking or biking rather than driving. Interesting facts are revealed, like how it is easier to reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing locally grown organic food rather than driving a hybrid car.

Guest: Ralph Copleman, Executive Director Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Personal Pledge 5-Pack, 7 Easy Things, Saving Water

Episode 2 of Natural Steps

36 min Air Date: 2009-02-08

A discussion with Sarah James, author and international expert on how to move communities, small and large, toward sustainability. This award winning planner discusses what it takes to mobilize a municipality for measurable, meaningful, and lasting change.

Guest: Sarah James, member of the American Planning Association, co-author of The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns Can Change to Sustainable Practices, and co-founder of the American eco-municipality movement.
Guest: Ralph Copleman, Executive Director Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Institute for Ecomunicipality Education & Assistance (IEMEA), The Natural Step

Episode 1 of Natural Steps

37 min Air Date: 2009-02-01

A discussion with Melissa Ross Greenberg about sustainability and what we can do to make Rider University, Lawrence Township, and the larger global community a greener place to live. Following the principles of "The Natural Step," and working with the local community, Sustainable Lawrence aims to create an 'eco-municipality' in Lawrence Township, New Jersey.

Guest: Melissa Ross Greenberg, Sustainability Coordination Manager at Rider University
Guest: Ralph Copleman, Executive Director Sustainable Lawrence
Links: Broncs Go Green, Sustainable Lawrence

Eco-Pods Podcasting with The Bronc at Rider University