April showers are in full swing and the time has come for the grass to regain its green color and for the many gardens in Berks to begin to shine. As people begin to once again work on creating their garden masterpieces that provide beauty and sanctuary, it is also a great time to think about what can be done to create a beautiful environment throughout all of Berks County.

Going green has been a growing initiative around the world. To help Berks County residents learn what they can do to help, the Berks Conservancy has created a website, GreenBerks.com, which provides information and ideas about how we can all do our part to help Berks grow greener each year.

“We established GreenBerks.com to share the great data found in the State of the Environment in Berks report,” says Kim Lewis, director of communications and marketing for the Berks Conservancy. “It has evolved into a place where people can receive tips on how to go green, join in blog discussions about current topics in Berks, read the State of the Environment report, and participate in a survey and poll questions. It is a dynamic website and we encourage everyone to visit regularly and get involved.”

Since 1974, the Conservancy has been working to protect the natural resources of Berks County and to encourage residents to do their part to make Berks a healthy and nurturing environment. The non-profit organization has helped protect many natural environmental sites in Berks, and also provides information and education about the County and its beautiful environment.

One of the main educational resources available on GreenBerks.com is an Internet version of the State of the Environment in Berks report. “It measures indicators such as water and air quality, land use, and energy and waste measurements,” says Lewis. “Our goal is to provide all residents and businesses in our community with local statistics and to encourage a greener community through simple, everyday choices people make that affect the quality of life in Berks County. The report contains actionable data and provides readers with new ideas to try on their own.”

The report is available in a downloadable PDF version or an online digital version. By viewing the report online or by downloading the report, it is easy for residents to flip through the pages and find the information they are looking for. Sharing digital versions of the report reduces the use of paper used to print extra copies. However, for those residents who would like a paper copy of the report, the website provides a link where you can send your name and address to receive a free copy of the report in the mail.

Berks residents are also encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas about ways to go green through “Join the Conversation,” a blog available on the website. The blog provides a setting through which tips can be shared, and people are able to hold conversations about the latest green news and ideas in Berks. Many of the tips are posted by members of the Berks Conservancy. This provides an easy ways for residents to get started “going green” in their own homes and businesses. These cutting-edge  discussions help propel the green movement in Berks.

Overall, the Conservancy has seen an overwhelming response to the website and hopes the information provided is helping to make going green more inviting and easier for Berks residents. “New topics and discussions have been started from the website and many local residents have shared some fabulous stories with us on how they have become more green,” says Lewis. “We’ve included a feature which allows you to make a donation to plant trees and wildflowers in Berks. It is a great green gift idea!”

If you are looking for ways to help the environment, or even make your green thumb a bit greener, be sure to check out GreenBerks.com. This website will serve as the one-stop-shop for all your “going green” needs.

Berks Conservancy
25 North 11th St., Reading
610.372.4992
www.berks-conservancy.org
GreenBerks.com

By Amanda Cain

Berks County’s first totally green home has an Energy Rating System score of 19, which means  it is 81 percent more efficient than the average home. After a final review process, it is expected to be LEED® gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED®, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a third-party rating system for all new green building construction.

Susanne Fiore, co-owner of Nature’s Garden, offers some quick and easy tips:

Incorporate whole grains like brown rice and millets versus a white potato.

Your serving of protein should be the size of your palm.

If you have a heavy red-meat diet, incorporate more chicken and fish as your protein.

Increase the amount of vegetables you eat. They should be fresh and organic.

“The more research that is coming out states how much pesticides and other toxins are used on vegetables,” says Susanne. “It’s scary. That is why it is important to buy organic.”

Take vitamins.

Avoid fast food – it’s not healthy.

To learn more from Susanne, tune into Healthy Living radio program on WEEU,

Mondays from 6-7 p.m.

Nature’s Garden
4290 Perkiomen Ave., Mount Penn
610.779.3000
www.naturesgardenonline.com

by Kristin Kramer

photo by Kevin Brett

Our sincere apologies for editorial errors that appeared in our March issue of Berks County Living regarding this article. Special thanks to the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue organization for making us aware of our errors and for providing us with corrected editorial information. We apologize for any misinformation we presented. Please find the corrected editorial as well as additional information below:

RESCUING MAN’S BEST FRIEND One Golden Retriever at a Time
by AMANDA CAIN with editorial corrections provided by DVGRR

DOGS ARE OFTEN called man’s best friend. In the case of one non-profit organization, the saying could be changed to “man is dog’s best friend.” Since 1993, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) has been saving purebred Golden Retrievers and placing them in new homes.

Robin L. Adams co-founder, has been helping Golden Retrievers since 1986, when she purchased her first Golden, Emerson, from what she thought was a reputable breeder. As Emerson grew, so did his behavior issues. After speaking with her veterinarian, Adams took Emerson to a behaviorist.

Thinking that a second Golden might help Emerson’s sociability, she answered an ad in the newspaper for “Free to Good Home.” She brought the 8-year-old Golden home, but Emerson wasn’t about to accept another dog in the house, so Adams reluctantly realized she wouldn’t be able to keep the new dog.

Feeling guilty about the situation, she asked co-workers if anyone knew of a family that could give this Golden a home. From that point forward, Adams became extraordinarily committed to finding new homes for displaced Golden Retrievers.
In the years since, DVGRR has helped about 2,500 Golden Retrievers, placing an average of 200 to 260 dogs into new homes each year. In 2000, the non-profit obtained its own facility, called Golden Gateway, where Goldens awaiting adoption are provided with all needed veterinary care, training, and rehabilitation for any bad habits such as jumping, pulling on leash, etc.

DVGRR assists Goldens in need in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and parts of Maryland. Because of the success rate of Golden Gateway, they have been called upon to help other rescue groups throughout the United States. All purebred Golden Retrievers are welcome, except for dogs that have shown aggression toward people or severe inter-species aggression.