Welcome to Translating 'Sustainable'. I am a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor serving the Greater Lehigh Valley area of eastern Pennsylvania. Drawing from my knowledge and experience with sustainability, I provide consulting, education, and outreach services to homeowners, non-profit organizations, and small businesses in the surrounding community. With my guidance, your goal of translating sustainable for the everyday choices you make in your residential or workplace environment can be achieved.

• Are your electric, heating, and cooling bills no longer affordable? Are you concerned about your carbon footprint? Geothermal and solar seem like good renewable energy choices, but are there effective ways to lower the cost?

• Incandescent bulbs are inefficient and LED lamps have been phased in. Replacing incandesent bulbs with LEDs can seem daunting. Check out my blog post on Learning to Love LEDs. Learn more about them at http://energy.gov/energysaver/new-lighting-standards-began-2012.

• Should you update your plumbing fixtures? What other water saving tips and devices are available that will not only save water but money, too?

What does sustainability mean to you?

Maybe it's obtaining greater energy efficiency, exploring renewable energy options, improving indoor air quality, or evaluating the merits and performance of non-toxic or low VOC products. Perhaps you really want to begin a recycling or composting program at your home or small business but aren't sure how to go about it.

How can I help you?

Focusing on both the structure and outdoor environment, I will examine the spaces where you live, work, play, or learn. I will evaluate your options and choices, then advise you on the techniques, products, and services that can help your home or business be more efficient and sustainable.

My everyday choices and activities are guided by the 3 E's or P's of sustainability. The choices we make can have a positive or negative effect on our buildings, our health, our neighborhoods, our businesses, and globally. While change can be challenging, the benefits can far outweigh the cost of making effective and, in many cases, simple changes.

Let's connect. As a CSBA, a member of the Lehigh Valley Branch of the Green Building United, and board member of the Lehigh Valley Sustainability Network, my network of regional sustainability professionals is a text, e-mail, or phone call away. Are you, your employer, or your organization interested in offering a presentation about sustainability or a sustainable topic? Does your workplace offer Lunch and Learn, Brown Bag, or Green Bag sessions? I am a presenter with years of public speaking experience. Visit my Services page to view my list of topics or ask me about a topic that is of particular interest to you and your group. I'm very interested in learning about how I can help you meet your sustanability goals and answer your questions about sustainability.

Click here to contact me with your inquiries or comments.

I was employed as a teacher and docent with Historic Bethlehem Parnership for ten years. During that time, I gained a knowledge and appreciation for the efficiencies in building, farming, and industrial technologies developed by past generations. My home is adjacent to working farms. I value their hard work and the local food they provide, as well as the open views I enjoy each day. I welcome the opportunity to work with historic groups and farm businesses in order to help achieve their sustainable goals.