5 ideas for an eco-friendly weekend in Bethlehem

We’re supposed to have a beautiful fall weekend in Bethlehem, so go enjoy it! And pay some homage to Mamma Nature buy having some eco-friendly fun.

Some of these ideas don’t scream sustainability, but here’s the thing:

    When you avoid:

• Getting in your car,
• Hitting the mall,
• And the same old chains and franchises,

    And make a point to:

• Walk it out,
• Support local businesses, 
• And get plugged into your community,

You’re screamin’ green. Enjoy!

1. Eat Eco-friendly.

You’d think I’d be tired of talking about eco-food. Thought wrong! Even for a sustainability sleuth like me, there are always places I haven’t heard of.

Like Wildflower Café. They’re located at 316 South New St, that’s right across the bridge in South Bethlehem!

According to their facebook page, they’re a vegetarian/vegan cafe AND all ages music venue WITH a bike rack. They also proclaim to use local, organic, and fair-trade producers whenever possible.

Myth? Legend? I haven’t had time to check it out, yet. (Don’t worry; it’s on my list!)

So now, you’ve got two challenges—this could be a south-side scavenger hunt! Check out Horns, the new eco-conscious restaurant, I mentioned in my eco-friendly food post. Then report back. Go!

2. Shop Eco-friendly.

Here's at hat I picked up on South Side last year. It's made from old t-shirts!

3. Get a green hairdo!

No not green colored do! Unless you’re adventurous, then go for it!

I’m talking about Lux, The Eco-Friendly Salon. And you guessed it; it’s just a walk away! 643 N. New St. in Bethlehem. The Moravian shuttles go right by on their way from north to south campus. So if you’re feeling lazy or broke your foot, you can beg the bus driver to drop you off right there!

Mid September, my suite-mate Jackie and I walked up from North campus to get our hair cut there for the first time. The salon is just as cool as the girls who run it, and the job those girls do is even better.

For $50 I got a wash and cut (with heavenly scalp massage) and blow dry and style. And they used all eco-friendly products that smelled and felt amazing in my hair. The price was absolutely worth it. My hair has never felt healthier and, umm, my style is super cute.

Now, come on, how can you beat that?

My eco-friendly haircut from Lux!

4. Tour Moravian’s South Campus.

Yeah, that’s where those shuttles go. And you should go too. Walk to keep the eco-guilt at minimum and thequad burning at a maximum.

South campus has some incredible old buildings—Brethren’s Hall was a revolutionary war hospital that once hosted George Washington. I’m not saying you should tour the buildings at night, seeking out the rumored spiritual residents, but I am saying that it’s pretty fun. ;)

South Campus also has the Root Cellar Café. So if you’re bored with the food up north, park yourself at one ofthe HILL’s outside tables and enjoy.

From the HILL, walk toward the Lehigh River. You’ll find Sand Island, a recreation area between the river and the canal. The historic towpath, once used for mules to drag barges alongside them in the canal, now makes a great spot for jogging or bike riding.

In the spring, look out for bike and boat trips with the Wildlands Conservancy, that start right at Sand Island. ECO, Moravian’s Environmental Coalition, has gone on a few trips now and had a blast each time.

5. Festivals, farm markets, and first Fridays!

What do all these things have in common? They’re all happening here in Bethlehem.

If you live in Bethlehem, especially on south campus like I did for two years, you know the festivals. Musikfest,Celtic Fest, Christkindlmarkt… (No I didn’t spell that wrong.) Chances are, on any given weekend, Bethlehem is having something cutesy. Here’s a calendar so you don’t miss any of it.

Farmers' markets are a ton of fun, too. Support your local farmers and your need for yummy seasonal goodies buy checking out one of the 30 markets within 35 miles of campus.

Every Tuesday, Moravian offers a free trip to the farmers' market at Steel Stacks. Sign up in the HUB! 

Want to get pumped up with a film about environmental issues? Monday night you can check out a screening of Sweet Crude at Lehigh.

By now I know you’re swimming in weekend ideas! Don’t worry I only have one more, and it’s for November.

Check out First Friday, a monthly celebration of the arts and culture on South Side Bethlehem. Can you say wine, cheese, and chumming it with artists?