Op-Ed: We Can Reduce Our Carbon Footprint on Earth Day and Beyond

By NILES NEUSBAUM

Today, April 22nd, marks Earth Day. We have reduced our carbon footprint by curtailing travel and our thermostat. We recycle. But, we can do so much more by cutting our consumption of animal meat and milk products. Yes, that.. A recent article in The Guardian argues that animal agriculture is a major driver of climate change, as well as air and water pollution, depletion of soil and water resources, and destruction of wildlife habitats. Oxford University’s prestigious Food Climate Research Network reports that solving the global warming catastrophe requires massive shift to plant-based eating. The Netflix feature, Seaspiracy, documents

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the legal changes that affect voting in Georgia, and the decision by Major League Baseball to move the All-Star Game from that state. “If you’re voting, which is a right given by this country, to be able to vote for whatever elected official you like, I don’t think that there should be any law implemented to stop it, not to just stop people from voting. Basically, that’s what they’re doing, because if you’re there for eight, nine or ten hours or however long it is, you’re not allowed to receive water? That’s

By Staff at PS/MS 95

Under the direction of principal, Serge Marshall Davis, the visual arts are flourishing at MS/MS 95, the Sheila Mencher School in Van Cortlandt Village. Art teacher, Stephanie Fiorino, shepherds ongoing learning and projects, and opens students’ eyes to the world of line, shape, dimension, color, texture, and form. Even during the pandemic, through blended and remote learning, Ms. Fiorino provides clear pathways to student success. The arts program challenges the students intellectually in the classroom and puts systems in place to anticipate smooth transitions to remote learning, whenever that may occur. Its success is due, in no small part,

By MICHAEL HOROWITZ

What do Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, Jim “Catfish” Hunter, and Mariano Rivera have in common? They are Hall of Famers who played for the New York Yankees, the most storied franchise in sport. The Yankees, who play their home games in The Bronx, just happen to play these games in what is the world’s most famous sports stadium. Winners of 27 World Series, The Yankees have been my team since the late-1950s. Yes, I remember watching Ryne Duren and Luis Arroyo as relief pitchers for the

By MICHAEL HOROWITZ

Passover, which started on the evening of March 27, is one of the most meaningful times of year for Jewish people throughout the world. The holiday, which will conclude on Sunday night, April 4, combines what is important for families with what is important for Jews as a distinct people. The holiday, in a more modern context, links Jews to struggles for liberation and freedom in our country and throughout the world. On a very personal level, Passover is a time for my family and other families to get together for very special Seder meals that are very rich

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers for their thoughts on the recent District 11 and District 15 City Council special elections which took place on March 23, and the use of the new Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) system. “I didn’t know about the special election and now, it’s too late. I wish I would have known because I would have voted in this City Council race. I just thank God that the coronavirus in New York is getting better. I heard about Ranked Choice Voting and I think it’s better to have more choices today.” Delphine Sanders, Norwood “Ranked

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on life one year on from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I just want this [expletive] to be over with, I just want to go back to school. I just want everything to go back to normal. No, I didn’t think it was that serious when this first started. I thought it would [have been] over by now and it hasn’t – that’s how serious it was, and how many people have died.” Aameenah Islam West Farms “I just came out of the nursing home, and I was with

By MEISHER PORTER

This week, I began leading the nation’s largest public school system, a school system that serves more than one million students, including, many years ago – me! I am both excited and honored to take on this role. Not only because I am a New Yorker, born and bred, but because education is in my blood. Both my mom and auntie were teachers, and between them have 40 years of changing young people’s lives. I became a New York City public school educator because of them, and the amazing teachers I had as a student, myself – like Ms. Pearlman, my

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

On the pandemic front, the good news is that COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death rates are all decreasing statewide. In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson has been approved by the FDA, which now provides a third immunization option beyond Pfizer and Moderna, and one which requires just one vaccination dose rather than two. The bad news, however, is that throughout the country and especially within the boundaries of Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7), vaccination rates are alarmingly low. At the latest meeting of CB7’s Health & Human Services Committee on Feb.22, committee members looked