Articles Written by Beth Funari

Spring is almost here and it's time to consider where you'll get your local spring and summer produce. Community supported agriculture groups (CSAs) are one of the best ways! CSAs are an efficient means to get your produce directly from a local farm and cut out the middle man (grocers.) I love implementing the farm to table concept in my own kitchen, and have discovered lots of new veggies and fruit via CSA programs (rhubarb, swiss chard, and purple peppers to name a few!) Discover local CSA options after the jump.

The Greater Philadelphia Historic Home Show will take place March 9 -11, and there’s plenty for green-minded antiquity lovers. Among the most noteworthy is LimeWorks.us presentations on the importance of proper repairs for vintage masonry. Andy DeGruchy, a local mason and LimeWorks.us business owner with over 30 years of masonry experience, will lead the demonstration and discussion. He’ll discuss fatal mistakes many homeowners make when attempting to repair their 18th, 19th and early 20th century homes using harmful Portland Cement. Read on for details!

This is tofu for the tofu haters. Trust me, I was one. I’ve been turned off by tofu’s spongy, almost squishy texture for years. After giving up meat and poultry a few years ago I so wanted to enjoy tofu for added variety in my diet. But, alas I couldn’t get over the darn malleable texture. Then I discovered that tofu could get nice and crispy , and yes delicious. I thank this impromptu recipe for making my mouth happy and getting me over my fear. Read on for the recipe!

This week Mayor Nutter announced a new tree-giveaway program dubbed TreePhilly. Roughly 2,000 trees will be given to residents who commit to taking proper care of them. Philadelphia area residents will be given an opportunity to get involved with planting trees on both public and private property. The initiative is led by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Fairmount Parks Conservancy and Wells Fargo. “TreePhilly is an investment in our city’s future,” said Mayor Nutter “Our city will be healthier, safer and more attractive as a result of...

Ah, Valentine’s Day. It’s the holiday many people love to hate or is it hate to love… hmmm… Here’s the good news: no matter what you have going on in your romantic life this holiday- this is a smoothie you’re bound to love. Inspired by the Rosie's Romance super-food smoothie from NYC’s The Juice Press, this is a delectable blend with a pretty, valentine’s appropriate hue. Read on for the simple recipe!

Don't feel guilty using your microwave for simple, on-the-go meals. Cooking & reheating using the microwave is not only fast, but more energy efficient than using your stove-top or oven. You'll reduce energy by up to 70% when you prepare small meals this way. In the winter months using the microwave can help contribute to warmth in the kitchen - making it easier to avoid turning up the thermostat. Speaking of energy... did you know

Mark your calendars! Whole Food Markets is proud to offer Philadelphia residents the opportunity to recycle “anything with a plug” on February 18, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at their South Street (929 South Street) and Callowhill Stores (2001 Pennsylvania Avenue). All types of electronics will be accepted. Click through to find out what!

Main Line Chamber of Commerce Go Green Committee is taking action to help area businesses learn about sustainable practices and resources, and how saving energy, saves money. Ardmore law firm, Silver & Silver is the lucky recipient of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce 2012 Green Makeover award. Find out more info on the award here. On February 1 Go Green Committee co-chairs, Roderick Wilson of Wolfson Architect and Beke Beau, a popular Main Line makeup artist , joined by a team of local business people will set up shop in Silver & Silver’s 100-plus-year-old shop to film an on-air energy audit.

One thing I enjoy about being a green activist and blogger is my belief in the value of a sustainable lifestyle is often reenergized by the efforts of others. Lately I’ve been giving thought to the zero waste home – as the family behind the concept continues to garner well-deserved press. The Johnsons of Mill Valley, California are the zero waste family. The Johnson family’s primary goal is to avoid bringing anything into the house that must eventually be discarded. Read on!