Articles Written by Julie Hancher

The Clean Air Council is hosting its 33rd annual 5K Run for Clean Air on Saturday, April 19th at 9 AM. Kicking off at the Philadelphia Art Museum, you can run the 5K, 3K walk or Kids' Fun Run. The 5K Run for Clean Air has become the area's largest Earth Day Celebration, supporting the local guys who fight for a cleaner local environment.

Public Service Message for the ladies: There's tons of chemicals in the products you use... down there. Some of the most absorptive and sensitive tissue on women's bodies exists is the loved v-j region, but many companies don't disclose what they're putting in products made for that area. A recent report even said that chemicals in feminine care products can increase the risk of breast cancer, reproductive problems, asthma and allergic reactions with cancer-causing chemicals and hormone disruptors. Scary, right? These risks are enough of a reason to make the switch to organic tampons & pads.

In just a few decades, sales of consumer electronics have skyrocketed. As consumers upgrade to the latest and greatest devices, old computer towers and bulky monitors are discarded in favor of slimmer, sleeker models. Even the simple act of swapping out an empty ink cartridge contributes to the mounting problem of non-biodegradable waste. What does this do to our environment? What can you do about ink cartridges? Find out where you can recycle ink cartridges in Philadelphia for our Where Can I Wednesday column, after the jump!

This guest post comes to us from Cassie Pena of the Jewish Farm School. During Passover we reflect on the ancient journey of the Israelite people from enslavement to freedom; the experience of passing through Mitzrayim (Egypt or a "narrow" place) towards new untold openness and expression. Our rituals during this time of year include cleaning our kitchens and homes of glutinous foods, such as bread and other chametz (foods with leavened bread). Find out more, after the jump.

 Trying to stay away from scary chemicals in your food? There's another super-obvious place many chemicals are hiding - our beauty products. Find out about the upcoming event at Arts in the Age, after the jump!

The very-sustainable Eviama Life Spa is not just there to provide Philadelphians with a relaxed body. Instead, getting a massage or service at Eviama relaxes the mind and soothes the soul too. Here are two upcoming events you may want to experience yourself:

Between Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu & Amazon Prime, who actually watches their DVDs anymore? Or more importantly, how many have you actually watched since you purchased them? Unfortunately most DVDs hold little value, so it's not worth selling them. If you're spring cleaning, here's where you can donate your DVDs to a few organizations where they'll be loved by someone else.

What is Greenworks Philadelphia? Greenworks Philadelphia is Mayor Michael Nutter's comprehensive plan to reach Philadelphia's goal of becoming the greenest city in America by 2015. Released in Spring 2009, Greenworks Philadelphia is a 100 page document outlining sustainability goals  including buildings, businesses, products, streets and more. Greenworks Philadelphia includes 15 sustainability targets, with 166 initiatives in 5 different areas:

Want to get out of your apartment and discuss sustainability with local friends? We’re happy to announce our first “green” book club, partnering the Head and the Hand Press! In a city of people passionate about green living, we think it’s high time we begin bringing creative literature into the sustainability discussion. Let’s see what literature can teach us about natural living, and how entering into a character’s experiences can spark questions and ideas about urban farming, green living, and social change. Find out more about our Seeds of Discent Book Club, after the jump!