Articles Written by Julie Hancher

We all love those blue bins to stash our recyclables in to feel better about our collective waste on trash day. But who monitors how much Philly is recycling overall?  Director of Recycling Phil Bresee arrived in Philly July 2012, with the mission to increase recycling participation and improve our city's 'green' efforts. A Maryland native,  Bresee got his start in Frederick and then Howard County, Maryland prior to moving to Florida in 2004. He's clearly passionate about the cause, which was apparent for those who saw his recent Nerd Nite presentation.  We sat down with Phil recently to talk trash, recycling and Philly overall.  Green Philly Blog: Mayor Nutter has focused on environmental issues (including recycling) in his Greenworks Campaign since his election in 2007. With 2 years to go in office, what recycling progress have you seen in 2013 compared to his start?

Hey there, readers! I went to Nashville this past weekend to learn some awesome digital marketing "stuff" at Keen Digital Summit, created by one of my fav bloggers Kristin Luna. Between eating local, trying out the bike share & learning, I didn't have a chance to blog some more awesome green advice. We'll be back tomorrow, and coming soon to the blog: a trial in bike sharing in other cities, which is a preview for Philly! ;-) See ya soon!

Halloween is right around the corner, where most of the population loads up on the dangerous high-fructose corn syrup & sugar-filled candy treats. What can you give out to the neighborhood kids instead of original candy? Here's a few suggestions:

Want to find out more about water from an expert? Water and climate-change expert, Peter Gleick is bringing his Global Water Challenges & Solutions talk to Philly this week! Fairmount Water Works Interpretative Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Friday, October 25th by hosting Dr. Gleick. According to Wired Magazine, "one of the 15 people the next president should listen to" is discussing water use, public health and the future of our climate change. We were able to talk with Dr. Gleick before his Philly visit ask about his upcoming lecture, water and what Philadelphians can do to help. Before we get to the interview, we're giving a free pair of passes to the lecture and reception. Simply enter a comment below and Like us on Facebook (or follow on Twitter- just mention which one IN the comments.) In the comments below, answer the question, "How can you do to conserve water?" Read our Q&A with Dr. Gleick and find out more about Friday's event, after the jump!

So I haven't always been the biggest cabbage fan. I never disliked it, but I have never been in love with it. Until I found the most perfect, delicious salad ever on health.com and modified it. And I am sharing my cabbage & apple salad recipe with you, lucky readers. The ginger dressing has just the right amount of flavor to compliment the cabbage and apples. The fresh crunch and light flavor leaves you feeling refreshed. Plus, the salad just helps you feel totally healthy and better than a detox. (Says the girl who refuses to try a juice cleanse because she eats too much...) Click through for the best Cabbage, Apple & Ginger Salad recipe you'll ever taste!

Get ready to eat & drink locally, my friends: the 2nd annual PHeaSt at the Navy Yard is tonight! Chefs & urban growers from around our region prepare seasonal dishes to benefit the PHS City Harvest program, which provides fresh, nutritious produce to under-resourced neighborhoods. City Harvest feed over 1200 families each week! The lineup of 30 chefs includes:

Trying to limit the disposables is an easy thing to get into the habit. We've already mentioned how to stash a BYO cutlery in your purse or on the go. Bring in a reusable 'set' for the office: Silverware (knife, spoon, fork), coffee mug & a small dish or bowl in case you need to heat up your lunch. It also comes in handy for the day your office or fav vendor drops off a lunch to enjoy. Readers, do you stash an office eatery set? Any other tricks you have?

OK, I'll be honest. I used to hate cauliflower. Growing up, I remember having the often awful, frozen broccoli / cauliflower / carrot steamed mix repeatedly. And got so sick of the mini-tree'd veggies. (Sorry Mom & Dad!) But I found a Crispy Cauliflower Recipe that changed my perception forever. Plus, CSA cauliflower is so damn fresh and flavorful, I can't praise it enough. If you have a CSA or stop by your farmer's market and spot that white, floury veggie, I demand you make this. Right now.

Let's be real: I think of food, like 98% of the time. The other 2% is the blog, Pounce DeLeon & bourbon. But today, we can reflect on World Food Day. What is World Food Day?