Articles Written by Julie Hancher

In honor of the US Open in Merion this week, here's a few quick tips to green your golf game:

OK, so we can't come in first every time. The Trust for Public Land came out with the ParkScore list, ranking Philadelphia #14 out of the major US cities (top 50). Find out how does ParkScore works and how Philly measures up, after the jump!

Staying up to date on sustainability can be a job within itself. But understanding the logic behind the ‘green’ arguments? It can be overwhelming. Summertime means lots of time on planes, trains and carpooling automobiles... or lazy hours in the cabin or beach chair... which is the perfect time to nestle up with some green reads. Here are 6 of my favorite green books:

Hate plastic bags getting caught in trees and littering our streets? We have great news to share: Logan Welde, Staff Attorney of the Clean Air Council will be on WHYY Radio Times (90.9 FM)  to discuss plastic bags and our proposed legislation, today from 11 AM - 12 PM. I've been working with Logan for almost a year on these efforts (like at Greenfest 2012) and he is a passionate, intelligent guy. It will be a great broadcast. Inquirer columnist Sandy Bauers also published our open letter to City Council this morning to coincide. Logan will be debating Hilex Poly, which is the biggest plastic bag manufacturer in the US (and a part of the American Progressive Bag Alliance). Many people have been asking: So what has been going on with plastic bags?

Today, June 5, marks World Environment Day 2013. Since 1972, World Environment Day, a United Nations Environment program, has drawn worldwide awareness to the environment to encourage political (and personal) attention and action. This year's theme is Think Eat Save and rightfully so. Ever year, 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted, yet 1 in 7 people go to bed hungry each day. Some people argue that GMOs will help solve hunger, but there's a few potentially scary consequences that may not be worth the price. You don't have to wait for science to make a difference - it's easy to stop wasting food. What else can you do to celebrate World Environment Day 2013? (Hint: useful links after the jump!)

Once you adopt your sustainable kitty, you'll know they need lots of play time and attention. Want to keep your cat entertained but not spend a boatload? No worries - you can create a DIY recycled cat scratcher for (practically) free! As you may know, Pounce DeLeon is well aware of his Carbon PawPrint between his food, litter and treats. I wanted to make sure his scratching post was recycled and aligned with his sustainable values - plus it saved me some cash. The cardboard cat scratch project began on one evening after work... Find out the instructions (and see more cat pictures!), after the jump!

Heading to the beach soon? My recent trip to North Carolina started as sight-seeing but turned up into a mini-beach cleanup. Here's how things went down (and some beautiful pictures of trash to help motivate!):

Attention foodies and food-lovers: The 3rd annual Philadelphia Vendy Awards want you to judge the best of Philly food trucks. OK, they already have a judge panel. But you can pick your own favorite as you taste your way through each truck for the People's Choice Award. The Philadelphia Vendy awards are coming up on this Saturday, June 8th from 2-6 PM at Penn Treaty Park (1341 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125). Awards include Best Dessert, Messy yet Tasty and People's Choice Awards. Find out about the Vendy Awards and how YOU can win a free pair of tickets, after the jump!

Heading to Rittenhouse, Headhouse, Collingswood or Bryn Mawr this weekend? There's boatloads of Farmers Markets in Philadelphia right now, so it's a great excuse to get out, meet farmers and buy local produce. Before you head over to your neighborhood market, it’s best to have a game plan to get the cream of the crop. Here, 10 tips to ensure you dominate the produce stalls like a seasoned pro.