Articles Written by Julie Hancher

Last year, we visited where you can recycle your old sneakers, which included local spots like Philadelphia Runner. We also addressed how to recycle your old flip flops, since we all know how many we can collect for a little post-run relaxation. So what are you to do in 2013? Good news for you runners - there's more opportunities this year to give your old kicks a new life! (Find out how and where, after the jump!)

“Spare some change so I can get some food?” The man on the corner, aged beyond his years covered with wrinkles, begged for my spare change. Instead of digging into my pocket, I rolled my eyes and assumed he’d blow it on booze. Like many people, this is what hunger in my city looked like to me, until it didn’t. I was shocked when a young co-worker confided that she has been on food stamps. A single mother, employed full time, still struggling to make ends meet. Yet her challenge to put food on her family’s table is one that many Americans face daily. This man and co-worker represent the tip of the food iceberg. World Environment Day reflects on why food is too valuable to waste locally and abroad:

Need some fresh plants in your life? TreePhilly is back for 2013! Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo paired up for the Spring 2013 TreePhilly giveaway. Now through March 31st, any Philadelphia property owner can request a free yard tree on their private property. New additions to the 2013 giveaway include:

It's easy to get into the reusable groove at home, but what about when you're on the road (or flight)? I recently traveled to Austin to run a half marathon. Although I packed my stainless steel water bottle for the trip, my carry on suitcase was essentially full with all of my other goods. Before starting our day, we wanted a quick breakfast on the run. Asking for a bagel and coffee ended up with this much waste: (Find out more, after the jump!)

Hey you! Want a free drink? You deserve it. We're hosting a Plastic Bag Reduction Happy Hour this upcoming Tuesday, February 19th from 6-9 PM at the Field House (1150 Filbert Street) in Philadelphia! Come sign the petition or sign a form letter to your favorite City Council Member for a FREE drink. We have the nice, new section of the Field House with some bar games too! RSVP on Facebook, or just show up! (RSVP not necessary but preferred.) Please email Julie or Beth at greenphillyblog@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Happy Valentine's Day! Want to show some love for your mother today? We mean Mother Earth... Make the switch to clean energy with a PA Wind & Renewable supplier if you haven't yet! It's easy, won't break the bank and you'll be guilt-free of awful carbon emissions. Which one should you choose? I recently found out there's a few options to consider when I moved... (Find out more, after the jump!)

Today is the infamous Fat Tuesday, where we gorge ourselves with Jambalaya, Muffalettas, King cake and beignets. And obviously, we guzzle lots of booze in the New Orleans tradition. This day traditionally prepares Christians to start their Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, where they make major sacrifices like no meat on Fridays. (Huge, I know!) Regardless if you're Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist, you can create a challenge yourself for a more sustainable behavior for 40 days. "What can I do?", I hear you ask. (Yes, I can hear your thoughts readers! But not always, which is why we encourage comments.) (Find out more about the 40 day green challenge and what I'm doing, after the jump!)

Who cares about what we throw away? Why does it matter? And have you ever, truly thought about it? The Taxonomy of Trash is determined to find out. Back in October 2011, a group of artists were at the Revolution Recovery recycling center right here in Philadelphia to participate in the Recycled Artist-in-Residency program. They realized there were jewels in the rubbish, or dare I say, that 'One man's trash is another man's treasure' . The Taxonomy of Trash is an analytical approach to stuff we throw away. They're building a

Mayor Michael Nutter has done a lot of cool stuff for Philly's sustainability scene. In 2009, he realized that the city needed to treat every street as a "Complete Street" to accommodate the different ways Philadelphians choose to travel - whether by bike, bus, car, train or strolling. Thus, the Complete Streets Policy was required to accommodation safety and convenience for all users and balance the needs of ALL users. (This is why the recent Bill 120532, which increases fines for improper parking AND bicycling behavior emphasized importance on multiple transit types.) The result? Check out the Complete Streets Handbook 2013 final version, which has been released for your eyes here. We reviewed the 163 page handbook for you. To save you time, here are some sustainable observations: