Articles Written by Julie Hancher

Last night, I visited the Philadelphia International Flower Show Media preview to check out Hawaii: Islands of Aloha, our theme for 2012. Once again, I was blown away by the displays that all perfectly embodied Hawaii... Although I haven't been to the islands for 20 years (true story), I was transported as soon as the orchid lei was placed around my neck.  The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society implemented a setup with incredible scenes, design & an authenticity which will impress all attendees, both old & new. One of the most impressive changes is spreading out the main displays across the Convention Center Floor (versus in previous years, the displays are typically all on the east side of the room bunched together.)  Also, the marketplace is rearranged from east-west (vs North-South Lanes), which will definitely give Flower Show attendees more space to move around and not bump into the usual crowds. The moment you walk into the showroom, digital waves with turtles, surfers, schools of fish & other marine life lead you into the various displays... (See tons of pictures & more of the sneak peek, after the jump!)

This Friday, we're asking you to go for the Bar! (of soap.) Over the past year, I’ve swapped liquid body wash for the bar variety.  It’s less expensive and saves packaging waste. Plus, all of that water IN the liquid wash uses… you guessed it, more water.  (More water = more weight & energy = increased fuel costs for transportation) Supposedly the average bar of soap lasts for 20 showers (vs. a 16 ounce of body wash is 80) – Although body wash costs more than 4 x’s the bar. (However, my bars of soap seem to last literally for 30-40 showers.)

Philadelphians often get confused with food containers. Did you know the majority of food-container plastics can be recycled? Yogurt containers, plastic containers & juice bottles can ALL go in your single-stream recycle bin.  Just make sure to rinse & remove the food remnants (I use leftover dishwater or stick in happily with a pan trying to soak..) Keep on recycling!

Good news - the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia revealed in their Cyclegram that bikers in Philadelphia have gone up again in 2011, maintaining our title as the country's highest bike-commuting city. How do the stats compare in 2011?

Did anyone cut down a cherry tree (and hopefully plant 5 to replace it for the PHS) in honor of President's day?  Here’s the green Philly movers & shakers we just couldn’t fit in this week: Wish there was an eco-friendly laundry service to help with the pile of clothes on your floor?  Wash Cycle Laundry (1-888-611-9274) at 1611 South St. treats your clothes with eco-friendly detergent in energy-efficient machines, and then loads everything onto a bicycle-pulled trailer. Holllar. Philly loves (Find more of this week's wrapup, after the jump!)

Have a family member or friend that refuses to kick an ugly not-so-green habit? For their next birthday or holiday, casually give them a greener option. Have a friend that goes through Starbucks coffee cups like cigarettes? Maybe your sister uses bottled water at the gym? Purchase aluminum water bottles, coffee mugs, or grocery totes to give to the perpetrator.  With so many varieties available, you'll definitely find something that fits his or her personality. Try browsing Philly's Big Green Earth Store or Olde city/Midtown boutiques for earth-friendly finds. Plus, the gift of green... keeps on giving! :-)

Confession: When I was supposed to give up something for Lent growing up, I failed miserably. (Sorry Mom & Dad!)  Whether it was chocolate or swearing, I caved at some point. Instead of failing again at a petty sacrifice, I decided to make a 40-day commitment in 2012 that could make an environmental impact.  Some of my potential options... "Going vegan for 40 days"? Overdone.  (Plus, many people are vegan by choice... like the Skinny Bitches, LA & this Team Vegan Philly.  It would be like one of my friends saying "Guess what! I'm going eco-friendly for 40 days." Yawn.)  Zero-waste household? The Johnsons have already documented their transformation. So, I decided to go back to my roots... My 40 day challenge is

OK, so I came across this article the other day: Schick’s eco razor is coined (by Schick) ‘the most sustainably produced disposable razor and associated packaging.” While the way it’s produced is “green (handle is 100% recycle plastic, package composed of 100% post-consumer paper)… IT'S STILL DISPOSABLE!  Meaning, (find out more, after the jump!)

Hope ya'll had a great, sustainable Valentine's day week!  Here's the green news in Philly & around we just couldn't fit in this week: McDonald's Giving Pigs More Room - Nope, we're not talking about the customers.  The Golden Arch is stopping the no-room cages for pigs in favor of more room.  Although the exact alternative isn't provided, combined with Chipotle's ex-factory farm ad, fast food's trying to make baby steps in the right direction. We won't be running out for a Big Mac anytime soon,  but hope for continuous progress... (Click through for our other exciting links!)