Articles Written by Julie Hancher

Now that (most) Christmas festivities are over, it's time to start thinking about disposing of that tree. Lucky for you, once you're done with the Christmas spirit (and needles falling), the Philadelphia Streets Department 2011 Christmas Tree Recycling Program runs Monday, January 3 through Saturday, January 15. This annual (22 yr old!) program is an environmentally safe alternative for the

The hours to Christmas are ticking away... So what last minute gift ideas can you get for everyone on your list? For those Traveling to/from the Holidays, (find out more, after the jump!)

One of my biggest frustrations is when I (rarely) walk over to the work printer (unfortunately, you sometimes need to print) and see a pile of pages no one bothered to pick up. Especially when it's a private email or reminder you know doesn't need to waste a tree's life. I call this disorder WPS, or Wasteless Printing Syndrome. WWF format is an attempt at the WPS solution, since the recipient CAN'T physically print the page. You can easily visit the (find out where, after the jump!)

On my annual day off from work, I decided to swing into the Big Green Earth Store to refill my laundry detergent for the apartment. Loaded with gifts for the holiday season, I was perusing their awesome selection and came across this sweet necklace: It's made from a (read more after the jump)

Happy Hanukkah! While our Jewish friends began celebrating, we wanted to give some tips to green your festivities of all 8 nights:

It's holiday and party season! Entertaining guests can get hectic when everyone has cups, cans and glasses. Here's a couple of ideas to reduce water & waste when entertaining & imbibing:

Baby, it’s getting cold outside… Another way to green your home & keep your energy bills low is to purchase a programmable thermostat. You can buy one for as low as $25-$75 to easily lower & raise your house’s temperature...

As those who know me can vouch, I'm pretty budget-savvy. I balance the saves with spending money when it counts (which for me normally equals vacation, friends & an occasional shopping spree.) I compete in coupon-clipping contests with my retired Dad and love the Groupon Deals or PhillyHalfOff promotions that arrive in my inbox. Yet, this Thanksgiving, I offered to buy the turkey. A free-range, local, organic turkey from Koch Farms that will set me back approximately … $50. I (briefly) debated canceling my offer to buy the bird (Read more, after the jump!)

Do you plan ahead by defrosting food on the counter or use a microwave 5 minutes before dinnertime? (OR if you have to defrost some turkey, tofurkey, or meat/etc this Thanksgiving...) Try planning ahead & defrosting frozen foods in the refrigerator instead... You'll lower the fridge's temperature, saving you energy (and money!)