Articles Written by Julie Hancher

Though I've given some negative press to Japan - for the slaughtering of dolphins - I do have great respect for the country. I had the amazing opportunity to spend 10 days in Japan with my Mom and one of my best friends. We explored everywhere from Nakatsu to Hirsohima, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara, Nikko and Beppu. Of course, I made sure to observe enviro-habits abroad. One of the most interesting things I noticed is how efficient the country is. When the Japanese put out waste, they have to separate their plastics, aluminum, glass, and any other recyclables in separate bags from one ‘burnable’ waste area. If this isn't done, fines ensue. (With a country so small, it's risky not to take drastic recycling efforts). One night I stayed at the Earth Embassy at the base of Mount Fuji. American Jacob Reiner founded this organic farm, education center and restaurant to better the local area - especially with delicious produce. We met five volunteers who stay anywhere from a week to several months - investing their time for the greater good. (I also enjoyed a banana and garlic pizza from the delicious café - don’t knock it until you try it…) Eco-Lessons that I imported from Japan for you?

While recently discussing wedding ideas with my recently-named 'future sister-in-law', I revisited the "Greening your wedding" idea and contemplated the essential 'wedding favors'. How can you give your guests an eco-friendly take-a-way? Here are some ideas to find the perfect earthly gift:

Looking for an informative but interesting flick? Sundance winner The Cove offers summer entertainment plus lots of suspense - while informing the public about a "secret" that's purely disturbing. Every year in Taiji, Japan, 23,000 dolphins are slaughtered in a cove for their meat. Former dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry is at the forefront of uncovering Taiji's hunt to the public. But is this practice a cultural difference, or just plain wrong? Here's a trailer:

I officially live in the coolest neighborhood in Philly. Northern Liberties (so hot right now!) is featured in National Geographic Traveler. What's cooler (and GPB-approp) is the number of green 'sites' on the interactive map such as:

It's that time of year again... the time I'm envious of college students everywhere trekking back to campus, ready to engage in the best time of their lives. Thinking about going to school (whether graduate or undergrad) with an eco-friendly mindset? Want to know if your alma mater is a green-friendly campus? The top 15 Greenest Colleges came out from the Princeton Review as follows:

Looking for a capturing read that you can't put down? No, I'm not talking about the Twilight series. I've been recommending Eye of the Whale by Douglas Carlton Abrams to many friends and family members. The story follows Elizabeth McKay, a marine biologist who is finishing her PHD program with a thesis of cracking humpback whale communication. When a humpback swims up the Sacramento River with an unprecedented song, the clock starts ticking as Elizabeth must save the whale from danger. But as her journey to free this whale progresses, she starts catching the media and world's attention... including opponents who are trying to cover up many dangerous secrets from Elizabeth and the world. Quickly, Elizabeth finds herself in danger, jeopardizing her marriage, her career - and even her life. An ecological thriller, Abrams does an excellent job bringing in

Are you a local retailer, wholesaler or interior decorator who wants to offer more green products? Starting Saturday, August 1 - Monday August 3, more than 50 Green Artists who use recycled materials or sustainable methods will be showcased at the Buyers Market of American Craft in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Eco Arts Market will make its debut with a display of handmade products by U.S. and Canadian artists. Want to pick out the eco-friendly artists? Bright green booth tags will identify the Green Exhibitors participating in this biannual, wholesale tradeshow. They represent a fast-growing segment of the nearly 600 established handcraft studios and emerging artists, who will attend the tradeshow to sell their products to museum gift shops, craft galleries, home furnishings boutiques, and corporate clients such as hotels and restaurants. “Our theme is ‘Green Living, Artfully Done,’” said Rebecca Mercado, coordinator of the Eco Arts Market. “Our goal is

We are... Going Green! Last week, my alma mater Penn State announced an Energy Conservation Policy to go green and save money this fall by limiting energy use. Penn State's energy consumption is 83% of greenhouse gas emissions at the university - which isn't cheap. PSU's cumulative electric bill has doubled to apprx. $2 million per month since rate caps were lifted earlier this year. To combat a $25 increase per semester for students, Penn State is campaigning to cut energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Guidelines for this plan include staff and students actions including:

I'm quite excited to hear some of my favorite bands this weekend during 88.5 WXPN's XPoNential Music Festival. Also, I can rest easy knowing XPN's taking many eco-friendly steps for a low impact festival (especially after all the controversy regarding U2's outlandish Carbon Footprint...) Village Green is coming back to the Festival for its second year, where Delaware Valley environmental leaders can teach concertgoers about sustainable and eco-friendly products and services. Topics such as renewable energy, solar power, green building materials, organic soil, bamboo clothing and socially responsible investing will be discussed. Bringing tykes to the Kids Corner? Interactive demonstrations for kids to learn 'how to keep the earth happy' are an extra incentive to bring your eco-activists to the three-day festival. Village Green Participants '09 include: