Articles Written by Julie Hancher

Whether you're struggling down the green circles or tumbling down the black diamonds (or the China Bowl, in my case...) the love of snow impacts the environment. Good news is many ski resorts are working hard to combat climate change, and you can do your part to minimize your carbon footprint on the slopes. Here's 11 ways to help the environment while skiing & snowboarding:

Rather than buying the newest bestseller from a large bookstore chain, use your local library. Libraries have large selections - If you're dying for a particular novel, you can easily request books from other libraries through online systems. Still prefer to own a book?

Many skiers & snowboarders (like myself) anticipate the winter months to journey down the mountains.  Unfortunately, this hobby can be quite draining on environmental resources.  Ski resorts have impacts while using energy in daily operations – from ski lifts to lighting lodges, harming...

Fretting over what to get your sweetie for Valentines Day? Saturday, February 7th from 1-3 PM, Tbar (117 S. 12th St, Phila, PA) is hosting a mini craft show so you can support local artists. Plus you can taste some yummy tea and browse homemade items.

Hopefully you're making progress with your New Years resolutions. Many people's resolutions have to do with losing weight or getting fit, and working out plays a big role in reaching those goals. Whether you're exercising to maintain your hot bod or lose a few LBs, you can make environmentally friendly choices:

One part of being green (that's often ignored in the media) is understanding nutrition & what's in our food supply. This upcoming Tuesday, January 27, Food and Water Watch is holding a campaign Kick-off Meeting at Crossroads Coffee House (1270 Township Line Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026) for the School Milk Campaign.

Lunch-breaks are always a nice interruption to your chaotic work-days. Trying to green your midday dining?

Many Americans are gearing up for a trip to DC with the intention or hope to catch president-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. From an environmental perspective, January 20th couldn't come sooner. I was appalled after reading a Rolling Stone article regarding Bush's midnight regulations - the majority of these last minute regs (including the hit on the Endangered Species Act) are atrocities to the environment, leaving many to question how big of a mess Obama will need to clean up.

The National Audubon Society (with support from Toyota) recently awarded TogetherGreen Fellowships to 40 of the nation's most promising conservationists - one of whom is representing Philadelphia! Keith Russell has been protecting birds and wildlife for over two decades with fellow Philadelphians. Keith started the Philadelphia Mid-Winter Bird Census which includes a reservoir in Fairmount Park - and will soon be the site of a new Audubon Center where locals can learn, enjoy and work our city's nature.