Articles Written by Julie Hancher

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.

After you're finished making 'green' resolutions for yourself, here's another one to consider: Greening your home! Greenable is located in the heart of Olde City and can assist you in your abode's needs - whether you're building a new house or re-vamping an older design. They offer supplies ranging from eco-friendly paint, flooring, insulation, and more. Interested in a more eco-friendly building, but not sure where to start? Greenable provides many services including energy audits, consulting and interior design. Whether your fixing up a home or storefront, Greenable is very knowledgeable with both - their custom orders are a mix of residential and retail.

As we're quickly approaching that infamous Times Square ball falling, it's time to think ahead and make New Years resolutions. Debating what you should do to be greener in the New Year? Here's 10 ideas to party like it's 2009:

Have trouble wrapping, and want to make your gifts pretty?  Instead of using traditional bows (that either go directly in the trash or reused on your gift next year),  try using dried flowers as an embellishment.  Your recipient will have a nicer smelling, au natural decoration! ...

With only a week of Christmas shopping left, there's still time to find a perfect environmentally-friendly gift! Camphill Village Kimberton Hills' craft shop features hand made woven and felted items made from recycled fabrics, wood products, pottery, silk scarves with natural plant-derived dyes, and more. One of their signature items is a rug made from recycled denim, perfect for any abode - durable, beautiful and environmentally friendly. Plus, all items are made locally at this agricultural and handcrafting community by adults with developmental disabilities. Located in Chester County, they encourage individuals (especially adults with special needs) to discover and develop their potential in a physically, socially and spiritually therapeutic environment.