Articles Written by Julie Hancher

This past Sunday, Nov. 9, Weavers Way Co-op hosted a discussion at North by Northwest (7165 Germantown Ave.) on sustainability issues in our city. The discussion's special guest was Dr. Mark Alan Hughes, Director of Sustainability for the City of Philadelphia. Dr. Hughes has a vital role in Philadelphia. Since this past spring's appointment by Mayor Nutter, Hughes has served as the Mayor's Senior Advisor and has worked closely with the Managing Director, Deputy Mayors and other heads of Departments to coordinate sustainability policies across Philly government.

As you know, Barack Obama was elected as our 44th president yesterday. This is a dramatic change from the past 8 years, as you're well aware. Many environmental groups regarded George W. Bush as one of the worst presidents for the environment, and there have even been allegations that the EPA lowered fines to companies who weren't being eco-friendly. ( When we're thinking of all the enviro-dangers currently, lowering fines should be the last thing on the government's agenda. )

If you haven't already, you NEED to vote today! A record number of people have registered this year, and a huge number voted in the primary. However, regardless of the number of people who you see that say they've voted, your vote still matters. My "voting history" began with my vote for Ross Perot (My dad brought me into the voting booth with him growing up, so I was able to cast a vote at age 9 and be a part of the process.) I've always voted in every election I could. I've attended a few political rallies, including last night for a Joe Biden rally in South Philly. Mayor Nutter, Governor Ed Rendell, World Series champ Jimmy Rollins, and Jill & Joe Biden all spoke.

Just a reminder – Get to the Polls on today, Tuesday, November 4th, Philadelphia!  (look here for eco-candidate details)    Find out where you should vote HERE. Posted by Julie

Looking for some green reading materials at your local library or to give as a gift? Try "the Green Book: the Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time" by Elizabeth Rogers & Thomas M. Kostigen. This book blends celebrity anecdotes of how celebs like Justin Timberlake, Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, and Tyra Banks embrace living green with practical green advice. You can learn hundreds of

The desire to be green and trendy can cause a dilemma for today's modern Green Girls. Can you have both? Looking for an Eco-friendly clothing line here in Philadelphia without restricting yourself to Vintage shops? Kate D'Arcy's line, TOGGERY, is one answer for Philly's green & fashion-savvy young women. This collection is great because the line is designed for women who want to blend social and economic consciousness with trendy clothes. Each piece of Toggery is comprised of 100% organic and sustainable fabrics, including organic cotton, bamboo and modal.

What? Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST) is hosting a special community event of Green Living Panel & Community Discussion, “Why Live Green? Options and Opportunities for Better Jobs, Careers, Housing, Business, and Education.” There will be a Q&A session, Brewery tour, giveaways, appetizer buffet (included), and networking following the panel presentation.

Thinking about Halloween costumes for this year? Rather than going to a Halloween speciality store and spending $40 on a costume worn once, try renting from a theatrical or costume shop. Feeling extra creative?

The Phillies-Dodgers NLDS playoff series is heating up! With plays like a game-tying two-run homerun from Victorino & Stairs' two-run hit in last night's game 4 - we Philadelphians are on the edge of our seats one game away from our 1st shot at the World Series since 1993. As we root on the Fightin' Phils, it also makes sense to acknowledge our beloved Philadelphia's team enviro-efforts with their 'Red Goes Green' campaign.