Articles Written by Julie Hancher

If you want your voice heard about the environment's future in November, you must VOTE. Here's three easy sites to register by Monday 10/6's deadline (if you aren't):

A common argument is that the recycling process causes more harm than good. While recycling vehicles & factories do give off carbon emissions, they're intercepting trash from landfills and oceans - which is much more harmful in the long-run. How can you limit the 'harm' of recycling in Philadelphia or your local area? Reduce the amount of materials you use in everyday life. Here are 6 ways to limit your waste:

A few weeks back, I purchased a sweet reusable dinosaur bag at the Philly Green Fest. While browsing the bag selections, I met Chris Rossi of Go R.I.S.E. Up. They sell hip reusable bags (so you look stylin' when shopping in downtown Philly) and sustainable apparel.

Hopefully, you're paying close attention to the impending election for the next US president. Philadelphia's involvement in the political race/ in Pennsylvania's electoral college has been spotlighted recently. John McCain and Sarah Palin made a trip to Philly the other day, and Michelle Obama/Jill Biden will be coming to Philadelphia tomorrow. So who's the greener candidate?

Getting ready for the weekend and buying brew-skies for your fridge?  Although we could all debate which brand of beer is best, buy your preferred beer in glass bottles over aluminum cans.  It takes less energy to create glass over aluminum, giving...

Looking for somewhere to eat downtown? Philadelphia's first (and currently only)Certified Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) is officially the Pita Pit, located at 16th & Sansom. I fell in love with Pita Pit at Penn State's location (We are!) Their speciality is pita sandwiches, a healthier alternative to fast food. I was psyched to hear they went green and wanted to learn more about it.Looking for somewhere to eat downtown? Philadelphia's first (and currently only)Certified Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) is officially the Pita Pit, located at 16th & Sansom. I fell in love with Pita Pit at Penn State's location (We are!) Their speciality is pita sandwiches, a healthier alternative to fast food. I was psyched to hear they went green and wanted to learn more about it.

Save the date for Philadelphia suburbanites (or those who venture to Delaware county): Willistown Environmental Festival on Saturday, September 20th, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM in Newtown Square, PA (apprx 20 minutes from Philly).

Is running to Wawa or Starbucks for morning coffee a part of your daily routine? If so, bring your own reusable mug with you. You'll avoid wasting

One of my favorite speeches of the Democratic Convention was former V.P. Al Gore's. Since watching & reading both versions of An Inconvenient Truth, I've respected Gore's involvement with the climate crisis. This is one reason why watching "Recount" on HBO was truly depressing - especially when reflecting on Bush's enviro-damage record during his presidency...