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My favorite part of autumn CSA shares are all the squashes & pumpkins that are abundant. Besides amazing recipes like butternut squash risotto & gnocchi, soups and delish gourds, there's another hidden gem to savor: the seeds. It's so simple to make! Find out how, after the jump.

Happy Halloween from Green Philly Blog and our mascot, Pounce DeLeon.

We all love those blue bins to stash our recyclables in to feel better about our collective waste on trash day. But who monitors how much Philly is recycling overall?  Director of Recycling Phil Bresee arrived in Philly July 2012, with the mission to increase recycling participation and improve our city's 'green' efforts. A Maryland native,  Bresee got his start in Frederick and then Howard County, Maryland prior to moving to Florida in 2004. He's clearly passionate about the cause, which was apparent for those who saw his recent Nerd Nite presentation.  We sat down with Phil recently to talk trash, recycling and Philly overall.  Green Philly Blog: Mayor Nutter has focused on environmental issues (including recycling) in his Greenworks Campaign since his election in 2007. With 2 years to go in office, what recycling progress have you seen in 2013 compared to his start?

Last weekend (while Julie was in Nashville with her digital marketing hat on) I was preparing my game face for a friend's game night party, and contemplating appetizers. I knew I wanted to experiment a little in the kitchen and create a new recipe to bring over. I narrowed it down to a dip for easy portability. I decided  I wanted it to be seasonal, and then zoned in on autumn fruits and veggies ... and unsurprisingly arrived at pumpkin. Yes, I'm a little pumpkin obsessed this season.  This pumpkin pie dip is on the sweet side but can easily be served as an app or a healthyish dessert. The pumpkin taste isn't too overwhelming but this dip definitely screams fall and festive. This recipe did not photograph so well, but I'm telling you it's no problem because once you taste it you just won't give a damn. Fresh is almost always best but I was in a time crunch so I used canned pumpkin I had on hand. The ingredient list is pretty short and all you need is a good hand mixer (or a strong bicep, and a spoon). I served it with sweet potato cinnamon crackers, apple slices and carrot sticks. It would also be delish with graham crackers or cinnamon pita chips. My team may have lost in an epic battle of Taboo but my pumpkin pie dip was a hit! If your friends like pumpkin even a little bit this will definitely go over well at your next soiree.

Hey there, readers! I went to Nashville this past weekend to learn some awesome digital marketing "stuff" at Keen Digital Summit, created by one of my fav bloggers Kristin Luna. Between eating local, trying out the bike share & learning, I didn't have a chance to blog some more awesome green advice. We'll be back tomorrow, and coming soon to the blog: a trial in bike sharing in other cities, which is a preview for Philly! ;-) See ya soon!

Halloween is right around the corner, where most of the population loads up on the dangerous high-fructose corn syrup & sugar-filled candy treats. What can you give out to the neighborhood kids instead of original candy? Here's a few suggestions:

Guest blogger Dave Greene returns to GPB, this time to talk about his favorite thing to do: Biking. This is another installment of the Clean Currents sponsored posts from your neighborhood green energy company. To bike or not to bike? Is that ever a serious question? Not for this green guy. If there’s any possible way, I always bike. Even if it’s not exactly easy. Even if it’s raining, even if it’s 100 degrees outside, even if I have to go to the hardware store and there’s an 85% chance I will need to drag home several 2x4s (that wasn’t fun, but I DID IT). I bike because (find out why, after the jump!)

Want to find out more about water from an expert? Water and climate-change expert, Peter Gleick is bringing his Global Water Challenges & Solutions talk to Philly this week! Fairmount Water Works Interpretative Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Friday, October 25th by hosting Dr. Gleick. According to Wired Magazine, "one of the 15 people the next president should listen to" is discussing water use, public health and the future of our climate change. We were able to talk with Dr. Gleick before his Philly visit ask about his upcoming lecture, water and what Philadelphians can do to help. Before we get to the interview, we're giving a free pair of passes to the lecture and reception. Simply enter a comment below and Like us on Facebook (or follow on Twitter- just mention which one IN the comments.) In the comments below, answer the question, "How can you do to conserve water?" Read our Q&A with Dr. Gleick and find out more about Friday's event, after the jump!

So I haven't always been the biggest cabbage fan. I never disliked it, but I have never been in love with it. Until I found the most perfect, delicious salad ever on health.com and modified it. And I am sharing my cabbage & apple salad recipe with you, lucky readers. The ginger dressing has just the right amount of flavor to compliment the cabbage and apples. The fresh crunch and light flavor leaves you feeling refreshed. Plus, the salad just helps you feel totally healthy and better than a detox. (Says the girl who refuses to try a juice cleanse because she eats too much...) Click through for the best Cabbage, Apple & Ginger Salad recipe you'll ever taste!