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Early this summer I took a lovely two-week trip to Northern Spain. We traveled to Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona. Each spot was filled with its own brand of enchantment. There were so many things that I loved about Spain  - the architecture, the late leisurely lunches complete with cava (and often dessert), the opportunity to stumble upon the most charming restaurants and bars in little alley ways and the laid back Euro attitude of course. (Naps at 4pm every work day?  Hey sure, sign me up.)  I was also pleased with many of the environmentally friendly efforts I noticed in Spain. I struggle with dubbing these efforts "environmentally conscious" because it seems to be almost organic, as though the Spanish (and many other European countries for that matter) feel there would be no other way to live. However, we know this isn't really the case.  There is a consciousness behind Spain's efforts. Just a few examples - in 2006 Spain made wind energy their primary source of power, and in 2007 Spanish Socialist government made plans to provide citizens grants to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Here are some of the more pedestrian observations I had in Northern Spain...

Consider getting a rain barrel? Not sure of the benefits or how to use it? Rain barrels save water, help storm water run-off and make watering your plants SO much easier. And with the daily monsoons we've been experiencing, there's lots of FREE water falling from the sky to use. But there's more to it, and there's an exhibit where you can find out more right in Philly.

Farmers' Markets are the best part of spring and summer. Yet one of the most bountiful & popular in Center City is Rittenhouse Farmer's Market, which takes place year-round. As Rittenhouse Farmer's Market Manager Ben Bergman explained, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes of the Farmer's Market. After reading Omnivore's Dilemma changed his life, he wanted to get closer to the local food movement. He understands the importance of becoming a locavore tasting each season, explaining, "When you're buying local food, you're connecting yourself to where you live." What will you find at Rittenhouse Farmer's Market? Here's our beginner's guide:

As Alex mentioned about his green Bonnaroo experience, the ultimate camping & music festival mecca has it all figured out. As a contrast, I experienced Firefly Festival as a first time participant for both Dover Delaware and any camping festival. Although Firefly marketed itself as green, I was wary of their claims. Here’s how Firefly Festival can learn from Bonnaroo and (hopefully) improve for 2014:

This week marked a special landmark: 5 years of Green Philly Blog. We also realized that our 5 year anniversary is the SAME anniversary as Beth's wedding. True love, on both accounts. We want to celebrate our anniversary with you by taking a quick look back. In the past 5 years, we've:

The weather is warm and what a better time to meet up with green comrades? The Philadelphia Environmental Meetup is hosting the Philadelphia Navy Yard Summer Market and Follow-Up tour. As they say on the meetup website: (Find out more, after the jump!)

Sometimes you just want to get outside and try something new. L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools allow you to cool off in the hot, hot sun and find your new favorite water sport. I occasionally suffer from NLC Syndrome. Not Leaving City (NLC) Syndrome occurs when you get accustomed to all the awesome things that happen inside the city and decline activities outside the limits. On Sunday morning, (Find out more about our journey, after the jump!)

We've all made the purchase: whether it's shoes, purses or food. There are always those dreaded little silica packets that warn, Do Not Eat. Those silica packets aren't deadly, regardless of all those warnings. Instead, Silica gel is a desiccant, a substance that absorbs moisture that protects products through shipping and making it from the manufacturer to your home. Here's 10 ideas to reuse Silica Packets:

Are you a new parent still trying to sort through the cloth diapering dilemma? Are you a not-so-new parent but new to biking with your children? Are you simply bike-curious? The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia is hosting a meetup for parents (new, long-time, or expecting) interested in bicycling with their kids. The workshop will address tips, equipment, helmet fitting, and other elements of biking with wee ones.   Find out more, after the jump!