Blog

We're trying to be the greenest city in the USA, but we still have a long way to go (although Philadelphia's starting to get a little bit of street cred. However, each year we see more and more progress in our city of sustainable love. Here's the top 6 green initiatives outta Philly that we're proud of from 2012:

It's dessert season, and today you are in for a treat. These vegan chocolate coconut bars would make a great addition to any holiday menu. Or, you could even gift them to any worthy sweet-tooth in your life. This recipe is reposted from  our guest blogger, the lovely Mara Tyler who runs Cheap & Simple Vegan, and is also the managing editor of Healthy Bitch Daily. I was craving some coconut. And some chocolate. And cookies. The result? Something I don’t even think I can describe well enough to tell you how good they are. They’re like a brownie-cookie bar-gift from heaven. I could eat these for my last meal. Click through for the recipe!

Ever get frustrated when you see a water bottle (the horror!) in your friends trash can? This is pretty much my nightmare. (Find out how to help your friends without preaching, after the jump.)

Ready to kick off your holiday spirit this week? Join the Bicycle Coalition's Holiday Lights ride tomorrow night in South Philly! Bicyclists are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights for a 2-wheeled traveling caravan. Over 80 people have already signed up for the ride which should be about 10 miles (but riders can peel off at any time as long as they tell their ride leader). After the ride, cyclists are invited to eat at the restaurant afterwards (with the best-holiday-decorated-biker getting a free meal!) Here's the official details:

The bad news: Philadelphia was named the most stressed city for women in Self magazine's December issue. The good news: we have eco-friendly ways to relax and de-stress! Self cites an average 32 minute one-way commute and a 12% unemployment rate as some of the reasons for Philly topping the list. Ladies, you deserve better!Stress is a fact of life and some of the factors that contribute to the feeling can't be helped; But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be taking steps to relax. Of course it's also the holiday season - a time that lends itself to feeling frazzled and fried. Whether you can get your R & R in now or in January these tips will help. Click through for 5 ways to de-stress (and help get Philly off that downer list):

Did you know that those "free" plastic bags are embedded in your grocery checkout bill? And that each plastic bag you use costs you an estimated $.17 in taxes? Whether you reuse, trash or recycle those plastic bags, you're still paying an estimated $85 dollars each year for the Philly Water Department to clean plastic bags out of our waterways. Plus, those plastic bags (like diamonds) are never ever (like ever) going away. Even in the landfill, they'll keep your takeout and old flowers perfectly preserved. And often times, they end up in the oceans, killing wildlife and littering our lands. The good news? The solution is a LOT easier than we think.

Burt's Bees just found their #1 Lip Balm Fan right here in Philadelphia - and we're giving 10 of our lucky readers a free lip balm to celebrate! It's easy to love this brand's story. Burt's Bees started in the 1991 by a beekeeper (Burt Shavitz) and Roxanne Quimby with the classic Beeswax Lip Balm 'recipe' originating from a farmer's almanac. Worried about hidden chemicals? (Find out more about Burt's Bees and how to enter to win a FREE lip balm, after the jump!)

Philadelphia, Bike Share is FINALLY coming to a block near you! Already popular in other cities 'round the world and one Philly residential building, a bike share program is in the works for our city. Mayor Michael Nutter & the administration are seeking

Happy December readers - It's our favorite month! There's so much GREEN (and red) decorations, people are drinking local booze & mulled wine, and there's a ton of live trees INSIDE people's homes. Philly's trucking full speed to close out 2012 - Here's some of the latest green happenings you missed: