Blog

"You smell like pine needles, and have a face like sunshine!" Hopefully if you were a bridesmaid, your experience was better than that one. Although Beth's walked down the aisle, I've only been the warm-up to the main event... Approximately 7 times. Which  means I've acquired quite a few unwearable, unflattering bridesmaid dresses. So what should you do with those old dresses? (Find out what you can do, after the jump!)

There's a lot of talk about plastic pollution in our oceans and by plastic bags, but what is anyone doing about it? The 5 Gyres Institute is launching a Last Straw Plastic Pollution Solutions Outreach Tour, conducting beach & watershed cleanups all over the East Coast from Boston to Charleston. The 1400 mile bike tour is hitting up major cities to discuss problems (and solutions!) for the plastic plague. The 5 Gyres tour is coming to Philly on October 15 - and you won't be bummed out by their visit. (Find out more about the awesome upcoming visit and how YOU can win free stuff, after the jump!)

Who's the best spokesperson for the environment? (Besides GPB...) Celeb power dominates influencing audiences both young and old. Founded in 1989, the nonprofit Environmental Media Association connects today's hottest celebs power to environmental awareness, spreading the green message through TV, film & music. They network with producers, writers  directors and many more to incorporate environmental messages in your everyday entertainment. The 22nd annual EMA awards (find out more about these special awards & see the interview clip, after the jump!)

Did you know that Americans use an estimated 500 million straws every DAY? That would fill 46,400 large school buses (just of straws, sans kids) each year. Crazy, right? Plastic straws are used for 5 minutes (or an hour max) and although some are recyclable (as typically #5 plastic), most people don't. Plus, people typically use straws in restaurants and you don't know what happens to those straws behind closed doors. (Hint: trash?) You know what they say, a second on the lips, forever on the landfill. (Or, something like that. right?!?) Next time you're dining out, (Find out more info & ideas, after the jump!)

While complaints about the Barnes moving from Merion have mostly calmed down, the Barnes Foundation is continuing to make news! This time, their new(ish) Philly home received a great GREEN honor today: LEED Platinum. The Barnes is the 1st art & educational institution to achieve the LEED platinum status from USGBC (US Green Building Council). They also have a piece of the Big Apple (literally.) How did they accomplish such a task?

I'll admit it, personal hygiene products stress me out. Why do they have to make shampoo, body wash, shave gel, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and every other product in an unidentifiable (most likely) plastic where I don't know if it can be recycled or not? More importantly, what do I do with those empty tubes of DO for the BO? (Find out what to do with those tricky buggers, after the jump!)

When you think of the Midwest you may not immediately think "hip vegan cafes." I certainly didn't. The truth is some of my Midwest dining experiences have been challenging as someone who doesn't eat any meat or poultry. When I found out I would be spending a significant amount of time in Cleveland, Ohio I wondered what a veggie loving lady was to do... Cleveland offers an impressive restaurant scene with big-time restaurateurs like Michael Symon of The Chew and Rocco Whalen each providing several four star restaurants. But, during my time in this city I've noticed that they loooove their pig - and put it on everything from greens to fish.

Ready to sit on your butt outside tomorrow? Good news, we have a day JUST for you! Friday, September 21 is Park(ing) Day Philadelphia! This day is designed for you outdoorsy types that (Find out about this glorious day and how you can participate, after the jump!)

Did you know that just 16% of Americans know what is going on in science,while 60% know what's happening in sports news. These statistics aren't exactly shocking, but they do demonstrate what the American population is tuned into... and what's slipping through the cracks. With this knowledge in mind national sports organizations and the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) have joined forces to shed light on the importance of ecological stewardship.