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Sure, utilizing reusable bags is a bit of a tired topic. But, why are more and more retailers taking advantage of them? Simple – free branding! (And, hopefully environmental consciousness…) Local retailers, take a cue from companies like Urban Outfitters...

Hey GPB readers! Green Philly Blog and Philadelphia Sports & Social Club (PSSC) are joining efforts to host a Philly Spring Cleanup site at 8th & Poplar Streets in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. The site is home to hundreds of Philadelphians participating in Kickball, Softball and other outdoor sports.  Although this area is loved by many recreational athletes, litter & debris affect the field’s beauty. (Bonus: PSSC is having the softball field diamond restored prior to coincide with the cleanup efforts.)  Plus, there's a few vacant lots & littered around the area that could use a cleaning. Join us on Saturday, April 14th* from 9 AM – 2 PM to help with litter pickup, tree tending, and other projects that will help clean up the fields.  We’ll provide supplies but feel free to bring your own gloves, rakes, etc. if you do own these supplies. Here’s how to sign up:

I have a problem.  My headphones break. A lot.  But, I use them everyday: at work, running, the gym, on mass transit… etc.  They get their fair share of use. Headphones (especially broken ones) are tricky to recycle since not many companies take them.  You can

Damn. Philly has a LOT of choices for CSAs. Which means you can support local farmers AND get fresh produce straight from a farm TO your table. I loved my CSA excursion last year and can't wait to subscribe to one this year! We gave you a few CSA choices in Philadelphia last week.  Here's a few more for you to mull over:

I'm a big fan of dishes that can be easily customized based on what's in season in your area. And, by what you happen to have in your kitchen at the given moment. This recipe serves as a perfect example ( ugh sorry unintentional pun!) Risotto, traditionally created with arborio rice is delicious. But I find all the stirring and standing over the stove unappealing at the end of a long day. This variation using quinoa is less time-consuming, and high in fiber and protein. And, it's creamy and comforting like traditional risotto. Click through for the recipe.

Confession: When I chose to "go local" for 40 days, I didn't really prepare. My first email from a friend addressed the biggest hurdle:  "Sounds quite intense my friend... What if you wanna go out and get a drink? you're going to 40 days of local brews. "   (But to calm your beer belly fears, there's typically at least 1 or 2 varieties of local wine in Philly liquor stores.) Since I've started my challenge, I'm determined to find products produced within a 75- mile radius. Some may fear there's not a lot of brand choices locally produced,(find out if the fear is a legit one, after the jump!)

Free Movie Tickets because we love you! We have 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway to the Thursday, March 22nd 7:30 PM screening of feature film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (starring Ewan McGregor & Emily Blunt, by screenwriter of Slumdog Millionaire) at the AMC Waterfront.   Based on a novel, Salmon Fishing is about a sheik who wants to bring fly-fishing to a desert environment.  Want to win tickets?  Simply leave a comment on this post about why you want to see the film. As for what you missed this week:

If you're a slacker like me, you haven't filed your taxes yet. Make the process a little greener: Try using a program like TurboTax or H&R Block to file your taxes online.  Spare a tree by saving a copy to an external hard drive or flash USB drive.  Or, store the document on a secure place online. If you really need to print out a copy, utilize recycled paper. Also, if you're a homeowner: BONUS! You may qualify for some Energystar energy efficiency-related deductions. It can literally pay to be green!

Psyched to "Keep Up the Sweep Up?" Philly Spring Cleanup Day is April 14, 2012 from 9 AM - 2 PM! Last year alone, over 12,000 volunteers helped with over 250 projects and collected an incredible 1.3 million pounds of trash. Let's make it bigger this year. Mayor Nutter kicked off the campaign at