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Today marks the beginning of "Lent" for Christians, the 40 days of the liturgical year leading up to Easter - where Christians make a 'sacrifice' for Jesus. I suggest everyone (Christians and non) can adopt this calendar for 40 days and going forward. (Traditionally, Christians celebrate the end of lent by indulging in what they gave up - Don't start wasting electricity & gas once Easter hits!) Here's the Lenten Carbon Fast calendar courtesy of Popluteran:

Are you dying to discover secrets about organic and biodynamic farming? Do you want to be the next Garden Apprentice without the brutal reality TV cameras? Join the team that has winning chef Stephanie McKeon Krzywanski: Camphill Village Kimberton Hills has immediate openings for Garden Apprentices within the Sankanac CSA where you can gain experience in biodynamic, organic, and sustainable methods of agriculture and land stewardship. Garden Apprentices receive (find out more, after the jump!)

We're intoxicated with the Philadelphia International Flower Show this week and have a mini-series on Green Philly Blog about lectures and more! Our journey with fresh floral smells continues today... As I mentioned in my Flower Show Preview, the Urban Graffiti Shadow Art by Michael Bruce Florist in Collingswood, NJ, may be one of my favorite exhibits. The spotlights and area is a lot to take in. When you first approach the scene, the miscellaneous items throw you off: And then you see trash compiled together to sort of make an image (continue for the journey, after the jump!):

Another added benefit of attending the Philadelphia International Flower Show is a variety of lectures on horticulture, gardening and landscape design. Free lectures, presentations & demos will provide cutting-edge techniques & instructions for urban agriculture, green roofs, eco-friendly design and sustainable gardening. Greenies will enjoy a lecture series, “Greensource,” that feature nationally renowned designers. Speakers for the free programs (Mon-Fri @ 1 PM) include (find out who, including for a house we all recognize and various programs to check out after the jump!)

Get excited all you plant fanatics & flower enthusiasts... The 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show is here March 6-13th! From the moment I walked into Philly's Convention Center during the writer's preview, the glorious smell of Springtime overwhelmed my senses... (which was quite a delight after my rendezvous in beautiful Clearwater weather last weekend). As I immediately saw the base of the Eiffel Tower and nearby Carousel, I was practically unaware we were still in Philly! Philadelphia's theme "Springtime in Paris" captures the essence of the city of lights, allowing visitors to enter a whole new, huge world of gorgeous flower displays & incredible settings. Did you know Philadelphia's is the largest indoor Flower Show in the world? It's consistently ranked as America's Top 100 events and is in the guide 1000 Places to Visit Before You Die. Think I'm exaggerating? Just take a sneak peak at the show (and find out way more news, after the jump!):

In the mood for a little weekend retail therapy? One of my favorite eco-friendly clothing companies, Ecolissa, has new spring merchandise you’ll love. And, you don’t have to break the bank… additional markdowns have just been made on their sale...

Mayor Nutter Announced the 4th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup at Kickoff Event in North Philly yesterday! There's about 1 month until residents can “Keep Up the Sweep Up.” The Spring Cleanup will be on Saturday, April 2 (rain date: Sat, April 9). and has has been designated as a Great American Cleanup National Kickoff Event by Keep America Beautiful. Want to get involved? Visit www.PhillySpringCleanup.com to volunteer or submit a project. Deadline is 3/18 for project submissions. Last year's cleanup in 2010 accomplished:

When you’re a voracious reader it’s easy to accumulate a slews of novels, periodicals and the occasional magazine. Reading is my go to relaxation method. Despite using the public library whenever I can I’ve accrued my fair share of books over the years. ( I reread and lend them to friends for maximum reuse.) While I’m here getting things off my chest - a few months back I noticed I had magazines piling up as well. My rule was: I’ll only buy magazines when I travel. Then I started traveling more frequently , and before I knew it my already crammed bookshelves were filled with magazines… that I’d eventually recycle. Still, I felt guilty contributing to paper consumption. What’s a reader to do?

Although Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, we still have a few days of cold left. How can you minimize that terrible energy bill in one of the coldest winters Philly has seen? Drafts easily waste 5-30% of your energy use. How can you block these drafts?