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Though I've given some negative press to Japan - for the slaughtering of dolphins - I do have great respect for the country. I had the amazing opportunity to spend 10 days in Japan with my Mom and one of my best friends. We explored everywhere from Nakatsu to Hirsohima, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara, Nikko and Beppu. Of course, I made sure to observe enviro-habits abroad. One of the most interesting things I noticed is how efficient the country is. When the Japanese put out waste, they have to separate their plastics, aluminum, glass, and any other recyclables in separate bags from one ‘burnable’ waste area. If this isn't done, fines ensue. (With a country so small, it's risky not to take drastic recycling efforts). One night I stayed at the Earth Embassy at the base of Mount Fuji. American Jacob Reiner founded this organic farm, education center and restaurant to better the local area - especially with delicious produce. We met five volunteers who stay anywhere from a week to several months - investing their time for the greater good. (I also enjoyed a banana and garlic pizza from the delicious café - don’t knock it until you try it…) Eco-Lessons that I imported from Japan for you?

To me few things taste better than a fresh summer peach or a crisp fall apple. I love buying seasonal produce because I know I’m getting the best quality, and here in Philadelphia most grocers offer locally grown produce. While shopping for fruits and veggies do you ever feel unsure of what to buy during certain times of the year? Here’s a quick guide to what fruits and vegetables are in top form each season:

While recently discussing wedding ideas with my recently-named 'future sister-in-law', I revisited the "Greening your wedding" idea and contemplated the essential 'wedding favors'. How can you give your guests an eco-friendly take-a-way? Here are some ideas to find the perfect earthly gift:

The Big Green Earth Store, located at 934 South St. is perfect for your green needs. They offer everything from recycled handbags to cool eco-shirts like this very timely "Stop Animal Abuse" shirt - plus a selection of of reusable water bottles, eco-friendly pet care products, and many other fun and practical green items.

Looking for an informative but interesting flick? Sundance winner The Cove offers summer entertainment plus lots of suspense - while informing the public about a "secret" that's purely disturbing. Every year in Taiji, Japan, 23,000 dolphins are slaughtered in a cove for their meat. Former dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry is at the forefront of uncovering Taiji's hunt to the public. But is this practice a cultural difference, or just plain wrong? Here's a trailer:

No I’m not just channeling Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest here.  In all seriousness I have a huge aversion to wire hangers in my closet. If you do too – one way to reuse your unwanted hangers  is to check if local...

Turning a business “green” can seem like a huge undertaking. For a non-profit this evolution might seem even more daunting. But if a soup kitchen can afford to create a green facility, who can’t? The Cathedral Kitchen in Camden, N.J has partnered with Philadelphia green design firm, DAS Architects, to create one of the first environmentally friendly soup kitchens. Each month Cathedral Kitchen provides 8,000 meals to the poor and hungry. Operating since 1976, Cathedral Kitchen’s contribution to the community is significant. Now, they’re going beyond the call of duty to give back to the environment. Five green things about Cathedral Kitchen’s new facility:

I officially live in the coolest neighborhood in Philly. Northern Liberties (so hot right now!) is featured in National Geographic Traveler. What's cooler (and GPB-approp) is the number of green 'sites' on the interactive map such as:

It's that time of year again... the time I'm envious of college students everywhere trekking back to campus, ready to engage in the best time of their lives. Thinking about going to school (whether graduate or undergrad) with an eco-friendly mindset? Want to know if your alma mater is a green-friendly campus? The top 15 Greenest Colleges came out from the Princeton Review as follows: