Blog

Slow or clogged drain? Drano may seem like a good quick fix but it's full of nasty chemicals like sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is a man-made chemical that can easily burn the skin and throat if contact is made. But is there a safe alternative to drano? Here's a simple home remedy that's a safe alternative to drano and made from ingredients you likely have lying around the house:

The National Audubon Society (with support from Toyota) recently awarded TogetherGreen Fellowships to 40 of the nation's most promising conservationists - one of whom is representing Philadelphia! Keith Russell has been protecting birds and wildlife for over two decades with fellow Philadelphians. Keith started the Philadelphia Mid-Winter Bird Census which includes a reservoir in Fairmount Park - and will soon be the site of a new Audubon Center where locals can learn, enjoy and work our city's nature.

A positive change is in effect for Philadelphia’s recycling program - Philadelphia residents can now recycle every week on the same day as their neighborhood trash collection day. This change is much more convenient for Philly dwellers. Gone are the days of trying to remember what two weeks of the month recycling pick-up falls on. Mayor Nutter’s administration's new policy is an indication that they've held true to their vow to improve Philadelphia’s recycling. Since the introduction of city-wide single-stream recycling last summer, Philly’s recycling rate has gone from about 6 to 10 %. Though we have a long way before being on par with other big city’s recycling programs, progress is being made. Not sure what day is your trash/recycling pick-up is?

After you're finished making 'green' resolutions for yourself, here's another one to consider: Greening your home! Greenable is located in the heart of Olde City and can assist you in your abode's needs - whether you're building a new house or re-vamping an older design. They offer supplies ranging from eco-friendly paint, flooring, insulation, and more. Interested in a more eco-friendly building, but not sure where to start? Greenable provides many services including energy audits, consulting and interior design. Whether your fixing up a home or storefront, Greenable is very knowledgeable with both - their custom orders are a mix of residential and retail.

American’s #1 New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight. Sure, there’s some variations ... Such as "get fit, be healthier, make better food choices and then there are those who get specific - consume less than X number of calories everyday, cut out candy and chocolate, stop eating standing up etc." But the theme is we're resolving to lose weight in '09 (and '08 and '07...) This is the week I notice a shift in those around me in their approach to food and exercise. Co-workers that ran for the holiday treats in December now hold up their bag of carrot sticks and mutter “no thanks” to the leftover seasonal baked goods. My gym parking lot becomes impossible to get a spot in (though why not park two blocks away – it is exercise to walk over) and the battle to get a treadmill is fierce. But no complaining, I commend any efforts to take better care of ourselves. And it’s no mystery why people recommit themselves to these goals year after year. According to an article by Business Week this past August adult obesity rates have doubled since 1980, from 15% to 30%, and two-thirds of U.S. adults are now considered overweight or obese. That’s a pretty scary stat. But there’s a very real connection between getting healthier (read: slimmer!) and living green. As Julie pointed out in 10 Green New Years Resolutions in '09, there's plenty of simple fixes that go a long way. Here are some specific steps you can take to conquer your green and health resolution simultaneously:

As we're quickly approaching that infamous Times Square ball falling, it's time to think ahead and make New Years resolutions. Debating what you should do to be greener in the New Year? Here's 10 ideas to party like it's 2009:

Have trouble wrapping, and want to make your gifts pretty?  Instead of using traditional bows (that either go directly in the trash or reused on your gift next year),  try using dried flowers as an embellishment.  Your recipient will have a nicer smelling, au natural decoration! ...

Naturally, we use more energy in our homes during the holidays than other times of year. Here's some quick pointers to help you save where you can (without sacrificing any of your holiday spirit):

With only a week of Christmas shopping left, there's still time to find a perfect environmentally-friendly gift! Camphill Village Kimberton Hills' craft shop features hand made woven and felted items made from recycled fabrics, wood products, pottery, silk scarves with natural plant-derived dyes, and more. One of their signature items is a rug made from recycled denim, perfect for any abode - durable, beautiful and environmentally friendly. Plus, all items are made locally at this agricultural and handcrafting community by adults with developmental disabilities. Located in Chester County, they encourage individuals (especially adults with special needs) to discover and develop their potential in a physically, socially and spiritually therapeutic environment.