Lifestyle

Whether you are hosting a festive party over the holidays or offering to clean up after one you attended, there's always the dilemma of dishwasher vs. hand-washing dishes. So which is better for the Earth?

Call me senile, but I was getting a little sentimental. On Sunday, I officially turned 30. "30" wasn't something I had originally feared, but I thought about what this nice, round, even number meant to me. Although I haven't made the 30 under 30 list for Forbes or Inc. magazine, I've learned a few things in my young life that I'll share with you. Read 30 Pieces of Advice from What I've Learned at Age 30, after the jump.

Looking for a unique gift for someone this holiday season? Think Green. But not money. Or 'green' like the environment. Giving a living plant is a great gift to help someone further their gardening, breathe fresh air into their office or home or lift spirits with a mini ecosystem. Have friend with a black thumb? Think low maintenance air plants or terrariums. You can even get craft and make your own succulent terrarium gift.   Readers, what 'green' gifts are you giving?

Although Americans are notoriously lazy, maintaining plants in the house can get difficult. That's why there's a kickstarter created by two UC San Diego Students that is BRILLIANT for those even with a black thumb. EcoQube Aquarium Self Cleaning System EcoQube is a desktop ecosystem that uses plants like Basil, mint and flowers to filter waters for fish. Find out about the EcoQube, after the jump!

Do you feel a shopping hangover between Black Friday and Small Business Saturday? Did you protest all the consumerism of the Holiday season, forfeiting Cyber Monday? There's another day on the horizon aimed to do better for the world. Giving Tuesday, or #GivingTuesday (in 2013 talk) is a day to "give" to nonprofits, designated as the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. According to the official website, it asks for partners to create and commit to a project on #GivingTuesday and spread the word. Here's 6 Ways to Give Back On Giving Tuesday:

We sure do love browsing Instagram for inspiration, cuteness and overall as the alternative to whiny Facebook feeds. And when we start to get a little gloomy about the shorter, colder days of fall - a picture can say 1000 words. Like "there's still hope outside!" Or "Look at the cool things people are doing in Philly." We searched the web to share our favorite Instagram accounts that capture the best of sustainable and healthy living in our city! (And make sure to follow us on Instagram while you're thinking about it.) Find out which are Philly's 10 Best Healthy Living Instagram Accounts, after the jump!

America Recycles Day is today. Woo, recycling. Recycling is something that was emphasized to me since I was a wee little lady. Let me state for the record: I recycle every product I can and keep waste out of the landfills. But is recognizing America Recycles Day really a celebration and motivator to Americans? Does it further the green 'exhaust' problem? Or is there a dark, greenwashing secret lurking behind that recycle symbol?

We’ve already reviewed how to green your cat adoption and given our feline a chance to chat about his sustainable lifestyle, but what can those with canines do? My good friend Maria has an adorable dog, Baxter. Today, we’ll address how to green your dog to help Maria and Baxter become as sustainable as possible. From the moment you bring home your pup until their old years, here's 8 ways to green your dog:

Whether you're a jewelry whore or you only don an everyday watch you (or your significant other or whoever) probably spent some hard-earned cash on these pieces. Naturally, you want to keep them looking nice and shiny! The majority of jewelry cleaners are filled with harsh chemicals. I found that using household products can be just as effective, and a lot greener. To clean your jewels mix one cup of warm water (not too hot) with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl and let jewelry sit (one piece at a time) for about 10 minutes. Voila - shine and sparkle restored! As an aside - I once worked in an office where the engaged girls would bring in their toxic jewelry cleaner every Friday and take turns cleaning their engagement rings while talking loudly about their weddings. Um yeah, this made the single girls and dudes) pretty annoyed. Heads up: clean your jewels at home ladies, not the office please ;)