Lifestyle

Whether from global warming or an act of god, the odd weather in our region can have difficult effects.  Our guest post today from our sponsor gives a possible solution for monitoring your home. The super early spring & temperature fluctuations in Philadelphia may be enjoyable.  However, they cannot only wreak havoc on our lawns & gardens, but can also affect our homes in an adverse way. Extreme heat and cold can cause roofs, basements to leak, and cracks in walls and foundations. Intense rains and snow frequently lead to power outages. If you leave your home empty for a week or a weekend and extreme weather hits, you could come back to flooding, water damage, spoiled food, and overheated pets.  Not only is this costly, but it can also waste energy (and grow your carbon footprint). Environmental sensors can help you (find out more, after the jump!)

I pledged to go local for 40 days. When I came up with the idea, I didn't prepare nor think of how to execute the strategy. Confession: (Find out how I fared as a locavore after the jump!)

Today Sunday, April 22nd marks a very important day (besides my lovely sister-in-law & mother of my nephew Colleen's birthday): Earth Day! Earth Day started on April 22, 1970, was credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and passed the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act & Endangered Species Act. Take some time today to (find out more, after the jump!)

Earth Day is this Sunday (obviously.). Philadelphia had a city-wide cleanup effort this past weekend, but that doesn't mean you should wait for a city-wide initiative to volunteer. Instead of hosting a birthday or holiday party at home, organize a volunteer outing to a local park or community garden. Philadelphia has a lot of green space (and litter), so start with a community park or number of blocks. Read on!

For some animal activists, vegans and other environmentally conscious folks leather is a fashion and function don't. The idea of wearing part of a dead animal corpse just doesn't sit well with some people. While I have not personally sworn off ALL leather from my wardrobe, this year I'm making a conscious effort to only purchase reused or worn items. Read on!

The NBA (National Basketball Association) is once again celebrating green week across the league to help promote environmental awareness among fans, and employees. Some highlights include:

Growing up Catholic, I was 'forced' to unplug & do nothing between 12-3 on Good Friday.  I'd avoid the computer, TV & other stuff in favor of a book or reflecting time.  It seemed semi-like torture as a child with only a computer and TV in the house.  Add that to laptops, smartphones & iPads of modern day... Whether you're Christian or celebrating Passover today (or neither), we can all learn something from a little 'unplugged' time... Try a day or weekend away from electronics.  (Make sure to unplug them to avoid sucking up the vampire energy.) Turn off your iPhone or Droid, leave your laptop at home and get outside. If you're strapped for cash,

In case you weren't paying attention to the pastel colored retail onslaught as of late - heads up - Easter's this weekend! For those that celebrate this can be a fun, relaxed holiday filled with candy and family. I already feel a sugar rush coming on... In the midst of the festivities how can you keep up your green habits? Here's some tips:

Don't frown urbanites. Even if you don't have grass in your city property limits, you can still grow your own food this season. I started planting seeds for the first harvest of my container garden last week.  Obviously I didn't inherit my dad's gardening skills regardless of my DNA, so it has taken some experimentation over the past 2 years.  (I was an Urban Dummy just a short time ago!)  Here's the basics if you're considering to plant this season.