Lifestyle

One of the most quick-catching green habits (notice I didn’t say trends) is the reusable bag. It’s old news that carrying your own bags for groceries, clothes shopping, as lunch “boxes” etc is a great way to cut down on plastic and paper waste. But what about taking this action a step further and creating your own reusable bags from materials around the home? That’s what Valerie Frazier of Langhorne, PA does. “Going out and purchasing a manufactured bag seemed as though it was adding to the problem of too much stuff in the world,” Valerie said. So, she decided to find a way to use her big ol stash of grocery bags. The result?

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?

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:

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...

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:

The Kensington Community Food Co-Op is turning Philadelphia’s First Friday into a charitable affair. Head to the The Caterpillar starting at 6:00 p.m. this Friday, August 7th where you can check out 5 cool bands for a good cause:

Looking for a capturing read that you can't put down? No, I'm not talking about the Twilight series. I've been recommending Eye of the Whale by Douglas Carlton Abrams to many friends and family members. The story follows Elizabeth McKay, a marine biologist who is finishing her PHD program with a thesis of cracking humpback whale communication. When a humpback swims up the Sacramento River with an unprecedented song, the clock starts ticking as Elizabeth must save the whale from danger. But as her journey to free this whale progresses, she starts catching the media and world's attention... including opponents who are trying to cover up many dangerous secrets from Elizabeth and the world. Quickly, Elizabeth finds herself in danger, jeopardizing her marriage, her career - and even her life. An ecological thriller, Abrams does an excellent job bringing in