Events

We like to give you a variety of sustainable happenings around Philadelphia, occasionally from other voices. When we think about environmental leaders, religion may not be the first group to come to mind. However, Guest Blogger Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark shares an upcoming Eco Film Festival at Chestnut Hill College this Thursday. On Thursday, March 14, Chestnut Hill College is hosting a FREE (and open to the public) Eco Film Festival from 8:30 - 5:30 PM in the East Parlor, St. Joseph Hall. This all-day film festival includes showings of five eco-related films, each followed by a brief discussion with an expert presenter including Gretchen Alfonso from Moms Clean Air Force, and Logan Welde, Clean Air Council of Philadelphia. (Find out more, after the jump!)

Brilliant! The Philadelphia Flower Show returns this weekend with lots of tea, crumpets, royalty and a guaranteed fun. From March 2-10, the Philadelphia Flower Show 2013 will transport you to Great Britain from the convenience of the PA Convention Center. A benefit produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, all proceeds feed back into local efforts to "garden, green & educate". Since 1829, the world's largest indoor flower show brings beauty to our lovely (yet often dirty...) city. This year's new features include opening a day early (Saturday vs the typical Sunday), an enhanced Flower Show Smartphone App, and a "Make & Take" room complete with opportunities to create your own British 'fascinator' or floral wristlet. We checked out the Media "Sneak Peek" of the Flower Show eve last minute preparations. As a former EXPAT in London, I was psyched to check out this year's theme. And for you our readers, we have a few of the fabulous 2013 Flower Show scenes for you:

Craving a winter food fest destined for locavores? The Brewer's Plate 2013 hosted by Fair Food Philly promises to be a tasty celebration of local breweries, restaurants, farmers & artisan producers all from within 150 miles of the city. Find out more, after the jump!

Are you a historic house enthusiast, a masonry aficionado, or someone with an interest and appreciation for preserving architectural history? Either way the Designer Craftsmen and Historic Home Show is a worthwhile event to check out. The Historic Home Show is happening at the Valley Forge Convention Center March 8-10th. The Historic Home Show serves as a great educational resource for learning about restoring, renovating and preserving the nation's architectural heritage. We're teaming up again this year with LimeWorks.US to offer a free ticket to a few lucky GreenPhilly readers! LimeWorks.US  owner Andrew deGruchy will present on Saturday March 9 at 12pm on Historic Masonry Dos and Don’ts.  

Hey you! Want a free drink? You deserve it. We're hosting a Plastic Bag Reduction Happy Hour this upcoming Tuesday, February 19th from 6-9 PM at the Field House (1150 Filbert Street) in Philadelphia! Come sign the petition or sign a form letter to your favorite City Council Member for a FREE drink. We have the nice, new section of the Field House with some bar games too! RSVP on Facebook, or just show up! (RSVP not necessary but preferred.) Please email Julie or Beth at greenphillyblog@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Our guest post today is authored by Leslie Hudson. Leslie is an event planner by day, food writer by night, and nature-lover every minute between. My first and only experience at a big box wedding store did not go well. After the pushy sales associate tried to force me to buy a dress that could have fit two of me, I vowed to find an alternative. That’s why I was elated to discover the Breast Cancer Coalition of Delaware’s Bridal Sale last March. During this one weekend sale, (Find out more about Leslie's experience and how you can find the perfect (sustainable) dress too!)

  Merry Christmas & Happy (Sustainable) Holidays from your friends at Green Philly Blog! Xo, Julie & Beth

Ready to kick off your holiday spirit this week? Join the Bicycle Coalition's Holiday Lights ride tomorrow night in South Philly! Bicyclists are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights for a 2-wheeled traveling caravan. Over 80 people have already signed up for the ride which should be about 10 miles (but riders can peel off at any time as long as they tell their ride leader). After the ride, cyclists are invited to eat at the restaurant afterwards (with the best-holiday-decorated-biker getting a free meal!) Here's the official details:

Journalist & Author Alex Prud'homme is coming to Philly tomorrow to discuss his book the Ripple Effect and show a screening of Last Call at the Oasis, which both focus on water. I was lucky enough to chat with him about his Philly visit and ask about his famous great-aunt, Julia Child.