Events

We're intoxicated with the Philadelphia International Flower Show this week and have a mini-series on Green Philly Blog about lectures and more! Our journey with fresh floral smells continues today... As I mentioned in my Flower Show Preview, the Urban Graffiti Shadow Art by Michael Bruce Florist in Collingswood, NJ, may be one of my favorite exhibits. The spotlights and area is a lot to take in. When you first approach the scene, the miscellaneous items throw you off: And then you see trash compiled together to sort of make an image (continue for the journey, after the jump!):

Another added benefit of attending the Philadelphia International Flower Show is a variety of lectures on horticulture, gardening and landscape design. Free lectures, presentations & demos will provide cutting-edge techniques & instructions for urban agriculture, green roofs, eco-friendly design and sustainable gardening. Greenies will enjoy a lecture series, “Greensource,” that feature nationally renowned designers. Speakers for the free programs (Mon-Fri @ 1 PM) include (find out who, including for a house we all recognize and various programs to check out after the jump!)

Get excited all you plant fanatics & flower enthusiasts... The 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show is here March 6-13th! From the moment I walked into Philly's Convention Center during the writer's preview, the glorious smell of Springtime overwhelmed my senses... (which was quite a delight after my rendezvous in beautiful Clearwater weather last weekend). As I immediately saw the base of the Eiffel Tower and nearby Carousel, I was practically unaware we were still in Philly! Philadelphia's theme "Springtime in Paris" captures the essence of the city of lights, allowing visitors to enter a whole new, huge world of gorgeous flower displays & incredible settings. Did you know Philadelphia's is the largest indoor Flower Show in the world? It's consistently ranked as America's Top 100 events and is in the guide 1000 Places to Visit Before You Die. Think I'm exaggerating? Just take a sneak peak at the show (and find out way more news, after the jump!):

Mayor Nutter Announced the 4th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup at Kickoff Event in North Philly yesterday! There's about 1 month until residents can “Keep Up the Sweep Up.” The Spring Cleanup will be on Saturday, April 2 (rain date: Sat, April 9). and has has been designated as a Great American Cleanup National Kickoff Event by Keep America Beautiful. Want to get involved? Visit www.PhillySpringCleanup.com to volunteer or submit a project. Deadline is 3/18 for project submissions. Last year's cleanup in 2010 accomplished:

Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise has docked in Penn's Landing since Thursday (Jan 27) until February 2nd on their monthlong tour to support East Coast communities fighitng to stop the environmental impact of coal plants in their region. Swing on by to find out more about Greenpeace, their Coal Free Future Campaign and research projects. Free Tour times for the Arctic Sunrise are as follows:

Speaking of recycling your laptop, The City of Philadelphia and the Urban Affairs Coalition are currently hosting a unused, undamaged computers drive (2001 or newer; Pentium 4/Apple G4 or better) that will be refurbished and given to community organizations for internet access and computer training. From now until Monday January 17th, you can drop off your donated computer during normal business hours at (find out where, after the jump)

"Solar Energy is way too expensive, can't work in cloudy places, unreliable, and ugly. Only people like Al Gore & millionaires can put it in their houses." Sorry guys, these statements are all wrong! Going solar is great for your home, pocket AND the environment. But where do you even start? Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc. is a leading national installer of solar electric and solar hot water systems. Located in Philadelphia, OR, CT & MA, Sunlight has stepped up to the plate to dispel rumors of solar energy through an ongoing educational campaign. The overall success of Sunlight Solar points to their reputation as a reliable source and easy approach of all things solar. Paul Israel, President of Sunlight Solar, attributes the company mission to "educate consumers and empower them to make informed purchasing decisions." Homeowners & businesses have plenty of factors to consider when going solar, (just learn what, after the jump!)

WHYY and The Independent Television Service in cooperation with The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia are presenting a free showing of Deep Down on November 17th. Deep Down is a documentary exploring mountaintop removal mining in an Appalachian Kentucky town. The film depicts the struggle of two life-long friends, Beverly May and Terry Ratliffe, caught in the center of the debate dividing their town. This debate revolves around the removal mining specifically. And, in broader terms - who controls, consumes, and benefits from our planet's shrinking supply of natural resources?

Come join a FREE informative Solar Seminar next Wednesday, November 17th, from 6 - 7:30 PM at the the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association community center at 700 N 3rd St (3rd & Fairmount). Solar energy is great for your home, your pocket AND the planet. But is it actually realistic for you? It can be, if you're informed! During this seminar, you'll discover what solar energy is, and how it works in your home or business, straight from Mallory Froeder from Sunlight Solar Energy. She'll discuss how to