Philly

According to a 2012 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphia is one of the top 4 cities in the Northeast with the least amount of car commuters, ranking 4th behind New York City, Washington, and Boston. Philadelphia ranks 5th in the country, behind San Francisco.

We all love those blue bins to stash our recyclables in to feel better about our collective waste on trash day. But who monitors how much Philly is recycling overall?  Director of Recycling Phil Bresee arrived in Philly July 2012, with the mission to increase recycling participation and improve our city's 'green' efforts. A Maryland native,  Bresee got his start in Frederick and then Howard County, Maryland prior to moving to Florida in 2004. He's clearly passionate about the cause, which was apparent for those who saw his recent Nerd Nite presentation.  We sat down with Phil recently to talk trash, recycling and Philly overall.  Green Philly Blog: Mayor Nutter has focused on environmental issues (including recycling) in his Greenworks Campaign since his election in 2007. With 2 years to go in office, what recycling progress have you seen in 2013 compared to his start?

Want to find out more about water from an expert? Water and climate-change expert, Peter Gleick is bringing his Global Water Challenges & Solutions talk to Philly this week! Fairmount Water Works Interpretative Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Friday, October 25th by hosting Dr. Gleick. According to Wired Magazine, "one of the 15 people the next president should listen to" is discussing water use, public health and the future of our climate change. We were able to talk with Dr. Gleick before his Philly visit ask about his upcoming lecture, water and what Philadelphians can do to help. Before we get to the interview, we're giving a free pair of passes to the lecture and reception. Simply enter a comment below and Like us on Facebook (or follow on Twitter- just mention which one IN the comments.) In the comments below, answer the question, "How can you do to conserve water?" Read our Q&A with Dr. Gleick and find out more about Friday's event, after the jump!

Guest Post by The Head & The Hand Press Founder Nic Esposito When I founded The Head & The Hand Press, it was almost counter-intuitive that I wanted it to be a for-profit venture. After spending many years in the non-profit sector, primarily in urban farming, I was under the impression that I could not satisfy my ideals and fund an operation through “business”, which I had been conditioned to reject and revile. But as I began developing the concept of The Head & The Hand, I was posed with the most important question I have ever been asked. Find out more from Nic, after the jump.

Regardless of whether you're a Philadelphia resident or visitor, the government shutdown takes you away from glorious sights like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Valley Forge Park with rolling hills. This past weekend, I visited the "Niagara Falls of PA", Bushkill Falls. It also happens to be a National Park, which means those people who are trying to follow my lead 2 days later are SOL. What can you do in & around Philly that does not involve a cracked bell or battleground? No fear reader, I found a few for you.

Guess what friends... craving a new tree? We can answer for Where Can I Wednesday...

First and foremost, thanks to everyone who came out to Frankford Hall last evening for Nerd Nite Philly! Although we thought we'd have more time to share the details of what's going on, we're happy to bring you up to date. Next month in October, legislation for a small (5 cent) single-use bag fee (ie, plastic or paper) will be introduced in City Council. Sponsored by Council member Mark Squilla, we also have 4 co-sponsors of the bill and are hoping for more. Any money collected from the bill will go to help fund schools, which are significantly underfunded. Learn more about the legislation and see a recap of Nerd Nite Philly after the jump!

Exciting news, my friends: the city of Philadelphia is being made into a Park(ing) lot tomorrow! The 6th annual Park(ing) Day Philadelphia

Disgusted by GMOs? Uh, who isn't right? The "frankenfood" found in supermarkets these days is downright scary. Well, one month from today you'll have a chance to publicly show your opposition. March Against Monsanto Philadelphia takes place on Saturday October 12th at 2pm. The March Against Monsanto group advocates labeling GMO foods as such. Monsanto (and the FDA) maintain labeling food that contains genetically modified ingredients isn't necessary. And the public is forced to ask why? What are they so afraid of?  After researching and reading about GMOs for the past few years I must say ignorance is not bliss, my friends.