Philly

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.

Did you make it to the hottest green event of the weekend? Greenfest Philly 2013, hosted by Clean Air Council, took Headhouse by storm on Sunday for thousands of attendees. The day was full of gorgeous weather, enthusiastic participants and greenies of all ages. The outdoor beer garden was booming with partakers. Bands entertained us as a few festival showcasers entertained us while sharing their green initiatives. Nonprofits, vendor booths and more helped attendees become a little more green. Find out and get the full photo recap, after the jump!

Our friend at the Clean Air Council Logan Welde talked plastic bags (and the pros/cons of fees versus bans) this morning on Wisconsin Public Radio's Joy Cardin Show. Welde knows

We love getting to know local, green women that are making a difference like Julie Slavet, Katherine Gajewski & Sandy Bauers. Today we get to know another woman, defending our waters for the future generations. Maya K. van Rossum is Delaware Riverkeeper of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, an organization with over 14,000 members and active volunteers. Maya has worked for the DRN for almost 20 years and testifies before state and national governing bodies to protect the river from threats including fracking, degradation, dumping, pollution and detrimental construction. Some of her accomplishments include: Find out more about Maya, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and more, after the jump!