Philly

Why not balance out a local beer extravaganza with a talk about the state of our Carbon Dioxide emissions? I did just that by attending back-to-back Philly Beer Week-sponsored Bathtub Beer Fest and Bill McKibben's 350 Do the Math tour! (Find out about both events, after the jump).

Today is national America Recycles Day. Of course at GPB we pretty much think everyday should be recycle day. Nonetheless, I'm grateful for a holiday that commemorates the cause. America Recycles Day has been celebrated since 1997. AmericaRecycles.org encourages people and organizations to host events and activities that foster recycling education among colleagues, friends, neighbors and kids on or around this day. Yesterday Mayor Nutter announced that Philadelphia will celebrate America Recycles Day at several locations throughout the city. Here's a rundown on some of the events: (Find out how YOU can celebrate and more about this great day, after the jump):

The Philadelphia Marathon is grabbing tons of attention for offering up some prime 26.2 mile real estate for disheveled NYC should-have-been runners. But there's more attention on the way for the Philadelphia Marathon's sustainability efforts! As I pointed out with the Broad Street run, large running events produce a TON of waste. (Find out how the Philadelphia Marathon is becoming more sustainable and how YOU can help!)

The air's crisp and the leaves are turning color... which means that we'll be filled with an abundance of leaves on our streets, houses and curbs soon enough. Which leads to... Philadelphia's Bagged Leaf Drive 2012 (by the Streets Department) is approaching! What do you need to know for this year?

Want to get a FREE tree (or two) for your yard this fall?!? (Find out how, after the jump!)

Between the underway Eagles season and the Phillies wrapping up their season yesterday afternoon sports are on Philadelphians brains (per standard, this is Philly after all.) A recent NRDC report discussed the National Resources Defense Council's work with national sports organizations and the importance of environmental education for fans. Many teams are actively working towards sustainability within their organizations. So what's happening on Philly fields? Read on for a rundown on the strides Philadelphia teams are making.

Philly's cleaning up!  Both the 'city blocks' & 'vacant lots' are both being judged HARD in Philly this week by two Philly-based organizations. The Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC) is in the middle of judging 17 city blocks to wrap up the 2012 "cleaning season" in Philadelphia. The 2012 Clean Block Contest selected finalists from over 6,600 organized blocks which had cleanups throughout the year. Fun stats for this year's beautification efforts include: (Find out more about city efforts & see a before/after, after the jump!)

While complaints about the Barnes moving from Merion have mostly calmed down, the Barnes Foundation is continuing to make news! This time, their new(ish) Philly home received a great GREEN honor today: LEED Platinum. The Barnes is the 1st art & educational institution to achieve the LEED platinum status from USGBC (US Green Building Council). They also have a piece of the Big Apple (literally.) How did they accomplish such a task?

Philly residents have a lot on their mind - will the Eagles squeak out a win again this Sunday, will the Phils make the playoffs, how long will the beautiful weather last? However, we continue to feel pleased to hear that Philadelphians also care about the city's plastic bag use. When someone signs our plastic bag reduction petition we ask that they list a reason why this initiative is important to them. Here's just some of the reasons Philadelphians are saying prompted them to sign the plastic bag petition: