Philly

Philly is clearly psyched for the NFC championship game this Sunday. Personally, I’ll be watching, wearing my lucky jersey, drinking out of my lucky glass and cheering HARD! Another thing fans should be pleased about is the team’s green efforts. The eagles were the first professional sports organization to launch an environmental initiative. In 2003, the Eagles started the Go Green campaign. Some of the programs highlights to-date include:

Many Americans are gearing up for a trip to DC with the intention or hope to catch president-elect Barack Obama's inauguration. From an environmental perspective, January 20th couldn't come sooner. I was appalled after reading a Rolling Stone article regarding Bush's midnight regulations - the majority of these last minute regs (including the hit on the Endangered Species Act) are atrocities to the environment, leaving many to question how big of a mess Obama will need to clean up.

The National Audubon Society (with support from Toyota) recently awarded TogetherGreen Fellowships to 40 of the nation's most promising conservationists - one of whom is representing Philadelphia! Keith Russell has been protecting birds and wildlife for over two decades with fellow Philadelphians. Keith started the Philadelphia Mid-Winter Bird Census which includes a reservoir in Fairmount Park - and will soon be the site of a new Audubon Center where locals can learn, enjoy and work our city's nature.

A positive change is in effect for Philadelphia’s recycling program - Philadelphia residents can now recycle every week on the same day as their neighborhood trash collection day. This change is much more convenient for Philly dwellers. Gone are the days of trying to remember what two weeks of the month recycling pick-up falls on. Mayor Nutter’s administration's new policy is an indication that they've held true to their vow to improve Philadelphia’s recycling. Since the introduction of city-wide single-stream recycling last summer, Philly’s recycling rate has gone from about 6 to 10 %. Though we have a long way before being on par with other big city’s recycling programs, progress is being made. Not sure what day is your trash/recycling pick-up is?

After you're finished making 'green' resolutions for yourself, here's another one to consider: Greening your home! Greenable is located in the heart of Olde City and can assist you in your abode's needs - whether you're building a new house or re-vamping an older design. They offer supplies ranging from eco-friendly paint, flooring, insulation, and more. Interested in a more eco-friendly building, but not sure where to start? Greenable provides many services including energy audits, consulting and interior design. Whether your fixing up a home or storefront, Greenable is very knowledgeable with both - their custom orders are a mix of residential and retail.

With only a week of Christmas shopping left, there's still time to find a perfect environmentally-friendly gift! Camphill Village Kimberton Hills' craft shop features hand made woven and felted items made from recycled fabrics, wood products, pottery, silk scarves with natural plant-derived dyes, and more. One of their signature items is a rug made from recycled denim, perfect for any abode - durable, beautiful and environmentally friendly. Plus, all items are made locally at this agricultural and handcrafting community by adults with developmental disabilities. Located in Chester County, they encourage individuals (especially adults with special needs) to discover and develop their potential in a physically, socially and spiritually therapeutic environment.

Looking for plans this Sunday? Celebrate the end of the Mill Creek Farm's third season, while learning about their work growing and distributing fresh food and educating the community about urban agriculture and sustainability. When? Sunday, December 7 @ 3:00-7:00 pm

This Saturday, December 6th Eco-Moms Alliance of Chester County invite the public to join them as they rally in support of action against global warming. From 1:00 - 1:30 p.m come join like-minded eco-conscious residents and enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and plenty of free giveaways at Downingtown's Kerr Park .

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