Stories

Is your recycle bin overflowing compared to your trashcan? (Hint: If you're shopping wisely, reusing & composting, you should barely have trash in the can!) Do you want to help green Philadelphia schools? We're letting you know how to get FREE 32-Gallon recycle bins for Where Can I Wednesday? The Streets Department is running a special promotion to get a Super Recycling Bin in your hands. (Find out how, after the jump!)

I've changed this past month. I'm more cautious, I've had to reconsider every plant in my apartment, and I look tired. A new bundle of joy came into my life, and although challenging, I'm super-happy. Welcome to my crazy green lifestyle, Pounce DeLeon!  Pounce came into my life after I moved into a studio apartment. Growing up with dogs my entire life, I made sure to research and contact a few local shelters. Since I volunteer with PAWS Monster Miler program, the Old City Adoption Center was my preference. Luckily an orange and white tabby remembered me from my first visit, and his consistent snuggles stole my heart within a half hour. After watching him interact with a few other cats (and tested well in the plays well with dogs category), I knew it was meant to be! Want to green your cat? I will give my best (new) advice to you!

Cheerio! Do you feel like you're craving tea, sophisticated accents and bad teeth? (Just kidding about that last one..!) You don't need to get on a plane to get your London fix. If you enjoyed our Philadelphia Flower Show 2013 Preview, we have great news for you! We're giving away a pair of tickets to a lucky reader. (Find out how to win, after the jump!)

Brilliant! The Philadelphia Flower Show returns this weekend with lots of tea, crumpets, royalty and a guaranteed fun. From March 2-10, the Philadelphia Flower Show 2013 will transport you to Great Britain from the convenience of the PA Convention Center. A benefit produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, all proceeds feed back into local efforts to "garden, green & educate". Since 1829, the world's largest indoor flower show brings beauty to our lovely (yet often dirty...) city. This year's new features include opening a day early (Saturday vs the typical Sunday), an enhanced Flower Show Smartphone App, and a "Make & Take" room complete with opportunities to create your own British 'fascinator' or floral wristlet. We checked out the Media "Sneak Peek" of the Flower Show eve last minute preparations. As a former EXPAT in London, I was psyched to check out this year's theme. And for you our readers, we have a few of the fabulous 2013 Flower Show scenes for you:

Hey readers, have any exciting spring or summer travel plans coming up? If you're flying and can manage it financially try to fly direct. Layovers in your itinerary can add miles to your carbon footprint. When you take one flight as opposed to hopping on a few to reach your final destination you'll help save excess emissions. (Plus, you usually arrive feeling a little less frazzled and your luggage is less likely to go missing.) When this just isn't possible - financially or logistically (flying direct internationally is often tough) - be sure to be aware of your impact while vacationing.

Craving a winter food fest destined for locavores? The Brewer's Plate 2013 hosted by Fair Food Philly promises to be a tasty celebration of local breweries, restaurants, farmers & artisan producers all from within 150 miles of the city. Find out more, after the jump!

Last year, we visited where you can recycle your old sneakers, which included local spots like Philadelphia Runner. We also addressed how to recycle your old flip flops, since we all know how many we can collect for a little post-run relaxation. So what are you to do in 2013? Good news for you runners - there's more opportunities this year to give your old kicks a new life! (Find out how and where, after the jump!)

Are you a historic house enthusiast, a masonry aficionado, or someone with an interest and appreciation for preserving architectural history? Either way the Designer Craftsmen and Historic Home Show is a worthwhile event to check out. The Historic Home Show is happening at the Valley Forge Convention Center March 8-10th. The Historic Home Show serves as a great educational resource for learning about restoring, renovating and preserving the nation's architectural heritage. We're teaming up again this year with LimeWorks.US to offer a free ticket to a few lucky GreenPhilly readers! LimeWorks.US  owner Andrew deGruchy will present on Saturday March 9 at 12pm on Historic Masonry Dos and Don’ts.  

“Spare some change so I can get some food?” The man on the corner, aged beyond his years covered with wrinkles, begged for my spare change. Instead of digging into my pocket, I rolled my eyes and assumed he’d blow it on booze. Like many people, this is what hunger in my city looked like to me, until it didn’t. I was shocked when a young co-worker confided that she has been on food stamps. A single mother, employed full time, still struggling to make ends meet. Yet her challenge to put food on her family’s table is one that many Americans face daily. This man and co-worker represent the tip of the food iceberg. World Environment Day reflects on why food is too valuable to waste locally and abroad: