Stories

Did you know that those "free" plastic bags are embedded in your grocery checkout bill? And that each plastic bag you use costs you an estimated $.17 in taxes? Whether you reuse, trash or recycle those plastic bags, you're still paying an estimated $85 dollars each year for the Philly Water Department to clean plastic bags out of our waterways. Plus, those plastic bags (like diamonds) are never ever (like ever) going away. Even in the landfill, they'll keep your takeout and old flowers perfectly preserved. And often times, they end up in the oceans, killing wildlife and littering our lands. The good news? The solution is a LOT easier than we think.

Burt's Bees just found their #1 Lip Balm Fan right here in Philadelphia - and we're giving 10 of our lucky readers a free lip balm to celebrate! It's easy to love this brand's story. Burt's Bees started in the 1991 by a beekeeper (Burt Shavitz) and Roxanne Quimby with the classic Beeswax Lip Balm 'recipe' originating from a farmer's almanac. Worried about hidden chemicals? (Find out more about Burt's Bees and how to enter to win a FREE lip balm, after the jump!)

Philadelphia, Bike Share is FINALLY coming to a block near you! Already popular in other cities 'round the world and one Philly residential building, a bike share program is in the works for our city. Mayor Michael Nutter & the administration are seeking

Happy December readers - It's our favorite month! There's so much GREEN (and red) decorations, people are drinking local booze & mulled wine, and there's a ton of live trees INSIDE people's homes. Philly's trucking full speed to close out 2012 - Here's some of the latest green happenings you missed:

Let's face it - America is a disposable society. But there's one mantra I have when shopping - whether it's key pieces in my wardrobe, shoes, kitchenware or a suitcase:

With twenty days left til Christmas it’s time to get your green gift shopping on! Don’t stress, friends, we have your guide to affordable, eco-friendly items for everyone on your list. Fashionistas: For the fashionable lady who likes to be sustainable while looking cute gift the Jous Jous Eco Friendly Handmade Earring. I love all the colors, but especially the red and green. (See these beauties on the right.) Kids : The tots in your life will have fun with this Green Toys Recycling Truck. And, their parents will be grateful you didn’t gift them something toxic or noisy. Click through for more recommendations!

Journalist & Author Alex Prud'homme is coming to Philly tomorrow to discuss his book the Ripple Effect and show a screening of Last Call at the Oasis, which both focus on water. I was lucky enough to chat with him about his Philly visit and ask about his famous great-aunt, Julia Child.

Water water everywhere... but do we have to worry about what we can drink? Journalist Alex Prud’homme is coming to Philadelphia to discuss his book, “The Ripple Effect: The Fate of Fresh Water in the Twenty-First Century”.  Find out more about this event and how to score tickets, after the jump!

United by Blue pledges to remove one pound of trash for every product sold. But these Philly-based philanthropists don't just stop at oceans... They help when it matters most. This past Saturday, 100 volunteers school 'bussed' their way up to Staten Island, New York for Hurricane Sandy assistance efforts. Since (find out more after the jump:)