Stories

There’s many ways to create a sustainable, eco-friendly garden. One of these is to create a rain garden. A rain garden is used to reduce runoff into storm drains, and improve water quality of nearby bodies of water. How to create one?

Fish is one of the healthiest food choices you can make. It’s low in calories and the “bad” type of fat, has antioxidants and nutritionists call it a brain food that’ll help keep you sharp. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and there’s no shortage of varieties. Is this wonder food too good to be true? Not necessarily, but just like there are precautions when enjoying meat there are things consumers need to be mindful of before feasting on fish. Read on!

Although living in the city is great, there are occasionally downfalls... such as endless supermarket lines, loads of Pizza options circa 2 AM and pesky leases that prohibit dogs. Don't fret dog-lovers... there's a program that allows you to "time-share" dogs... ethically. The Monster Milers is a group of runners who run the PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) dogs to "connect Philadelphia runners with homeless dogs as running companions". Benefits for the pups are giving them exercise, time out of the shelter, and a little bit of runner's love. The running outlet for these canine pals have resulted in less frantic behavior when adopters meet them - and much faster adoptions. Founder of the group, Carrie Maria is

While many in Philadelphia started celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the Erin Express & such this weekend - the official big day is approaching! We love greening our holidays... especially one of our favorite days of the year when everyone wears green! Here's a few ways to celebrate leprechaun-style & green your St. Patrick's Day:

On a sidenote, this marks Green Philly Blog's 400th Post! Thanks for reading, whether it's your first visit or 400th ;-) We appreciate all the continued & amazing support. Hope you had a chance to visit the 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show this past week, which benefited the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society! PHS announced the Plant One Million campaign during the show, an initiative that will plant 1 MILLION trees in 13 counties in Greater Philadelphia Region, New Jersey & Delaware. The campaign will improve the environment, create jobs, strengthen communities & improve air/water quality. This campaign helps to (find out more about this amazing campaign, after the jump!)

There’s less than a week until St. Patrick’s day.  As an Irish gal I prefer to start the festivities as soon as possible! One way to get in the spirit is to enjoy some homemade treats. I was stoked to see these...

Today marks the beginning of "Lent" for Christians, the 40 days of the liturgical year leading up to Easter - where Christians make a 'sacrifice' for Jesus. I suggest everyone (Christians and non) can adopt this calendar for 40 days and going forward. (Traditionally, Christians celebrate the end of lent by indulging in what they gave up - Don't start wasting electricity & gas once Easter hits!) Here's the Lenten Carbon Fast calendar courtesy of Popluteran:

Are you dying to discover secrets about organic and biodynamic farming? Do you want to be the next Garden Apprentice without the brutal reality TV cameras? Join the team that has winning chef Stephanie McKeon Krzywanski: Camphill Village Kimberton Hills has immediate openings for Garden Apprentices within the Sankanac CSA where you can gain experience in biodynamic, organic, and sustainable methods of agriculture and land stewardship. Garden Apprentices receive (find out more, after the jump!)

We're intoxicated with the Philadelphia International Flower Show this week and have a mini-series on Green Philly Blog about lectures and more! Our journey with fresh floral smells continues today... As I mentioned in my Flower Show Preview, the Urban Graffiti Shadow Art by Michael Bruce Florist in Collingswood, NJ, may be one of my favorite exhibits. The spotlights and area is a lot to take in. When you first approach the scene, the miscellaneous items throw you off: And then you see trash compiled together to sort of make an image (continue for the journey, after the jump!):