Stories

How should I recycle old batteries? -Chris, Green Philly Blog Reader Good question, Chris! Did you know that over 3 BILLION single-use, dry cell batteries are disposed of in landfills? Most importantly, I'd first recommend switching your batteries to rechargeable ones over the single-use. I have approximately 8 reusables and a charger, so I always have backups for my toothbrush/etc when previous ones need recharging. To answer your question, here's where to drop off & recycle your batteries in Philadelphia area:

Getting ready for the big game on Sunday? Even if the Eagles couldn't make it to the Superbowl, you can follow in Lincoln Financial Field's greenest stadium-in-the-world footsteps & green your Superbowl party! Here's a few suggestions to make your Superbowl party an eco-conscious gathering:

This past Saturday, I toured Greenpeace's 50-meter Arctic Sunrise at Penn's Landing for their Coal Free Future Tour. This month-long tour, also hitting up Wilmington, NC, NYC & Boston, is teaching the Northeast about the major impacts the coal industry has on the environment. Regardless of the campaign & political jargon, "Clean Coal" in an oxymoron. Coal is dirty by production, the single largest source of carbon dioxide pollution in the US & the largest source of mercury emissions in the country. Pollution from coal-powered plants is responsibly for 13,200 deaths per year, (Treehugger) (1359 from PA alone), 20,000 heart attacks, 217,600 asthma attacks, and more than 1.6 million lost work days per year. "Clean coal" is a technology that will cost billions to test and wouldn't be ready for decades. (Find out more about Greenpeace & the Coal Free Tour after the jump!)

Snow storms have hit harder than the norm this year - and it's not even February. Naturally, this has folks grumbling about the annoyance of digging their cars out. Further, driving can be tricky - and at times dangerous. What can you do to get around Philly easier during these sometimes treacherous months? This winter consider upping your use of public transportation. Staying out of the driver's seat will give you peace of mind. Plus, you're saving emissions and gas money. (Don't worry - even Julie survived her Low Car Diet run.) Here's a refresh of the public transportation options available to Philadelphia residents:

Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise has docked in Penn's Landing since Thursday (Jan 27) until February 2nd on their monthlong tour to support East Coast communities fighitng to stop the environmental impact of coal plants in their region. Swing on by to find out more about Greenpeace, their Coal Free Future Campaign and research projects. Free Tour times for the Arctic Sunrise are as follows:

The political science geek-in-me secretly loves watching political speeches, debates and campaigns… even the opposing party’s negative reactions (I’m looking at you, Sarah Palin).  Monday’s State of the Union Address brought me joy similar to the sounds of “Dynamite” by...

Ever wonder what to do with those pesky plastic bags? You’re not alone. “A co-worker of mine has collected plastic bags for the past 3 years. He says we might need them. Well now they are taking up to much...

Calling all brides-to-be, friends of brides and ANYONE who appreciates eye-candy in the form of beautiful dresses. You must check out Terra Amore - a company specializing in sustainable wedding gowns. The line was founded by Jessica Iverson. Iverson was inspired by her green consience and the idea of working with cruelty free fabrics. (Check out their glorious dresses after the jump!)

One of the easiest things to do - yet so often neglected - is turning off the lights in your home. Another? Shut off the faucet when cleaning or brushing your teeth. You can save an average of 30 gallons of water while washing dishes - saving you $$ (that would instead be going down the drain...!)