environment

Call me a tainted woman, but I wasn’t too optimistic anticipating the State of the Union address. After reviewing my 2011 environmental summary of the State of the Union, I realized Obama made promises to put pressure back on big oil, get 80% of Americans access to high-speed rail within 25 years (remember that one?), 80% of electricity sourced by clean energy in 2035, and break foreign dependence on oil. Hmm…. Where are we today?  (Luckily Treehugger had some Cliff Notes for me…)

Exciting green advancements have been happening in Philadelphia. Greenworks Philadelphia has been unveiled! Many neighborhoods have started to increase sustainable initiatives from tree-planting efforts in Northern Liberties to increasing bike paths. Mayor Michael Nutter announced recently that he's going to make Philadelphia the Greenest city in America by 2015 - a very admirable goal. Greenworks Philadelphia is that plan formulated into a detailed document. "E" Goals in 5 areas - Energy, Environment, Equity, Economy and Engagement compile into over 100 initiatives for Philadelphia's well being. A sampling of the initiatives include:

Exciting News! You can join us this Sunday, November 16th from 3-6 PM during the Women for Entrepreneurship, the Environment, and Social Equity discussion and networking session. The event's being held at Greenable at 126 Market Street. For only $15 (for adults), $5 (College Students with University ID) and $5 (Children under 12), join some of Philly's green female leaders, eco-group founders and entrepreneurs to learn about health, economic, and environmental benefits by designing, building, and living greener. Eco-Panelists Include:

One of my favorite speeches of the Democratic Convention was former V.P. Al Gore's. Since watching & reading both versions of An Inconvenient Truth, I've respected Gore's involvement with the climate crisis. This is one reason why watching "Recount" on HBO was truly depressing - especially when reflecting on Bush's enviro-damage record during his presidency...

I never thought I'd be able to compare myself to Kermit the Frog - a muppet? But I there is one unmistakable similarity. I'm green. While I'm not physically green, I am trying to make environmentally conscience decisions. Going through this lifestyle change, it's interesting how often I find myself explaining green-friendly decisions to others. Many friends and family are adjusting their habits to go green, while others challenge some behaviors. Which is why I'd like to give some guidance to others facing this same dilemma - how to explain your enviro-ways...