Food

Today, June 5, marks World Environment Day 2013. Since 1972, World Environment Day, a United Nations Environment program, has drawn worldwide awareness to the environment to encourage political (and personal) attention and action. This year's theme is Think Eat Save and rightfully so. Ever year, 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted, yet 1 in 7 people go to bed hungry each day. Some people argue that GMOs will help solve hunger, but there's a few potentially scary consequences that may not be worth the price. You don't have to wait for science to make a difference - it's easy to stop wasting food. What else can you do to celebrate World Environment Day 2013? (Hint: useful links after the jump!)

Tired of flimsy plastic bags of beans, rice & quinoa in your cupboard? But how can you make your trip even greener?

When you think of the Midwest you may not immediately think "hip vegan cafes." I certainly didn't. The truth is some of my Midwest dining experiences have been challenging as someone who doesn't eat any meat or poultry. When I found out I would be spending a significant amount of time in Cleveland, Ohio I wondered what a veggie loving lady was to do... Cleveland offers an impressive restaurant scene with big-time restaurateurs like Michael Symon of The Chew and Rocco Whalen each providing several four star restaurants. But, during my time in this city I've noticed that they loooove their pig - and put it on everything from greens to fish.

After learning more about plastics (and especially how heating plastics can lead to nasty chemicals leaking), I've made a pledge to replace plastics with alternatives wherever I can... starting with my kitchen. Wean Green is a Canadian company "dedicated to providing parents with safe and environmental baby products that (find out more about Wean Green & kicking plastic from your kitchen, after the jump!)

Food is a precious resource that shouldn't be wasted - but what about those blemished produce typically discarded by farmers? A local company is helping families in need and saving space in landfills with a creative new product. Campbell's Soup created a recipe of (Find out how Campbell's is helping local families and farmers, after the jump!)

Recently, I found myself in a heated discussion about food preferences (and choices) with a kickball teammate on a Friday evening after a few glasses of whiskey. 45 minutes later, we were able to agree about why vegetarianism, going local & eating choices impact the environment. It was definitely an interesting (and good-natured) convo. However, this infographic would have came in handy (and probably cut the length of convo)... Enjoy! (See the infographic after the jump!)

I'd be hardpressed to think of a time when grilling is more appropriate than the week surrounding the Fourth of July. Something about bbqing feels ultra American and festive. So, get your grill on but don't forget these eco-friendly tips. (Read on after the jump!)

Welcome to our new monthly series, City Spotlight, where we feature green goodness in cities across the nation and globe. Here you'll find ideas for great vegan and veg restaurants, cool eco-sites and shops, and other worthy attractions for when you venture beyond Philly - and the Jersey Shore ;) My recent and upcoming travels have prompted me to share some of my favorite haunts, and we hope you'll share yours as well whether in the comments or via email. Today let's talk about NYC - the city where you can get anything you want anytime of day. And, that includes off the charts vegan dining options. I enjoy a lot of vegan restaurants when I'm in Manhattan including Blossom, Peacefood Cafe, Pure Food & Wine (all raw!) and v-note. However, my first choice go-to picks are sister restaurants Candle 79 & Candle Cafe. They focus on local, seasonal vegan fare and use organic ingredients whenever possible. Click through to find out what makes these spots special!

Hope ya'll had a great, sustainable Valentine's day week!  Here's the green news in Philly & around we just couldn't fit in this week: McDonald's Giving Pigs More Room - Nope, we're not talking about the customers.  The Golden Arch is stopping the no-room cages for pigs in favor of more room.  Although the exact alternative isn't provided, combined with Chipotle's ex-factory farm ad, fast food's trying to make baby steps in the right direction. We won't be running out for a Big Mac anytime soon,  but hope for continuous progress... (Click through for our other exciting links!)