Philadelphia

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:

Italy decided to start the new year off right by completely banning plastic bags in the country. Italians were using 20 BILLION bags per year - more than 330 per person, and was about 1/5 of the bags used in Europe. However, starting January 1st, retailers were required to distribute biodegradable plastic, cloth or paper bags instead. Italy joins the ranks of Mexico City & San Fran to implement a complete plastic bag ban, which Philadelphia failed to pass in June 2009. (However, retailers with Philly locations like IKEA & Whole Foods have banned plastic bags internally.) Other cities have imposed taxes on plastic bags:

Did you purchase a new winter coat this season? An upgrade for you is the perfect opportunity to make use of your old duds. One Warm Coat is an organization dedicated to helping others by taking your old coats, jackets, sweaters and mittens of your hands (pun intended) and donating them to people in need. This blurb on their website caught my attention:

Speaking of recycling your laptop, The City of Philadelphia and the Urban Affairs Coalition are currently hosting a unused, undamaged computers drive (2001 or newer; Pentium 4/Apple G4 or better) that will be refurbished and given to community organizations for internet access and computer training. From now until Monday January 17th, you can drop off your donated computer during normal business hours at (find out where, after the jump)

Dear City of Philadelphia, Mayor Nutter & the Streets Department, I've never been one that likes resolutions. I tend to make resolutions when I decide to change something, instead of waiting for Jan 1 to roll around. Therefore, I'm officially requesting my New Years Resolutions for the City of Philadelphia in 2011:

Now that (most) Christmas festivities are over, it's time to start thinking about disposing of that tree. Lucky for you, once you're done with the Christmas spirit (and needles falling), the Philadelphia Streets Department 2011 Christmas Tree Recycling Program runs Monday, January 3 through Saturday, January 15. This annual (22 yr old!) program is an environmentally safe alternative for the

On my annual day off from work, I decided to swing into the Big Green Earth Store to refill my laundry detergent for the apartment. Loaded with gifts for the holiday season, I was perusing their awesome selection and came across this sweet necklace: It's made from a (read more after the jump)

Apparently, the Eagles are leaving no stone un-turned. After a kick-ass performance by Vick & 59-28 victory on Monday night and as we reported yesterday, PETA naming the Linc as #1 most vegetarian-friendly NFL stadium, the Eagles announced their plans to becoming the greenest stadium in the World. Talk about a few week's accomplishments. By next opening day next September, the Linc will have 2500 solar panels on the roof & facade, 100 spiral sharped wind turbines and a cogenerational power plant to run biodiesel or natural gas to fully power any game, lights, sound & crowd roars. Over the next 2 decades, the Eagles can save $60 million in energy costs. The Linc can compete for the (read more, after the jump)

We all have those old towels and blankets and towels that are too old for Goodwill or Salvation Army. Instead of throwing these out, donate them to a local animal shelter or humane society. PAWS is located right at 2nd & Arch (and loves fleece blankets since they dry quicker!) or 2900 Grays Ferry Avenue & PSPCA are great local candidates to contact! What a better idea for those rapidly approaching holidays for pups & cats?