Events

Do you enjoy running, especially away from the exhaust pipes of cars and traffic? Come out for a 5K to support breathing healthy, clean air in sustainable neighborhoods and our region's overall health. The Clean Air Council's 5K Run for Clean Air is the Philadelphia's largest Earth Day Celebration. This year, the 32nd annual run is coming up on April 20th at 9 AM on MLK drive next to the Philadelphia Art Museum. The 5K Run for Clean Air is a certified-green run and zero-waste event, complete with (Find out more about the 5K and how to win FREE entry, after the jump!)

Feel like you want to get out and meet new sustainably-minded people? You're not alone. During our recent plastic bag reduction happy hour, we met a few new Philadelphians who were interested in finding green events - but had no idea how. But the weather is getting warmer and Philadelphia is kicking up its sustainable activities. How can you get outside and active? Whether you’re brand spanking new to Philadelphia have accumulated many rosters of Phillies t-shirts, we have 8 ways to meet new Philadelphians:

Philly's got a ton going on in the sustainability scene. If you haven't been out and about, here's a few excuses to get out of the house & get active:

There's a lot of talk about plastic pollution in our oceans and by plastic bags, but what is anyone doing about it? The 5 Gyres Institute is launching a Last Straw Plastic Pollution Solutions Outreach Tour, conducting beach & watershed cleanups all over the East Coast from Boston to Charleston. The 1400 mile bike tour is hitting up major cities to discuss problems (and solutions!) for the plastic plague. The 5 Gyres tour is coming to Philly on October 15 - and you won't be bummed out by their visit. (Find out more about the awesome upcoming visit and how YOU can win free stuff, after the jump!)

Eco-minded Philadelphians were graced with a picture-perfect day yesterday for GreenFest. The historic Headhouse Square was lined with rows of green businesses and non-profit organizations. It was refreshing to look around and see hundreds of like-minded people gathered in one place. Though we're constantly interacting with so many of Philadelphia's eco- activists and green companies, it's always revitalizing to chat in person. For us, much of the day was focused on discussing the Plastic Bag Ban.

This September 15th the Camden waterfront is the site of the Philadelphia Red Bull Flugtag competition. Red Bull Flugtag challenges teams of everyday people to build human-powered flying machines and pilot them off a 30-foot high deck in hopes of achieving flight! Flugtag means "flying day" in German, but typically these crafts simply splash into the waters below. But that doesn't make the event any less fun. Teams are judged not only on their flight's distance, but creativity and showmanship as well. One of the team's participating this year is a group of Rowan University students who are members of the university's environmental club. They recognized the opportunity to create an "aircraft" using upcycled materials. I spoke with team captain, Brooke Golden, to get the scoop on the team's Flugtag initiative and her team - The Filthy English Kuh-Knights.

Your rooms may look beautiful and spankin’ new, but there’s a wee bit of paint left over.  So readers, what can you do with that unused paint cans?

Save the date! The Hemp Heals Music Festival takes place in Philly at Penn's Landing Festival Pier on August 25th from 4pm-11pm. As the name suggests this music event is unique in that it's founded with a specific mission in mind. Former Philadelphia Flyers player Riley Cote is hosting the event with Live Nation in an effort to educate the public on the powers of holistic healing. He founded the non-profit org, The Hemp Heals Foundation after his younger sister, Jaime was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and found a way to treat and alleviate her symptoms through her diet - specifically through the use of hemp. Click through for details!

On Wednesday, June 13th the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce chapter will host an event focusing on energy efficiency for businesses. Today companies - big and small - are taxed with the challenge of finding ways to decrease their energy costs and operate more efficiently. If you're a local business this is a session that may benefit you and your sustainability initiatives. The event will feature a panel of industry experts including keynote speaker, Kyle Tanger, Director of Clear Carbon Service, and energy experts from the Energy Efficient Buildings Hub. Read on for details!