sustainability

Riding SEPTA isn't just good for sustainability, our public transit system is  learning to save dollars too, according to Plan Philly! SEPTA is in its third year of its formal sustainability program. All of the initiatives are trying to add environmental, social and economic value.  But, SEPTA is finding that sustainability is an easy way to save money too! Last year, they tried creating energy in creative ways, including  braking trains (captured & reused at power stations) and turned unused real estate into a self-sustaining urban farm. Here are some examples of how dollar bills were accumulating in SEPTA's pockets:

Well helloooo 2013! As a new year is upon us and we're bombarded with ideas on how to be our best, thinnest, richest, smartest self ever we have some ideas to throw in the mix. Of course these resolutions are good for the planet, but the bonus is there also good for your wallet (and don't involve a gym membership or chalky protein shakes.) After all, who isn't looking to save a few bucks as those holiday credit card bills roll in? Click through for green resolutions!

Although I have the beloved nicknames of “hippie”, “recycle nazi” and a few others, I tend to be proud with my green choices. But I still keep a few of my green habits on the DL. Why? Mostly because I try to maintain a low profile and not be the 'angry green' girl. Or the weird girl with the green habits. Ready for my reveal of bizarre habits?

Many critics (including us) questioned why climate change wasn't mentioned during the Presidential Debates. Mitt Romney even used climate change as a punchline. But could we be seeing Climate Change forced in front of our eyes right before a monumental election? Hurricane Sandy isn't just half as big as Texas - She's set to be an unprecedented storm of our lifetime. Scientists predicted that global warming would intensify North Atlantic hurricanes, but Frankenstorm (Find out more about Hurricane Sandy and Climate Change, after the jump!)

Did you know that just 16% of Americans know what is going on in science,while 60% know what's happening in sports news. These statistics aren't exactly shocking, but they do demonstrate what the American population is tuned into... and what's slipping through the cracks. With this knowledge in mind national sports organizations and the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) have joined forces to shed light on the importance of ecological stewardship.

Today Sunday, April 22nd marks a very important day (besides my lovely sister-in-law & mother of my nephew Colleen's birthday): Earth Day! Earth Day started on April 22, 1970, was credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and passed the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act & Endangered Species Act. Take some time today to (find out more, after the jump!)

Did you know that globally 70% of water used is for agriculture?  Were you aware that 1 in 3 people worldwide are affected by water scarcity? Although water problems may seem foreign to us, water conservation is still essential here in our hometown.  As we pointed out on our Twitter feed, yesterday (March 22) was World Water Day, which focuses on the sustainability & importance of freshwater. Assess your household's water usage with

When I first heard about the Hunger Games, I had my doubts. But when my ‘too cool for YA” BFF demanded that I read the series, I reconsidered. Although the book doesn’t state the exact event, major landmasses shifted and the sea level rose to unknown heights to change the Earth’s landscape we know it which develops Panem into its current state.  Does Collins use any of the Hunger Games themes or district circumstances to address our current environmental issues?  Let’s explore further, after the jump.

GPB reader, Jack asks... Q: I see the term “fair trade” on products. I know this is a good thing but what does fair trade really mean? A: The term fair trade refers to the movement that helps farmers or producers experience better trading conditions. Essentially, the approach focuses on exports coming from developing countries to developed countries and emphasizes paying the producers more (and more fairly.) Read on!