GREEN!

Green= Lifestyle

2010-08-07T18:58:00.000-04:00

Green is a lifestyle, not simply a now trendy choice one thinks about when you recycle.
Green is adopting a pet instead of buying one from a breeder.
Green is buying books secondhand (for dirt cheap!) than buying them new from a bookstore (sorry borders and B&N)
Green is growing our own.
Green is taking along that cloth bag and avoiding plastic.
Green is telecommuting to work.
Green is using public transportation or carpooling as often as possible.
Green is saving money.
Green is effort, responsibility, patience, but more than that, being Green is a very fulfilling choice that makes you aware of how valuable things are, how important it is not to waste, and how much we love our planet.

Composting?

2010-08-06T17:40:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I started composting...

I had to overcome the 25 years of fear of dirt and all things "dirty" put into me to do it, but I finally did it.

After finding an appropriate bin and filling it with potting soil (organic of course) I add my used coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit skins and peelings, and other things like that. A few times a week I "turn" the soil to move around, breaking up random clumps and preventing bugs to find a home. I also add some water to keep the soil moist but not make mud in a bucket.

And its turning out great.

Next up, growing my own herbs.

Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia

2010-07-30T13:15:00.000-04:00

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia is a nonprofit network of local businesses and social entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia area.

Representing local business professionals, socially concerned entrepreneurs, conscious investors, not-for-profit leaders, and government officials and workers dedicated to creating "a more socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable local economy", the SBN is a founding member of North America's Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) which is a national coalition of other local business networks in North America who are creating "living economies" ( an economy that supports both community life and natural life, while sustaining long-term economic viability) in their various regions.

For more info, check out http://www.sbnphiladelphia.org/

Philly to be Greenest City by 2015

2010-06-28T19:49:00.000-04:00

In Mayor Michael Nutter's January 2008 inaugural address, he pledged to make Philadelphia the most eco-friendly city in the United States of America. One of the ways he is accomplishing this is through the Mayor's Office of Sustainability. Along with Director of Sustainability, Katherine Gajewski, Mayor Nutter is making good on his promise.

After the Mayor's Office of Sustainability spent a full year researching various means of municipal sustainability and talking with Philadelphia residents, the office created Greenworks Philadelphia.

Greenworks Philadelphia is our city's ambitious plan which sets 15 different sustainability targets "in the areas of energy, environment, equity, economy, and engagement" which will make Philadelphia way on our way to being the greenest city in the country by 2015.

Released in spring of 2009, Greenworks Philadelphia, and in the first year of implementation the Mayor's Office of Sustainability and our partners made great strides toward making Philadelphia more sustainable, releasing its 1st annual progress report in May of this year. To see this and continued updates on Greenworks, check out http://www.phila.gov/green/greenworks/

Kombucha?

2010-05-29T20:06:00.000-04:00

An ancient Chinese drink made from fermented tea, Kombucha is popping up all over the place in the hands of celebrities and eco geeks alike. Depending on the brand, some are more like an organic energy drink, powerful, raw, organic kind, or varieties blended with fruit juice.

Among its purported health benefits (not yet evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration) are that it speeds up metabolism, cleanses toxins from the bloodstream, reduces cholesterol levels, helps fight wrinkles, and boosts the immune system.

The beverage is also said to be useful in eliminating addictions to alcohol and coffee. The bottle of GT's Kombucha warns that "due to the fermentation, this product may contain a trace amount of alcohol (less than 0.5%)."

The retail price of kombucha varies wildly depending upon where it is purchased. Health-food stores sell it for around $3.50 per bottle, while various convenience stores charge as much as $5.00 per bottle.

Recovery for Retrofit...Philly edition

2010-05-27T19:31:00.000-04:00

April 21st, the day before the 40th celebration of Earth Day, Mayor Nutter announced that Philadelphia, along with our partners in the Metropolitan Caucus and various public, private and non-profit partners, will be receiving a $25 million grant from the United States Department of Energy entitled “Recovery Through Retrofit” grant.

A highly competitive grant, only a little over $3.5 billion will be distributed throughout the country. Katherine Gajewski, Philadelphia’s Director of Sustainability, credits Philly's collaborative work and partnerships in our receiving of the funds. They don't call us 'the city of brotherly love' for nothing.

Check out more about it here Recovery for Retrofit

EcoNet

2010-05-21T14:36:00.002-04:00

It warms my heart that so many fellow environmental activists and supporters are trying to pass on the sustainability message. (Surely you did not think I was the only one!) Its inspiring to see the work that others have done for the cause of the planet and I hope to one day be counted among these greats.

Whether you are a beginner greenie or a sustainability wiz or somewhere in between, all of these sites can help you on your journey to helping make our planet a better place and keep you updated on the top eco news, products, places, etc.

Huffington Post Green
All of the news and top blogs from experts that you expect from the Huffington Post...just greener.

Treehugger
A company under the Discovery channel umbrella, this site focuses on all things eco. Cannot get enough of treehugger? They now have a mobile app for iPhone!

current Green
A wonderful television network that mainly runs off of the videos of its viewers. Im addicted to the channel and the website is getting a hold of me.

Other honorable mentions in the green web:

EcoPop  Planet Green  About My Planet  Alternative Consumer  Blissfully Domestic  Celsias

Clean Technica  Desmog Blog   Desire to Inspire  Environmental News Network

Environmental Graffiti  Eco Fashion World  Lazy Environmentalist  The Green Guide

The Green Village  The Good Human  The Daily Green  Sustain Our Planet

Sustainablog No Impact Man Greenopia Grist EcoSalon Ecouterre

Philadelphia Green Culture Examiner

2010-05-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

Guess who got that job? Yep, yours truly.
But that doesn't mean I won't still keep this blog. While the Examiner will get all of my local articles, this is the home of all my editorials and opinions. So you wont get a chance to miss me.
Check me out here Philadelphia Green Culture Examiner

Katherine Gajewski...one of my eco heroes

2010-05-19T09:48:00.002-04:00

With the new solar powered recycling/trash compactors spread throughout the city, colorful and beautifully designed recycling trucks, and grants pouring in to the city from various organizations and the United States department of energy, Philadelphia is posed to become one of the top ecofriendly cities in the country.

Our subject humbly refuses to take credit for any of it. Katherine Gajewski, Philadelphia's second director of sustainability, has already helped the city make huge strides in going green since being given the position in July of 2009. Before arriving in Philadelphia, the Wesleyan University graduate worked in land conservation in Vermont and Seattle.

Katherine was the campaign coordinator for the Breathe Free Philadelphia Alliance from 2004-2006, which led the successful grassroots campaign to pass smoke-free legislation in Philadelphia. Katherine then consulted the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in overseeing implementation of the legislation, which not only included business outreach but a public education campaign, resulting in high compliance levels that well exceeding expectations.

“It is a great privilege to take on this challenge at a time when environmental conservation, energy security, and the creation of new jobs and technologies have rightly become national priorities,” Katherine said at her induction ceremony last summer.

“Achieving Philadelphia’s sustainability goals will require a team effort across government, the sustainability advisory board, the business community, outside organizations, and citizens. We have made incredible progress over the last 18 months and I look forward to helping Philadelphia move to the next level as a leader in sustainability.”

For more information on Greenworks Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia’s sustainability goals please visit www.greenworksphila.org.

Copenhagen Wheel

2010-05-17T10:34:00.000-04:00

This past decade, cities have been scratching their heads on how to reduce the amount of vehicle traffic coming in and out. This may be the answer.

The Copenhagen Wheel is a wheel that changes a normal bike into hybrid electric bike that will also function as mobile environmental sensing units using the program digital urban.

This wheel is controlled through an iPhone application which can be used to unlock and lock the bike, shift gears, and even select if and how the motor will assist. Sensors use the data collected about the surroundings such as road conditions, carbon monoxide, noise, and even temperature and relative humidity.

The bike wheel should be ready by 2011 and will cost about $500.

Rock Bands

2010-05-15T07:55:00.000-04:00

They have been popping up on the wrists of everyone from celebrities to former presidents and foreign dignitaries. Created by designer Lee Dahlberg, the aptly named Rock Band is as its site describes this unique piece of jewelry best. "Simply, it is a "rock" on a "band," but deeper then that the stones have healing properties; it's a little science, a little folklore and a little spirituality."

Basic in it's design, but powerful and effortlessly cool in it's meaning, the piece can be made using 5 different types of bands and 35 different types of stone. It's simplicity and spirituality is what makes the piece so appealing.

Every piece is one-of-a-kind and handmade using leather and various and fixtures. Stones are hand carved and polished and suited for personal style and are said to benefit the mind and body using the natural properties of the stones. Also featured on the site are "roadies" and "groupies" as well as other cool accessories.
For more info, check out http://www.leatherrockbands.com/

Grid Magazine

2010-05-12T22:29:00.001-04:00

Walk past any center city store and you will see it sitting in a stack on a window ledge or close to the checkout counter or in the trademark upcycled record box like a banner, proclaiming the stores sustainable intent. After 15 issues, Grid Magazine has become Philadelphia's preferred reading for those who are green inclined.

The free magazine is published by Red Flag Media, well known publisher of out of the mainstream cool magazines. Grid is no different. The monthly publication often features stories of the off beat, under the radar, and very much off the grid. Each story and event printed is exclusively about sustainable Philadelphia, two of your humble blogger's favorite subjects.

Too Easy Being Green

2010-05-10T17:25:00.004-04:00

Honesty time, most of us want to go green, but we aren't ready to begin composting (as great as it may be...the worms in our houses kind of freak us out...sue us.)

As I have said before, and will keep insisting, if we all made a few small changes, it would have a huge impact. Here are the top easiest and most economical ways you can do THIS WEEK that would make your life greener.

1. Re-freakin-cycle
I know 2 year olds who know to separate their juice boxes from their handisnack pack when its time to recycle in preschool. It may seem cumbersome at first, but after a few days, you will be so into the rhythm that it won't even take a 2nd thought.

2. Carry a reusable bag
For any eco geek who lives in an urban area, we know too well the frustration of seeing what our friends at Ecosalon call the "urban tumbleweed", the random drifting plastic bag that if the former owner had been carrying a reusable tote, would not be blowing past us.

3. Switch to CFLs
The compact fluorescent light bulb, or the CFL, uses 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts about 10 times longer. One CFL will save you close to $30 over its lifetime, pays for itself in about 6 months, and its only a light bulb.

4. Eat less meat
I am a proud carnivore. I love all different types of meat and will eat a cheeseburger in a sec! However when you look at the environmental toll it takes to raise the cow that makes my burger...makes me not want to eat it every night.

5. Kill the energy hog
Its more that just turning off the lights when you leave the room, which saves energy and you money simultaneously. Keeping your electronics plugged into a power strip make it easy and simple to flick the switch and shut off your electronics when you leave your home.

6. Pack a lunch
Saves you money, uses up left overs, and doesn't create the unnecessary trash amassed with take out.

7. Buy what you need
This is particularly hard for a recovering shopaholic like me (well, maybe not recovering) But by purchasing only what you need, whether its a new sweater or extra apples on sale, you eliminate the potential for creating excess waste later. Thinking ahead is so very green.

8. Wash in cold
Not talking about showers, guys...we all know I love a hot one. Talking about washing clothes. It takes significantly more energy to wash clothes in warm water than cold water.

9. Buy stuff with less packaging
Excess packaging equals excess trash, and trash is so not green. Look for products with limited amounts of packaging.

10. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth
There really is no point on having the water on while brushing your teeth. Its just a flat out waste.

See, told you. Most of these you probably already knew and currently do. Its too easy to be green.

Its only a light bulb?

2010-05-10T10:40:00.001-04:00

By now, they have already invaded your home. Intricately curly white glass sits like abstract art atop a plastic and metal base. You carefully remove it from its packaging and, admit it, you are a skeptic. I mean, come on, its only a light bulb. How can it possibly do all of the things people says it does? If it was any smarter, it would file your taxes for you.

Believe it. Research has shown that a compact fluorescent light bulb, or the CFL, uses 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts about 10 times longer. One CFL will save you close to $30 over its lifetime, pays for itself in about 6 months, and its only a light bulb. Now hand it a pen and your tax forms...

As one of the symbols of the new sustainability movement, the CFL proves that being concerned about the planet is more than simply living in a commune making your own clothes from leaf scraps and tree bark. The new green movement is modern, trying to use the technologies we have been blessed with and making them better. Its not only efficient, effective, but its also sleek in design.

Its true what green combatants say, the eco-geeks are out there. We are amassing a huge army. We are in your schools teaching your kids how to recycle. We are in your supermarkets, making all your favorite products more environmentally friendly, while handing you some of the coolest reusable bags you ever saw. We are on your TV teaching you how to save money while you save the planet. Oh yes, be afraid. We are making your life easier, less cluttered, more efficient, and letting you look so cool while you do it...and it all starts with your light bulbs.

Green+Fashion=WIN

2010-05-09T16:10:00.001-04:00

Despite the prevalence of the green movement, its still pretty difficult for a girl who cares about not only where her clothes came from, but how they were made, to find frocks that are both fashionable and sustainable. Too often do the sufferings of the poor, the disenfranchised, and the planet go unnoticed for the sake of a garment. This creates the ethical dilemma on whether to be fair in the outdated or look fabulous in something that could have possibly been made unethically.

These sites are a few of my favorites that make it easy for me to be eco-chic. Check them out.

Ecouterre is a website dedicated to not only dispelling the myths that a "green girl" lives a totally unfashionable life in a cave, but holding those in the garment industry accountable.
These talented writers encourage and promote those in the fashion industry who are looking beyond the trend of "green" to the essence of sustainability, making them green winners in their own right. Take a bow!
http://www.ecouterre.com/

Boho Magazine is a monthly that focuses on the girl who cares about people and the planet... and looking amazing in sustainable fashion while saving the world. Also promoted are local shops and boutiques in your area that specialize in the handmade, the sustainable, or the vintage.
http://bohomag.com/index.html

EcoSalon is a fun and random site that literally posts about anything green... and I do mean anything. Though fashion and beauty is their focus, there are informative (and often hilarious) articles and musings on everything from literature to music to "Free Haircuts for the Unemployed" and "Things That Will Probably Kill You"... seriously didn't make up that last one.
http://www.ecosalon.com/

Hello World!

2010-05-09T14:34:00.000-04:00

Hi World...

ok thats a bit redundant since that is the title of the blog, but since this is my first post and I figured I would greet you cheerfully.

So, obviously this blog will be about going green. Sustainability is literally everywhere these days, with almost every aspect of our lives supposedly becoming more eco-friendly.

However, beware of those who only hop on the trend to make money and don't really care for the earth, the green-washers (yes, such organizations exist, tragically). This blog will also help you to separate who is a Green-winner from a Green-washer.

I would love to hear from you on what you think. Let me know how I am doing, what could be better or worse, if you have your own green-winner or want to report a green-washer, feel free!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Peace and Blessings!

Whit