tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29428793181812673482012-01-29T20:43:12.969-08:00Msphillyorganic describes living green in a large urban setting, Philadelphia, PA, and focuses on affordable actions to save the planet. Msphillyorganic is Marilyn Bess, a freelance writer, researcher, and blogger. Her interests include environmentalism, organics, fitness, cycling, art, poetry, and more. Marilyn founded Hinge Online, a Philadelphia arts journal (now defunct). She writes on Ehow as Lita Rider. Marilyn has 13 years' experience in editing, writing, and research.Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.comBlogger511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-16030581336712600582012-01-29T20:42:00.000-08:002012-01-29T20:43:12.982-08:00

Maybe it’s nostalgia for the early hominid lifestyle, but recent years gave us the paleo diet and now we’re seeing the rise of “primal fitness.” Primal fitness is outdoor exercise involving jumping, running, and lifting natural objects like logs and stones. Practitioners tout it as a whole movement approach (as opposed to training one muscle or muscle group with one movement) with the added

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-12194992878353751982011-01-25T11:38:00.000-08:002011-01-25T11:48:20.878-08:00

You come home from work (if you're lucky in this economy) only to find your rail, steps, and sidewalk covered with fliers, circulars, and advertisements. You spend 10 minutes picking it up and putting it int your recycle bin, fuming the whole time because of the trees and energy wasted printing, distributing, and recycling unwanted matter. It will happen again at least once this week.Put a stop

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-70297491516843703892010-11-15T10:18:00.000-08:002010-11-15T10:29:47.745-08:00

A project of Keep America Beautiful, America Recycles Day is the nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling in the U.S. Since 1997, Americans have celebrated America Recycles Day on Novovember 15. Learn more about the program and how to participate.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-22364753497833137982010-08-21T13:27:00.000-07:002010-11-15T10:43:56.961-08:00

The Green Revolution retrofits Spin bikes to generate electricity that feeds back into a club's power system, reducing the club's reliance on the grid and reducing the carbon footprint of the club. The Green Revolution is a suburban Philadelphia company. It is also a start-up.The Green Revolution has been submitted to the GE Ecoimgaination Challenge. If the Challenge generates enough interest, GE

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-24657490551763907782010-08-03T11:09:00.001-07:002010-08-03T11:19:40.409-07:00

Officially you can stop peering at the underside of your plastics now. Starting August 1, the city opened curbside recycling to all plastics, from old standby #1 PETE to the new amalgamated #7. No longer do you need to organize special collections or to feel guilt and shame when you purchase yogurt. Chuck it all into your mixed stream recycle bin and get on with living. (PS: always reduce what

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-76955258996154250862010-07-31T20:22:00.001-07:002010-07-31T20:39:14.372-07:00

What's the latest service at the salons? A Brazilian blow out uses leave-in conditioner and a blow dryer to straighten your hair. Allegedly the results last longer and are *ahem* more permanent. This is achieved by using formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Yes, the same preservative that soaked the frogs you dissected in high school...applied to your head.The cheaper less toxic solution? Break out

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-19620024350204803382010-06-24T12:35:00.000-07:002010-06-24T13:05:31.543-07:00

Two day countdown 'til you can dump your hazardous waste without creating three-eyed fish! This Saturday, June 26, is the next household hazardous waste collection. Simply take your hazardous waste (list of materials accepted) to Domino Lane and Umbria Street between 9 AM and 3 PM.Unsure if you have anything to contribute? You do. Common household items like batteries, paint, antifreeze,

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-53304495643899565592009-09-30T13:57:00.000-07:002009-09-30T14:29:43.348-07:00

We've just had our crawl space and basement (cellar, if you're not fancy) treated with foam spray. The foam spray should retain heat and cut our energy usage while reducing our energy bills and delivering a tax credit.The process did not take long. The contractors showed at about 8 AM as expected. At 11 AM, I asked if they minded if I took the dog for a walk around the block. They replied that

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-70441584756242292242009-08-24T11:05:00.000-07:002009-08-24T12:37:39.936-07:00

What's your annual carbon dioxide emission? You can find out at Erase Your Trace, a new tool from the City of Philadelphia. Erase Your Trace is a carbon calculator that estimates carbon dioxide usage by asking questions about your habits and behavior.Whatever your usage is, Erase Your Trace aims to nullify it while increasing tree coverage. The project uses the CarbonPlus Calculator, developed by

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-66245650049277902612009-07-27T12:30:00.000-07:002009-07-27T12:32:50.992-07:00

Carrotmobs, similar to flashmobs but completely different from protests and boycotts, are coming to Philadelphia. What is a Carrotmob? Carrotmobs encourage business to implement more environmentally sound policies by directing customers and sales to the business during a targeted time. The aim is to show the strength of green movement and to show how much money we have to spend, thereby

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-62604290879600127912009-07-15T08:55:00.000-07:002009-07-15T09:50:53.567-07:00

Single stream recycling has increased Philadelphia's recycling rates by 46%. Our beautiful recycling trucks have collected 75,060 tons of household waste between June 2008 and June 2009. Philadelphians now recycle approximately 12.4% of their household garbage.While this is exciting news, it's still too low. It's below the national average and is significantly lower than the 25% target rate

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-70622345573345774922009-07-14T11:54:00.000-07:002009-07-14T12:07:40.002-07:00

After I heard rumors that in some US climates, gardeners can plant potatoes in the fall, Ms. Philly Organic decided to try. We dug a nice deep row and planted potatoes, each one separated by the length of Mr. Philly Organic's foot. Underneath the potatoes, we left a little leaf litter to create warmth for the spuds, then we immediately hilled them.The idea is that the potatoes will begin to

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-21544683889476637122009-06-23T07:50:00.000-07:002009-06-23T07:51:11.175-07:00

Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers needs 5 to 10 volunteers this Sunday, June 28 from 10 AM to noon. Remove invasive plants, plant trees and shrubs, rescue trees from vines, and perform trail maintenance in Wissahickon Park. All tools, gloves, and supplies are provided.Contact Project Leader, Ron Ayres, at 215-653-0421 (h) or 215-483-4348 (c) for more information or to sign up.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-77677127639572761432009-06-17T21:12:00.000-07:002009-06-17T18:21:03.396-07:00

Recently Mr. Philly Organic and I had a slight plumbing problem: A small clog caused a slight back up into our utility sink. Gross!We avoided using any harsh chemical clog dissolvers. This is especially important when a plumber might snake your lines because splash back could burn his face or hands.We tried to reduce the clog with a technique that keeps our pipes clean and removed clogs in the

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-47990720379933655402009-06-08T11:17:00.000-07:002009-06-08T14:01:59.572-07:00

What do the Sierra Club, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and New York Governer David Patterson have in common? They all believe that the Waxman-Markey Climate bill, referred to as "the most ambitious energy and global warming legislation ever debated in Congress" by the New York Times, is inadequate.The Washington Post notes that "Democrats turned to a coalition of business and environmental

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-36486431102693661882009-05-04T18:14:00.001-07:002009-05-05T13:15:29.983-07:00

If this doesn't make you want to recycle, nothing will. On Earth Day, Philadelphia launched 10 new trucks covered in art. The design is the handiwork of Desiree Bender, who worked with students at rec centers. The project was a joint effort between the Streets Department, the Design Center at Philadelphia University and the Mural Arts Project. The trucks are intended to draw attention and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-26909554363900476132009-04-22T12:43:00.000-07:002009-04-22T09:45:39.475-07:00

Find a Composter locates nearby composting facilities. The Pennsylvania search yields results in suburban Philadelphia, a state corrections facility, and a few others. Philly, represent! Area composters can add themselves to the site's database. Why turn down free advertising? Get on the list.The Resources page includes links to non-governmental and governmental agencies and initiatives that

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-638598393903642592009-04-13T08:34:00.000-07:002009-04-13T08:49:17.176-07:00

Josh Dorfman, author of The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget will discuss and sign his book, The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget: Save Money. Save Time. Save the Planet. In The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget, Josh Dorfman takes you inside the latest developments in green living to demonstrate how you can easily and affordably save your planet. From raising eco-conscious kids to greening

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-15786687120011191652009-04-06T12:20:00.000-07:002009-04-06T12:23:13.780-07:00

During the past 28 years more than 50,000 people have celebrated Earth Day by participating in the Clean Air Council's 5K Run for Clean Air. The 5k run is the largest Earth Day celebration of its kind in the Greater Philadelphia area. Set on a beautiful spring morning, the Run brings out more than 3000 people to celebrate Philadelphia-area communities, clean air, and healthy living.The run takes

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-65128353350211333312009-04-06T09:28:00.000-07:002009-04-06T09:54:47.112-07:00

Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is offering two free lectures at the Chestnut Hill Library this spring. The lectures are about reducing global warming and the disconnection between children and nature.On April 29, Janet Milkman will present No Child Left Inside. "Children spend less time outdoors now than in any time in history," says Milkman, "a trend could have serious implications for

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-25460500806388602312009-03-24T08:40:00.000-07:002009-03-24T09:26:44.988-07:00

For a while, some kindly neighbors arranged supplemental plastics recycling and collected plastics that are not part of the city's curbside collection. With much relief I began to collect plastic numbered 3, 4, 5, and up. The first Saturday collection arrived and I rose early and walked to a nearby park with a bag of plastics.I went home and continued to collect plastics and waited for an

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-73021772900840847832009-03-19T16:18:00.000-07:002009-03-19T19:50:11.063-07:00

Looking for an eco-friendly bookstore? "Believing that education and access to books are basic human rights," Better World Books sells new and used books. They also collect books through book drives. They sell the collected books and use the profit to fund literacy programs around the world, including in the United States. No books are simply tossed. They are either resold, donated, or recyled.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-7370599379075127912009-03-06T07:13:00.000-08:002009-03-12T08:40:50.667-07:00

Most gyms and fitness equipment are far from ecologically sound. Television units on ellipticals play whether or not the elliptical is in use. Power usage for the ellipticals and treadmills are huge. Shoes and equipment are made from petroleum, plastic, and other synthetic compounds. New products with biodegradable and that have more natural sources are arriving.Sneakers have a large

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-16633749467789604692009-03-03T09:44:00.000-08:002009-03-03T11:20:20.098-08:00

Take a minute to look around your house. Where are your heat sources? The fast majority of radiators and heat vents are placed less than optimally for efficiency. Radiators are often placed below windows. Hot air vents are usually placed in the ceiling and baseboards run along external walls. This means that a lot of valuable heat rises up to the ceiling or slowly passes out of our walls and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-33316039915737721772009-02-15T12:23:00.000-08:002009-02-15T13:45:40.392-08:00

Remember all that snow a week and a half ago? It was such a beautiful occurrence in Philadelphia that I kept my curtains opened so I could gaze out at the winter landscape while I worked. Part-way through the day, I realized that the study was much chillier than usual. I literally paid for my beautiful view because heat was escaping through our windows. Curtains reduce energy usage, regardless of

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-9420556940061755282009-02-10T09:30:00.000-08:002009-02-25T10:30:16.470-08:00

The Worldwatch Institute has posted 10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green. Desperate economic times don't require you to sacrifice your environmental living. Living green should support your economic goals!http://www.worldwatch.org/resources/go_green_save_green

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-39131542359371110472009-02-04T07:56:00.000-08:002009-02-04T09:12:26.096-08:00

Silver tarnishes fast. Silver in August in Philadelphia is not pretty as it quickly builds up tarnish in a matter of days. Even in January the necklace that I wear daily tarnishes quickly. While a simple hand polish is green and cheap, it requires frequent polishing and the tarnish may still defeat your efforts. That's a time commitment and there are three easier, faster methods that are safe to

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-37569702382473651032009-01-23T07:25:00.001-08:002009-01-23T07:26:30.750-08:00

"Tree death rates have more than doubled over the last few decades in old-growth forests across the Western United States," said U.S. Geological Survey scientist Phillip van Mantgem, coauthor of a paper published in today's issue of the journal Science and released Thursday. Read the full story in the L.A. Times. Take a class about tree care or volunteer to help trees.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-69160390561222243572009-01-18T17:48:00.000-08:002009-01-18T17:53:20.173-08:00

Energy prices, especially in Philadelphia, are high and our coldest weather has arrived. A friend of Mr. Philly Organic said her gas bill was $350 this month. Our own gas bill was a hundred bucks less, although our house is older and larger. Mr. Philly Organic often gets frustrated with our 102-year-old house. It requires a lot of attention, love, and money. He has spent a lot of time

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-44222686639613626842009-01-09T21:20:00.000-08:002009-01-11T19:15:20.408-08:00

February 17, 2009, is when television broadcasts transition to digital. You don't have to throw away your television! One option is to buy a converter box. Buying a converter box is probably the more economic and sustainable choice but if you chose to buy a new television, please recycle your old set!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-30007676816811637632009-01-09T06:32:00.001-08:002009-01-09T06:38:14.874-08:00

No more blue and green weeks! City-wide weekly curbside pick-up started this week. So long biweekly pick-up and hello increased participation and smaller piles of recyclables. Now get those buckets filled!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-27323306895595635902009-01-04T17:14:00.000-08:002009-01-04T18:12:26.916-08:00

Msphillyorganic just applied a little shea butter with ginger from Juju Salon. It's a small sample after the pedicure I had on Friday and it's much needed after today's housework. Housework...it's filthy. House cleaning products are filled with chemicals that are dangerous for humans and pets and horrible for the environment. There are alternative products but how many of them are actually safe

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-61417762249584811142008-12-31T14:30:00.000-08:002008-12-31T15:43:30.282-08:00

Ms. Philly Organic is not usually one for New Years' Resolutions. Successful change is usually a long-term process that requires dedication and planning. These skills are normally impaired around December 31. In the spirit of becoming more green, however, Ms. Philly Organic has a resolution this year: switching to more electronic billing and payments.According to Greenbiz.com, a household

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-87840620471639184142008-12-14T17:48:00.000-08:002008-12-14T19:18:21.648-08:00

Last year we bought a potted tree from an inexpensive, organic chain store. It was very small and didn't grow much by Christmas, which was fine for the grinchy adults of our household but not acceptable to the younger population of our home. It died shortly after Christmas.This year we found The Cardboard Christmas Tree. The Cardboard Christmas tree is made from recycled corrugated cardboard and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-84627579776331899812008-12-07T16:44:00.000-08:002008-12-07T17:12:37.677-08:00

Nail salons are frightening. Caustic odors from polish, removers, and acrylic nails linger. In open door weather, noxious smells leak out to the street. I fear for the health of the women (and it is almost entirely women who work in these salons), especially those who wear ineffectual filter masks.The FDA does not regulate cosmetics. Nor does any other agency. Cosmetics often include carcinogens,

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-80665087996492823662008-11-28T16:41:00.000-08:002008-11-28T17:18:36.622-08:00

There is a lot of misinformation regarding chopsticks. They are not all made from bamboo. They are no longer made solely from scrap wood. Most chop sticks are made from birch and poplar trees. Razing "fast growing forests" of birch and poplar trees has ecological impact because these types of forests are an early step in the reforestation process.China produces approximately 63 billion pair

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-82774421998792608102008-11-21T19:02:00.000-08:002008-11-21T19:21:57.806-08:00

What is Toxtour? Many electronics recyclers don’t actually recycle a single thing. Many electronics end up overseas, dumped wholly intact into a landfill or an incinerator, leaking heavy metals and toxic chemicals into the soil and the water. Even if you just leave your old electronics in the attic or a closet, they will still leak toxic chemicals into your home.Chris Swain, an environmental

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-67000304840278757392008-11-20T18:38:00.000-08:002008-11-20T18:59:39.865-08:00

Loofah works well on your pots too! It's tough, made from a gourd (so it's biodegradable), and gentle enough for non-stick surfaces. While loofah scrub pads are available commercially, it's more economical to make your own by simply slicing off the top of a loofah scrubber from the grocery store or drug store.Read more at http://www.ehow.com/how_4611203_pots-pans-environmentally-friendly-way.html

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-32476001983991342632008-11-18T17:20:00.001-08:002008-12-12T07:04:36.691-08:00

The most green diet includes lots of organic, local food. How do you do that in the fifth largest city? MsPhillyOrganic fully intends to explore "really local food" in many posts and acknowledges that eating green will require ongoing discussion. It is possible to eat more local food without destroying your budget (if it is still intact).Locavores eat food grown within 100 miles of their home.

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-42270802558872242392008-11-18T11:19:00.000-08:002008-11-18T13:24:37.889-08:00

The Recycle Bank produced an informative, digestable video series that covers the single stream recycling process from your curbside pick up to new products. It includes a few small facts concerning how quickly aluminum soda cans can return to the grocery shelf and water amounts used to manufacture a water bottle...before it's filled. Watch and learn!

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-44580325317441983832008-11-14T20:00:00.000-08:002008-11-14T20:09:06.209-08:00

This is a late notice but tomorrow you can recycle plastics labeled from 3 to 7. On November 15th between 8 and 9 AM, volunteers will collect plastics numbered three through seven. Plastics with these numbers are typically yogurt and take out containers. Containers must be rinsed out. To contribute your plastics. go to Lanoce Park (on Rochelle between Kalos and Osborne). Volunteers to assist

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-84640657067660411322008-11-06T10:42:00.000-08:002008-11-09T13:03:05.566-08:00

Citizens Bank now offers the Green$ense program, which earns account owners 10 cents per transaction without paper, to a maximum of $120 per year. Paperless transactions include using your debit card, online bill payment, and automatic payments (like your gym membership). Citizens deposits your green rewards monthly and sends an email notification that includes green living tips.The debit card

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-22071510540849463202008-11-02T16:19:00.000-08:002008-11-02T19:05:23.556-08:00

On Tuesday, Philadelphians decide a ballot questions concerning the merger of the Department of Parks with the Department of Recreation. The merger would end the Fairmount Park Commission, replacing it with a commissioner who is appointed by the mayor and who reports to the mayor. There would also be a new commssion that would be advisory only and would lack any authority.The appointment of

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-9968381903058188382008-10-21T15:49:00.000-07:002008-12-01T19:25:29.004-08:00

This final wrap up returns to what many people consider the most difficult topic: plastics. Sadly too many people say, "I'll throw it all in the bin and hope for the best." Yet plastics are simple.Most plastics are marked, permitting easy identification. A small triangle with a numeral inside appears on the bottom or other inconspicuous part of the container. If a 1 or 2 is inside the triangle,

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-3614996419186708682008-10-21T15:37:00.000-07:002008-10-29T15:20:36.900-07:00

Today we explore the easy recycling categories: metal, glass, and cardboard. Of the three, the source sof least confusion seems to be metal and glass. Jars and bottles of green, brown, and clear glass are recyclable. Acceptable metal recyclables include tin and aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans, and empty paint cans. The cans can be mixed metals (bimetal cans). As noted previously, tin and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-25209148354027428862008-10-21T14:46:00.000-07:002008-10-21T15:36:13.425-07:00

Mixed paper is a main source of confusion. According to the city web site, mixed paper includes "newspaper, magazines, mail, phone books, food boxes and more." Apparently "more" includes catalogs, junk mail, advertising inserts, telephone books, food boxes (like cereal and cracker boxes), computer paper, fliers, and soda cartons. Does this sound like any and all paper? Yes but according to

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-87520136144912954192008-10-17T20:27:00.001-07:002008-10-17T20:46:04.167-07:00

Many people use shrink wrap plastic kits to weatherize their windows each fall and winter. In the spring, they rip down the plastic and throw it in the trash. With Plexiglas, you can make reusable shields to weatherize your windows. As an added bonus, this will save even more energy and keep more warmth in your home! Instructions on making your own custom storm windows with easy steps and

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-65567705027651109102008-10-11T14:10:00.000-07:002008-10-21T15:35:38.243-07:00

In 1987, Philadelphia became the first large city to pass a recycling law. Although that law made recycling mandatory, 93% of Philadelphia’s waste still goes to landfills. In fact, Philadelphia’s recycling efforts have waxed and waned many times over the years, with an initial program that served only 1/3 of the city, cuts from weekly to biweekly recycling pick-up, and restrictions on

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-40155298054985778172008-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:002008-09-30T13:47:10.054-07:00

I'm not sure if I will make this Saturday but it would make a good complement to last week's weed pulling. If you need volunteer opportunities, check out the Greater Philadelphia Cares web site. View environmental projects directly.Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers needs 5 to 10 volunteers on Saturday October 4, 2008. The work sessions are around Roxborough and Mount Airy and usually occur

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-41534007031194228042008-09-28T15:41:00.001-07:002008-09-28T19:35:19.756-07:00

This weekend Mr. Philly Organic and I weeded a soil area between the street and the retaining wall at the edge of our property. We don't think of the area as anything special, just a collection spot for dog waste, stoners, weeds, and some illegal dumping. A couple times a year we clean. We'd like to plant something hardy and low maintenance but some of our neighbors randomly chip in and use weed

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942879318181267348.post-68976268659229577102008-09-19T13:27:00.000-07:002008-09-19T13:31:45.593-07:00

"Going green." It's today's action item as the University of Delaware removes plastic trays from its cafeteria and Septa declares itself green. I've always tried to live in an ecologically aware way, from buying apple shampoo in the early 90s to never owning a car. Sometimes these decisions saved me money but often I chose to spend extra money on a less toxic product. If cost was truly

Marilynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539418018305442046noreply@blogger.com0