Happy Earth Week! UnLitter Us & How to Continue the Success Philly!

Philly’s 3rd Annual Spring Cleanup had its biggest cleanup ever thanks to greenies like you with its UnLitter Us Campaign!

Over 11,000 volunteers worked at 231 official project sites to collect over 1.3 million lbs of trash, 140K lbs of recycling, 50 parks & recreation centers cleaned and 763 neighborhood blocks cleaned!

Incredible numbers, Philly! But how can you keep it up for this Earth week (and always…)

Here’s some suggestions:

Quick Tip: Snail Mail and Receipts – Just say No

When it comes to saving paper … here’s an oldie but a goodie .

Say ‘no thanks’ to receipts from the ATM,  the coffee shop, cabs, drug stores – anywhere you can! I try to let the salesperson know I don’t need one before they ask – so they can forgo printing all together.

These days most of us are paying bills online. But, what about those catalogues you still receive that you don’t even glance at? Opt-out! Send customer service an email or give them a phone call. Your mailbox will be less cluttered and you’re passing on an important conservation message.

Posted by Beth

Quick Tip – Recycle your old iPod & MAC

Don’t throw out your ipod or MP3 player when it stops working – You can recycle it! Apple’s Recycling Program offers a 10% discount on your next purchase when you bring your old iPod in for recycling. You can also recycle old cell phones, old computer systems and Macs!

If you’re in the market to buy new electronics, Apple also sells refurbished iPods & MACs. Try buying a ‘reincarnated’ one over a new to save some green.

Lessons from Japan

Though I’ve given some negative press to Japan – for the slaughtering of dolphins – I do have great respect for the country. I had the amazing opportunity to spend 10 days in Japan with my Mom and one of my best friends. We explored everywhere from Nakatsu to Hirsohima, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara, Nikko and Beppu.

Of course, I made sure to observe enviro-habits abroad. One of the most interesting things I noticed is how efficient the country is. When the Japanese put out waste, they have to separate their plastics, aluminum, glass, and any other recyclables in separate bags from one ‘burnable’ waste area. If this isn’t done, fines ensue. (With a country so small, it’s risky not to take drastic recycling efforts).

One night I stayed at the Earth Embassy at the base of Mount Fuji. American Jacob Reiner founded this organic farm, education center and restaurant to better the local area – especially with delicious produce. We met five volunteers who stay anywhere from a week to several months – investing their time for the greater good. (I also enjoyed a banana and garlic pizza from the delicious café – don’t knock it until you try it…)

Eco-Lessons that I imported from Japan for you?

Big Belly Solar Trash Cans in Philadelphia!

Huge confession … I’m getting trashy.

Dave Matthews Band: Recycling Bonus

These days when you purchase a new cell phone most companies provide means to recycle or refurbish your old phone.

Just in case you need further incentive – The Dave Mathews Band (whose latest CD, Big Whisky and the Groo Grux King, came out a few weeks back) has partnered with Musictoday and Collective Good to implement a cell phone recycling program with a bonus…

All you have to do

Phillies + Green = Love it!

What a great way to show your Phillies support & eco-love at the same time!

Buy it here:

Quick Tip – Cut back on drinking

Don’t worry, I’m not talking about this weekend. Reduce your soda, juice and other bottled drink intake.

While the bottled water industry hurts the earth, soft beverage and juice bottles also end up in landfills. If you’re addicted to a Nestea or Cherry Coke, use it as a reward or special occasions – You’ll also save empty calories that sneak up on you!

Go Green Expo Debuts in Philadelphia this Weekend

Don’t forget to check out Philadelphia’s first Go Green Expo in Center City Philly this weekend.

Head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Saturday (10am – 6 pm) and Sunday (10am – 5 pm.) Weekend passes are just $10, and FREE to children under 12, Senior Citizens & students with a valid student ID.

You can order your tickets online at Go Green Expo or pay at the door.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a fitting venue for the event.

They’ve taken many environmental initiatives including: low environmental impact cleaning policies, waste reduction/recycling programs, sustainable cutlery, napkins and plates made of 100% decomposable and biodegradable material, restroom paper products made from recycled products & more.

Hope to see you there!

Posted by Beth

Reuse your Running Shoes with Nike, Philadelphia!

With nice temps this weekend & spring around the corner, now is the ideal time to green your workout & pick up an outdoor running habit.  While I’m not a fan of running in the cold, nice weather and longer daylight hours have inspired me to ramp up my fresh air workout routine.

Jogging more mileage means it’s time to buy new running shoes.  What should you do with your old, worn-in pairs?  Check out Nike’s reuse a shoe program.  They’ll convert your old sneaks into what they call “Nike Grind.”  Their recycling facilities process your used shoe by taking rubber from the outsole, foam from the midsole and the fabric fibers and turn it into a fresh pair.  They accept athletic shoes of any brand. (For more details on how the process works go to Nike reuse a shoe)

PS – Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead this Saturday!

Posted by Beth