Illustration by James Olstein Running in Circle interview by Heather Shayne Blakeslee For the last few decades, scholar and author Juliet Schor has been studying Americans: the way that we work, play and spend. She’s made her life’s work of understanding the economic and cultural forces that mold us—as well as what makes us happy,
MoreIllustration by Mike L. Perry House of Cards by Logan Welde What if I were to tell you there was a system in Pennsylvania, and in most states, that—in principle—ensures that new buildings are built to the safest-known standards, with the best-known technology to save lives and reduce energy consumption? What if I were to
MoreNo Sweat by William Beisley Jess Edelstein, CEO and co-founder of PiperWai, has a rote but enthusiastic way of discussing her all-natural cream deodorant, which is understandable considering their recent bombardment of interviews. Edelstein, along with co-founder and CFO Sarah Ribner, had four interviews the day before their meetup with Grid, not to mention an
MoreDaily Bread by Anna Herman It is hard to improve upon the fresh bread available from so many excellent local bakeries. But you can come close, and few things are as magical as transforming flour, water and salt into fragrant loaves—so it is worth your time to try. Whether turning out unleavened, hand-rolled flatbreads, or
MoreSweet Potatoes by Peggy Paul Casella They might not be as flashy as other super foods, but sweet potatoes pack a serious nutritional punch, and have impressive concentrations of fiber, potassium and other essential nutrients. Most notably, sweet potatoes are one of the most potent natural sources of beta-carotene and other pigment-related antioxidants, which have
MoreIllustration by James Olstein Buy Nothing, Gain Everything by Susan Corcoran About two years ago, I realized that every time I walked into my apartment I felt anxious and unfulfilled. Things I didn’t use were everywhere. I was always questioning why I had so much when it caused me nothing but stress. I first tried
MoreLetting Go of Sentimental Items by Joshua Fields Millburn My mother died in 2009. She lived a thousand miles away, and it was my responsibility to vacate her apartment in Florida. It was a small, one-bedroom place, but it was packed wall-to-wall with her belongings. Mom had great taste (she could have been an interior
More
Krista Pleger enjoys her clutter-free apartment. A table in the Bella Vista apartment of Susan Corcoran. The shared bathroom space of Art Museum resident Krista Pfleger. Krista’s sink is on the right. Aaron Bitler’s sparse sanctuary. The light-filled, West Philadelphia bedroom of Ayse Unver. Aaron Bitler’s closet of wardrobe essentials. Susan Corcoran’s living room furnishings.
MoreIllustration by Kathleen White Most electronic devices in your home consume very small amounts of energy per day. However, most homes have over 40 electronic devices, many of which are left plugged in and continue to consume energy even when turned off or left in standby mode. Adding together the individually small energy use of
MoreCool It, Philly by Marilyn Anthony If you want to stir things up, ask any group of Philly residents to name the coolest block in the city. They probably won’t know that in 2010, South Philly’s 1200 block of Wolf Street officially took home that title in a contest run by the Energy Coordinating Agency
More