In June 2026, Philadelphia’s current solid waste and recycling contracts are set to end, and a coalition of policymakers, industry professionals and advocates hope to use the contract expiration as a lever to fundamentally shift the City’s waste management practices toward circular approaches that include reuse, recycling, repair and composting — while addressing environmental justice
MoreInquiries into the Nature of Slow Moneyby Woody TaschChelsea Green Publishing; $21.95
Our world economy revolves around capitalism and is in a state of constant expansion. Having doubled two times since 1960, it is expected to quadruple again by the middle of this century. Many fear a collision between profit and growth and the welfare of
Two organizations ready to rid you of your Commodore 64by Samantha Wittchen
Let’s be honest. Did you purchase a Gateway 2000 back in 1991 because you simply couldn’t resist those Holstein cow spots on the packaging? And now where is it? If you’re like many Americans, it’s probably waiting for a better home in a corner
If you’ve never made a halloween costume before, don’t feel intimidated. This project can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Before beginning, you’ll need to gather supplies, but luckily, this costume can be made almost exclusively using household items.
MoreA maverick CEO makes the case for sustainabilityby Alex Mulcahy
In 1994, Ray Anderson, the CEO of an industrial carpet manufacturing company, faced a task he dreaded: delivering a speech to his workers about his company’s environmental policy. The problem was that his company, Interface Inc., didn’t have an environmental policy. They weren’t breaking any laws;
My dad made a robot costume for me when I was in first grade. I waited until the last minute to make my choice known, leaving him precious little time to convert found paper rolls, cardboard boxes and tinfoil into a robot. Despite my dad’s industriousness, the costume had some engineering flaws.
MoreConscious consumers are spending wisely, and don't compromise on qualityby Stephanie SingerThe quest began two months before my sister’s wedding. I wanted to buy her the perfect gift, but unfortunately I was in a personal recession, between jobs and with shrinking funds. I decided to try my luck finding something used. Every weekend I scavenged
Moreby Samantha WittchenPhiladelphians have been conditioned to prepare for a typical hot and humid summer. Windows are filled with those ubiquitous boxes that crank out cold salvation for us city dwellers. Perhaps this is the year you decided to upgrade your old energy-sucking air conditioner to a newer, Energy Star-rated unit. According to their website
MoreThe economy should be funby Paul Glover
Philadelphia’s greenest dreams can come true, with enough money. Parks and yards can overflow with fresh healthy food; our neighborhoods can become as beautiful as our kids’ smiles; each of us can be proudly employed rebuilding our city; every home can be secure.
How to recycle your TVby Samantha WittchenMy television is older than I am. When I was younger, my best friend called it “The TV From Outer Space” because it has that mid ’70s space-age look. My sister, who lives with me, hates the thing. So, when the digital television transition became imminent, she was all
MoreHow to recycle light bulbsby Samantha WittchenWith energy costs rising, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can save us money. It’ll soon be the law, too; beginning in 2012, incandescent bulbs will be banned by Congress. Whether you’re replacing your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs individually as they burn out or in one fell
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