Environment - Page 28

#180 May 2024/Current Issue/Environment/Urban Nature

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

How well do you know your neighbors? In a city as big as Philadelphia, there are always more folks to meet, but let’s talk about more than just Homo sapiens. Maybe you know your local squirrels. Are they simply entertaining, or do they steal your tomatoes? Perhaps you hear the starlings singing from telephone lines

May 1, 2024

1 min read

#004 May 2009/Environment/Politics

Mo’ Paper Mo’ Problems

Can paperless government work in Philly?by Brian James KirkLong lines and mountains of paperwork await citizens seeking licenses and grants, trying to establish businesses or hoping to renovate their homes. City workers tap away at keyboards full-time, entering the requests into computers. The paperwork is then shipped to storage facilities to gather dust.

May 1, 2009

2 mins read

#003 April 2009/Circular Economy/Environment/Guides/Recycling

Clean Up: Recycling Batteries Safely

Now that Philadelphia has started showing more love to its recycling program, you undoubtedly find yourself thinking, “I know 1s and 2s can go in the blue bucket, but how do I recycle [insert random item]?” Lucky for you, we have the answers, and this month we’ll tell you about batteries.

April 1, 2009

1 min read

#003 April 2009/Environment/gardening/Guides/Water

How-To: Let It Rain

Saving rainwater for your own usesby Will DeanTo comply with federal regulations governing combined storm water and sewage overflow (where lots of rain can wash sewage into local watersheds), the Philadelphia Water Department is trying something new.

April 1, 2009

1 min read

#002 March 2009/Energy/Environment/Politics

Ask Mark

Philadelphia’s Director of Sustainability, Mark Alan Hughes, answers our readers
Q: When I saw you speak at Johnny Brenda’s a few months ago, you mentioned an idea to make Philadelphia government offices more energy-conscious by tracking their usage, setting goals and rewarding conservation efforts. Since that time, Mayor Nutter has announced massive cutbacks and I couldn’t

March 1, 2009

2 mins read

#001 February 2009/Energy/Environment/GridPhilly

The Energy Issue

Philly runs on uncertain energy. It’s hard to imagine, but our electricity actually costs less than it could. Currently, our bills are lowered through rate caps applied by the state. On December 31, 2010, those caps expire, prices are expected to spike and no legislation is in place to protect us.

February 1, 2009

1 min read

#001 February 2009/Energy/Environment/Farming/Food

Waste Not!

Biogas technology will save Philly some serious money
by Matt Jakubowski
Biogas isn’t sexy. There are no sleek silver solar panels, no turbines on a windswept hill. It’s a part of your regular routine, but we’re only beginning to tap into its explosive potential. Biogas generation, the unmentionable alternative, uses methane, a potent greenhouse gas that

February 1, 2009

2 mins read

#001 February 2009/Design/Energy/Environment/GridPhilly

Redesigning the Friends Center

Renovations of the Friends Center, the first facility in Philadelphia to get its heat from deep-standing column wells (six holes drilled between 1,000–15,000 feet into the earth’s core), are nearly two-thirds complete.

February 1, 2009

1 min read

#001 February 2009/Energy/Environment/GridPhilly

Conserving Our Future

Liz Robinson talks about Philly’s energy problems and a different path forward
Liz Robinson has been helping Philadelphia conserve energy since 1979. As Executive Director of the Energy Coordinating Agency, an energy nonprofit that services low-income residents, Liz has worked on the EnergyEfficiency Resource Standard, which instituted early efficiency measures for Philly’s affordable housing. She also

February 1, 2009

3 mins read

#001 February 2009/Circular Economy/Environment/GridPhilly/Water

Simplify: 3 Easy Ways to Live Greener

Fluid Needs
Make your water coolerAt first glance, the office water cooler looks innocuous, especially if you forego the dumpster-bound plastic cup and refill your (Philadelphia Phillies, 2008 World Champions) glass instead. However, there’s one key wasteful component unaccounted for: energy consumption. Yup, those heavy jugs need to be manufactured and then carted around town by

February 1, 2009

1 min read

#001 February 2009/Energy/Environment

Ask Mark

Q: [What is] your vision for residential solar power in Philadelphia’s energy future? Many Philadelphians, like me, have homes with flat roofs that receive plenty of direct sunlight. Is the city considering any programs that would help us tap into that potential power, like California’s “Million Solar Roofs” project?—Tom Schrand, Director of the Environmental Sustainability

February 1, 2009

2 mins read

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