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Update: Green 2015 Unveiled

As we mentioned Monday, yesterday marked the unveiling of the Green 2015 action plan. The Academy of Natural Sciences held a special edition of their Urban Sustainability Forum to introduce the report, written by PennPraxis for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. The focus is on helping the city meet its Greenworks Philadelphia goal of creating 500 new

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Sustainable Spirit: All Things Tree

Regardless of their stance on the “Christmas” vs. “Holiday” Village saga, many Philly residents are purchasing trees for their gift-giving celebrations this year. It’s never too early to start thinking about what to do with your tree once it loses its luster—and becomes a fire hazard. On January 9, the Mt. Airy Business Association and

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From The Editor: Water Works

It’s thrilling to see the Philadelphia Water Department taking aggressive, progressive action to solve the city’s stormwater woes. Faced with a system in crisis, they came up with “Green City, Clean Waters,” a solution that favors rain barrels, grassy sidewalks and tree pits over the construction of yet another massive tunnel. “The hardest thing to

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Big Score: Eagles’ Home Becoming Self-Sufficient

It’s not only the Birds’ offense that’s generating firepower. The Philadelphia Eagles have announced a plan to fuel Lincoln Financial Field with a combination of onsite wind and solar power, augmented by a dual-fuel cogeneration plant, a small onsite power plant run on biodiesel and natural gas that captures its own heat for increased efficiency.

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Power Up: Energy Innovation at the Navy Yard

The U.S. Department of Energy has promised $122 million for a new “Energy Innovation Hub” at the Navy Yard. United Technologies and Penn State University will partner to administer the project. The area will function as a living laboratory for developing, integrating and testing energy-efficient building systems.

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Let’s Make a Deal: Philly Buying Power

The upcoming expiration of PECO’s rate caps on electricity (happening January 1, 2011, in case you forgot) is a mixed bag. On one hand, we can expect PECO’s rates to go up. On the other hand, now that PECO’s rates will no longer be artificially low, suppliers can compete for our business, ending PECO’s longstanding

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Green Living: Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan: Phase II

Input from Philadelphia citizens—through completed surveys and community meetings—played a major role in developing Phase I of Philadelphia’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan (released in October). The plan detailed recommendations and strategies for creating a more pedestrian and bike-friendly Philadelphia.

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Green Living: Energy Tips for Philly Renters

Replace your lightbulbs and leave your lights ON - If you haven’t already taken advantage of PECO’s low-cost CFLs—available at retailers all over the city—get thee to a hardware store! According to EnergyStar.gov, swapping out the energy-guzzling incandescents in your five most frequently used lighting fixtures can net you $65 in annual savings.

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3 mins read

Recycling Challenge: Metal Clothes Hangers

FACT: 3.5 billion metal hangers, the equivalent of 200 million pounds of steel, are used each year by the dry cleaning industry alone.
Problem: Metal (or wire) hangers are the scourge of the recycling industry. In addition to the low percentage of steel reclaimed per hanger, they can catch on recycling equipment and cause jams and

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