Free Trees for Philly!!

Need some shade from the hot summer sun?  The best solution is usually as simple as planting a tree in your yard, and now you can get one for FREE!  This fall, TreePhilly, in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo, will give away 1500 trees to Philadelphia residents! They’ll provide the tree, […]

Green Solutions for Stormwater Management and Drainage Problems

After receiving record-setting rainfall in many areas of the United States last week, and seeing raging creeks and rivers, the eroded streambanks and many flooded areas, it’s clear that home and business owners need to do something to help manage stormwater on their properties.  The rain water that runs off impervious paved surfaces, and even […]

The Right Landscaping Can Lower Your Energy Bills!

While most houses are not passive solar homes (designed and oriented so as to capture the sun’s warmth in winter and keep the house cool and comfortable in summer), there are some easy things we can do with our landscaping to compensate for this that will lower our utility bills. The upcoming fall season is […]

Win a Free Folding Bike!

Make urban living easier by using pedal power instead of gas-guzzling vehicles to get around.  It’s more convenient, cheaper and better for the environment.  Plus, storing and transporting your bike is now more manageable with a light-weight folding bike. Here’s your chance to win a free full-size folding bike by Montague!  For more information and […]

Work Out at Your Local Park for Free!

The Trust for Public Land has installed outdoor fitness equipment at numerous parks across the country, with many more in the works.  These “fitness zones” provide free access to gym equipment that anyone, from athletes to the elderly, is welcome to use.  Some zones even comply with ADA standards (American with Disabilities Act). Many fitness […]

Surprising Things to Compost

You may have heard the term “black gold,” which refers to a nutrient-rich soil mixture resulting from composting.  If you’re looking for the perfect organic medium to grow flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs and grass in, composting provides the ideal solution.  Plus, you’ll reduce the amount of trash you’re sending to the landfill, and it’s free […]

Light up the Night with Solar Lighting

Ahhh, the power of the sun… Nothing beats setting a path a glow without using electricity, which means easy installation and no wires to deal! Today’s solar lights typically use LEDs, or light emitting diodes, which are very long lasting, durable and safe (no mercury and they don’t heat up much).  A small photovoltaic panel […]

Inexpensive Way to Heat Your Pool!

Aaahhh, the power of the sun! An industrious homeowner recently posted his work on a do-it-yourself project to heat his pool.  Basically, he mounted a regular garden hose to a 4×8′ sheet of plywood, painted it all matte black and wrapped it in bubblewrap.  It sits in the sun and heats up while a cheap […]

Improve the Efficiency of Radiators

If you’re lucky enough to have hot water radiators, the most comfortable and least allergen-producing heating system, you may be wondering how to increase their efficiency this winter.  Here are some tips to help save money on your heating bills:

Warm up Your Home with these Green Winter Tips, Part I

Want to create a cozy retreat for those cold, wintry days and nights?  There are many things you can do to make your home feel warmer, improve its efficiency and lower energy bills.  In this post I’ll focus on ideas for drafty windows and doors.

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