May Urban Sustainability Forum at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Join the Academy in workshops and small group discussions about how to make green space more accessible in our city, particularly in traditionally underserved communities.

Partnering with the Mid-Atlantic branch of the EPA, the Academy will conduct forums on perceived safety in open spaces as well as beautification’s impact on cultural preservation. The evening Urban Sustainability Forums offer an open conversation on the transformation of public space to best serve our communities.

WHERE: The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 6:00 PM-8:30 PM

EARTH DAY CHECKLIST

1. STOP THE DROP.A faucet leaking just one drop per second wastes over 1,300 gallons per year! A leak from a hot water source wastes both water and fossil fuel, creating more greenhouse gasses. Most repairs to plumbing fixtures pay for themselves within just a year. Fix it!

2. CLEAN AND GREEN Cleaning products that contain chlorine or petroleum distillates expose your family to toxins and then end up in the ecosystem. Choose nontoxic, naturally derived cleaning products, which are proven effective but won’t cause long term damage to the Earth.

3. DUPLEX IS BEST  Every year, pulp mills release over one trillion gallons of chlorine-tainted water as part of the paper making process. Using the other side of the paper can cut that pollution almost in half! And choose recycled paper—especially processed-chlorine-free recycled paper.

4. GREEN YOUR CAR  Americans waste over 700 million gallons of gasoline each year just because tires aren’t properly inflated. Millions more are wasted because our vehicles aren’t properly tuned up. Keep your machine running green and ou’ll save money and reduce emissions!

5. MEAT OUT  Once a week, plan a meat alternative for dinner. Enjoy pasta with a marinara or Alfredo sauce, meatless chili burritos, or even grilled veggie burgers! Reducing meat consumption conserves fresh water, saves topsoil, and even reduces air pollution!

6. LEAVE IT PARKED  If people in the U.S. would occasionally ride a bike for a short errand instead of driving a car, over 70 million gallons of fuel could be saved each year! And there’s the added benefit of enjoying the fresh air and exercise! For short errands, take a hike!

7. MORE TREES, PLEASE  Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion. It also provides shade that keeps homes and cities cooler!

8. GOT WEED?  Herbicides aren’t the only way to control weeds, and they’re certainly not the most environment-friendly way! Invest in a good pair of gloves and garden tools, and remove weeds by hand. Also, choose natural alternatives to pesticides for getting rid of pests!

9. LIGHTEN UP  There’s a brighter way to light your home: new Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Compared to regular bulbs, CFLs last 10 times longer, use only 1/4 the energy and pro-duce 90% less heat—yet they produce more light per watt! Brighten the future: go CFL!

10. ACT OUT  Reduce, Reuse Recycle: It’s more than just a slogan. Start making the world a ‘greener’ place today: return hangers to the cleaners, donate clothing and computers to charities, pack lunches in reusable containers instead of bags, walk to work, recycle everthing you buy or receive, and hundreds more things that are waiting for you to enact.

Think Outside the Bottle This Earth Day!

Did you know that Philly tap water quality is tested and regulated by law, but bottled water isn't? Find out more startling facts when you come and celebrate Earth Day and National Park Week with Think Outside the Bottle!They'll be sponsoring a Tap Water Challenge in front of the Independence National Historical Park Visitors Center.

Using a blind taste test of both Philly tap and varieties of bottled water, park visitors and passersby can sample both and see if they can tell the difference. 

Think Outside the Bottle want to educate you, the public, about the misleading marketing practices of the bottled water industry and showcase Philly's awesome tap water. Stop by and sample the truth for yourself, learn more about the campaign, and get involved and spread the word!
Date: Friday, April 26, from 2 to4 PM
Location: Independence National Historical Park Visitors Center, 6th and Market Streets
Any questions,contact Elizabeth Kobert, Local Coordinator for the Think Outside the Bottle campaign at (786) 218-7568 or ekobert@sas.upenn.edu

USE YOUR LEGS AGAINST ARMS 2013!

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) Philadelphia will host the 7th Annual Legs Against Arms  Run/Walk/Roll! This event on Sunday, April 28th, 2013 focuses on strengthening our legs while opposing illegal arms and fostering peace in the Philadelphia areaProceeds support PSR Philadelphia's youth violence prevention programs.Come out and show your support in the 5K Race Division | 5K Fun Run/Walk Division | 1K Peace Parade Division.  Children ages 12 and under enter for FREE!

Following the event, stay for  The Town Hall Meeting,  an open forum to discuss the effects of guns and gun violence in our communities.

When: Sunday, April 28th, 2013   7:30am - Race Registration Opens  |  9:00am - Race Start Time
Location: Saint Joseph’s University   |  5600 City Avenue  |  Philadelphia, PA 19131
For registration costs, course route and other innformation, go to the Legs Against Arms website
or RSVP at http://register.bestrace.com/search/event.aspx?id=18266 or email  info@psrphila.org or 215-765-8703. See you there!