Philadelphia: Update: Green News

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Update: Green News
August 21, 2008
By: Lauren Acquavella
editorial@aroundphilly.com

Kermit can’t say “it’s not easy being green” anymore. While the lovable frog had a point in 1955, nowadays, with businesses and manufacturers jumping on the environmental band wagon like never before, being green is definitely easy. From restaurants to retail stores, everyone is taking part in the phenomenon.

Pita Pit was recently named the first certified green restaurant in Philadelphia. To get approval they eliminated Styrofoam use, started recycling and switched to biodegradable utensils. Joe Coffee Bar is grabbing the “go green” phenomenon by the beans. All of their teas and coffees are fair-traded, shade-grown and organic from small farms around the area.

Chester County’s Whip Tavern is taking many steps to eliminate its carbon footprint. Along with reducing landfill waste by 30 percent through biodegradable silverware, the English pub is making good use of what usually gets tossed in the trash: old fry oil from cooking is used for bio-diesel fuel and all of the restaurant’s food scraps are turned into fertilizer for crops at Green Meadow Farms in Gap, PA.

Eco-friendly real estate is also gaining momentum around town. Northern Liberties is home to the first LEED certified condo Duck Flats. At three stories high, this 25-unit urban estate uses solar energy to shield residents from rising energy costs and has automated technology to improve the quality of indoor air. The new 777 S. Broad Street, another LEED certified building, has amenities galore – ground-level retail space, fitness center, roof deck – and loft-style apartments outfitted with bamboo flooring, eco-friendly paints and energy-efficient appliances.

If you’re not in the market for a new home, learn how to make small changes with big environmental impact at Greenfest Philly 2008 on September 7, 11am – 6pm, at Headhouse Square. Local environmental organizations will be on hand as guests check out a green fashion show and eco-music concert. Area chefs are whipping up sweets for an organic vegan pastry contest using ingredients from within 100 miles of Philadelphia.

Also happening in September is the opening of Mainline Green Home. The name of this mom-and-pop shop tells you everything you need to know about what’s in-store: non-toxic toys, eco-friendly beauty supplies, organic clothing. Besides the organic cork floors, the store is so committed to the cause that 10-percent of its net profit is donated to local charities.