Articles Written by Julie Hancher

There's gonna be some changes made... We've been dropping a few hints just like your girlfriend waiting for the ring... After 6 years of publishing online, we've got a website makeover in the works. Although our lips are sealed on the final product, it's coming SO soon. (So don't hold any appearance mishaps against us in the meantime...)  Don't be alarmed if you see this screen late in the evening or over the weekend. We promise, the site will be back soon. Find out more about our redesign & upcoming Big Green Party, after the jump!

You guys totally did it! According to Philly.com, Philadelphia voters approved all 3 ballot questions on the polls yesterday, including the question that made the Mayor's Office of Sustainability permanent. This means the Office will live on for years, even after Mayor Nutter leaves office in Jan 2016 & his green-loving legacy behind. Find out more, after the jump!

Moving neighborhoods in Philly is a BIG deal. Changing the comfort of your go-to coffee shop and favorite 'pub can feel like you're moving across the world. Nic Esposito felt a similar panic moving from West Philadelphia,“kicking and screaming” to Kensington.

Confession here. I've never been much of a soup girl. I mean, not that I was ever opposed. How else can you heal a cold without Chicken Noodle? (Now it's "Chickn" noodle.) Or the occasional Grilled Cheese MUST has Tomato Soup for that gooey, dipping perfection. But beyond that? I didn't want to waste time making soup. But now that I've been getting a CSA for over 3 years and my schedule has NOT slowed down, it's nearly impossible to keep up with all of these damn veggies. But now, I can can saute a few, add water/stock and Voila! I can divide soup into mason jars, stick them in the freezer and pull out a lunch without worrying about BPA or whether it's organic. Because, duh, I made it from farm-fresh, local & organic vegetables. So soup has saved me. Find the recipe for this delicious soup, after the jump:

It's a midterm election year! That means we get to sleep in and skip the polls, eh? Wrong! Although we're not voting for a new Commander-in-Chief, there's plenty to consider in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Namely, WTF will make important decisions about taxes and funding for the keystone state?! Here's a looksy at the November 2014 Philadelphia Ballot for those teacher's pets who want to come all prepared. Let's preview the Philadelphia polls and who the environmental champions (and losers) would be.

What's the point of volunteering unless you get something out of it? (Just kidding.) But seriously, this cleanup gives back to you. Fairmount Fall Cleanup 2014 Find out how to join the Fairmount Civic Association after the jump!

Welp. It's Monday again. Hope you were able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend! We explored the Schuylkill Boardwalk for a run, as you can see from this week's featured photo. Whether you scored a free Uber-X ride pre-sting opp or are still contemplating better names than SEPTA's new Key smart card payment system, it's time to start focusing on the important stuff. Like the week ahead, and how you're going to start locally celebrating Halloween all week. Philly Events: Week of October 27 - 31st:

"Women are damn resilient." One of the first speakers for the PA Conference for Women, Jill Abramson, was referring to her recent firing as The New York Times' executive editor in May 2014. But like Jill, the resiliency and power of women continued as a theme throughout the day. Although women were the focus of the conference, men and women can both discover lessons about how to make a difference in our community, become involved, and help others. Find the Pennsylvania Conference for Women 2014 Recap, after the jump!

Still confused about what goes into the recycling bin (and what stays out)? Friends of GPB & Recycling enthusiasts Michelle Feldman & Phil Bresee shared a few resources and misconceptions over on Young Involved Philly.