Articles Written by Julie Hancher

Animal conservation is more and more important... and seeing exotic  creatures up close doesn't always mean you have to leave city limits. As the Philadelphia Zoo is a must-see on any Philadelphian's list, their sustainability efforts are important too. The Philadelphia Zoo has been around for over 150 years. Back in the day an admission fee of 25 cents would get you a pass to see 1000 animals. Since the 1800s, the zoo has prioritized education and wildlife conservation in its mission. Over 1.2 million visitors annually have green opportunities. Find out more about the Philadelphia Zoo's Sustainability Efforts, after the jump!

Happy Friday, friends! We have a return to our Friday link roundups since there's too much to cover by one little (green philly) blog:

Who knocks Jersey for the spray tans, big hair and GTLs?! There are brand new GREEN bragging rights across the river to one-up us. Camden County installed 7 new FREE electric car stations including locations at the Cooper River Boathouse, county libraries and colleges. According to (find out more, after the jump!)

Consider getting a rain barrel? Not sure of the benefits or how to use it? Rain barrels save water, help storm water run-off and make watering your plants SO much easier. And with the daily monsoons we've been experiencing, there's lots of FREE water falling from the sky to use. But there's more to it, and there's an exhibit where you can find out more right in Philly.

Farmers' Markets are the best part of spring and summer. Yet one of the most bountiful & popular in Center City is Rittenhouse Farmer's Market, which takes place year-round. As Rittenhouse Farmer's Market Manager Ben Bergman explained, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes of the Farmer's Market. After reading Omnivore's Dilemma changed his life, he wanted to get closer to the local food movement. He understands the importance of becoming a locavore tasting each season, explaining, "When you're buying local food, you're connecting yourself to where you live." What will you find at Rittenhouse Farmer's Market? Here's our beginner's guide:

As Alex mentioned about his green Bonnaroo experience, the ultimate camping & music festival mecca has it all figured out. As a contrast, I experienced Firefly Festival as a first time participant for both Dover Delaware and any camping festival. Although Firefly marketed itself as green, I was wary of their claims. Here’s how Firefly Festival can learn from Bonnaroo and (hopefully) improve for 2014:

This week marked a special landmark: 5 years of Green Philly Blog. We also realized that our 5 year anniversary is the SAME anniversary as Beth's wedding. True love, on both accounts. We want to celebrate our anniversary with you by taking a quick look back. In the past 5 years, we've:

The weather is warm and what a better time to meet up with green comrades? The Philadelphia Environmental Meetup is hosting the Philadelphia Navy Yard Summer Market and Follow-Up tour. As they say on the meetup website: (Find out more, after the jump!)

Sometimes you just want to get outside and try something new. L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools allow you to cool off in the hot, hot sun and find your new favorite water sport. I occasionally suffer from NLC Syndrome. Not Leaving City (NLC) Syndrome occurs when you get accustomed to all the awesome things that happen inside the city and decline activities outside the limits. On Sunday morning, (Find out more about our journey, after the jump!)