McGillin’s has already started their switch to completely LED lighting that lasts up to 50 x’s longer than their current lighting (90% less energy than traditional bulbs), saving the pub’s electricity costs by more than 25%. Besides reducing fossil fuels, McGillin’s efforts to go green include strict recycling practices and focusing on local draft beers instead of choices bottled and shipped long distances.

Chris Mullins, co-owner of McGillin’s says, “Though we remain true to our history by conserving and preserving our historic exterior, we try our best to incorporate green technology every chance we get. We expect real savings over time with no reduction in quality.”

The timing of the summer upgrade couldn’t be better for the pub, as LEDs produce much less heat and help reduce the peak electricity load during the summer months with air conditioning.  Energy-efficient lighting is one of the most effective ways to reduce fossil fuels & electricity, according to the EPA.  McGillin’s partnered with PekaSys, a Philadelphia-based business specializing in sustainable technologies, for their LED upgrade.

Posted by Julie

The wedding coordinator at an unnamed venue in South New Jersey informed me that they only use plastic cups for all beverages served at the open bar. What?! I’m certain my disapproval showed on my face, as the wedding coordinator announced she would direct this part of the conversation at my fiance.

Here’s the thing… I’m not trying to call any friends or family out but our crew will certainly toss back a few spirits at the wedding.  Let’s say we invite 150 people and each guest enjoys 3 beverages during the 5 hour reception – that’s 450 cups! (Assuming that people don’t reuse their previous cup and I certainly wouldn’t expect them to remember to do so.)

So, suffice to say that place was out of the running. As mentioned here re: save the dates my fiance and I – like many GPB readers - are trying to keep waste at a minimum.

This interaction got me thinking …When it comes to your food and bar menu what are the best options?

Here’s a few tips:

- Look caterers that use locally grown and organic food. Don’t feel shy to ask where the food comes from when interviewing companies.  Fortunately, more and more catering companies are going the local and/or organic route and the more they hear this is what couples want the more likely others will make the shift.
- Seated dinner v. buffet: A seated dinner typically yields a lot less waste as the food is portioned. At a buffet people tend to head back for seconds they may not finish.                                                                                                        
-Spirits: Go for organic beer or wine. Another green option is to choose locally produced brews and wines.                      
-Stemware: Confirm your bar staff is using glass instead of plastic. A few venues may have strict rules about glass by open pool or outdoor areas, but most won’t run into this issue.

Readers: What other tips do you have for engaged folks?

Posted by Beth

If you’re a tea drinker you probably know its health benefits are numerous. Most teas contain high levels of antioxidants. And, tea has  been said to help lower bad cholesterol and may even help heart disease.

How can you make a good choice even better? Here’s 4 ways to green your tea habit:

1. Get rid of the string. When choosing boxed tea go for a brand with loose bags rather than a string. – what some call “English Pillow style” The string to your tea bag may seem innocent enough but it’s unnecessary and by going without you’re cutting down on materials used in production. Some brands without a string  – most Tetley Teas or  English Tea Store brand.

2. Choose tea from companies that practice fair trade. Some good choices include  Choice Organic Tea or Rishi Tea.

3. Use a reusable mug or cup. It’s the ever-obvious green advice that bears repeating. Splurge on a pretty cup and tea time will feel all the more luxurious.

4. DIY: You can make your own tea at home with a tea infuser. Rid yourself of the waste associated with tea bags. Check out this inexpensive tea infuser.

Cheers !

Posted by Beth

Green Village Philadelphia is partnering with Philadelphia Brewing Company for an Earth Month fundraiser at Greendrinks locations of Standard Tap in Northern Liberties and Earth Bread + Brewery in Mt. Airy.

From April 15-May 15, you can help by drinking a pint (or five…) of Philadelphia Brewing Company’s Fleur de Lehigh. For every pint you consume, $1 will be donated to help build an eco-village! As if the taste of beer wasn’t motivation enough…

Green Village Philadelphia is a 501C(3) public charity whose mission is to foster and support neighborhood development that restores and sustains the community of life for our selves and for future generations. The Green Village will be a diverse community of socially responsible businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and mixed income residents. It can help the  goods, services and jobs of a local Green Economy to be integrated into and serve the needs of the  neighborhood and wider community.

Join Green Drinks this Wednesday for a Fleur de Lehigh, or for a full list of participating establishments, visit the Green Village Philadelphia website here.

Posted by Julie

The first Wednesday of the month Green Drinks hosts a get-together to connect green communities. This month another location has been added:

Green Drinks in Media will be held at The Iron Hill Brewery.
Located at 30 East State Street
Media, PA 19063.

Check out The Iron Hill Brewery site for directions.

And don’t forget there’s 4 other Green Drinks Delaware Valley options (including Standard Tap in Norther Liberties Philadelphia.) Go to http://greendrinksdelawarevalley.blogspot.com/ for more info.

Posted by Beth

Green Drinks has 4 locations in the Delaware Valley/Philadelphia area for people who have green interests or work in the environmental field to meet up for informal sessions and drinks.  Expect a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. Catch up with green friends or network with new contacts.  Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network.

Green Drinks occurs the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6-8 PM ET at the following locations:

• Standard Tap - 2nd & Poplar St, Phila PA 19123
• Kildare’s Irish Pub – 18-22 West Gay St, West Chester, PA  (contact James Cox 215-768-5883)
• Flying Fish Brewing Company – 1940 Olney Ave, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 (contact lori.braunstein@sustainablecherryhill.org)
• Earth Bread + Brewery - Mt. Airy – 7136 Germantown Ave, Phila, PA 19119 )

These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and experienced moments of serendipity.  It’s a great event, and they’re constantly trying to spread to other cities.  Think Global, Drink Local.

Please email greendrinks.delaware.valley@gmail.com or visit here for more info.

Posted by Julie