Honey Bee Brew: Ancient beverage finds newfound buzz

The fermented love child of honey, water and yeast, mead has been charming the palates of drinkers since the dawn of time (well, not technically, but 2000 B.C. is pretty close). And it’s having a bit of a moment in this millennium, too. For the DIY-inclined, mead is a popular homebrew project. Nancy Rigberg, co-owner

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1 min read

Connecting the Dots: Civil rights protests, Woodstock, a Commodore 64 computer and my inevitable path to Greenbuild

It is the night before greenbuild, the U.S. Green Building Council’s international conference and expo, and tens of thousands are flocking to Philadelphia to celebrate and promote sustainability as a genuine worldwide movement. As an architect and professor of sustainable design, it’s more than an amazing moment in our city’s history; it’s a validation of

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2 mins read

Cover Story: Spirits of Independence

With its flowering window boxes and painted sign, the 38,000-square-foot brick home of Philadelphia Brewing Company stands like a centerpiece in this Kensington neighborhood of faux-dive bars, pizza parlors and thrift shops that serve a growing clientele of artists and musicians. But the scenery wasn’t always so pretty.

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6 mins read

Power Grapes: Local vintners do more than wine about the environment

When it comes to caring about the well-being of the environment, Pennsylvania’s roughly 200 wineries are inherently invested in sustainable practices, according to Jennifer Eckinger, executive director at the Pennsylvania Winery Association. “Using our locally produced products is obviously a big part of all these wineries,” Eckinger says. “But caring for the land and being

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1 min read

PB&Jams Presents: PB Ice Cream

Yields approximately 1 quart 1 cup PB & Jams Classic PB8 oz. softened cream cheese1/2 cup sour cream2/3 cup granulated sugar1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Scrape sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are combined.  Refrigerate in a tightly sealed container for

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1 min read

Nut Meg: Megan Gibson spices up fresh nut butters

PB & Jams is a small-batch fresh nut butter company stirring up a twist on the classics. “Our all-natural nut butters highlight the natural flavor of the nuts, while keeping other ingredients simple,” says owner Megan Gibson. Working from the Center for Culinary Enterprises in West Philadelphia, Gibson produces five varieties: Hot or Not Peanut

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1 min read

Natural Remedies: Program aims to fill prescriptions for diet and exercise

JASTECH development services executive director Jerome Shabazz (right), with Penn State Extension Nutrition Educator Simran James
Pacing through the crowd of people sampling vegan dishes and checking out booths from groups like Philadelphia Backyard Chickens, Healthy Foods, Green Spaces and Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition, Jerome Shabazz seems both busy and content. It’s a festival day

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2 mins read