In April of 2008, the Phillies launched the "Red Goes Green" program in an effort to lead the way in clean energy movement at professional sports venues.
In launching the initiative, the Phillies became the first Major League Baseball team to join the EPA's Green Power Partnership (GPP) program, a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use.
Phil in action »
Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions over 1,500 pounds per year.
Remind your school system to turn off bus engines when buses are parked to eliminate harmful exhaust pollution.
Check how much of your electricity comes from renewable sources, like wind, solar. Then find green power options available to you by using the green power locater at http://www.epa.gov/earthday/tips-saveenergy.htm.
Commuting without polluting! Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs.
Buy or switch to energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Look for the EnergyStar label to help save you money on energy bills and pollute less.
eCycle - take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to a recycling center. This helps keep hazardous substances out of the landfill.
High school students can study links between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.
As you start your spring cleaning, do a home energy audit and switch to EnergyStar products.
The shade from a well-placed tree can cut energy use and save you up to 58 percent on daytime air conditioning costs.
Sharpening your lawnmower's blades saves gas and extends the life of your mower.
It saves money and thousands of gallons of water each year.
Run your dishwasher only when it's full; use the rinse-and-hold dishwasher feature until you're ready to run a full load.
Be sensible. The WaterSense label helps shoppers identify water efficient products and programs.
A full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons.
Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures.
The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. Buy a high-efficiency washer or save up for full loads.
American's use about 270 billion gallons of water a week on their lawns! Watering early or late in the day will ensure water soaks into the soil rather than evaporating in the hot sun.
Save money and water by installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your home's gutters; the water can be used on your lawn and gardens.
Choosing native plants for your garden will save you time and money, and benefits the environment. Native plants have fewer pest and disease problems, and require less watering and fertilizing.
Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn, instead of bagging them. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally.
Maintain and repair products. Keep appliances in good working order. Follow manufacturers' suggestions for proper operation and maintenance.
Be creative about reducing waste. Give pet hamsters or gerbils cardboard tubes to play with. Use an egg carton to plant seedlings.
Take reusable bags on shopping trips. Keep them in your car or near your door to remember. You can also reuse paper or plastic shopping bags.
Don't fertilize before a rain storm. Your fertilizer - along with your money - washes down storm drains and can pollute rivers and bays.
When properly composted, kitchen wastes can become natural soil additives for lawns, gardens, and even house plants.
When you travel, stay at hotels that use less water or energy. Before you go, unplug your DVD player or other electronics that use electricity even when "off."
Get in the habit of reducing the font size of a document's text by one point before printing to reduce the amount of paper you use.
Protect yourself! In summer, always apply sun block SPF 15 or more to protect your skin from solar UV radiation.
Find out the quality of beach water before you go. Check with your state office to be sure you will enjoy your visit to the beach.
Be extra aware of conditions where older people live. As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to chemicals and environmental conditions.
Use pesticides safely, whether at home or in the field. Always follow the instructions on the can or container label - it's the law.
Don't top off your gas tank. Even a small gas spill adds to air pollution and wastes fuel.
You can reduce polluted storm water runoff -- simply pick up your pet's waste; don't leave it to wash away after a rain.
Encourage your hometown/state to spend road construction money on the cleanest equipment for air quality.
Farmers, mechanics, and other businesses can help protect the environment by better understanding environmental requirements.
Exercising outdoors? Use your local air quality forecast to help plan the best time for a workout or run.
Switch your old CFC-based albuterol inhaler, which releases propellants that deplete the ozone layer, to a newer, environmentally friendly HFA-based albuterol inhaler.
On unhealthy air pollution "action alert" days, wait to mow your lawn until it's cooler in the evening or early the next morning.
Protect children from poisoning by household chemicals such as bug spray. Lock pesticides and chemicals safely away from children.
There are fantastic opportunities get outside and enjoy the region's wide open spaces. Go to www.natlands.org/preserves or www.visitphilly.com/outdoor-activities to find out what's nearby.
Our region's parks, preserves, and other open spaces are great places to exercise. Philly area residents save $795 million every year on medical care just by exercising in nature.
Kids can lose up to two months worth of learning during summer vacation. Studies show spending time in nature can help prevent this loss, so get kids outside for hands-on adventures.
There are hundreds of miles of hiking, jogging, and biking trails in the region. To find a trail near you, visit www.explorepatrails.com.
Fido needs fresh air, sunshine, and the sights and sounds of nature too. Plus, when you exercise him, you exercise yourself!
When you are out for a walk, take only memories and leave only footprints. That means picking up dog waste, placing trash and recycling in proper receptacles, and not taking any "souvenirs" from nature.
Emissions from gas-powered lawn mowers represent 5 percent of U.S. air pollution. Reduce the size of your lawn and add beauty by creating beds filled with shrubs and flowers.
Learn what your soil really needs before applying fertilizers and other chemicals to your lawn and gardens. For about $10 you can get a soil test kit from Penn State's Cooperative Extension Office.
Trees increase home property values by between 6 and 20 percent, depending on the number, size, and species, so plant a tree and watch your investment grow.
If you fertilize your lawn, do it between the last time you mow and Thanksgiving when the fertilizer will feed the grass's roots and not its leaves.
Weeds like clover and dandelion in your lawn can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and native bees.
