Learning About Recycling and Green Living at the Philadelphia Home Show

Entrance to the Philadelphia International Garden Show which featured the bottom half of the Eiffel Tower as a centerpiece to it's "Springtime In Paris" theme. Here you see the light show - you can almost hear the French music.

Sometimes life brings unexpected surprises. One of those surprises happened recently when the American Chemistry Council and Plastics Make it Possible®  teams invited me to attend the Philadelphia International Flower Show 2011 . They paid my way to attend, which was nothing short of remarkable, and in exchange I promised to write about the show and experiences. Above you see a photo of the entry to the show; an astounding two story Eiffel Tower display that featured flowering tree gardens and a once-per-hour light and music show that knocked your socks off -- all based on the 2011 theme, "Springtime In Paris."

What I discovered at the Philly Flower Show was an amazing list of green and sustainable ideas presented creatively to inspire the every day consumer to try at home. Below you see a magnificent series of giant planters repurposed from industrial metal products.

 

Look carefully at the below wagon water feature. That's right - this design features a wagon with plastic and metal recyclables that have been turned into a water feature. Absolutely blow-your-mind amazing re-use of items that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Made of recycled plastic, metal, and wood products, this wood-pallet bird house display (below) is built to help inspire people to build a bird and wildlife protection area in their community.

A salute to the "Paris Underground" was made in a wildly creative and popular sculptural floral design display. Individuals designed floral sculptures incorporating recycled plastics, metal, fabrics, and natural found objects. Do you see the "street rats" in the above photo? Well received, this display cleverly reused some items that would normally go in the landfill.

Attending the Philly Flower Show was inspiring to say the least - I look forward to coming back next year!

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that my travel and accommodations for the Philadelphia Flower Show were provided by the American Chemistry Council on behalf of the Plastics Make It Possible® campaign.