Pittsburgh Recycles

Pittsburgh isn’t just one of the most affordable places to live in the country, it’s also a city composed of citizens that live to love and take care of it. Often times this shines in the form of Pgh arts and the fact that our economy is flourishing with the many Pgh jobs. Other times it shines through our efforts to ‘go green’. In the past we’ve talked about Pittsburgh’s endeavor to go green--the new PNC building, the bike share program--and while it’s important that the city of Pittsburgh as a whole does its part in lowering its carbon footprint, it’s also important on an individual level.

The city of Pittsburgh’s recycling program is designed to make recycling easy for its citizens. With bi-weekly residential pickups, Pittsburghers are asked to separate their recyclables from their trash, using blue bags to symbolize recycling. And for those who do not have curbside recycling available within their Pittsburgh neighborhood, drop off centers are conveniently located around the city to make recycling simple.

For more information on the city of Pittsburgh’s recycling program, check out the I Heart Pittsburgh article,”Guide to Recycling in the City of Pittsburgh.” For the article, click here: http://bit.ly/L0r4fa

Diversity in Pittsburgh City Council

At this point you’re probably aware that Pittsburgh is one of the most affordable places to live in the country. You might also know that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are filled with community and Pgh arts. But are you aware that Pittsburgh is a city of diversity? Did you know that on top of the hundreds of thousands of people that stem from different backgrounds and cultures, the diversity of the great city of Pittsburgh is also reflected in its City Council?

Last week, city Mayor, Bill Peduto, was sworn into office, but that wasn’t the only change. Along with Mayor Peduto came a few other friendly new faces including younger representatives such as, 31-year-old Dan Gilman of Shadyside. With Gilman and the many other City Council elects, the Pittsburgh City Council is becoming more diverse. Now made up of almost half of its councilmen under the age of 35, Pittsburgh City Council is being presented with an opportunity to bridge the gap between generations and execute the innovative ideas the city of Pittsburgh needs. And its not the only aspect diversifying the Pittsburgh City Council, either. No, we here in Pittsburgh are proud to say that newly elected City Council President, Bruce Kraus, is the first openly gay councilman to be voted President. A feat. that we cannot overlook, even if it is Kraus’s preference to closely focus on the issues facing the city of Pittsburgh.

In the end, we here at Vibrant Pittsburgh are proud of the strides the great city of Pittsburgh is taking in terms of diversity. With the many jobs hiring in Pittsburgh, and the influx of people moving to Pittsburgh PA, it’s important to build our city on a foundation of inclusion. And with a diverse background of representatives now sitting on Pittsburgh City Council, we’re hoping we can do just that!

Warm Winter Activities

We are officially a few weeks into winter and incase you haven’t realized, here in Pittsburgh that means cold! Though, while it’s important to stay warm this winter, hibernating in the comfort of your own cozy Pittsburgh neighborhood isn’t necessarily the solution. No, when you reside in one of the most affordable places to live in the country, many warm options await. That’s why we here at Vibrant Pittsburgh have created a short list of warm winter activities for you to do around Pittsburgh.

Warm Winter Activities

1. Crazy Mocha. When you’re looking for that extra warm pep in your step, this local Pittsburgh coffee shop is sure to warm you up. Having started with a single shop ten years ago on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside, Crazy Mocha now has 26 locations all within the city of Pittsburgh, each one a great spot to grab a cup of joe.

2. Bikram Yoga. Whether you’re looking for something spiritual, relaxing, or physically demanding, Bikram Yoga is warm and can provide it all. Located on Penn Avenue, Bikram Yoga is Pittsburgh’s “Original Hot Yoga”. With 90 minute sessions, your Yogi takes you on a journey of 26 poses in a 105 degree room.

3. Improv Comedy. Let laughter warm your soul. Provide a suggestion then sit back and relax as Pittsburgh’s funniest unfold a world of comedy before your eyes. With two improv theaters within the city (Steel City Improv Theater and The Arcade Comedy Theater) you have the opportunity to see multiple shows for an array of never ending laughs.

4. Cat Cuddling. You don’t need to own a cat to cuddle one. The Western Pennsylvania Humane Society offers the opportunity for volunteers to come and pet animals in their cages and cuddle those willing and friendly enough to come out. It’s a great way to warm up you body and attitude for the Pittsburgh winter!

When you’re not fulfilling your duties at your Pgh job this winter, there is no need to spend your time hiding out at home. When you live in the great city of Pittsburgh you have the opportunity to explore its different fun and affordable activities. Warm up your winter with some of our favorite Pittsburgh winter activities.

Pittsburgh Bike Share

In the past, we here at Vibrant Pittsburgh have highlighted biking in Pittsburgh. We’ve discussed the different lakeside trails and how beautiful of a way biking is to see our incredible city. Although, now that it is 2014, it’s time to discuss something bigger and better, something that is great for the environment, our individual health and may change Pittsburgh transportation as we know it. Now that it is 2014, Pittsburgh is going to be implementing a bike share program.

A success in multiple cities, including New York and Chicago, bike share is essentially a system of bicycles available for short-term travel. With 50 bike share stations set to be located throughout the many Pittsburgh neighborhoods, the bikes are intended for “point-to-point” trips and can be locked in at any of the stations. With 10 bikes at each station, the bike share program will offer a total of 500 bicycles that are designed to be sturdy, safe and crime proof. Pittsburgh’s bike share will be a way for Pittsburghers and tourists alike to safely get around the city whether it be to ones Pgh job in the morning or a day of Pgh art sightseeing.

Pittsburgh bike share is being brought to our city by The Pittsburgh Bike Share Partnership. An alliance of the City of Pittsburgh, Bike Pittsburgh, and Walnut Capital, this partnership is dedicated to bring innovative transportation to the city of Pittsburgh. And of course, being located in one of the most affordable places to live in the country, one can expect the Pittsburgh bike share program to be just as affordable and pleasant as the rest of the city. It’s an efficient and green form of travel and will be a perfect addition in the year to come.

Highmark Fist Night

New Years is just around the corner! Pittsburgh citizens of all ages are reflecting upon the past 365 days, and while it is important to look back on what you’ve accomplished in this year past, it is just as important to look ahead. New Years Eve in Pittsburgh is a time to be with family, friends, and come together as a city to celebrate the bright future ahead. In fact, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Highmark First Night celebration, ensuring a night to remember.

Run by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Highmark First Night is the city of Pittsburgh’s way of saying “Happy New Year!” It is a giant celebration in which families from all Pittsburgh neighborhoods gather downtown to see fireworks, parades, live music, comedy and much more! And when you reside in one of the most affordable places to live in the country, you can bet on the night being a bargain. For just $8 in advanced, $10 the night-of and free for those 5 & under, you and your family has access to over 150 vendors and venues throughout the night.

Highmark First Night has become a Pittsburgh tradition. It’s become a time to step away from the stress of your Pgh job and enjoy the Pgh arts and different activities that you don’t regularly get to take in. It’s a way to start your year off right, and a way to do it in the city you love. So, come welcome in the new year the right way when you celebrate like a real Pittsburgher at the Highmark First Night!

For more information on the night and its activities, visit the Highmark First Night website here: http://bit.ly/1bQn9dV

Local Holiday Shopping

The Pittsburgh holiday season is here! It’s a time to be with family and it’s a time to give presents. Unfortunately, with our Pgh jobs, many of us here in the great city of Pittsburgh have had little time, if any, to get out and shop for gifts. And with the largest gift-giving-day of the year just a few business days away, it may be too late for the lot of us to order online. Fortunately, there is no need to worry because we here at Vibrant Pittsburgh understand what you’re going through. Which is why we’re here to let you know that when your home is in the city of Pittsburgh, one of the most affordable places to live, you reside in a city of opportunity. You reside in a city that cares, and a city that makes, buys, and sells local.

Scattered throughout the streets of the many Pittsburgh neighborhoods are local stores that have plenty to offer for the last minute shopper. LivingPittsburgh.com, a website dedicated to helping our city’s citizens enjoy Pittsburgh, no matter their income, has composed a large list, “Pittsburgh Buy Local’s Gift Guide,” to help highlight some of our city’s best local holiday offers for both the pre-planned and last minute shopper.

To check out the local gift guide, click here: http://bit.ly/1aVc4Vi

Pittsburgh: Winter Activities

While the city of Pittsburgh has a reputation for being one of the most affordable places to live, it also has a reputation for being one of the snowiest. Pittsburgh winters are frigid. Pittsburgh winters are cold. Pittsburgh winters are covered in snow, which for many newcomers will often pose as a reason to stay in doors. However, as cold and frigid as Pittsburgh winters can be, every Pittsburgher knows that they can be just as beautiful. With blankets of white crystal covering the many Pittsburgh neighborhoods and vast acres of parkland, it’s easy to forget about the freezing temperatures and find yourself wandering into the glittering white hills of Pittsburgh. That’s why we here at Vibrant Pittsburgh urge you to get outside this winter with a few of our favorite Pittsburgh winter activities.

Winter Activities

Sledding. A city built on hills, Pittsburgh is the perfect place to ride a sled! Whether it’s on the monstrous Flag Staff Hill (Schenley Park), the speedy hills of Blue Slide Park (Frick Park), or one of the many other famous Pittsburgh hills, there is no doubt that one of the best ways to enjoy a snowy Pittsburgh day (or night!) is sled riding.

Ice Skating. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, a family outing, a romantic date, or even some necessary alone time, a great Pittsburgh winter activity is ice skating! With multiple rinks throughout the city, our two favorite outdoor rinks are Downtown’s Rink at PPG and Schenley Park’s ice skating rink that is located just off Panther Hollow Road.

Skiing. While there is no skiing within the city of Pittsburgh, just outside the city borders lies a skiers paradise. With a range of skiing from the beginner slopes of Boyce Park to the largest ski resort in Pennsylvania, Seven Springs, Pittsburgh winter offers the optimum skiing experience for skiers of all levels.

As brutal as a Pittsburgh winter can be, it can also be just as beautiful and tons of fun. It’s important to get outside this winter and enjoy Pittsburgh for what it is. Whether you decide to go sledding, ice skating, skiing or partake in one of the many other snowy activities offered in the Pittsburgh region, make a decision to take a break from your Pgh jobs and enjoy living in the great city of Pittsburgh.