Earth Day Philadelphia Guide

More than 50 years after the holiday began, there are more reasons — and more ways — than ever to combat climate change, right here in Philly

By Rosamelia Lara Sanchez, Christina Griffith and Lauren McCutcheon
Ideas We Should Steal

Manufacturers Paying for Recyclable Waste

In California, Colorado and other states, Extended Producer Responsibility laws help fund recycling efforts in underserved communities. Could a similar rule improve Philadelphia's trash problem?

By Courtney DuChene

How to Clean and Green Philly, For Real

The City’s former Litter Czar gives Mayor Parker mixed reviews on her cleaning and greening agenda so far — and offers ways to step it up

By Nicolas Esposito
The New Urban Order

Towards a Quieter City

Noise pollution adversely affects marginalized communities in Philly and other cities. Is there a way to find peace and quiet here?

By Diana Lind
The New Urban Order

Do We Really Need More Moveable Chairs?

The design for the Municipal Services Building plaza is like too many of our public spaces: bland and uncomfortable. Here, some ways we could do better

By Diana Lind
Business for Good

Solar States

The Kensington-based solar panel installer has always had a mission to grow jobs for Philadelphians while helping the planet. Now, it’s training a new cohort of workers who’ve been through the justice system

By Courtney DuChene

Resistance is a Garden

A Painted Bride project combines urban farming, art and education to empower Black and Brown Philadelphians to grow their own futures

By James Peterson
Memo To Madam Mayor

Clean and Green. For Real.

In the next in a series of policy recommendations for presumptive Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker, a local environmental activist makes a plea for the planet — and Philadelphians who live on it

By Karen Melton

Clean Water? We’ve Got a Mussel for That

A partnership between the City and a number of organizations is working to filter Philly’s waterways the way nature intended

By Courtney DuChene
Memo to Madam Mayor

Hire a Kick-Ass Trash Czar

The next in a series of political and policy advice to presumptive Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker looks to New York City for an idea she should steal: Appoint a sanitation commissioner

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy