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

Did Mayor Parker Get Cleaning Basics … Wrong?

The City’s former Litter Czar on how Mayor Parker’s proposed cleaning plan falls short of what Philthadelphia really needs

By Nicolas Esposito
Guest Commentary

The Ugly Opportunity Lurking Beneath City Hall

Mayor Parker wants to “clean and green” the city? A longtime Philadelphia journalist knows just where she can start

By Linn Washington Jr.

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

Three Quick Wins for Cherelle Parker

Here’s how our new mayor can make friends with her constituents right quick

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Citizen of the Year 2023 Awards

Michelle Belser

The Citizen’s 2023 Block Captain of the Year gets her neighbors to vote in record numbers, and makes sure the block isn’t just clean — it’s beautiful.

By Natalie Pompilio
Memo to Madam Mayor

Clean Up Philly

“Ya Fav” Trashman urges Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker to do something unprecedented when she takes office in January: Seriously take on litter

By Terrill Haigler
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

Do Philadelphia’s Mayoral Candidates Care About the Environment?

Here’s why the managing editor of EcoWURD is doubtful about Cherelle Parker and David Oh

By Charles D. Ellison
Guest Commentary

Cleaner Streets are Key to Philly’s Success

Local business leaders on what the City must do to bring more visitors — and their economic impact — to Philadelphia

By Zach Wilcha and Greg DeShields