What you can do to make your neighborhood — and home — more climate-friendly this Earth Day
Grow your own food; walk, bike, or take transit; plant a tree; become a "friend" of your local park — there's a lot you can do to help the Philadelphia region combat climate change.
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Did you know that Philadelphia was the first city to celebrate Earth Day for an entire week? The first Earth Week in Philadelphia — organized by students, professionals, grassroots organizers, and others concerned about the environment — was held April 16-23, 1970.
The largest gatherings took place on Independence Mall and Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park, where tens of thousands of people showed up to express their desire for greater protections for people and the environment.
Fifty-one years later, Earth Day events now pop up throughout April, although the designated day this year is April 22. The need for greater environmental protection has only grown over the years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the inextricable link between health, the environment, and the economy. And while most of the world was staying home, the climate crisis raged on, contributing to scorching summer temperatures and a hurricane season so active that we ran out of letters of the alphabet to name them all.
Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability has initiated Greenworks, a plan to improve quality of life in neighborhoods, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and prepare us for the hotter and wetter climate ahead. The office manages a variety of projects and programs to stop the causes of climate change — such as reducing energy use in buildings; moving toward 100% clean energy; supporting local, healthy and sustainable food access, and reducing waste production.
The team also works with residents to increase resilience against climate impact such as the “Beat the Heat: Hunting Park” effort to help address heat disparity caused by expanses of asphalt, less reflective building surfaces, and lack of trees.
But the city cannot address the climate crisis alone. It needs businesses, schools and universities, faith institutions, civic organizations, and residents to join in this critical fight.
So what can you do — at home, in your community, or at work — to celebrate Earth Day and help create a healthier and more sustainable Philadelphia?
First, vote regularly. It’s the single most important action you can take to fight climate change. Personal actions do make a difference, but having laws and regulations in place has a much greater impact on driving the systemic change necessary to meet the challenge. Make sure you’re registered, help your friends and family get registered, and show up to every election (not just in presidential years).
In your home and neighborhoods, engage in actions outlined in the Office of Sustainability’s Greenworks on the Ground guides, organized by the eight key Greenworks vision areas. Among suggestions:
Accessible food and drinking water
Grow your own food at home or at a community garden, or support local food by shopping at farmers markets and food co-ops.
Drink tap water and help protect our waterways by keeping litter, oils and other materials out of sinks and storm drains.
Healthy indoor and outdoor air
Walk, bike or take public transit when you can, and if you need to drive, use a well-maintained vehicle with good gas mileage.
Improve at-home air quality by avoiding the use of toxic cleaning products or pesticides and adding houseplants to filter pollutants.
» READ MORE: Try an earth-friendly spring cleaning. Start by ditching the paper towels
Clean and efficient energy
Conduct a home energy audit to find ways to make your home more efficient.
Support renewable energy by signing up for the Solarize program, or by switching to an electricity supplier that provides 100% renewable energy.
» READ MORE: Cheaper solar power means low-income families can also benefit — with the right kind of help
Climate-prepared and carbon neutral
Prepare for extreme weather by having a plan, including checking on elderly neighbors, and sign up for the Philadelphia Water Department’s Basement Protection Program.
Quality natural resources
Plant a tree at your home or in your neighborhood, and be sure to help care for it.
Sign up for the Philadelphia Water Department’s Rain Check program to get a free or discounted tool to help manage storm water.
Love your park by joining or starting a “Friends of” group for your local park.
» READ MORE: Philly asks residents what they think of trees for city’s 10-year ‘urban forest’ plan
Accessible, safe and affordable transportation
Maintain your property’s sidewalks to ensure walkability for all.
Zero waste
Compost your food and yard waste at home, or through a takeaway service.
Choose reusable items to reduce the amount of waste you generate.
Recycle right. Be sure you know what belongs in your bin.
» READ MORE: Philadelphia to launch city-wide composting network of up to 25 sites
Engaged students, stewards and workers
Volunteer in your community to plant or maintain trees, care for parks, or serve as a block captain.
Support local and sustainable businesses.
Learn more about sustainability by visiting environmental education centers, attending sustainable events, and following the Office of Sustainability on Facebook or Twitter.
Christine Knapp is the director of the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability.