Philadelphia : The Next Great City

The Next Great City initiative is dedicated to creating a positive future for Philadelphia by advocating for common sense, cost effective policies that enhance environmental quality, strengthen neighborhoods and increase our economic competitiveness

Photo Credit: Bradley R Maule

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Go Green Expo Coming to Philly

In April, the first Go Green Expo, held in New York, showcased more than 250 exhibitors and attracted 10,000 visitors. The Go Green Expo will be coming to Philadelphia on March 14-15 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Inviting companies large and small to showcase what they are doing to reduce their respective carbon footprint, consumers will have hands on experiences with "eco-friendly" alternatives to current everyday products and services.

Learn more, including how to be a sponsor, speaker or exhibitor at www.gogreenexpo.com.

Get Your Recycling Bin

The City of Philadelphia has recently expanded single stream recycling citywide- making it easier than ever to recycle. However, many people still don't have a recycling bin. Bins are now being made available at select recreation centers around the City, found on this directory: http://64.78.36.115/pdf/facility-directory.pdf

However- you don't need a blue bin to recycle. Any hard-sided container clearly marked "RECYCLING" will do. You can also request a recycling sticker from the City for your container.

For any city-related recycling information, go to recyclingpays.phila.gov. If you have any customer service questions, you can email csstreets@phila.gov or call The Philadelphia Recycling Hotline at 215-685-RECYCLE (7329).

Philadelphia City Planning Commission Executive Director Named

Today, Mayor Nutter announced the appointment of Alan Greenberger as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. Greenberger has been a principal at MGA Partners Architects and a founder of the Design Advocacy Group.

The City Planning Commission has been newly empowered to play a larger role in the development of the city. Combined with the Mayor's emphasis on sustainability, Mr. Greenberger will certainly find opportunities for more sustainable development practices such as green building standards, transit oriented development and open space protection.

VOICES OF PHILADELPHIANS:

In the latest edition of Voices of Philadelphians, Clean Air Council's Eric Cheung talks about the Phildelphia Diesel Difference Working Group and its role in reducing diesel emissions in Philadelphia that are linked to health problems, such as asthma and heart disease.

Next Great City recommends the City retrofit its diesel fleet to reduce emissions, which Philadelphia Diesel Difference is helping to make happen.

SPREAD THE WORD:

We want every Philadelphian to learn about Next Great City! If you want to help us spread the word, invite a Next Great City representative to come speak at the next meeting of your civic association, church group or other community organization.

In addition, if you'd like copies of the Next Great City report or brochures, contact Christine at 215-545-9692.

Funded by the William Penn Foundation and made up of community, public health, environmental and civic organizations, the Next Great City initiative came together in the fall of 2005 to address the environmental and public health issues that are harming Philadelphia’s economy and quality of life.