Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Meet 6 people making Philly greener, one neighborhood at a time.

(and they're all SustainPHL nominees!) From storm drains in Germantown to community gardens in Kensington, these community leaders are showing…

2 weeks ago

Announcing the SustainPHL 2026 Nominees

Meet the local leaders, organizations and changemakers shaping a more sustainable Philadelphia. Philadelphia has welcomed the world in 2026, from…

1 month ago

What Does It Mean to Practice Community?

Individual choices matter, but building sustainable communities also requires cooperation, shared resources and stronger relationships. In this digital age, we…

1 month ago

Rally to keep the Academy of Natural Sciences open

The institution plays a vital role in educating the public about science and climate change. The Academy of Natural Sciences…

2 months ago

Herons are back in the Manayunk Canal. Here’s what else Philadelphia Water’s annual water report found.

PLUS: PFAS remains a focus as regulations are coming, and resources to check for lead pipes. Philadelphia Water reconnected the…

4 months ago

Looking for sustainability solutions? These 55 organizations showed what’s possible.

Attendees found a way for sustainability to feel tangible, local and social at Green Philly's 3rd annual EcoFair. EcoFair returned…

5 months ago

10 reasons you can’t miss EcoFair this Saturday

Our 3rd annual EcoFair will help you spring clean, learn and live more sustainably. Looking for something fun - and…

5 months ago

Record April heat, Clean Streams Ruling stands, and more.

It's officially a heat wave outside. The Wednesday temperature of 91* broke records set in 1941, and the heat wave…

6 months ago

Why are Philly recycling rates so low? A mix of contamination, culture and systems still make it complicated in 2026.

City leaders, educators, and community advocates agreed on one thing at our recent recycling panel: fixing Philadelphia’s waste problem will…

7 months ago