Philly Unwrapped: Cut Waste. Cut Costs. Protect Public Health and Local Vulnerable Communities.

  Philadelphia spends millions every year managing waste. Almost nothing prevents it. At the same time, food and beverage businesses are required to purchase single-use packaging that increases operating costs and contributes to pollution that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities where waste is processed and incinerated. There may be a better, less wasteful way — and it saves money and protects public health. Philly Unwrapped is bringing together restaurant owners, cafés, caterers, corner stores, food trucks, event venues, hospitality operators, community leaders, and public officials to explore practical waste prevention strategies that work in Philadelphia.  

What This Is

Join ECHO Systems, The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Rethink Disposable’s Clean Water Fund and Trash Academy in this informative and engaging community event. Learn How to Use the Philly Unwrapped Community Waste Reduction Toolkit — a free, practical resource designed specifically for local food-sector businesses. Case studies show that businesses implementing reuse and waste prevention strategies save between $3,000–$22,000 annually, while reducing trash volume, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening customer loyalty. Attendees will be able to join a funding consortium to demonstrate business need and interest in supporting a just transition toward reuse and waste prevention. This event includes a community listening session. We want to hear directly from residents and business owners about concerns, barriers, and opportunities as we work to attract funding and build a just transition.  

Who Should Attend

• Restaurant, café, and food truck owners
• Caterers and event operators
• Corner store and grocery operators
• Hospitality managers
• Community leaders and residents
• Institutions and neighborhood organizations

  We warmly invite City Councilmembers, local representatives, community development corporations, business improvement districts, and neighborhood organizations to join this conversation. Advancing waste prevention presents an opportunity to strengthen fiscal stewardship, support local businesses, and protect public health — and we look forward to working together to explore what that can look like for Philadelphia.  

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Clear, implementable cost-saving strategies
• Access to the free Philly-specific Toolkit
• Early information about upcoming grant opportunities and how to participate in the funding consortium
• Connections to a growing network of local businesses and partners
• An opportunity to help shape future funding and policy priorities

This is not a lecture. It’s a practical working session focused on real-world solutions.

Event Details

  Location: PHMC — 4601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA Transportation: Free onsite parking available at 47th & Haverford (see attached map) Also walking distance from the L Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM- arrive promptly Other Details: Light fare + coffee provided Cost: Free — registration required     Funding provided by EPA Region 3’s Thriving Communities – Green & Healthy Homes Initiative. With support from the Story of stuff project and a generous match from Jeffery A Miller catering Coffee provided by High Point Cafe.