Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Editor of Green Philly, Philadelphia’s go-to sustainability media outlet since 2008. Through compelling storytelling and actionable solutions, Green Philly empowers individuals and businesses to make a real impact. Julie also launched SustainPHL, Philadelphia’s premier sustainability awards, and EcoFair, a hands-on event fostering community-driven climate solutions.

With 18 years of experience in digital media and marketing, Julie has grown Green Philly into a leading voice in climate journalism. She has positioned it at the forefront of local environmental advocacy, helping shape policies like Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban. Recognizing the importance of sustainability in media, she has strengthened Green Philly’s reach as active members in the Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative and LION Publishers.

A recognized sustainability expert, Julie has appeared on WHYY Radio Times, Philly Weekly, Travel & Leisure, and AJ Plus. She holds a degree from Penn State University and completed Cornell University’s Climate Change Science, Communication, and Action certificate. Outside of work, she’s an avid hiker, biker, and outdoor explorer. Whether advocating for policy change, connecting Philadelphians to sustainability solutions, or fostering a stronger journalism community, Julie is dedicated to making sustainability approachable, impactful, and engaging.

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  • Hi Julie,
    I am as passionate as you in trying to be a green advocate. I feel like it all starts at home and modeling for others.
    My young boys are very aware of thier responcibility to preserve the environment.:recycling and reusing are part of our everyday routines.
    I just wish others would catch on ,Unfortunately ,it will have to take congress to mandate as americans are too selfish to change on thier own.
    Let me know what I can do to help spread the word.
    Love the blog
    debi

  • Hey, this blog is great. It has definately inspired me to start doing the little things that I can to help the enviroment. At first I just started using less plastic bags when at stores and not using them at all if the items I had were easy to carry out with just my hands. Recently I forked over the $1.99 and bought a resuable bag for my groceries. Life is busy and it's hard to be completely green but there are great tips on here on how you can do something small that will help a lot!

  • I have a question: I work really long days at my job...I am in the same time most places open and leave after most places are closed. We use a ton of paper at my work that eventually gets shredded and just thrown away. Is there any service that comes and pick up the shredded paper so that we can recycle it instead of just throwing it away?

  • Hey Lisa! Thanks for your question. I know Philly is now recycling paper every week on the same day as your trash schedule. Recyclebank (http://www.recyclebank.com/) is also great because they pick up your recyclables and give you incentives to do so. Good luck!

  • Great site, Keep up the good work, We all have to be enviromentally responsible to pass on a cleaner earth to our children. It all begins with ME. That is what we have to remember, We - ME are responsible for what we do, and how it impacts our neighbor. We think that small things do not make a difference, but they do more than you think. Others see what we are doing and it snowballs into something greater.

  • Good point Barbara- Often times people think of environmental habits as an inconvenience, although it can save money and help us in our everyday life. Keep up with the positivity!