Lifestyle

Green Philly Bucket List: 20 Sustainable Things Every Philadelphian Should Do

Ever stop and notice how far Philadelphia has come in the past eight years towards a more sustainable city?

When the HBO letdown of the Games of Thrones dragons came to town, I was pleasantly surprised by a few Greek tourists. They were seeking a hometown bar recommendation (obviously, an area I’m an expert in), but mentioned how the city was their favorite in the US OVER New York AND DC. (Take that, middle-sibling-syndrome.)

Although I love a good sustainable journey, it’s also great to be a tourist in our own town. Therefore, here’s the ultimate Green Philly Bucket List.

20 Sustainable Things You Must Do in Philadelphia

  1. Visit the Magic Gardens to see recycled artwork.
  2. Run, bike or walk the Schuylkill River Trail.
  3. Hike in the Wissahickon (bonus points if you’re guided by Wiss native & Hidden City Philadelphia co-editor Brad Maule).
  4. Full Moon Bike Ride: Howl at the moon and make new friends along the way.
  5. Take a free yoga class on the Race Street Pier.
  6. Sit & swing in a Spruce Street Harbor Park hammock.
  7. Bike the Schuylkill River Trail to Conshocken Brewery and sample brews.
  8. Picnic in Fairmount Park: Spend a few hours with friends, wine, and local fare.
  9. See a Free-at-Noon WXPN concert on Fridays.
  10. Shop the Rittenhouse or Headhouse Farmers Markets.
  11. Grab a Blackbird Pizzeria Vegan Cheesesteak (Pat and Who?!?)
  12. Spot a Green City, Clean Waters Project: Gander at the porous pavement on Percy Street or a rain garden.
  13. Volunteer to run with a PAWS Shelter dog – Bonus points if you adopt a homeless pet!
  14. Enjoy a Soup Kitchen Cafe soup & beverage while reading a vending machine book from Head & the Hand Press.
  15. Find your favorite food from Reading Terminal Market.
  16. Enjoy a local pizza & beer from Dock Street Brewery.
  17. Run or bike over the Ben Franklin Bridge – over sunset, though….
  18. Support the arts community of the N Crowd or Philly Improv Theater – who needs Redbox when you have this local talent?
  19. Taste your way through the region’s best foods at Brewer’s Plate or PHeaStival.
  20. Ride an Indego bike over the Ben Franklin Bridge and back.

Readers, what would you add to the Green Philly Bucket List? Tell us in the comments!

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

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