1000+ trees planted, end of free A/C program, canvassing to save SEPTA, & more

Catch up on the latest in sustainability news:

Trash cleanup group starts a new video series spotlighting community leaders. The first video in a series led by Trash Academy and Block by Block Philly features Joyce Brooks, a 79-year-old great-grandmother and Nicetown resident for over 50 years.  The series will be out biweekly on YouTube and Instagram.

Over 1000 trees planted and 1000 vacants lots greened in West and Southwest Philly. Deeply Rooted – a collaborative between over 25 local community organizations, Penn Medicine, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society – uses evidence-backed nature-based interventions, like tree planting and turning vacant spaces into clean and green spaces, to reverse the effects of systemic disinvestment in Black communities.

Local schools awarded $72,500 total in Green Schools Grants. City officials congratulated 29 schools in Philly for their student-led sustainability projects under the Green Schools Program. Student ambassadors showcased their work to city leaders and community members in Fairmount Park. 

Pennsylvania is cutting its free A/C LIHEAP program this summer. Despite overwhelming demand, funding has depleted for Pennsylvania’s free A/C program through LIHEAP. Air conditioning is crucial as temperatures continue to rise, increasing heat-related health risks in vulnerable populations. WHYY

Urbanists are canvassing for critical SEPTA funding. Volunteering and canvassing call-outs to save SEPTA are open for groups including local PAC 5th Square and Save the Train Coalition. SEPTA’s funding is once again threatened, leading to proposed fare hikes and service cuts. On May 5, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee approved a bill to inject an estimated $292.5 million into mass transit, as well as a resolution to study and issue a report on the current status, management, and implementation of public transit in rural communities. The bills still have five more steps to go through before being signed. 

Temple University examines its emissions and energy usage. Kathleen Fink, Temple’s director of Utilities and Energy Management, told Temple News that the Energy Office is upgrading energy units for both efficiency and to cut emissions. Initiatives could save the school millions of dollars and kilowatt hours. Temple News

Cover photo: Press conference with Deeply Rooted, CHOP, and PHS held on May 5, 2025 at Parkway West High School. Morgan Horell, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society