Celebrating the leaders, visionaries, and changemakers shaping a more sustainable Philadelphia

Even in tough times, Philly’s green leaders prove that sustainability never takes a break.

From reimagining transit to planting trees and building zero-waste futures, the 2025 SustainPHL nominees are a group that keeps pushing forward.

Read the full list for nominees below, and join us for the 8th annual SustainPHL on October 23, 2025 to celebrate their impact.

SustainPHL 2025 nominees

TD Bank Sustainable Communities

These nominees expand access to sustainable solutions that strengthen and support Philadelphia communities.

• Hunting Park Neighborhood Advisory Committee
• PA Fibershed
• Philly Food Rescue

Climate Hero

These nominees lead initiatives that transform how Philadelphians live, move, and care for the environment.

• resourcePhilly, by Circular Philadelphia and The Resource Exchange
• SEPTA
• TreePhilly

Neighborhood Champs

These nominees create meaningful impact through hands-on neighborhood leadership and engagement.

• Alicia Burbage, Cobbs Creek
• Black Farmers Co-op
• Klean Kensington

Environmental Justice

These nominees advance equity by ensuring marginalized communities are empowered in sustainability efforts.

• Erica Brown, Sunrise Movement
• Meeka Outlaw
• Maisha Sullivan Ongoza, P.A.S.H.I.

Activist of the Year

These nominees raise visibility and mobilize their communities around critical sustainability causes.

• Clean Water Action
• PennEnvironment
• Transit Forward Philadelphia

Impact Business of the Year

These nominees are for-profit enterprises driving social and environmental progress while supporting the local economy.

• BLUPATH DESIGN
• Solar States
• Triple Bottom Brewing

Vicinity #FuturePHL

These nominees are shaping the future of Philadelphia’s sustainability.

• Good Buy Supply
• Office of Sustainability
• Toxic Free Philly

Sustainability Visionaries

These nominees redefine what’s possible in sustainability, paving the way for a resilient Philadelphia.

• Jay Coen Gilbert & Bart Houlahan, B Lab
• John Moore, ImpactPHL
• Matt Rader, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Rising Tide Award

These nominees create new directions for sustainability, navigating challenges and opening doors for others to follow.

• Tara Anastasi, FDR Park
• Councilmember Jamie Gauthier
• Tiffany Threadgould, TerraCycle

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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. View all posts by Julie Hancher