Billions in energy savings, Citywide Garden Challenge, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Clean energy campaign created over $1.4 billion in energy savings. The Philadelphia Energy Campaign created more than 11,000 jobs and over $1.4 billion in energy savings for the City of Philadelphia during the past ten years, according to its most recent impact report. “Over the last ten years, the Philadelphia Energy Campaign exceeded every goal we set, and we redefined what’s possible when vision meets action,” said Emily Schapira, CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority.

High energy bills affect Philadelphians personally. Philadelphia residents testified on high energy bills and called on City Council to help during a City Council hearing on Tuesday. One resident, Ashley Coles, said her energy bill is over $700 each month, which is impossible to meet while she is physically unable to work due to epilepsy. Advocates told the council to invest more in weatherization and home improvement support for homeowners. WHYY

PHS announces new Citywide Gardening Challenge and seasonal activities. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society kicked off their Garden Season with a new citywide challenge and gardening demonstration on Wednesday morning. PHS will be offering workshops, volunteer opportunities, and garden tours throughout the season to encourage home gardeners to create greener neighborhoods.

Summer crops impacted by ‘heat-freeze ambush’ in April. Pennsylvania farmers warn that summer fruits may be sparse and pricey this year after an extreme weather whiplash in April. Parts of the state reached highs of 90 degrees, which were then met with sudden freezes just days later. Early blossoms nudged open by the warm weather were decimated. Climate change made the high temperatures on April 15 and 16th twice as likely, according to Climate Central. The Philadelphia Inquirer

Sustainable Business Network welcomes new team member. Julienne Vinculado is joining the team at SBN as their Environmental Stewardship Programs Associate. Her role will support local businesses in environmental practices and greening in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Green Philly hosts its third annual EcoFair on Saturday, May 16th. This free, family-friendly event will host sustainable local vendors, nonprofits, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences at Cherry Street Pier. Attendees can enjoy free bike tune-ups, alkaline battery recycling, clothing repair, screen-printing, live educational animals from Elmwood Park Zoo, a Kids Discovery Zone, and more while discovering practical ways to live greener in Philadelphia. Saturday, May 16th from 12-4, Cherry Street Pier. RSVP for free to get updates.

Cover photo: Container gardens are a rental-friendly option for home gardeners. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Angie Bacha

Angie Bacha (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based solutions journalist and recent Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation student in Aarhus, Denmark. Previously, she worked as a student journalist at Community College of Philadelphia and Editorial Intern at Resolve Philly. Some other hats she has worn: Human Rights and Theatre Studies graduate; teaching artist; carpenter; AmeriCorps volunteer; and rock climbing gym shift supervisor.