Community farm preservation, curbing animal cruelty, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The Philadelphia Land Bank has acquired dozens of community garden lots across the city, making them eligible for long-term preservation under community land trusts. Reinhard Street Community Farm and Kitchen in Southwest Philly held a Harvest Dinner on Saturday night to celebrate the new acquisitions, as well as the positive impact the farm has had on the local community. 

Pennsylvania lawmakers push to curb animal cruelty. A series of bills aimed at reducing acts of animal cruelty are making their way through the Pennsylvania House. The legislation proposes to enhance penalties and provide resources for investigating cases. Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Advocates demand safer Fairmount Park. In the wake of the death of Harry Fenton, a cycling enthusiast who was hit and killed while biking on Belmont Avenue at the beginning of September, a coalition of ten advocacy groups created a petition demanding safety changes in Fairmount Park. The group, led by Philly Bike Action, gathered with speed radars on Sunday along Belmont Ave to call attention to speeding drivers. 

New proposed paper bag fee in Philadelphia. A new bill in Philadelphia would require businesses to charge a 10-cent fee for using paper bags. The aim of the bill is to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags, rather than relying on paper, which demands a high level of energy to produce. CBS Philadelphia

Cover photo: Bike advocates at Fairmount Park tally speeding cars along Belmont Ave. Courtesy of Philly Bike Action.