News

Four Seasons gets greener, Clothing drop-offs, Earth week events & more.

Catch up on this week’s sustainability news.

Cradles to Crayons launches its 2025 Spring Greening initiative to collect clothing. This initiative supports local children in need of coats and clothes while reducing textile waste. With over 170 Philly-based partners, donated items will go directly to families who need them. Donation collection sites across Philadelphia and the suburbs are available here.

The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia gets recognized for its sustainability hospitality initiatives. The hotel has earned its first four Green Key certifications from Green Key Global, recognizing its efforts in environmental care and community responsibility. This spring, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia will continue its Bird Safe Philly’s Lights Out initiative and shift to a complete conversion of energy-efficient LED lighting in guest room hallways.

ClearCOGS secures $3.8 million in seed funding to help restaurants reduce food waste and increase efficiency. The startup uses AI technology to record predictive analytics that guide smarter daily food prep, staffing, and ordering decisions. ClearCOGS will use this round of funding to continue guiding food businesses to make more sustainable choices.

Celebrate Earth Month by supporting local, sustainable businesses. The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) released its Earth Month Business Guide to share sustainable products and services. All of the businesses featured are SBN members.

The Trump administration has cut FEMA’s BRIC grant program, blocking $25M in planned funding for Philly’s Cohocksink Storm Flood Relief Project. The initiative would have doubled sewer capacity in parts of Northern Liberties, South Kensington, and Ludlow, reducing basement flooding for over 1,000 homes. Without federal support, the city may need to shift the cost to local ratepayers. WHYY News Climate Desk

Looking for a fun and educational way to celebrate Earth Day? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is offering a guided tour on April 24th of the PECO Green Roof in Center City, an eco-friendly space that reduces stormwater runoff and supports native plants and pollinators (event registration required). Also, check out PHS’s newly announced 2025 Gold Medal Plant winners—low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly picks now available through public retailers. Or, visit our Green Philly events calendar for more events.

Cover photo: Alexandre da Veiga photography

Jasmine Joseph

Jasmine Joseph is a wife, mom of two, teacher turned copywriter, and a proud Philly native. A graduate of Howard University (BA) and Saint Joseph's University (M.S.Ed.), she combines her passion for education with her love for writing. She believes in the transformative power of sustainability to drive a circular economy and inspire action through powerful storytelling. Outside of her work, Jasmine enjoys following all Philly sports teams, knitting, baking, and finding new places to explore in the city with her family.

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