November climate insights, trash pick-ups, upcycled art and more

The latest in sustainability news this week.

November, like October, was also unusually warm and dry. The average temperature in Philadelphia last month was 4.6°F above normal at 51.9°F, adding to a pattern of warmer-than-normal months in the region. The city’s 2.52 inches of precipitation – while more than October’s 0 inches – was still below average, and Philadelphia county remains in extreme drought conditions. Climate Central

A local conservancy welcomes new leadership. Early next month, David Gest Esq. will assume the role of Executive Director at Chestnut Hill Conservancy. Previously, Gest held positions as Chief Operating Officer of Mural Arts Philadelphia, a Partner in Zoning and Land-use at Ballard Spahr LLP, and founder of the consulting firm SquareSide.

Trash collection will now happen twice a week in select neighborhoods, as part of Clean and Green’s plan to “fight against litter and illegal dumping.” The first phase of a new Twice Weekly Trash Collection Program launched earlier this week in some South Philly and Center City neighborhoods. Those behind the project, the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives and the Department of Sanitation, hope it will combat the prevalence of illegal dumping in the selected areas and plan to extend twice-a-week pickups to more neighborhoods in future phases of the program.

An exhibition featuring sustainable and upcycled art is opening in Philly this weekend. The Resource Exchange is a nonprofit creative reuse center and home to the reCreate Gallery, which hosts exhibitions highlighting local artists who prioritize sustainability in their work. The opening reception of their latest exhibition will be hosted on Saturday, Dec 7 from 5-8pm.

Cover photo: VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Suzanna Cook

Suzanna Cook is a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident and graduate of Stockton University, where she obtained a B.S. in Sustainability with a concentration in Policy. Recently, she held positions on the editorial staff of her school’s independent student newspaper and as a Sustainability Specialist at Grand Canyon National Park. You can often find her riding the PATCO to Center City, crocheting with thrifted yarn, or practicing her latte art.