News

PFAs in waterways, the return of fire season, green jobs training, and more.

West Philadelphia is one of the most easily traveled areas of the city. People can easily access the neighborhood from Center City via cabs, the Market-Frankford Line (also called “the el” for its elevated section) and one of the nation’s few remaining streetcar networks. The trolleys run from City Hall down Market Street and through University City, with lines servicing the neighborhood’s three main corridors of Lancaster, Baltimore and Woodland Avenues. West Philly also boasts some of the most bicycle-friendly streets in the city, with a network of roughly 25 miles of bike lanes.

The latest in sustainability news:

Philly residents can get free plants through a program to curb the spread of invasive species. The newly launched statewide “Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive” Program will provide native plants at no charge to participants who remove invasive species. Distribution events will be occurring throughout the state beginning in early May.

A company accused of polluting a local waterway could be held accountable for negligence. A chemical manufacturer is being sued after testing revealed high levels of contamination from PFAs in the Goose Creek watershed downstream from its West Chester facilities. Thousands in Delaware and Chester counties depend on the source of drinking water. The Inquirer.

The Greater Philadelphia region is entering peak fire season amid especially risky conditions. Recent wind gusts, months of below-average precipitation, and continued dry forecasts are causing meteorologists in the area to be on high-alert for potential wildfires throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. WHYY News.

OIC Philadelphia’s Green Jobs Training Program will be expanded statewide, thanks in part to a $250,000 investment from the Philadelphia Energy Authority. The program prepares participants for jobs in the sustainable energy sector by offering free training in solar panel installation, energy efficiency, and other high-demand green skills.

SEPTA rebranded its subway lines to look similar to NYC. What do you think about the new colors and signage?

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.