Rideshare tax, failing air quality, native plant kits, & more

Echinacea, a native flower. Julie Blake Edison vis UnSplash

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Bill to amend city code to curb illegal dumping. Environmental advocacy group PennFuture has worked with the Parker administration and City Council to introduce a bill that would amend the Philadelphia Civil Code’s language on trash dumping. Currently, the code forbids people from “knowingly” dumping trash from their vehicles. PennFuture says that proving whether or not someone “knowingly” broke the law, however, has been difficult over the years; they suggest removing the word entirely.

Revamped Center City bus terminal now open. The former Greyhound bus terminal at 10th and Filbert Streets is now operating once again as the city’s new Transportation Center. City officials worked to reopen the station in anticipation of increased visitors to the region during the World Cup and the nation’s 250th birthday festivities over the summer. Mayor Parker cut the ribbon on the new travel hub on Tuesday. 6ABC

Philadelphia’s air quality is among the worst in the nation. Philadelphia failed all portions of the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report on Thursday. Poor air quality due to high levels of pollution puts residents in the Philly region at risk of health problems like asthma. Philadelphia ranked 17th worst for annual particle pollution out of 211 metropolitan areas. AXIOS Philadelphia

Philadelphia rideshare tax plan sparks debate. Mayor Parker is proposing a $1-per-ride tax on all rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) in order to help fund the Philadelphia School District. PSD is in a budget deficit, which they say will lead to school closures and job cuts across the district. Superintendent Tony B. Watlington said that the tax could temporarily alleviate the need to make those changes, while spokespeople for Uber say that the tax would hit working people. The Philadelphia Inquirer

State offered free native plant kits to homeowners. Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offered “Pocket Meadow Kits” to those who want to convert their lawns into native plant meadows. The program was popular and reached capacity by 10:30 AM. Unlike manicured green lawns, native grasses and wildflowers benefit local pollinators and prevent stormwater runoff pollution. The kits will provide seed mixes for homeowners to get started. WHYY

Cover photo: Echinacea, a native flower, by Julie Blake Edison 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.