Thriving Communities, Keeping Philly charged, Recycling pet packaging & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news

Did you know that on his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” launching the most ambitious environmental justice agenda by the federal government? The environmental justice conversation is the center of the Thriving Communities Symposium, which kicked off Thursday featuring speakers from the DEP, EPA, and the White House. Attendees can join sessions, explore a resource fair, and more through Saturday at the Academy of Natural Sciences – onsite registration is still available.

Keeping Philly charged up. Property owners could soon face fines if their EV chargers aren’t working. A new City Council bill would fine owners $300 for non-functional chargers, aiming to reduce “range anxiety” and boost EV infrastructure maintenance across the city. The legislation is awaiting the mayor’s signature. WHYY Climate Desk

Pet owners: Recycle your pet food, treat and litter packaging at PetSmart. PetSmart has partnered with TerraCycle to launch an in-store recycling program for pet food, treats, and litter packaging in 100 locations across New Jersey and Arizona. This pilot program addresses the 300 million pounds of plastic waste generated annually by the U.S. pet food industry.

Businesses can get engaged in the final weeks of the election. SBN will host a free webinar, The Business of Civic Engagement: Election Essentials for Businesses, on how businesses can engage in the November elections. The session will provide election insights and practical tips for businesses to mobilize their teams and communities and features Philadelphia Council Member Jamie Gauthier and Jenn Richey Nicholas, CEO of Pixel Parlor, on October 23rd from 5:30-7pm.