Categories: EventsPhilly

GreenFest 2012: Recap, and Hundreds of More Signatures!

Eco-minded Philadelphians were graced with a picture-perfect day yesterday for GreenFest.

The historic Headhouse Square was lined with rows of green businesses and non-profit organizations. It was refreshing to look around and see hundreds of like-minded people gathered in one place. Though we’re constantly interacting with so many of Philadelphia’s eco- activists and green companies, it’s always revitalizing to chat in person.

Green Philly Blog set up shop with folks from the Clean Air Council – who did an excellent job organizing this year’s event.

For us, much of the day was focused on discussing the Plastic Bag Ban. Julie and I spoke with countless festival goers and exhibitors about the impetus behind the plastic bag reduction program.

Our unofficial mascot  – the “plastic bag monster” was a hit. As seen in the photo above the plastic bag monster demonstrates what the average American’s annual plastic bag use looks like – by wearing 500 bags! Many a family photo were taken with the bag monster.

Some of our takeaways from conversation with Greenfest attendees?

  • Philadelphians DO want to see plastic bag use drastically reduced in the city and surrounding suburbs.
  • Even those who happened to be carrying a plastic bag with them (the horror!) as they stopped by post-Sunday errands said they want to break the habit and would support the reduction.
  • On this given Sunday and as we’ve heard in the past… dog owners and walkers are wondering about their alternatives. (Not to worry, we’ll be discussing this soon on GPB!)

The results?

We totaled roughly another 650-700 signatures supporting the petition by day’s end!

Thank you to all who stopped by and signed! Please continue to pass on the petition to family and friends.

All in all, GreenFest 2012 was a special day and we thank the Clean Air Council and all who participated for their hard work.

Don’t forget to hit up the Headhouse Square Farmers Market for the remaining Sundays of the season. I sampled my first fall apple and pears yesterday, and they were pure autumn tastiness.

Beth Funari

Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen.

Recent Posts

New park renovations, SBN Director steps down, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Newly renovated playground and basketball court in Port…

1 hour ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

21 hours ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

1 week ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

1 week ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago