Categories: Philly

What Earth Day Means to Philadelphians

Philly local biker Anne Hall & her littlest co-pilot!

We celebrate our “Earth Dayevery day, but today gives us an opportunity to reflect on what Earth Day means to those around our city. Philadelphia has thousands of amazing individuals working to help us achieve cleaner air, water, transit and healthier food options.

In honor of this green holiday, we asked a few local individuals what Earth Day means to them:

“I remember learning about the origins of Earth Day back in middle school, when I did a project about Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. I may not be Rachel Carson, but Earth Day to me is a reminder of the fact that we all share limited resources, and we all share the responsibility that goes along with that. I’m celebrating Earth Day by getting ready for BIKE MONTH in May (by the Bicycle Coalition) to celebrate the most fun and eco-friendly way to get around Philly.

Katie Monroe, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

For me, Earth Day is the yearly celebration of all the good you do for the planet on the other 364 days. It’s a day for me to dwell on all of the benefits that I get, gratis, from our all too small biosphere; it’s a chance for me to connect and share with others who are on the same path with the same goals; and it’s a call to action that I can always, always do a little bit more in lowering the weight of my impact on Earth. Finally, I get to work on a range of sustainability projects for my clients, so I get to see all of the amazing things that they are doing and get excited all over again.

Michael Di Tizio, Green Drinks Northern Liberties Organizer & Compliance & Standards Specialist (aka sustainability specialist) at Canon Business Solutions

Earth day is a day for me to stop and think about the impact that we are making on the earth and to take the opportunity to talk to other people how the way we live affects our planet. I have been  wearing a shirt that says “We add up.” After all, every environmentally conscious action adds up to make a difference – and everyone has the power to make a difference.
Catherine Kendig, Pennsylvania Residential Outreach Coordinator at Clean Currents
Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Harnessing People Power: How Councilmember O’Rourke advocates for the environment and the working class

Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke discusses affordability and access to green initiatives in our latest Civic Catalyst…

17 hours ago

Drumroll for the 2025 SustainPHL Award Recipients

Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…

6 days ago

Community farm preservation, curbing animal cruelty, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The…

7 days ago

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

1 week ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

2 weeks ago

Philly wants more trash cans and trees, believes civic engagement is key

Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…

2 weeks ago