Pennsylvania gets tough on electronic waste, Philly wins national recycling award

Image via staples.comMayor Michael Nutter and Governor Tom Corbett may not always see eye-to-eye, but they can agree on one thing: more recycling.

As of January 24, Pennsylvania has implemented provisions for handling electronic waste, which when improperly disposed can leach heavy metals and toxins into our land and water supply. This Governor’s Covered Device Act, a bipartisan effort signed into law over two years ago, most notably bans the disposal of televisions, computers and other common household electronics in state landfills. Electronics manufacturers and municipalities must now provide Pennsylvanians with easily accessible drop-off points for their old electronics and process them in specially certified recycling facilities. Garbage trucks will no longer accept electronic waste.

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Future Track Program partners job development with city beautification projects

Image via Philadelphia Streets DepartmentIn another promising move to make Philadelphia a more thriving, self-sustaining city, Mayor Nutter has announced the launch of a new program, the Philly Future Track, which will provide job-training and skill development to 130 of the city’s young adults. Sponsored by the Mayor and the Philadelphia Streets Department, Future Track is intended to build civic and environmental stewardship among young adults in the 18 to 24 age range with no previous higher education or employment.

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Growing Greener: Philly builds first LEED-certified firehouse

Fire officials and Mayor Nutter perform the ceremonial "push" of the fire engine to open the new firehouse. | Photo by the Philadelphia Fire Department/ City of PhiladelphiaThis Tuesday, Philadelphia added to its growing list of green building achievements when it opened the city’s first LEED-certified firehouse. Built in Disston Park to serve Mayfair and Tacony, Engine 38 Firehouse is LEED Silver certified. The 12,200-square-foot firehouse features recycled materials from within 500 miles, solar panels and a green roof. Other unique elements include a community and training room, and exterior artwork that shows the history of the fire department and the Tacony neighborhood. The original firehouse was demolished when a new I-95 access ramp and interchange improvements were made at Cottman Avenue. 

Sustained Commitment: Now in his second term, Mayor Nutter continues to make green work

interview by Liz Pacheco | photos by Gene SmirnovOn his first day in office Mayor Nutter announced his intention to make Philadelphia “the greenest city in America.” Now, four years later, with his Greenworks plan in full swing, the Mayor has proven he’s serious. Our Green City, Clean Waters program is revolutionizing how cities handle their ancient stormwater systems. The growing number of urban gardens and farms is making access to local, fresh foods not just possible, but commonplace. Our recycling program is actually making money. And our plans for energy efficiency, whether through retrofits, new construction or renewable energy sources, are promising to significantly reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Recently, Grid had the chance to catch up with the Mayor and talk with him about his connection to Philadelphia parks, his at-home recycling habits and why there’s still hope for solar projects in the city.

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Beat the Monday Blues: Celebrate the opening of Grays Ferry Crescent riverfront park

The new Grays Ferry Crescent section of the Schuylkill Banks| Image via schuylkillbanks.org Don't let Monday get you down! Start next week off with an outdoor celebration of the latest park to join the Schuylkill River Waterfront. Next Monday, June 11, the Schuylkill River Development Corporation will be celebrating the grand opening of the Grays Ferry Crescent, a new park along the river at Schuylkill Avenue and Wharton Street. This new greenway has 3,700 feet of bicycle trails and 1,600 feet of walking trails, along with several lawn areas and fishing sites. Mayor Michael Nutter will be there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m., and the fun will continue until 2 p.m with park activities and a free picnic. For more information, visit the Schuylkill Banks website.