The First-Ever SustainPHL

The First-Ever SustainPHL

Earlier this summer, we were hyped when Green Philly Blog announced Philadelphia’s first major celebration focused on the city’s sustainability progress. On Thursday, August 18th, SustainPHL’s opening reception and awards ceremony were held at WHYY in Old City. As a one-of-a-kind event that brought together the green community, SustainPHL offered a comprehensive view of the initiative and efforts towards a more sustainable Philadelphia.

The reception included delicious foods like pasture-raised chicken with rice pilaf and smoked salmon sandwiches from 12th Street Catering and Philly Food Works. All served with eco-friendly disposable bamboo plates and utensils. Munch and Learn exhibitors provided quick lessons and resources to get people started on new ways to go green. Some favorites were fermentation FAQs with Phickle Foods, composting how-to’s by Tyler Weaver the Compost Nerd, and The Cusp Project’s demo by the Franklin Institute.

 

The awards ceremony began with an opening statement from Julie Hancher, founder of Green Philly Blog. She introduced the first awards presenter, Judy Wicks, with a surprise award of her own: the first Sustainable Pioneer Award. Other presenters included the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability Director, Christine Knapp, and founder of socially responsible retail company United by Blue, Brian Linton. All winners received beautiful awards created from reclaimed wood (of course), created by Recycled Artist in Residency (RAIR).

Honorees for the 2016 awards were:

Sustainable Pioneer Award: Judy Wicks
Neighborhood Champion: Sam Holloschutz
Sustainable Communities: GreenFutures | Philadelphia School District
Civic Sustainability Award: Morris Derry
Local Advocate: Saleem Chapman
Unsung Hero: Nic Esposito
Business Innovation of the Year: Good Company Ventures
Impact Business Leader: Wash Cycle Laundry
TD Bank Activist of the Year: Leroy Fisher
Locavore Champion: Rad Dish Co-op
Climate Hero: Green City, Clean Waters (Philadelphia Water)
#FuturePHL: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
Sustainability Mentor: Lamar Gore

 

From new entrepreneurs like Rad Dish Co-op at Temple University to seasoned pros like Judy Wicks, SustainPHL gave everyone the opportunity to unite in their efforts. View the list of all 39 nominees that are each contributing in their own ways.

There are plenty of ways to help — big or small — and each conscious decision assists in moving us all one step closer to a cleaner, greener and more beautiful Earth. For example, join United by Blue in two weeks’ time for a cleanup at FDR Park.

 

What are you favorite ways to go green in Philly? Share with us!