Mill Creek: Farm Provides for Community in More Ways Than You May Know
Alkebu-Lan Marcus, a 23-year-old assistant farm manager at Mill Creek Farm, got his start by growing food in his own backyard. He is interested in being able to control his own resources and becoming more sustainable. Living within the Mill Creek community, he finds pleasure in giving back to his neighbors through working at the farm […]
Germantown: “It Might Only Be Five of Us Starting Out But Soon People Will See and Want to Help.”
Inspired by growing concerns about the lack of waste management in Germantown, a small group of individuals joined together and recently completed a 90-day clean-up initiative known as “Clean It Up Make It Safe Germantown.” The program, while still in its early stages, is supported by the Ray of Hope Project, a registered non-profit created […]
Chestnut Hill: Group Focuses On New Ideas To Improve Community Life
Ryan Rosenbaum cares deeply about the community of Chestnut Hill and is working to improve the future of the neighborhood. He has held the position of executive director of the Chestnut Hill Community Association for 10 months now, and he said it is one of the joys of his career because he likes incorporating new ideas into […]
Fox Chase: Pennypack Environmental Center Teaches Youth About Environmental Issues
The Pennypack Environmental Center is a city-owned and operated facility run by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. The center, located at 8600 Verree Rd., had its official opening in 1969 and is a subdivision of Pennypack Park. It was created with the purpose of educating community members about the environment. The Pennypack Environmental Center is about 110 acres, according to Stephen Barras, a […]
Manayunk: An Unsung Champion For The Arts In Philadelphia
Manayunk isn’t a neighborhood widely known for its role in the arts, but residents like Jane Lipton, executive director of the Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC), would like to see that perception change. “We would like people to realize that art is everywhere in Manayunk,” Lipton said. And it is. Portraits of people from Manayunk, painted by Mat […]
Brewerytown: Girard-Dream Garden An Attempt To Integrate Bordering Neighborhoods
In 2011, the Brewerytown CDC and the Fairmount CDC collaborated to turn an abandoned lot into a space the two neighborhoods could put to use, creating the foundation for the community run Girard-Dream Garden. With the help of a grant from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, the Fairmount CDC was able to select and […]
Sustainability: Philly’s Organic Coffee Culture Impacts Poor Countries Around the World
As a $20 billion industry in exportation alone, coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world. Organic, Arabica coffee, a native species of coffee beans, is indigenous to the high mountains where it’s cultivated in countries like Ethiopia and Mexico. Philly’s organic coffee culture has been thriving throughout the city since the movement began […]
Sustainability: The Philadelphia Orchard Project Provides Fresh Fruit to Communities
Just when you think the fast-paced, industrialized, city life is dry and desolate, the Philadelphia Orchard Project brings nature’s beauties to brighten up Philly’s urban neighborhoods. As a nonprofit, community-based organization, the Philadelphia Orchard Project transforms vacant lots, schoolyards, community gardens and areas in low-wealth neighborhoods into green spaces to harvest useful and edible plants for the […]
Girard Estate: Stephen Girard Park Offers A Sense Of Community to South Philly Neighborhood
Stephen Girard Park, located at 21st and Shunk streets, nestled in the neighborhood of Girard Estate, serves to connect a community in an area that is steeped in history. Ann Christinzio, the park’s historian and a resident of Girard Estate for 10 years, described how Stephen Girard shaped America into what it is today. “Stephen Girard […]
Sustainable Living: Five Eco-Friendly Businesses in Philadelphia
When a business is sustainable, its practices demonstrate how to make a profit while also promoting, addressing and being conscious of environmental issues. Here are a few businesses that focus their mission not only on making money but remaining environmentally sound. Moon + Arrow 754 S. 4th St. Originating as a handmade jewelry line five years ago, Moon […]