How to Live Greener in Philadelphia
Here are 7 ways to live greener in Philly - to benefit you and your neighbors.
Clean the air.
How? Plants naturally cleanse the air around them of carbon dioxide but have proven to filter out pollutants as well. They do this through microscopic holes in their leaves and bringing microorganisms into your environment that break down pollutants. Definitely necessary for urban cities, like Philadelphia. Plants like Monstera and the Snake Plant are proven plants to remove carcinogens from your home.
Manage rainwater.
Pick up a rainwater barrel or other means to gather rain on your property. Not only are you now equipped with an eco-friendly way to water your garden, but you're also reducing storm runoff throughout the city. Another means to do this is by building a rooftop garden. It requires some work to get started, but boy is it rewarding.
Keep trash where it belongs.
Make sure you have a trash can lid that tightly secures to avoid contributing to the massive amount of trash circulating the streets of Philly. Even better, step outside in the morning and sweep your section of the street or sidewalk.
Eat local.
By shopping at local farm stands or farmers' markets, you're supporting greener food production and your local economy. Not to mention your food will taste so much better.
Skip the car.
Luckily, if you live in Philly, this likely is not difficult. Opt for a bike, electric scooter, or your own two feet to get you to work in the morning.
Plant a tree.
In your backyard, in the city. Doesn't matter. Planting a tree contributes to a gorgeous canopy over Philly we certainly want to maintain. So grab a tree to plant in your backyard, if you have one. Or volunteer to assist in planting trees throughout the city.
Reusable anything.
Pack a water bottle, bring reusable grocery bags, and get in the habit of declining a straw. All of these little changes will have a much bigger effect on the planet than they will on you.
If you put these things into practice, you'll be in great company. Philly ranked 13 out of 27 major U.S. and Canadian cities in the 2011 ‘Green City Index‘, by Siemens and the Economist Intelligence Unit. So don't let the litter and Ben-Franklin-age buildings fool you, Philly's building policies and stormwater management are actually quite advanced. It's time for us to step up to plate and make our footprint as light as possible.
