The Latest

A Butterfly Flaps Its Wings

Can recycled art at the Philadelphia Zoo help protect habitat and change habits?

by Heather Shayne BlakesleeNine-foot-tall recycled-cardboard gorilla sculpture created by Canadian artist Laurence Vallieres for the Philadelphia Zoo’s Second Nature: Junk Rethunk exhibit.

The newest animals at the Philadelphia Zoo aren’t in cages, although some of them—including a life-sized alligator sculpted from bubblegum—will remain safely behind glass.

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1 min read

History in the Making

Activist scholar documents, and helps defend, West Philadelphia neighborhood

Patrick Grossi stands in front of the Philip B. Lindy House on Drexel University’s campus. Where he works to preserve history and increase political voice.
Patrick Grossi wields an unusual tool to help solve social problems: history.
The 33-year-old doctoral student of Temple University’s History program specializes in what

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2 mins read

Let it Grow

Awbury Arboretum’s unlikely stewards let nature—and discovery—run wild

Awbury staff from left to right: Denis Lucey, Karen Flick, Heather Zimmerman and Chris van de Velde.Philadelphians are familiar with the sounds of city life: the laughter of kids walking home from school, bus engines and car horns on the busy streets, music flowing from rowhome windows.

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10 mins read

Grid Endorses Nelson Diaz for Mayor

Nelson Diaz photo by Gene Smirnov Two months ago, no mayoral candidate was the presumptive choice for voters whose main concern is a sustainable Philadelphia. As we went through the process of asking candidates questions directly, looking at public records, examining other local reporting, and consulting with sustainability leaders in the field, one candidate stood

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2 mins read

Craft Fairs Round-up

Philadelphia has a long history of creative artists and crafters (don’t think that whole key-tied-to-a-kite thing was all for science). Craft fairs, which are extensions of that creativity, function on two levels—as a supportive forum for artists, and as a community event that brings people together.
Here's a round-up of highlights from two prominent Philadelphia craft fairs

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2 mins read

Foot Soldier

by Mary Van Ogtrop
Illustration by Julia Tran
 Want to enjoy your commute? Try walking.
 At 7 a.m., my clock radio powers on to the sound of WXPN. “It’s a cold morning in Philadelphia,” the announcer says, a little mournfully, “with a low of 23.”
My eyes flashed open and I hopped up. Over 20 degrees: better get walking.

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2 mins read

Environmental Justice Lecture at Temple University

Dr. Robert D. BullardTonight, Temple University hosts Dr. Robert Bullard, a lauded environmental justice advocate, author and scholar, for their 5th Annual Kelch Lecture. His most recent book, The Wrong Complexion for Protection: How the Government Response to Disaster Endangers African American Communities, is the latest in a life-long body of groundbreaking work. Dr. Bullard and his co-author

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1 min read

Top of the Heap

Scott Blunk teaches Theresa Harter, a junior, how to work a loader at W.B. Saul High School in Roxborough. | Photos by Stephen Dyer
Compost expert and volunteer teacher makes educational programs possible for high school students
The compost pile at W.B. Saul High School in Roxborogh is about the size of a school bus—and that’s

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2 mins read

Philly Farm and Food Fest Preview: Off The Shelf

The 4th Annual Philly Farm & Food Fest is this Sunday, April 12. A partnership of PASA and Fair Food, the event brings together regional farmers, unique food producers and sustainable businesses and organizations. We're counting down the days to Sunday, April 12 with previews of the exhibitors you can expect to find at this year's Fest. To learn more

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1 min read
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