Keep Philadelphia Beautiful

We know that litter cleanups are just one piece of a multi-step solution for the trash issue in Philly. Want to learn more about who's cleaning the city, how they're doing it, and what you can do to help in your neighborhood? 🧹 Checkout the recent Philadelphia Inquirer article that we were interviewed for, along with cleanup pro's including Terrill Haigler aka YaFav Trashman and Nic Esposito of Circular Philadelphia, here ➡

How to organize a block cleanup in Philly How to get free supplies from the city, mobilize neighbors, and plan a successful block cleanup.

Enough trash to fill...the Liberty Bell? 🤔 Keep America Beautiful found that if every person in the country picked up 152 pieces of litter, streets would be litter-free. Who wants to test our math theory that the average volume of 152 pieces of trash could fill the inside of the Liberty Bell? 🗑🔔

(Note: we don't condone actually trashing the Liberty Bell. The will have some choice words if you do).

Cleanups are, of course, just one important piece of the solution to Philly's waste crisis--and picking up litter is an easy place to start. 🚮 💫 All you need is a trash bag and gloves. Are you up for 152 pieces?

So long, single-use plastic bags!👋🎉 Starting October 1, 2021, Philadelphia businesses are prohibited from providing single-use plastic & paper bags that don’t meet requirements to customers.The ban goes into effect on July 1st, but there's a buffer to give folks time to adjust to the new change. Here’s what you need to know about the ban ➡️ phila.gov/plastic-bag-ban

We receive a large amount of phone calls and emails about trash dumpsites--and we hear how frustrated residents and businesses are with the issue. 🗣🗣This helpful Office of Sustainability post spells out how to address illegal dumping in your community: If you see illegal dumping in the act call 9-1-1. If you see illegal dumping after the fact, call Philly311 to report the issue. Please share this with those in your network and let us know what questions you have in the comments below!

Happy Earth Day, ya'll! 🌏 💫We're having a beautiful, blustery day along the Delaware River with our friends at Riverfront North Partnership, Giant and Heirloom Markets. Planting trees, plants, and protecting against invasives 🚫 🌿...serving Mother Nature!

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

Happy Earth Week! 🌏 Are you looking to develop your leadership skills and professional network? Keep Philadelphia Beautiful is seeking new board members that share their passion for a clean, green Philadelphia. Applications open through Earth Day, this Thursday, April 22. For details and to apply, visit the link in our bio.

DYK that Philly's Plastic Bag Ban goes into effect on July 1st? 🧐 Wondering what the ban means for you and those in your community? Find answers to your questions about the bill on the city's page here ➡ https://bit.ly/2QleVIW.

Great board members wanted! 👀 🥳 Join a dynamic team of leaders dedicated to creating a more beautiful Philadelphia. Applications are open now through Earth Day (April 22nd). 🌎

For details and to apply ➡ http://bit.ly/kpbboard

It's feeling like another six weeks of winter today! ❄ On this Groundhog Day, the facts from our post from this day last year still ring true, too...
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Did you know that 52.1% of all municipal solid waste created in the US is still being landfilled? This number is equal to over 139 million tons of waste a year!
Single-use products like plastic bags take up to 500 years to decompose and styrofoam containers never biodegrade. Reduce and reuse by cutting out single-use plastics like plastic bags, plastic water bottles, cling wrap, plastic straws, styrofoam to-go containers, disposable razors, and plastic utensils in place of more sustainable options to !

We recognize and express deep gratitude for the inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. today. Take a moment to reflect on his words and message, there are many recordings and transcripts available online. Consider what type of energy or acts you can contribute to advancing the vision MLK Jr. promoted: an equitable, thriving, and loving community.

We really, really miss doing cleanups with our Philly partners and volunteers! 💙 If you’re headed out for a solo cleanup mission for MLK Jr. Day, here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Wash your hands before and after the cleanup.
2. Minimize physical contact with litter - always wear gloves and use a litter grabber if you have it.
3. Keep minimum 6 ft distance from others unless you are from the same household.
4. Keep your hands away from your face.
5. Secure your bagged litter in a bin with a closable lid.
6. Used masks and gloves should be thrown away, too.

Thanks for your help to 🤗 🙌

While thousands of Philadelphians anxiously await their shipment tracking status 👀, “Out For Delivery”, we’re also hoping for a holiday miracle: that those cardboard delivery boxes are either reused or flattened, stacked, and secured before trash day.🤞🏼
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Unbroken cardboard takes up more space on the sidewalk & in recycling containers. 🗑 Open cardboard boxes on the curb increase the chance of contamination AND litter, since they're more likely to have lightweight shipping materials like foam and bubble wrap, or accumulate trash from pedestrians, inside. 🚯
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Since online shipments contribute to deforestation (🌳=📦)
& add harmful pollution (🚚🚗🚢 emissions) to our neighborhoods, improperly recycling those shipping boxes would really be such a waste, don't you think? 🤔