The Ultimate Guide to Green Living in Philadelphia

Moving to a new city can be a thrilling adventure, especially one as historically rich and culturally vibrant as Philadelphia. But if you're someone who prioritizes green living, Philadelphia might seem a little intimidating at first. Don’t worry, this city has wholeheartedly embraced sustainability. It offers a plethora of options to help you lessen your environmental footprint. If you are thinking of moving to Philadelphia and need the best furniture movers in Philadelphia, don’t forget to give us a call.

From eco-friendly transportation options to thriving farmers' markets bursting with local produce, "green living Philadelphia" is more than just a catchphrase. It's a way of life.

Making Your Philadelphia Home Eco-Friendly

First things first: let’s make your new Philadelphia home a haven of sustainability. It doesn't require a complete overhaul. Even small changes can make a big impact.

Energy Efficiency is Key

Start by swapping out those old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. They last longer and use less energy. Consider investing in a smart thermostat. This is a game-changer for regulating your home's heating and cooling efficiently, which means lower energy bills.

When it’s time to replace appliances, remember to check for the ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification signifies that appliances meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines. Want to go the extra mile? The Philadelphia Energy Authority’s Solarize Philly program might be what you’re looking for.

It makes switching to solar energy easier and more affordable for homeowners. Imagine, harnessing the power of the sun to power your Philly home. Pretty cool, right?

Conserving Water, the Philly Way

Did you know that something as simple as installing low-flow showerheads and toilets can significantly reduce water consumption in your home? It’s true. The Philadelphia Water Department offers rebates. This encourages residents to install these water-saving fixtures.

Plus, it'll help you save on those water bills too. Then there's the Rain Check Program, another initiative by the Philadelphia Water Department. Through this program, residents receive free or subsidized tools and resources.

These resources help residents manage stormwater runoff from their property. This includes rain barrels, downspout planters, rain gardens, and permeable pavers. These are all fantastic options to make your outdoor space more eco-friendly. At the same time, you can do your part for Philadelphia’s watershed.

Waste Reduction: Be a Philly Recycling Rockstar

Philadelphians are passionate about recycling, and for good reason. The city makes it super convenient to recycle with its single-stream recycling program. This accepts everything from paper, cardboard, and glass to metals and plastics.

This means no more sorting through your recyclables. Just toss them all in your recycling bin, and the city will take care of the rest. You can find helpful tips and information about recycling practices. Check out the Philadelphia Streets Department's website for more information.

Remember those food scraps? Don't throw them away. Instead, get yourself a compost bin. Turn that kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost for your plants. If you don’t have space for a bin, don’t sweat it.

Check online for local organizations with drop-off sites for organic waste, like Bennett Compost or Circle Compost.

Getting Around Philadelphia the Eco-Friendly Way

Navigating a new city can be a bit of a puzzle. Thankfully, Philadelphia offers some seriously green ways to get from Point A to Point B. Make your daily commute part of your "green living Philadelphia" adventure.

Embrace Philly’s Public Transportation

Philly boasts an extensive public transportation network, thanks to SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). With a little planning, you’ll be hopping on buses and trains like a true Philadelphian in no time. Using public transit significantly cuts down on those harmful emissions.

Public transit is often faster than battling rush hour traffic. It’s a win-win for your schedule and the environment. Plus, less time stuck in traffic means more time to enjoy those Philly cheesesteaks. Go for the ones made with locally sourced ingredients for bonus green points.

Pedal Your Way to Green Living.

Philadelphia is incredibly bike-friendly. The city encourages residents to trade in four wheels for two whenever possible. In fact, the city has dedicated bike lanes, plenty of scenic trails, and a convenient bike-sharing program called Indego.

Picture yourself cruising along the Schuylkill River Trail, wind in your hair, soaking in the scenery. Now that’s how to experience "green living Philadelphia."

Going Green on Four Wheels: Philly’s Electric Vehicle Scene

If driving is a must, electric and hybrid vehicles are the way to go. Philadelphia offers incentives to electric vehicle owners. These incentives sweeten the deal. To make your transition even smoother, the city boasts a growing network of public charging stations.

Now you can zip around town knowing you’re making a planet-friendly choice with every mile.

Digging Into Philadelphia's Sustainable Food Scene

"Green living Philadelphia" extends beyond your home’s front door. This extends right into the city’s food scene. Here’s where things get delicious. Philadelphia takes pride in its commitment to sustainability.

Its culinary landscape is a delicious reflection of those values.

From Farm to Table: Embrace Local

Supporting local farmers and vendors is good for the local economy. It's also a key component of "green living Philadelphia." It also gives you a chance to connect with the heart of the city's agricultural community. Imagine strolling through a bustling farmers' market, baskets overflowing with colorful, just-picked produce. All while the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air.

Sounds like a perfect Saturday morning, right? You'll find this idyllic scene (and then some) at Philly favorites like Reading Terminal Market and Headhouse Farmers Market.

Dining Out? Choose Sustainable.

Looking to grab a bite to eat? Luckily, Philadelphia has many restaurants championing sustainability. These restaurants feature menus emphasizing locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients. For a taste of the farm-to-table movement, check out Talula's Garden.

This James Beard award-nominated gem is nestled in the heart of Washington Square. Their southern-inspired brunch features dishes that change with the season. This ensures you're always getting the freshest flavors.

Get Involved: Be Part of Philadelphia's Green Community

Green living is more than just a lifestyle. It's about joining a community that cares about the planet. Thankfully, Philly has many opportunities to roll up your sleeves and make a difference.

Green Organizations You Should Know About

Check out The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. They support local businesses in implementing sustainable practices. You can find helpful resources on their website. Consider attending their events to network with other sustainability-minded folks.

Another amazing initiative is Greenworks Philadelphia, a city-wide plan focusing on all things sustainable. This ranges from clean energy to a greener economy. Want to dive into local advocacy? See what the Clean Air Council is all about.

They are champions for cleaner air and offer many volunteering opportunities. You can get involved in environmental stewardship.

From energy-efficient homes to locally-sourced meals and thriving green spaces, "green living Philadelphia" isn't just a possibility, it's a tangible reality. Embrace the sustainable options this vibrant city offers. Join a community dedicated to preserving the environment.

Now that you’ve got some ideas, welcome to the neighborhood. Need one of the best movers in Philadelphia? Give us a call, we will help you on your move into Philly. We're glad to have you as part of the movement toward a greener Philadelphia.