Trash Me

The Institute for the Study of Civic Values hosted the Neighborhood Agenda: Philly Blocks 2007 today and hundreds of Philadelphians gathered to discuss community issues. State and City officials, candidates, agency representatives, CDC’s, non-profits and citizens of every background collaborated on violence, schools, the environment, homelessness and affordable housing, green initiatives and recycling and economic opportunities. With these standard of living categories under focus, litter, naturally, was touched upon during the day.

Mayor John F. Street prompted a “block captain mentality” to be taken by all citizens, and congratulated efforts from those attending and elsewhere. He also highlighted accomplishments in reducing abandoned cars via his Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (abandoned cars, after all, are just big pieces of trash on wheels), and while successful he suggested NTI could do even more good.

Mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger promises community clean-ups if elected, and reminded the crowd that “there’s no republican or democrat way to collect trash.”

Michael Nutter motivated attendees to take responsibility and offered cooperation; “Take care of your neighborhood, and do not expect us to clean up after you... however we will partner with you.” He also urged Philadelphia to become the greenest in the nation, and recognized recycling, admitting Philadelphia’s attempts are “inadequate and depressing” and detailing the benefits recycling can offer.

In addition to speeches, Keep Philadelphia Beautiful and Recycle NOW Philadelphia offered information on what each is doing to address the litter issue and recruited volunteers. The Managing Director's Office provided its Guide to City services, which lists the "need-to-know" numbers for clean-ups and trash removal, violations and quality of life contacts.

With information and activity abound, the morning was a success. And a note of thanks for ISCV Executive Director Ed Schwartz, who made Philly Blocks an inspiring start to the weekend.