Grid Magazine January 2018 [#104]

TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE PHILADELPHIA

THREE CHEERS for the

JANUARY 2018 / ISSUE 104 / GRIDPHILLY.COM

TEAM BENEFIT CORPORATIONS ARE GOING FOR THE WIN ON COMMUNITY IMPACT AND THEIR BOTTOM LINE ALSO INSIDE

Is Gerrymandering DEAD? Cold Weather RECIPES & Cozy TEXTILES What Is Trump’s EPA Doing to PENNSYLVANIA?

NEED HELP WITH YOUR

DIGITAL MARKETING? We have you covered. Introducing Grid Digital, a full-service digital agency equipped to design just the right package to help you reach your target audience.

OFFERINGS INCLUDE:

• • • • • • • • •

Programmatic display Re-targeting Targeted email campaigns Geo-fencing SEO SEM Facebook and Instagram Video YouTube

Email ALLAN ASH at allan@gridphilly.com to start today.

WE UNDERSTAND THE WORLD OF DIGITAL MARKETING

SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO.

The Unruly Rise of An Ed-Tech Startup Innovative electronic floor buttons teach kids the basics of programming Things are getting a bit unruly in NextFab’s RAPID Hardware Accelerator. It started at the beginning of September when a Boston-based startup won a coveted spot in our latest Fall cohort.

Unruly Studios, the brainchild of Bryanne Leeming, is an ed-tech startup that is changing the way kids learn about and engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – collectively referred to by the acronym “STEM.” Unruly Splats, their first product, is a set of two programmable electronic floor buttons that kids can code to light up with colors and make sounds. The Splats sense when kids jump on, smack, step on, or slap them and send data back to the coding computer, making them fully interactive.

Leeming, the founder and CEO of Unruly Studios, is a Cognitive Science major from McGill University and holds an MBA from Babson College. She has taken on the challenge of building and manufacturing the hardware for the Splats product.

She led her team through 14 different iterations of the product, while performing testing with over 2,500 kids, parents, and educators. Leeming brings the same factfinding approach to her discussions with NextFab staff and members, too. Bouncing between meetings with NextFab’s engineers, designers, and business thinkers, she wants to know how to improve.

For hardware founders who might want to follow in Unruly Studios’ footsteps, Bryanne has some words of encouragement and wisdom: “Share your prototypes before they feel done. I would never have the beautifully designed product I have now if I hadn’t been willing to show and playtest the first wooden, clunky, gigantic prototype with kids. You learn so much from putting even prototypes in people’s hands (or in our case, people’s feet!).”

The Fall 2017 Cohort graduated on Thursday, November 30th. Have a great hardware concept that needs a push in the right direction? NextFab is accepting applicants through January 18th for the Spring 2018 Cohort. Learn more about our RAPID Hardware Accelerator and apply online at nextfab.com/grow.

Turn ideas into reality at NextFab, a network of collaborative makerspaces for creators of any skill level or interest.

Learn more at nextfab.com 3D Printing

Electronics

Photography

Metalworking

Laser Cutting

South Philadelphia North Philadelphia

Software

Textiles

Woodworking

Jewelry

Wilmington, DE

EDITOR’S NOTES

by

HEATHER SHAYNE BLAKESLEE

TURNING THE PAGE To everything, there is a season

T

he winter outlines of bare trees against the sky always look particularly beautiful when dusk briefly passes behind them—the elegant and intricate silhouettes are otherworldly.

That they are the same creatures who only months ago were abundant with leaves fluttering in warm sun is fascinating. In this part of the world, they tell us the story of the seasons, and we hungrily turn the pages again and again without tiring of the narrative, like a child with a favorite picture book. In late summer’s gauzy haze, we begin to taste the crisp fall. When winter has gone on too long, we ache for spring. The transitory but relatively reliable passing of the seasons is, in and of itself, a kind of parental comfort.

That may explain why our present time and place feels more and more discomfiting. Not just politically—as we bear witness to a country wrestling with itself to enact its ideals, or culturally, as we reckon with how to value the female half of the human race without devolving into yet more divisiveness—but as, in the background, a larger and more dangerous disruption lurks, too vast and frightening to comprehend: Our seasonal narrative, our climate, is changing.

We are caught, in the present moment, between knowing in our bones that something is wrong, and convincing ourselves that all will be well in the end, that a deus ex machina solution will present itself at the appropriate time and save the day.

In his brilliant book “The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable,” author Amitav Ghosh explores and connects the stories we’ve told ourselves about how and where we choose to live and what impacts those choices have on our living planet. He calmly and eloquently reminds us that it is naive at best and, at worst, a kind of collective delusion to continue to believe a fiction wherein humanity—our vast systems of habitat,

commerce and politics—are unconnected to the planet we live on.

That sounds dramatic. The truth sometimes is.

It’s time for winter, then. Time for reflection, to look at the shape of things as they are, with no ornaments to distract us, and to choose a path forward. The stories we tell ourselves are vital. They reflect our cultural mores and priorities.

The page we turn now becomes the next generation’s story, and it feels fair and just that it should be one that is appropriate to read to our children.

The British writer Ted Hughes, probably best known in America as Sylvia Plath’s husband and the author of the children’s story “The Iron Giant,” also has a formidable body of dark, muscular poetry. He’s unsparing in his portrayal of the brutishness of nature.

But he unspools to us a line of occasional relief, as in the opening of “The Guide,” when he writes, “When everything that can fall has fallen/Something rises.” How far will we fall, and what will rise, I wonder, in the coming years? What will our story be?

As the editor of Grid for the past several years, this is the question I wrestle with every month, and this month’s issue will be my last as editor-in-chief. I’m looking very forward to continuing to contribute to the magazine while I put my energy into other creative projects, but the past three years have been a wonderful, long season. It’s been an intellectual, creative, collaborative and, at times, emotional challenge to give the magazine a cold, spare spine of truth but to leaf it out with beautiful stories of positivity, resilience and hope. Everything changes—but you can expect that to stay the same. Thank you for reading, and for striving for a happy ending.

HEATHER SHAYNE BLAKESLEE Editor-in-Chief heather@gridphilly.com

publisher Alex Mulcahy editor-in-chief Heather Shayne Blakeslee heather@gridphilly.com 215.625.9850 ext. 107 associate editor Walter Foley copy editor Aaron Jollay art director Michael Wohlberg michael@redflagmedia.com 215.625.9850 ext. 113 writers Kyle Bagenstose Jacqui Bonomo Nancy S. Cleveland Anna Herman Justin Klugh Emily Kovach Brian Ricci Belinda Sharr illustrators Clarissa Eck Nancy Hill Jameela Wahlgren Faye Zhang advertising director Allan Ash allan@gridphilly.com 215.625.9850 ext. 103 distribution Alex Yarde alex.yarde@redflagmedia.com 215.625.9850 ext. 106 published by Red Flag Media 1032 Arch Street, 3rd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 215.625.9850 G R I D P H I L LY. C O M

www.BrackenLeadership.com Helping organizations & their people thrive since 2003.

TO-DO LIST 1. donate

2. do a

3. hit the library

City dwellers in small spaces know the post-holiday routine: Assess the mound of gifts, admit there is not room for them, decide what to recycle or give away, repeat.

Now that the heat is cranking all the time, it’s a good idea to test the batteries on your fire alarms and carbon dioxide monitors. Older equipment should be serviced each year.

There’s nothing better than snuggling up with a good book, especially when the weather is frightful.

Head to the library and browse the stacks for a suitable companion or two.

your surplus

4. make the b-list your a-list Benefit corporations, or B corps, are companies that have decided to contribute to the common good while pursuing their bottom line.

You have a choice to help support their community-centered work by consciously choosing to patronize their businesses, whether it’s clothing or cleaning services. For a look at local B corps, see Page 22.

safety check

5. tend to your containers The heat of summer is long gone, but the plants in your patio pots and other gardening containers still need your help. If you have a collection of perennials that you want to see again in the spring, make sure you water occasionally during the winter months.

6. make a

volunteer plan Many people give money to charities at the end of the year, but they can use your help year-round. Make a list of the causes that you care most deeply about, and then ask yourself: How will I contribute this year? The dark days of January are a good time for self-reflection and gathering strength for the year ahead. Be the change you want to see.

4

GR ID P H I L LY.CO M JA NUA RY 20 1 8

7. recycle your christmas tree

Philadelphia doesn’t have curbside pick up for Christmas trees yet, but they still have options for keeping it out of the landfill. From Jan. 6 to 13 there are city sanitation centers that will take them—visit the Philadelphia Streets website to find out more.

IL LUSTRATIO N S BY N ANCY HI LL

8. bust out the board games

Remember when you spent days upon days with your friends and siblings playing Monopoly when you couldn’t be outside? It’s just as fun now as it was then!

9. take in some

art on the parkway The Winter Fountains exhibition running through March 18 includes four massive, glowing outdoor domes stationed at various spots on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that project surreal video imagery at night.

10. keep calm and

We’re your source for

drink some tea

If you’re taking a break from all the holiday excess and libations, try out some fresh looseleaf tea or an interesting herbal mix as your nightly nightcap.

2018 dated materials

100% recycled products, 100% post-consumer paper, 100% made in the USA

Visit GreenLinePaper.com to unearth an abundance of planet-friendly products.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1-800-641-1117

| info@greenlinepaper.com

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI LLY.COM

5

NEWS

the north and south sections of the 300acre Tacony Creek Park.

The 0.3-mile trail segment links Phase 1 of the lower trail—completed in 2013—and the upper portion of the trail—completed in the 1970s—which had been divided by the multilane Roosevelt Boulevard. Tacony Creek Trail will eventually span 3.2 miles.

STATE INVESTS IN SOLAR ENERGY, RECREATIONAL SITES

PROTECTED BIKE LANE PLANNED FOR SOUTH STREET IN 2018 City officials announced Dec. 13 that construction will move forward for a protected bicycle lane on a portion of South Street adjacent to the South Street Bridge.

The project, which is expected to be completed in mid-2018, will run along the painted bicycle lane on South Street from 21st Street to 27th Street at the base of the bridge. It will also include 27th Street from Lombard to South. It will include the restriping of the existing paint-buffered lanes and the installation of flexible delineator posts within the painted buffer at South and 27th streets.

“Protected bicycle lanes will create a safe space for people of all ages to bicycle, eliminate loading and parking in the bicycle lane, and clearly separate bicycle space from vehicle space,” said Director of Complete Streets Kelley Yemen.

On Nov. 28, a privately owned trash truck turned near 11th Street in Center City and killed Emily Fredricks, 24, who was biking to work on the Spruce Street bike lane, CBS Philly reported. The news prompted bicycling advocates to again call on the city to move forward with long-awaited protected bike lanes on Pine and Spruce streets.

6

GRID P H I L LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 201 8

DVGBC RENAMED GREEN BUILDING UNITED The Delaware Valley Green Building Council, which advocates for green building practices, is now officially renamed Green Building United.

The U.S. Green Building Council, which previously housed DVGBC, continues to operate through national chapters, and Executive Director Alex Dews wants the organizations to maintain a working relationship together.

The nonprofit took on the regional Passive House and Living Building Challenge organizations a year ago as a way of unifying the local green building movement, said Dews in an email to Grid.

“The proliferation of green building tools and standards beyond LEED/USGBC, as well as our focus on existing buildings that will never interface with above-code rating systems, means that we need to be an independent broker of information on sustainability in the built environment,” Dews said.

NEW TRAIL CREATES SAFER LINK THROUGH TACONY CREEK PARK The city broke ground Dec. 7 on Phase 2 of the Tacony Creek Trail, which will connect

Gov. Tom Wolf in November announced $30 million in new grant funding to promote the installation of new solar projects and the manufacture or assembly of solar equipment.

For solar equipment manufacturing projects, the state’s Solar Energy Program will offer up to $40,000 in loans or $5,000 in grants for every new job created within three years. For new solar panel installations, the program will offer loans up to $5 million or $3 per watt, and grants up to $1 million or $1.50 per watt.

“We all have long known that the future of our country and our commonwealth’s energy economy will include a robust renewable energy sector,” said Gov. Wolf.

Also in November, Gov. Wolf signed legislation requiring that the solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which are used to demonstrate compliance with Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, must be generated at solar facilities that deliver electricity to the grid in Pennsylvania. Prior to this change, Pennsylvania was one of the few states that allowed out-of-state transactions of such credits.

The state wants to increase the amount of solar electricity generated in Pennsylvania to 10 percent of the state’s total by 2030 through the Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future project, which is led by the Department of Environmental Protection.

“Keeping the supply in state will likely increase the value of SRECs, providing a major boost for residents with solar panels who provide electricity to aggregators,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell in an op-ed for PennLive.

Grid_SEPTAPerks-Theater_newcard_4 5x9 75_12 11 17.pdf 1 12/11/2017 4:36:38 PM

On Dec. 5, Gov. Wolf announced an investment of $44 million for 266 projects across Pennsylvania to “create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and help revitalize local communities.”

Heritage Areas will also receive $2.36 million for improving trails, improving signage, and planning and marketing heritage tourism events.

The grants were awarded through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

The department received 442 applications requesting more than $87 million in project funding.

“The fact that the state must deny nearly 40 percent of grant requests received reveals how underfunded these programs are. The needs facing our commonwealth are great, and they grow exponentially with C each year we ignore them,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Growing M Greener Coalition. “The commonwealth Y must address these funding shortfalls.” CM MY

REPORT DETAILS HEALTH IMPACTS OF REFINERY Environmental justice advocates at Philly Thrive released a survey report in November detailing the energy-infrastructure concerns of more than 300 citizens, most of whom live near Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ oil refinery, in South and Southwest Philly. The PES refinery is the largest of its kind on the East Coast.

Residents in these communities reported significantly higher rates of asthma than the national average. More than half of the respondents reported living with health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Ninety-five percent of those surveyed want the city to consider making PES pay for damages they may have caused.

The survey was submitted to Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability as part of Philly Thrive’s #WeDecide campaign, which began in May 2017. The residents’ top priority for giving additional feedback as the city develops an energy master plan is to have more community meetings with city officials present.

CY

CMY

K

5412 7501 2345 6789 GOOD THRU

8/21

PERKS FOR ALL SEPTA KEY CARDHOLDERS LIKE DISCOUNTED THEATER AND CONCERT TICKETS AND MORE ...

This optional offer is not a MetaBank® product or service nor does MetaBank endorse this offer. SEPTA Key® card is issued

by MetaBank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI LLY.COM

7

P OLITICS

The End of Gerrymandering?

Two Pennsylvania court cases could end partisan political districts—possibly even in time for the 2018 elections by kyle bagenstose

T

he League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania tackles a long list of pressing issues: drilling in the Marcellus shale, child welfare, collective bargaining and campaign finance among them.

But more than any other, it is gerrymandering—the political process of drawing uneven election maps to heavily favor one party—that sets off alarm bells for league vice president and Chester County native Carol Kuniholm.

“The system is broken, and democracy is dying in Pennsylvania if we don’t fix it,” Kuniholm said.

Gerrymandering is such an important topic for the league that in 2016 members helped launch Fair Districts PA, an organization fighting for competitive elections.

Kuniholm serves as chair and says the organization is closely watching two ongoing court cases that, if the pieces fall into place, could require a redraw of Pennsylvania’s 18 congressional districts ahead of next fall’s general elections.

“Normally, the courts don’t involve themselves in a legislative process. It will be interesting to see what happens,” she said.

8

GR ID P H IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 201 8

Also following closely is Michael Li, senior redistrict counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.

Li points out that even though Pennsylvania is a closely contested state, usually voting about 50-50 in statewide elections, Republicans hold a 13-to-5 edge in congressional districts. But he’s more troubled by the noncompetitiveness in recent elections.

“The problem is not only the 13-5, but that it’s locked in,” Li said.

Li explains that although gerrymandering has existed for more than 200 years, new technologies now allow politicians to use “surgical” precision in redrawing maps. A redraw by Pennsylvania Republicans in between the 2010 and 2012 elections provides evidence.

In the first election, 51 percent of Pennsylvania voters picked Republicans and 47 percent picked Democrats. Power flipped, with the Republicans gaining five seats for a total of 12.

Two years later Democrats surged back, winning 50 percent of the vote to the Republicans’ 48 percent. But Democrats actually lost a district, and haven’t won one since.

Having seen enough, the League of

Women Voters filed suit against the state this year. What happened next was highly unusual: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled 4-3 to fast track the suit and require a lower court judge to render a decision by Dec. 31. Even if the court favors state Republican leaders contesting the suit, the state Supreme Court could overrule it.

“The question becomes, ‘How can you undo [gerrymandering]?’” Li said.

Because primaries would start in the spring, a likely route would be to put in place an independent “special master” to redraw the lines for the 2018 elections, Li said. The court could also favor a request from the league to make new rules for legislators for future redistricting efforts, such as not allowing the use of party registration data in the process.

“The long-term solution is an independent commission,” Kuniholm added.

Should both courts rule in favor of state Republicans, there’s a second, federal gerrymandering case brought by five Pennsylvania voters that began in December. But Li thinks it’s a long shot, as it argues “that you can’t have any partisanship at all” during redrawing, he says.

“This has not been tried before,” Li said. “It potentially opens the door in a way that the U.S. Supreme Court might not be comfortable with... where literally any map is challengeable.”

By June, both suits could be moot, depending on how the Supreme Court rules on a third suit, Gill v. Whitford. The landmark case out of Wisconsin could make highly partisan gerrymandering unconstitutional nationwide. Although the Supreme Court has heard gerrymandering cases in the past and declined to curb it, Li believes new data and mapping technologies allow a higher level of scrutiny that could turn the tide.

Should all fail, Kuniholm says there will be one consolation. Through court documents, she says the public will learn what kinds of conversations went on in 2011 when Pennsylvania Republicans redrew the maps.

“I want people to see these are the names of the people who sat in a room and deliberately denied millions of Pennsylvanians a fair, free vote,” she said. “No matter what the decision in these cases, that information will be made public.”

IL LUSTRATIO N BY M ICHAE L WOHLBERG

Do you have a child in the 3rd through 8th grade?

Your family may qualify for a paid research study!

We’re interested in studying the way personality, behavior and life experiences influence how the teenage brain develops over time.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact the Temple Adolescent Development Study at

(215) 204-3444 or visit us online at

sites.temple.edu/olinolab/current-studies

The Image of Yoga Photographs by Jacques-Jean “JJ” Tiziou

Exhibit at Studio 34 through February 10 4522 Baltimore Ave

For more info:

TheImageOfYoga.com

Mon-Thu: 10am-noon, 4-8pm | Fri: 10am-noon, 4-6pm | Sat-Sun: 10am-4pm

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI LLY.COM

9

OP-ED

The Trickle-Down Environment Federal policies are harming Pennsylvania by jacqui bonomo

P

resident Trump’s napalming of environmental protection is withering the air, water, landscape and public health of our nation. As the president’s agenda begins to manifest in on-the-ground changes—at the state and federal levels, in our fragile ecosystems, in waterways and throughout our imperiled climate system—we move closer to crises that future leaders, laws and technology will be hard-pressed to reverse.

The most striking impact of the president’s effect in Pennsylvania is how it’s emboldened anti-environmental elected officials in the state Legislature. The past year saw an unprecedented series of attacks on previously hard-fought, and typically bipartisan, environmental protections that, at least until now, provided basic measures and tools to clean our air and water. The Trump effect has spawned copycat policymakers who embrace the same bombastic and divisive tactics and rhetoric as the president. If the electorate does not reject these destructive personalities or turn them out of office, the prospect becomes grim for providing a healthy environment and uncompromised climate systems to future generations.

10

GR IDPH IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 20 1 8

But despite the extreme anti-environmental provocations of the Trump team, we are seeing small victories for clean water and air. A large state coalition of clean water advocates recently beat back the Trump administration’s attempt to zero out the budget for watershed protection and restoration projects in local streams of the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The recently passed state budget closed Pennsylvania’s solar borders, and now clean energy credits needed to meet our renewable energy goals must come from solar projects and jobs produced here, and not from out of state, as previously allowed.

We are witnessing a profound rejection of Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, and his demolition of the Clean Power Plan, a reasonable path forward to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our communities are stepping up to take their climate and clean energy futures into their own hands.

Backed by their constituents, mayors and elected officials around the commonwealth have declared their intention to reduce emissions and move forward with climate action in places like Bethlehem, Downing-

town, Mount Pocono, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Swarthmore and State College, with the list growing every day.

There are opportunities for state and federal policymakers to shed the polarized fever that’s beset them and make progress for our environment. Congress could surprise us and produce a good Farm Bill reauthorization that helps Pennsylvania agriculture and water quality, or pass the RECLAIM Act to provide funding to accelerate restoration of land and water impacted by legacy pollution from coal mining.

The state Legislature could get serious about reforming and reauthorizing the alternative energy portfolio standard and continue to build on 70,000 clean energy jobs around the state.

Yet, the pull of the president’s fear-driven environmental policy is so strong, I would not count on it. My money is on the regular folks and emerging environmental leaders who know there is too much at stake, and who will not allow this president to get in our way.

Jacqui Bonomo is the president and CEO of PennFuture, a statewide environmental advocacy organization in Pennsylvania.

IL LUSTRATIO N BY CL ARISSA EC K

OCCASIONETTE goods & gifts

724 HADDON AVENUE COLLINGSWOOD NJ (856) 854-0111 1825 EAST PASSYUNK AVENUE PHILADELPHIA PA (215) 465-1704 @OCCASIONETTE

Clean Laundry Clean Planet Clean Slates

12th & Arch Streets Philadelphia, PA 19107

CALION O P L TRADIT

IA PH O L E H AD L S PHI

Sustainable Laundry and Linen Solutions for Philly’s Laundry and Linen Residents and Solutions for Businesses

Small Businesses

Save 10% off your first order. Code: GRID10 WashCycleLaundry.com

A

Take advantage of the fresh produce, meats, dairy, seafood, spices & baked goods that the Reading Terminal Market has to offer.

Best time for locals to shop: 8 am – 11 am & 4 pm – 6 pm Diverse. Charming. Inspiring. Delicious.

Shop Reading Terminal Market. All under one roof.

Monday - Sunday 8am- 6pm ReadingTerminalMarket.org 215•922•2317

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI LLY.COM

11

the BIG PICTUR E

Our Collective Climate Delusion If we’ve all lost our minds together, can we really know what’s happening? interview by heather shayne blakeslee

O

ccasionally, a great reckoning will sweep through a culture, unveiling a world that will be shocking to some and unsurprising to others, but forcing change nonetheless. Take, for instance, the election of Donald Trump, which has thrown America’s long history of racism and our culture’s pervasive misogyny into the center ring of our current cultural, post-truth circus. But what will finally force a real conversation about the global threat of climate change?

In his eloquent and unsparing book, “The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable,” Indian writer Amitav Ghosh explores the cultural, political and psychological history of our species’ inability to grasp that our daily habits are threatening our lives. He seamlessly weaves together stories and statistics to remind us that the world humans have constructed is by no means under our control: Earth has limits, and so do we. But at what point will we recognize—and reckon with—that fact? And how do the stories we tell ourselves about the past and the future contribute to that reckoning?

You are best known as a fiction writer. What made you decide to write the lectures that constitute “The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable”? And what role does fiction, or the humanities in general, play in helping us to process and understand our world?

AG: For me, climate change is impossible to ignore: It is the most important question of 12

GR IDPH I L LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 201 8

our times, and I wrote the book because I felt that it demands a response from every thinking person. Just as people once asked their parents, “What did you do during the war?” a future generation is going to ask their parents, “Why didn’t you pay attention to climate change?”

As human beings, stories are fundamental to our understanding of the world.

Perhaps if we listened to different stories we would better appreciate the scale of the challenge that we now face as a species.

You write in the book that our lives are not guided by reason but by “inertia and habitual motion” and that “those who uproot themselves and make the right preparations [for climate change] are precisely those obsessed monomaniacs who appear to be on the borderline of lunacy.” And you very specifically chose to use the word “derangement” in relation to the vast majority of people who cannot comprehend climate change. What does it mean to be sane at this point in our history as humans?

AG: I don’t think any of us can claim to be sane at this moment. We are all living in a kind of collective delusion, in which the political and economic discourse continues to conjure up horizons of unlimited “growth,” and we continue to use the very things that will ultimately destroy us—cars, planes, etc.

You observe that one effect of modernity is the shift in how we think about nature. In our literature and in our art, nature used to IL LUSTRATIO N BY JAM E E L A WA HLGREN

the BIG PICTUR E

be an awesome force to be feared, respected and revered. And then—through our increased proficiencies in science, technology, engineering and math—we came to believe that we could control nature. How does it feel to you to be witnessing the results of our limitations? Of our hubris?

AG: It wasn’t just that modernity led people to believe that “nature” could be controlled—it led them to believe that the earth is inert. It is this illusion that has been shattered by climate change. James Lovelock’s seminal book “Gaia” showed us that in many respects the Earth functions as a living organism. But, of course, this is what most premodern cultures believed anyway.

I’d like to talk about cultural memory. Great quantities of humans now live in places where our ancestors felt it unsafe to populate. You write in the book about the great incentives it took to get modern people to live on the island of Hong Kong, and about stone tablets left by earlier generations on the coast of Japan, warning of tsunamis and advising, “Don’t build past here!” Yet we chose instead to build not only a settlement but a nuclear facility there. Onethird of America’s infrastructure is in our hurricane-prone Gulf Coast. Are we about to enter an age of remembering?

AG: The list of cities that are facing potentially catastrophic impacts is growing by the day. Hurricane Harvey may have been an important inflection point in the U.S.— at any rate, it seems to me that much more attention is being paid to this issue today.

One of the most enlightening parts of the book is the time you spend laying out how Eurocentric the dialogue around climate change is, and how the history of empire and of colonialism has also played a significant role in this story. Can you talk a little about that?

AG: It is a fact that the discourse on climate change is very Eurocentric. But this is, strangely enough, partly the fault of non-Westerners, because climate change is not a major subject of discussion in countries like India, China, Indonesia and so on—even though they all stand to lose a great deal.

I don’t think any of us can claim to be sane at this moment.

We are all living in a kind of collective delusion.

The impacts on India are widespread and intensifying. The most notable impacts are prolonged droughts, extreme heat waves, an increasing number of “rain bomb” events, and more and more agricultural land being invaded by seawater.

Most people cannot comprehend climate change or their contributions to it. We are also bad at imagining the sheer numbers of people who will be affected. You write that “the consequences are beyond imaginable: The lives and livelihoods of half a billion people in South and Southeast Asia are at risk.” What can help us conceive of this problem or how it will affect our fellow humans?

AG: The vastness of the scale of climate change is one of the factors that prevents us from grasping the enormity of the challenge, especially because we have become accustomed to thinking in delimited ways.

Our approach to problems is to break them down into tractable units—but that often makes us lose sight of the interconnections of the big picture.

You cite many statistics in the book: Predicted sea-level rise may displace 50 million people in India; a temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius will decrease food production there by 25 percent; China feeds 20 percent of the world’s population on 7 percent of the world’s arable land, and desertification there is already causing $65 billion per year in losses. Scholars such as Robert Paarlberg have written that, because the United States may not see some of these same impacts and because our fossil-fuel lobby is so strong, U.S. action is stymied.

Do you agree? And can the world solve this without the United States?

AG: I think the whole framing of climate change as primarily a threat to the world’s poor is very misleading. The truth is that everybody stands to lose in proportion to their circumstances. For many subsistence-level farmers, the impacts will surely be disastrous in that they will lead to complete immiseration. But in gross terms, the rich stand to lose the most, partly because they simply have more to lose and partly because they are more dependent on advanced infrastructure. During Hurricane Harvey, for instance, some of the richest people in one of the world’s richest cities were very badly impacted. Similarly, Puerto Rico is technically a part of the world’s richest and most advanced country, yet most of its people remain without electricity many weeks after Hurricane Maria. Cuba, by contrast, has been relatively resilient. In 2017 the U.S. probably had a higher tally of climate-related losses than any other part of the world.

Is there anything that gives you hope that we’ll solve this crisis?

AG: In my view, the idea that all problems have a “solution” is itself a hindrance in regard to thinking about climate change. At this point “coping” or “adapting” might be better words to use because many climate change impacts are already locked in—no matter what we do now.

Amitav Ghosh is a celebrated writer whose books include “The Circle of Reason,” “Dancing to Cambodia and at Large in Burma” and “Flood of Fire.”

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

13

Coat from Meri Fete

COZYING UP 5 Locally Made Textiles to Keep You Warm This Winter by emily kovach

14

GRIDPH IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 20 1 8

S H OP L OCAL

The Village Quilter

1

COATS FROM MERI FETE

Meri Fete is a small fashion label founded by Meri Lazar and her daughters. Together, they create one-ofa-kind, demi-couture pieces meant for women who want something with better fit or quality than clothing off the rack.

Much of their capsule collection comprises timeless dresses and separates with sleek, clean lines, but they also make gorgeous, sophisticated winter coats that don’t sacrifice warmth for style.

“As all our items, the coats are intended to be timeless statement pieces made from a collection of individually selected quality fabric,” says Lazar. “We start with the fabric as our canvas and then we create the basic design that evolves with the progress of execution: cutting from the initial pattern, basting and sewing, to the final hand finishing and addition of details.”

Though the label is just two years old, the concept behind its founding goes back 40 years, when Lazar coupled her engineering training with her grandmother’s basic sewing teachings and began cutting fabric.

While studying in engineering school, she was asked to maintain a fashion column in

the college newspaper, and she developed an appreciation for couture. Later, while traveling for work, she would explore vintage stores and high-end boutiques in various countries.

One of Lazar’s daughters, Ioana, inherited her mother’s love of fashion and now works as a stylist, and she has poured her skill and passion into the label. The label’s practices also reflect their commitment to certain principles: A percentage of the label proceeds benefit various causes, including the International Rescue Committee and Waves for Water.

Self-described as “slow fashion,” Meri Fete also sees itself as helping to encourage mindful consumption. “Items are designed to be ageless and timeless,” Lazar says, “thus aiming to contribute toward a more sustainable and less wasteful lifestyle.”

Email hellomerifete@gmail.com for a preliminary consultation

2

TOWELS & THROWS FROM CUTTALOSSA

Can fabric be light, airy and also cozy? Everything that Old City-based Cuttalossa makes points to yes. Its line of ver-

satile cotton textiles feel equally ready for a warm winter snuggle as a relaxed summer picnic. The pestemals (like a throw blanket/towel hybrid), peskirs (good for kitchen towels, hair wraps or towels for little ones), and plush and ultra-plush towels (thick enough to double as a small area rug or child’s play mat) are soft and easy, with colors and textures that exude a modern minimalist comfort.

And if supreme coziness is what you desire, Cuttalossa’s line of alpaca socks, hats, mittens and blankets are just the ticket.

They certainly will run you more than your average winter accessories, but their construction and quality means you’ll have them a long time.

Cuttalossa was founded in 2013 by Shannon Retseck. Community and sustainability are at the core of her mission; the organic hand-loomed textiles are sourced from a weaver’s collective in southern Turkey, and the wool is from a group of alpaca farms in rural New Jersey. You can shop online or visit its small setup in the back of Meadowsweet Mercantile, a home and lifestyle boutique in Old City. cuttalossa.us JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

15

SHOP L OCAL

One-of-a-kind knit clothes from West Oak Design

3

QUILTS AND FABRIC FROM THE VILLAGE QUILTER

Tucked into a charming cottage-esque building in Mill Race Village in Mount Holly, New Jersey, about 25 miles east of Philadelphia, is the Village Quilter, a quilter’s paradise. The cozy 1,000-square-foot shop offers bolts upon bolts of quilting cottons in all kinds of designs, patterns, books, classes and supplies. Twice a year, the weekends before Memorial Day weekend and Black Friday, the shops sells completed quilts. Village Quilter has been open for 15 years and doubles as a community gathering space where first-timers and seasoned quilters come together via classes, workshops, events and clubs.

At the end of 2015, the original owner retired, and local Joyce Doenges, a frequent customer at the shop, decided to take it over.

“I had always wanted to own a quilt shop, and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity,” Doenges says. “I considered the Village 16

GR IDPH IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 201 8

Quilter my home shop... the perfect place to enhance my quilty stash, have a bite for lunch at the Robin’s Nest and do a bit of shopping. It was a bonus that I just loved the people that worked at the Village Quilter, and fortunately for me, they all decided to continue working for our incarnation of the shop.”

Doenges, who is also a second-grade teacher, reopened the Village Quilter in April 2016. In addition to relocating and expanding the classroom area and exposing existing barn doors along one wall of the shop, part of Doenges’ updating process has been harnessing the power of the local quilting community to do good. They support three charities: Project Linus, Ryan’s Cases for Smiles and Distributing Dignity.

“We have a large network of quilters that visit us from all over the tri-state area...

Many of our customers consider us their home away from home,” she says. “We take our hashtag, #ittakesavillage, seriously.” thevillagequilter.com

4

CLOTHES AND KNITS FROM WEST OAK DESIGN

In February 2014, soon after the birth of her son, Christie Sommers wanted to find a way to work from home. Her goal was to open an online shop of some kind, and in preparation she started the Handmade Today Project and made one thing by hand every day for a whole year, posting each creation to Instagram.

“The Handmade Today Project was just the structure of accountability, feedback and productivity I needed to kickstart my business,” Sommers says. “The project itself brought a nice bit of attention to my work and legitimized me by showing I was tenacious and dedicated.”

When she’d built up an inventory of items, she opened West Oak Design, an online shop offering small-batch and one-of-a-kind clothing, bags and housewares. Sommers designs and handcrafts each piece with a zero-waste approach.

S H OP L OCAL

Pillow from Dance Happy Designs

Her clothing is loose and comfy-looking in a very effortless, cool way, and the rope plant hangers, fabric plant cozies and coiled rope bowls bring a tactile warmth.

She recently signed the lease on a new studio in Mount Airy that she’ll use to host workshops, offer shopping by appointment and host occasional open studio hours in addition to fabric printing, pattern cutting, product photography and general business operations. She’ll continue to dye fabrics and construct garments 2.5 miles away in her home studio in Wyndmoor. westoakdesign.com

5

PILLOWS FROM DANCE HAPPY DESIGNS

Dance Happy Designs is an independently owned silk-screen print studio located in Swarthmore. It prints geometric motifs on fabric in cheerful colors, which is used to create pillowcases, table runners, tote bags and more.

The company was founded in 2016 by friends Emily Scott, Julia Tyler and Liv Helgesen. The three met in 2012 when Scott, who owns a small shop in Swarthmore called Compendium Boutique, partnered with a Philly-based not-for-profit called Community Integrated Services, whose mission is to find meaningful employment for adults with disabilities. Tyler, who has Down syndrome, was placed as an intern at Compendium and was accompanied by her work coach, Helgesen.

“Julia is very capable of doing a wide variety of tasks but she's fairly nonverbal... and she has her own pace,” says Scott. “The three of us just really clicked and bonded from the get-go, and five years later, Julia is still working at my boutique as an employee.”

Tyler’s government funding changed when she turned 21 in March of 2016, and Scott and Helgesen brainstormed ways to help boost her employment. They tried screen-printing: Helgesen has a de-

gree in it from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and Tyler showed a knack for it. Now, together, they produce handcrafted, high-quality home decor and lifestyle products in small, limited runs. Tyler, the lead designer, applies her interest in pattern and color to the aesthetic of Dance Happy’s products and design patterns. She chooses colors and helps to transfer her patterns for the screen-printing process. Scott is the company business manager and Helgesen is the lead printer.

“From cutting out new patterns to printing fabric to assembling products, everything at Dance Happy is done by hand and with a whole lot of love,” says Scott.

Though they don’t have their own brick and mortar shop, their Etsy shop is stocked, a few local boutiques carry their products, and they often can be found at trunk shows and makers markets across the region. dancehappydesigns.com JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI LLY.COM

17

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

GREENBACKS AND BLUE WATER Channeling a passion for clean water into a robust bottom line at United By Blue by justin klugh

Brad Linton of United By Blue

R

egardless of where it flows, water

brings life. At every depth, from oceans to puddles, it invites all kinds of organism to thrive.

When humans started stacking up villages and cities, we did so on riverbanks, coasts and shorelines where food and water were abundant and the currents allowed for pre-industrial transit. But a few eons in, both shallow and deep bodies are choked with man-made waste, threatening the life it sustains.

Brian Linton, 31, CEO of United By Blue, wants to do something about that.

Through lots of experimentation and experience throughout his career, Linton found that there is no easy way to streamline the conservation process, and he has learned which steps (and in what direction) to take through his business to achieve his goals. United By Blue, an environmentally conscious outdoor appar18

GRIDPH IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 201 8

el brand and café, whose flagship store opened in Old City in November, is where he’s landed. For every purchase, the company facilitates the removal of 1 pound of trash from waterways.

Funding environmental protection and providing durable, sustainably produced clothing costs money. So while it’s understandable for some customers to look at an $80 price tag on a flannel shirt in United

By Blue, blink twice and leave the store, Linton has a reason for the costs of his products. When you’re making clothes from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester or bison fiber, it’s easy to burn through somebody’s shopping budget. But Linton wants consumers to feel secure knowing their purchases are coming from a company that shares their sustainable beliefs, right down to the paint on the walls: United By Blue’s newest location in Philadelphia is LEED Platinum

certified, the highest rating devised by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“I consider our pricing quite competitive, when all things are considered,” Linton explains. “You also have to think of the full value of a product when you’re making purchasing decisions nowadays, in terms of how it’s made, where it’s made and what it’s made of. For United By Blue, the thing we’ve always focused on is making things as responsibly as we possibly can, and the pricing reflects that. Full value, full price, full picture of a product is not the actual thing you put on your back; it’s everything that goes into it.”

But Linton’s business isn’t outdoor apparel. It’s the outdoors. With four locations in New York and Pennsylvania, United By Blue stores don’t quite cover 71 percent of the planet: That figure belongs to our planet’s water sources, which is where the real work of United By Blue has begun.

A LIFELONG APPRECIATION FOR WATER AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Linton was infatuated with water and the life it breeds as an adolescent, and that passion for water has saturated his entrepreneurial career. Every step he’s taken through his business endeavors has included a component to benefit the conservation of oceans and waterways.

Linton went to sleep every night during his childhood in Singapore with the humming filters and electric blues of 30 fish tanks as his nightlight. After growing up in Southeast Asia, he made his way across the world, receiving educations formal and informal. He finished his BA in Asian studies at Temple University, where he won a business-plan competition in 2008, and spent the following summer driving from Maine to Florida selling stone necklaces to raise money for water conservation.

Soon, the kid who had gone to sleep in a bedroom full of fish tanks figured out that his impact could be deeper if he narrowed the channel through which his entrepreneurial instincts rushed.

“When I started eight years ago… I knew that I wanted to do something for oceans and waterways,” Linton says. “When I was putting down my concepts and ideas, it was everything from stopping shark finning to ocean acidification to coral bleaching… all these different issues associated with our oceans. I couldn’t address them all.”

Soon, Linton’s business attracted people who shared his enthusiasm for clean water. In January 2016, Kelly Offner, a fellow Temple graduate, took over running United By Blue’s cleanup programs, including one on Oct. 3, during which 123 volunteers cleaned 4,200 pounds of trash off of Pier 68 on the Delaware River Waterfront. Offner has spearheaded United By Blue’s efforts to join an expanding community of environmentally conscious businesses.

“There are a growing number of companies voicing their concerns for the environment and urging their customers and communities to champion for conservation of natural lands and waters,” she says. “Especially in the current political climate, the more companies using their business to drive home positive messages and encouragement for environmental conservation, the better.”

United By Blue now focuses on rallying its 10,000 volunteers who have lifted 1 million pounds of garbage from our waterways. Linton has determined that the company’s best course of action has been to provide opportunities and direction for the masses of people willing to put their environmental values into action.

“The most tangible thing that we could do as a brand was have a mission that people could get involved in on a tangible, concrete level,” he says. “There are a lot of people out there who want to do something on a Saturday or after work some days.

These people don’t necessarily have the follow-through to do it on their own.”

If you don’t stay true to who you are on a personal and a brand level, you can’t build a successful brand.

BRIAN LINTON CEO, UNITED BY BLUE

“Our cleanups provide the opportunity for people to participate in what we ‘preach,’” Offner agrees. “People want to support businesses who are taking a stance on the things that matter most to them. The health of our rivers, lakes and oceans affects so many people, and providing a way for people to experience that firsthand is very important.”

That support continued with a second annual celebration of “Blue Friday” this year, an event Linton calls “the anti-Black Friday,” on which United By Blue encourages people to go out the day after Thanksgiving and pick up trash.

“It might be a river, it might be an ocean, it might be a lake, it might be a park. The idea is to be thankful for the earth—instead of just rushing out to go shopping, take

some time do something good for the blue planet that we live on.”

POISED FOR MORE GROWTH AND MORE GOOD Considering the severity of more and more instances of pollution, pushing back requires levels of stamina and tenacity that are more easily reached as a group. Linton, having grown the United By Blue brand to 80 employees in eight years, now sees opportunities for growth everywhere.

“We do encourage the DIY movement as well as joining us to do cleanups,” he says. “Blue Friday is ‘do it yourself’; we sent out bags, we sent out bandanas and gloves and things like that, but on a regular basis, we’re organizing and hosting cleanups across the country. The only way that it’s possible is if you have the diligence and discipline to continue the course that you aspired to at the beginning, and make sure you’re doing everything consistently and authentically.

“If you don’t stay true to who you are on a personal and a brand level, you can’t build a successful brand,” Linton continues. “I’m proud to say we have been consistent, responsible and good, and we haven’t wavered from our desire to have an impact on oceans and waterways. And as a result, we’ve built a successful business.”

The hope is that “successful business” can be redefined to mean more than just a line around the corner or a ledger full of black ink. It can mean local businesses using their platform to activate activists. For United By Blue, that means uniting around clean water, a universal need that the team believes is deserving of our collective effort to be sustained.

“The beautiful thing about United By Blue is we create the format for people to do the good that they aspire to do,” Linton says. “United By Blue is something that’s very much grassroots, attainable, actionable, tangible: ocean conservation that can be done by the brand, as well as the people that support the brand.”

It’s a lesson learned from Linton’s ankle-deep globetrotting and the rousing of thousands of volunteers to the cause of purer waterways: Grassroots grow where clean water flows.

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

19

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Five Philadelphia benefit corporations you should know by grid staff

B

enefit corporations, which incorporate in a way that requires owners to consider community and environmental impact as well as their bottom line, are still relatively rare. But of the approximately 50 benefit corporations in Pennsylvania, half are located in Philadelphia, and they all go through a rigorous third-party certification with the nonprofit that started the certification, B Lab, via it’s B Impact Assessment tool. So when you’re about to look for goods or services, check out the list of companies at bcorporation.net to support enterprises that are committed to supporting you back. We wish we had room to list them all, but here are a few to get you started.

MIO WHAT THEY DO: Provide design services and U.S.-made furnishings and lifestyle products with an eye on environmentally friendly materials, life-cycle analysis and end-of-life considerations for the products—even on a budget.

WHY THEY DO IT: “As designers and entrepreneurs, we learnt early on that our moral grounding is an asset in business. Sustainability and social responsibility are a commonsense approach to business. Products are about people and experiences, so our focus is on our customers, how our products are made, used and those who make them.

“Back when we started MIO, making products in the U.S. seemed counterintuitive to most. To this day our material choices and our creative designs cause surprise.

We strive to shift paradigms and bring sustainable products and stories to life.

“Our model is far from perfect! Staying true to our moral compass in business is a delicate art that even the most successful companies struggle with (just read or listen to Yvon Chouinard talk about Patagonia). These challenges make us a better 20

GR IDPH I L LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 20 1 8

company, but more importantly they make us better humans.”

Jaime Salm, creative director, MIO mioculture.com

VAULT + VINE WHAT THEY DO: This full-service florist is a design studio, retail space and community center wrapped into one. The staff specializes in using seasonal, locally grown flowers and ethically sourced materials and products.

WHY THEY DO IT: “Being a B corp is important because it provides us with a way to measure accountability in our actions as a business.

Without this type of accountability, there’s no real way for consumers to know what and how we’re making a difference with our business. I also choose to certify as a B corp because a lot of people still hear sustainability and think ‘100% organic’ and ‘100% local’—both of which are important, but still just part of the equation. When it comes to ‘people, planet and profit,’ what we do best as a business is support our people: giving back to our community with time and money, hiring locally, buying

locally and providing as many benefits to our employees as possible. From there, we use the B Impact Assessment to determine next steps for continuing to grow and improve ourselves as a business. Is it hard?

Yes. Is it worthwhile? Absolutely!”

Peicha Chang, owner, Vault + Vine vaultandvine.co

ORGANIC PLANET LLC WHAT THEY DO: Organic Planet LLC offers personal chef services for people with unique dietary needs, with a focus on organic and healthful meals. It also offers value-chain coordination to benefit small farmers, as well as food safety education.

WHY THEY DO IT: “The way I choose to do business really comes down to self-interest and common sense. If I treat my colleagues, customers and suppliers with kindness and respect, I am more likely to receive the same in return. If I source from local food producers who are passionate and responsible in their methods, I get incredible food that inspires me to be a better cook, which helps my clients to be happy and healthy, and keeps me in business. If I pay farmers fair prices and support them in their efforts to sell to the wholesale marketplace, they are more likely to stay in business.

This means more agricultural land in sustainable production and a diverse and regenerative foodshed. I feel privileged to do this work and provide these services.

I would be a fool to poison the living web that sustains me. Bottom line: It’s much more fun this way!”

Lindsay Gilmour, owner, Organic Planet LLC lindsaygilmour@comcast.net

HOUWZER WHAT THEY DO: Houwzer is a full-serv i c e, t e c h­- e n a b l e d residential real estate brokerage. It is the industry’s first commission-free listing model for home s­ ellers, and it pays realtors a salary rather than through commission.

WHY THEY DO IT: “Houwzer was created to reimagine the home-buying and -selling experience for members in our communities. Our vision is to be the best real estate company in the world—enriching the lives of our clients and agents, while supporting our communities. Saving sellers half the cost on the sale of their home and providing buyers with trusted, salaried realtors was vital work toward our vision. Yet we wanted to take our commitment to the community a step further by ensuring our company values were carried out. Thus, Houwzer became the country’s first B corp residential real estate brokerage. Like our business model, Houwzer has approached social entrepreneurship uniquely. We like to call it the Rule of 10: giving back 2.5 percent of profits to charitable partners, spending 2.5 percent of our time volunteering, and allowing for at least 5 percent employee ownership. As we work to change the broken residential real estate industry, the B Impact Assessment will continue to ensure we are using business as a force for good.”

Mike Maher, co-founder & CEO houwzer.com

Farm-to-Table Fresh Organic and Local Outdoor Seating by the River 1 Boathouse Row 215-978-0900 Corporate & Private Events 7 Days a Week • 8 AM–Dusk

cosmicfoods.com

ECOINNOVATE WHAT THEY DO: This B corporation offers management solutions to companies that will create environmentally friendly workplaces.

By instituting simple in-house changes to organizational behavior practices, EcoInnovate helps clients reduce waste, conserve energy and save money.

WHY THEY DO IT: “Unfortunately, we cannot rely on political leadership and regulatory standards to drive the needed changes to protect our environment in our communities, states or country. A market-driven approach to change is important. We are proud to be a member of the growing B corp movement that supports and promotes environmental sustainability, social justice, transparency and accountability, while advancing its mission to help businesses implement positive changes in its processes.”

Allen Hall, director & partner ecoinnovate.co

A P P L Y N O W F O R FA L L 2 0 1 8 3 1 W E S T C O U L T E R S T R E E T, P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA 1 9 1 4 4 215.951.2345

GERMANTOWNFRIENDS.ORG JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI LLY.COM

21

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NAVIGATING REENTRY AFTER PRISON?

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Hackathon brings together parolees, technologists and journalists to create tech prototypes for the greater good by belinda sharr

R

eentering society after spending

time in jail or prison can be challenging. Finding a job with a criminal record isn’t easy, and without money to purchase clothing and secure housing, it proves doubly challenging, as many employers require an address on an application. And then there’s reconnecting with family and finding support, which adds to the challenge.

Code for Philly (a community of civic technologists) and the Reentry Project (a collaboration of 15 newsrooms dedicated to solving issues of prisoner reentry) decided to meet this issue head-on—they hosted a “hackathon” event in October as an opportunity for journalists, technologists and reentering individuals to work together to create technology that will improve the lives of those reintegrating into society after paying their debt through a prison term.

According to the Economy League, 44,000 Philadelphians return each year.

Robert Hudson was a hackathon attendee who has experienced the challenges of reentering the workforce. His team’s project, an app and website that connects mentors and mentees, was already in the works by the time the hackathon took 22

GRIDPH IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 20 1 8

place, and he continues to work on it to this day.

Hudson was affiliated with Code for Philly, which helped him start his project, Mentor Philly (visit mentorphilly.com or text 215.515.9696). The app can be used by people who are out of the system and looking for a mentor, and also for those who would like to mentor others.

“Mentors and mentees can use it to communicate without having to utilize traditional reentry services,” Hudson said. “The idea was modeled behind my progress and how I utilize my own mentors.”

According to Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, project editor for the Reentry Project, the idea for the event was conceived from a few different places—but namely it was created with the recognition that there is a desperate need for technological innovation in the reentry space.

After painstakingly laying the groundwork for the event, the hackathon culminated in a Friday night kickoff with about 50 people, and a Saturday team-building day. At the end, four impressive prototypes were debuted: Hudson’s mentor app; an SMS texting system to help people find Wi-Fi locations near them; a bilingual En-

glish and Spanish language website with resources on housing and employment; and a family needs assessment app that helps families create a profile of a returning family member along with a list of needs.

“I think the event turned out great—it far surpassed expectations, because we didn’t want to give people the impression that at the end you would come out with fully designed apps or websites,” Friedman-Rudovsky said.

“Our goals were to bring together these different groups—journalists, those from the criminal justice system and technologists. I was pleasantly surprised to see the energy and enthusiasm that came out of it.”

“The collaboration was fantastic. One of the goals of the hackathon was to build a community and spaces for collaboration; and seeing this problem [of reentry] being met,” said Dawn McDougall, executive director of Code for Philly. “There was a spirit and energy at the event. That like-mindedness is going a long way.”

Hudson thought that the hackathon created a positive environment, and that it shed light on the issues surrounding the reentry process, as well as the stigma.

“I think [events like this] are a positive for folks coming home because it shows that

FOUR POSSIBLE TECH INTERVENTIONS FOR EASING REENTRY AFTER PRISON

1

Creating strong foundations for a lifetime of learning

SMS Text System: Halfway houses

don’t allow smartphones or WiFi, so the team created an SMS texting system where the user can text their location and receive information on where they can find spots with internet access. The service also offers assistance on locating food and shelter.

2

Bilingual Website with Assistance:

Our integrated approach to education allows students to become autonomous, creative thinkers able to put their ideas into action.

SCHEDULE A TOUR

Kimberton.org

The website features pages of resources for employment, housing and more. The team also created a text application allowing flip-phone users to text “1” for job assistance or “2” for housing help.

3

Family Profile Needs Assessment App: This prototype was creat-

ed for families of people who will soon be released. They can go in and make a profile of their returning loved one and detail what they need help with in 18 categories. The needs assessment will allow the person and their family to have a clear understanding of challenges.

4

Mentoring App and Website: This

app and website will connect people who need mentors with those who can help. It allows those who are released crucial access to people who can answer questions and guide them in starting their life again.

traditional citizens are concerned about the issues in their community. For me, that’s the game changer—when you see people who are different interested in what you’re going through; they see people in their struggle and are interested in solutions,” he said.

“The hackathon created a good opportunity for structure and support. It was about an issue in general: How do we support these guys and their road to redemption?”

4 1 0 W S E V E N S TA R S R D | P H O E N I X V I L L E , PA | 6 1 0 . 9 3 3 . 3 6 3 5

GET IN FRONT OF GEARING UP FOR SPRING AND SUMMER! We know that sustainability-minded Grid readers start making summer plans early, and it can be daunting to plan that far in advance while still maintaining a healthy, environmentallyconscious AND affordable lifestyle. That’s why this February, we’re helping you plan for a healthy spring and summer, showcasing the most innovative project-based learning in Philadelphia in our education section, our favorite picks for summer camps, and the best local farms and CSAs.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS– Email ALLAN ASH at allan@gridphilly.com to advertise.

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

23

FOOD

Winter Warmer Lentil Salad A medley of earthy flavors will melt in your mouth by anna herman

A

good salad is always greater than the sum of its parts, whether assembled from the freshest garden greens or a thoughtful mixture of leftovers. Salad—from the Latin for salt—is the alchemy of disparate ingredients pulled together with a lively vinaigrette, or some other preferred dressing. In winter, I’m more than willing to trade the crisp crunch of lettuce for the warmth of wilted greens. ¶ Lentils cook quickly and absorb flavorful vinaigrettes or seasonings, making them a very useful legume. Red, green and brown lentils, which get so soft as to lose shape, are perfect for soups and stews. Black and French lentils (lentilles du Puy) cook quickly, but retain their shape when soft and are best for blending with a grain for a pilaf or featuring in a salad.

24

GR IDPH IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 20 1 8

FOOD

Warm Winter Salad

with French Lentils, Caramelized Mushrooms & Roasted Beets Over Bed of Wilted Frisée with Sherry Dijon Vinaigrette 3. Remove beets from oven and allow Sherry Dijon Vinaigrette: • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1/3 cup sherry vinegar • 1/2 cup fruity olive oil • 1 clove garlic, very finely minced or pressed through a garlic press • 1 teaspoon salt • Fresh ground black pepper • 2 to 4 teaspoons minced scallions and/or parsley (optional) Add all ingredients to a jar. Close with a tight-fitting lid and shake well to emulsify.

Salad:

Serves 4 to 6 • 2 medium beets, trimmed and washed (or 2 store-bought roasted, peeled beets) • 3/4 cup uncooked lentils du Puy (French green lentils) • 1 bay leaf • 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme • Salt and pepper as needed • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 4 tablespoons minced onion • 2 to 3 cups sliced mushrooms— any variety or a mixture— the more interesting the better • 3 heads of frisée, trimmed, washed well and spun dry.

Frisée is in the chicory family along with endive and escarole.

If frisée is unavailable, feel free to substitute.

• 3 tablespoons toasted walnut pieces

To Assemble:

1.

Heat oven, or toaster oven, to 375 degrees.

2. Wrap beets individually in aluminum foil and place in oven.

Cook 25-45 minutes until soft to

the touch when pressed. Larger beets will, of course, take longer to cook.

to cool, still wrapped.

4. Remove foil. Using a paring knife to assist, slip off the beet skin.

Slice into bite-size pieces and toss with 2 tablespoons of the sherry Dijon vinaigrette. If using store bought roasted beets, cut into pieces, toss with vinaigrette and let beets sit out to room temperature.

5. In a medium saucepan, add the lentils, bay leaf, garlic and thyme, and add enough water to cover by 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil, lower flame

to a simmer and cook 10 to 12 minutes until a tested lentil or two are just soft and cooked through.

6. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir, and let lentils sit on stove as you prepare remainder of salad.

7.

In a sauté pan, heat oil until it shimmers over medium heat.

8. Add the onion and mushrooms, season with salt and fresh pepper, and stir often until mushrooms and onion wilt and caramelize.

9. Add the frisée on top of the mushrooms, put a top on the pan, and let frisée wilt for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on how tender the frisée was to start with. If substituting Belgian endive, do not wilt.

If substituting escarole, let cook for up to 6 minutes until well softened.

10. Drain lentils, remove smashed garlic and bay leaf, and toss with 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette.

To Serve:

Remove frisée from the pan and use it to line the bottom of a serving plate or platter. Add 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette to the mushrooms remaining in the pan and mix well. Spoon lentils in the center of the frisée-lined plate. Arrange mushrooms and beets on top. Sprinkle with walnuts. Drizzle any remaining vinaigrette on top to taste.

Join Christina Pirello, Emmy Award winning host of Christina Cooks on PBS for: Vegan Cooking Classes Residential Learning Programs Healthy Trips to Italy… …and more See a full list of offerings and program descriptions at christinacooks.com or call 215-551-1430 Use Promo Code GRID18 For special savings on cooking classes

Turn this into a complete meal with a hunk of hard cheese or breaded baked goat cheese and a crusty bread. A mug of beer or hard cider wouldn’t be amiss.

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

25

FOOD

Grandma’s Manicotti Cheese-filled crepes and a warm salad will satisfy in the cold weather by brian ricci

T

his month’s recipe for manicotti is based off of my grandmother’s. She used to make this most often for Sunday afternoon family dinner. With a great spread of food before us, we would gather around her big table and eat for what seemed like hours. The prep could be done the day before, leaving her time to spend outside of the kitchen with her children and grandchildren.

26

GR IDPH I L LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 201 8

Grandma’s Manicotti Crepes

Cheese Filling

Process all the ingredients together in a food processor or whisk together until just combined. Allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. In a nonstick pan, add tablespoon of oil or butter and set the heat to medium. Ladle about 1 ounce of batter into the pan and swirl around to spread and coat the bottom of the pan. Allow the batter to cook evenly—this takes about 1 to 2 minutes.

You are looking for the crepe batter to go from wet to dry—but no color. Then, take the crepe off using a spatula. I tend to do this project first and wrap them in bunches of 10 to keep them fresh.

The filling is very straightforward. Simply mix these ingredients in a bowl using a spatula. When complete, fill each crepe with about 1/2 cup of the mixture by placing it 1/3 up from the bottom. Then roll the bottom end and tuck it underneath to create a cylinder of deliciousness. To finish, bake in a Pyrex or baking dish lined with olive oil in a 350 F oven for 20 to 30 minutes to set the egg mixture. Modifications: You can add some simple tomato sauce to the manicotti just before baking. For the winter, try adding braised greens, mashed sweet potatoes, or even pickled peppers or onions for a more nourishing or robust flavor.

Makes about 15 crepes • 6 eggs • 3¼ ounces all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup water • 1 tablespoon salt • Pinch of parsley, chopped roughly

• 2 pounds ricotta • 5 eggs • 4 ounces Parmesan, grated • 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, shredded • 1 teaspoon nutmeg, grated • Salt and pepper to taste

FRIENDS CENTER

The Quaker Hub for Peace and Justice in Philadelphia

Choose Friends Center for Your Eco-Friendly Event!

Since 1856, Friends Center has been a gathering place for business, community and private events. With our LEED Platinum green renovation, modern video and teleconferencing facilities, we are both historic, up to date and ready for your use.

• • • •

Rooms to accommodate events from 10 to 700 people.

10 unique spaces to fit your specific needs.

Centrally located and easily accessible.

Bike, transit and pedestrian friendly.

For more information: Shakirah Holloway 215-241-7098 • sholloway@friendscentercorp.org 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

friendscentercorp.org

A Better Way of Doing High School

A traditional high school environment simply doesn’t work for everyone. SusQ-Cyber Charter School offers a learning environment where your child can really focus... in the safety and comfort of your own home. Our full time staff of PA Certified educators teach with patience, kindness, and flexibility.

Our students have been very successful. New students may enroll at any time. We are Free Public Education for all PA students in grades 9-12. Your family has options... make the change today!

SusQ-Cyber charter school 240 Market Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 570-245-0252 • SusQCyber.org PA’s 1st Cyber Charter School

Open to All Pennsylvania Students

It’s Not Too Late. Enroll and Graduate! 570.245.0252 ext. 1001 JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

27

EVENT S

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education will teach tree-identification Jan. 21

January 2

January 5

Day-Off Camp: Animal Detectives Where do animals go in the winter? Where do they find food, water and shelter? This educational camp will explore the grounds of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and look for signs of life in the harsh winter climate. Then, students will follow in the footsteps of their animal friends and build winter shelters for themselves. For ages 5 through 12. Please bring a packed lunch, water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. Extended days until 6 p.m. are available for an additional $15 per day. schuylkillcenter.org WHEN: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. COST: Members $52; nonmembers $62 WHERE: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

January 3 Youngsters ages 3 to 6 learn about gardening and the natural world through books read by storyteller Hasha Salaman at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library. Story Time meets on the first Wednesday of the month, October through June (except March). Registration is required. phsonline.org WHEN: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. COST: Free WHERE: PHS McLean Library, 100 N. 20th St.

GRIDPH I L LY.CO M

This class will explore how to eat mindfully and enjoy a balanced and healthy relationship with food using yoga and ayurveda (the sister science of yoga). Students will learn how to maintain eating habits through breathing exercises, discussions and Q&A. No experience required. salsainthesuburbs.com WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m. COST: $20 WHERE: Salsa in the Suburbs Dance Studio, 1245 N. Providence Road, Media, Pa.

JA NUA RY 201 8

WHEN: 3 to 5 p.m. COST: $20 WHERE: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

January 7 Basics of Raising Backyard Chickens in the Suburbs This workshop of basic chicken care is led

by Gwenne Baile, chair of Camden County Chickens. Snow date: Jan.14. camdencountychickens.org

January 6

WHEN: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. COST: $10 WHERE: Camden County Environmental Center, 1301 Park Blvd., Cherry Hill, N.J.

Lil’ Sprouts: Let’s Craft— All About Snowflakes

January 9

A story and craft session recommended for ages 3 through 6. Registration is required by Jan. 3. primexgardencenter.com

Kids’ Story Time

28

Meditation & Mindfulness for Healthy Eating

seltzer or even with a splash of spirits. Registration is required. schuylkillcenter.org

WHEN: 11 a.m. to noon COST:$5 WHERE: Primex Garden Center, 435 W. Glenside Ave., Glenside, Pa.

Natural Wellness: Immune Boosters & Regulators Learn how to care for your immune system throughout the year in this workshop, where attendees will make elderberry elixir that can be enjoyed at home as is, with

Members and Guests Chinese Auction The Horticultural Society of South Jersey presents a chance to donate new or gently used items. Pass on any unwanted holiday gifts that someone else may treasure. Open to the public to donate or shop. Gardening items are always wanted but not mandatory.

Call Diane at 856.287.5959 for more information. hssj.org WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Carmen Tilelli Community Center, 820 Mercer St., Cherry Hill, N.J.

EVENT S

January 9 & 13

January 13

Dilworth Park Wintergarden: Terrarium How-To

2nd Saturday Media Arts Stroll

Learn how to create and maintain a miniature indoor garden.

WHEN: Tuesday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 to 11 a.m.

COST: Free WHERE: Rothman Cabin at Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

More than 30 shops, galleries and cafés in Media stay open late to host live music and display the work of local artists. Visitors can contact the Media Arts Council for a map to help navigate participating locations.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: The Clay Studio, 139 N, 2nd St.

mediaartscouncil.org

Jenny Rose Carey, director of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm, will outline the benefits of gardening in shade using her favorite native plants. She will also provide design ideas for personalizing your own shade garden. mtcubacenter.org

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. COST: Pay as you go WHERE: On and around State Street in Media, Pa.

January 11 Seed Swap South Jersey Seed Circle Library hosts an evening of seed swapping. Seeds and envelopes will be available for those without seeds to share. facebook.com/sjseedcirclelibrary WHEN: 7 to 8:15 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Collingswood Public Library, 771 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, N.J.

January 11 & 12

January 14 Second Sunday Chestnut Hill: Shop, Stroll, Brunch Shops and restaurants offer special brunch promotions, retail discounts and entertainment every second Sunday of the month.

Check out a variety of shops, dine at one of Chestnut Hill’s acclaimed restaurants, visit the Morris Arboretum or play in the park. Free parking will be available in the lots located along Germantown Avenue. chestnuthillpa.com

Landscape Design Symposium: Ecological Complexity in Landscapes for People The 29th annual conference explores a core challenge of contemporary landscape design: blending plants, wildlife and people in spaces that advance ecological function and are enjoyable to be in. Learn from the journeys of a select group of landscape architects and designers who are creating places that effectively and consistently connect people and nature. morrisarboretum.org WHEN: 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. COST: $195 to $365 WHERE: Montgomery County Community College Science Center Auditorium, 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pa.

chance to try the potter’s wheel. Teachers and community partners are welcome.

Space is limited; registration is recommended. theclaystudio.org

WHEN: All day COST: Pay as you go WHERE: On and around Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill

The Quintessential Shade Garden

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. COST: $20 WHERE: Mt. Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, Del.

January 20 & 27 Tree Tenders Basic Training Help plant and care for trees in your region, your community or your yard. This program offers hands-on tree-care training for residents of the Philadelphia region.

Training covers tree biology, identification, planting, proper care and working within your community. Available for ISA credit. phsonline.org

January 20

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. COST: $25 WHERE: PHS Town Hall, 100 N. 20th St., 1st Floor

Teacher & Community Appreciation Day Learn more about the Clay Studio’s Claymobile community engagement program, on-site tours and classroom workshops, and curriculum examples of displays to spark lesson ideas. Get behind-the-scenes tours of the studios and exhibitions, as well as a

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

29

EVENT S

January 21

January 27

F ebruary 7

Letterpress Techniques Workshop

World Culture Day: Chinese New Year Celebration

27th Annual Farming for the Future Conference

Celebrate the Year of the Dog at one of Philadelphia’s oldest Chinese New Year celebrations. This daylong extravaganza is held in the China Gallery—home to a collection of monumental Chinese art—and throughout Penn Museum. Experience traditional music and dance, tai chi and tangram workshops, a Shaolin-style kung fu demonstration, family gallery tours, storytelling, crafts and more. The day will end with the Grand Finale Lion Dance Parade. penn.museum

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture will gather a diverse audience from the sustainable food system including farmers, educators, processors, advocates and eaters.

Features include: more than 100 speakers from the sustainable agriculture field; a variety of sustainable farming and food-system programming and workshops; more than 90 trade show vendors; opportunities to network and socialize; meals that feature regionally sourced ingredients; an agthemed Future Farmers program for kids (kindergarten to eighth grade); and special events such as music, movies, yoga, knitting and more. Saturday of the conference will feature two speakers: this year’s winners of the Sustainable Ag Leadership Award as well as the Sustainable Ag Business Leader Award. conference.pasafarming.org

Design and print your own postcard-size prints using a paper collage-based technique called “pressure printing” combined with wood type. phillysoapbox.org WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. COST: $35 WHERE: 1323 S. May St.

Giants of the Forest The largest tree in the Schuylkill Center’s forest is a silver maple, over 100 years old and 12 feet in diameter. Learn how to identify these trees based on their winter characteristics, such as shape and bark pattern. Hear about the history of the land and how human use has influenced this forest. schuylkillcenter.org WHEN: 1 to 2:30 p.m. COST: $5 WHERE: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

January 22 Music Around the World The Fumo Family branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia hosts an educational musical journey through various cultures around the world. freelibrary.org

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. COST: $10 to $15; free for members WHERE: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

F ebruary 3 Philly Materials Science and Engineering Day 2018 What do running across liquid, making ice cream in seconds and bendable glass have to do with your day-to-day life? Find out all of this and more about how materials science and engineering impacts the world. phillymaterials.org WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Drexel University, Bossone Research Enterprise Center, 3126 Market St.

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Fumo Family Library, 2437 S. Broad St.

F ebruary 3 & 4 Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World, Opening Weekend

Urban Life in the Era of Climate Change Author Ashley Dawson will speak about his newest book, “Extreme Cities: The Peril and Promise of Urban Life in the Age of Climate Change.” Penn sociologist Daniel Aldana Cohen, director of the Superstorm Research Lab and co-host of the climate politics podcast “Hot & Bothered,” will provide a response and conduct a conversation with Dawson about the environmental impacts of urbanization and gentrification, the increasing menace of urban flooding, and the emerging urban movements fighting for better forms of city living. A book signing will follow. wolfhumanities.upenn.edu WHEN: 5 to 6:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Penn Museum, Rainey Auditorium, 3260 South St.

GRIDPH IL LY.CO M

10

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. COST: $50 to $495 WHERE: The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, 215 Innovation Blvd., State College, Pa.

F ebruary 10 2018 GreenAllies Conference Hear from student environmentalists and sustainability professionals, share ideas and meet environmental clubs from around the region during the fourth installment of this annual student networking conference. greenalliesnetwork.org

January 24

30

to

JA NUA RY 20 1 8

Come face-to-snout with live crocodilians, a group of reptiles that has evolved and thrived for 200 million years. Check out live species, including a Siamese crocodile and albino American alligator, and peek into a real living American alligator nest. Learn to speak croc in under five minutes, test your strength against a croc’s bite, view skulls, make water dance and create a 3-D animation of a long-extinct croc. ansp.org WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. COST: $15 to $20 WHERE: Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. COST: $15 to $20 WHERE: Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, Pa.

EVENT S Primex Garden Center in Glenside will offer several workshops this month on potting and mounting plants

F ebruary 13

F ebruary 14

F ebruary 17

Philly311 Neighborhood Liaison Training

Graduate Student Seminar Series: The Politics of Ecological Belonging

Building Nature from Scratch

The Philly311 Neighborhood Liaison Program is a tool for citizens to get action for neighborhood issues and concerns.

Facilitator Daniel Ramos is the assistant managing director and community engagement coordinator of the Philly311 contact center, who will guide participants as they learn about the role of a Philly311 Neighborhood Liaison; create an account and access the Philly311 website; submit information to address neighborhood and community association issues; and check the status of issues and concerns through accessing the website. Training is limited to 12 spots per session. phila.gov

Student presenter Gregory Koutnik’s dissertation treats environmental politics and policy as matters of building and protecting homes. According to his theory, environmental policy is a matter of addressing a phenomenon he calls “ecological belonging” in which human beings come to be at home in their environs and value its protection as a policy objective. kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu

Rebecca McMackin presents the strategies employed in designing Brooklyn Bridge Park and management practices that promote biodiverse parklands. mtcubacenter.org WHEN: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. COST: $20 WHERE: Mt. Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, Del.

WHEN: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. COST: Free WHERE: Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, Fisher Fine Arts Library, 3rd Floor, 220 S. 34th St.

WHEN: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. COST: Free; registration required WHERE: Parkway Central Ground Floor Tech Lab, Room 15, 1901 Vine St.

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI LLY.COM

31

DIS PATCH

Joining the Family Business In a search for meaning, a social entrepreneur gets back to her roots essay by nancy s. cleveland

I

had an uncle we thought must be a CIA operative.

At his memorial service, I was talking with one of his colleagues (a guy whose body language screamed, “Don’t ask me what I do!”). I was prattling on about my uncle’s purposeful, passion-driven work and how I wanted to do something meaningful like that.

With an intensely penetrating look, he responded, “So, what’s stopping you?”

It was a question that spun me around.

I thought about my long career as a lawyer and how I’d reinvented myself many times. I’d worked as a litigator, in real estate and in telecom, building out wireless communications infrastructure. Despite a lot of career reboots, for me, practicing law evoked a near constant yearning for more purposeful work. My primary way of doing good was writing checks to charities.

Good, but not that personally inspiring or meaningful.

I thought about my mother and her lifelong passion: women’s empowerment. Her passion for helping women inspired her to scale new ways of getting women into the skilled workforce that she needed for her 32

GR IDPH IL LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 201 8

local medical practice. She changed lives.

Maybe not a lot of lives, but over time, her efforts had a ripple effect through two generations. It was from her that I learned two important lessons: Social impact doesn’t have to be monumental to be meaningful and important, and a strong and passionate belief in the change you seek can make a difference.

I grew up in a family where making a difference was just what people were supposed to do. I was hardwired to become a social entrepreneur. And yet, there I stood at my uncle’s funeral, and a man I’d never met before was asking me directly: What’s stopping you?

The answer? Me. Anyone considering an entrepreneurial move faces the risk and fear of failing. But those aren’t the only things you have to hurdle. It requires some soul-searching with questions like, What would I sacrifice? What will I gain? Is the change important enough to me? You have to knock down a lot of barriers to succeed as a social entrepreneur.

But just getting started, getting out of your comfort zone, is the first and biggest—and one that I realized I had control over.

That conversation at my uncle’s funeral was 13 years ago. It took me two years to find a strong enough passion, another year to change career paths and 10 more to hone ideas, meet my co-founder, assemble a team and launch a totally new software-based approach to sustainability management for business. Every day, it’s the purposeful, passion-driven work I was yearning for.

Bringing a social-impact product to market is never the result of a single human being’s efforts. It is evolutionary, dynamic, collaborative and complex. And those are also the qualities that make being a social entrepreneur hugely rewarding, never lonely and well worth it.

My mom passed away a few months before my uncle, so she never got to witness my journey. But I know she would be proud of the work my team is doing to make the world a better place. It makes me happy to think that, in a way, I’ve finally joined the family business.

Nancy S. Cleveland is a principal at Sustrana, a software company that provides sustainability management solutions.

IL LUSTRATIO N BY FAYE ZHA NG

Drop off your tree with the city. There is no charge for the service and is offered Saturday January 6th and Saturday, January 13th from 9 a – 3p.

Please remove all lights, decorations and tinsel from trees before recycling them. Locations are: • 66th & Haverford Ave. • American & Thompson St. • 1400 Cottman - Pennway & Cottman Ave. (Jardel Rec.) • 54th & Woodbine Ave. • Graver Lane & Seminole • 2901 Princeton Ave. (Mayfair Rec.) • 43rd & Powelton Ave. • Cathedral & Ridge Ave. • 7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Rec.) • 72nd & Buist Ave. • Washington Ln. & Ardleigh • 8101 Bustleton Ave. • Broad & Christian St. • Upsal & Lowber St.

Drop off your tree at events hosted by local civic organizations. These organizations typically ask for a modest donation.

Currently scheduled events are:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018 9:30a - 2p • Columbus Square Park, at 13th and Reed St Sponsored by Passyunk Square Civic Association* 10a - 1p • Kensington CAPA High School parking lot, at Palmer and Front St Sponsored by NKCDC and Palmer Doggie Depot* 9:30a - 12:30p • Palazzo (Former Boy Scout Building), at 22nd and Spring St Sponsored by Logan Square Neighborhood Association* 12p - 3p • Cione Recreation Center at Aramingo and Lehigh Ave Sponsored by Olde Richmond Civic Association

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018 1p - 4p • Gabbie’s Garden, parking lot on 7100 block of Chew Ave, 19119 Sponsored by East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN)* 9:30a -12:30p • Sunset Ave at Norwood Fontbonne Academy Sponsored by Green in Chestnut Hill (GRINCH) and Weavers Way Environment Committee* *location asks for a donation per tree.

• 2900 Comly Rd. – Palmer Playground • 20th & Hartranft St. • Fisher & Ogontz Ave. • 7231 Torresdale Ave. – Russo Park • 15th & Bigler St. • 5th & Chelten Ave. (water reservoir) • Intersection of Wayne Ave & Logan St. • Corinthian & Poplar St. • Castor & Foulkrod St.

Have Bennett Compost pick up the tree at your house! Schedule a pick-up for either January 6th or January 13th. Cost is $15, of which $5 is donated to local civic organizations responsible for chipping the trees. Schedule a pick up at bennettcompost.com.

JAN UARY 20 18

G R I DP HI L LY.COM

33

The business of going green One Penn alumna thrives in corporate sustainability VIRTUAL INFO SESSION Meet the MES program director on Thursday,

“I learned how to create win-win situations within stakeholder management in Penn’s Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program,” shares May Vickers (MES ’16), a sourcing manager for FMC Corporation’s Global Procurement Group. FMC is an international agricultural, industrial and consumer products manufacturer. May works on a team that not only drives cost savings, but also aims to hire vendors that adhere to their health, safety, ethical and environmental standards.

February 8 from 12–1 p.m. for a virtual information session where you can learn more about the application process and get your questions answered. Join us online.

www.facebook.com/UPennEES @Penn_MES_MSAG

“When I’m analyzing potential vendors, it is important to understand that each vendor can have different environmental impacts,” she adds, “During contract negotiations, my MES degree comes into play because I can better promote the value-add of sustainable practices”.

Penn’s MES program helped May gain the skills she needed to thrive in her career. “I chose Penn because it offered the flexibility to specialize in what I wanted to pursue, which was corporate sustainability,” she continues, “With a company as big as FMC, one green initiative can make a difference. We say ‘sustainability is in our DNA’ here, and I’m glad I work for an organization that shares my values.”

To learn more about May’s experiences bridging business and environmentalism, visit:

WWW.UPENN.EDU/GRID

34

GRIDPH I L LY.CO M

JA NUA RY 20 1 8