The Run for Clean Air is a celebration of sustainable and healthy neighborhoods, clean air, and improving the region’s environmental health. As the proud presenting sponsor, Toyota Hybrids has plenty of reasons to get out and show your support.
Run for Clean Air participants, friends and family are all welcome to stop by the Toyota Hybrids display next to the park, near the museum. Toyota will have their full hybrid lineup of vehicles on display, including the Prius Prime, RAV4 Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid, all of which you can sit inside and experience first-hand.
Toyota Hybrids will have plenty of awesome gear to give away. You can score fun souvenirs, from branded reusable water bottles made with recycled materials to sunglasses, tote bags, and flower and vegetable seeds you can plant in your garden.
Enjoy the Run for Clean Air and be sure to visit the Toyota Hybrids display to explore all eight Toyota Hybrid vehicles, and score some free stuff while you’re at it! We’ll see you at the Run!
If you need to sign up for the Run for Clean Air, visit cleanair.org/runforcleanair. And visit runforcleanair.org/Toyota to learn more about Toyota’s groundbreaking hybrid lineup.
So you can’t make it to the Run for Clean Air on April 22nd at the Art Museum – no big deal! You can still support Clean Air Council and celebrate Earth Day by participating in our all-new Virtual 5K. It’s easy to understand that just like any other race you need to log training miles, but virtual race day can be a bit of a mystery. Here are our tips and tricks for making the Run for Clean Air Virtual 5K your best race of the year.
Plogging is a Swedish fitness craze where runners pick up litter. It’s as easy as toting a small plastic bag on your run – you can even start your run empty-handed and find a littered bag to use as a receptacle. Plogging is a great way to go the extra mile for the environment while you compete in the Virtual 5K. Clean Air Council is even helping to organize Philly Plogging Week in neighborhoods around the city from April 9th through the 15th if you want to plog with a group.
You’re no longer stuck running whatever course the race director likes. Mountain, beach, trail, city street, or treadmill – the Virtual 5K allows you to pick your ideal course. Use the race as an excuse to explore and run in a new locale. Maybe even run past a waterfall?
Having a running buddy or group is the best way to motivate you, set an optimal pace, keep you safe, and have fun! Call a friend (or 10) and invite them to Run for Clean Air with you. Bonus – your buddy can help you with the last tip on this list.
Running during sunrise or sunset lends itself to spectacular visuals – like a personal firework show starting or ending your race. For the duration of your run, you will enjoy a beautiful light show brought to you by mother nature. Since this option involves at least partially running in the near-darkness, we highly suggest bringing a running buddy along for safety and ghost stories.
There’s a reason why races always have long porta-potty lines. Make sure to plan a quick pit stop before and after your race. Whether it’s popping into a coffee shop or swinging by a park with restrooms, you’ll be happy that you made the extra effort.
When you’re racing – as opposed to training – you’re exerting maximum effort (we assume). Most 5Ks have water at the ½ way point and finish of the race. Plan to have at least 16 oz of water available immediately after you finish or wear a hydration belt. And if you’re planning on ending your Virtual Run at your favorite bar, remember that and you’ll still need to down water.
While most organized races have a sophisticated timing system and certified course, the Virtual 5K relies on you to measure distance and speed. Whether it’s an app on your phone or a GPS watch, have a reliable tool that you are familiar with and comfortable using. Don’t have a favorite tool and not sure where to start? We recommend Map My Run and Strava apps.
Last and most important tip – snap selfies or pose for a friend to show off your Virtual 5K finish. Show everyone that you are part of the Run for Clean Air community. You’ve earned the right to brag about your accomplishment and commitment to supporting clean air and a healthy environment.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 4, 2018) — On Wednesday, April 4, Clean Air Council announced the kickoff of a new initiative – Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air. The project, rooted in communities across the region, will establish at least one hundred groups of ten neighbors to educate one thousand concerned residents. The one thousand new citizen leaders will be armed with information about local air pollution sources and how to address the air quality issues affecting their lives. New leaders will be invited to a kickoff celebration billed as “Building a Future of Hope and Promise” on April 12, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh. Love Canal organizer and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Lois Gibbs, will give the keynote address.
“There is a crisis in western Pennsylvania that needs to be addressed right now,” said Lois Gibbs the primary organizer in Love Canal, winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize and Heinz award in the Environment, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee. “The Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air Campaign will bring people into the community, mobilize them and then they will take the necessary actions to ensure Southwest Pennsylvania has clean air and a healthy environment in which to live and prosper.”
“Southwest Pennsylvania, particularly Allegheny County, continues to receive poor air quality grades, said B. David Smith, Clean Air Council Outreach Coordinator. “We are kicking off this initiative because community members are demanding that industry and government protect their health, environment, and quality of life – their voices must be heard.”
The Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air Initiative is a commitment to to bring concerned residents together, provide study guides so they can become local experts on the issues related to pollution in SWPA, mobilize more residents to take action steps to reduce the impact pollution is having on the health, the environment, and quality of life. Once activated, these communities will remain engaged to monitor local and regional projects to hold companies and regulatory bodies accountable.
For more information and to register for the Southwest PA Neighbors for Clean Air initiative, email Dave Smith at dsmith@cleanair.org.
About Clean Air Council
Clean Air Council is a member-supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to a clean environment. For more information about Clean Air Council, visit www.cleanair.org.
On April 22, thousands of righteous runners will lace up their sneakers and do their part for the environment in the 37th Annual Run for Clean Air, presented by Toyota Hybrids. A certified green event, the Run is a celebration of sustainable and healthy neighborhoods, clean air and environmental health.
For the fifth year in a row, Toyota Hybrids is proud to participate in the Run for Clean Air. Toyota’s lineup features eight hybrid vehicles like the Prius, RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid that help you drive well by day and sleep well at night. With a wide selection of hybrid sedans and SUV models, everyone can find a Toyota Hybrid that fits his or her needs.
And Toyota continues to push the innovation envelope. Take the 2018 Prius Prime, the hybrid you can charge for boundary-pushing efficiency. And the 2018 Toyota Mirai – developed through more than 20 years of in-house hydrogen fuel cell research to run on hydrogen and oxygen alone. The Mirai’s only emission is water vapor. That’s almost enough to inspire tears of joy. The Clean Air Council’s mission aligns with Toyota’s ongoing commitment to the development of vehicles that help reduce carbon emissions.
Toyota continues to strive to stay at the forefront of alternative-fuel leadership, and to provide tools to help everyone better the environment. This April, the Clean Air Council, the City of Philadelphia and Toyota Hybrids are making it easier than ever to be a force for environmental good.
If you still haven’t signed up for the Run for Clean Air, visit cleanair.org/runforcleanair to register for the event. And visit cleanair.org/runforcleanair/toyota-hybrids to learn more about Toyota’s groundbreaking hybrid lineup.
October 12 is Dine Out for the Environment, Clean Air Council’s annual autumn celebration of sustainable dining in the Philadelphia area! This year’s Dine Out for the Environment welcomes two new restaurants and three new sponsors to the Clean Air Council family. Please say hello to our newest friends in the fight for a healthier region.
The Energy Co-op – Partnering for their second consecutive Clean Air Council event after sponsoring our solar panels at Greenfest 2017, The Energy Co-op is the region’s only non-profit, member-owned energy supplier. By being a cooperative member and simply paying your energy bill, you can be sure that you are making a lasting impact. Don’t just choose your energy company; own it.
Girard on Girard – Serving up breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack offerings in Fishtown from 8a-4p, this BYOB bruncherie has all the vegan and vegetarian options one could want, as well as creative poultry dishes. Stop by after two for a special appetizer happy hour!
Natural Awakenings Magazine – Natural Awakenings Magazine is Philadelphia’s guide to a healthier, more balanced life, providing insights and information to improve our quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You can find Natural Awakenings Magazine in local health food stores, fitness centers, bookstores, health care facilities, libraries and the restaurants participating in Dine Out for the Environment.
The Greyhound Cafe – The owners and chefs at The Greyhound Cafe believe eating plant-based food should be more of a celebration, rather than a sacrifice. They celebrate this belief by reinterpreting Italian, Mexican, and brunch inspired dining – and everything is 100 plant-based. Nestled in Malvern, this vegetarian’s dream is also BYOB!
Grid Magazine – Grid Magazine reflects the best of the Philadelphia region: our social entrepreneurs, food innovators and wellness advocates; our makers and doers, artists and activists. Grid’s politics are informed by social, racial, economic and environmental justice, and eager readers can find free copies throughout the region or sign up for a subscription.
Thanks to all the restaurants participating in Dine Out for the Environment, including:
- Bar Hygge
- Bistrot La Minette
- Cosmic Cafe
- Curds and Whey
- Earth – Bread + Brewery
- Girard on Girard
- Greyhound Cafe
- Luna Cafe
- Night Kitchen Bakery and Cafe
- R2L
- Revolution Taco
- Schmear It
- Square 1682
Make your #DOFE2017 plans! Bring up your calendar, call up that special someone, and give back to the planet you love in the easiest and most delicious way possible at one of our participating restaurants. And, of course, you can always double your donation by contributing directly at CleanAir.org!
Philadelphia’s largest environmental festival powered by solar energy to feature free bike valet, over 100 sustainable exhibitors and organic food and drink offerings
(August 23, 2017) PHILADELPHIA, PA – Clean Air Council announced today that the organization’s 2017 Greenfest Philly presented by Toyota Hybrids will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the first time ever, the event will be held at Bainbridge Green on Bainbridge Street between Third and Fifth Streets. The festival will bring together more than 100 environmentally-friendly businesses and organizations in a festive outdoor marketplace. The popular day-long event attracts more than 15,000 socially conscious and engaged consumers. Greenfest will feature live music from popular local bands, MOM’s Organic Market Kids’ Corner with eco-friendly crafts and activities, a bike valet sponsored by Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Toyota Hybrids’ ride and drive experience, organic food and drinks, a beer garden, handmade goods, and innovative green businesses and products – with the whole event being powered by solar panels presented by The Energy Co-op. A celebration of local sustainability efforts, Greenfest Philly will provide ways to take action to protect clean air, support environmental advocacy, and much more.
“As we celebrate the Clean Air Council’s 50th anniversary, Greenfest Philly remains one of our most important and exciting events, as it brings together tens of thousands of socially conscious consumers and businesses who support the fight to protect the environment at this most critical of times,” said Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director. “Greenfest offers a brilliant opportunity for people throughout the region to exchange sustainable products, services, recipes and tips – all while enjoying a Sunday with their families in one of downtown Philadelphia’s most beautiful green spaces.”
New Festival Additions for 2017
The Clean Air Council’s Greenfest Philly event will feature a number of new and exciting activities for Philadelphians of all ages, all designed to help festival goers make more environmentally conscious choices and live more sustainable lifestyles. The new additions include:
Environmental Film Festival: Attendees will be treated to a free sneak peek of films from Philadelphia’s Environmental Film festival and expert commentary from the Film Festival’s founders.
Green Facts Everywhere You Look: Guests should also keep an eye out for Clean Air Council volunteers who will be strolling around with giant thought bubbles displaying compelling environmental facts and information.
Other Greenfest festivities this year include free yoga classes, succulent arrangement classes and vegan cooking demos. What’s more, there will be dining, shopping, samples and resources from an exciting group of environmentally conscious vendors and the event’s amazing sponsors. Guests can also test drive the all-new hydrogen fuel cell powered Toyota Mirai.
“Toyota and the Tri-State Toyota Dealers are very proud to be the Presenting Sponsor a 2nd year in a row for the 12th annual Greentfest Philly. With Toyota’s ongoing commitment to the development of vehicles that help reduce carbon emissions and as a leader in the alternative fuel segment, we are thrilled to once again support the Clean Air Council and this year’s Greenfest,” said Paul Muller, President of the Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association. “Toyota is committed to helping play a role in delivering cleaner air and environmental sustainability to our customers. With a portfolio of eight Toyota hybrid models plus the addition of our fuel cell vehicle the Mirai, we are the leader in alternative mobility and have a large selection of both hybrid sedans and SUV models to fit our customers’ diversified needs. The newest edition to our hybrid line-up, the Prius Prime, will be on site for event goers to check out in this year’s Toyota Hybrid display. We also plan to bring a ride-and-drive and provide the ability for event goers to take a test drive in one of our hybrid models in addition to our FCV, the 2017 Mirai. The Mirai with a range of over 300 miles per tank and emissions that consist only of water vapor, Mirai is leading the world toward a more sustainable fuel cell vehicle. ”
This year’s Greenfest will be a zero-waste event and will prioritize accessibility for all attendees. Philadelphia Insurance Companies will provide valet bike parking for all cyclists to make it easy for attendees to get to Greenfest sustainably. Clean Air Council is dedicated to creating an event that gives the entire city of Philadelphia the chance to celebrate healthy living, interact with some of the city’s most environmentally friendly companies and support Clean Air Council’s ongoing mission to protect everyone’s right to breathe clean air.
For more information contact the Special Events Team at 215-567-4004 or events@cleanair.org.
About Clean Air Council’s Methane Education Program
Clean Air Council uses celebrated events like the Greenfest Philly to support and increase awareness and advocacy for a broad range of environmental and public health initiatives. Recently, Clean Air Council has focused a targeted campaign of research, public education and advocacy calling for state and federal regulations to curb methane pollution. Methane leaks can exacerbate respiratory diseases (such as asthma) and lead to lung and heart disease, even cancer. Despite public support for rules limiting current and future methane leaks, there are few laws on the books putting such safeguards in place.
About Clean Air Council
Clean Air Council is a member- supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to breathe clean air. For more information about Clean Air Council, visit www.cleanair.org.
Tell us what YOU want to see at Greenfest Philly 2017! Between edible bugs, yoga, vegan cooking demos, kids’ activities, a rock wall, and more – Greenfest features a plethora of fun and sustainable activities for the entire family. However, we’re still going to add even MORE! Since you are the most important person at Greenfest, we want to know what you would like to see at the festival. Share your ideas:
Greenfest Philly 2017: New Ideas
You’re invited to join GoPhillyGo, SPOKE magazine, and Firth & Wilson Transport Cycles on Thursday, February 16 for a multimodal happy hour upstairs at Fergie’s Pub (1214 Sansom St). Philadelphia is fast becoming one of the leading cities in the U.S. to get around without a car, and it just keeps getting better. You’ll hear about an exciting new aspect of GoPhillyGo.org that’s being launched soon, news and plans for the coming year, and you’ll meet up with friends and other multimodal transportation advocates.
RSVP on Eventbrite and join the Multimodal Happy Hour Facebook event page to stay up to date.
We hope to see you there!
What:
Multimodal Transportation Happy Hour hosted by GoPhillyGo, SPOKE magazine, and Firth & Wilson Transport Cycles
When:
Thursday, February 16, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where:
2nd Floor
1214 Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Plan your multimodal trip with GoPhillyGo.org!
Cost:
Admission is free, finger food is free, and drinks are pay as you go. First 50 people in the door will receive a free drink ticket.
About the Organizations
GoPhillyGo is a free online mapping tool for the Greater Philadelphia area, with a major upgrade coming in 2017. Developed with state-of-the-art mapping technology, this site makes it easy for users to plan their routes through multimodal methods — combining biking + walking + public transportation within one trip — to go anywhere within the Greater Philadelphia area without the use of a car. It even provides details on pedestrian and bike routes, letting users customize their trips. Go to www.gophillygo.org to plan your trip today and connect with GoPhillyGo on Facebook or on Twitter and Instagram at @go_philly_go.
SPOKE magazine informs and engages greater Philadelphia by covering mobility. With a focus on long-form journalism and storytelling, the magazine examines urban life through the lenses of bicycling, walking and mass transit. Go to www.spokemag.bike to read SPOKE magazine today and connect with SPOKE magazine on Facebook or on Twitter and Instagram at @spoke_mag.
Firth & Wilson Transport Cycles is a full-service bicycle shop and retail showroom specializing in transportation and cargo bicycles. Now located at 1105 Frankford Avenue, the shop caters exclusively to the urban cyclist with a full range of bike accessories and bicycles from Yuba, Xtracycle, Babboe, Gazelle, Larry Vs Harry, Pashley, Simcoe, Breezer, Linus, Pure Fix, Pure City, SE, and Torker. The option of a custom fabricated bicycle is also on offer, designed by the shop’s owners under the labels David Wilson Industries (DWI) custom cargo bikes and Hanford Cycles custom frames. Go to www.transportcycle.com for more information, and connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter and Instagram at @transportcycles.
Time is ticking down. The Philadelphia Marathon, which will be my first (maybe last?) attempt at running 26.2 miles, is right around the corner. As the Council’s Transportation Program Director, I have always taken a lot of pride in how closely my passion for cycling aligns with my job. Obviously living in Philadelphia I also love to walk to my closer destinations and mix in public transit when I’m going a bit further. So I felt like I had a responsibility to at least give this running thing a shot, to round out the low/zero emission ways that people move around (I already tried skateboarding as a kid, I guess roller skates are all that is left).
Because running is sustainable transportation, and because the only experience I have with running is volunteering at the Council’s annual Run for Clean Air in April (April 9th, 2017 – save the date now!) I felt it only natural to run the marathon on behalf of the Run for Clean Air. Coming from a cycling background, I am pretty confident in my cardiovascular preparation for the event, but I now have a much deeper respect for the strength that running requires from your legs’ joints, bones, and muscles. Building up to that without injuring myself has been the priority of my training.
Another priority has been immersing myself in a completely new activity. I want to thank my fellow runners and my running group, Point Breeze Runners, for showing me the ropes. Of course, I’ve been reading up on running blogs and tips for first-time marathoners like crazy, but I’ve also been getting a crash course in how to behave appropriately on the sidewalk or trail while I’m running. How much room to give people when passing, how to run in a group, how to interact with cars safely, and I’ve been getting some of it wrong along the way – but I’m trying! Respecting all road users is a priority for me as I learn how this large group of people, runners, interacts with our city infrastructure.
Training has gone well for the most part. I’ve gradually extended my distance up to 20 miles without any bad injuries, but unfortunately on that run about a month ago I did irritate something in my hip. I’m pretty optimistic about it though, it has given me the perfect opportunity to scale back my running so I am nice and fresh on race day. I also have a secret weapon – Eric Cheung, the Council’s Deputy Director has promised to meet me at mile 20 and run the last 6 miles back into town with me. Thanks for the support Eric! If any Clean Air Council members are watching on race day, be sure to give me/us a cheer. I’ll be the one in a Run for Clean Air shirt looking like he doesn’t belong but having a great time.
“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”
-Benjamin Franklin
We’re pretty sure that Ben Franklin, an early environmentalist and lover of beer, wine, and spirits, would be celebrating Dine Out for the Environment with a great meal and beverage. Be like Ben and grab your friends for a Dine Out for the Environment happy hour or dinner. These fine establishments will be donating 15% of food and alcohol!
49 St. James Place, Ardmore-11am-10pm
931 Spring Garden St-5pm-12am
1710 North 5th Street-4:00pm-2:00am
50 S.16th St, 37th Floor Two Liberty Place-4pm-11pm
7136 Germantown Avenue-4:30pm-12am
CHEERS!
