PHILADELPHIA – In collaboration with The GREEN Program (TGP) and Philadelphia Urban Adventures, The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability announced today the launch of Sustainable Philadelphia Tours.
Sustainable Philadelphia Tours were created in an effort to introduce a new sector of socially-minded and community-driven tourism that will highlight Philadelphia’s leadership in sustainability. Three tours will be available to the public starting June 6, 2019: Food Sustainability Tours, Conservation Tours, and Re-imagined Spaces Tours.
The tours were designed with both Philadelphia’s visitors and residents in mind — whether someone is visiting Philadelphia for the weekend or born and raised here — they will experience the city’s sustainable practices in an urban environment while supporting local sustainability initiatives. Participants will be able to choose their own adventure as every tour will be customized for the group. These day-tours can range anywhere between two and ten hours, depending on the site visits and the group’s interests.
In addition, 10 percent of the proceeds from the Sustainable Philadelphia Tours will be contributed to The GREEN Program’s scholarship fund to help under-served students in Philadelphia gain access to global sustainability education opportunities.
“From Bartram’s Garden to Lincoln Financial Field, from green infrastructure sites to solar installations, there are countless ways to see sustainability on display in Philadelphia. This new tour program helps Philadelphia showcase our ‘green country town’ and all the ways our communities are making Philadelphia a more sustainable city every day.” said Christine Knapp, Director of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability.
Melissa Lee, Founder and CEO of The GREEN Program says, “People come to Philadelphia for our history, and now they can leave with newfound knowledge of the city’s progressive efforts in sustainability. There are strong case studies here that can be brought to other cities around the world to create a more sustainable future.”
Jason Fried, Director of Operations at Philadelphia Urban Adventures said, “We are excited to be involved in the development of responsible tourism together with TGP and the City’s Office of Sustainability. We are very hopeful that locals as well as domestic and international visitors will see Philadelphia as forward-thinking and responsible in its attitude towards sustainability. We are pleased to shine a light on the city’s efforts with tours that help to educate and inform.”
Tour bookings can be made on Philadelphia Urban Adventure’s website starting June 6, 2019: https://www.philadelphiaurbanadventures.com/.
More details about the tours will be shared during The City Social on June 6, 2019. This event is free and open to media.
About The Office of Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability (OOS) works with partners around the City to improve the quality of life in all Philadelphia neighborhoods, reduce the city’s carbon emissions, and prepare Philadelphia for a hotter, wetter future. OOS is responsible for implementing Greenworks Philadelphia, the city’s comprehensive sustainability plan. Learn more at www.phila.gov/green.
About The GREEN Program
The GREEN Program (TGP) is an award-winning, short-term, experiential education program for young leaders in sustainable development. With their global headquarters in Philadelphia, TGP has introduced a new model for education abroad – driven by a desire to provide purposeful, hands-on industry exposure at a fraction of the time and cost. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, TGP’s short-term, accredited, career-focused approach creates transformative experiences for students around the world – unlocking doors to industry access, exclusive tours, and unique bucket-list experiences. Learn more about TGP at www.thegreenprogram.com and TGP’s Scholars Program at www.thegreenprogram.com/scholarship.
About Philadelphia Urban Adventures
Philadelphia Urban Adventures is dedicated to making sure that our urban travelers get the most out of their Philly experience. With interests in sustainable tourism, the support of local businesses, and the desire to provide travelers with a unique and authentic experience, all of Philadelphia Urban Adventures’ tours seek to give travelers a fresh insight into the city, its residents, and its attractions. They have achieved this by developing a tour guide team that mixes experienced guides with others who are new to the profession, but who live and breathe the city and share a passion for its history, public art, food, and entertainment. Learn more at www.philadelphiaurbanadventures.com.