Walnut Street 3/28/09

Rittenhouse Square 3/25/09

3/35/09 Rittenhouse Square

About the Contest

On May 1st, 2009, Philadelphia Councilmen Frank DiCicco and James Kenney will hold a hearing on legislation they have introduced to reduce waste in Philadelphia by banning plastic bags at all retailers or mandating a $.25 fee on plastic shopping bags, and prohibiting Styrofoam food packaging in favor of biodegradable/compostable or recyclable disposable food service ware.

Clean Air Council, a Philadelphia-based, member supported nonprofit organization, is sponsoring a photography contest to spread awareness about the impact plastic bags and styrofoam packaging have on our environment. Though photos depict superficial damage to our environment, like litter, it’s important to note plastic bags and Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene, use up our finite natural resources such as oil, gas and coal in their production and transportation. They fill up landfills, contributing to air and water pollution in Philadelphia.

All submitted photographs will be used in a slideshow displayed throughout the May 1st City Council hearing.  The contest has been extended until the City Council vote on the proposed “Plastic Bag Green Fee”. The winner will also receive a $50 cash prize and Clean Air Council individual membership.

Email photographs to kedwards@cleanair.org

If you have any questions please contact Katie Edwards, Clean Air Council Project Coordinator, at 215.567.4004, ext. 102 or kedwards@cleanair.org.

Good Luck!