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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Judith Samans-Dunn, Center for Public Health, City of Philadelphia Eco Teams, c/o Center for Public Health, Temple University, 2534 Swain Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, 215-763-0754, jbecker@astro.temple.edu
As part of the Global Action Plan to adapt a Sustainable Lifestyles campaign, Household EcoTeams were formed and tailored to include information specific to Philadelphia. Neighborhood EcoTeams of Philadelphia residents began forming in October 1999. Trained resident "Initiators" invited their neighbors to participate. The program teaches team members to reduce energy use, auto emissions, water use, and garbage production. Team members who complete the program are then encouraged to become coordinators of future teams, thus spreading the word. Since its inception, 60 EcoTeams have been formed in 26 Philadelphia neighborhoods, with documentable household reductions in resource usage. The program is being encorporated into the Philadelphia Livable Neighborhood Program, which helps neighborhoods translate their priorities into effective action in areas of health and safety, beautification and greening, resource sharing, energy use and neighborhood building. Current funding comes from the City of Philadelphia, the PA DEP, and the US EPA. Philadelphia is taking the lead in implementing these teams in low-income neighborhoods.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Programs, Community Involvement
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.