Dear Friends of PSR Philadelphia,

As November begins, we would like to thank you for your continued support for PSR Philadelphia and ask that you spread kindness and awareness during this month of thankfulness and giving.

Today is election day! With over an hour left at the polling places, please remember to cast your vote while keeping the environment, health and sustainability in mind.

In big news for Lancaster County, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals issued an administrative stay on construction of the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline “pending further order of the court.”

We would like to update you on the actions to support a healthy built environment by two PSR Philadelphia Board Members, David Masur and Dr. Walter Tsou. On October 19th, 2017 they attended a news conference held at City Hall, along with Philadelphia School District Director of Environmental Science & Occupational Safety & Health, Jerry Roseman; the Public Interest Law Center’s Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg; and Philadelphia City Councilman Derek Green. The purpose was to underscore the Right to Know request against the Philadelphia School District. The request -- which was previously put forward nearly six months ago -- asked for more data about any environmental health threats being posed at schools around the City. The Philadelphia Healthy Schools Initiative has been hard at work making the School District become accountable for unhealthy physical plant problems such as impotable water, lead paint, asbestos, and mold that threaten the health of students, teachers and staff in our public schools.

Come show your support for PSR Phila this coming Monday at the the fifth annual Shale & Public Health Conference, which will be held November 13, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (registration/sign-in at 8:30). Our Interim Executive Director, Dr. Walter Tsou is presenting at this important and well-designed conference. Registration is open now.

Please attend SEPTA's next “Energy Action Plan Open House”, held on Monday, November 21st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m on the third floor at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, in Philadelphia. The 2012 Energy Action Plan outlines 18 initiatives to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions , while simultaneously remaining budget-neutral in response to funding shortfalls. We believe now is the time to update the 2012 Energy Action Plan by extending SEPTA'S commitment to a sustainable future. 
  • SEPTA should match the renewable energy commitments that the City of Philadelphia recently announced. That means planning to obtain all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and at least 30% by the end of 2018.
  • SEPTA should plan to operate an all-electric bus fleet, and phase out the use of diesel fuel, by 2030.
  • SEPTA should cancel its plan to build a gas-fired power plant in Nicetown (and to conduct a full study about strategies for addressing the potential for power outages.
During the open house, information will be displayed about SEPTA’s progress and the proposed planning framework and we will have the opportunity to help further develop future targets and supporting initiatives. Please show up and express your support for the goals we have listed with signs and your voice in a public statement.

Keep in mind Giving Tuesday is coming up on November 28, 2017! PSR Philadelphia was established in 1979 with the mission to promote social responsibility by protecting health, the environment and communities. Through the combined generosity of individuals like you and philanthropic foundational support, we are able to fulfill our mission with robust programs focused on the prevention of interpersonal violence and addressing threats to health and the environment.

Your generous contributions to our work enable us to take on these challenging issues and to bring a healthy perspective to a world in great need.

Scroll down to read PSR Philadelphia Board Member, Michelle Sahl's statement of support for PSR Phila's continued efforts and work to accomplish our goals!

We are asking you to join us in our work and to donate today and consider becoming a sustaining member at a level that is a meaningful contribution for you!

Thank you always for all of  your support !

Sincerely,
‌
Michelle Sahl's Statement of Support for PSR Phila

At PSR ~ The Health Impact of Our Environment
 
When thinking about health determinants, how do you define “environment?” Some consider it – in the broadest terms – the detrimental effects of climate change ~ what global warming means to rising sea levels, and how the ozone layer protecting the earth is being depleted. Others think about improving the ‘environment’ on a more regional or local level ~ air and water pollution, toxic industrial waste, and urban heat islands. I think of environmental health impacts at the most proximate neighborhood level ~ substandard housing, lack of adequate street lighting, vacant land parcels strewn with abandoned cars and discarded hypodermic needles. I think of the ambient environmental stressors that literally get under your skin if you are subjected to the daily, stressful life of growing up and living in underserved areas. These are the neighborhoods where safe streets, sidewalks, and parks are rarely found; open urban clean and green space is absent; and healthy food markets are missing. While many of us ‘prioritize’ the particular level of ‘environment’ which we believe requires the greatest attention and intervention, I believe that each level or layer of impact interacts with and influences the others in a multi-directional fashion. 
For more information about some of our recent events and for
  updates , please visit our website
and connect with us on social media.