Recognizing and honoring Sustainable Philadelphia Alliance of Regional Campuses (SPARC) for its commitment to a Greener Philadelphia

WHEREAS, SPARC promotes collaboration among sustainability groups from colleges and universities in the Philadelphia area; and

WHEREAS, Launched a year ago by 22-year-old University of Pennsylvania Environmental Studies senior Sara Allan, the SPARC project started as just a small group of peers and an advisory board but has now expanded to several other schools in the region including Drexel University, Temple University, and Villanova University; and

WHEREAS, Currently SPARC’s vision, which started as trying to connect representatives from the regional universities to brainstorm ideas on how to make an impact on their campuses, has expanded to concentrating efforts towards improving Philadelphia’s sustainable economy by creating a pipeline between educated young people and the Philadelphia economy; and

WHEREAS, Through its growth SPARC has forged relationships with various non-profits including the Sustainable Business Network, another Philadelphia born organization dedicated to helping businesses that are committed to serving the environment, and The SAVE Alliance Foundation, a non-profit group with a mission to empower students to become environmental leaders in their communities; and

WHEREAS, In February of 2015 SPARC, in partnership with The SAVE Alliance Foundation, presented their first Green Allies Conference where they hosted numerous speakers including leaders from the Climate Reality Project and Oxfam America, as well as workshops where students got to interact with experts on topics such as waste reduction and tackling poverty; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, SPARC sponsored Sustainable Food Week, which facilitated a collaboration between students and nonprofits and businesses where they host events throughout the City including activities offering students discounts at sustainable restaurants, an Iron Chef competition, and a tour of SHARE, a local food access and education program that promotes healthy living by providing affordable wholesome food to those willing to contribute through volunteerism; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED

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BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize and honor Sustainable Philadelphia Alliance of Regional Campuses (SPARC) for Commitment to a Greener, more Sustainable Philadelphia

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FURTHER RESOLVED

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That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to SPARC as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End