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City Cast Philly

Siani Colón

This month millions of people around the world are committing to reducing the plastic waste they generate. 

 encourages participants to make small, everyday changes to stop using single-use plastics and prevent plastic pollution. If you’re new to the challenge, here’s how to have a successful plastic-free July in Philly and how you can keep the momentum going once the month is over.

It’s better to use what you have before buying something new. But if you’re looking to stock up on household goods, there are local stores dedicated to providing plastic-free and refillable products. You can find items such as bulk soaps and detergents, shampoo bars, and beeswax wraps at 

 in Mt. Airy. Co-ops will also let you buy in bulk with reusable containers. These shops source local and organic products to avoid excessive packaging. Some local options include 

, which has multiple locations in Northwest Philly, or 

Speaking of using what you have, see if you can fix that broken item before throwing it away. The 

 hosts repair fairs on the second Thursday of each month. Sign up for its newsletter so you can secure your spot before registration fills up. And consider taking a class at the 

 so you can get comfortable using tools to make repairs or build something new on your own.

If you’re not committing to a 100% plastic-free month, you can still dispose of your remaining plastics responsibly. The 2-1-5 Method is a general rule of thumb to remember 

 through our municipal recycling program (those labeled #1, #2, or #5). Philly expanded what’s eligible for recycling back in January, so 

. And if you’re unsure if something is truly recyclable, toss it in the trash rather than wishcycling. Also let’s encourage the city to 

 to make those windy recycling days less messy.

Keep Plastics out of Our Waterways and Parks

Microplastics are pervasive in Pennsylvania’s waterways, with the 

most common pollutants being single-use plastics and tire rubber

. While stronger regulation and systems changes are necessary to turn the tide on our pollution problem, our local parks, creeks, and rivers could use help collecting visible waste. You can volunteer to collect trash at 

If you see a storm drain filled with trash, 

. You can also volunteer to mark storm drains so people are aware everything flows back into our water!

Here’s how to reduce your plastic usage and keep the momentum going once the month is over.

How To Live Plastic-Free This July (and All the Time)

How To Live Plastic-Free in Philly

Tips and tricks for living your best Philadelphia life, by locals, for locals.

Philly Life Hacks

Summer is practically here, which means Philadelphians are gearing up to head to their neighborhood pool or 

 for a beach day. While swimming is one of the activities most synonymous with summer, not everyone can participate. According to the CDC, 

more than half of American adults have never taken a swimming lesson

, putting themselves at higher risk of drowning. It’s not just adults in danger; drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of four.

Ready to get in the water? Here’s where you can learn to swim in and near the city.

Aspiring swimmers of all ages have the option of visiting either of 

’s locations in Center City or South Philly. Parents can join their baby or toddler in the pool for the 

 and practice their skills during open swim. Young swimmers above the age of three can participate in weekly private and group swim lessons. During the summer, kids between the ages of six and 12 can attend a 

 for those who cannot commit to multiple weeks of classes.

 for over a century. Lessons are broken down by age group, with each group gaining access to more swim stages as their proficiency advances. Students can learn how to control their movements, manage stamina while swimming, and develop stroke technique. Swim programs are split into seasons, with registration for summer programming opening tomorrow. 

The Kroc Center’s sprawling Northwest Philly campus offers an abundance of recreational programming, and swimming is no exception. Adult beginner lessons are offered at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Learn to swim at Friend Select School’s pool

 in Center City, or visit its partner gym facilities in Bala Cynwyd. Lessons are offered for all age groups. The 

 into three levels: water acclimation, water survival, and stroke development. You can take a swim assessment to help decide which level is best for you.

This Mt. Airy facility focuses on fitness and physical therapy in its heated, indoor swimming pool. 

 are offered as an additional service for members and their children. 

If you live in the suburbs, or are willing to make the trip out there, 

 in Aston, Broomall, Exton, Jenkintown, Limerick, and Plymouth Meeting. Don’t be fooled by the name; both children and adults alike can take group and private lessons.

 (SNUGS) partners with student volunteers at colleges and universities across the country to offer free one-on-one swimming lessons to low-income families with children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The 

 teaches free swimming lessons to underserved communities, with a particular focus on elementary school-aged children in West Philly. The program operates out of Penn’s Pottruck Gym. Students are split into four skill levels. Sign up for the 

 to get notified when registration opens.

🚣 Looking for more things to do this summer? Here’s 

where you can boat or learn to fish in Philly

Don’t just sit poolside all summer. Learn to splash in the water safely by taking these foundational swim classes. 

Where To Learn To Swim in Philadelphia

Where To Take Swimming Lessons in Philly

Don’t forget to file your 2025 personal income tax return by April 15. You can file federal taxes through the 

. The process can be confusing, and while tax prep services can be helpful, some are expensive or 

Here are trusted organizations helping Philadelphians file on time for no cost:

Although it primarily assists people over 65, 

 helps anyone file taxes. You can find AARP’s partner sites using 

. The partner sites are spread across the city. Three require you to schedule an appointment in advance.

 during tax season and throughout the year. The Norris Square-based organization offers assistance in English and Spanish by appointment only. You can schedule an in-person session through its 

 through the end of tax season. The free service is available to individuals who make less than $84,000 a year. You can stop by Congreso’s building in North Philly every week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are on a walk-in basis. For more information, call 215-763-8870.

 provide resources such as tax filing instruction booklets and copies of the 1040 and 1040-SR tax return forms.

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

 works with partners at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. You can 

schedule an appointment online to file taxes for free or

The deadline to file your taxes is April 15. Here’s where to find free tax help in Philadelphia.



 Where To File Taxes for Free in Philly in 2026

Where to Get Free Tax Help in Philly

The Free Library of Philadelphia houses hundreds of thousands of books within its collections. But did you know that with your library card, you can borrow way more than just books? When you stop at one of its 54 branches to grab a copy of this year’s “One Book, One Philadelphia” pick, be sure to check out what else the library has to offer.

Be one with nature and hit the trails with a 

 and can be checked out for three weeks. These backpacks include binoculars, a field guide, and a journal to record your observations. The library partners with several local birding groups if you’d like to use your backpack with company rather than on your own.

If you just want to go on a regular hike, 

If you’re looking for alternatives to Spotify and Apple Music, go back to the basics with a CD. If you prefer records, those are only available for in-library use. But you can join Parkway Central’s Music Department’s 

Speaking of music, you can borrow instruments, too. 

Instruments easily transportable via SEPTA

 (think guitars and bongos) can be borrowed for up to three weeks. The library does not offer instruments that require a mouthpiece.

If you feel nostalgic about selecting movies from Blockbuster’s shelves, you can do that for free at the library. But don’t think the collection only has throwbacks. You can borrow newer releases, including movies and shows exclusive to platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and even Criterion.

these days, no matter which console you use. If you or your child is a gamer, save up by 

 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

The library offers several fitness programs for yoga, dance, and strength training. If you prefer to work out from the comfort of your own home, you can 

 complete with a mat, rope, and band. Keep track of your 

If you’re a baker borrowing a cookbook from the library, you can grab some cake pans while you’re at it. Bake unique shapes such as 

Need help looking professional for that big interview, or headshot, or day-to-day work outfit? Paschalville Library has a selection of 

Browse the Library’s Rare Book Collection

With your library card, you can borrow items beyond the library’s extensive book collection. 



The Unique Items You Can Borrow From Philly’s Free Library

Buying a home is no task to take lightly. You have to consider factors such as whether this is your forever home or for-now home, how far your commute from work is, what schools are in proximity (if you have kids), and of course: cost. These days Philadelphia-area homebuyers have to earn 

at least $199,129 to afford a median-priced home

If you’re purchasing one for the very first time, all of this can be intimidating. Hey Philly spoke with Damien Manno, assistant vice president of real estate lending at 

This conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

What are the common mistakes homebuyers make?

"Not really planning for a rainy day. So you basically poured every available cent into the home and now you have no ability to address any situations that are going to pop up.

"Another factor that some homebuyers don't take into account is who they got their mortgage through originally. Sometimes they might go for that lowest rate and the fastest talker, and then they find out later that's either not really what they thought they were signing up for or that they have issues with things like servicing, who they're making payments to, and then they can't get any help.

"Some other common misconceptions that first time homebuyers have: They think that their payments are never going to change. And they don't necessarily take into account [that] the taxes are going to go up, insurance is going to go up. If they're in an area that has a homeowners association or they live in a condo building, those fees are going to go up."

What's usually the ideal credit score when you're home buying?

"If you're looking at a [First-Time Homebuyer] loan, which is government-backed, mortgages for first-time homebuyers are really geared towards buyers that are on the lower end of the credit spectrum that may not be able to qualify with everyone through a conventional mortgage program. Sometimes they'll go into the 500s, but usually it's around 600, 620.

"For conventional lenders, typically they want to see a credit score of 660 or higher. But the higher your score, once you're in the 700s, you're getting access to better rates, and that can lead to lower costs as far as your monthly payment goes."

Have there been any trends regarding Philadelphia's housing market and how it's impacting first time buyers?

"The housing market in Philadelphia, the values have gone up pretty significantly since COVID, which is a good thing for people who already owned a home and perhaps needed to start using that equity to renovate or upgrade the home at that point. But it can impact first-time buyers because of the fact that [they’re] coming into the market at a time when everything might seem a little overpriced.

"It's more advantageous in the sense that property taxes in the city are usually much less than what you're going to be paying outside the city and in the surrounding counties. However, you usually have to bring a little more to closing in Philadelphia because of the fact that there's transfer tax involved."

What resources are available to aspiring homeowners?

: You go through a home counseling program, and then they determine whether or not you qualify for the grant, which is at $10,000 right now. You're not repaying it unless you sell the home within a certain period of time. So, if you don't sell the home until after five years, the grant may be forgivable.

"There [are] other grants available as well that are not specific to Philadelphia, but for first-time homebuyers. There is the 

 that is sponsored by the Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and we are one of the lenders that provide that grant. It only comes out once a year in the spring.

"Those grants like Philly First and First Front Door can be stackable. That means you can get more than one grant as long as the grant providers are cool with the fact that there's another grant on the property."

If you’d like additional support from Ardent Credit Union, its 

 is a free counseling service available to anyone. To access a loan through Ardent, you must join the credit union. You can also access 

additional housing resources on its website

Buying a home is just about the biggest purchase you can make, so follow these tips to make a sound financial decision.


How To Buy a Home in Philly 

Advice for First-Time Homebuyers in Philly

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

 on clothing each year. Although we’d like to get our money’s worth, 

 as it used to. Whether it’s a broken zipper or a cracked sole, if we don’t have the skills to repair our stuff, tossing it in the landfill feels like the easiest solution. Luckily, Philadelphia has some talented seamstresses, tailors, and cobblers who can make your stuff good as new.

 is driven by the missions of size inclusivity and sustainability in fashion. You can get a button replaced, tear repaired, or fix an open seam among other alterations. Request your service 

 has been busy teaching Philadelphians how to sew, but if you need someone to do the job for you, head over to Olde Kensington. Its services include hemming, resizing, strap shortening, and cropping.

Queen Village’s Fabric Row is home to several textile shops keeping the neighborhood’s legacy as a garment district alive. One iconic shop that can meet your needs is 

. Led by Larnell Baldwin and his 40 years of expertise, this shop can assist with invisible mending, leather repair, and custom alterations.

 is a one-stop shop for fixing leather goods. Not only can you get your shoes repaired, cleaned, and restored but this shop can fix handbags, belts, wallets, and your luggage to carry it all.

 specializes in mobility equipment, so of course this place can fix your shoes to get you where you need to go. Tucked away on 10th Street near Jefferson University’s campus, this shop will resole, dye, and clean your shoes as needed.

 agrees that you spend too much money to just throw your shoes away. Located in Center City, this family business can fix any type of shoe.

Where To Donate Clothes in Good Condition

Give your closet a second life by repairing your clothes instead of tossing them.


Where To Get Your Clothes Repaired in Philly

How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

The fall semester is just around the corner. As students and parents flock to the stores to prepare, they’re incurring some extra costs. A new Deloitte survey reported that 

Philadelphians spend 27% above the national average

 of $570 on school supplies. With supplies, clothes, and tech all on the shopping list, parents are shifting shopping behaviors to ease the financial burden.

To help families get ready for the new school year, here are some local back-to-school giveaways.

 is rolling through Philadelphia neighborhoods throughout the month of August. Students can receive free backpacks, immunizations, and physicals.

 is distributing free backpacks while supplies last from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m at 3100 Red Lion Road. Your child must be present to get a backpack.

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children

 is hosting its Back-to-School Carnival for the 15th year. The carnival will provide free backpacks, health resources, and games. The child must be present to receive a backpack. The hospital is still accepting backpack donations. The event will be held in the parking lot at 160 E. Erie Ave. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 is hosting a back-to-school block party from noon to 4 p.m. Aside from supplies, attendees can expect food, games, and live music. Join the party at 215 N. 57th St.

 is giving away free backpacks filled with school essentials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can visit the site at 7700 Ogontz Ave. in West Oak Lane.

 is hosting a Back-to-School Block Party. The agency will distribute supply-filled backpacks for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade. The party will be at the Youth and Family Center at 2013 Ridge Ave.

Salvation Army Kroc Center of Philadelphia

 is hosting a backpack giveaway from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 4200 Wissahickon Ave. 

 is welcoming kids back to school with a party. Visit Dixon House at 1920 S. 20th St. not only for giveaways but self-defense lessons, arts and crafts, and free haircuts. The block party will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 will distribute backpacks from noon to 4 p.m. at New Church Down The Way Ministries at 4234 Ogden St. The child must be present to receive a bag.

’s Community Appreciation Day on Point Breeze Avenue and Tasker Street will feature live performances from artists like Jadakiss, amusement rides, vendors, and of course, free backpacks. The celebration kicks off at noon and goes until 8 p.m.

 is providing free backpacks, supplies, and light refreshments at its worship site from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3921 Powelton Ave.

Don’t break the bank preparing your child for the school year. Get help at these back-to-school events.

Where To Find Free School Supplies in Philly

Get Supplies at These Back-to-School Giveaways in Philly

Philadelphia is an old city – so much so we have a neighborhood named just that. Our homes are up there in age, with a little more than half built between 1920 and 1945, according to the 

Older homes require a lot of upkeep, and according to the 

, the city’s housing stock needs $149.3 billion in repairs. Some homeowners may attempt a DIY approach to get the job done, but they may not be equipped with the right tools or skillset.

 (WPTL) is helping people with just that. Housed in an unassuming garage space just off Woodland Avenue, the organization is stocked with hundreds of tools and hosts workshops every day on tool use and repair basics.

Jason Sanders, executive director of WPTL, said West Philly’s aging housing stock was the foundation of the tool library’s formation. He said it’s less about learning new skills and more about “providing tools to the community so they can stay in their own houses.”

“Not so much like the renovations you see on TV, but the [renovations] you need to stay in your house, to be safe, and care for your family,” Sanders said.

The tool library has been operating since 2007 and is the only one of its kind in the city, after the 

 as the first in the country, opening as an extension to its public library in 1979, tool libraries can be traced back to the 1940s as a result of a 

Sanders became involved with the lending library during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began with just a couple hundred tools has since grown to almost 5,000, 90% of which were donated.

“Not everybody has the luxury to buy a $500 saw, use it for one project, and then leave it sitting in their basement,” Sanders said. “This is a very economical and environmentally friendly way to get what you need done, whether that is something critical like repairs or even a side project or hobby.”

The tool library has 1,200 members who can access shelves overflowing with drills, hammers, and screwdrivers, and check items out for a week at a time.

“It is not necessary for everybody to own their own tools,” Sanders said. “If we think about just the amount of people in one city block … if everybody owned a drill, how wasteful would that be in terms of all the drills just sitting idle in people’s closets and basements?”

The library’s classes, which are taught by professionals, include proper tool use, sewing, and cutting-board making. They’re taught by professionals and priced from $20 to $60.

“It’s not a reliance on: Here’s how to exactly fix your house, fix your wiring problem, fix your plumbing,” Sanders said. Instead, it's about “just knowing what the situation is, so you can be better prepared to fix the situation yourself, or pay someone" to do the work.

Sanders hopes one day WPTL can grow to house and lend larger pieces of equipment, and offer open shop hours so members can use tools there for personal projects.

launched a community compost drop-off site

, and plans to create a seed library in the future.

“We think providing agency for people is super critical, especially in this neighborhood, where it’s not filled with people who are extremely well off,” Sanders said. “It hits hard for me that what we’re doing here and how we’re helping people is actually making a difference in people’s lives.”

 are not limited to West Philly residents and are on a sliding scale, starting at $25 annually. The library relies heavily on word of mouth as promotion and donations to keep the space running.

 for classes at the library. Sign up for the library’s newsletter to be alerted when classes go live, as they sell out quickly.

The lending library houses thousands of tools to share with neighbors and teaches them how to use it. 


West Philly Tool Library Promotes Tool-Sharing and Right To Repair Your Home

Need a Spare Tool? Visit a Local Tool Library

Philly loves our furry friends. We love them so much, we have the 

 among large American cities! But we also 

 – primarily because of their poop. Despite the number of 

, there aren’t enough designated places for pups to play or go when they gotta go. Much like how we avoid potholes, stepping around doggy dung has become part of daily life in Philly.

One resident has taken matters into her own hands with her own pet project.

A City Cast Philly subscriber and Cobbs Creek resident who goes by the moniker Coco Hernandez is no stranger to what she calls “Doggie-Doo Dodge Two-Step.” Having moved to the neighborhood a decade ago, she was excited to live in a community that would be perfect to walk her dogs but realized quickly that she had to constantly watch her step. Hernandez said vacant lots are especially susceptible to becoming “dookie land.”

Hernandez has seen signage intended to deter violators, but it can sometimes be a lost cause, especially when other crimes take precedence in the city.

“Occasionally, one might encounter a health department sign: ‘Leash, gutter and clean up after your dog’ listing the $200 fine for getting caught,” Hernandez said. “But... c'mon. Get real. I've yet to see an enforcement on this.”

The current model wasn’t working, so Hernandez wondered if instead of complaining about the problem, she could be part of the solution. Thus, her so-called Just Pick Up The Poo campaign was born.

One Cobbs Creek resident’s DIY sign project can be a source of inspiration to address your neighborhood’s dog poop problem. 

local life hacks

How To Live Plastic-Free in Philly

Where To Take Swimming Lessons in Philly

Where to Get Free Tax Help in Philly

Latest articles

How To Live Plastic-Free in Philly

Where To Take Swimming Lessons in Philly

Where to Get Free Tax Help in Philly

The Unique Items You Can Borrow From Philly’s Free Library

Advice for First-Time Homebuyers in Philly

How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Get Supplies at These Back-to-School Giveaways in Philly

Latest articles

The Unique Items You Can Borrow From Philly’s Free Library

Advice for First-Time Homebuyers in Philly

How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Get Supplies at These Back-to-School Giveaways in Philly

Need a Spare Tool? Visit a Local Tool Library

How One Pet Project Is Tackling Philly’s Doggy Dung Problem

Where To Donate All That Stuff in Your Closet