The South Street Green Festival. On Sept. 3 2006, this street festival was held on one block (by Whole Foods Market). Produced on a $10,000 budget—half from the founding group—and volunteer sweat equity, the Festival had a remarkably successful inauguration. The day-long event attracted about 6000 people. Themed around recycling, the festival demonstrating tangibly that more than 60% of the waste stream from the event was being diverted to recycling. Three mayoral candidates, 40 vendors of various sustainable stripes, five academic partners, a dozen volunteers, more than 25 artists and nine nonprofit partners participated. Sponsors and participants included Recycle Now, Whole Foods, Grow-Design, Golden Blossom Honey, Recycle Bank, Joe Coffee, UPS, Philadelphia Weekly, the Sustainable Business Network, Penn Future, Clean Water Action, Clean Air Council, Ben Franklin Tercentenary, and Alliance for Philadelphia’s Animals. The participation of diverse leadership in the festival planning (as well as in the role of speakers, board members and exhibitors) was gratifying. The long-term importance of local sources as the means for sustainable affordable food was presented. The social impact of green issues was a take-home message. The festival facilitated the sharing of practical information, critical thinking about urgent issues and forging of new plans and relationships. UGP is now legally a charitable organization.