Art of Aging: Activist working towards a greener Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Earth day is coming up next week, and we introduce you to an activist who's been working for a "green" Philadelphia for more than 5 decades.

Judy Wicks proudly shows off the solar panels that are the main source of power for her Fitler square home.

"Now, I'm involved with a campaign called 'Solarize Center City' to try and show my neighbors how affordable it is and how it's the right thing to do," she said.

The 65-year-old has worked for justice and a healthy planet all her life, from her small hometown in Pennsylvania to villages in Alaska and Mexico.

"I was very influenced by indigenous wisdom right out of college. Indigenous people are very connected to the earth, they're very committed to future generations," said Judy.

From marching on Washington to feeding the Standing Rock demonstrators, Wicks has walked a straight line from the 60s to today.

"The reason I'm an activist is in the end to protect what I love, whether it's our democracy, whether it's nature, whether it's animals, community, our children's future," she said.

When she opened the White Dog Café in 1983, Wicks lived her ideals.

"We bought 100% renewable energy. Our food came from local farms. We paid our employees a living wage. We gave benefits to waiters. I sometimes joke, that I used good food to lure innocent customers into social activism," she said with a laugh.

Wicks challenges other seniors to pick up the charge and become society's role models for sustainable living.

"I think it's really important that seniors model sustainable living if we want Philadelphia to be a green city, we need to lead the way in this," said Judy.

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