February 25, 2007
Consider Biking in Central Ohio
News of a forming organization for bicyclists reached me this week. Meredith Joy has initiated Consider Biking, whose aim is to connect the local biking community and encourage all citizens to "consider biking" as a viable transportation option.Meredith invites you to the first meeting of the group March 4 at 8:00 p.m. in Clintonville. More details, including how to RSVP to Meredith, appear on the Green Buckeye calendar.
A semi-related item: did you know COTA has a "Bike 'n Bus" program? Part of the fun of writing for this blog is discovering all the resources that are already available for living a greener life. As a community, we have some excellent resources. I think part of the solution is becoming aware of what already exists, collaborating to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and actually making it work for ourselves! (It's easier said than done, I know.)Labels: biking, events, transportation
February 24, 2007
Community Charrettes for Public Transportation
I've just added three related events to the Green Buckeye calendar. These events are design charrettes on the topic of public transportation in Central Ohio. Sponsored by the American Institute of Architects Livable Communities Commitee, these charrettes will:". . . promote dialogue about the status of and the possibilities for the role of public transportation in Columbus, Ohio with special emphasis placed on illustrating how multiple transportation modes can and should work together to provide a complete network that connects citizens with their community."Whew.
Charrettes addressing a central hub, urban neighborhoods, and suburban neighborhoods are scheduled:
March 4: Suburban Connector - Linworth (and others)
March 6: Central Hub - Downtown (and others)
March 12: Urban Neighborhood - Fairgrounds/OSU Campus (and others)
Check the calendar for more details.
Labels: events, transportation, urban design
What Would Environmental Justice Look Like in Ohio?
You know how sometimes you see or learn about something for the first time, and then suddenly you notice it popping up all over? It was probably there all the time, but you just didn't recognize it, so you couldn't see it or name it.Lately I've been listening to a series of podcasts that are published by TED. I listened to one by Majora Carter of Sustainable South Bronx last night, and that was the first time I had heard the term "environmental justice." At least, that was the first time I heard it consciously. (Where have I been - under a rock? This woman won a MacArthur grant!)
Anyway, I opened my email this morning to find a message from Pat Marida of the Central Ohio Sierra Club announcing an upcoming program on environmental justice. The newly formed Ohioans for Health, Environment, and Justice are hosting programs in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. The group is looking for input on a proposed environmental justice policy for Ohio.
The Columbus event runs from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at Marion Franklin Recreation Center on Lockbourne Road. Click over to the OHEJ web site or the Green Buckeye calendar for more details - an RSVP is requested.
Labels: environmental justice, events, Majora Carter, resources
February 20, 2007
Friends, They May Think It's a Movement
My friend Rosa invited me to join 2People yesterday. Since Rosa's always way ahead of the crowd, I definitely had to check it out.2People wants to make global warming the critical issue in the 2008 US elections. They plan to do this by connecting people who care about climate change through their site.
If I get two people involved, and you get two people involved, and each of them invites two people . . . we can make the difference. Go on over to 2People - and bring a couple of friends!
There are seven of us Buckeyes on 2People today. I'll bet we can double that by the end of week. What do you say?
Labels: resources
February 19, 2007
Wake Up to Green Business 101
Any early risers out there? You might want to check out The Fisher College of Business Breakfast Club.This month's program features Dr. Neil Drobny of Keep Franklin County Beautiful, Greg Cunningham of Limited Brands, Kevin Malhame of Northstar Cafe and Mark Corna of Corna/Kokosing.
Topic: Green Business 101
Remember - the early bird gets the worm! Businesses that wake up to the business case for green will have the advantage of being ahead of the curve AND doing the right thing.
February 18, 2007
Waste Not Center: One Man Gathers What Another Man Spills
You can magically transform unused or unwanted materials and supplies into arts and crafts!Did you know that Keep Franklin County Beautiful runs a program called the Waste Not Center? The center accepts donations from businesses of out-dated, unusable, or otherwise unwanted materials and supplies that have potential for use in arts and crafts projects.
Your old stuff goes to member artists, teachers, and students. They take your unwanted materials and make magic. You throw less away and make artists, art teachers, and kids happy. The center picks things up, and your donation is tax deductible, too!
If you want to participate, check out the Waste Not Center.
Executive Director Neil Drobny tells us that out-of-season display materials or outdated promotional items are typically in strong demand. The Center doesn't accept furniture or electronic equipment.
Labels: resources
February 17, 2007
Love Your Mother: Celebrate Earth Day in Columbus
According to the media release, Central Ohio hasn't hosted a public Earth Day celebration since 1994. That's a long time ago!Columbus Green Drinks and Simply Living have decided it's high time to celebrate the planet again. So break out your work gloves and your dancing shoes - it's Earth Day 2007 - A Year in a Day!
There'll be at least 500 community volunteers taking care of business in the morning, and then thousands celebrating the morning's accomplishments at Goodale Park in the afternoon.
You love your Mother (Earth), don't you? Check out the Year in a Day site and volunteer to help her out! Make Mama proud.
Labels: events
February 11, 2007
After the Chocolate and Flowers - Green Drinks!
Valentine's Day will be over, so you know you can join the Columbus Green Drinks gang at Surly Girl Saloon on Thursday. The group gathers at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy fun, fellowship, and two guest speakers - Steve Goodwin of Appalachia Ohio Alliance and Tim Pohlar of Highlands Nature Sanctuary.Bring your Valentine!
Labels: events
February 3, 2007
Call for Emerald Award Nominations
Who in your circle is leading the way in reducing, reusing, recycling, or upcycling? Nominate that person or group for a SWACO Emerald Award!You can nominate a community, organization, business, school or individual in one of six categories:
- Leadership
- Partnership
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Education
- Litter Clean up
Nominate your favorites no later than April 6. You can find downloadable (.pdf) nomination forms and more information about the awards on the SWACO website.
Labels: events, leadership
