May 26, 2008
Startup Weekend Comes to Columbus
In case you haven't already heard from Alvin, Startup Weekend is coming to Columbus July 18-20! You can register online here.I encourage the organizers, sponsors, and participants to Think Green.
Labels: business, events, green business
May 13, 2008
Green Buckeye Link of the Week
April 20, 2008
Earth Day 2008
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22, and Central Ohio is all decked out this week to celebrate. While you can check the Green Buckeye calendar for everything from film showings, galas, benefits, and cleanup events, Earth Day Central is really at Now Get Busy, where you can sign up to volunteer at many different environmental worksites across the region.Plant trees in Dublin or Plain Township, clean up near Alum Creek or the Olentangy Bike Path, help out at the Kwanzaa Playground, or perform a litter audit in the University area. Whatever you choose to do, you'll be making the planet just a little better!
Labels: events, volunteering
February 17, 2008
Green Buckeye Calendar - 17 February 2008
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
February 3, 2008
Central Ohio Green News - 2/3/2008
These articles, news items, and opportunities for action came to our attention this week:
- Ed Begley Jr. will speak at Otterbein College February 13
- Review and reflections on the conversion of the Columbus Wild Oats grocery store to Whole Foods (The Restaurant Widow)
- SWACO accepting Emerald Award nominations through March 14
- Franklin County converting to high-efficiency LED traffic lights (Mad Cow-Town blog)
- Gov. Strickland has directed ODNR’s Division of Forestry to pursue forestry certification through two internationally recognized organizations – (The Nature Conservancy)
February 1, 2008
Sustainability for Strategic Advantage
Do you wonder what advantage there is in making your company greener? Author and consultant Chris Laszlo will talk about Sustainability for Strategic Advantage in a free online workshop February 14.
Laszlo is a visiting professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and is the author of two books: The Sustainable Company: How to Create Lasting Value through Social and Environmental Performance
and Sustainable Value: How the World's Leading Businesses Are Doing Well by Doing Good
.
February 14, 2008
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Chris Lazlo on Sustainability
This workshop is part of a series of open houses for the Case Masters in Positive Organization Development and Change (MPOD) program, and it will be followed by an online MPOD Open House with the program director Harlow Cohen.
To ensure participation, register online at least 24 hours in advance.
Tags:
Chris Laszlo, 
MPOD 
sustainable business
Laszlo is a visiting professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and is the author of two books: The Sustainable Company: How to Create Lasting Value through Social and Environmental Performance
and Sustainable Value: How the World's Leading Businesses Are Doing Well by Doing Good.February 14, 2008
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Chris Lazlo on Sustainability
This workshop is part of a series of open houses for the Case Masters in Positive Organization Development and Change (MPOD) program, and it will be followed by an online MPOD Open House with the program director Harlow Cohen.
To ensure participation, register online at least 24 hours in advance.
Tags:
Chris Laszlo, MPOD sustainable businessLabels: events, green business, sustainability
January 27, 2008
Green Buckeye Calendar - 27 January 2008
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
January 26, 2008
Central Ohio Green News - 1/26/2008
These articles, news items, and opportunities for action came to our attention this week:
- Sunflower Market stores going out of business (Dispatch)
- A pizza joint Al Gore could love might be coming here (Dispatch)
- MORPC seeking nominations for annual awards (ThisWeek Bexley)
- Smart Car dealership to open in Columbus (The Walker Evans Effect)
- Petition to support the Ohio Hub Passenger and Freight Rail Development plan
- Petition to Talk Show Hosts - What are they waiting for?
- Earth Hour 2008 - March 29, 2008
January 20, 2008
Community Gardens for Central Ohio
Sustainable Worthington is sponsoring a number of gardening programs this winter, including one that may result in a community garden for Worthington! If you're interested in eating locally, you can't get food much more local than the veggies you grow in your own garden.Check out Sustainable Worthington's upcoming programs on their Meetings page.
Franklin Park Conservatory's Growing to Green program supports local efforts to create and maintain community gardens. You can also learn about community gardens and find a list of community gardens in Central Ohio at the American Community Garden Association web site.
Tags:
community gardens 
Franklin Park Conservatory 
Sustainable WorthingtonLabels: events, resources, sustainability
January 17, 2008
David Cooperrider on Appreciative Inquiry
Are you considering a Masters degree program that features sustainability concepts? The CWRU Masters in Positive Organization Development and Change (MPOD) provides that focus, emphasizing ways to make change in business organizations.One of the professors in the program is David Cooperrider, whose most recent focus is social entrepreneurship and sustainable design. On January 29 Professor Cooperrider will be featured in a free online workshop, where he will discuss Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based approach to initiating and designing positive change.
The workshop is a recruiting event for the MPOD program. It will be followed by an MPOD Open House hosted by program director Harlow Cohen.
If you're interested, please register at least 24 hours ahead of the event.
Tags:
Appreciative Inquiry, 
David Cooperrider, MPODLabels: events, green business, learning
January 15, 2008
Streetcars for Central Ohio
A group called 1000 Friends of Central Ohio invites you to consider "a future where streetcars, urban revitalization, cleaner air, walkable communities, lower costs of living, regional cooperation and high-paying jobs are central to the fabric of life in central Ohio."At a meeting Tuesday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the new offices of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, 1000 Friends of Central Ohio will announce a new campaign in support of Columbus streetcars. They invite you to join them at this free event to learn more about their organization and their plans to work for better regional transportation.
Tag:
Columbus streetcarsLabels: events, transportation
January 13, 2008
Green Buckeye Calendar - 13 January 2008
If you're stopping by from Jason's blog, welcome! I hope you'll find something here that piques your interest, makes you think, sparks a conversation, or provides an outlet for action!
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
January 8, 2008
CGBF Announces 2008 LEED Workshops
Columbus Green Building Forum is presenting a number of LEED workshops this year. Precise dates and times have not yet been announced, but you can check the CGBF web site for the latest details on these upcoming programs:- LEED for Schools - Technical Review, March 2008
- LEED for New Construction - Technical Review, July 2008
- LEED for General Contractors/Construction Managers - Technical Review, September 2008
Labels: events, green building, learning
January 7, 2008
2012 Bicentennial Citizen Summit
The city of Columbus turns 200 in 2012. In addition to the usual Bicentennial hoopla celebrating the past, city leaders and citizens are taking this opportunity to think seriously about the future they want to create.Mayor Coleman and the 2012 Bicentennial Commission are inviting your participation in developing "projects, programs and priorities to enhance the quality of life throughout Columbus."
You can share your thoughts about the future of Columbus by joining the Mayor and Bicentennial co-chairs Gordon Gee, Abigail Wexner, and Bishop Timothy Clarke at the 2012 Citizen Summit the evening of January 29.
The commission promises inspirational speakers and some high-tech collaboration through wireless keypads. It's free, and you can register online here.
The commission has formed numerous focus areas, including Green Community. So sustainability has a legitimate place at the table right next to Arts and Culture, Jobs and Technology, and Downtown Revitalization. (I would argue that sustainability is the common philosophical ground that should unite all other efforts.)
This summit presents the opportunity for the green community to come out in force to "vote" for sustainability. Let your voice be heard!
Technorati tag: 
columbus 2012
Labels: events, leadership
January 6, 2008
RootsCamp Ohio 2008
This January 13 event isn't directly about sustainability or environmentalism, but it is about making change in Ohio. According to the announcement from ProgressOhio:"RootsCamp is about Ohioans talking with Ohioans. It's an opportunity for open dialogue between Ohio's activists, field organizers, leaders, techies, fundraisers, bloggers - the whole team. We'll share innovations, failures, old wisdom and new discoveries, with an eye toward:
- Developing our skills to lead the way in 2008 and beyond
- Building sustainability in Ohio's growing progressive movement
RootsCamp is Participant-Driven. Anyone who wants to lead a session writes their topic on a large index card and tapes it to the day's schedule. Participants may add more sessions throughout the day as ideas are generated - a session may inspire an additional sub-topic, etc.
RootsCamp is Free. We provide a free breakfast and lunch for all participants, and there is no registration fee. However, we do accept donations from individuals and organizations to help defray the costs of the event. If you would like to donate to RootsCamp Ohio, please contact Abby Levine at ALevine@americavotes.org
RootsCamp: Come. Talk. Learn. Initiated by the New Organizing Institute, RootsCamps are self-organized. This open format never fails to yield an astounding exchange of information, spin-off projects, and cross-pollination among unexpected partners."
RootsCamp 2008 is an all-day event on January 13 at The Verne Riffe Center at the corner of High and State in downtown Columbus. You can register online here.
Labels: events, leadership, learning, media
January 5, 2008
"Get Green" Business Conference
The second Columbus "Get Green" Business Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13. The conference will highlight the goals and activities of Mayor Coleman's Green Team, and promises to provide businesses with ways to "assess their green status (waste and energy)" and to provide steps for saving money and becoming more environmentally friendly.The conference is free, and you can register online here.
Labels: business, events, green business
November 13, 2007
Sustainability Summit
October 14, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 14 October 2007
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
September 30, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 30 September 2007
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
September 22, 2007
World Carfree Day, But Not in Columbus
Did you know today is World Carfree Day? No? Neither did I.As far as I'm aware, there are no local celebrations of World Carfree Day in Central Ohio. In fact, there appear to be no celebrations in Ohio at all. It looks like the concept of "carfree" hasn't hit Buckeye consciousness. Groups like 1000 Friends of Central Ohio are trying to get us to think about light rail and other forms of public transit, though.
Can you imagine Central Ohio going carfree on a Buckeye game day?!
The university is making it possible for tailgaters to recycle now, and they're picking recyclables out of the trash from the stadium. So we're making progress!
Tag:
world carfree dayLabels: events, resources, transportation
September 16, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 16 September 2007
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
September 15, 2007
Reflections on Rocky Anderson's Keynote
I attended the Rocky Anderson keynote at the Green Building Expo this week. In his presentation, Mayor Anderson presented evidence supporting the case that global warming is caused by human activity. For me, this is no longer in question, but likely there are still those who need convincing. The images of melting ice caps and disappearing glaciers, as well as of Tuvaluan homes surrounded by the ocean at high tide were good reminders, at any rate.The mayor also reviewed the programs that he and his team developed to make Salt Lake City more energy efficient and sustainable. His overall program is comprehensive, and he joked that it covers "everything from dog waste to nuclear waste."
Our own Mayor Michael Coleman has made sustainability a priority in his administration. Those efforts fall under the banner of the mayor's Get Green Columbus initiative. It takes a lot of guts to lead the way in something like this - you can't win. Those who think it isn't necessary are critical, of course, and those who think you should be doing more can be even more critical.
We're fortunate to have a mayor who is making an attempt to address these important issues, even if it seems like it's too little too late. (See, I'm critical too!) Organizations like MORPC have a role to play. And pockets of people all over the city and region are trying to make a difference, and they need your help. Choose a group whose message you resonate with, and lend a hand!
For another take on the Green Building Expo, check out Jason's post here.
Labels: events, leadership, sustainability
September 13, 2007
Reminder: Rocky Anderson Speech Today!
Rocky Anderson, the Salt Lake City mayor internationally recognized for his leadership in sustainability and environmental issues, speaks today at the Green Building Forum around noon. By the way, you can register on site at the Athenaeum if you haven't already registered online.The Columbus Green Building Forum is also sponsoring a the Green Residential Showcase on Saturday. You can learn about creating a rain garden in your yard and choosing green materials for use in your home among other activities. And if you've been curious about the Home B.A.S.E. project, satisfy your curiosity by taking a tour! More details are available in the Green Buckeye calendar.
Labels: events, green building
September 10, 2007
Rocky Anderson at Green Building Expo
Are you planning to attend any part of the Green Building Expo '07 at the Athenaeum on Thursday? A friend and I have registered for the Rocky Anderson keynote address, and I'm looking forward to an inspirational boost! Anderson is the mayor of Salt Lake City, and he is internationally recognized as a leader in sustainability and environmental issues.The keynote runs from 12 - 1:30 p.m., and it costs $10. You can register here for the keynote, the entire conference, or morning or afternoon sessions you might be interested in attending. The associated trade show is free and open to the public.
I hope to see you there!
Labels: events, green building, inspiration
September 9, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 9 September 2007
Green Buckeye does not sponsor the events appearing on the calendar. We provide a link or contact information for the event if we have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
September 3, 2007
September Calendar is Chock Full!
There's so much going on this month that it's hard to know what to feature! Please check the original sponsoring organization or the Green Buckeye calendar for details about the following events coming up in the next couple of weeks:
- Organizational meeting to form a local chapter of the US Green Building Council
- Live Solar Install sponsored by Central Ohio Clean Energy Network
- Columbus Re-Wired Competition Jurying and Awards
- Free screening of The 11th Hour
- Green Building Expo '07
July 29, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 29 July 2007
Green Buckeye does not sponsor events appearing on the calendar. I provide a link or contact information for the event if I have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
July 20, 2007
Solar Cars in Lancaster
High school students participating in the Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge will be stopping in Lancaster around noon tomorrow. (Seems like an odd time to stop rolling in a solar car . . . )Labels: events, fun, transportation
July 16, 2007
Green Drinks at King Avenue Five
Columbus Green Drinks hosts Bill Spratley of Green Energy Ohio this Thursday. Apparently Green Drinks is growing so much that organizers had to find a larger venue for the event this month. Meet the Columbus Green Drinks gang after work on the patio at King Avenue Five.
July 15, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 15 July 2007
Green Buckeye does not sponsor events appearing on the calendar. I provide a link or contact information for the event if I have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
July 8, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 8 July 2007
Green Buckeye does not sponsor events appearing on the calendar. I provide a link or contact information for the event if I have it. Please contact the sponsoring organization directly for the most up-to-date infomation about any event.
July 3, 2007
Live Earth House Parties in Central Ohio
The Live Earth concert is only a few days away. Have you made plans to watch it with your friends?The Sierra Club is brokering thousands of "house parties" around the country. You can host one yourself, or you can attend someone else's. Folks all over Central Ohio are hosting parties - you can find a list on the Sierra Club Live Earth Columbus web site.
If you feel like something more public, Columbus Green Drinks and the Sierra Club are hosting a party at the Short North Tavern (674 N. High St.) from 12 to 3 p.m.
Labels: climate change, events, fun
Blogger Lunch with Maureen and Friends
Maureen at Columbus Best Blog is inviting all Central Ohio bloggers to a picnic lunch July 13.I'm going to try to get away from the office to enjoy lunch with Maureen (and maybe some other Central Ohio bloggers?). I missed the lunch that Dave of Dave's Beer arranged awhile ago!
June 10, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 10 June 2007
June 4, 2007
Cool Cities Training
Sometimes the Universe answers your questions loud and clear.I posted about Cool Cities this weekend, and today I received an email from the Sierra Club inviting me to attend Cool Cities training in Westerville June 24! You're invited, too - check the Green Buckeye calendar for more details.
Labels: climate change, events, learning, volunteering
June 3, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 3 June 2007
May 28, 2007
MORPC Regional Brainstorming Results Available
MORPC recently published the raw data from the regional brainstorming session they sponsored April 19. You can check them out on the MORPC website.Some SRCO members attended, and there was quite a bit of discussion on the SRCO listserv about the World Cafe process used to generate participation. Many seemed to feel that this strengths-based approach to participatory planning was inadequate for communicating the seriousness of the impacts of peak oil combined with global climate change. I don't think that educating Central Ohioans about the nature of peak oil and global climate change was really the objective of the session, so I can't say it failed on that count.
Were you in attendance? What did you think of it?
Labels: events, resources, urban design
May 27, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 27 May 2007
May 26, 2007
Make Art, Not Trash
Michelle Stitzlein makes sculpture and other art out of recycled objects. Recycled art probably won't save the world, but it's a great reminder that castoff materials can be reused and repurposed! And isn't hers cheerful? Michelle is the same artist who has been featured on Artzine all month, too.Michelle will be leading a family workshop at the Franklin Park Conservatory July 14 where you and your kid can make a Chillin Flower Magnet. The workshop is free with admission.
And if you grow to love making art from recycled objects, for a few bucks you can become a member of the Waste Not Center and access loads of free raw material. Or, on the supply side, if you have art or office materials to donate, give the center a call at (614) 278-9445.
Labels: arts, events, fun, kids, recycling, resources
May 20, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 20 May 2007
May 19, 2007
The Beanfield: Organic Public Art
This interdisciplinary project is in its second year. It combines art, culture, and agriculture in a unique and completely inexplicable (to me) way! Check out the Wexner Center description, or this 2006 news release from the OSU College of the Arts for more details. (Edited 5/20.)The kickoff for year two is Food for Thought, a fundraiser for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank 's Operation Feed on Monday at the Wexner Center.
The project was inspired by Henry David Thoreau's bean-field as described in Walden. I'm going to have to read Walden again, or at least this chapter, to fill in the blanks.
. I'm going to have to read Walden again, or at least this chapter, to fill in the blanks. Lecture: Bruce Piasecki On World, Inc.
Bruce Piasecki will discuss his new book, World, Inc. , at OSU's Knowlton Hall May 22. In his book, Piasecki makes the point that corporations who "get" social responsibility will create products and services that fill social needs and will flourish.
The first 80 folks to the lecture will receive a free copy of World, Inc.
, at OSU's Knowlton Hall May 22. In his book, Piasecki makes the point that corporations who "get" social responsibility will create products and services that fill social needs and will flourish.The first 80 folks to the lecture will receive a free copy of World, Inc.
Labels: events, green business, media
May 12, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 13 May 2007
April 15, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 15 April 2007
National Day of Climate Change Reports
You can read reports of climate change actions from all over the country on the Step It Up website. So far, Central Ohio reports include Columbus and Delaware.
Labels: climate change, events, news
April 11, 2007
A Different Kind of Opening Day
Doug over at Two Wheeling blog is inviting folks to join him and his buddies in riding bikes to work next Tuesday. What a great way to celebrate the opening day of bike season!(Of course, Doug bikes to work in all seasons . . . )
Labels: biking, events, fun, transportation
April 8, 2007
Green Buckeye Calendar - 8 April 2007
Local Climate Change Actions April 14
The Step It Up 2007 web site is showing climate change events in several Central Ohio locations. We've mentioned the Statehouse Rally here before, and now there are related events in Bexley, Delaware, Lancaster, and Newark. Each has its own unique local flavor, so you can choose something that appeals to you from prayer to protest to public speeches.The Statehouse Rally begins with a drumming circle and includes this list of expected speakers:
- David Robinson, The Climate Project
- Marilyn Welker, Director of Simply Living
- Andy Keeler, Assoc. Prof. of Public Policy, OSU
- Dr. Evan Blumer, Director of The Wilds
- Tom Waite, Assoc. Prof. in the College of Biological Sciences, OSU
- Seppo Korpela, Prof. of Mechanical Eng. and peak oil expert
- Susan Ashbrook, City of Columbus Environmental Steward
- Ed Roberts (Sen. Brown's office)
- Bonnie Elizabeth Boozer Legg
Labels: climate change, events
April 7, 2007
Deadline Extended for Emerald Award Nominations
Way back in February we wrote about the SWACO Emerald Awards. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Friday, April 13 at 5:00 p.m., so it's not too late to nominate your favorite "innovative waste reduction and environmental stewardship programs of 2006" for recognition.Last year's winners included Whole Foods Market, the Columbus Crew, and New Albany Elementary School. What sustainable efforts are the organizations you're involved with making that might be worth a nomination?
Labels: events, leadership
More Earth Day Fun!
It's an embarrassment of riches! We learned this week about another Earth Day celebration - this one sponsored by the folks who run the non-profit Niches Retreat.Not to worry, Maureen of Niches tells me that their group is working with the folks coordinating the A Year in a Day events on the morning cleanup activities.
The Earthtouch & Niches Retreat event provides an alternative in the afternoon. You can join in the festivities at Studio 35, which include bands and a late-afternoon showing of An Inconvenient Truth
.The featured bands are: The Mac, Knot Fibb'n, and Halfway Home. Tickets, $10 in advance and $15 at the door, are available from Studio 35 and Clintonville Community Market.
As always, I've posted what I know about this event on the Green Buckeye calendar.
Labels: events, fun, volunteering