GreenSpot Summer Kids Webinar Series continues

Due to popular demand we are having ANOTHER GreenSpot Kids Summer Webinar series! This is an exclusive for our GreenSpot members.

See below for information on the webinars and how to register. RSVP deadline is Thursday, July 30th. 

1. What makes a bird a bird? Grange Insurance Audubon Center
Learn about what makes a bird and bird! Is it a cardinal, blue jay, or robin? We’ll find out! Migration, food, shelter, and your favorite bird? We’ll discuss that too. You’ll also learn how to help our fine feathered friends. Guest Speaker Chrissie Wilson of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center will cover these topics and more.
When: Monday, August 3rd 1pm-1:45pm
RSVP: email GreenSpot for the Webex (like Zoom) link.

2. “Why Should I Protect Nature” reading by School for Young Children
Nature is all around us from our backyards, to the park, to the forested areas in town. Does it need protecting? It sure does! Come learn from the book reading of “Why Should I Protect Nature” read by GreenSpot special guest Angela LaMonte from the School for Young Children
When: Tuesday, August 4th from 1-1:30pm
RSVP: email GreenSpot for the Webex (like Zoom) link.

3. “Why Should I Save Energy?” reading by Renie Viola
Follow along with guest speaker, and GreenSpot member Renie Viola as she reads the “Why Should I Save Energy” book. We’ll have questions for the participants to think about and to chime in on. What ways do you save energy at home?
When: Wednesday, August 5th from 1-1:30pm
RSVP: email GreenSpot for the Webex (like Zoom) link.

Masks = Kindness

GreenSpot encourages all residents to wear cloth face coverings when out in public to slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are meant to protect you and especially others you come into contact with. For more information on face coverings, go to Columbus.gov/coronavirus. #MaskUpCbus

Bag the waste

Did you know your pet can also impact water quality? Dog waste has lots of nasty bacteria that are not good for the people, fish, and wildlife that live and play in our waterways. Check out this video to learn more.

So if you are a dog owner, “doo” the right thing and take the pledge to PUP (Pick Up Poop) at columbus.gov/pup and receive a PUP prize of biodegradable bags. Also look for pet waste stations in Columbus parks!

Sustainable Columbus

Recognizing the role a healthy environment plays in contributing to Columbus continuing to be America’s Opportunity City, the City of Columbus has established the Sustainable Columbus initiative. This initiative, under the leadership of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, focuses on optimizing internal city operations and working with external stakeholders from throughout the community to enhance and promote environmentally friendly policies throughout our community and to serve as a sounding board on issues that relate to sustainability.

There are many ways to interact with Sustainable Columbus. Please visit the Sustainable Columbus Web site at www.columbus.gov/sustainable to learn more. Also connect with Sustainable Columbus on Twitter (@SustainableCol1) or on Facebook (@sustainablecolumbus) to continue the conversation!

Green activities for kids

Need activities for the kiddos? Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District has you covered! Their Soil and Water Information for Teachers (SWIFT) is now available to parents. These mini “SWIFTLETS” are sent out monthly and include learning activities related to the monthly theme. Kids also have an opportunity to participate in the SWIFTlet activities to become a SWIFT Explorer to win a gift bag! For more information click here. 

The SWIFT Explorer Passport will be used as proof of completion of the projects the kids can do. Here is additional information.

Social media green campaigns

GreenSpot is currently posting to Facebook and Twitter ways to reduce your plastic use in the #PlasticFreeJuly series. Next month GreenSpot explores ways to reuse commonly used items. Posts will be almost daily so make sure to follow @GreenSpotCbus and Facebook.

Did you know they are a GreenSpot? White Castle

White Castle is proud to be a GreenSpot business member for over seven years. This membership continues the efficient and resilient legacy of their nearly-100-year-old company that survived the Great Depression and world wars through forward thinking, resilient business practices and conserving resources where needed.

Over the past few years they converted all their Columbus White Castle restaurant parking lot lights to LED, saving 4,500 kwh per month per Castle. They piloted a food scraps diversion program at their Home Office and within the Columbus Castles, diverting more than 1,000 pounds of food scraps monthly to a composting partner. They partnered with Smart Columbus and MORPC on a single occupancy vehicle reduction program. This partnership provided their local team members reduced-cost bus passes and a White Castle GOhio platform for ridesharing opportunities.

They are proud of their newly developed The Reach on Goodale mixed use campus, featuring our new LEED-certified Home Office building. Through an intentional and thoughtful planning process mindful of our internal Naturally Focused sustainability program, its construction incorporated many efficiency amenities, including:

• Low-flow plumbing fixtures in the water closets, lavatories, breakroom sinks and showers;
• Very efficient and long-lasting LED lighting throughout the building interior;
• Energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems;
• Real-time energy metering for energy efficiency and real-time utility data; and
• Environmentally-friendly and healthy building materials and finishes such as carpet, ceiling tile, and paint. These are low emitting materials.
• All reusable dishware and cups in the café.

These are only some of the great features of the new building. All their environmental sustainability efforts and programs help propel their long-term history into the future. White Castle remains a family-owned company that is dedicated to team members and customers while serving the environment and communities where they operate.