GreenSpot Conversations Webinar series

1. Sun + solar panels = happy house. Every think about having the sun pay for your electric bill? What about going to the next level in reducing your carbon foot print? Join us as we learn what the city is doing to promote solar and hear from a resident who has recently installed solar. Guests are Samantha Schneider, city of Columbus energy manager, and Brian Will, resident.
When: Wednesday, June 23rd
Time: 3pm-3:45pm
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “solar” in the subject line

2. Hidden greenspaces. Whetstone Park of Roses, High Banks Metro Park; everyone knows about these great green places but what about the off-the-beaten-path emeralds throughout the city and county? There are many parks you may not have heard of and if you know where to look, it’ll be a whole new experience. Join Tim Moloney and Peg Hanley from Franklin County Metro Parks and Tina Mohn and Rosalie Hendon from Columbus Recreation and Parks to hear about these hidden wonders.
When: Tuesday, June 29th
Time: 11-11:45am
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “parks” in the subject line.

3. Growing Gardens, Growing Community. How can growing food bring neighbors together? How can buying food from hyper-local growers improve the well-being of a neighborhood? Join Julialynne Walker from the Bronzeville Academy and Bronzeville Growers Market as she discusses the successes of connecting food, neighbors, community, and food justice.
When: July 6th
Time: 2pm-2:45pm
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “local food” in the subject line.

4. Columbus, what’s up in the air? Air Quality you need to know.
Every day we breathe 2,000 gallons of air. Sometimes that air may not be healthy. Do you remember hearing about an “air quality alert” for ozone or particulate pollution but aren’t sure what it means? Join us for a conversation with Dr. Brooke White from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission who will discuss what the causes and impacts of air quality are to our health. Learn what you can do to lessen your exposure and reduce your impact on air quality. Hear about the latest efforts to study air quality in Columbus and steps to improve it.
When: Thursday, July 8th
Time: 1pm-1:45pm
RSVP: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “Air Quality” in the subject line.

5. Take the plunge into conserving water at home. The average American household uses more than 100,000 gallons of water a year with about 10,000 coming from leaks. Toilets, washers, showers, sinks, all use a lot of water. However, they don’t have to. Learn tricks and tips on how to conserve and protect water at home. Join Cary McElhinney from U.S. EPA WaterSense and David Celebrezze from GreenSpot as they discuss simple steps you can take to save water and save money.
When: Wednesday, July 14th
Time: 3-3:45pm
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “watersense” in the subject line.

6. From food scraps to garden gold. Still throwing away food scraps in the trash? If so, you are throwing away money, increasing your carbon footprint, and filling up the landfill. Take the next step on your sustainability journey and hear about the landfill, how to reduce your food waste, and how to compost in your backyard the right way. Special guests include Sara Ernst from Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and Amy Densborn from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).
When: Thursday, July 1st
Time: 10-10:45am
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “compost” in the subject line.

7. Health of the Olentangy. The Olentangy is one of the major rivers running through Columbus. Ever wonder how its health is doing? Join us as we talk with Laura Fay from Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) as she explains the characteristics of the Olentangy, the successes over the years, and current efforts.
When: Friday, July 16th
Time: 10-10:45am
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “River” in the subject line.

8. GreenSpot Conversations: Green Columbus. Who’s responsible for the largest volunteer-driven Earth Day effort in the U.S.? Who has regular tree giveaways, litter cleanups, and other fun activities that benefit Columbus? Green Columbus! We will talk with Claus Eckert their executive director on past successes and current projects that residents can volunteer to help with.
When: July
Time: TBD
Register: to get on the notification list please email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “Green Columbus” in the subject line.

Sustainable Steps Solar Co-Op information session

Why not let the sun pay for your electric bill? Sustainable Steps’ Solar Co-op initiative aims to encourage Columbus residents and small businesses to adopt solar technologies which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This is one of many actions the City is taking to meet Mayor Ginther’s goal of Columbus being carbon neutral by 2050.

Co-op members typically see a 10-20% discount on solar panels and installation. They also pick which installer will do the work. The education and support offered by this co-op seeks to help residents overcome barriers. The city has teamed up with Solar United Neighbors, an experienced not-for-profit, to engage the community through informational sessions on what it means to join a solar co-op.

There will be at least two more sessions before the co-op ends on July 31st. Check back on this website for more details and follow Columbus GreenSpot on Facebook and Twitter for announcements. 

Community Waste Reduction Grant Funding

SWACO is currently accepting applications for 2022 Community Waste Reduction Grant. The grants range from $500 to $35,000. Applications for the upcoming CWRG program will be accepted now through August 6, 2021.

The goal of the CWRG program is to increase Franklin County's recycling rate of 50 percent by funding innovative projects that address community waste reduction needs, emphasize partnership building and collaboration, address opportunities to leverage the waste stream for community benefit, and have the ability to be modeled throughout central Ohio.

To learn more please visit our CWRG webpage today!

How much air pollution is there where you live?

Join Franklin County Public Health and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to become an air pollution monitor host and find out with real-time data! Learn more about the project here. 

Individuals, businesses, and organizations are welcome to participate. Requirements include: an exterior surface to which the monitor can be attached by zip-tie or screws, an accessible electrical outlet, and an accessible and reliable Wi-Fi network. To participate or ask questions, please contact Brooke White, Senior Air Quality Specialist, at bwhite@morpc.org or 520-331-4359.

Green Tip O’ the Day: wash clothes in cold water

A simple step to save energy is to wash your clothes in cold water. Heating the water uses about 90% of the energy to operate the washer. This action can save you up to $60 a year according to SaveOnEnergy.