Dec 14, 2022 - View online

Thank you for being part of the Green Umbrella community by being a reader of Green News You Can Use. Maybe you found a job through our Green Jobs board, landed a grant you read out about here, discovered a new hiking destination, or were inspired to get involved in programs we lead. We’re thankful that we can bring this resource to you every other week to keep our community connected. But we can’t do it without your support.

Please consider making a financial contribution to Green Umbrella by December 31. Your support helps us reduce the climate footprint of buildings and municipalities, advocate for communities designed for people and nature, transform our local food system, get kids outside, and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.

We are at a critical time in our organization’s journey: we have ramped up our programs and staff to support the need for equitable, regional climate action. You can be a part of our growing base of support - passionate individuals who understand that at the end of the day, all environmental action is local. Learn more about your giving options and make a donation here. Gifts made through December 31 (up to $9,000) will be matched by our Board's generosity, and will help us reach our goal of $35,000 in year end giving.

With Gratitude,

Ryan Mooney-Bullock

Executive Director

Sustainability Spotlights

Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit 2023

Mark your calendar for the 2023 Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit, which will take place on Friday, May 12th. This year's theme - "Imagine What's Possible" - invites us to come together in collective hope and renewed resilience amidst the climate crisis. We invite you to join us as we imagine visionary and inspiring possibilities that inform, empower, and motivate our actions to create a more vibrant, equitable, and thriving region. There are many ways to participate! Stay tuned for our call for speaker & session proposals, art submissions, and award nominations coming to your inbox in the next couple of days.

Cincinnati 2030 District Releases Annual Report

The Cincinnati 2030 District has released its 2021 Progress Report, which details the efforts and successes of District Building Members who voluntarily commit to cut emissions from energy, water, and transportation and improve the health of the buildings we occupy. The report reflects significant strides toward the District's goal of 50% emissions reduction by 2030, as well as District news and events. Click here to view the report.

Welcome Food Policy Council's New Community Connections Coordinator

We're delighted to welcome Amanda Lukas to the Green Umbrella team as the Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council's new Community Connections Coordinator!

Amanda brings over five years of experience in food systems and sustainability, including most recently as the Outdoor Market + Sustainability Manager at Findlay Market, the Warehouse Manager at the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub, and the Market Manager at Madeira Farmers Market.

Sustainability in the Headlines

How Can Zoning in Cincinnati Be More Equitable? Officials Want You to Weigh In, WVXU

Mill Creek Alliance Holds Final Planting Event of the Season, Local 12

The Gift That Keeps on Growing: How Noble Oak and One Tree Planted Give Back, Vine Pair

‘Complete Streets’ Plan Looks to Transform Cincinnati Neighborhoods, Spectrum News 1

Our Bike Experts Cycle Back to Take Your Winter Riding and Maintenance Questions, WVXU

Whitewater Canal Trail Is Tri-State Trails Project of the Year, Eagle Country

Madtree’s Awesome Alcove Location Is Now LEED Gold Certified, Craft Brewing Business

Green at UC: Professor on the Importance of Art in Environmental Movements, News Record

Local Tool Bank Named Best in Nation, Movers & Makers

5 Nonprofits Advance in SVP Innovation Accelerator Program, Movers & Makers

Peek into a LEED Project: City of Cincinnati, USGBC

Hamilton County Is Designing a New Park—and They Want Your Ideas, Fox19

The Cincinnati Zoo Has a New Train That Runs Almost Entirely Via Solar Panels, WCPO

Featured Events View our full events calendar

December 15:

What Do We Know About the Air We Breathe? A Webinar on Air Pollution

7:00-8:00 pm, Faith Communities Go Green

Bridging Occupant & Community Health Summit 1:00 pm, USGBC

December 17: 2022 Ohio River “Oxbow” Christmas Bird Count 7:45 am, Oxbow Inc.

December 18: Christmas Bird Count 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Cincinnati Parks

December 20, 21, 22, 28: Winter Break Day Camps 9:30 am-3:00 pm, Cincinnati Parks

December 26: Christmas Bird Count 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Cincinnati Parks

December 28, 29, 30: Find Your Way Camp: Winter Orienteering 9:00 am-3:00 pm, Agraria Center for Regenerative Practice

Professional Opportunities

The City of Cincinnati is seeking community input on efforts to update zoning and land use policies to create more connected, accessible communities. Make your voice heard before the survey closes on 12/31. The City will hold additional in-person and virtual engagement sessions in early 2023.

The Greater Cincinnati Regional Food Policy Council is accepting applications to serve as a Council Member for terms starting in February 2023. Inform the way our regional food system grows and collaborate with other resident leaders. The application deadline is December 31.

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing $200M in assistance to producers for obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 and 2023. The application deadline is January 31, 2023.

The Civic Garden Center is hosting a 11 week Community Garden Development Training Wednesday evenings (6:00-8:00pm) from January through April and are free to anyone interested.

Miami University & the Cincinnati Zoo are accepting applications for their 2023 Advanced Inquiry master's degree program (begins May 2023).