July 7, 2021 - View online

Sustainability Spotlights

Redistricting in Ohio: the Fight for Fair Maps

Join Green Umbrella, the Ohio Environmental Council, and democracy advocates across Ohio in the fight for Fair Maps in 2021. Every community map and individual story matters in the fight for equal districts.

The OEC Democracy Team will run an interactive workshop on July 20, starting promptly at 6 pm. We’ll be exploring community mapmaking, showcasing how you can describe your geographic space in support of Ohio’s redistricting process. Attendees will use an online tool, DistrictR.

In-person registration will be capped at 40 people and you are also able to join virtually via Zoom. Let’s describe Cincinnati together! Register at: bit.ly/greenmaps2021

VA Hospital and Two Local Breweries Join Cincinnati's 2030 District

We are excited to announce the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), MadTree Brewing, and Rhinegeist Brewery have joined the Cincinnati 2030 District.

VAMC has a long and successful track record of measuring the energy performance of its facilities. Their commitment of the Ft. Thomas and Uptown buildings mark both the first hospitals and federal buildings to join the District. The Cincinnati VAMC facility in Uptown is now the third largest of the 300+ buildings committed to the 2030 District goals.

MadTree and Rhinegeist are the first breweries to join the District, underscoring each of their continued efforts towards measuring and achieving ambitious sustainability goals.

Green Drinks Returns This Month, Along With an Urban Hike

Join us on Thursday, July 22, for our first "Green Drinks" in 16 months! This summer, we'll be incorporating family-friendly outdoor activities into our monthly sustainability networking series - starting with an urban hike around the Brewery District with local historian Roy Heizer.

We'll be departing from Rhinegeist Brewery at 5 pm for the hike and will make it back to the brewery by 6 pm for drinks and networking. Looking forward to seeing you all again in person.

There's Still Time to Host an Event During Great Outdoor Weekend

We're gearing up for the 18th annual Great Outdoor Weekend (September 25-26) and have lots of great events that have been submitted so far - farm tours, outdoor game nights, kayaking lessons, hiking, mountain biking and more!

There's still time to host an event or activity. It can be anything that's free and outdoors, happening anywhere in our 10-county tri-state region.

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Sustainability in the Headlines

Cincinnati Might Actually Become a Bike-Friendly Region After All, Cincinnati Magazine

Ales for Trails Raises Funds for Cincinnati's Crown Urban Bike Trail Loop, CityBeat

Energy Efficiency Can Rein in Costs From Healthy Building Air Quality Projects, Energy News

A Local Library Card Can Bring the Stars, Planets, and Moon Closer to Home, WVXU

Ohio Bill Creating New Hurdles for Wind and Solar Projects Heads to DeWine, CityBeat

Germany, Illinois and Toledo Top the 2021 Sustainability Rankings, Site Selections Magazine

Why ‘Tiny Forests’ Are Popping Up in Big Cities, National Geographic

Featured Member Events View our full events calendar

July 9: Hoots & Hops 6:00-10:00 pm, Cincinnati Nature Center

July 10:
Orchard Planting Day 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Common Orchard Project

Native Plant Sale 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Cincinnati Zoo

July 11: Get to Know Rowe Woods Hike 2:00-3:30 pm, Cincinnati Nature Center

July 14:

*Zoom* Code Academy: Chapter 34 Existing Buildings 7:30-10:30 am, AIA Cincinnati

Cover Crops for Your Garden 6:00-7:00 pm, Civic Garden Center

July 15:

Creeking in the Park 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Metro Parks of Butler County

Seminar with Heather Quinley of Duke Energy 5:00 pm, Citizens Climate Lobby

Friend or Foe: Bugs In Your Sustainable Garden 7:00-8:00 pm, Lloyd Library & Museum

July 17: 2021 Campbell County Backroads Farm Tour 9:00 am-3:00 pm, Campbell County Conservation District

July 18: Pollinator Gardening: Make Your Yard Come Alive 2:00-4:00 pm, Gorman Heritage Farm

July 21:

Meet a Tree 5:00-7:00 pm, Boone County Conservatory

Lunch and Learn: Carbon Sequestration and Concrete 12:00-2:00 pm, USGBC Ohio

July 22: Get the Jump on Jumping Worms 6:30-7:00 pm, Civic Garden Center

July 23: Fun Family Fridays 10:00-11:30 am, Metro Parks of Butler County

July 24:

Electronics Recycling Drop-Off 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub

Summer Stream Clean Ups 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Boone County Conservatory

July 25: Meet Live Birds of Prey! 1:00-4:00 pm, Raptor Inc.

Professional Opportunities

Cincinnati USA Regional Chapter is seeking local young professionals to help decide the future of our region's transportation network. Members of the Next Gen working group will provide guidance and help lead strategic initiatives. (due 7/9)

Ohio Environmental Council is hosting an Environmental Justice Writing Competition for undergraduate, graduate and law school students. This year's focus is "Our Fight for Clean, Safe & Accessible Water." (due 7/31)

PEDCO & Emersion Design are co-hosting the REBUILD Conference on October 7, focused on Midwest business sustainability issues and potential solutions from across the nation.

Volunteer with our Members

Uptown Waste Diversion Recycling Volunteer - Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

Horticulture Helper - Cincinnati Parks

Volunteer Farm Educator, Farm Intern (unpaid) - Gorman Heritage Farm