Sustainability Spotlights

Your Support is Having a Big Impact! Tune In to Hear Our Top Highlights

Last week Green Umbrella hosted our 2021 Annual Meeting to share exciting updates from all our programs. Check out the recording to learn about the great strides we've made in 2021 and get a glimpse of what's to come!

Cincinnati 2030 District Releases 2020 Progress Report

The past two years have unveiled the fragility of our institutions and systems and challenged us to find better, stronger, more resilient ways to live. The newly released Cincinnati 2030 District progress report highlights major accomplishments made in 2020 and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on building operations.

Among the notable highlights, the District grew to over 28 million square feet and showed a 30% energy reduction! The report also includes powerful success stories from our partners

who are working to make our city's buildings healthier and more sustainable. Check out the full report here.

"Kiss the Ground" Virtual Film Screening & Discussion

Faith Communities Go Green Impact Team's Education & Lifestyles Working Group invites you to a free virtual screening of an abridged version of the inspiring film Kiss the Ground, followed by a half hour discussion with local farmers:

Drausin Wulsin, Grassroots Farm & Foods
Jim Linne, White Clover Farm
Chad Bitler, Greenacres Foundation
Nicole Gunderman, Gorman Heritage Farm

Join on Sunday, January 23rd from 6:00-7:15 pm from the comfort of your home to enjoy this enlightening movie and discussion, and forever change how you think of soil! Register here.

Greenspace Gem: Rentschler Forest Earthwork

Protected by MetroParks of Butler County, this 2,000 year old Adena or Hopewell earthwork originally consisted of a wall enclosing eleven acres on land overlooking the Great Miami River. Following years of erosion, only the entranceway to the earthwork survives: A 100-foot earthen ring embraced by two arcs. Private and public conservation of the earthwork has served to preserve the old-growth trees at the site. Learn more about our region's many Greenspace Gems!

Join us in creating a more sustainable region - Donate Today

Sustainability in the Headlines

A New Data Tool Could Help Local Organizations Tackle Food Insecurity, WCPO

Cincinnati Will Now Pay Entire Cost of Replacing Privately-Owned Lead Lines, WVXU

Council Giving Red Bike $500k to Expand Into Bond Hill, Roselawn, Evanston & Avondale, WVXU

Contemporary Arts Center Launches $5 Million Eco-Friendly Creative Center, Cincinnati Business Courier

Ohio Could Lead in Water Discussions, Ohio Food Policy Summit Speakers Say, Farm and Dairy

Climate Activists and Environmental Justice Advocates Join the Gerrymandering Fight in Ohio and North Carolina, Inside Climate News

Columbus Mayor Announces the City’s First-Ever Climate Action Plan, WOSU

2021: A Turning Point on Climate and Health Adaptation?, NRDC

Featured Events View our full events calendar

Now - Jan 2: Light in the Forest 5:00-9:00 pm, Cincinnati Nature Center

Now - Jan 9:

Trains and Traditions, a Cincinnati Holiday 10:00 am-8:00 pm, Cincinnati Parks

Festival of Lights 10:00 pm-9:00 pm, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Now - Feb 1: 8th Annual Holiday Lights Recycling Event by Cohen Recycling

Now - Feb 25: A Gift of Wonder: A History of Nature Books for Children Lloyd Library

December 26:
Christmas Bird Count 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Cincinnati Nature Center
Christmas Bird Count 12:00 pm, Cardinal Land Conservancy

December 29: Winter Wizards Winter Break Camp 9:30 am-3:00 pm, Cincinnati Parks

December 30: Get Outside! Nature Walk 4:00-5:00 pm, Great Parks of Hamilton County

December 31:

Stories by the Fireside 10:30 am, Great Parks of Hamilton County

New Year's Eve Orienteering 5:00-8:00 pm, MetroParks of Butler County

January 5: Agraria Land Walk 5:00-6:00 pm, Agraria

Jan 8: 2022 Winter Hike Series Begins (register by 12/31) 10:00 am, Great Parks of Hamilton County

Professional Opportunities

United Way of Greater Cincinnati is administering relief grants to Hamilton County nonprofits negatively impacted by COVID-19 (pre-applications due 12/30).

The City of Cincinnati offers Energy Equity grants to support energy efficiency upgrades in low-income multifamily buildings and provide energy efficiency education for renters and building owners (next deadline for property owners is 1/7).

Hamilton County R3SOURCE offers Infrastructure Grants to help communities, schools, non-profits and businesses build waste reduction infrastructure; and Waste Reduction Innovation Grants to help communities and organizations implement waste reduction, reuse, food rescue, composting, and recycling programs in Hamilton County.

Ohio EPA is hosting an informational webinar on 1/6 for the 2022 Recycling & Litter Prevention Grant program.

OEFFA is hosting their 43rd annual conference (2/12 virtual; 2/17-2/19 in person) with four days of learning, sharing, and networking for farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, and others committed to local food, sustainable agriculture, and green living.