Events: Sustainability Opportunities in October

It's going to be a beautiful October, but sources say we may have a cold, wet winter ahead.  Now's the time to make a green living resolution to keep Colorful Colorado the natural wonder it has always been, inspite of burgeoning population and urbanization.  Start with some of these upcoming events to get yourself on the Sustainability train.


Colorado Springs Utilities is offering at least one class this month, on DIY and professional energy and water audits:  CSU classes

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is having a  Campus Sustainability Day . Not many details at press time, but check it out later this month.

CRES is offering the second in a series of seminars on sustainability and saving money: Saving Money: Taming Energy and Water Waste Seminar 2

Farmers  Markets are winding down, but don't miss the last opportunities to get out and enjoy fresh, wholesome, locally grown produce while supporting our local growers.
And finally, but probably most cool, don't miss  Cool Science Carnival Day  coming up this Saturday.  Amazing how science and sustainable practices can connect.

Resource! Habitat For Humanity ReStore

From their website:

The ReStore is a great place to find new, gently used and reconditioned supplies for virtually any kind of project you have around your home or office. Of course you could wander around one of the big box stores looking for what you want, but when you shop at the ReStore you're helping Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity build our community. Our inventory changes every day so be sure to come by often.

Create Your Own Compost Bin

Using found scrap and stock material, our very own Green Team member, Robin, created a compost bin for the PPLD Green Team Garden. You can find many supplies needed by checking out the Habitat for Humanity Restore.  Food grade drums are recommended! At this time of this blog post, a quick search of Craigslist (using keyword “Drums”) found several ads of metal and plastic drums ranging from $15 to $25. Watch the videos below and create your very own compost bin! More step by step instructions can be found on WikiHow . Let us know how your bin turns out.

Event! Cool Science Carnival Day

Don't miss this fun event for kids!  Cool Science Carnival

Organization! Two local groups to keep an eye on

Check out these two local organizations!  This month is Bike Month at UCCS.  A couple events are over, but there are some great ones still to Come.

Here's their website with a link to a Facebook page:
UCCS Office of Sustainability

And Colorado Springs Food Rescue is doing great work getting healthy, local food out there where it's needed.  Here's their Facebook page:


Colorado Springs Food Rescue

Event! Colorado Springs What If Festival

Don't miss this exciting event!  Among all the other things to do, this year’s What If Festival will feature a local foods area.  It will have demos of canning and flour grinding, information about soil, aquaponics, building greenhouses, tiny farms and more.  Venetucci Farms and Chico Basin Ranch will be in that area – and a tiny house to tour too!  Check out their website for a map and complete listing of activities.

Have a sustainable August

Maybe more than any other time of the year, August is the month we wonder:  why worry about sustainability?  You look around and our world seems to be able to take care of itself, just fine.  The question we should really be asking is, what would it be like to live without all this?  So keep on track, and don't lose sight of all the resources in the Pikes Peak region to keep our Augusts looking like they do this year:

Farmers markets are going strong

Stop by Harlan Wolfe Ranch garden and pick some organic produce

Colorado Springs Utilities is still having monthly classes and events

The Colorado Springs Utilities blog has great tips, updates and news for the region

Check out the news for CEC:  Clean Energy Collective

Check out the Green Cities Coalition blog

Sign up for CRES's upcoming series on Saving Money on Energy and Water Waste

There are some great benefit concerts coming up through the Catamount Institute