October 2020 Newsletter
Carmel Green Initiative Newsletter – October 2020
Vote GREEN
Greetings!
Here are some green updates…
Vote GREEN
The pandemic has shown us that elected officials play the lead role in protecting us against disasters. This election is probably our last chance to elect the right people to protect us from the worst climate impacts and potential irreversible tipping points. But how do you know which candidates accept climate science and will take action to protect us? Voters for a Green Indiana has done the research! The Green Voters Guide evaluates candidates for president, congress, statehouse, county offices and school board members, so be sure to scroll way down. The research shows a disturbing correlation between campaign funds from coal & utility industries and bills passed to benefit those industries. More research on candidates here.
Please share this with family and friends!
Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard
Please plan accordingly…Find location & hours for early voting here. If you qualify to Vote-by-Mail, applications are due Oct. 22, 11:59 p.m. Mail your Absentee Ballot right away because it must be received by 12 noon, Nov. 3. Absentee Ballots can also be hand delivered to the Hamilton County Election Office during office hours. More absentee voting info here. Election Day is Nov. 3, 6a – 6p.
Solar Webinars
Mon. Oct 19, 7:30 p.m. The State of State Net Metering Policies Panel discussion about net metering battles in Virginia, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, and Colorado.
Wed. Oct 21, 6 p.m. A Solar Agenda for Indiana Panel discussion about advancing solar in Indiana and what solar supporters can do to take action.
Thurs. Oct 22, 6 p.m. HOAs and Your Solar Rights Discussion about HOA solar restrictions, including a case study from Indiana.
Wed. Oct 28, 6 p.m. Solar 101 Learn about solar for your home or business, and how the Hamilton County, Boone County and Indianapolis Solar Co-ops make it easy to go solar at a good price with a vetted solar installer.
Eco-film: 2040
On Thurs, Oct 22, 7 p.m. join Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light for the online fundraiser screening of “2040” a widely acclaimed, powerful, family friendly documentary. The film embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us. Read more.
Support NW Indiana
Our friends at NW Indiana Region Resilience are taking their first steps toward a greenhouse gas inventory….like Carmel and Fishers did earlier this year. They created a petition to show elected officials that people support this effort…and since climate change affects everyone, you don’t have to live in the area to support it at change.org/RegionResilience
America Recycles Day
On Fri. Nov 13, 10 a.m. to Noon, join Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation at Central Park to celebrate ARD. Volunteer to pick-up litter and keep our park beautiful. Sign up and read more about this and other opportunities here.
Midwest Climate Summit
On Fridays, now through Nov 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join Washington University for their free online program. Their goal is to expand climate knowledge, accelerate climate action, catalyze partnerships and develop a Midwestern response to the climate crisis. The program is open to the public. Read more and RSVP
Greening the Statehouse
On Fri-Sat. Nov 20-21, join the Hoosier Environmental Council for a virtual conference on a wide range of topics: climate, energy, water, transportation, wildlife habitat & factory farms. Read more and RSVP.
Is Duke’s energy clean enough for our kids & grandkids?
Duke is Indiana’s largest single source of carbon emissions. In misleading “greenwashing” ads, Duke claims to be “moving beyond coal” yet their 2018 energy plan (IRP) included minimal investments in renewable energy, planned to build two large fracked-gas plants, and continued to rely primarily on coal. As Duke begins the open-to-the-public stakeholder process to develop its next 20-year energy plan (2021 IRP), our friends at Sierra Club are organizing a petition to show Duke that their customers want clean energy to protect the future for our kids and grandkids. Read more about Duke. Sign petition here. For more info, please contact Monica.
What Kind of Trees Should You Plant?
When selecting trees, you should consider how warming temperatures and changing precipitation may affect your trees for years to come. For instance, silver maple and red maple trees are well suited for Indiana’s projected climate by century’s end. However, black maple and sugar maple are expected to decline. Read more from Purdue.
Easy Ways to Go Green
Have you cleaned up your act on the environment at home? Here’s how to calculate your household carbon footprint and some easy ways to go green.
JOIN US
100% of your membership supports CGI’s many free programs. Become a member today!
HELP WANTED!
We’re an all volunteer group and need lots of help! Please get involved. You can volunteer as little as a couple hours a month. Volunteer!
Thanks again for all you do to build a more beautiful, healthy and sustainable community.
Sincerely,
Leslie Webb
President
Carmel Green Initiative
www.CarmelGreen.org
Become a member!