February 2023 Newsletter
Greetings!
Here are some green updates, programs and events…
Legislative Update
Join us this Thurs. Feb, 9, 6 p.m. to learn about environmental, climate and energy bills, and how you can make a positive impact! Our guest speaker, Tim Maloney, Senior Policy Director of the Hoosier Environmental Council will provide an update on what’s happening at the statehouse. Learn more and RSVP
Support SB335 Climate Solutions Task Force Bill
With this bill, our young people are advocating for climate protection, and we should help them! Senate Bill 335 would create a task force to study a range of climate solutions for Indiana. We expect the bill will be heard in committee on Mon. Feb 13 and could move to the full Senate shortly thereafter (since the first half of the session ends Feb 28). Kudos to Carmel High School student Ashlyn Walker for raising her voice at the statehouse climate rally! The best way to support the young people working on this bill (and ALL young people) is to contact YOUR STATE SENATOR to VOTE YES on SB335 – learn more (easier to see this on a computer).
Meet Your Legislator
OneZone Chamber hosts “Eggs & Issues” during the session. This is a good opportunity to hear from Hamilton County legislators, and let them know voters want good solar policies and climate action. Registration is required.
Earth Day Art Contest
The Earth Day Art Contest for K-12 youth is a fun way to celebrate our earth through art while learning about sustainable living! Art entries will be displayed at several public exhibits to give our youth a voice and inspire our community to live more sustainably. Last day for Packets is Feb 10. Learn more.
Indiana Sustainability & Resilience Conference
On Fri. Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m. join the IU Environmental Resilience Institute and IUPUI Office of Sustainability for an all day conference aimed at accelerating climate action in Indiana. Keynote speaker: Janet McCabe, US EPA Deputy Administrator! Learn more and Register
Electric Vehicles 101
On Tues, Feb 21, 6:30 p.m., learn the basics about Electric Vehicles from a panel of speakers from Tesco, Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Electron Charger and the City of Carmel Transportation Development. Learn more and register.
Electrify Everything
The big climate solution is to electrify our homes and cars with clean energy. On Fri. Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. our friends at Citizens Climate Lobby Indy are hosting guest speaker Brock Benefiel with Rewiring America to share his expertise on how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) can help us save on electrification. Learn more and RSVP.
Solar
Solar puts power in the hands of the people! But, utility influence on our legislators has resulted in laws that make solar less affordable to protect utility profits. On Tues, Feb 28, 7 p.m. join Solar United Neighbors online to continue the discussion on how to fight for good solar policies in Indiana. Read more and RSVP.
The Biggest Hour for the Earth
On Sat. Mar. 25, 8:30 p.m. join the global movement to turn off the lights on pollution and shine a spotlight on the two biggest challenges humanity’s ever faced – climate change and nature loss. In Indiana the biggest single source of carbon pollution is electricity from coal plants. So the biggest thing Hoosiers can do is to SWITCH OFF. This simple action is a powerful way to protect the future for our kids, grandkids and all Creation. The next decade is at stake!
Learn more.
Help Wanted
Are you looking for ways to make our community more sustainable? Volunteers are needed to help plan a fun and memorable party for the Earth Day art contest winners at the Carmel library. If this sounds fun, here’s the webpage and program overview. For more info, please contact Linda at Linda@carmelgreen.org
Easy Ways to Go Green
Here’s how to calculate your household carbon footprint and some easy ways to go green.
Sincerely,
Leslie Webb
President
Carmel Green Initiative
www.CarmelGreen.org
Become a member!