April 2023 Newsletter
Happy Earth Month!
Make sustainability your top priority to protect the future for our kids and grandkids! Dr. Filippelli comments on the UN’s most recent climate report and solutions to address this challenge but his bottom line is “The problem is we don’t have much time, so let’s get going!” And if you don’t think climate change is affecting you already, Dr. Hayhoe explains why we need to overcome psychological disconnect so we can get to work on climate. Here’s NOAA info on how storms are becoming more severe in Indiana.
You have the power to make a difference. What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day?
VOTE GREEN
The first and most important thing to do for Earth Day is to VOTE GREEN! We need to elect candidates who will build a more sustainable and resilient community because climate change poses a threat to our public safety, infrastructure, public health and quality of life. Voters for a Green Indiana just released its Green Voters Guide where you can learn about the candidate’s views on climate. Please share with family and friends who care about climate.
Earth Day Art Exhibits
Let our children’s voices inspire you to live more sustainably! Visit our Earth Day art exhibits at Muldoon’s on Main street, at the Monon Center (2nd floor by the track) and at the Carmel Library. We’re grateful for the strong community support that makes this community program possible and to Linda Downer for managing it and coordinating with everyone. Read more.
Mayor Brainard – Hoosier Resilience Hero
We’re excited to share that Mayor Jim Brainard received the 2023 Hoosier Resilience Heroes award. This is well-deserved recognition for the many green initiatives he championed in Carmel, and for his climate leadership in the U.S. and internationally as a Republican who believes in traditional core conservative values, such as protecting our environment. We hope all mayoral candidates take note. Read more.
Electronics Recycling Plus
Sat. Apr. 22, 10-1 p.m.
Creekside Middle School, Carmel
This community event includes electronics recycling, document shredding, as well as disposal of prescription drugs and bulk items. Read more.
Indy Creation Fest at Grace Church
Sat. Apr. 22, 10-2 p.m.
5504 E. 146th St., Noblesville
Come learn practical ways to decrease your ecological impact. Vendors include animal rescues, solar panel co-ops, zero-waste non profits, plant-based food trucks, organic farmers, and much more, all right here in our backyards. Be sure to stop by the CGI booth! The event is open to the general public and all religious affiliations. Huge thanks to Grace Church for hosting this year! Read more. Facebook.
Earth Day at the Nature Center
Sat. Apr. 22, 10-5 p.m.
Cool Creek Park Nature Center
2000 E 151st St. Carmel
Explore exhibits for ideas to make your yard more nature-friendly. Free native tree saplings & milkweed seed packets. Fun wildflower and creek hikes! Earth Day and Arbor Day crafts. Also, native trees & shrubs for sale in the greenhouse. Read more.
Earth Day at the JCC
Sun. Apr. 23, Noon-4 p.m.
6701 Hoover Rd., Indy
Earth-friendly organizations will have interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, including an electric car show and tree sapling giveaway. Read more.
2023 Midwest Climate Summit
The Midwest Climate Summit (held in February) featured a variety of leaders, professionals, researchers and practitioners working on climate action in the Midwest. They touched on federal funding for energy, emissions, and climate resiliency, agricultural and nature-based solutions, renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, health impacts and more. Recordings of Janet McCabe’s keynote and lots of worthwhile workshops are available here.
Big Tree Contest
Do you have the biggest tree in Carmel? The City of Carmel is hosting the 2nd annual Big Tree Contest to celebrate Arbor Day. Entries are being accepted now through April 30th. Read more.
Sustainable Living Seminar – Recycling Made Easy
Join us on Thurs, May 4, 6 p.m. at the Carmel Clay Public Library. Craig Lutz, Republic Services, and Leslie Taljaard, Hamilton County’s Household Hazardous Waste Center, will talk about recyclables and hazardous waste to help make recycling easier. When we all work together we can make sure these materials don’t end up in our lakes and landfills. Learn more and RSVP
Miles Nelson – Free Trees on the Monon
Carmel City Councilor Miles Nelson is leading an ambitious tree project in partnership with the CHS Green Action Club. You can pick-up a free tree sapling to join the effort to plant 10,000 trees in Carmel. Free samplings will be distributed at Midtown Plaza on Saturday mornings in May. Miles Nelson has already distributed 2,700 tree saplings. Read more.
Inspiring Earth Day Videos
Creation Calls – Fall in love with God’s Creation.
The Pale Blue Dot – Carl Sagan explains why we need to protect our home.
Science in America – Neil deGrasse Tyson explains why we need science.
Easy Ways to Go Green
Everything we do impacts our earth in some way. Make April your Earth Month to change habits that will improve our environment. We can do this together! 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!