CGI Newsletter April 2025
Happy Earth Day!
Carbon pollution is making extreme weather more severe all across the country and around the world. On April 2, Carmel businesses, homes and trees were damaged by tornado and severe weather. A week later, the president signed an executive order aimed at boosting coal….just what we don’t need! Coal is the greatest source of water, air and climate pollution.
But you have the power to make a difference. Here are some updates, programs and events to celebrate and care for our Earth…
Carmel Environmental Champion
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to John Duffy, director of Carmel Utility, for his outstanding environmental contributions. Here are some ways John has saved energy, saved tax dollars and reduced the City’s environmental impact:
-Solar Power. Solar power saves on energy costs. The arrays installed at several facilities have a combined environmental impact of 2400 trees saved, 200 fewer cars on the road, or 925 tons of CO2 saved annually.
-Methane Capture. Methane-rich biogas produced from wastewater treatment is typically vented & flared; that’s a lot of wasted energy. Approx. 60% of the methane is captured to provide heat for the biosolids process and a maintenance building. This saves over $4,000/month in energy costs.
-City-wide Curbside Trash and Recycling. The negotiated contract saves residents money. Also, contracting with a single provider reduced the number of garbage and recycling trucks crisscrossing the city and barreling through our neighborhoods, resulting in less wear and tear on our roads as well as fuel savings and less diesel tailpipe pollution.
John’s environmental leadership exemplifies the vital role city employees play in building a more sustainable and resilient community. His leadership has made Carmel and the world a better place. Read more.
Check out the Earth Day Art Exhibits
Huge thanks to students and scouts for their Earth Day art! Kids have lots of great ideas to inspire you to change habits to protect their future and all life. The exhibits are located at Muldoon’s on Main street, at the Monon Center (2nd floor by the track), and at the Carmel Library. 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.
Common Ground – the highly anticipated sequel to Kiss the Ground, which inspired the USDA under the prior administration to put $20 billion toward soil health. Streaming Apr 22 on Prime.
Changing Planet – Season 4 begins Apr 23, 10 p.m. on PBS
Earth Day at Fields Market Garden
On Thursday, April 24, 5 – 6:30 p.m., visit Fields Market Garden for a fun-filled, family-friendly event. Explore the urban farm with a special scavenger hunt and learn about local ecosystems. Read more.
Green Home Symposium
On Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., visit St. Luke’s (100 W 86th St, Indy) to learn about many ways to live sustainability. Keynote speaker Dr. Gabriel Filippelli, IU Environmental Resilience Institute, will talk about climate solutions at your fingertips. Other topics include electrifying everything and kitchen table decisions. There will also be exhibits and kid-friendly activities. Learn more and register.
Flowing Well Weed Wrangle
On Sunday, April 27, 2-3:30 p.m., join us for a weed wrangle to remove honeysuckle from Flowing Well Park. Learn to identify this highly aggressive invasive plant while getting to know other environmentally minded people in our community. All tools and protective equipment such as gloves are provided. Learn more and RSVP.
Rooted in the City
Join us on Thursday, May 8, 6 p.m. at the Carmel Library to learn about organic, sustainable farms in Carmel. Meet urban farmers Kate Sexton of Fields Market Garden and Zach Haselhorst of St. Isidore Farm to learn how you can get local produce and flowers through community supported agriculture. Learn more and RSVP.
Solar for your Home or Business
To protect against rising rates at your home or business, join us on Thurs. Aug. 21 to learn about solar basics. It’s the cleanest energy you can get, right where you need it. After it pays for itself, energy from the sun is free! Read more and RSVP.
Easy Ways to Go Green
Make sustainability your top priority. Everything we do impacts our earth in some way. Change habits that will lessen your impact on our shared home. We can do this together! Here’s how to calculate your household carbon footprintand some easy ways to go green. In general, the big sources of carbon emissions for the typical household and business are electricity, transportation and CAFO beef.
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Sincerely,
Leslie Webb
President
Carmel Green Initiative
www.CarmelGreen.org
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