September 2025 Newsletter

Greetings!

Here are some green updates and programs…

Microplastics in Indiana
On Tues. Sept. 23, 11 a.m. join the Hoosier Environmental Council for a webinar on the health and environmental impacts of mircroplastics. These tiny particles pollute our waterways, roads, our food supply and our bodies — and the risks they pose are anything but tiny. Hear from an impressive panel of experts: Julie Peller, Linda Wang, Harshini Ratnayaka, Maria Iturbide-Chang.  Read more and register

Environment and Spirituality Summit
On Sept. 29 & 30, join Faith in Place for their virtual summit — it’s a great way to nourish your soul. This is a great nourishing quote from the keynote speaker Robin Wall Kimmerer: “As we work to heal the Earth, the Earth heals us.”  Read more and register.

Janet McCabe

The stakes are rising — so what can we do? The EPA is being dismantled. Solar incentives are disappearing. Emissions are climbing. Extreme heat and weather disasters are intensifying. The progress we’ve made is slipping away, and our children’s future is on the line. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Janet McCabe as our guest speaker for the Sustainable Living Seminar on Thurs. Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Carmel Library. An expert in sustainability, resilience, and environmental policy, Janet will take a candid look at what’s changing, what’s at risk, and—most importantly—what we can do now to protect the future for our kids and grandkids. Read more and RSVP.

It’s Time for Solar at Carmel Schools 
Solar is one of the smartest ways to cut operating costs, save tax dollars, and invest in our students’ future. Climate change is a growing threat, and as one of the largest energy users—and carbon polluters—in Carmel, CCS has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead in reducing our city’s carbon footprint.  Other Hamilton County schools are already benefiting from solar. Hamilton Southeastern saves about $300,000 every yearwith solar, and Noblesville and Sheridan are seeing savings too. Meanwhile, Duke Energy, which recently raised rates, is expected to raise them even higher to build costly new power plants for data centers. Solar shields schools from these rate hikes, protecting tax dollars and our students’ future.  And, if CCS acts quickly, they can take advantage of 30% solar incentive, a rare opportunity for schools, but those funds are being phased out under recent federal budget cuts and deadlines are coming fast.  The time to act is now. If you support solar for Carmel schools, please sign the survey.

A New State Flower
The Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) believes the butterfly milkweed should become Indiana’s new state flower, replacing the peony.  Butterfly milkweed is a showy, vibrant orange flower that is native to many counties across the state!  It blooms in the summer and is easy to grow from seed. Its leaves are a vital food source for the caterpillar stage of monarch butterflies and milkweed tussock moths, and its pollen and nectar feed many bees, butterflies, and skippers. INPS is seeking to change Indiana’s official state flower!  Stay tuned for next steps.  Read more.

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 footprint and 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.

JOIN US
100% of your membership supports CGI’s many free programs. Become a member today 🙂   

Sincerely,
Leslie Webb
President
Carmel Green Initiative
Become a member!