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Free Denver Climate Conversation and Film Screening Event Nov. 20
Denver Environmental Health and the Colorado Chapter of the Sierra Club are hosting "Denver on Climate: Food, Film & Conversation" on Nov. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McNichol Civic Center Building, 3rd floow (144 W Colfax Ave). The event will include a movie screening and panel that will discuss the local impacts of climate change and actions being taken in Denver.
Mayor Michael B. Hancock will open the event by introducing a free screening of "From the Ashes." Following the documentary, a panel of climate science labor, health and equity experts will facilitate an informal climate action conversation and networking hour.
“From the Ashes” is a compassionate documentary presenting compelling stories from coal communities, and what is at stake for our economies, public health and climate. It features the voices and perspectives of environmentalists, coal miners, climate scientists, law makers, ranchers, elected officials and residents of coal communities.
Attendees can also weigh-in on the 80x50 Climate Goal Stakeholder Report as part of a community input process, to help shape Denver’s efforts to address climate change. Based on the Stakeholder Report and public input, Denver’s 2018 Climate Action Plan will be released in early 2018.
The event is free, and those interested can RSVP at DenverOnClimate.eventbrite.com.
For more information about Denver’s efforts to address climate change and to provide feedback on the 80x50 Climate Goal Stakeholder Report vis survey, visit www.denvergov.org/80x50.
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Applications Now Open for Sustainable Neighborhoods  Program
Saving the planet is no small task. On the individual level, switching to energy-saving LED lights and reusable water bottles is helpful, but shifting community culture toward increased sustainability can have a much greater environmental impact. Luckily, Denver's Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has a program doing just that.
The Sustainable Neighborhoods Program supports residents in designing and leading sustainability projects that enhance the environmental and social strength in their neighborhoods. The 13 currently participating neighborhoods receive in-kind support from the City in the form of outreach materials, printing, venue fees, and staff time to assist with outreach and project development. The program, which has engaged more than 8500 Denver residents, ultimately aims to encourage and empower residents to become active partners in make Denver a more vibrant and livable community.
Sustainable Neighborhoods earn sustainability credits by competing resident-led projects such as encouraging neighbors to sign up for the City's recycling and composting services, completing alley artwork projects, assessing neighborhood walkability and bikability, and hosting community gardening workshops. Depends on the number of credits earned each year, neighborhoods receive "Participating Sustainable Neighborhood" or "Outstanding Sustainable Neighborhood" designation. Since the program first debuted in 2014, participating neighborhoods have completed more than 450 projects covering the program goal areas: energy, air, eater, land and people.
"It's amazing what a small group of folks with a common interest of neighborhood and the environment can do," said Becky Coughlin, co-leader of the Congress Park Sustainable Green Team. "Without a doubt, our CPN Green Team could not have accomplished a fraction of the work we have done as a community without the unwavering guidance and support of Denver's SNN program and staff."
"The beauty of this program is that it doesn't tell residents what to do to become more sustainable," said Program Coordinator Taylor Moellers. "The Ideas come from the residents and our job is to help them turn those ideas into reality. The program is desiged to leverage the skills and passions of residents to take on community-based sustainability projects."
To learn more about the program and to apply, visit www.SustainableNeighborhoodNetwork.org/Denver. Sustainable Neighborhood applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8. Neighborhoods currently participating include: West Colfax, North City Park, Chaffee Park-Regis, Barnum, Villa Park, Green Valley Ranch, Baker, East Montclair/East Colfax, Congress Park, Highland, La Alma-Lincoln Park, Greater Park Hill and Harvey Park.
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Animal Shelter Promotion Allows Adopters to Pick Their Price
Throughout the month of November, Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) is offering a Name Your Own Adoption Fee promotion for all adult (one-year and older) pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles and fish.
DAS is currently caring for 223 adoptable adult animals, a 33 percent increase from November 2016. DAS also received 19 animals from Puerto Rico that were evacuated from the island following Hurricane Maria.
All adoptable animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. The regular adoption fees range from $95 to $130 for adult dogs, and $60 to $87 for adult cats. DAS has a robust adoption process for potential adopters that includes the entire family to ensure a good fit.
DAS is an open-admission shelter that cares for approximately 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.
The shelter is located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. in Denver and can be reached at 720-913-1311. For more information about Denver Animal Shelter, or to view a list of adoptable animals visit www.DenverAnimalShelter.org.
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'Tis the Season for Food Safety
The holidays are quickly approaching, and with them, holiday feasts. Seasonal foods are the foundation of many holiday celebrations and customs, but improper food preparation or storage methods could result in food poisoning or illness.
To keep yourself and other safe through the holiday season, remember these CDC- and DEH-approved food safety tips.
Wash Your Hands
Scrub well with soap and water, especially before and after handling raw meats or eggs and unwashed vegetables.
Use that Thermometer
Food thermometers are great tools for ensuring foods are thoroughly cooked. Keep this safe minimum internal temperature chart close at hand while cooking meat, seafood, eggs and leftovers. Also, remember to let roasts, chops, steaks and fresh ham rest for three minutes after removing them from the oven or grill, per CDC recommendations.
Bust Bacteria
Keeping foods appropriately hot or cold will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, which thrives at room temperature. This helpful info from the U.S. Department of Agriculture outlines safe storage temperatures. As a rule, perishable foods should be either frozen or refrigerated within two hours of preparation.
Keep ‘em Separated
Around the holidays, shopping carts and refrigerators often turn into ingredient cornucopias filled with everything from fresh fruits and veggies to raw meats to dry goods. While these ingredients can combine to make wonderful meals, they shouldn’t be mixing in grocery bags or refrigerators. Keep meats in sealed containers or plastic bags to avoid dripping or leaking, and make use of refrigerator compartments.
Eat the Cookies, Not the Batter
Although they’re delicious, raw doughs and batters containing flour and eggs can also harbor dangerous germs like Salmonella and E. coli. This goes for everything from cake batter to tortilla dough.
But if You Must Use Raw Eggs…
Make sure they are pasteurized! For dishes that contain raw eggs, such as eggnog or hollandaise sauce, the CDC and DEH advise always using pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of Salmonella and other harmful germs.
For more seasonal food safety tips, visit www.denvergov.org/foodsafety or www.foodsafety.gov.
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