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February 21, 2019

Howdy, Lakewood Residents!

It seems we've been stuck in a rather cold and snowy weather pattern lately, but spring will be here before we know it, and there is a lot to look forward to besides warmer weather!

In early March, residents from Lakewood and Denver will gather for the 2nd Annual Sustainable Neighborhood Network Leadership Retreat! The Retreat will kick off with a reception on March 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Valkarie Art Gallery in Belmar. We encourage anyone interested in the Sustainable Neighborhoods Program to attend the reception and celebrate with us!
We believe our planet should be celebrated every day, but on April 27 we invite you to celebrate with us at our annual Earth Day Celebration - this year we have a rain date in case Colorado decides to be, well, Colorado.
Spring means planting season is fast approaching! Neighbors are getting ready for planting season by hosting seed swaps and workshops. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for these events!
Lastly, don't forget to nominate your sustainability hero - a business, non-profit or your neighbor - for a Sustainability Award. We will celebrate the accomplishments of these community members at a reception in May!

So, next time you are scraping your windshield off in temperatures in the single digits, remember, we are all in this together and there is a lot to look forward to!

Sincerely,
- The Lakewood Sustainability Team

Nominate Your Sustainability Hero!

Who inspires you to live a more sustainable life? If you know a neighbor, youth, local business, student group or community organization that deserves to join Lakewood’s sustainability hall of fame, nominate them for a Sustainability Award today!

The 12th annual Lakewood Sustainability Awards will be given in the categories of community sustainability, youth leadership and City of Lakewood employees. Projects must have been completed in 2018 or 2019, and nominations are due by March 18. For more information and to submit a nomination online, visit Lakewood.org/SustainabilityAwards.

Past awards have recognized zero waste events, innovative and energy-efficient building developments, student energy conservation and recycling efforts, neighborhood garden programs and many more. Learn about the past winners and see what inspires you.

Celebrate Earth Day with Us!

Lakewood's annual Earth Day Celebration will return on April 27, 2019. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect this year:

Live music from Rocky Mountain Steel Band, Turkeyfoot, Thunder & Rain and The 14ers
Beer garden
Food trucks
Free fitness classes
Compost workshop
Climbing wall
Interactive art
Free bicycle valet
More to come!

This is a free community event organized by the Employees' Committee for a Sustainable Lakewood as a way to spread environmental awareness and celebrate our community.

Kids' Corner: Let's Talk Recycling

Students from Rooney Ranch Elementary school spoke with Mary Gilkison and Barb Mills-Bria, volunteers from Sustainable Green Mountain, about the importance of recycling and how to make your lunch zero waste! See the video of the interview below.

Volunteers from the Sustainable Green Mountain community have been working hard to partner with schools in the area to improve recycling efforts in the lunch room. If you want to learn more or get involved, email SustainableGreenMountain@gmail.com.

Neighbors Learn About Natural Lawn Care Options

Earlier this month, the Eiber and Morse Park Sustainable Neighborhoods and the People and Pollinators Action Network co-hosted a workshop on natural lawn care management. The guest speaker was Chip Osborne, a professional horticulturist who has over 10 years of experience in creating safe, sustainable and healthy landscapes through natural practices.

Despite the cold weather and icy roads, dozens of Lakewood residents showed up to discuss ways to care for their lawn that require fewer chemicals, are safer for kids and pets, and even cost less than conventional lawn care. One of the ways the Sustainable Neighborhoods program catalyzes sustainability efforts in neighborhoods is through community engagement opportunities such as this workshop.

To learn more about what the eight Lakewood Sustainable Neighborhoods have accomplished visit SustainableNeighborhoodNetwork.org/Lakewood.

Residential Trash Collection Update

Did you catch our recent presentation and discussion with City Council on residential trash collection? If you missed it you can always watch it at Lakewood.org/CouncilVideos and select the Feb. 4 meeting video. Stay tuned for an email announcing additional ways to contribute your ideas, concerns and values!

Recycle Colorado Launches the
Colorado Contractor's Challenge

Recycle Colorado, in partnership with GE Johnson, is kicking off the 2019 Colorado Contractor’s Challenge! The Challenge is a free program to encourage construction contractors based in Colorado to initiate or improve their sustainability efforts by reducing and recycling construction waste. It’s an easy way to receive community recognition and promotion of your company’s green business practices. Learn more at coloradocontractorschallenge.com.

Upcoming Events

City Council Study Session
Lakewood Development Dialogue
Building and Site Design
March 4, 7 p.m.
City Council Chambers
480 S. Allison Pkwy

Sustainability Awards Nomination Deadline
March 18

2019 Earth Day Celebration
April 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lakewood Heritage Center

Bear Creek Lake Park Earth Day Volunteer Project
April 27, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Bear Creek Lake Park
(be sure to stop by our Earth Day Celebration afterwards!)

Looking for ways to contribute to sustainability in Lakewood?

Join the Lakewood Sustainability Cooperative (SCOOP) to volunteer your knowledge and experience.

The City of Lakewood is committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our resilience to climate change.