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Happy Earth Month!!
Would you like to join us?
We meet on the 4th Wednesday every month from 7-8:30pm by zoom and in person at the community center to discuss project updates and what's going on in the town and the region.
If interested, email colorpenfieldgreen@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you soon!
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CPG and HYMC Will Offer FREE Classes Through Penfield Recreation
Check out pages 28 & 32 of Penfield Recreation's winter/spring catalogue!
Penfield and non-Penfield residents welcome!
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 From Healthy Yards Monroe County, taught by Master Gardener and Color Penfield Green co-lead, Megan Meyer. Register through the Penfield Library
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Planting and Caring for a New Native Pollinator Garden
2 Sessions: Sat, 4/22 & 4/29 (Waitlist) OR
Sat 5/6 & 5/13, 9:30-11am (few spots still available) Ages 18+
Penfield Library, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield
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This class will teach you how to start, plant, and care for a new native pollinator garden in the first year. Learn how to prepare the site - testing and amending soil, removing grass in a healthy way. You'll learn how to plant your natives and care for them in the early stages of establishment. You will be invited to continue meeting periodically after the class for support and community.
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From Color Penfield Green, and taught by Lou Anne DaRin and Erin Campbell, MD, MPH.
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Plant-Based Eating and Home Composting
Tues 4/25 (134816-B)
7-8:30pm, Ages 18+, (12+ w/ parent guardian)
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield
Register through Pen Rec
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Have you been thinking of trying a plant-based diet but don't know where to start? This class includes tips on preparing and eating more plant-based foods, a cooking demo, and crowd-pleasing recipes. Also, information will be shared on composting those food scraps.
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Coming this summer! Watch for the Summer Penfield Recreation Catalog!
From Citizens' Climate Lobby and Color Penfield Green, taught by Glenn Alexander and Peter Collinge
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Inflation Reduction Act 101 - Clean Energy Funds for Your Family
Single class offered four times:
Thurs, 6/22 3-4:30pm (hybrid) OR 7-8:30pm (hybrid) OR
Thurs, 7/20 1-2:30pm (zoom only) OR 7-8:30pm (hybrid)
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd
CPG and CCL-Roc are collaborating to offer residents an exciting session that will discuss how homeowners and renters can qualify for financial assistance to transition their homes and automobiles to clean energy. The Federal Government is going to pay you to fight climate change! Money is available for the purchase of green appliances, ground and air-source heat pumps, electric cars, weatherization projects, and clean energy installations such as solar panels. Come learn more about what your family may qualify to receive under this ground-breaking program!
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Presentation to Board of Ed Tuesday!
Tuesday 4/18, 6:30pm, PHS
By Anna Yatteau, PHS Senior
After years of hard work, The PHS Environmental Club will be proposing their final Sustainability Plan to the school board on Tuesday, April 18th at 6:30pm in the PHS Auditorium.
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The goal is for the plan to be approved during the 2023-2024 budget vote and to be implemented soon thereafter!
The Environmental Club’s Green Week,” in celebration of Earth Day, will kick off at the high school on Monday, April 17th. Festivities will include a wildflower seed sale and fundraiser, art contest, and more! When the news surrounding the climate crisis may be stressful, we also hope to allow students to appreciate the earth in a positive and engaging way.
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The US Govt Wants to Help You Buy an EV
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While the car manufacturers get the sticks, you get the carrots! Many new and prospective customers have questions about qualifying for federal tax credit on electric vehicles. The amount you may qualify for varies by household due to a number of different factors. Furthermore, new terms implemented January 1, 2023 limit the number of EVs that currently qualify based on a number of factors. Learn a lot more here.
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But what about all the emissions spewed in mining for battery materials?
How can an EV really be cleaner if it's powered by burning coal?
This Motor Trend article takes on a few common (and important!) questions about the environmental impact of EVs.
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Town of Penfield Pledges to Support Monarchs
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The Board passed a resolution to take actions that will help save the monarch butterfly, an iconic species whose eastern populations have declined by 90% in recent years.
The EEAC reports that the town will:
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- change mowing practices and actively plant native, nectar rich flowers
- issue a proclamation at the EV Car Show about the decline of the species and the need to protect habitat
- support Healthy Yards Penfield's efforts to build a Pollinator and Butterfly friendly demonstration garden at the Community Center
- integrate best practices throughout the 2023 Comprehensive Plan
Thank you to the incredible team of Healthy Yards Penfield, led by Megan Meyer, for educating our leaders about its importance!! And thank you to the Town Board and the EECC for committing to a better future!
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Climate Solutions Accelerator
Earth Day Summit
Organizations in Action:
Fri, 4/21 12:30-5pm
Citizens in Action:
Sat, 4/22 8:30am-4pm
Riverside Convention Center, 123 E Main St, Rochester
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What would it look like if our economy benefited the environment and human civilization as a whole? Why should we reinvest in our communities and restore the natural systems that support our health and well-being? How can we create the conditions necessary for individuals to reach their full potential, affirm their connection to place, and respond to disruption with resilience?
Explore these questions and so much more! Learn more about the summit here. Schedule here. Register here.
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RAICA Annual Summit 2023
Time for Action:
Greening Our Congregations and Our Congregants
Sun 5/7, 12:30pm-4:30pm
Temple B'rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Ave, Rochester
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Does your faith call you to concern for the earth and its inhabitants? RAICA, Rochester Interfaith Climate Action, is holding a Climate Summit which will begin with words of inspiration from faith leaders followed by a keynote address by Abby McHugh–Griffa, executive director of The Climate Solutions Accelerator. This summit will provide an opportunity for people of all faiths to come together to be inspired and to learn skills and resources to take back to their own communities. We’ll have workshops that cover funding, solar, geothermal, energy audits, greening your campus, advocacy, youth activities, and more. Attendees will have time to enjoy refreshments and share conversations with others. Attendance and refreshments are free, thanks to our sponsors, but registration is important. To register and to learn more about the program, click here.
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Monroe County's Climate Action Committee Shifts Focus to the Public
 Phase II of the Climate Action Plan has begun and the committee wants to hear from you!
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Monroe County has a detailed Climate Action Plan. Phase I focused on the sustainability of county property, facilities, and fleets. Phase II has just begun and they are taking input now! The Town of Penfield has completed their survey and has reported all of their great local sustainability initiatives. CPG has offered to be a part of Phase II. Now it's your turn! Hear more about the plan and phase II in this recording. Share your thoughts about county-wide plan here.
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Divest From Fossil Fuels:
Align Your Money With Your Values
Would you like to know how to take your personal finances out of funding fossil fuel extraction, production, and distribution? You may have heard of ESG investments (environmental, social, good governance) but there are groups that dig into banks and credit card and insurance companies as well to see how they use their customers' money.
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Color Brighton Green hosted a very informative webinar last month on this topic. Even if you don't have time to watch the 75 minute webinar, check out the tools and resources on the Rivers & Mountains GreenFaith website. Here is the recording. The choices we make matter.
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NYS Budget Showdown:
Transit Oriented Development is Under Debate
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Many of us chose to live in Penfield - and suburbia in general - because we wanted a yard for our kids to play in and space in general. The downside is that we then rely on cars to get to work and where we shop and play because we do not have public transit that is convenient or easily accessible.
According to the NY League of Conservation Voters, "when considering all the ways to fight climate change, Transit Oriented Development (TOD) must be among the top priorities. TOD ... is front and center in New York State because of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed Housing Compact."
Considering this region is relatively climate stable and safe, we need to expect an influx of climate refugees escaping hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts in the coming years. We will need to grow smart and that includes building with density in mind that supports alternative transportation (walking, biking, bus, rail). "This type of lifestyle can reduce energy consumption and driving by up to 85%." Read more about TOD here.
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Earth Day Every Day
Green Tips
Curated by Susan and John Steepy
Members of Color Penfield Green
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Earth Day and Earth Week are almost here, but April is Earth Month. With all the current activities & evolving climate knowledge we are focused on, we may benefit from stepping back for a moment to review the process of climate change. It's always good to remember the HOW we got here to continue the understanding of WHAT is the next step.
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Are you tired of the typical lawn care and maintenance? Here is a free webinar, Transforming Lawns: Tiny and Wild, 4/27, 3pm that offers something different with much less care involved. If you don't want to change your whole lawn to what these gardeners suggest, try just a part of your lawn. You'll become "an Item" in your neighborhood. Click here to get a more complete description of the webinar. (Registering will allow you to get a recording in case you miss it).
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A new report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states: “Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health.” We’ve all heard this message in various iterations for the past several years. Learn about some current findings by clicking here. And be sure to read “The Steps We Can Take Together” and “The Good News” sections that follow the report. All of us must do our part to stop polluting Mother Earth.
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And here's one more green tip from CPG's home organic farmer, Joe Gersitz:
Mother Earth News magazine offers articles of interest to people of all ages and various interests: Tips to grow fresh organic produce, slash heating bills, raise livestock, natural health tips, DIY projects, and much more. Explore the resource here.
And remember,
REDUCE – REUSE – REPAIR - REIMAGINE- RECYCLE
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Igor Orlovich and Ravi Mehta follow the news about Electric Vehicles and have curated items for fans and those thinking about going electric for their next car, SUV, or truck.
News from the Automakers
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Volkswagen unveiled its affordable EV in the form of a concept called the ID.2all. With a starting price of $26,600 and an estimated range of 279 miles, the Golf-looking electric hatchback is intended to be that most elusive thing: a plug-in vehicle for the people. They will debut in 2026.
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The 2025 RAM 1500 REV was revealed. This beast will be able to drive 500 miles on a charge and can tow up to 14,000 lbs!
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The 2024 Hyundai Kona has debuted in North America. This model will go 260 mi on a charge and will be available for purchase in the fall with delivery in 2024.
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The KIA EV9 made its US debut. It offers a max DC fast charging speed of 230 kW - charging 10-80% in less than 25 min and the long range model will be able to go 300 mi on a charge. Additionally, the vehicle will have 6 or 7 seat configurations.
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A Rivian service center has been approved in Henrietta. The center will only serve Rivian vehicles, including the Amazon delivery vans that will be deployed in the region.
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EVs and Slurpees are the future, according to 7-Eleven. The convenience store chain is entering a new era after unveiling 7Charge, an ambitious EV fast-charging network plan alongside an app to make finding somewhere to plug in and charge even more accessible.
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Walmart announces a major charger network expansion. By 2030, they intend to build an EV fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. With a store or club located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans, they will help make EV ownership easier in rural, suburban, or urban areas.
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The future of driving is changing rapidly, and AAA is helping the next generation of drivers charge ahead by adding the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV to their driver training fleet.
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The USPS is buying 9,250 Ford E-Transit EVs this year as they kick off the electrification of the largest federal fleet in the U.S. Deliveries of the E-Transit EV mail trucks are due to begin in Dec '23.
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Electric vehicle owners who prefer Waze to other navigation tools, rejoice: the Google-owned company is adding EV charging stations to its route planning tools in an effort to improve the experience for plug seekers.
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The Green Energy Transition
This section of our newsletter dedicated to sharing developments in sustainability and adaptation from around the world.
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Last year, U.S. renewable electricity generation surpassed coal for the first time. While this is a major milestone in the transition to clean energy, experts say that much faster progress is needed to reach critical climate targets. Wind and solar generation is now 14% of national power production. Hydropower, biomass, and geothermal added another 7% — for a total share of 21%. Coal has dropped to 20% share of electricity generation.
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Mark Your Calendars for These
Upcoming Events
Hope to see you there!
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Walking With a Purpose
Wed 4/19, 10am-12pm
Four Corners: 441/Five Mile Line Rd
Walking with a purpose will meet on April 19th at the corner of 441 and 250 to help our four corners area look a little cleaner.
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Then in May we’ll meet on May 24th at Tim Horton’s on 441. There is a parking lot right next to Tim Horton’s (the old Urgent Care lot) which is usually empty. That might be a better place to park so we’re not taking up spots at Timmy’s. Come and join us for some fresh area, good conversation and a purposeful walk!
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Earth Day Community Cleanup
Hosted by the Seneca Park Zoo
Sat 4/22, 9-12pm
Durand Eastman Beach - Meet at Parking Lot B
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Join like-minded neighbors to help clean-up our local green spaces. You’ll be amazed at the impact a focused group can make in just a couple hours. Help us make Rochester a cleaner, greener city! Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Tools, bags, and gloves will be provided and all ages are welcome to attend. Register here.
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MCSWCD Tree and Shrub Overstock Sale
Sat 4/22, 9-11am or until species sell out
EcoPark, 10 Avion Dr
If you missed the deadline to submit an order for conservation trees and shrubs, pop over to EcoPark to check out what they may have over-ordered.
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Earth Day at the Zoo 2023
Sat 4/22, 10am-4pm
Seneca Park Zoo
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Learn all about environmental sustainability and the individual actions you can take to make a difference through onsite experiences, live discussions with local experts, an inside look at the Zoo’s conservation programming, and more.
This year, Earth Day is celebrating its 53rd anniversary and through our virtual and onsite events, you’ll learn about the conservation challenges of different species over the past five decades, and come away with ways you can live more sustainably to help protect our Earth for future generations.
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St. Joseph Earthday Program
Simple Living: God's Vision of Abundant Life
Thurs 4/27, 7pm
St. Joseph's Church, 43 Gebhardt Rd, Penfield
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This program offers a respite from our busy lives and inspires us all to live with less. In this hour-long interactive program, participants will have an opportunity to pray, learn, discuss, and discern how to take concrete actions, as individuals and as a group, to live simply and yet more abundantly. All are welcome to join us in the gathering space (entrance facing Gebhardt Rd. By the statue of St. Joseph). Light refreshments will be available. Registration here.
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Sierra Club Annual Tree Giveaway
Sat 4/29 - Arbor Day! 10am-3pm
Seneca Park Zoo OR
Webster Park OR
Genesee Valley Park
Trees cool their environment, provide homes and food for animals, and absorb carbon dioxide. The Sierra Club wants you to plant a few! They are giving away tulip poplars, burr oak, serviceberry, and sugar maple.
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Days for Girls: Help Keep Girls in Schools in Developing Countries
Wed 5/3, 12:30-3pm
Community Room, Eastside YMCA
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Across the developing world, not having access to feminine hygiene products means that girls miss school, fall behind, and are increased danger of dropping out. Days for Girls is an international organization that hand sews bags with reusable, washable, cloth pads so that girls can go to school while they have their periods. Click here to learn why keeping girls in school is the 3rd most impactful global climate solution.
Join the local contingent who meet every month to create these bags. No special skills or RSVP necessary - Just show up! (Although if you have a sewing machine and know how to use it, bring it with you). *NOTE: You must be a Y member to participate. No guests allowed yet.
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Repair Cafe
at South Wedge Mission
1st and 3rd Sat every month 1-4pm
123 Caroline St., Rochester, NY 14620
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Join the international movement to reclaim, restore, and reuse electronics, bicycles, clothing, toys, appliances, furniture, and more! Free! Mark your calendars for 5/6. Contact via swmrepaircafe@gmail.com or text (585) 478-1817 for information.
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Town of Penfield Trails Committee:
Harris Whalen Park
Sat 5/13, 9-11am
2126 Penfield Rd
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Hike through the woods to discover exciting spring flowers. Also learn about park history and geology. Meet at the upper pavilion. Look for the hike signs. Registration is required.
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Sustainability Deep Dives on Connections with Evan Dawson
Connections with Evan Dawson on WXXI often does a deep dive on issues around climate change. These shows have been on in the last few weeks and may be of interest:
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Color Your Community Green
Network News
Did you know that Color Penfield Green is part of a regional network of volunteers called Color Your Community Green (CYCG), all supported by the Climate Solutions Accelerator?
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We have sister teams in Brighton, Chili, Greece, Fairport, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Pittsford, Richmond, Rochester, Rush, South Wedge, Spencerport, and Webster. We collaborate with each other, learn together, and cheer each other on. You can read about all the great projects going on in these other communities in the April newsletter. Subscribe here.
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Take the Climate Action Pledge
 It is critical that we have a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 here in NY. The Climate Solutions Accelerator has developed a strategic climate action plan - a roadmap - for our 9 county region to meet that goal. |
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The Accelerator is asking all of us to sign their pledge, committing to being a part of the solution: reducing our personal carbon footprint, educating ourselves on the issue, and pushing for policies at the community and state level that will result in an inclusive green energy transition.
- Take the pledge here
- Read the Strategic Plan here
- Watch the Strategic Plan here
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Sunscape Farms CSA:
Sign Up Now For Your Share!
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Penfield's Sunscape Farms is now taking orders for full or half shares for the 2023 season starting in June. Along with their incredible variety of fruits and vegetables, they send weekly emails full of creative recipes and tips for preserving the produce of the week. They do sell out, so don't wait too long! Click here to learn more.
If a share isn't the right choice for you, you can still support local, sustainable farming by stopping by their farm stand at 1416 Creek St. to purchase their flowers and produce.
Megan Meyer interviewed Sunscape Farm's owners about their sustainable farming practices and wrote a related article about how food choices impact your health and the environment here.
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Go All Electric!
Sounds Great!
How do I get started?
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With an estimated 40% of the United States carbon emissions coming from our homes and the vehicles we drive, switching to all electric will reduce emissions. Rewiring America, an electrification non-profit, recently released a guide to going all electric and making the most of the government grants and tax incentives. The average American homeowner can get $10,000+ for energy saving upgrades. The US is paying you to fight climate change!
For questions about home electrification, contact Heat Smart Finger Lakes and request a 15 or 30 minute conversation with an unbiased expert in the field who can answer your questions about available incentives (state and federal) and various technologies. Schedule anytime at this link.
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Mobility Action Alerts from Reconnect Rochester
Interested in living a community with more safe, walkable, bikeable streets and a public transit system that people want to take? Reconnect Rochester has launched a new tool to help you step up your advocacy and engagement for alternative mobility in Monroe County.
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Their Mobility Action Alerts is an email list that notifies you of any upcoming public meetings, workshops, events, surveys, volunteer opportunities and more, to advocate for a safer, more walkable, bikeable and transit-accessible community for all! Sign up here.
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Penfield's Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program
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Color Penfield Green Encourages You to Opt-Up to Penfield 100
Most of Penfield went with the default 50% renewable which is much better than the ~7% renewable default RG&E mix! However, Color Penfield Green urges you to consider opting into the Penfield 100 program for 100% green electricity. The 30 day average look back at the default mix RG&E electricity supply is $0.06642 and Penfield 100 is $0.06443! The Town of Penfield made a great deal for us and if you opted out, it's not to late to opt back in and then opt-up to 100% green electricity for your home!
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- Browse Good Energy's PenfieldCCA.com Website - HERE
- Enroll in Penfield's CCA electricity program for the 1st time - HERE
- Or... Opt-Up to Penfield 100 - Our 100% Renewable Electricity Program - HERE
- Or... Opt-Out of our CCA electricity program altogether (at any time) - HERE
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ColorPenfieldGreen is an organization of residents of the Town of Penfield, NY who are concerned about the environment. Our goals are to:
- inform fellow residents about all the incredible ways that our community is “Going Green” with a focus on climate
- educate people as to how they can reduce their carbon footprints - at individual, family, neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal levels
- organize local volunteers to participate in high impact campaigns, and
- support and empower Penfield residents to become community leaders in addressing climate change.
We are respectful, inclusive, nonpartisan, solutions-focused, collaborative, scientifically-informed, and committed to social, racial, environmental, and intergenerational justice.
We are proud of all that Penfield has accomplished and are excited to help lead the way in protecting our environment in the future. Please check out our new and still evolving website ColorPenfieldGreen.org and join us in our current and future campaigns! If interested, send an email to ColorPenfieldGreen@gmail.com.
We'd love to grow our Penfield audience! Share this link with your friends and neighbors so they can sign up to receive this newsletter too:
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