129: Concrete Couch & Concrete Coyote – Art and Sustainability
Peak Environment
Learn how local arts nonprofit Concrete Couch has turned a concrete dump into a community asset – a park and learning center. Caitlin Hannigan and Jorge Estevez also share how Concrete Couch has contributed to increasing interest and engagement in the arts and sustainability in Colorado Springs. Concrete Couch is a nonprofit that works with kids and community groups to create public art, build community, and create environments and experiences that humanize our world. Speakers: Caitlin Hannigan is the Education Director at Concrete Couch. She was raised in Colorado Springs and worked as a...
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128: Ecosystems as Models for Restoring our Economies (to a sustainable state)
Peak Environment
Discover how the symbiotic relationship between our environment and our economic development can lead to a more sustainable future with national speaker and Colorado author, John Giordanengo. John has spent the last three decades in the trenches of conservation, restoration ecology, non-profit development, and small-business ownership. That work, coupled with investigative research from across the globe, led to his recent book, Ecosystems as Models for Restoring Our Economies, which was a finalist in the 2023 Colorado Book Awards. Drawing from his systemic experiences, Giordanengo will...
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127: Permablitz
Peak Environment
What is a permablitz? Ally Richardson invites fellow permaculturists Alexandra Malecki and Beth Carbone to discuss this engaging social permaculture event. We couldn’t contain our giggles! Together, we share our experiences with these community gatherings, which we believe truly enhance our ability to achieve the impossible. In alignment with Mayor Yemi’s initiative on 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings Initiative, a permablitz not only tackles seemingly impossible tasks but also addresses mental health issues and isolation, all while offering support and sunshine. Find more...
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126: Life Happens. Be Ready
Peak Environment
Learn about the GRIT Program that offers training in a brief conversational intervention used to support effective coping for those in your natural social network. In these trying times, we could all benefit from free training in effective coping to build our collective grit. We get the details from Dr. Lauren Shaw, GRIT Program Manager at UCCS’ Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience. The program is intended to function as one element within more comprehensive planning to help individuals and communities to be as resilient as they can be in the wake of stress-related problems or...
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125: A Fossil Free Future - Meet 350 Colorado
Peak Environment
Learn how 350 Colorado can help you become a climate activist, or have more fun and be more effective if you’re already an activist. Chelsea Alexander and Melissa Burrell share what 350 Colorado is and does, and then drill down to some activities and events coming up in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. 350 Colorado is the largest Colorado-based grassroots network focused on taking action to stop climate change. It’s an independent state affiliate of 350.org, the well-known global organization. After listening, you’ll understand why 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben said, “It’s hard to...
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124: Circular Economy Assistance for Colorado Businesses
Peak Environment
Colorado’s Circular Economy Development Center facilitates connections in Colorado to create circular economy solutions using materials that Coloradans recycle. Archibald, Southern Front Range Satellite Office Coordinator for the CEDC shares details and case studies. The Center’s mission is to assist companies striving for circularity by helping them advance their business or locate to Colorado. The goal is to create individual, scalable pathways toward circular economies—and step one is creating beneficial collaboration and innovation between Colorado businesses. This program of the...
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123: Deep Nature Connection
Peak Environment
Learn about deep nature connection, nature deficit disorder, great programming in the area, and ways we all can engage to feel a belonging amongst the other species that live in the lovely Southern Colorado region. Co-host Ally Richardson, from local nonprofit Pikes Peak Permaculture, is joined by three permaculture guests who work and teach in the region, all who steward the gift of nature connection: Brian Fritz from Pikes Peak Permaculture, Frank Cordova “Ranger Frank,” and Angelina Perez from Pueblo, CO. Discussed in this episode: Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, Pueblo,...
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122: Plants – Those That Take Care of Us
Peak Environment
Join host Ally Richardson as she ventures to the opposite slope of Pikes Peak to converse with master herbalist Mari Marques. Explore how plants nurture us, followed by a tour of her stunning and bountiful gardens. Discover additional advantages and applications for the plants thriving in our area, including those often deemed invasive or labeled as weeds! “Invasive plants are Earth’s way of insisting we notice her medicines.” -Stephen Herrod Buhner Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer United Plant Savers Ute County News Article - Wild...
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121: Native Yards for Native Pollinators
Peak Environment
Discover practical ways to reconnect your home landscape with nature. Learn how to provide food, water, and shelter to support pollinator habitats in your yard. David Woolley, Science Educator and Founder of the Manitou Seed Library shares fascinating information about the many pollinators and their favorite plant varieties. LINKS: Presenter’s Slide Presentation https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Native-Places-15-May-2024.pdf Manitou Springs Seed Library https://www.facebook.com/ManitouSeedLibrary To email David Woolley This episode was recorded at the Sustainability...
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120: Water Conservation: Where We’re At and How to Be Part of the Change
Peak Environment
Learn about water resource limitations and challenges for Colorado and Colorado Springs. Scott Winter, project manager in Water Resources and Demand Management for Colorado Springs Utilities, shares work being done to ensure our community is as efficient and as resilient as possible. He also reviews how and what you can do to participate in the efficient use of water both inside and outside of your home. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Presenter’s Slides Water Conservation & Efficiency Resources – Colorado Springs Utilities Coffee and Conservation – First Saturday of each...
info_outlineLearn how Denver Public Schools' Climate Action Plan was developed and is being implemented. DPS policy is to “be a national leader in establishing an organizational culture anchored in sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice in both the conservation of natural resources and in minimizing the carbon footprint of DPS’ practices.”
LeeAnn Kittle, director of the Sustainability Team at Denver Public Schools, shares the details on that climate plan. She’ll also highlight the significance of GHG inventory storytelling and financial impact assessments, which have played a critical role in driving sustainable change across the school district.
LeeAnn holds a Master's in Business Administration and a B.S. in Environmental Science. She is passionate about educating and inspiring her community on sustainability initiatives to address pressing climate issues. She works hard to change the narrative from climate crisis to one of bold action, innovation, and accountability. Kittle has served on several boards across the front range, including organizations such as US Green Building Council, Recycle Colorado, and Colorado Association for School District Energy Managers. LeeAnn also took part in NREL’s Energy Executive Leadership Program and was recently named Energy Manager of the Year for the Central and South US through the Association of Energy Engineers.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Presenter's Slides
https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AUG-2023_SIP-PRESENTATION_DPS.pdf
Denver Public Schools Climate Action Plan
https://sustainability.dpsk12.org/2023/01/06/see-the-dps-climate-action-plan/
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future Monthly Newsletter
https://tinyurl.com/4h4ujnya
Sustainable and Resilient Pikes Peak Region Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/srppr
Pikes Peak Permaculture Fundraiser - September 16
https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/pikes-peak-permaculture-fundraiser/
The Brewshed Alliance Liquid Lecture
https://www.fountain-crk.org/liquid-lecture-series
Fountain Creek Watershed’s 10th Anniversary Creek Week Cleanup Registration
https://www.fountain-crk.org/creek-week-2023-registration?fbclid=IwAR17qEUuoOIrjcV4dPytDVhIZq-OJ2deuZ9ZDb-JcNn7yjrwPVOyfydIkLU
This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on August 16, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month.
Register for the next Sustainability in Progress event:
Building High Efficiency, All-Electric Homes – Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity - September 20 at noon
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAocOCppjwuHNZFUr8MeMV8K6pJa0IA-WGy
The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakalliance.org
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
https://www.peakalliance.co/
Pikes Peak Permaculture
https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/
GrowthBusters
https://www.growthbusters.org
Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:
