Join YVSC's climate action efforts--sign a pledge, email City Council,
reduce your food waste, recycle.
Greetings!

At the end of January, Anne and I attended the Colorado Communities Symposium , the annual conference for the Compact of Colorado Communities . Communities as big as Denver and as small as Mancos came together to share ideas on climate resilience and mitigation. Colorado is emerging as a leader in climate action, and I was inspired by the successful work that is being done across the state and more determined than ever to take action to improve our resilience and reduce our carbon emissions locally. Read on for more information on how you can take action on climate change with YVSC this month.

Let's do this together,

Sarah Jones
Executive Director, YVSC
Strength in numbers
The Olympics never fail to inspire us--sometimes in surprising ways. The opening ceremonies highlighted the eastern philosophy of collectivism, a holistic way of thinking that promotes the idea that we are all interconnected and recognizes the power of the group.
As YVSC’s January Talking Green speaker Dr. Scott Denning emphasized, climate change is solvable , but it’s going to take a collective--and Olympic--effort. Together, we CAN fight climate change and minimize its impacts to our environment.
 
This month, YVSC has several important opportunities for you to be part of the team and help advance local climate action.
Make your voice heard
Climate Action presentation to Steamboat Springs City Council
Tuesday, February 27 
5:30 p.m.
Citizens’ Hall
124 10th St., Steamboat Springs
 
YVSC will be presenting options for the City to take formal action to fight climate change and work toward a more resilient economy and community. YVSC encourages businesses and residents (of all ages) to speak during public comment. The tentative agenda for the meeting is posted here. 
 
If you're unable to attend the City Council meeting, please email Council using their online form. It’s quick and easy and will reach all of your City Council representatives.
Pledge to reduce your carbon footprint
Show City Council that climate action is important to you by signing YVSC’s online pledge to curb your carbon emissions. By choosing just two small actions and committing to these low-carbon choices, you can be part of the local climate solution. Don’t wait! Sign the pledge before February 27!
Join the cause
YVSC has always been guided by the belief that sustainability is a group effort. It’s up to all of us to defend the pure air, clean water, serene forests and legendary snow that make the Yampa Valley such a special place. YVSC needs your financial support more than ever to bring our community together to fight climate change.
Food: Too Good to Waste - Will you take the Challenge?
Can you imagine if every time you opened your wallet, a third of your cash fell out--and you did nothing about it? This is the story of food waste. 

Not only does reducing food waste save money, but it also saves time and natural resources. By taking YVSC’s Food Waste Challenge, you’ll get tips to reduce your food waste, shop smarter and save money.  Click here to learn more about the Challenge.
FREE Lunch-n-Learn
Financing Options for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Homes and Businesses
Wednesday, February 28
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - RENU training for contractors
12 - 12:30 p.m. - FREE lunch with RSVP
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. - C-PACE overview for funding commercial projects
Centennial Hall
124 10th St., Steamboat Springs
Presenter: Jeffrey King, Colorado Energy Office

Want to become an authorized contractor for your customers who want to lower their energy bills? Learn about new state programs RENU and C-PACE for financing energy efficiency, renewable energy and water efficiency projects in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings.
For more information, click here.
Exclusive screening of Saving Snow
Thursday, March 1
6:30 p.m.
Bud Werner Memorial Library, Library Hall

Are you concerned about the future of snow? Not just in Steamboat, but across the country, people who depend on winter for their livelihood are feeling the heat. But, there is hope, and ski towns and the snow sports industry are paving the way toward a clean energy future.
Ask Heidi: Common recycling questions answered
recycle
Q: When is the next Community Recycling Drop-Off?

A: To better serve your recycling needs, YVSC is offering two Community and Commercial Recycling Drop-Off events this year. The first is Saturday, May 12. Residential drop-off will be 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Commercial drop-off is by appointment only from 2 - 4:30 p.m. Stay tuned for the fall Drop-Off date.

Interested in volunteering? Sign-up now.
The dirt on public lands: Grounded
Submissions due by midnight, April 2
Event date: Thursday, May 17
6:30 p.m.
Bud Werner Memorial Library, Library Hall

Bud Werner Memorial Library and Yampa Valley Sustainability Council present Grounded , an evening of multimedia storytelling to honor Colorado Public Lands Day. Art, essay, literary review, short story or even an imaginative advertisement are all fair game–- as long as the message relates to public lands .
Leadership Steamboat community compost project
YVSC’s Cameron Hawkins is a member of the 2018 Leadership Steamboat class. This year Leadership Steamboat class is purchasing three industrial-scale compost bins called Earth Cubes in partnership with LiftUp, CMC and possibly a third partner. The goal of this project is to build accountability in young people for their food waste and inspire local leaders to grow sustainable food practices in our resort community. 
Other upcoming events
Wednesday, March 7
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Rooms 113-114, Centennial Hall
124 10th St., Steamboat Springs

Thursday, March 22
5 - 7 p.m.
Steamboat Springs Community Center & Veterans Hall in Craig

Tuesday, March 27
6:30 p.m.
Bud Werner Memorial Library, Library Hall
Speaker: Kevin Brehm, Rocky Mountain Institute
Sponsor a YVSC program
ReTree sponsor banner
YVSC is seeking 2018 business sponsors for all programs. Deadlines for inclusion in Tour de Steamboat, ReTree and Waste Diversion marketing are fast approaching. 
What's new on our blog?
Yampa Valley Sustainability Council (YVSC) is a nonprofit organization that brings our community together to conserve resources and reduce our collective carbon footprint.