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I know you've heard the expression "It takes a village to raise a child." At YVSC, we believe the same approach is necessary for sustainability
--it takes a community. And what a dedicated community we have!
YVSC had more than 30 volunteers help us plant 200 trees in Workman Park on the Yampa on June 25. We also had another successful cycle of the community rebate program Cen$ible Energy, which wouldn't have been possible without the support of YVEA, the City of Steamboat Springs, Alpine Bank and Routt County. Coming up on
July 22
is the Tour de Steamboat, the annual bike ride that supports YVSC and three other community non-profits.
Read on for more information and to learn what you can do to be part of creating a more sustainable community.
Sarah B. Jones
Executive Director
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Don't miss out on the Tour de Steamboat benefit bike raffle
Saturday, July 22
Little Toots Park
YVSC is one of the four non-profit beneficiaries of the
Tour de Steamboat. This year, the Tour de Steamboat benefit bike raffle has 5 prizes for one $50 ticket!
Grand prize is a custom-designed, titanium Eriksen road frame completely built with Shimano Ultegra components, valued at $8,000.
The winners of the raffle will be chosen at the Tour de Steamboat cycling event on July 22. This non-competitive ride offers four distance options--from 26 - 116 miles--for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The Tour is capped at 1,000 riders, and online registration closes July 20! So don't wait, register today!
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5 tips to make Steamboat events more sustainable
There's a full line-up of fun community events in Steamboat this summer, but, when you bring hundreds, if not thousands, of people together, events can generate a tremendous amount of waste.
YVSC's 5 tips to make Steamboat events more sustainable:
- BYOB (bottle, that is): Avoid single-use plastic bottles and cups. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at YVSC's free Water Monster hydration stations, available at many community events.
- Find the bin: Properly dispose of items in recycle and trash bins. If you don't see a bin right away, ask someone. If you spot an aluminum can or plastic bottle that didn't make it into a recycling bin, be a waste warrior and please put it where it belongs. Paper with food on it must go in the trash.
- Leave no trace: Pack out your waste, especially if you can't find a recycling bin. Although some food waste is biodegradable, please don't leave it on the ground. It is still litter and is harmful for native animals to eat. Also, with fire danger high, please be sure to dispose of cigarettes in safe, appropriate areas.
- S
pork it:
Bring your own utensils cloth napkin and/or to-go container. Encourage coordinators of events you attend to use environmentally-friendly tableware. Styrofoam™ is so NOT Steamboat.
- Bike it: Ride your bike, walk or take the free bus to events. You'll be glad you did when everyone else is waiting to get out of the parking lot.
YVSC offers low-cost do-it-yourself sustainable event kits for small to medium-sized events and consulting to reduce the environmental footprint of events of all sizes.
>> For more information about YVSC's waste diversion efforts and sustainable events, visit our website or email [email protected].
Thank you to our 2017 Waste Diversion sponsors!
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Talking Green: Green Drinks
Tuesday, July 25
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Butcherknife Brewing Company
2875 Elk River Road
Join YVSC for an evening of social network
ing for global change at Butcherknife Brewing Company. Come meet new environmentally-minded folks and catch up with your favorite peeps! Happy Hour specials will be offered. This event is open to everyone, so bring a friend!
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ReTree volunteers and sponsors rock!
The purpose of ReTree Steamboat is to engage volunteers to plant and care for site-specific native tree species in forests and riparian areas and to connect the local community, especially youth, to their environment. Since 2010, YVSC has engaged more than 2,800 volunteers ages 2 - 72 to plant and care for almost 26,000 trees throughout Routt and Moffat Counties.
The last few months have been busy with 2017 tree-planting and stewardship activities. Thanks to all the volunteers who joined us
at Hayden Valley Elementary School, Elkhead Reservoir State Park, Steamboat Springs High School and Workman Park in downtown Steamboat Springs.
Thank you to our 2017 ReTree sponsors!
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It takes a community to conserve energy
The popular energy efficiency rebate program Cen$ible Energy closed its third annual cycle in June. This year,
- 220 Yampa Valley Electric Association customers received 234 rebates (totaling $19,000) for home efficiency upgrades.
- 54 customers received funding for free or reduced-price home energy audits.
- In total, over 3 years, YVSC has distributed 961 rebates totaling $84,000, which resulted in $368,000 in local spending on energy-efficiency upgrades and services.
>> While funding lasts, Oak Creek Electric customers can receive rebates for energy-saving LED bulbs, thanks to a small grant by Routt County. For questions email [email protected].
>> More Cen$ible Energy sponsors are needed for 2018 to increase this valuable program to a year-round offering. Email [email protected].
Thank you to our Cen$ible Energy sponsors!
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Save the Date
Waste Reduction Round-Up
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Farmers' Market
6th and Yampa Streets
Come find out the real meaning of food date labels, make art with recycled materials, ask a recycling expert what can actually go in the recycle bin, discover safer, more environmentally-friendly household cleaning alternatives, and learn other waste reduction techniques for home, work or school. Demonstrations will be 15 minutes long in
Thursday, August 24
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Elkstone Farm
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to tour
Elkstone Farm
and taste delicious value-added products. The tour will highlight Elkstone's commitment to sustainability through their permaculture practices. Ticket includes tour and hors d'oeuvres.
There are only a limited number of spaces, so sign up today!
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Are you in for the Plastic Free July challenge?
The problem...
The plastic bottles, bags and to-go containers that we use just for a few minutes are made of a petroleum-based material that is designed to last forever. Often, these single-use products aren't recyclable or don't make it into the recycling bin, which is polluting our environment, harming wildlife and creating litter.
The solution...
- Avoid products in plastic packaging (choose alternatives)
- Reduce where possible (opt for refills, remember your reusable shopping bags, water bottle and coffee cup)
- Refuse plastics that escape as litter (e.g. straws, to-go cups, utensils, balloons)
- Recycle plastics that can't be easily avoided
Join a million+ people from 130 countries in making a difference by signing up for the Plastic Free July Challenge. You'll receive weekly emails during July packed with quick tips and resources to help you break free from plastics!
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Shop Amazon Prime Day - July 11
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