Water and the lack of it is on everyone’s minds lately. As another article in this newspaper recently asked, “are local efforts a drop in the bucket” when it comes to statewide water scarcity? Sustainable Wheat Ridge, the volunteer committee that helps shape and implement the Sustainable Action Plan “SAP”, believes that all local efforts
Working at the neighborhood level helps build connections, strengthen community pride, and encourages residents to engage productively in city government. The Sustainable Neighborhoods Network creates opportunities for direct, hands-on environmental improvement, and collaborative idea-building and skill-sharing, all while getting to know your neighbors. It’s a unique approach to build community-level environmental action, strengthen neighborhood resilience
Wheat Ridge is a beautiful place with a tradition of stewardship for our natural resources. Our nickname, the “Carnation City” is more than just a reference to our agricultural heritage; it represents a way of life embedded in our community. From our expansive trail network to the historic ditches winding through our neighborhoods, we are
Autumn has arrived and soon there will be children jumping into leaf piles. (At least I hope, if they are not glued to electronic devices indoors.) Yet there are other purposes for fallen leaves that are too profound not to share here in our October article, as gardeners prepare a crucial rest period for their
Public transit use across the RTD system remains nearly 40% lower than pre-COVID levels. With so many residents choosing their cars over buses and trains, the question remains: why isn’t public transportation regaining traction? RTD’s average rating—2.9 out of 5 stars across 720 reviews—suggests widespread dissatisfaction among riders. At the same time, it’s worth noting
Plastics are convenient in the short term, but is convenience worth our health? Once thought to be inert, plastic products don’t just take up space in landfills; they break down into microscopic particles called microplastics. These particles find their way into the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and even
Ten Students in Wheat Ridge High School’s Landscape Construction class recently designed and installed a spectacular Student Garden at the Colorado Convention Center during the Colorado Garden & Home Show. The students took part in Wheat Ridge High School’s Agriculture Program, which was established in 2020 as a hands-on, two-year plant pathway program. They take
Light plays a pivotal role in egg production for laying hens. As photoperiod-sensitive creatures, hens rely on light exposure to regulate their reproductive cycles. Understanding the optimal amount and type of light can significantly impact egg production, making it a crucial consideration for backyard chicken keepers and commercial farmers alike. Hens require a consistent amount
Because we needed just one more thing to look at when buying groceries, besides the ingredients, the price, the politics of the store, what wages they were paying their employees and what part of the city they were located in….. store hours, were they opened on Sundays and possible affiliation with countries, social movements and
For many of us in developed countries, such as the United States, food security is a non-issue. Grocery stores, restaurants, and even local farms are common sights, and often easily accessible. Even during a global crisis, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, I heard more people express concern over the dwindling supply of toilet paper
Denver, the Mile High City, is a hub for innovation and a leader in sustainability initiatives. With its commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040, Denver is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. This shift towards renewable energy sources presents exciting opportunities for residents and investors alike. This article explores the world
In July 2021, Governor Polis signed House Bill 21-1162 into law. The Plastics Pollution Reduction Act began phasing out single use plastics on Jan. 1, 2023 by requiring retailers to charge 10 cents per plastic bag, with the goal of reducing pollutants in Colorado. While the law has certain exceptions for small and Colorado-based retailers
Composting is an easy and often inexpensive way to live sustainably. If you don’t compost yet, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. We’ve outlined a few options of what is available in Wheat Ridge, some tips to help you choose, and share one resident’s journey to compost. It first helps to understand compost and
What is Regenerative Agriculture, what are its benefits, and how can we incorporate them into everyday gardening practices? Regenerative, like the name suggests, is to generate again, there’s an implication of a cycle, a place from which to renew, or begin again. When applied to agriculture, it could mean to grow food in a way
Did you know that there’s a national Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day? It’s the ultimate dump and run. Many gardeners are trying to get rid of the massive number of zucchinis growing in their garden this time of year, and every neighbor has had enough. And even though the national holiday was
Founded in 2013, the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (“the mighty ATATs”) is a citizen-led organization that works with residents, city leadership, businesses and partner organizations to increase opportunities to walk, to ride a bike, and to connect with transit in Wheat Ridge. The ATATs work to promote and develop a physically and economically
The new year offers a new chance to build good habits. An important habit for us to build is recycling. Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash. Recycling turns these items into new products and can benefit your community and the environment. Join the Edgewater
COVID-19 has pushed almost everyone and every industry to single-use containers, plastics and surfaces that are nonporous. There are trillions of vinyl/rubber/plastic gloves all over the world, and harsh sanitizing liquids are spread on everything including our bodies. More soaps and alcohol are flowing through drains and more potable water is used for cleaning purposes.
