Ohio Newsletter - August 2024 Edition

Welcome to the Sierra Club Ohio Newsletter – August 2024 Edition!

Greetings, Sierra Club Ohio Community!

As summer's warmth begins to ebb and the promise of a new season approaches, we're excited to bring you the latest updates and opportunities to get involved with our vibrant community. August is a time of transition, and we have a range of activities and news to help you make the most of the upcoming months. Whether you're looking to volunteer, save on energy costs, or simply stay informed, we've got you covered. Our newsletter is packed with exciting developments and practical information to keep you engaged and empowered in our collective efforts to protect Ohio’s natural landscapes and foster sustainable living.

Volunteer Opportunities Abound:
Our volunteer network is the heartbeat of our work, and we have a host of opportunities for you to get involved. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, community outreach, or educational initiatives, we have projects that need your unique skills and energy. Dive into our Volunteer Opportunities to find out how you can contribute to preserving the beauty of our state while connecting with fellow environmental enthusiasts.

Introducing Our Newest Team Member: 
We are pleased to welcome a new face to the Sierra Club Ohio family. Our newly hired staff member brings a passion for the environmental conservation and fresh perspectives that will enhance our programs and outreach efforts. Get to know Alison in our staff spotlight feature and learn about the exciting ways she’ll be contributing to our mission.

Home Energy Savings Program: 
As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to focus on home energy efficiency. The Ohio Department of Development Office of Energy and Environment invites you to join us at upcoming virtual and in-person public feedback sessions which will support the planning, design, and implementation of the new Ohio Home Energy Savings Program.

Autonomous Vehicle Shuttle Program in Youngstown: 
Explore how this program works and what it means for the future of urban mobility. Exciting news for Youngstown residents! The city's new autonomous vehicle shuttle program is set to revolutionize local transportation. Learn more about how this innovative initiative will improve mobility and contribute to sustainability in our community.

Back-to-School Tips:
As the new school year approaches, we know many families are gearing up for a successful start. Our back-to-school tips are designed to help students and parents alike navigate this busy time with ease. Check out our practical suggestions to help make this school year your best yet.

We hope this edition of our newsletter provides you with valuable insights and encourages you to stay active and engaged in our environmental community. Thank you for your continued dedication and support as we work together to make a positive impact on our environment.

Warmly,

Ericka Copeland
State Director
Sierra Club Ohio

Don’t Wait!

Extended Deadline for Executive Committee Applications

Dear Members and Supporters,

We are excited to announce that the deadline for submitting applications to run for the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club Ohio has been extended.

To ensure that all interested members have the opportunity to be considered by the Nominating Committee, we have moved the deadline to August 9th.
Have you been considering applying and missed the first deadline? This is a fantastic chance to step up and help shape the future of our organization. The Executive Committee plays a crucial role in guiding our mission and advocating for our home state.

Key Details:
Extended Deadline: August 9th 
 
Apply Here!

Eligibility Requirements: Must be a member of the Sierra Club in good standing. Memberships are as little as $15 per year. Join here

We encourage all who are interested in making a difference to Ohio to apply. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your skills to something bigger, and be impactful in protecting and preserving our environment.

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Brian Williams, Nominating Committee Co-Chair, localnine@yahoo.com
Lisa Rooney, Nominating Committee  Co-Chair, lrooneyhome@gmail.com

Thank you for your dedication to Sierra Club Ohio. We look forward to receiving your applications.
 

Open Volunteer Opportunities

Pictured: "Volunteer with Us!" written inside a shaped border.

Get Involved, Get Empowered,
Get the Change Started! 


Volunteer Treasurer Position

Support Sierra Club Ohio's financial management systems, manage and oversee the integrity and accuracy of Ohio's financial management process and procedures.

Please send your resume and cover letter to Ericka Copeland, State Director via email: ericka.copeland@sierraclub.org and contact her with any questions; and/or click the link below to apply.
 
Click Here to Apply

Executive Committee Candidates

We are still accepting applications to the Nominating Committee to be considered as a candidate for the Executive Committee Elections this fall. A spot on the Executive Committee is a unique opportunity for leadership and impact. Find more information on our website and fill out the application here

Priority Application Deadline - Aug 1, 2024
Extended Application Deadline - Aug 9, 2024 

  Conservation Committee

Join the revived Sierra Club Ohio Conservation Committee to lead impactful conservation projects, and drive positive environmental change.

Sign up here to collaborate with fellow advocates and make a real difference in Ohio’s ecosystems! 

Communications Committee

Sierra Club Ohio is making some big steps forward, and that means bigger communications! Got a talent for copy-writing, graphic design, social media, or other coms work? Put it to good use helping Sierra Club Ohio protect and preserve our state!

Sign up here or email the Chapter Coordinator (alison.trimbur@sierraclub.org) for more details. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Join Voter Engagement Efforts!

We're seeking volunteers to organize a non-partisan voter engagement initiative for the November 4th General Election.

Please contact:

Jocelyn Travis: jocelyn.travis@sierraclub.org

and/or

Ericka Copeland: ericka.copeland@sierraclub.org


Introducing Our
Chapter Coordinator
Alison Trimbur

Pictured: Alison Trimbur with a scenic background of beautiful buildings

Sierra Club Ohio is happy to welcome the newest member of our staff team, Alison Trimbur, Chapter Coordinator. Alison is responsible for providing organizational management and administrative functions including the recruitment, training and supervision of volunteers. She works with Chapter staff, volunteers and partners statewide to support communications via email campaigns, social media & web presence, and supports regular communications, including E-Newsletters, Chapter & Group mass emails, and communications that happen seasonally, such as during the legislative session. 

A note from Alison:

Hello friends! 

I am so excited to join Sierra Club Ohio and the mission of creating a more sustainable future for all. Born and raised in Ohio, I have always cared for our environment, and looked up to artists and poets like Mary Oliver whose work sings the praises of our home state’s natural environment. This opportunity to connect with like-minded folks who want to protect and preserve Ohio is such a privilege, and I can’t wait to get to know everyone. When not working, I am writing, reading, going to concerts, or hanging out with my family, friends, and pets. I also love traveling and getting to meet new people, so if you see me out and about, say hi! 

Goals: 
-Make Sierra Club Ohio more present in people’s lives across the state. 
-Be an advocate for volunteers and the many impassioned folks we have working with us. 
-Recruit more diverse and varied voices to make a positive impact in Ohio. 
 

Ohio Home Energy Savings Program Feedback Sessions

The Ohio Department of Development is holding a series of feedback sessions for the public. These sessions will help support the planning and implementation of the Home Energy Savings Program. As Ohio makes moves to improve our energy efficiency, make your voice heard.
 
Sign Up Now
 

Climate Pollution
Reduction Grants Program

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a $129 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to a coalition led by Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to support community-driven solutions for climate action, air pollution reduction, and clean energy transition.

The funds will aid in replacing a coal-fired plant with 63 mw of solar installations and 10 mw of battery storage on brownfields and landfills, and restore habitats near Lake Erie. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan praised the initiative for its potential economic and workforce benefits.

Read more: sierraclub.org/ohio

Swing into Sustainability
at EV Me Out
to the Ballgame!


Dayton Dragons fans looking for a double dose of green fun were in luck this past Saturday. The ballpark hosted the 3rd annual EV Me Out to the Ballgame, a partnership between the Dragons and Drive Electric Dayton. This exciting event combined America's favorite pastime with education about electric vehicles (EVs). Read more @ sierrclub.org.ohio
 

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Western Reservice Transit Authority in Youngstown Ohio

Two autonomous shuttles in the greater downtown Youngstown area are being implemented to connect key locations and complement the regional public transportation system. Each is expected to operate for 12 months.

The City of Youngstown, working with WRTA, will provide autonomous vehicle shuttle service on Federal Street. Both projects will capitalize on existing roadway capacity These services will connect the major regional anchor institutions and other key employment and business centers in the greater downtown Youngstown area.
 

A More Sustainable
Back-to-School Guide


Back to school is upon us! If you, a child, or grandchild is getting ready for another year of learning, but shrink-wrapped supplies and skyrocketing food costs are driving you nuts, here are some great ways to have a more sustainable back to school. 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: 
The classic three R’s are helpful for reducing waste in back to school preparations- 

Reuse: Does the backpack from last year still hold up? What about your gym shoes? Reusing materials from the year before helps to reduce unnecessary purchases and waste, and is easier on the wallet! 

Reduce: When new purchases are necessary, try to opt for items that will hold up over time and think critically about how much waste is produced from a purchase. For example, look for backpacks that have strong seam stitching to reduce mid-year tears and repurchases. 

Recycle: Give some items a second life! Try making textbook covers out of grocery store bags, or melt down old broken crayons and freeze them in an ice tray to make cool new marbled crayons! Remember that many brands like Crayola will take back old markers and highlighters to be recycled! 


Donate and Swap: 
Thrift stores are eco conscious and wallet friendly! You can find so much more than clothes- look for used books, backpacks, even art supplies (Indigo Hippo in Cincinnati is a thrifted art supply store!). Check your local area to see what reuse and thrift stores are available to you. At the end of the school year, donate what you don’t need anymore and keep the cycle going! Reusing textbooks can greatly reduce cost. College students should look into renting books from their bookstore. For younger students, check your school district to see if they have a swap program for parents.


Eco-Commute: 
It’s always a good idea to think critically about your commute and the fossil fuels being used. Walking or biking is a great, healthy way to start the day when accessible, and car-pooling or using the bus reduces carbon footprint and helps to build community. Students who walk or bike can form their own commuting groups- check out Bike Bus on TikTok for a great example! 


Less Lunch Waste: 
Many lunchbox snacks come in single-use plastics, but they don’t have to! A few easy swaps can save a lot of waste- try using clementines instead of mandarin oranges, whole apples instead of pre-cut apple slices, or real blueberries instead of mini blueberry muffins. Try swapping out ziplock bags for silicone reusable bags, and use a reusable lunchbox instead of brown paper bags. Got a forgetful child? A carabiner attaching the lunchbox to their backpack strap prevents any accidental abandonments on the school bus. 


Growing Food for Growing Minds: 
No worries if you don’t have a green thumb- many vegetables, like tomatoes, green onions, potatoes, peppers, lettuce (and much more!) can be easily grown in containers at home, no matter the space. Additionally, many of them can be started by saving the scraps from cooking, making them accessible and wallet friendly. This can be a fun activity to do with your children, or spruce up a college apartment’s kitchen. Don’t want to go out and buy a bunch of new planters? Remember that a planter is anything with a plant in it- drill drainage holes in the bottom of old buckets, Tupperware, or even old work boots! 

This school year, try making a few swaps in your routine and preparations! Even a small change can have a big impact. Want to get you or your student more involved in protecting our environment? Consider joining Sierra Club Ohio for volunteer opportunities and more. 
 

Thank You!

We greatly appreciate your dedication to environmental conservation in Ohio. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you and connecting with you soon!