Month: April 2026

Food

Spotlight on Local Matters

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ocal Matters is a private non-profit organization dedicated to creating healthier communities through food education, access, and advocacy. It addresses food insecurity by providing cooking & nutrition classes, operating the Veggie Van for fresh produce, and managing Columbus Food Rescue to reduce food waste. Since its founding in 2008, it has reached over 180,000 people with its services. Nonprofit funding is always difficult to predict, and the first quarter of 2026 has been especially difficult on that front. Local Matters is in a uniquely challenging position after the loss of several funding sources, and it’s dealing with a gap in funding that threatens its ability to keep the doors open. It needs help to bridge that gap to ensure that its work doesn’t come to an end.

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Documentary Films, Environment, Events, Recycling

Look for Simply Living Events Coming in May

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Want to take a behind-the-scenes look at how recyclable waste is processed? You may remember that, back in October 2025, 20 members of the Simply Living Community toured the facility. We are going back again! If you missed the tour in October, here is another chance to check it out. The Spring Tour will take place on Thursday, May 21st at 1:00 pm. Simply Living Simply Living will present Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? on Thursday, May 28th at 5:45 pm, at the Columbus Public Library’s Whetstone Branch, 3909 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214.

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Arts & Culture, Culture

Spotlight on the Greater Columbus Arts Council

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The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), a partner of Simply Living, is a 501(c)(3) organization officially incorporated in 1973 to support, promote, and advocate for the arts in Columbus and Franklin County. With offices at 182 East Long Street, Columbus, it serves as the arts agency for the city. It provides grants, manages community arts initiatives, and offers resources for artists and cultural organizations.

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Climate, Environment, Events

Celebrate the Earth on Earth Day and Every Day

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Earth Day is an annual global event on April 22nd dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. It mobilizes more than 1 billion people in over 190 countries to fight climate change, reduce waste, and support green energy through education, activism, and volunteering. The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness about environmental issues and to encourage action to protect the planet. Activities vary from large-scale marches to local community actions. The theme in 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet” focusing on accelerating the transition to clean energy, promoting clean air and water, and ensuring climate stability.

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Environment, News, Uncategorized

Dig in to Earth Month Activities

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If you are paying attention, you already know that April is Earth Month in central Ohio. Simply Living will be participating in the Green Columbus Earth Day Celebration at the Scioto Audubon Center, 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, on April 26th from 11 am to 7 pm. It is one of the region’s biggest Earth Day events, featuring live music, environmental vendors, food trucks, dog agility shows, and fitness & family activities along the beautiful Scioto riverfront. We hope you will be able to attend and come and visit the Simply Living table. It is also a great opportunity volunteer a few hours of your time and effort to assist in the community. Even though we are almost halfway through Earth Month, there are still over 65 volunteer opportunities available in central Ohio through the end of April. Many are workdays at neighborhood community gardens and urban farms. There are also litter cleanups and beautification projects.

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Education, Tree of the Month, Uncategorized

April Tree of the Month: Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo biloba

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Ginkgo biloba is the strangest tree I know. It’s a conifer, sort of, but with deciduous leaves. Its leaves are neither pinnately- nor palmately-veined. It’s the only living member of its genus and family, and the genus (Ginkgo) dates back 270 million years, the species (biloba) 51 my. Fossilized Ginkgo leaves are found on every continent, including Antarctica. And male trees produce motile sperm! Ginkgo is both the Latin name and the common name of the tree, and because Ginkgo biloba is the only living species of Ginkgo, I’ll simply use its common name, “Ginkgo”. The common name, “Ginkgo” is occasionally spelled with the g before the k, but since the Latin name is “Ginkgo”, I put the k first. [There’s a discussion of Latin names at the end of this article].

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Business, Economy & Finance, Climate, Energy, Environment, Transit

Transitioning to a Better State with Clean Fuels Ohio

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Clean Fuels Ohio (CFO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes the use of cleaner alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in Ohio and beyond. It connects fleets, policymakers, businesses & consumers with unbiased resources and practical solutions to reduce emissions, save money, strengthen energy security, and grow Ohio’s economy. The mission of CFO is to improve air quality & health, reduce environmental pollution, and strengthen Ohio’s economy by increasing the use of cleaner, domestic fuels and energy-saving vehicles. Its vision is clean transportation across Ohio.

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Arts & Culture, Events

Spotlight on Global Gallery

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Global Gallery is a fair-trade nonprofit coffee shop located at 3535 North High Street in Clintonville. It is dedicated to promoting fair trade, handcrafted products from around the world while developing cultural enrichment through educational workshops and social events. Beyond retail, it serves as a community gathering space, hosting free live music, art exhibitions, and educational events that create accessible entry points into global culture and fair-trade practices. On April 17th, Global Gallery is holding a Music Series Fundraiser & Silent Auction to raise money for this year’s musical line-up. As a community-focused nonprofit organization, Global Gallery is committed to supporting local artists and keeping live music accessible to everyone.

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