Ahhh…the first day of winter is almost upon us! Here in Central Ohio, it may feel as though winter has already settled in, with cold temperatures and early snow arriving weeks ago. Still, the official turning of the season holds deep astronomical, cultural, and spiritual meaning. This year (I write […]
Author: Angie Scheu
Locally Made Home Goods for a Sustainable Home
For the founder of PiaPunk Design, sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s her way of life. What began as a personal mission to reduce household waste quickly grew into a business built on playful designs and eco-conscious values. Meet Inge Schwab, the creator behind these fun, whimsical household goods. […]
It’s the Tree of the Month for December 2025!
Pin Oak Quercus palustris by Martin (Mort) Schmidt for Simply Living Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) is one of the two most common oaks from the red oak group in Central Ohio. Though less well regarded than the other common red oak, Northern Red Oak (Q. rubra), Pin Oak has its […]
An Important Message From the Executive Director
Dear Friends of Simply Living, I’m writing today to share some personal news: I will be stepping down as Executive Director onDecember 14th. This was not an easy decision. Simply Living has been a meaningful part of my life for manyyears — especially over the past 3 1/2 years as […]
This Is Simply Living’s Impact On My Life
By Kris Keller “The people and programs associated with Simply Living have been an important part of our lives for over 25 years. We have been inspired and educated to be better parents, more effective communicators, a stronger couple, financially stable, and effective agents of change in our community.” – […]
How To Guide the Future of Simply Living Sustainable U
Have you ever joined us for a Simply Living tour, workshop, film, or community event? If so, you’ve already experienced Simply Living Sustainable U (SLSU)! This member-led program is the heart of our community education work—bringing people together to learn, connect, and take action for sustainability, environmental justice, and a […]
Patty Shipley Explains How All Life Can Thrive
The Central Ohio Bioregional Working Group got its start in June 2025 with a simple but powerful intention: to reconnect people with place. Bioregionalism isn’t a new idea, but lately it’s resurfaced as a hopeful, practical way to think about “living locally.” At Simply Living, we’ve always believed that our […]
Explore How Healing the Environment Heals People
Written By Angie Scheu for Simply Living The Central Ohio Bioregional Working Group was established in June 2025 with the encouragement and guidance of the Great Lake Erie Southern Shore Bioregion (GLESS). The Central Ohio Bioregional Working Group is a growing collaboration between local individuals and organizations, such as the […]
How Columbus Micro Systems Keeps Toxic Tech Out of Landfills
Every November, America Recycles Day reminds us that our choices matter — not only in what we buy, but also in what we throw away. One of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world is electronic waste, or e-waste — everything from outdated computers and broken gaming consoles to the […]
A Recap of the Rumpke Recycling and Resource Center Tour
By Lenn Black for Simply Living On October 23rd , 20 members of the Simply Living community took a Tour of the Rumpke Recycling Center on Joyce Avenue in Columbus. It started with a very informative slide presentation about the Rumpke program, in which there was a review of the […]
Featured Business: Integrity Sustainable Planning and Design
Discover how Columbus native Susan Weber designs sustainable, nature-inspired landscapes that connect people, plants, and place in Central Ohio. Meet Susan Weber For landscape designer Susan Weber, creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes isn’t just a profession. It’s a calling nurtured by her childhood experiences, family, nature, and a deep appreciation for […]
Rebuilding Vibrant Community One Joyful Gathering At a Time
On Sunday, October 19th, 2025, Simply Living members, friends, and supporters gathered for our Fall Gathering and Fundraiser. This was a warm, welcoming celebration of the season filled with delicious food, meaningful conversations, and hands-on learning. The event ran from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and brought together many longtime […]
Here is What Happens When You Shop Locally
By Angie Scheu for Simply Living Discover how the “local multiplier effect” boosts jobs and keeps wealth in Central Ohio — and explore Simply Living’s Local Sustainable Business Directory. Why Shopping Local Matters More Than You Think What if a simple change in your shopping habits could help create 5,000 […]
Sustainable Heroes: Catching Up with Chuck Lynd
By Angie Scheu for Simply Living Catch up with Simply Living’s founding member Chuck Lynd — a lifelong advocate for local economies, sustainability, and the power of community to shape a just future. The Early Years Few people embody Simply Living’s mission as fully as Chuck Lynd — longtime board […]
How To Make Ends Meet Without Spending Money
Have you ever wished you had a neighbor to help with a project, watch the kids for an hour, or teach you a new skill? What if you could access those kinds of supports without spending a dime? That’s the idea behind Care and Share Time Bank (CSTB), a thriving […]
5 Ways Central Ohio Is Shaping a More Sustainable Future
At the September 14th Bioregional Working Group gathering, RAPID 5’s CEO, Luke Messinger, reminded us how powerful collaboration can be. By expanding access to green space, restoring ecosystems, protecting land, and re-imagining our relationship with nature, Central Ohio can ensure the wellbeing of its communities for generations to come. Together, […]
Sustainable Heroes: Catching Up with Marilyn Welker
By Angie Scheu for Simply Living If you care about Central Ohio sustainability or environmental activism, chances are your journey has been touched by Marilyn Welker. As one of Simply Living’s co-founders and a past Executive Director, Marilyn’s gentle wisdom and steadfast commitment to justice helped shape Simply Living’s history […]
Spotlight on Household Recycling in Central Ohio
♻️ We Have a New Resource for Central Ohio Recyclers!♻️ Recycling can be confusing — the details of what can be recycled and how we recycle keep changing in Central Ohio as advances in technology allow us to do more! That’s why Simply Living created a Household Recycling Resource Page […]
Welcome Rapid 5 to the Bioregional Movement in Central Ohio
How can we live in deeper harmony with the land, water, and ecosystems that sustain us here in Central Ohio? That’s the question at the heart of the Central Ohio Bioregional Working Group, and it’s what we’ll be exploring together at our next gathering. The Central Ohio Bioregional Working Group, […]
Sustainable Heroes: Catching Up With Ellen Baumgartner
At 91, Ellen Baumgartner speaks with a quiet grace and a deep well of wisdom that comes from a lifetime of caring for people, for community, and for the Earth. As one of Simply Living’s early founding members, Ellen helped shape the organization’s spirit of grassroots action and connection. Roots […]
Creating a compassionate and sustainable world through personal, community and cultural transformation.