Break Free From Plastic Pollution Teach-In & Actions
June 30 @ 7 pm
We know plastic pollution is a nightmare and hard to wrap our heads around… but did you know that the Sierra Club and others have introduced powerful Federal Legislation that can really make a difference? The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA) builds on statewide laws across the country and outlines plastic reduction strategies to improve the health of our people and our planet. The bill will do this by:
1. Reducing plastic production before it ever has a chance to pollute
2. Increasing recycling rates.
3. Protecting frontline and fenceline communities.
This comprehensive federal legislation would begin to phase out throwaway plastics made from fossil fuel, hold the plastic industry responsible for its waste, and pause construction on any new plastic-making plants.
Register for free or donate to support the work of Simply Living. Zoom link will be sent to your email.
SIMPLY LIVING’S 2021
SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND GARDEN TOUR
SATURDAY, JULY 24 FROM 10 AM – 3 PM
True to form, Simply Living’s Tour is a learning opportunity! Homeowners will be available to answer your questions at each location. The Tour will include 8 stops showcasing a wide variety of gardens featuring native plants, wildlife habitats, rain gardens, rain barrels, herbs, permaculture designs, and more. In addition, learn first hand from those who have installed solar panels, including one with a battery backup system if the power is interrupted. Electric vehicles will also be on display.
Tickets are $10 per person or for $25 get the tour plus a full year membership in Simply Living.
Details and registration here.
Upcoming Simply Events in June and Beyond
Ohio Broadleaf Tree Identification-Parts 1 @ 2
Wednesdays June 16 and 23 7 – 8 pm
Virtual Slide Presentations with Q&A
If you wish you knew more about the unique characteristics of our Ohio trees, you will love this learning opportunity. This 2-part, slide presentation by Mort (Marty) Schmidt will teach you how to identify Ohio broadleaf, i.e non-conifer, trees, with an emphasis on recognition by leaves, but also including pictures of the bark, fruits, flowers, berries, etc.
Part 1. Mort will explain the general principles needed for identifying trees, including references to several electronic and printed sources that you can use on your own, offline or in the woods. Register.
Part 2. Mort will offer a brief rundown of 50 common Ohio trees, using one or several key features for each tree. Register.
Both presentations will include time for questions. Mort has a deep knowledge of trees, and often includes facts and anecdotes about how the trees have been used for food, drinks, and medicine.
Bonus: Mort offers free guided walks in various central Ohio parks and wooded areas!
Mort is a retired geologist and amateur naturalist and woodworker. He acquired his B.S. and M.S. in geology from the Ohio State University, and practiced oil exploration in the 1980s, and environmental geology until 2019.
Columbus is the occupied land of the Kaskaskia,Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), Myaamia, and Hopewell ~ Elissa Yoder Mann’s Esig
Simply Living Book Club:
Global Warming: Can It Be Stopped?
We’re excited about this new book by Ohio author Paul Robinson. Paul brings a unique perspective as a psychologist and a former science educator to explore the deeper reasons why we are not acting on the climate crisis, and he offers insight into the opportunities for acting now to preserve the quality of life for generations to come. Learn more about the book here.
Simply Living will be arranging an author talk with Q&A at a bookstore or other local venue.
We will announce the date and time of the Book Talk here and on our website and social media.
If you would like to be notified and reserve a seat as soon as the event is confirmed,
email chuck.lynd@simplyliving.org.
WHERE IS CATHY COWAN BECKER?
Simply Living’s dynamic new director is in northern Minnesota…
Cathy and Paul are demonstrating this weekend on the front lines of the infamous Line 3 pipeline!
RISE UP. TreatyPeopleGathering.com. We rise together for treaties. We rise together for climate. We rise together for our water. We rise together for one another. As Enbridge builds Line 3 through Anishinaabe treaty land and the Mississippi Headwaters, we continue to stand strong in our resistance.
Follow Cathy on Facebook. Her birthday fundraiser met the goal to raise the upfront costs of Simply Living’s new membership database – Yay! You can still donate and help pay for the monthly fees. Thanks to everyone who is helping Simply Living Renew, Rebuild, and Relaunch in 2021!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIMPLY LIVING’S BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
This virtual program addresses ecosystem restoration through bioregional collaborations with a specific focus on higher education institutions. Our featured speaker is Dr. Daniel Wahl, former director of Findhorn College and author of the acclaimed book Designing Regenerative Cultures, which has been called by David Orr as “the doorway to a possible, indeed, a necessary future.” In it, Dr. Wahl promotes the concept of bioregionalism as a way to honor and restore earth systems overridden by years of extractive practices. In so doing, he offers a pathway to reimagine our economic, agricultural, and social constructs. As we begin to explore “the next world” after Covid, Wahl shows us ways to move forward toward what he calls “transformative innovation, biologically-inspired design, health and resilience, and living systems thinking.” More info and full agenda here.
Live classes for the June course will take place on Fridays, alternating between noon-2pm and 4-6pm Eastern each week.
Do you want to live in an intentional community? Life in an ecovillage, cohousing, shared house or other coliving situation can be extremely rewarding. And it can also be challenging at times, especially if you don’t know how to navigate the social, emotional, and relational aspects of life in cooperative culture. Long-time communitarian Lee Warren will guide you through the skills you’ll need so that you can thrive in community. Fee is $299. More here.
Wed Jun 9th 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online via Zoom or in person at Cancer Support Center, 1200 Old Henderson Rd 43220
Lily Kunning, Community Herbalist, and Haven Herbs present a FREE class on wellness topics each month (second Wednesdays). Free.
Did you know that indoor air pollution (the quality of air in our homes) is 6-8 times greater than outdoor air pollution? Why? The chemicals in our cleaning products, building materials, furniture, cookware, and body care products. More info here.
Wed Jun 9th 4:00pm – 5:00pm
We know you support the environment, but is your money doing the same?
Our June webcast will teach you how to get started with fossil fuel-free investing.
More here
Overall Economic Impact Study of ECDI’s Lending to Ohio Entrepreneurs by Bill Lafayette, Ph.D.
Find many more events posted on our Community Calendar.
Browse now. Select the Monthly View to find events quickly.
HINT: Search using keywords like FOOD, ENERGY, SUSTAINABLE, YOGA, MEDITATION, MUSIC, SUMMIT, ETC.
NEWS + RESOURCES
FOR LIVING LOCAL
Columbus Shares Tools – Modcon Living
That’s why Modcon Living’s Tool Library program offers over 4,000 individual hand and power tools to its members, for borrowing a day or a week! Get all the details in Kyle Garvey’s latest blog for Simply Living.
MAY 5 FESTIVAL! To those who weren’t able to get a ticket before the event, you may still log on to view the footage using the link and password below. There is a donation link on the site.
Website – https://www.coffestival.com
Password – COFFestival2021
The archived footage will be available until Monday
June 28th, 2021. More in Newsletter here.
It’s June already… Here’s your Happiness Calendar!
100% free, full of hope, and streaming today. Filled with the latest need-to-know science and fascinating insights from global leaders in climate policy, research, investment, and beyond, this video series is the world’s first major educational effort focused solely on solutions. This course, presented in a six-part video series along with in-depth conversations, combines our trusted resources with the expertise of inspiring thought leaders from around the world. Enjoy a brain-shift toward a brighter climate reality—and spread the word.
Watch now
The Ever-Clearer Link Between Deforestation and Public Health
by Sarah Sax in Yes! Magazine
In November 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was heading toward a deadly third wave in the U.S., the environmental organization Mighty Earth launched a new campaign against major soy- and cattle-traders in the Amazon, calling for them to halt deforestation and protect tropical forests. But this campaign didn’t use the usual picture the world has come to associate with deforestation: a pristine tropical forest canopy on one side and patch of denuded land or smoldering trees on the other. Instead, the campaign contrasted the image of a burning forest with another the world has since become intimately familiar with: a man wearing a protective gown and blue surgical mask. Their message? Protect forests to prevent pandemics.
When an employer says, ‘I can’t find the workers that I need’—always add the phrase ‘at the wage I want to pay.’”
Wander and Wonder: The red dogs are here!
Metro Parks – Central Ohio Park System
at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to see baby bison frolicking in the pasture with their mamas.
Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habit.
~ Laozi
Bug Off (Naturally)! 7 Nontoxic Pest Control Remedies
Safer for you, your family and pets, and the planet. more…
How To Grow Bountiful Tomatoes
But they can be somewhat temperamental to grow. Learn their likes and dislikes
so you can grow a bumper crop of tomatoes in your home garden. more…
Can We Break Free from Plastic Pollution?
As the public banking movement continues to surge forward, everyone can now learn about banking in the public interest
and declare your support for the creation of public banks. Check it out now
Listen on your radio or online anytime!
CALENDARS!
LIVE LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY #SIMPLYLIVING
In This Issue…
- The Best Accessible Playgrounds in Columbus for all abilities
- Get started with Disc Golf in Columbus at these great courses
- Cool off at Free Splash Pads in Columbus in 2021
- July 4th Fireworks, Parades, and Celebrations Around Columbus
- Kids get FREE LEGO® Life Magazine Subscription
- Catch a movie at the South Drive In Theatre – now open 7 days a week!
- Over 85 Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus
- Free Tool Rental at Modcon Living’s Tool Library
- Sign up for Kids Bowl Free this Summer
- Free Fitness in Columbus
- Free outdoor concert roundup around Columbus in 2021
- Theatre in the Park with Actors’ Theatre of Columbus returns to Schiller Park this summer!
COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND
Mega Weekend
Live Music is Back! Plus Gallery Hop & More!
Happy Pride! COSI has reopened. Tickets to Yes, There Will Be Vegan Options are on sale through Friday June 4. It’s Pool Time! Have a great weekend.
Nightlife and Live Music
Music in the Parks is happening. Check out La Fête (ft Josh Hill, Reggie Jackson, and Edem Sadji) at The Summit Music Hall. Simon Fraser is back for another night of comedy.
Craig Robinson is at the Funny Bone. Tune in virtually for Robert Mason at Backstage at the Lincoln. Catch Luke Andy at Dahlia. Spencer Brown performs at The Forum.
Check out a Variety Show by Wonder Doug and donate some items in need.
Rockmill starts their Summer Series with Honey & Blue on Sunday.
Fun Stuff To Do & Watch
From Book to Film starts at the Gateway Film Center with Willy Wonka.
Breakfast at Tiffanys plays at Green Lawn Abbey.
Gahanna is showing Willy Wonka outdoors. Attend Sunflower Saturday.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is LIVE at Studio 35.
Explore beautiful gardens and more at the Bexley House & Garden Tour.
The Wex partners with South Drive-in to show E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
ENJOY EXPLORING ART
Actors’ Theatre continues in Schiller Park with Much Ado About Nothing.
BAM Thursdays are tonight at Columbus Museum of Art.
The Legends of Liverpool continues at Shadowbox (with increased capacity!)
BalletMet starts performances of Unlocked.
Columbus Symphony plays Mozart’s “Jupiter“.
Basement Babe is on view at 934 Gallery. Gallery Hop is in-person!
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO
THIS WEEDKEND?
More dinosaurs are in town. Buy some art at Tempting Fête.
Saturday is opening day at North Market Farmers Market.
Do some shopping at Craftin’ Outlaws popup.
Shop some neighborhood yard sales. Check out the Clintonville Jamboree.
Get your copy of Heart Boss signed by author Regan Walsh.
Saturday, head to Linden Park to remember Henry Green IV.
Relax with some yoga with MODO Yoga at Land Grant.
Build a plant with Yelo Aple at BrewDog Short North.
Would you try a ‘cicada’ cookie?
edited by Connie Hammond (pictured above).
Email cmhammond11@att.net to subscribe to her Community Calendar or share meeting info.
Friday, June 4, 2021, 5:00 – 5:30 PM. GrassRoot Ohio With Carolyn Harding. Our mission is to profile every-day people working on important issues and to connect them with other folks who want to help. Conversations with every-day people, working on important issues here in Columbus and all around Ohio Justice: environmental, social, racial, economic, w/ folks on the front lines. LISTEN TO 94.1 FM and stream US online at WGRN.com. You can find all GrassRoot Ohio podcasts/shows on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-42674753. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grassroot-ohio/id1522559085 and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAX2t1Z7_qae803BzDF4PtQ.
Friday, June 4, 2021, 3:00 PM. Week 7, For the People Friday. Hosted by SURJ of Lancaster and Fairfield. Every Friday at 3:00 pm we will rally in support of the For The People Act. Join us as we once again ask Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown to pass this bill. Across this country a minority of Americans have been able to rule through gerrymandering, voter suppression, and dark money. Their time is up. We the people demand equality in representation. We demand For The People Act.” Location: 37 West Broad St., Columbus.
Saturday, June 5, 2021, 11:00 AM. A discussion with Professor Jeff Halper. To address Al Naksa Day of 1967, CVPR (Canadian Voices for Palestinian Rights) is interviewing Professor Jeff Halper to discuss his new book, Decolonizing Israel, Liberating Palestine: Zionism, Settler Colonialism and the case for One Democratic State. Register here.
Saturday, June 5, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Occupy for Our Revolution. Join Our Revolution each Saturday at the intersection of North Broadway and High street to demonstrate for peace and justice. Bring a mask and a sign or two in solidarity. Register here.
Saturday, June 5, 2021, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Columbus Mennonite Church Plant Sale. Lots of great perennials and annuals at good prices. Proceeds support the Peacemaker’s comforter project for refugees. Location: 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus 43214.
Sunday, June 6, 2021, 8:00 PM. Summer Youth Voter Registration Project Kick Off and Training. Join Common Cause Ohio and Indivisible OH12 for a Kick Off and Training of our Joint Summer Youth Voter Registration Project! Learn how to sign up for a turf, freshen up your voter registration skills, and get the 411 on logistics about materials and timing. We are knocking on doors to register high school grads who will be 18 by 11/2/2021 from Columbus and Hilliard schools, and we need your help! Register here.
Sunday, June 6, 2021, 3:00 – 5:00 PM. Central Ohio CASA Asylum Clinic. Do you have questions about your Asylum case or know of someone who does? Come get see Central Ohio CASA for FREE information from local immigration attorneys! This clinic is for people who have been in the U.S. for less than 2 years, can’t afford a lawyer, need help understanding and applying for asylum, need help finding community resources, or have questions about immigration court, checking in with ICE, or getting a work permit. Please bring all immigration documents and IDs. Spanish interpreters will be on site. Please email 614asylum@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and language in order to register. Location: Martin De Porres Center, 2330 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.
Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 6:30 PM. ACLU Central Ohio Community Conversation. Central Ohio Community Conversation. We’ll talk bail, the death penalty, policing, redistricting, and more. And we’ll identify opportunities to engage at different levels on emerging issue campaigns. Register here.
Monday, June 8, 2021, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Policing + The People. Understanding The Local Budget, Organizing for Local Needs. You’ve heard the discussions about public safety funding in local budgets, but do you feel equipped to engage with your local government to advocate for change? Action Tank and Policy Matters Ohio have teamed up to demystify the local government budget process, especially as it relates to public safety budgets. This free, public workshop empowers participants skills to engage with elected leaders. We will offer the workshop three times via Zoom. This session will include segments on local government budget training, community investment priorities, and workshops from artists on creative ways to engage in the process. Registration and more information here.
Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 6:00 PM. 22nd Annual National Immigrant Justice Center Virtual Human Rights Awards. The National Immigrant Justice Center’s (NIJC) Human Rights Awards brings together a global audience to honor human rights champions and celebrate the contributions of business, civic, and community leaders. As NIJC’s signature event, the Human Rights Awards provides critical funding that allows thousands of people to access life-changing immigration legal services and programs that protect immigrant rights. More information and registration here.
June 9, 12, 13, 16, or 2021, 2:00 – 3:00 PM. Sign Up with Eyewitness Palestine on any of these for a tour of Silwan. Participants in this Virtual Delegation will see the ways in which Palestinians in Silwan, East Jerusalem, specifically in the neighborhoods of Wadi Hilweh and Batn al Hawa, are resisting Israeli occupation and displacement. In Silwan, Israel and its tourist and archeology industries claim that bible stories and historic Jewish geographies are linked to the modern Israeli state. This controversial reading of archeology and history supports the illusion that Jerusalem has an exclusively Jewish history and that therefore only Jews are entitled to the city. Points of interest include: the City of David Tourist Complex: One of Israel’s busiest tourist attractions with over one million visitors a year; excavation sites; the Silwan Pools; community organizations Wadi Hilweh Information Center and Madaa Creative Center; multiple sites of an international public art project that looks the occupation in the eye, and many first-person narratives of life on the ground in Silwan, including Khalid Zir whose home has been demolished multiple times and has resorted to living for months in a cave with his family. Cost: $25. Registration and more information here.
Thursday, June 10, 17, and 24, 2021, 1:00 PM. Reparations: Remembering, Repairing, and Re-imagining Webinar Series. United Methodist Church and Society. Session 1. Remembering: To better understand reparations, this webinar will focus on the intergenerational racism and discrimination of descendants of slavery, and how it contributed and continues to contribute to the widening racial wealth gap we see today. Session 2. Repairing: Panel discussion on examples of reparations in the United States (Japanese Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Evanston, Illinois). What can we learn from these examples of reparations? Session 3. Re-imagining: As people of faith, what is the case for reparations from a theological/biblical perspective? And how can we prophetically live into that calling now and guarantee it for the future? You can choose to attend one or more of the following webinars. Register here.
The trouble is you think you have time. ~ Gautama Buddha
MORE LOCAL CALENDARS
Columbus Free Press Activists Calendar Editor Bob Roehm
WCBE Arts & Life Calendar
BE THE CHANGE: READ OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Be the Change: Join Simply Living Individual membership rates have been reduced to $25 annually. Seniors, $20. Students only $10. Business memberships starting at $100 now include membership in the Ohio Sustainable Business Council.
Sign up online here or email HELLO@simplyliving.org