Learn about a great resource in the Pikes Peak Region to help you recycle many items you can’t just toss into curbside recycling. This conversation also explores some opportunities for how we might improve Colorado Springs poor recycling performance – we divert only 15% of our waste from the landfill into recycling. Loveland diverts 60%, Boulder 51%.

Mike Mazzola shares why he founded Galvanize Recycling and how this young business can solve many of our recycling challenge – whether you’re a family, a business, a neighborhood group or a city. We also learn about a great opportunity for businesses to sponsor local recycling events. Frequent Peak Environment hosts Ally Richardson and Dave Gardner shepherd the discussion.

 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Galvanize Recycling http://galvanizerecycling.com/

Request A Pickup with Galvanize Recycling - Order Formhttps://www.galvanizerecycling.com/pickup/

Front Range Waste Diversion https://www.coloradofrwd.org/

Join the movement! CONO's 1000 Neighborhood Events Initiative https://coloradosprings.gov/1000Gatherings

El Paso County Hazardous Waste Facilityhttps://communityservices.elpasoco.com/household-hazardous-waste/

El Paso County Recycling Directory 2024https://epc-assets.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/Recycling-Directory-2024.pdf

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

The Transition Town grassroots movement is a way you can impact your own neighborhood. Learn more about this as Peak Environment co-host Ally Richardson explores Transition Towns with Becky Elder and Brian Fritz from Pikes Peak Permaculture.

If you would like to find out more about public forums, lectures, and community green movies, or if you would like to host such an event, please send Pikes Peak Permaculture an inquiry at https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/contact-us/

Pikes Peak Permaculture is a Southern Colorado 501c3 nonprofit that educates adults and the youth on the wide world of nature and permaculture.

Our upcoming class…. Weeds Have a Story for You!  Fountain Creek Nature Center on July 20th, 2024 from 9am - 4pm.  Learn more and register:  https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/weeds-have-a-story-for-you/

Mentioned in this episode:

The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience - by Rob Hopkins https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2932356-the-transition-handbook Free eBook: https://www.ic.org/community-bookstore/product/transition-handbook/

Transition US   https://www.transitionus.org/

Transition Network   https://transitionnetwork.org/

Nextdoor App- Social network of neighborhoods   https://nextdoor.com/

TED Talk: Transition to a World Without Oil - Rob Hopkins   https://www.ted.com/talks/rob_hopkins_transition_to_a_world_without_oil

Music on the podcast by Charlie Mgee from Formidable Vegetable, a permaculture-based musical band out of Australia. https://formidablevegetable.com.au/

This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a content partner with Studio 809 Podcasts. Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Katie Helm, Conservation and Sustainability Program Manager for the City of Fountain, provides an update on the city's sustainability efforts. This episode includes an extensive impromptu discussion of recycling challenges and solutions across El Paso County.

Katie Helm is the Conservation and Sustainability Program Manager for the City of Fountain, where she manages energy and water programs. In previous roles she has worked as a Water Conservation Specialist for the City of Aurora, a Park Ranger for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and as a sawyer through Americorps. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In 2017 she earned her Master of Science from Denver University for Environmental Management and Policy.

 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Presenter’s Slideshttps://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CAG-Water-Topics-3.24-small.pdf

Resource Centralhttps://resourcecentral.org/lawn

WaterWise Yards exampleshttps://waterwiseyards.org/inspiration-hub/

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress  (SIP) virtual event on March 20, 2024. Sustainability in Progress  is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:

Sustainability in Progress: Colorado Springs Utilities Water Conservation UpdateHear from Julia Gallucci, Water Conservation Supervisor at Colorado Springs UtilitiesApril 17, 2024 at Noon Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-qprzosHt3sT6MGLj5Um3boT49lewJq

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakalliance.org

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Learn about City of Colorado Springs sustainability efforts – from both a strategic and an operational perspective. Ryan Trujillo, Deputy Chief of Staff – Operations, updates us and answers questions. Topics include decentralization of the city’s sustainability efforts, status of the yet to be launched Sustainability Advisory Board, a waste characterization study to determine rates we’re diverting waste from landfills, micromobility, and the 2050 Regional Transit Plan (see link to sign up for updates).

 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

2050 Regional Transit Planhttps://coloradosprings.gov/2050-regional-transit-and-specialized-transit-plans

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress  (SIP) virtual event on February 21, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month.

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakalliance.org

Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 when you call, or on the contact form at https://kjsautohailrepair.com/

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

What’s the law on plastic bags and polystyrene cups and take-out containers? What other legislation is in effect or potentially coming soon to move the state toward zero waste? How can you receive funding to support your organizational efforts? How can we all take part in moving to reduce this kind of waste? Find out in this update from Rachel Setzke of Eco-Cycle.

In Colorado, restaurants have experienced as much as a 90% reduction in use (and costs) of single use items like straws, ketchup packets, etc. when they don’t automatically provide them, but first ask if a customer wants them. Get this and other useful bits of information in this episode!

Eco-Cycle is one of the oldest mission-based recyclers and Zero Waste organizations in the US, and an innovator in resource conservation. They operate the Boulder County Recycling Center, provide Zero Waste business services, and created the nation’s first Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM). They also run the Green Star Schools program, Community Carbon Farming program, a recycling helpline (303-444-6634), created the A–Z Recycling Guide, and advance Zero Waste policies at the local, state, and national levels.

 MORE INFORMATION:

Presenter’s Slideshttps://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Colorado-legislation-wins-for-recycling-composting-and-waste-reduction-for-Co-Springs-group.pdf

Front Range Waste Diversion Enterprise Fund programs informationhttps://www.coloradofrwd.org/

https://ecocycle.org/harmful-plastics

Producer Responsibility Acthttps://www.recyclingforallcoloradans.org/

https://www.plasticfreerestaurants.org/

https://www.chefannfoundation.org/

Bag Fee, Ban Materials & Resourceshttps://ecocycle.org/PPRA

Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 when you call, or on the contact form at https://kjsautohailrepair.com/

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress  (SIP) virtual event on January 17, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month.

Register for the February Sustainability in Progress: COS Sustainability and Strategic Doing February 21, 2024, 12 noon MST https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsc-GhpjorHNR7orAohu2U6jUEq2Nrz2fy

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakalliance.org

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Why might you want to attend a permaculture design certification course offered in our region? Ally Richardson, a permaculture educator and Peak Environment podcast co-producer, discusses this with other members of Pikes Peak Permaculture: Becky Elder, Brian Fritz, and Jayme Domejka.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pikes Peak Permaculture’s 2024 Permaculture Design Certification

Since the early 1980s, permaculture has been taught through hands-on courses – PDCs – with experienced mentors handing down their knowledge to passionate students.

We are beginning March 8th and will finish September 22nd. Work Trade available- ask for details!

Register Here:  https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/2024-permaculture-design-course/

Permaculture Potpourri

Come join us at High Prairie Library on February 3rd, 2024 for a FREE class on many topics we cover as permaculturists. From soil to social systems- we have solutions. 

Location: 7035 Old Meridian Road, Falcon, Colorado 80831

Register here: https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/permaculture-potpourri/

Weeds Have A Story For You!

Spend the day with us and learn on July 20th to learn about what the weeds in your landscape are telling you about your soil. We will discuss specific weedy species, how and if they can be used and what strategies you can use to get them to give way to other more desirable plants. 

Class Fee $35; Location TBD.

Register Here: https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/weeds-have-a-story-for-you/

Tree City USA Bulletin #59 Permaculture and the City. Arbor Day Foundation

https://www.arborday.org/trees/bulletins/coordinators/resources/pdfs/059.pdf

Music on the podcast by Charlie Mgee from Formidable Vegetable, a permaculture-based musical band out of Australia. https://formidablevegetable.com.au/

This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a content partner with Studio 809 Podcasts. Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Richard Skorman shares an environmental vision and a unique community building opportunity that can help with the restoration efforts of our local watershed - creating natural landscapes that everyone can enjoy: Poor Richard's Rubbish Roundup! Join the weekly trash roundup team and help keep our community clean. Or, better yet, reach out to Richard for support in starting your own volunteer group near your local waters.

The episode is hosted by Ally Richardson, a permaculture educator and Peak Environment co-producer.

Richard Skorman served thirteen years on Colorado Springs City Council, including two as vice mayor. He was on the initial board of the Fountain Creek Watershed District. In 1975, he launched what is now Poor Richard’s Downtown collection of shops – a book and gift shop, a toy store, a restaurant and a coffee cafe/wine bar. He founded the U.S. Environmental Film Festival in 1991, and was a founder of Citizens Project.

 Mentioned in this episode:

Poor Richard's Rubbish Roundup- Beginning Again on January 9th, 2024. The volunteer group meets every Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm to clean up Monument Valley Park - South.

For more information: https://www.poorrichardsrestaurant.com/event/richards-rubbish-roundup-every-tuesday/ 

Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control & Greenway Districthttps://www.fountain-crk.org/

Induced Meandering MethodThe technique of meandering the creek to recharge groundwater, which in turn recharges flowing waters on the landscape and wetlands. The edges that are created from the natural flowing pattern create habitat and forage- for birds and insects, as well as for other fauna which inhabit earth and need to survive.  

Biochar & Permaculture Design for Fire Mitigation and Soil Regenerationhttps://pina.in/engage/february-2023-ferp-webinars/

Music by Charlie Mgee from Formidable Vegetable, a permaculture-based musical band out of Australiahttps://formidablevegetable.com.au/

This episode of Peak Environment is courtesy of Pikes Peak Permaculture, celebrating 15 years of Permaculture education, inspiration, and support throughout Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region. We provide several Design Certification Courses, and have graduated upwards of 60 new Permaculture designers. Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Do you approach the holidays mindful of the environmental impact of shopping, gifts and food? This episode explores sustainable options for this holiday season. Konrad Schlarbaum, sustainability director for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, shares low-impact practices for gifts, food, decorations, and transportation.

Konrad Schlarbaum is the Director of Sustainability at the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs (UCCS). He also serves on the Board of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future, the Sustainability Committee at Thomas MacLaren School, and the Planning Committee for the Pikes Peak Children’s Water Festival. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in sustainability and is certified in LEED and Permaculture.

 LINKS:

Presenter’s Slideshttps://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sustainable-Holiday-Practices.pdf

Bear Creek by Candlelight – December 1 5 to 8 p.m.https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/bear-creek-candlelight-2/

Center for Biological Diversity’s Simplify the Holidays (gift guides and other green holiday info)https://simplifytheholidays.org/

SoKind alternative gift registryhttps://sokindregistry.org/

Makeover Your Holiday Plate with MyPlatehttps://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/11/21/make-small-changes-healthy-holiday-makeover-your-holiday-plate-myplate

 Holiday Travel Methods, Ranked from Most to Least Eco-Friendly - Brightly Bloghttps://brightly.eco/blog/holiday-travel-sustainability

A Thankful Feast, Not a Wasteful One - Natural Resources Defense Councilhttps://www.nrdc.org/bio/andrea-spacht-collins/thankful-feast-not-wasteful-one

E-Tech Recyclershttps://etechrecyclers.com/

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress  (SIP) virtual event on November 15, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month.

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakalliance.org

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Current and upcoming legislation that will impact greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, zero emission vehicles and consumer energy costs. Chris Piper, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Colorado Energy Office shares this and much more, in a very engaging presentation and discussion.

Colorado Energy Officehttps://energyoffice.colorado.gov/

This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress  (SIP) virtual event on October 18, 2023. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month.

Register for the November 15, 2023 Event (on Zoom):

Have Yourself a Low Impact HolidayNovember 15, Noon to 1 PM Register Here

The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakalliance.org

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

Continue your deep dive into permaculture principles in the second part of a series hosted by Pikes Peak Permaculture. Acknowledging and practicing permaculture principles can lead to wonderful experiences - which will guide you to understanding how natural systems work in our environment and our climate.

Pikes Peak Permaculture is a Southern Colorado 501c3 nonprofit that educates adults and the youth on the wide world of nature and permaculture.

Thank you to our supporters and community members who came out to Ranch Foods Direct and helped make our September 16th fundraising event possible!

Food to Power- https://foodtopowerco.org/compost

Food To Power makes it super convenient for residents and businesses to keep food, paper and yard “wastes” out of the trash and instead have it turned into compost. Event inquiries are available. 

Music by Charlie Mgee from Formidable Vegetable, a permaculture-based musical band out of Australiahttps://formidablevegetable.com.au/

This episode was produced by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a content partner with Studio 809 Podcasts. Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:

We can enjoy the great outdoors most when we love and protect our cherished spaces. In this episode we get to know longtime nonprofit Leave No Trace organization, its principles and its programs. Frequent host Dave Gardner is joined by guest co-host Bob Falcone, co-host of the Outdoors with Hiking Bob podcast, and guest Andrew Leary, Director of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships at Leave No Trace. Andrew and Bob also explain some of the basics of how we can love and protect the outdoors. It’s easier than you think.

Mentioned in This Episode:

 Leave No Tracehttps://lnt.org/

 Take the free Leave No Trace 101 Coursehttps://learn.lnt.org/

Care for Colorado https://oedit.colorado.gov/care-for-colorado-program

 Hiking Bob – Podcast, Book, Photography & Newshttps://hikingbob.com/

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: