Category Archives: Living Green

Climate, Food and Conflict

Climate, Food & Conflict: How is Climate Change Creating Disruptions Across the Globe?

Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Salt Lake City Main Library Auditorium – 210 East 400 South
Free, Public Event!

Join us on Thursday, March 3 for an exciting film screening and panel discussion with Dr. Tariq Banuri and Dr. Christine Clay to hear their insights on agriculture, climate change and disruption in the Middle East.

We’ll start the evening with a 60-minute screening of Episode 7 of the Emmy-award winning series Years of Living Dangerously. Episode 7, titled Revolt, Rebuild, Renew, features Jessica Alba, Thomas Friedman, and Chris Hayes and focuses on three stories that provide insight into the economic costs and opportunities of global warming.

The film screening will be followed by a 30-minute panel with our local experts.

Speaker Bios
Professor Tariq Banuri, Department of Economics, University of Utah, is an expert on sustainable development policy and institutional design. Before joining the University of Utah, he had served as the Director, UN Division for Sustainable Development, and earlier as the Director of Future Studies, Stockholm Environment Institute, and Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Islamabad. He has been instrumental in the design of a number of institutions and networks on sustainable development, and has provided policy advice to the Government of Pakistan as well as several international institutions.

He has served on national as well as international forums for policy and research, including as Coordinating Lead Author on the Nobel Prize winning Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change (AGECC), member of the United Nations’ Committee on Development Policy (CDP), member of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council, member of the board of governors of Pakistan’s central bank, member/secretary of the Presidential Committee on Higher Education, and Chair of IUCN’s Commission on Environmental, Economic, and Social Policy (CEESP).

Christy Clay has been a member of the faculty at Westminster College since 2007. She teaches a variety of courses in the Environmental Studies and Biology departments, and serves as chair of the Environmental Studies Program. She also has an active undergraduate research program investigating the environmental and ecological constraints of urban agriculture and food production. In her free time, Christy can be found working in her own garden, trail running or mountain biking, and obsessing about the current state of our food and agriculture system. Christy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Colorado College and a PhD in Biology from University of Utah.

Wild West Citizens’ Climate Lobby Regional Conference March 18-20

By SLCgreen Intern Alicia Chen

On March 18th through the 20th, Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) will be putting on their Wild West regional conference in downtown Salt Lake City. This annual event brings together members and welcomes newcomers from the Wild West region (Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) to meet and to participate in various in-depth workshops. These sessions will feature panel discussions and training on topics ranging from climate science to advanced communications training that will increase understanding, develop skills, and promote collaborations around common concerns we face in this area. The keynote speaker will be Physicist, Dr. Rob Davies from Utah Climate Center who will discuss how to communicate about climate change in a way that resonates and motivates people to take action. For those new to CCL and interested in getting involved, the conference starts off with a Climate Advocate Training and Group Start Workshop on Saturday to learn about the group’s efforts, goals, and methods.

Panels and events include:
• CCL leaders from each state addressing area-specific issues and strategies used to influence Members of Congress.
• Breakout Sessions on climate and health, a writers workshop, exerting political influence, broadening reach to include under-represented groups, how to use social media effectively.
• A social gathering to meet other members on Friday with live music, drink, and appetizers and a performance on Saturday by The Crossroads Project.

CCL is an advocacy organization dedicated to addressing climate change through national policies. They train and support volunteers to engage elected officials, the media, and the public. Interested in learning how to influence policies or getting involved? Visit the event page for additional details and to register.

Early registration is $65 and is now open until February 19th, registration after the 19th is $75. Registration fee covers all sessions, the Crossroads Project performance, as well as lunch and dinner on Saturday. There is no charge for the newcomer Advocate Training and Group Start Workshop on Saturday. The conference will take place at The Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary (589 E. 1300 S. SLC, UT 84105) and at the Wasatch Retreat and Conference Center at the Episcopal Church.

Intermountain Sustainability Summit March 24 &25

The Intermountain Sustainability Summit returns to Weber State University March 24th and 25th, 2016. The summit offers over a dozen sessions and in depth workshops addressing climate, water, recycling, clean energy and more. Join sustainability professionals, civic leaders, businesses, nonprofits, educators, students and community members to learn, network, and develop strategies for implementing sustainability across Utah and the Intermountain West.

The summit kicks off with a conference day, Thursday, March 24th. The keynote speaker will be Joel Makower, Chairman and Executive Editor of GreenBiz Group Inc. Makower has been a leading voice on business, the environment and the bottom line for the past 25 years. In 2014 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Institute of Sustainability Professionals. He will be joined by over 40 speakers throughout the conference to inspire, inform, and show how businesses, policy makers, nonprofits, and community members are making a difference. SLCgreen’s Tyler Poulson will be presenting on strategies for engaging employees on climate change to encourage grassroots, participatory leadership within an organization. For additional speaker information, visit the webpage.

Workshops will be held on Friday, March 25th. Workshops include:

Community Zero Waste Road Map
LEED Green Associate Workshop
Smart Cycling

Looking to be involved and grow your business, nonprofit or idea? See the Sponsor, Exhibitor, or Poster page to be a part of the Summit. Register by March 15th for early bird pricing. Visit the Intermountain Sustainability Summit webpage for more information! We hope to see you there!

Salt Lake City Green Drinks + e2 Business Event

It’s the 4th annual Salt Lake City Green Drinks + e2 Business event! The event will take place Wednesday, February 24th from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Cytybyrd Cafe and Restaurant in the City & County Building, 451 S State Street, Salt Lake City.

6:00 pm: Mingle and Network
Meet and greet with e2 businesses, have a drink and enjoy some light fare from Cytybyrd.

7:00 pm: Get Your Green Learn On! Learn about the e2 Business program from Peter Nelson and hear from Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski.

All are encouraged to bike, ride UTA or walk to the event. The City & County Building is easily accessible from either the Library or Courthouse TRAX stations.

*$5-$10 requested donation

Salt Lake City’s e2 Business program is dedicated to helping Salt Lake’s business community run in a more environmentally and economically sustainable manner. The e2 Business program is entirely funded and managed by the City. Participation is free to any business located within Salt Lake City limits.

Salt Lake City Green Drinks chapter typically meets once a month and is an informal networking opportunity for people interested in sustainability to get together & talk “green.” If you’d like to receive invitations to events as a member of SLC Green Drinks, please email slcgreendrinks2@gmail.com to be added to the email list.

Annual Urban and Small Farms Conference Feb. 17-18

Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Urban and Small Farms Conference. The conference will take place February 17th and 18th at the Viridian Center (8030 S 1825 W, West Jordan).

Below is a general conference overview.
• Day 1, February 17th – Utah Berry Growers, Backyard Chickens and Aquaponics, Vegetable production, a beginning farmers workshop, and a workshop targeted toward refugee farmers.
• Day 2, February 18th – GAP workshop, tree fruit basics, USDA programs, Irrigation track, alternative production, Food Safety Modernization Act updates, and Food Hub discussion.

Early registration is $30 per day or $50 for both days. Lunch and breaks will be provided both days.

For more information and to register, visit www.diverseag.org. Please help to spread the word, and share with anyone that may be interested.

The PSB goes platinum!

Salt Lake City Public Safety Building Achieves LEED Platinum Rating

SALT LAKE CITY –Mayor Ralph Becker gathered with Sustainability Director Vicki Bennett, Garth Shaw of GSBS Architects, David Hart of MOCA Systems and representatives from Salt Lake Police and Fire to celebrate the recent LEED Platinum designation for the Public Safety Building.

Platinum is the highest LEED certification available, making the Public Safety Building only the ninth building in the state to achieve this coveted rating.

“The LEED Platinum designation is the culmination of our efforts to design and build a state-of-the-art Public Safety Building that has become a model for other cities across the country,” says Mayor Ralph Becker. “The project showcases Salt Lake City’s leadership to reduce our carbon emissions while enhancing city services.”

In addition to achieving a LEED Platinum rating, the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building was designed to be net zero, meaning it generates as much energy as it consumes. To achieve net zero, the project employed energy efficient building practices, employee engagement on energy use, and renewable energy generation through rooftop solar and an offsite solar farm.

To learn more about the Public Safety Building, click here!

Green Holiday Ideas

Here are some tips for a more sustainable holiday season.

Gifts Use recycled wrapping paper! Get creative and make your own with old maps, newspaper, photographs, or paper bags. Here are some more fun ideas!

Give experiences instead of material items. Think a visit to a museum, garden, or aviary, or a ski pass, a yoga or cooking class, a gift certificate to a spa or a ticket to a ballet or sporting event. Or consider donating to an organization on behalf of someone. Make gifts or buy gifts made of recycled materials. If you are going to buy gifts, support local businesses including our e2 businesses which are both local and green!

Food Make sustainable food choices like buying from local growers. Stock up on holiday staples at this weekend’s Winter Market Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Rio Grande Train Depot.

Incorporate vegan dishes into your holiday traditions. Be creative with leftovers and reduce food waste. Also, use reusable tableware and be sure to recycle glass and cans.

Decorations Here are some fun decorating ideas: String popcorn and cranberries together to make festive decor. Make paper chains with recycled newspapers or magazines and homemade ornaments out of recycled holiday cards. Cut bows from shrubs and trees in your yard and make a homemade wreath. After the holidays, if you have a tree, please put it in the brown compost can.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

SLCgreen Releases 2015 State of Sustainability Report

For the first time ever, Salt Lake City Green has released a State of Sustainability Report. 2015: State of Sustainability in Salt Lake City is an overview of Salt Lake City’s hardworking Sustainability Division, which began in 2008.

The Sustainability Division (otherwise known as Salt Lake City Green, or SLCgreen) aims to preserve and improve our built and natural environments and provide people with information on sustainability issues affecting Salt Lake City. The Division of Sustainability develops goals and strategies to protect our natural resources, reduce pollution, slow climate change, and establish a path toward greater resiliency and vitality for all aspects of our community.

2015: State of Sustainability in Salt Lake City covers the core areas of the division, from air quality, climate change, energy and food to curbside recycling, garbage, compost and glass.

We’re excited to give you a look at what we’ve accomplished to date, and what we’re proud to be working on!

Explore the State of Sustainability. Download the report (PDF).

Feedback? Email us at SLCgreen@slcgov.com.

We’re excited for another fantastic year — see you in 2016!

Green Thanksgiving Ideas

1. Planning your holiday menu? What better place to do your Thanksgiving shopping than at the pre-Thanksgiving edition Winter Market at the Rio Grande, Saturday, November 21st? Feature local food on your table this season. Utah growers will be selling holiday staples: onions, potatoes, carrots, winter squash, pumpkin, apples and more!

2. Try Vegducken, a delicious and beautifully layered vegetarian entrée.

Here are some great additional vegetarian recipes!

3. Resist the urge to use disposable table settings. Have a dish-washing party with your guests. Many hands make work light!

4. Be creative with leftovers! Share them amongst guests. Re-purpose them into sandwiches and soups! Use re-usable containers for storage.

5. Compost and recycle. Remember plant based food scraps can go in the brown compost can!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Salt Lake City Awarded Grant to Expand Access to Healthy Foods in Glendale & Poplar Grove Neighborhoods

Photo: Real Food Rising

SALT LAKE CITY – Salt Lake City, in partnership with Green Urban Lunch Box, Utahns Against Hunger and Salt Lake Community Action Program’s Real Food Rising, has been awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers Market Promotion Program grant that will establish a mobile market and farm stands in the Glendale and Poplar Grove neighborhoods of Salt Lake City.

“Salt Lake City is striving to create an equitable local food system that provides healthy and affordable food for all residents,” said Mayor Ralph Becker. “For many residents in our Glendale and Poplar Grove neighborhoods, it can be a challenge to access healthy whole foods. This project will bring fresh, local fruits and vegetables to residents who live in the largest food desert in Salt Lake City.”

The $54,421 in grant funds will be used to coordinate and operate five mobile markets and three farm stands from June to October 2016, which will be hosted by Glendale-Mountain View Community Learning Center, Hartland Partnership Center, Neighborhood House, Sherwood Park and Sorenson Unity Center. All locations will accept SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucks.

The 2013 Salt Lake City Community Food Assessment found that the Glendale/Poplar Grove area has low supermarket access and some of the lowest vehicle ownership rates in the city. Of key significance are the lack of a full-service grocery store and an abundance of fast food outlets and convenience stores within the target community, which has, lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture to classify these neighborhoods as food deserts.

Future updates on the program, slated to launch next summer, will be posted at SLCgreen.com.