Last Thursday, the Green Umbrella website was officially launched at a press conference held here at the Cincinnati Zoo. Green Umbrella is the region’s sustainability alliance, bringing together over 100 different organizations dedicated to reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, saving resources and going green. 8 different action teams are coming together to focus on specific topics and challenges in our region, such as land, outdoor recreation and education, local food, energy conservation, renewable energy, transportation, waste reduction and watershed management/water quality. The “What’s Your Green Umbrella?” campaign is inviting individuals to register on the website and start tracking the green actions you take. As you track these actions, the amount of money you save as well as how many tons of CO2 kept out of the atmosphere is tracked as well.

All you need to do is go to the “What’s Your Green Umbrella?” website and register! Once registered, you can join the Cincinnati Zoo’s Group and our actions will be tracked so we can collectively see the big impact we are having – all are welcome including you (our guests), Zoo staff and Zoo volunteers. Help us continue to shine as the greenest zoo in America, and sign up and start tracking your actions. By registering, you will be entered to win numerous prizes, including $25 gift certificates to Home Depot, a one year membership to the Cincinnati Nature Center, and even a lifetime membership to the Cincinnati Zoo.

A few reasons to participate -

IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT
The quality of the region’s environment needs attention. By joining together we will have a huge impact on the future of the community and the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors.

SAVE MONEY
Using less energy means spending less money. It is that simple. This site will provide tips and recommendations to save you the most money!

ENJOY FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Join your affiliated groups (like the Zoo!) on this site and add your efforts to their total. Show the region that the Zoo’s community makes the most impact!

The site will continue to evolve and include different actions that you can take, as well as provide tips and resources to help go green, save money and save resources. Sign up today and start tracking your progress!

The Zoo is offering 2 free green classes this month. Details are below.

September 19, 2011, 6-7 pm

“Saving Money & Increasing Comfort with Energy Efficiency”  

This program will cover the basics of energy in your home and discuss low-cost/no-cost ways to reduce energy consumption while increasing home comfort and saving money.  Information about home energy audits will also be covered. (presented by GCEA)

September 26, 2011, CLASS CANCELED.

Unfortunately, the rain garden class has been canceled. Stay tuned for future classes. If you would like information regarding rain gardens, please email gogreen@cincinnatizoo.org

“An Introduction to Rain Gardens”

An introduction to rain garden design and construction, including site analysis/inventory, determining soil infiltration rates, determining rain garden size (surface size/depth) and location, plant selection, soil preparation, and maintenance. The class will be geared toward small-scale residential rain applications, but will also touch on larger applications. (presented by Mill Creek Watershed and Vivian, Llambi & Associates)

Both classes will be held in Frisch’s Theater and are free! Please RSVP by calling (513) 487-3355 or email gogreen@cincinnatizoo.org if you plan on attending either or both of these classes.

The Zoo was busy in the community this past August. Not only did we help with the Green Your Home Contest, but we also partnered with local organizations for “Avondale in Action: Weatherization 101”. On Saturday, August 27, over 40 volunteers from all over the community gathered in the Zoo’s Dury Parking lot for a morning of home weatherization to improve the safety, comfort and affordability of 6 pre-selected Avondale homes. “Avondale in Action” was a team effort by the Cincinnati Zoo, People Working Cooperatively (PWC), the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Chase Bank. PWC was able to organize 6 low income homes in the Avondale community that were in major need of home weatherization. PWC’s crew leaders, along with a team of AmeriCorps NCCC members from the GCEA, led the 40+ volunteers in hands on training at each of these homes.

Volunteers learned how to seal ducts, replace dryer vents, install weather stripping, wrap water heaters, add insulation, replace showerheads and faucets, and the list continues. All of these measures will ensure the Avondale home to be much safer, healthier and comfortable for the homeowner, as well as decreasing their utility bills. After a morning of hard work, the volunteers received a ticket to the Zoo and were invited back for an after party which included a pizza lunch, animal demonstrations, and a walking tour of the Zoo’s green initiatives. It was a great event for everyone – the homeowners, the volunteers and the community partners. It was a perfect program for the Zoo to continue to educate the community in going green, being environmentally and economically conscious as well as strengthen our relationships with local organizations.

Check out the Avondale in Action News Release from the event, as well as photographs that can be found on Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance and People Working Cooperatively Facebook pages.