Green Umbrella in the News

Source: BusinessWire

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fifth Third Bancorp today announced its first operational sustainability goals that will promote a healthy and sustainable environment and help protect the planet for future generations. Fifth Third is formalizing and accelerating its environmental sustainability efforts by committing to the following operational sustainability goals by 2022:

@fifththird commits to being environmental leader; sets bold sustainability goals.

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• Reduce energy use by 25 percent.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.
• Reduce landfill waste by 20 percent.
• Reduce water usage by 20 percent.
• Purchase 100 percent renewable power.

“Formalizing our operational sustainability goals is part of our broader commitment to make Fifth Third an environmental sustainability leader,” said Brian Lamb, executive vice president and chief corporate social responsibility and reputation officer, Fifth Third Bancorp. “By announcing these goals, we seek to raise awareness that considering sustainability issues can lead to better outcomes for our customers, our employees, and our communities.”

“I applaud Fifth Third Bancorp for establishing environmental sustainability goals that will help strengthen our communities,” said Kristin Weiss, executive director of Green Umbrella, the leading alliance working to maximize the environmental sustainability of Greater Cincinnati. “Public commitments are important and demonstrate Fifth Third’s willingness to be transparent, report its progress and be held accountable. This is the kind of leadership that will bring sustainable, positive change.”

Fifth Third recently completed a $4 million energy-efficient LED lighting installation project at facilities in four states. Ranking among the most substantial LED lighting projects in the financial industry, the project will reduce the Bank’s lighting-related energy consumption by 50 percent. This corresponds to an energy savings of 6.3 million kilowatt-hours per year, enough to provide 578 homes with electricity for one year.

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partner, Fifth Third purchased 30 percent green power in 2016 and operates 28 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified locations. Last year, Fifth Third began introducing a “Recycling 2.0” strategy that will help increase recycling rates.

More information about Fifth Third’s environmental sustainability efforts is available in Fifth Third’s 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $140 billion in assets and operated 1,155 full-service Banking Centers and 2,471 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Wealth & Asset Management. As of March 31, 2017, Fifth Third also had a 17.8 percent interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2017, had $323 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $33 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust, Brokerage and Insurance businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

Contacts

Fifth Third Bancorp
Stacie Haas, 513-534-5113
513-534-NEWS

Source: Movers & Makers Cincinnati 

Members of Green Umbrella, the regional sustainability alliance, are working to reduce food waste and improve fresh food access and energy efficiency through grant funding totaling $75,000, provided by the Duke Class Benefit Fund.

Projects include:

Our Harvest Cooperative and Ohio Valley Food Connection – Together, these two food hubs had $500,000 in local food sales in 2016, worked with 80 food producers and represented the majority of food aggregation and distribution in the region. With this grant, they’re increasing energy-efficient refrigerated storage capacity where they base their operations – Freestore Foodbank and Northern Kentucky Incubator Kitchen.

La Soupe – In 2016, La Soupe rescued 125,000 pounds of food from going to the landfill and donated 95,000 servings to people living in food insecurity. With this grant, LaSoupe will add an onsite energy-efficient walk-in freezer to double the number of people it serves each week (currently 1,750). The goal is to rescue 300,000 pounds of food and transform it into 200,000 servings to donate by 2018.

Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati – Located in Cincinnati’s urban core, Civic Garden Center aims to teach people to “garden anywhere and everywhere.” This grant will help the center get locally sourced food into the hands of residents by providing energy-efficient refrigeration and aggregation for Community Supported Agriculture subscribers who pick up their shares at the site. The center also will be able to refrigerate 1,000-plus pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for community gardens seeking to donate to nearby food pantries.

Gabriel’s Place – Gabriel’s Place will be able to expand its local food marketplace in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood and provide access to the local food system, at prices that are affordable. The grant will especially help serve senior citizens and residents living below the poverty line.

Dirt: a modern market – Dirt is Findlay Market’s local-only business that promotes local growers and producers within a 150-mile radius of Cincinnati. The grant will help distribute local food through the store and serve as a hub for Findlay Kitchen (a shared-use incubator kitchen), the Findlay Farmstand Program (which brings fresh, local produce to three food-desert communities with a population of 35,500) and Pop Up Markets (which take Findlay Market to local businesses).

“Green Umbrella’s theme for Earth Month this year is Innovate: Activate: Celebrate. We’re thrilled to be giving out $75,000 to activate these member projects that benefit the health of our community and environment,” said executive director Kristin Weiss.

www.greenumbrella.org

Source: CityBeat

Green Umbrella’s Tri-State Trails initiative champions the region’s vast cycling options

Danny Korman has long been one of the most recognizable faces of Cincinnati’s green movement. In 2007, he founded the inimitable Park + Vine green general store in Over-the-Rhine, which became a haven for environmentalists, vegetarians and cyclists alike. He’s been known to zoom his bicycle all over town in all sorts of weather — he’s Cincinnati’s quintessential conscientious urban nice guy.

Korman closed Park + Vine early this year after nearly a decade in business, but his new venture looks right at home on his résumé: Tri-State Trails Ambassador for Green Umbrella, the main nonprofit advocating for a more sustainable future for the region. The Tri-State Trails initiative works to promote the region’s various trail networks to encourage “active transportation” and outdoor recreation. 

CityBeat checked in with Korman to see how the new gig is going and to ask how we might better utilize these underappreciated resources. 

CityBeat: What is remarkable about the Tristate’s system of trails? Are our trails awesome or what?

Danny Korman: Yes, our trails are awesome. Green Umbrella is collecting data that shows Greater Cincinnati as a mecca for outdoor recreation, which includes trails. We have more than 400 miles of trails. Everyone’s favorite — Little Miami Scenic Trail — is the third-longest paved trail in the country. A network of six cities in Northern Kentucky along the Ohio River is seeking Kentucky Trail Town designation.

CB: What type of variety are we talking about? Urban trails? Recreational? Commuter?

DK: The ideal is to have a network that is welcome to all types of folks. Generally, the initial perception is that trails are for recreation. The changing perception is that trails are for transportation, too. It’s taking time to build a comprehensive network here that includes roads and reaches more places, including parks, business districts, employment centers and neighborhoods. The biggest advancement in local trail development is Wasson Way, the 7.6-mile mixed-use trail that will ultimately extend from Victory Parkway near Xavier University through 12 neighborhoods and connect to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Land acquisition is usually the biggest hurdle when it comes to trail development. Roads already exist and make sense because they’re less expensive than new trails. The goal is to build it for everyone and to make Cincinnati healthier. We need the infrastructure to do this.

CB: What do people need to know before hopping on an urban or off-road trail?

DK: I get a sense of the day’s weather forecast and plan accordingly for my rides to and on trails. There’s very little that stops me from riding, however, including rain and the cold. I make sure that I have some cash, a reflective garment, lights, a bike lock, my phone and all my keys. 

CB: You’re a longtime urban bike commuter. What’s nice about hopping on a trail either as part of your commute or for a long ride through the wilderness?

DK: I am primarily a road cyclist, because of where I live and what I’m used to. I’ll jump on a trail when I get the chance and to mix up a ride. It’s easy to get immersed on a long bike ride, and I build in those sort of adventures whenever I get the chance. It’s part of the human condition to ruminate. It’s important to actively do things that offset our tendency to over-think. Being in nature is the offset.

CB: Last summer, your organization hosted a regional trails summit and the theme was “Making the Economic Case for Trails.” Share some of this case.

DK: This panel included developers and representatives from Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and the University of Cincinnati. The purpose was to impress that trails have economic value. Trails positively impact communities because they add transportation alternatives and improve property values, which means more tax revenue. In 2011, a study showed that property owners within 1,000 feet of the Little Miami Scenic Trail around Loveland were willing to pay a $9,000 premium.

CB: The Cincinnati Connects Urban Loop Trail is an ambitious plan that would connect several existing and planned trails from every side of town. How could this help with mobility and connectivity in the region?

DK: Cincinnati Connects is gaining momentum. (Tri-State Trails Director Wade Johnston) and the committee are working with BLDG on developing a brand for the 42-mile urban loop trail that emphasizes both biking and walking. The exciting part of Cincinnati Connects is that it would make bicycling safe and comfortable for people of all ages and to people of color, who are underrepresented in many local transportation decisions. 

CB: What should the average person know about cycling in general and the opportunities to get out on two wheels in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky?

DK: There are a bunch of ways to get information and get riding. The best thing to do is find a friend who’s into bicycling and ride with them. It could be a simple ride around Spring Grove Cemetery or Lunken Airport, along Cincinnati’s riverfront parks or on neighborhood streets. May is National Bike Month and Cincinnati is loaded with supportive rides and events.

CB: What is your No. 1 goal as you get up to speed in your new role?

DK: I’m excited about returning to my roots of bicycling advocacy and working alongside Cincinnati’s diverse bicycle culture, which includes Tri-State Trails, Queen City Bike under the leadership of Frank Henson, Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance, Cincy Red Bike, multiple trail groups and 38 bicycle shops.

CityBeat: Are there any other Tri-State Trails initiatives you’d like to mention?

DK: As part of Bike Month, we’re hosting the Canal Bikeway Ride May 21 to highlight the full spectrum of bike infrastructure Cincinnati has to offer. This part of the city includes multi-use trails, protected and standard bike lanes and shared paths that provide safe connections with Metro bus lines and the Cincinnati Bell Connector between six neighborhoods.

For more info about TRI-STATE TRAILS, visit greenumbrella.org.

Source: Cincinnati.com

The year 2020 is quickly approaching and with it, the 50 anniversary of Earth Day.

At Green Umbrella, we’re working hard to make Greater Cincinnati a top 10 metro area for sustainability before then. We’re already making progress. Our region has more than 101,000 acres of protected greenspace to date; we’ve seen a 55 percent increase in farmers markets in just the last three years; and there is now $191 million in slated funding for walkable and bike-friendly communities.

The national recognition has also begun. Greater Cincinnati has ranked in the top 10 for our parks, trees, bike commuting, local food, and for our commitment to sustainability. This makes our region a great place for businesses to locate, and for people seeking an active outdoor lifestyle and a vibrant metro area.

Green Umbrella’s Action Teams have 2020 goals for key areas of impact including: greenspace, outdoor recreation, local food, energy, waste reduction, transportation and water. Instead of resting when we exceeded two of our goals early, we set new ones.

With Earth Day drawing near, it’s a great time to be part of our region’s sustainability goals by doing one or more of these things:

1. Eat local: Support farmers, improve your health and our local economy by shifting 10 percent of your food budget to locally grown food. Find your local farmers market or sign up for a CSA.

2. Save the food: 40 percent of food (about $1,500 per household) is wasted each year. Shop with a plan, and store to save food so it doesn’t go to the landfill.

3. Drive less, live more: Download a free transit app to buy fares and plan your route. Bike or walk, especially for destinations within two miles.

4. End littering: 18 percent of litter ends up in streams and waterways as pollution. Put trash in its place, and help pick up litter.

5. Recycle: Paper and cardboard are still the largest part of our waste stream but yet are easily recycled. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

6. Re-think energy: Switch up traditional light bulbs for LED – they use 90 percent less energy and last 15 years longer. Or Solarize - the cost of solar installation has gone down dramatically, and there are rebates and tax credits to help you go solar.

7. #OptOutside: Get outdoors and submit your favorite green place to help us promote the value of greenspace and connecting with the wonders of nature.

8. Plant natives: Native plants require less water and maintenance to grow. Plant a native tree and join our region’s effort to plant 2 million trees by 2020.

9. Plan to attend: Learn how we can build a more sustainable and equitable region at the June 9 Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit.

10. Join us: We’re working to unite businesses, nonprofits, local governments, universities and individuals in a collective effort to make Greater Cincinnati as environmentally sustainable as possible.

To learn more, visit www.greenumbrella.org.

Act locally. You will make a difference.

Kristin Weiss is executive director of Green Umbrella.

Source: CityBeat

Green Umbrella's 10% shift to local food. Distributed by CityBeat in their Green issue. Click here to view guide.

Source: Cincinnati.com

Earth Day has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1970 as a national grassroots “teach-in” on the environment.

Now observed worldwide, Earth Day, observed April 22, continues to focus on the environment but goes beyond teaching. Locally there are celebrations, service projects and special activities throughout the Cincinnati area. If you're looking for a way to celebrate, here’s a listing of opportunities to consider.

Volunteers needed for food prep

In the Cincinnati area hunger and poverty are significant challenges. In recognition of this, Indian Hill High School students are observing Earth Day by making enough soup to feed 10,000 to 15,000 people.

In partnership with La Soupe, the students plan to prepare 5,000 quarts of soup over two days. To achieve this goal, they need your help. Adult volunteers are needed to work in 2.25-hour shifts. Volunteer opportunities are available on Wednesday, April 19 or during the main event Thursday, April 20 through Friday, April 21.

To volunteer, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fafad2baa8-ihhs.

Party for the Planet

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden hosts its eighth annual Party for the Planet 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Businesses and organizations from around the region will share their expertise and resources about sustainable living. Topics include solar energy, composting, recycling, energy efficiency, green building, rain gardens/barrels, and more.

Speaking of rain barrels, the 5th Annual Rain Barrel Art Benefit Auction will be held during Party for the Planet. The silent auction is 6 to 8 p.m. Winners can take home their rain barrels at the end of the night. The band, Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, will be at Party for the Planet too for the weekly spring music series Tunes and Blooms.

Additional details can be found at cincinnatizoo.org or by calling 513-281-4700.

Seeds to save Monarchs

The Save Our Monarchs Foundation is making a push ahead of Earth Day to encourage people to plant milkweed seeds. Milkweed is the only source of food for the monarch caterpillar.

The monarch population is down 90 percent from what it was in 1992. Milkweed is also rapidly disappearing due to habitat loss resulting from land development and widespread spraying of weed killer on the fields where they live.

If you wish to observe Earth Day by planting milkweed seeds, visit www.saveourmonarchs.org and place your order for seeds.

Mill Creek Cleanup

If you don’t mind getting a little wet and dirty, you might want to check out the Mill Creek Yacht Club’s 23rd Annual Stream Cleanup from Evendale to Lockland beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 21. Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to help collect litter in and along the stream. Last year about 25 people helped including volunteers from Procter & Gamble and J.M. Smucker.

Seats in the canoes are limited to volunteers who are 18 or older. There’s plenty of room for the land-based effort that’s open for all ages. Volunteers will meet at Koenig Park in Reading. For information or to sign up visit the sign-up page at Eventrite.com or call, 513-563-8800.

Cincinnati Nature Center blends fun and education

Free admission is offered Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23 to the Cincinnati Nature Center's Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, for its Earth Day celebrations. Over the weekend, the center offers several family friendly activities.

A native plant sale will take place on both days along with an opportunity to meet the artist Jaime Iliff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Nature PlayScape will be the location of several child-friendly activities. For a complete listing of happenings, or to preregister for the program “Gardening for Wildlife,” visit the Cincinnati Nature Center’s website – www.cincynature.org or call 513-831-1711.

Earth Day Haiku

Looking to do something unique this year for Earth Day? Then head over to Fernald Preserve, 7400 Willey Road, Ross, to participate in the free Earth Day Haiku Hike 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22.

Organizers of this event decided to combine two celebrations into one, Earth Day and National Poetry Month. For information, visit their Facebook page at Earth Day Haiku Hike.

The 47th Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Celebration

The new Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, in Blue Ash plays host to this ongoing and popular free, family-friendly Earth Day event noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Local Food.”

Greater Cincinnati Earth Day features more than 100 vendors and exhibitors offering Earth-friendly products and interactive educational activities, live music, a beer garden, petting zoo and recycling games. In addition to the exhibits and entertainment, local food trucks and Rhinegeist “Cincy Made” craft beer truck will attend.

Musical entertainment will be plentiful throughout the afternoon. Acoustic sounds of Lauren & Hogan will begin things at 1 p.m. in the food court area. The indie rock band Room for Zero hits the stage at 2 p.m. followed by the area’s top Americana band Hickory Robot at 4 p.m. A yet-to-be-named band performs at 5:30 p.m.

The theme, Local Food, will actively involve environmental groups, government agencies, businesses and citizens of all ages in demonstrating their contributions to the beauty and quality of life through their positive actions.

More details about this event hosted by the Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition can be found by visiting www.cincinnatiearthday.com.

More Earth Day events from our calendar.

Krohn Conservatory

A free tree seedling goes to the first 300 visitors to Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, as part of its Earth Day Celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 21. The special event is included in admission $7, $4 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under. 513-421-5707.

Burlington 5K

Looking to get out and enjoy nature on Earth Day while also getting in a bit of fitness? Then head out to England-Idlewild Park, 5550 Idlewild Road, in Burlington where the Burlington Elementary School and its PTA are holding an Earth Day 5K starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22. Money raised will be used for physical education enrichment tools and equipment. Race day registration begins at 8:30 a.m. For information visit, http://bit.ly/EarthDay5KBurlington, or call (859) 334-4447.

Earth Day in Loveland

The Jackson Street Market, 204 W. Loveland Ave., in Loveland celebrates Earth Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 with a scavenger hunt, games and local organizations offering ways of incorporating sustainability in your life. The event is free. For information call, 513-265-2217, or visit bit.ly/2czSzPP.

Arbor Day

What better way to celebrate the Earth than through an Arbor Day Celebration? Amberley Village is hosting such a celebration at the village hall, 7149 Ridge Road, 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 24. Guests can meet by the flag pole as a tree planting demonstration is held in celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day. The event is free. For information call, 513-531-8675, or visit, www.amberleyvillage.org.

Washington Park

Celebrate Earth Day at Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., with eco-friendly activities and vendors noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The day includes live music, food and drink plus activities for children and adults.

Sustainable living under Green Umbrella

Just in time for Earth Day, Green Umbrella announces grant funds going to groups that are working to advance efforts to feed the hungry, reduce food waste and conserve energy.

Thanks to a $75,000 gift by the Duke Class Benefit Fund, Green Umbrella, the regional sustainability alliance, is funding six projects which will allow each to expand and grow its efforts. Grant recipients are: Our Harvest Cooperative and Ohio Valley Food Connection; La Soupe; Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati; Gabriel's Place; and Dirt: a modern market.

"Green Umbrella's theme for Earth month this year is Innovate: Activate: Celebrate. We're thrilled to be giving out $75,000 to activate these member projects that benefit the health of our community and environment," Executive Director Kristin Weiss said.

To learn more about how Green Umbrella is working to make the Cincinnati area one of the nation's top metro areas for sustainability by 2020, visit www.greenumbrella.org.

Source: Soapbox Media

Earth Day will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2020, and by that time, Green Umbrella wants to make Cincinnati one of the top 10 green cities.

Our region has over 101,000 acres of protected greenspace, and in the past three years, we’ve seen a 55 percent increase in farmers markets. There is now $191 million in slated funding for walkable and bike-friendly communities, and Greater Cincinnati has ranked in the top 10 for our parks, trees, bike commuting, local food and for its commitment to sustainability.

But we still have a long way to go. Green Umbrella has 10 actions you can take today to help make Cincinnati more green — see them here.

Source: Soapbox Media

From walking trails and bike lanes to expanded sidewalks that accommodate both walkers and cyclists, Greater Cincinnati is improving residents’ access to safer routes for non-motorized modes of transportation.

Think: The Cincy Red Bike stations popping up in neighborhoods all over the TriState, improved trails in Northern Kentucky’s riverfront communities and added sidewalk access in places like Anderson Township are all adding to this.

“There are lots of good initiatives going on,” says Frank Henson, board president for Queen City Bike.

But there’s still a need to continue to push on the issues, says Danny Korman, a well-known local walking/biking advocate and former owner of Park+Vine in Over-the-Rhine, which closed earlier this year. He feels car traffic is still an issue for cyclists, and some roads need more connecting bike lanes.

Effective March 21, a new Ohio state law gave a safety boost to bikers by requiring motorists to give people on bikes three feet of clearance when passing.

In the grand scheme, commuter biking still only makes up 1 percent of all trips in Cincinnati, according to the 2015 U.S. Census. The city also ranked 39th out of the 70 largest cities when it comes to the percentage of commuters pedaling to work.

But bike riders are becoming more visible all around town, as evidenced by the popular Red Bike, a pay-per-ride bike share program that started in 2014 with a handful of downtown racks. According to spokesperson Jason Baron, Red Bike is up to 56 stations and 442 bikes throughout the city and has been “enthusiastically embraced by the city.”

And it’s not just young people using them; demographics show 50 percent women and 50 percent men are using Red Bikes, with age and ethnicity of riders running the gamut. Those numbers equate to about 240,000 bike rides per year, Baron says.

For Red Bike, it's now about growing ridership by getting new riders to try it for the first time. Baron says Red Bike might extend its service into more local communities, but that growth is slower for now.

Korman says bicycle safety and access depends on where you are in Greater Cincinnati. Korman highlights, for example, the heavy car traffic that impedes riders using the not-yet-complete protected bike lanes that run along Central Parkway from downtown to Northside.

Even though these lanes are clearly marked, cars are still being parked between the pylons and the curb, which is where bicyclists are supposed to ride.

Henson points to other efforts like those by regional sustainability group Green Umbrella, whose ongoing plans for increasing walking and biking in the region include a 42-mile urban loop that would connect existing trails to schools, work places and bus stops. (View a map of the planned Cincinnati Connects trail here.) The first phase of the project is underway, and design work will start on a second section this summer.

“It’s such a great step forward,” says Henson, who adds that once the urban loop is completed, bikers will be able to stop at bus stops if they need a ride to another part of the city and catch a ride up a steep hill by putting their bike on the bus’s front rack.

Meanwhile, a Miami-to-Miami trail network feasibility study is currently underway; the project could eventually connect Cincinnati’s northern communities.

Across the river, an 11.5-mile pedestrian trail called Riverfront Commons will soon connect all six Northern Kentucky river cities. The project won a $1.2 million grant for work that is scheduled to begin this May and will be overseen by Southbank Partners.

As far as hills go, Henson says they’re not really slowing down bikers, since anyone encountering a hill too steep to pedal can always hop off and walk those portions. “The rule in Cincinnati is that you'll never meet a hill that you cannot walk. There's nothing wrong with that.”

Sidewalk projects are in the works for travelers by foot, too. Examples include new construction in Anderson Township and Fort Thomas, as well as sidewalk-revamp projects underway along Eggleston Avenue on downtown’s east side and Monmouth Street in Newport.

Steve Sievers, assistant administrator for operations in Anderson Township, says his team has been focusing on walkability for the last 20 years. The township’s goal is to increase the use of sidewalks and other footpaths by adding shade and benches.

“We're being strategic about it,” he says, while noting that some segments will never have sidewalks because the cost outweighs the potential benefit.

Korman, who is co-author of Walking Cincinnati, says much of our infrastructure pre-dates cars, and the city was therefore built for walking. His book highlights good walking areas in the city.

“It’s not entirely under threat,” Korman says. “But we need to constantly pay attention to our oldest areas and all the river towns as well.”

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Earth Day has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1970 as a national grassroots “teach-in” on the environment.

Now observed worldwide, Earth Day, observed April 22, continues to focus on the environment but goes beyond teaching. Locally there are celebrations, service projects and special activities throughout the Cincinnati area. If you're looking for a way to celebrate, here’s a listing of opportunities to consider.

Volunteers needed for food prep

In the Cincinnati area hunger and poverty are significant challenges. In recognition of this, Indian Hill High School students are observing Earth Day by making enough soup to feed 10,000 to 15,000 people.

Mimi Dyer, volunteer and outreach coordinator for La Soupe, serves up free soup during a recent visit to Romualdo's in Madeira. The La Soupe Mobile takes its soup to various locations. They only ask for a donation for the soup. La Soupe is a non-profit that rescues food that was otherwise destined for the landfill. They turn it into soup for food-insecure families. (Photo: The Enquirer/ Liz Dufour)

In partnership with La Soupe, the students plan to prepare 5,000 quarts of soup over two days. To achieve this goal, they need your help. Adult volunteers are needed to work in 2.25-hour shifts. Volunteer opportunities are available on Wednesday, April 19 or during the main event Thursday, April 20 through Friday, April 21.

To volunteer, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fafad2baa8-ihhs.

Party for the Planet

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden hosts its eighth annual Party for the Planet 4 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Businesses and organizations from around the region will share their expertise and resources about sustainable living. Topics include solar energy, composting, recycling, energy efficiency, green building, rain gardens/barrels, and more.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden celebrates

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden celebrates Earth Day with its annual Party for the Planet. As part of the celebration, the zoo holds its 5th Annual Rain Barrel Art Benefit Auction. (Photo: Provided)

Speaking of rain barrels, the 5th Annual Rain Barrel Art Benefit Auction will be held during Party for the Planet. The silent auction is 6 to 8 p.m. Winners can take home their rain barrels at the end of the night. The band, Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, will be at Party for the Planet too for the weekly spring music series Tunes and Blooms.

Additional details can be found at cincinnatizoo.org or by calling 513-281-4700.

Seeds to save Monarchs

The Save Our Monarchs Foundation is making a push ahead of Earth Day to encourage people to plant milkweed seeds. Milkweed is the only source of food for the monarch caterpillar.

The monarch population is down 90 percent from what it was in 1992. Milkweed is also rapidly disappearing due to habitat loss resulting from land development and widespread spraying of weed killer on the fields where they live.

If you wish to observe Earth Day by planting milkweed seeds, visit www.saveourmonarchs.org and place your order for seeds.

Mill Creek Cleanup

If you don’t mind getting a little wet and dirty, you might want to check out the Mill Creek Yacht Club’s 23rd Annual Stream Cleanup from Evendale to Lockland beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 21. Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to help collect litter in and along the stream. Last year about 25 people helped including volunteers from Procter & Gamble and J.M. Smucker.

Mill Creek Yacht Club readies to observe Earth DayBuy Photo

Mill Creek Yacht Club readies to observe Earth Day with its 23rd Annual Stream Cleanup from Evendale to Lockland beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 21. (Photo: Enquirer file photo)

Seats in the canoes are limited to volunteers who are 18 or older. There’s plenty of room for the land-based effort that’s open for all ages. Volunteers will meet at Koenig Park in Reading. For information or to sign up visit the sign-up page at Eventrite.com or call, 513-563-8800.

Cincinnati Nature Center blends fun and education

Free admission is offered Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23 to the Cincinnati Nature Center's Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, for its Earth Day celebrations. Over the weekend, the center offers several family friendly activities.

A native plant sale will take place on both days along with an opportunity to meet the artist Jaime Iliff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Nature PlayScape will be the location of several child-friendly activities. For a complete listing of happenings, or to preregister for the program “Gardening for Wildlife,” visit the Cincinnati Nature Center’s website – www.cincynature.org or call 513-831-1711.

Earth Day Haiku

Looking to do something unique this year for Earth Day? Then head over to Fernald Preserve, 7400 Willey Road, Ross, to participate in the free Earth Day Haiku Hike 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22.

Organizers of this event decided to combine two celebrations into one, Earth Day and National Poetry Month. For information, visit their Facebook page at Earth Day Haiku Hike.

The 47th Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Celebration

The new Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, in Blue Ash plays host to this ongoing and popular free, family-friendly Earth Day event noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Local Food.”

Greater Cincinnati Earth Day features more than 100 vendors and exhibitors offering Earth-friendly products and interactive educational activities, live music, a beer garden, petting zoo and recycling games. In addition to the exhibits and entertainment, local food trucks and Rhinegeist “Cincy Made” craft beer truck will attend.

Musical entertainment will be plentiful throughout the afternoon. Acoustic sounds of Lauren & Hogan will begin things at 1 p.m. in the food court area. The indie rock band Room for Zero hits the stage at 2 p.m. followed by the area’s top Americana band Hickory Robot at 4 p.m. A yet-to-be-named band performs at 5:30 p.m.

The theme, Local Food, will actively involve environmental groups, government agencies, businesses and citizens of all ages in demonstrating their contributions to the beauty and quality of life through their positive actions.

More details about this event hosted by the Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition can be found by visiting www.cincinnatiearthday.com.

Krohn Conservatory

A free tree seedling goes to the first 300 visitors to Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, as part of its Earth Day Celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 21. The special event is included in admission $7, $4 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under. 513-421-5707.

Burlington 5K

Looking to get out and enjoy nature on Earth Day while also getting in a bit of fitness? Then head out to England-Idlewild Park, 5550 Idlewild Road, in Burlington where the Burlington Elementary School and its PTA are holding an Earth Day 5K starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22. Money raised will be used for physical education enrichment tools and equipment. Race day registration begins at 8:30 a.m. For information visit, http://bit.ly/EarthDay5KBurlington, or call (859) 334-4447.

Earth Day in Loveland

The Jackson Street Market, 204 W. Loveland Ave., in Loveland celebrates Earth Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 with a scavenger hunt, games and local organizations offering ways of incorporating sustainability in your life. The event is free. For information call, 513-265-2217, or visit bit.ly/2czSzPP.

Arbor Day

What better way to celebrate the Earth than through an Arbor Day Celebration? Amberley Village is hosting such a celebration at the village hall, 7149 Ridge Road, 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 24. Guests can meet by the flag pole as a tree planting demonstration is held in celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day. The event is free. For information call, 513-531-8675, or visit, www.amberleyvillage.org.

Washington Park

Celebrate Earth Day at Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., with eco-friendly activities and vendors noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The day includes live music, food and drink plus activities for children and adults.

Sustainable living under Green Umbrella

Just in time for Earth Day, Green Umbrella announces grant funds going to groups that are working to advance efforts to feed the hungry, reduce food waste and conserve energy.

Thanks to a $75,000 gift by the Duke Class Benefit Fund, Green Umbrella, the regional sustainability alliance, is funding six projects which will allow each to expand and grow its efforts. Grant recipients are: Our Harvest Cooperative and Ohio Valley Food Connection; La Soupe; Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati; Gabriel's Place; and Dirt: a modern market.

"Green Umbrella's theme for Earth month this year is Innovate: Activate: Celebrate. We're thrilled to be giving out $75,000 to activate these member projects that benefit the health of our community and environment," Executive Director Kristin Weiss said.

To learn more about how Green Umbrella is working to make the Cincinnati area one of the nation's top metro areas for sustainability by 2020, visit www.greenumbrella.org.

Source: Around Cincinnati (via WVXU)

Cincinnati's Earth Day celebration will happen on Saturday, April 22 at Summit Park in Blue Ash.

Joining our Ron Esposito with a preview of the food-centric event are Vice-Chair Emily Cigolee and Public Relations Director Josh Clyde, and from Green Umbrella, Kristin Weiss.

Listen here.