Sustainability

Planning an event in Wheat Ridge? Make it green! Sustainable event planning is more than a trend: it’s a simple and powerful way to reduce your environmental impact, support local businesses, and inspire change in your community. Not sure where to start? We’ve identified five key areas where you can swap an event essential for a greener choice.

Waste Management

Events of all sizes produce waste. Thinking thoughtfully about the inputs and outputs of events can help reduce your event’s overall environmental impact. Consider using compostable or reusable materials for décor, nametags, signage, and utensils to keep inputs green. And provide clearly labeled recycling and composting bins in addition to trash, with signage or volunteers to help guests properly sort their waste.

Food and Beverage

Choose locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation or offer plant-based menu options, which generally require fewer resources to produce. Work with your caterer to minimize food waste by planning portion sizes accurately and identifying ways that surplus food can be donated, shared, or composted after the event.

Transportation

Encourage guests to walk, bike, take public transportation, or carpool to the event if possible, with options communicated to attendees prior to the event. Offer incentives for eco-friendly travel such as discounts or rewards or provide shuttle service for large events with limited parking. Schedule events outside of peak commute hours to reduce traffic congestion and increased carbon emissions for those who do drive.

Communications

Go digital with invitations, programs, advertising, and registration. Use reusable signage and eco-friendly printing methods when physical materials are necessary. Highlight your sustainability efforts in all communications to engage and educate attendees on the steps you’ve taken to make the event greener.

Décor and Materials

Select a venue that has existing sustainability practices in place, is LEED certified, or is accessible by public transportation. Opt for reusable, recyclable or compostable décor like using live plants, dried flowers, or reusable décor instead of single-use items. Choose cloth tablecloths and giveaway items made of natural materials that won’t end up in trash at the end of the event.

Interested in learning more but don’t know where to start? The Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) website has a growing list of green businesses in the community for vendors or venues. If you have any questions about planning a green event in Wheat Ridge, don’t hesitate to reach out to sustainability@ci.wheatridge.co.us.

Don't miss our annual paint recycling event in partnership with Sustainable Wheat Ridge, Wheat Ridge Sustainable Neighborhoods, and GreenSheen! This event will be held at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center on Saturday, August 16 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and is completely free for anyone and everyone, no need to be a Wheat Ridge resident. See the flyer below for additional information about accepted items. Cash donations will be accepted to support the Sustainable Neighborhoods program. We hope to see you there!

Wildfires are powerful and often unpredictable natural disasters that can destroy homes, harm wildlife, and endanger lives in a matter of moments. As climate change leads to drier conditions and longer fire seasons, the need for wildfire awareness has never been more critical.

Understanding Wildfires

A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly through vegetation, forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. While some wildfires start naturally due to lightning, the majority are caused by human activities such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, power lines, and even arson.

Why Awareness Matters

Raising awareness about wildfires helps individuals and communities prepare before disaster strikes. Education can reduce risky behaviors, promote fire-safe practices, and increase readiness during fire season. Being informed can save lives and minimize property loss.

How to Stay Safe

1. Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dry brush, trimming trees, and removing flammable materials.
2. Follow local fire bans and never leave a campfire unattended.
3. Have an evacuation plan and emergency kit ready, including important documents, water, food, and medications.
4. Stay informed through local alerts, emergency services, and weather updates.

The Role of Community

Wildfire prevention and response require cooperation. Communities can organize clean-up efforts, educate neighbors, and support local fire departments. By working together, we can reduce wildfire risks and build resilience. Check out some of these resources and tips from Jefferson County on how to stay safe and protect what is important to you!

As we pedal our way into summer, it is a great time to consider how you can incorporate biking (and public transportation!) into your summer plans!

Bike to Work Day

Leave your cars at home and enjoy bicycling to work on June 25th, this year’s Bike to Work Day! This annual free event draws tens of thousands of Colorado commuters who celebrate the day by swapping a ride in their cars for a ride on two wheels. Participating helps improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce traffic congestion. Keep your eyes open for stations in Wheat Ridge, Edgewater and Denver. If you’re heading into downtown Denver, stop by the region’s largest Bike to Work Day breakfast station on Bannock Street in Civic Center Park, or bring your bike to the Webb Building Garage P1 anytime between 12:00PM and 2:00PM for a free tune-up. Sign up to ride and look for a station: https://biketoworkday.co/

Big Bikes in the Community

No wheels of your own? No problem! Organizations in Wheat Ridge, including the Senior Resource Center and the Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT) are working with other local organizations and event to provide fun mobility services. The Senior Resource Center has recently acquired an e-trishaw (the seats are in front of the bicyclist) to better serve their guests. In the months to come, they’ll be providing seniors with free bike rides around the neighborhood and to and from the Active Adult Center. Keep your eyes out for the Cycletrooper as well. The ATAT’s big, blue pedicab makes frequent appearances at community events and cruiser rides around town.

Each spring, you may hear about “No Mow May.” This campaign encourages people to delay mowing to let early flowers grow, providing food for bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. Even if you’ve already mowed this season, there are still plenty of ways to support pollinators year-round.

Across Colorado’s Front Range, native bees, butterflies, birds, and even garden snakes help keep our landscapes healthy. Many live in or near our yards. Mowing less often and allowing patches of grass or flowers to grow taller gives insects a place to live and feed.

Planting native species is another great way to help. These plants naturally thrive in Colorado’s climate, need less water, and support local pollinators. You can also mix in clover, wildflowers, or flowering groundcovers in place of grass. The Colorado Native Plant Society’s guide (PDF) offers excellent recommendations for low-water native plants.

Using fewer or no lawn chemicals is also key. Many weed sprays and bug killers harm more than just pests. Even organic products can be dangerous to pollinators, so always check the label. The National Wildlife Federation shares helpful tips on maintaining a chemical-free lawn.

And finally, leave a little wildness. Brush piles, bare soil, and dry leaves create habitat for insects, birds, and other beneficial creatures. Denver Urban Gardens has great ideas for creating a pollinator-friendly space.

A healthy yard doesn’t always look perfectly green. It might buzz, flutter, and even slither—these are signs of life! Supporting pollinators helps your whole garden and ecosystem thrive.

It is mid-April and that usually means you are seeing bumble bee queens, indicating that you can start your winter clean up of your plants from last season. Leaving last season's debris in place over the winter gives a home for all those pollinators and bugs so we will continue to have these beneficial bugs in the future. Let’s embrace the “winter interest” that our plants provide us!

For some reason it is always exciting to see new growth pop up in the spring along with accompanying pollinators. Is it the anticipation of those summer flowers bursting with color and attracting those bees and butterflies? Have you ever just watched those pollinators do their thing? It is amazing! Or do you prefer those autumn colors? So much to look forward to.

Are you interested in learning more about how to pick the keystone plants for our front range pollinators? Visit Home Grown National Park for tips on how to get started.

You might also consider celebrating Earth Day this year by attending the Foothills Community Choir concert focusing on the environment.

Sustainable Wheat Ridge is partnering with water conservation non-profit Resource Central again this year to offer Garden In A Box and Lawn Replacement programs at discounted prices! These programs are designed to help you remove turf from your yards, replace it with low-water pollinator-friendly landscaping, and help you save money on your water bill - all while conserving water for the planet!

Garden In A Box Program

Pre-designed garden kits contain plants that are made for Colorado soil, and the simple plant-by-number maps take the guesswork out of buying and planting. Plus, the garden kits can help neighbors save around 7,300 gallons of water over the lifetime of your garden compared to a traditional grass lawn. Gardens are expected to sell out quickly, so shop for yours today by visiting ResourceCentral.org/Gardens! Wheat Ridge residents are eligible for a $25 discount on qualifying garden kits while supplies last.

Lawn Replacement Program

Converting thirsty lawn into a low-water landscape can be exhausting! Jump-start your water saving landscape project by hiring Resource Central to physically remove and compost a section of your lawn for as little as $1.00 per square foot. They’ll help get you one step closer to planting the low-water garden you’ve always dreamed of! Wheat Ridge residents are eligible for up to a $750 discount while very limited supplies last - find more information and apply today at ResourceCentral.org/lawn or by calling 303-999-3820 ext. 221.

Valentine's Day, or any holiday for that matter, can be celebrated sustainably by using eco-friendly products, reducing waste, and supporting local businesses. Here are some quick and easy tips to keep in mind:

Use Eco-Friendly Products

• Use cloth napkins and reusable plates instead of paper
• Use eco-conscious wrapping paper
• Use sustainably grown coffee, chocolate, and organic wine. Cocoa farming causes 70% of global deforestation

Reduce Waste

• Use seasonal foods, which are healthier and have a lower carbon footprint
• Wrap gifts in upcycled materials like newspaper or fabric. Next year save and reuse some of your holiday wrapping

Support Local Businesses

• Buy handmade items from local artisans
• Share a local meal
• Help kids make eco-friendly cards in the classroom

Give Long-Lasting Gifts

• Give a living plant instead of flowers
• Give a reusable essential like a water bottle or coffee tumbler
• Give a solitary bee hive that provides shelter for native bees

By following these steps, you can start to turn sustainable living into habit and share your progress with friends and family!

Sustainability Programming Updates

Implementation of the 2024 Sustainability Action Plan is underway. On January 13 staff presented a resolution acknowledging the climate emergency, reaffirming the City’s commitment to climate action. Other projects planned for 2025 include collecting and baselining waste, emissions, and water data for municipal operations to establish subsequent reduction targets. The Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee is also working to expand participation in the Green Business Program and introduce recycling and composting options at City events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Holiday Celebration. Additionally, staff plans to host annual events including paint recycling, e-waste recycling, and yard waste collection.

Residential Waste Engagement Project Update

City staff and HDR wrapped up the Residential Waste Engagement Project at the November 18, 2024 study session, sharing outcomes from the final phase of public engagement and public survey as well as final recommendations. At this meeting, City Council directed staff to move forward with the following steps:

• Explore increasing the frequency of annual events such as TLC Clean-Up Days and Large Item Pick-Up events, with a focus on yard waste and supporting disadvantaged households.
• Evaluate partnerships with community drop-off sites and organizations like Scraps Mile High to expand waste diversion opportunities for residents.
• Enhance awareness of available waste diversion programs and events.
• Stay engaged with the ongoing Extended Producer Responsibility efforts, which will result in access to curbside recycling at no added charge for all Colorado residents beginning in 2026.

Staff is actively working on these next steps and plans to return to City Council with an update in spring 2025.

Upgrading your home with energy-efficient features isn’t just about keeping up with trends - it’s about making smart investments that pay off in multiple ways. Whether you're looking to save money, improve the environment, or enhance your comfort, energy-efficient home updates offer a variety of benefits.

1. Cost Savings Over Time

While upgrading your home with energy-efficient features may involve an initial investment, the long-term savings can be significant. Replacing outdated appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models, upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and adding a smart thermostat can all dramatically reduce your energy consumption.

For example, homes with better insulation and energy-efficient HVAC systems require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature, saving you money on heating and cooling. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to energy-efficient systems and appliances can cut your household's energy use by up to 30%. This adds up over time, making it a financially wise decision.

Additionally, with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, there are new federal tax credits and rebates available for homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades. These incentives can significantly offset the cost of your improvements.

2. Environmental Benefits: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient is also an important step toward reducing your environmental impact. Traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas contribute significantly to carbon emissions and climate change. By investing in energy-efficient technologies, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and minimize your carbon footprint.

Key upgrades that contribute to a greener home include:

• Solar panels: Installing solar panels on your roof allows you to generate your own clean energy, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Electric appliances: Switching from gas-powered to electric appliances (like a heat pump water heater or electric stove) reduces indoor air pollution and supports a cleaner energy grid.
• High-efficiency HVAC systems: Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems use less energy to maintain indoor comfort, which translates to fewer carbon emissions.

3. Improved Comfort and Health

Energy-efficient upgrades don't just improve your bottom line or the environment—they also enhance your home's comfort and your family's health. Many of these upgrades work together to create a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

• Improved indoor air quality: Homes with older, inefficient appliances and heating systems may have air quality issues, such as carbon monoxide leaks from gas stoves or poor ventilation. Upgrading to electric appliances and investing in high-efficiency HVAC systems with better filtration can drastically improve indoor air quality, reducing asthma and allergy symptoms.
• Smart technology: Smart thermostats and lighting systems offer personalized control over your home's energy use. They adapt to your schedule, optimizing energy efficiency while ensuring maximum comfort.

Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home is a smart, long-term investment. From saving on energy costs to contributing to a healthier planet and creating a more comfortable living space, the benefits are undeniable. With tax credits, rebates, and financing options available, now is the perfect time to take action and make your home more energy efficient. Whether you're upgrading appliances, adding insulation, or installing solar panels, each step you take will make a positive impact on your finances, your home, and the environment.