Sustainability

Three Reasons to Leave the Leaves!

As winter approaches, leaving leaves on the ground during winter is not just a matter of convenience — it serves an important ecological purpose. Here are three reasons to leave the leaves:

Insulation: These fallen leaves create a natural blanket that insulates the soil, protecting it from the harsh cold and preventing it from freezing too deeply. This insulation helps to maintain a stable soil temperature, which is vital for the survival of many underground organisms, including beneficial insects and earthworms. When these creatures are allowed to thrive, they contribute to a healthier and more balanced ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and improving soil structure. Additionally, this natural insulation reduces the risk of soil erosion by keeping the topsoil in place, preventing it from being washed away by winter rain or snowmelt.

Soil Nutrients: Leaves on the ground also provide essential habitat and food for various wildlife species. Many insects and small invertebrates seek refuge among the leaf litter, providing a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife during the winter months. The decomposing leaves release important nutrients into the soil, benefiting plants and trees by enhancing their growth and overall health. This natural recycling of organic matter contributes to a sustainable and self-sustaining ecosystem.

Saves Time & Resources: Leaving leaves on the ground helps gardeners and homeowners reduce the need for excessive yard work and the use of fossil fuels in the form of leaf blowers or lawn mowers. Allowing leaves to decompose naturally not only conserves energy but also saves time and resources while promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to yard maintenance.

Overall, the practice of leaving leaves on the ground during winter is a simple yet powerful way to support a healthy and resilient ecosystem, enhance soil health, and reduce our environmental impact.

Embracing a plant-based diet is not just good for your health; it's also a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. One of the key environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption is the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock farming, particularly cattle, produces a significant amount of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. By choosing plant-based options, you can help cut down on the demand for meat and thus decrease these harmful emissions.

Vegetarian diets require fewer resources, such as land and water. Meat production demands vast amounts of both. The land used for grazing and growing animal feed could be repurposed for reforestation or cultivating crops that can feed more people. Additionally, the runoff from animal agriculture, including waste and chemicals, pollutes our waterways and contributes to dead zones in the oceans. By consuming more plants and fewer animal products, you contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and water conservation. It's a small change that can make a big difference. Whether it's for your health, the environment, or a mix of both, going vegetarian or even just increasing the amount of plant-based meals in your diet is a delicious and planet-friendly choice that can positively impact the world we live in.

Over 1,400 US mayors supported a resolution to promote plant-based initiatives to help improve public health and reduce food-based emissions. The resolution, called “A Plant-Based Approach has Promise to Address Chronic Disease, Environmental, and Fiscal Burdens Facing Cities Across the Nation”, was introduced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Are $1800 per year household savings and $26,500 for a new EV of interest to you?

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides a number of tax incentives to increase home energy efficiency and reduce air pollution from transportation. The household energy savings could total a typical $1800 per year if the homeowner takes advantage of most available incentives. The vehicle incentives could amount to $26,500 on a less expensive vehicle if the purchaser does not exceed the income limits. While taking advantage of these savings, citizens also would be contributing to solving the increasing risks of extreme weather that locally include drought, wildfire, and the health impacts of extreme heat and ozone pollution, not to mention other extreme weather risks elsewhere.

The $1800 per year household savings come from the following incentives.

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (26 U.S. Code § 25C) allows households to deduct from their taxes up to 30% of the cost of upgrades to their home including installing energy efficient equipment such as heat pumps, cook stoves (electric induction cook-tops boil water faster than gas stoves), home insulation, doors and windows, and upgrading breaker boxes to accommodate additional electric load.

These deductions are limited to $600 per measure, up to $1,200 per household per year—except the limit is $2,000 for buying and installing a heat pump for hot water or heat pump for their home heating and cooling. Energy Smart Colorado adds to the federal incentives with tax credits and rebates for heat pumps, home electrification and appliances. Xcel Energy offers another $600-800 rebate for heat pump water heaters.

The Colorado Energy Office and Denver Regional Council of Governments are applying for grants from the Department of Energy that will provide additional rebates to middle/low-income households for energy saving retrofits and high-efficiency electric home appliances. The rebates will be much more generous than the current tax credits, and so significantly increase the estimated $1,800 per year household savings.

These incentives are most important if you currently are faced with an impending replacement of household equipment for heating, cooling, and cooking. Such replacements have a life of 25 years, and so it would be good timing to replace aging equipment with cost-saving modern equipment.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit (26 U.S. Code § 25D), re-ups an existing program allowing households installing solar to deduct 30% of the cost of the project from their taxes. This credit includes residential battery storage. Energy Smart Colorado also offers a 30% tax credit for roof top solar.

If you are also a business owner, 26 U.S. Code § 179D provides a tax deduction for energy efficiency improvements to commercial buildings, such as improvements to interior lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water. The deduction is $0.50-$1 per square foot of building, depending on the efficiency increase.

Did you know that as a caterpillar, the monarch butterfly can only eat milkweed plants? As monarchs make the long flight north from their winter home in Mexico or California, they stop to lay eggs on milkweed. The new caterpillar eats the milkweed’s leaves, spins a cocoon and the monarch butterfly that emerges continues the journey to Canada. Monarch populations have been decimated recently due to degradation and loss of habitat. However, it’s easy to help the species survive by planting milkweed in your garden! There are several types of milkweed that thrive in a variety of conditions such as showy, common, swamp, and butterfly weed. Sometimes it might take a year or so before monarchs find the milkweed, but in the meantime, plenty of other pollinators will benefit.

Colorado is home to many native pollinators. There are over 900 species of native bees plus the moths, birds, and even flies that pollinate our gardens. In fact, the honey bee is non-native and was brought over by European settlers. Colorado’s native pollinators rely on native plants to sustain them. Some native plants, like milkweed, are keystone species vital to more than just monarchs, they are essential to a healthy ecosystem.

Many people are planting keystone plants as they participate in the HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK® initiative. This grassroots call-to-action to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks was cofounded by ecologist Doug Tallamy. Their webpage hosts a selection of his videos that discuss the importance of keystone plants and how you can join the movement by including native plants in your garden. Plants are the foundation of the food chain and fostering an environment where both plants and pollinators thrive will enhance the biodiversity of the whole ecosystem. There are many organizations along the front range to help you with native plant selection including The Colorado Native Plant Society and Wild Ones Front Range Chapter. These organizations hold plant swaps in early summer and seed swaps in the fall, everyone is welcome, with or without plants/seeds. Plus they have tours and educational materials!

Don’t have the land to grow your own flowers and vegetables or want to join a gardening community? Wheat Ridge’s Happiness Community Gardens on Ammons St between 41^st and 44^th Avenue is the place to get your hands dirty! Stop by this blooming community garden full of flowers and vegetables at any time. Check out the event calendar to see how to join the community garden in 2024.

In recent years, waste management has emerged as a significant topic of discussion in Wheat Ridge. Residents have expressed both their desire for change and their satisfaction with current practices. In response, City staff presented plans at the April 24, 2023 City Council meeting to conduct a comprehensive public engagement process. The goal of this process is to gather feedback from the public so that Wheat Ridge can serve its residents in the best way possible.

Throughout the project’s 18-month duration, information will be provided on the current system, potential alternatives, as well as the advantages and disadvantages associated with each approach. Ample opportunities will be available for public input.

Want to get involved or stay up to date on this project? We would love to hear from you! Follow the Residential Waste Engagement page on What's Up Wheat Ridge to be notified of future engagement opportunities.

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 28th, 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.

eBike Vouchers

The Colorado Energy Office is saving more for bicycle enthusiasts for a second year in a row. Thanks to the passage of SB22-193, Colorado will implement statewide e-bike rebates available to low- and moderate-income Coloradans. CEO anticipates that rebates will be available to individuals in August 2023. Applications will be open for one week each month, and individuals will be selected at random. The voucher amount varies based on equipment and other incentives, but the total amount is up to $1,750. There are three classes of e-bike – 1, 2, and 3 – and each have different thresholds of support for the rider based on speed and pedal assistance. For more details and to sign up for updates, please visit: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/ebike-rebatesH

RTD Zero Fare for Better Air: July and August 2023

Can’t get there just by biking? This July and August RTD is offering zero fares across its system as part of the Zero Fare for Better Air Initiative. This is a collaborative, statewide effort designed to reduce ground-level ozone through the increased use of public transit. Calculate how much you could save on your commute here: https://www.rtd-denver.com/zerofare

Dumpster Days

Wheat Ridge Large Item Pick Up is an annual event hosted by the City of Wheat Ridge. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 13 and Saturday, May 20, and take advantage of the opportunity to dispose of large or bulky items that may not fit in regular trash containers. Examples of acceptable items for disposal include furniture, appliances, and yard waste. Hazardous waste, such as chemicals or electronics, is not accepted at Dumpster Days. The event is free for residents, and it is a great way to declutter and dispose of unwanted items responsibly.

Future Waste Engagement Opportunities

Wheat Ridge is in the process of bringing on a consulting firm to create and implement a public engagement campaign to better understand resident's thoughts about waste management practices in our community. Last year, the Sustainable Wheat Ridge presented research to the City about potential strategies and future changes that could made to encourage more sustainable, responsible waste management practices. Stay tuned for opportunities to give us your input!

Mow Down Pollution

Mow Down Pollution is a program in Colorado that aims to reduce air pollution caused by lawn mowers. Offered by the Regional Air Quality Council. this program provides a rebate for the purchase of electric mowers, and provides education on the benefits of electric mowers over gas-powered ones. The program is part of the state's larger effort to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2020, The City of Wheat Ridge joined Lakewood, Denver and Fort Collins as the newest member of the Sustainable Neighborhoods Network! Currently, Applewood Villages, Fruitdale, Panorama Park, and Paramount Heights are participating in the program and cover around 30% of the City.

The Sustainable Neighborhoods Program gives residents the opportunity to become active partners in building a vibrant and sustainable Wheat Ridge community. Neighborhoods participating in this unique certification program receive guidance and support from city staff to organize workshops, projects and events that enhance the livability of their neighborhoods and reduce residents' ecological footprints. Participating neighborhoods earn program credits and recognition from the community and the City.

The City of Wheat Ridge is looking for two new neighborhoods to join the program this summer! To learn more about the program and the application process, please join us for an open house on Wednesday, April 12 at 5:30 P.M. at City Hall Council Chambers. Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, May 12, 2023. APPLY TODAY!

Please be sure to read the Wheat Ridge Application Guide and Application Frequently Asked Questions before you apply! Download the Signature Support Form and upload the completed form with your application. For tips on how to gather signatures with low-to-no contact, read the Signature Support Ideas document. If you have any questions, contact Mary Hester at sustainability@ci.wheatridge.co.us.

To read more about what our four Sustainable Neighborhoods have been up to, check out the Sustainable Neighborhoods website!

Spring is just around the corner and now is a great time to start thinking about plans for a garden (see end of post for more details on the Garden in a Box program that the City of Wheat Ridge is supporting again this year). A garden needs healthy soil and a great way to create healthy soil is to add compost to it. By composting you can recycle your food and yard waste into nutrients for your plants and also keep these valuable materials out of landfills.

What is compost?

Compost is what you get when microorganisms decompose organic matter. Organic matter includes things like food scraps, leaves, and branches. When you mix carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich organic matter in the proper ratio and add moisture and oxygen, you create an environment where microorganisms that will decompose the organic matter can thrive. These microorganisms feed on the organic matter and over time turn it into what we know as compost– a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material that is a great soil amendment.

Why compost?

Composting has many benefits. By composting instead of landfilling food waste, we can reduce the amount of total waste that goes to landfills and help slow down how fast they fill up. When food waste and other organic matter goes to a landfill, it often decomposes in an environment without oxygen where it produces methane gas which contributes to global warming. By composting instead of throwing out organic matter, we can recycle that organic matter into nutrients for plants that can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and contribute to healthy soil that is better at retaining water (important in a dry state like ours!).

How to compost?

You can compost via an open bin, closed bin, vermicompost, or curbside pick-up and/or drop-off service. The Environmental Protection Agency has some introductory information on backyard composting and vermicomposting. Scroll down to the very bottom of the webpage for more resources on how to compost. If you don’t want to bother with setting up a composting system at home but would like to ensure the organic waste you create gets recycled, consider signing up for a curbside compost service. Two companies that currently serve Wheat Ridge are SCRAPS and Compost Colorado.

Special Note on Garden in a Box

Wheat Ridge is offering discounts on low-water gardens. Check out the Garden in a Box products from Resource Central and select “City of Wheat Ridge” as your utility provider at checkout. The gardens went on sale March 1 and will be available until they are sold out – this usually happens fast, so reserve your garden today!