Sustainability

Sustainable Wheat Ridge has partnered with the Regional Air Quality Council and Home Depot to begin the Mow Down Pollution program in Wheat Ridge! This program provides $150 vouchers for Wheat Ridge residents who turn in a gas powered mower in order to purchase a new electric mower.

Here’s how it works: First, apply for a voucher at www.mowdownpollution.org/residential. Next, recycle your gas mower at an approved metal recycler. Then, receive your $150 voucher to use in-person at a participating Home Depot to purchase an electric mower.

Gas-powered lawn mowers emit greenhouse gases and contribute to ground-level ozone pollution. Electric mowers are quieter, start instantly, and don’t require gas, engine oil, fuel filters and other related maintenance. And, there are no fumes to breathe as you are mowing your lawn! Stay tuned to this page to be the first to know when the vouchers are available and to take advantage of this great offer!

The City of Wheat Ridge is excited to join Lakewood, Denver and Fort Collins as the newest member of the Sustainable Neighborhoods Network!

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 accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Sustainable Neighborhoods Program! Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2020. Selected neighborhoods will be notified in September 2020. Please be sure to read the Wheat Ridge Application Guide and Application Frequently Asked Questions before you apply. Click here to start your application today! If you have any questions, contact Kayla Betzold at sustainability@ci.wheatridge.co.us

Gardening Resources

Farmer’s Almanac: Planting Calendar for Wheat Ridge, CO

Backyard Composting Basics

Vermicomposting

Build an Indoor Worm Bin

Rain Barrel Fact Sheet

Month by Month Chore List: Colorado Garden Calendar

Colorado Vegetable Planting Calendar

Yard & Garden Resources: CSU Extension

Creating a Pollinator Habitat

Low Water Native Plants for Pollinators

Local Food Resources

Mile-High Farmers Local Food Guide

Jefferson County Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) List

Fruit Tree Map - Add Your Own!

We Don't Waste - Mobile Food Market

Earth Day 2020

Water Conservation Tips

Make Your Home Greener

Reduce Waste

Green Ideas

Biomimicry Institute: 30 days of Reconnection

"Global Weirding" Podcast with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe

Citizen Science for all Ages

These eco-friendly money saving tips include resourceful ways to make small changes to your daily habits that can really add up over time.

1. Reduce: Buy less and choose what you do purchase carefully. One way to begin is to initiate a spending hiatus for one month when you do not purchase anything unnecessary or unneeded. During this time, focus on immediate needs (food, shelter, utilities, etc) and, if possible, purchase what you can from local or regional businesses.

1. Repurpose: Consider items you already own and how to repurpose them in creative ways. With the kids at home this could include upcycling items for art projects or, like we did at our house, repurposing an older picnic table into a cold frame for our garden bed. The opportunities abound!

1. Reuse: Buy from second-hand stores, purchase pre-loved items from online marketplaces or consider a trade/barter system for goods and services. For example, there is a Facebook page titled “Buy Sell Swap Wheat Ridge (CO)”. Additionally, instead of buying something outright, try renting or borrowing items that you may only need for a one-time use or a short, project specific time frame.

1. Recycle: Sell or donate your used goods that still have life left in them. If they can’t be fixed or repurposed, opt for recycling to divert them from the landfill. Earth911.org provides information and resources for hard-to-recycle items your local hauler won’t take.

1. Revitalize: Change up your transportation mode by riding your bicycle or walking instead of driving when you can. This will save money on gas and auto maintenance and provides an opportunity for some exercise.

1. Regenerate: Grow your own food, or source seasonal produce from local farms that offer direct-to-consumer savings. Garden.org has resources for gardeners of any level, from beginner to old hat. The Wheat Ridge Gardeners page on Facebook is also a wonderful forum to chat directly with community members for local tips + tricks. If you would rather source seasonal produce from local or regional farmers Jeffco has a list of producers.

1. Replenish: Cook at home, from scratch when possible. There are many low-budget, quick to make meals that are healthy for you and your pocketbook. Creating a basic meal plan and setting aside a few hours a week for meal prep can help you save throughout the week. Cooking Matters is a great place to go for menu tips and recipes.

1. Re-think: Think about how you use energy and water in your home. There are many ways to save these resources, including turning off the tap, insulating your water heater, installing a programmable thermostat, turning off (and change to LED) lights, line drying clothes instead of using the dryer.

Have other ideas about how to mindfully use our resources? We’d love to hear from you.

Check out these at-home Earth Day resources for kids!

• EarthX
• NOAA
• National Geographic
• Earth Day 2020
• EPA
• Earth Science Week