Sustainability
In June 2018, the Sustainable Wheat Ridge (SWR) Committee published recommendations to enhance the environmental sustainability of Wheat Ridge, provide strong financial returns, and bring substantial benefits to public health, community cohesion, and livability.
Our goal of this page is to provide a platform for residents to engage with the Sustainable Wheat Ridge resident advisory committee and city staff regarding sustainability topics in Wheat Ridge. We will be updating this page regularly with new topics, resources and programs and will utilize resident feedback to inform the development of future sustainability program offerings. We look forward to hearing from the community!
The six focus areas of Sustainable Wheat Ridge are:
Green Building and Energy Efficiency
Join the conversation by engaging with the tools below!
In June 2018, the Sustainable Wheat Ridge (SWR) Committee published recommendations to enhance the environmental sustainability of Wheat Ridge, provide strong financial returns, and bring substantial benefits to public health, community cohesion, and livability.
Our goal of this page is to provide a platform for residents to engage with the Sustainable Wheat Ridge resident advisory committee and city staff regarding sustainability topics in Wheat Ridge. We will be updating this page regularly with new topics, resources and programs and will utilize resident feedback to inform the development of future sustainability program offerings. We look forward to hearing from the community!
The six focus areas of Sustainable Wheat Ridge are:
Green Building and Energy Efficiency
Join the conversation by engaging with the tools below!
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Everyday Earth Day in Your Garden
Share Everyday Earth Day in Your Garden on Facebook Share Everyday Earth Day in Your Garden on Twitter Share Everyday Earth Day in Your Garden on Linkedin Email Everyday Earth Day in Your Garden linkGardening Resources
Farmer’s Almanac: Planting Calendar for Wheat Ridge, CO
Month by Month Chore List: Colorado Garden Calendar
Colorado Vegetable Planting Calendar
Yard & Garden Resources: CSU Extension
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
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Earth Day 2020 At-Home Resources
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8 Ways to Save Money - Sustainably
Share 8 Ways to Save Money - Sustainably on Facebook Share 8 Ways to Save Money - Sustainably on Twitter Share 8 Ways to Save Money - Sustainably on Linkedin Email 8 Ways to Save Money - Sustainably linkThese eco-friendly money saving tips include resourceful ways to make small changes to your daily habits that can really add up over time.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Earth Day 2020 Kids Resources
Share Earth Day 2020 Kids Resources on Facebook Share Earth Day 2020 Kids Resources on Twitter Share Earth Day 2020 Kids Resources on Linkedin Email Earth Day 2020 Kids Resources linkCheck out these at-home Earth Day resources for kids!
Sustainable Neighborhoods Project Timeline
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Apply to be a Wheat Ridge Sustainable Neighborhood
Sustainability is currently at this stageThe City of Wheat Ridge is accepting applications for two neighborhoods to join the Sustainable Neighborhoods Program!
To learn more about the program and application process, join us for an open house on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 5:30-6:30pm in City Council Chambers.
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Application Deadline
this is an upcoming stage for SustainabilityCompleted applications are due by Friday May 12, 2023.
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Application Review and Neighborhood Selection
this is an upcoming stage for SustainabilityThe City of Wheat Ridge will be reviewing the completed Sustainable Neighborhood applications in late spring of 2023 and selected neighborhoods will be notified in June 2023.
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Neighborhood Onboarding and Project Planning
this is an upcoming stage for SustainabilityWe will work with neighborhoods to develop an outreach plan, lead a kick off event, and begin to develop projects that fit their neighborhoods' needs.
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Neighborhood Projects Begin
this is an upcoming stage for SustainabilityNeighbors will plan and coordinate sustainability projects throughout their neighborhood that increase the livability and sustainability of the area. The City of Wheat Ridge will provide project support throughout this process.
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Neighborhood Certification
this is an upcoming stage for SustainabilityNeighborhoods will earn recognition from the City of Wheat Ridge and Wheat Ridge City Council, a Sustainable Neighborhoods street sign installed in their neighborhood, and continued support in the program in future year.
Who's Listening
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Phone (303) 235-2841 Email sustainability@ci.wheatridge.co.us