EARTH DAY EVENTS
Celebrating the 41st annual Earth Day
C
atch the fun and frolic at the 41st-annualCincinnati Earth Day Celebration
. It’s a free, open party for Mother Earth, featuring a recycled materials costume contest, environmental awards, eco-friendly exhibitors and activities and live performances throughout the day. Activities for adults and children include a rock climbing wall, a kayak safety pool, ORSANCO’s aquarium, a petting zoo from Sunrock Farms and more. Bring used batteries for recycling. Noon-5:30 p.m. April 16. Free. Sawyer Point, Downtown riverfront, www.cincinnatiearthday.org.Do a little something good for the Earth with like-minded locals at
Green Up Day
, presented by Cincinnati Park Board. Assist Cincinnati Parks staff with litter removal, weeding and park maintenance at parks around the city. Various city parks. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 16. 513-861-9070.The
Cincinnati Zoo
’
s Earth Day
event has eco-friendly crafts for kids, special animal exhibits, tours of the zoo’s LEED Certified Education Building and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 22-24. Normal zoo admission applies. 3400 Vine St., Avondale, 513-281-4700.The
2011 Earth Fair
has information on sustainable living, kids’ activities and more at the Fort Thomas Earth Day event. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 16. Free. Clock Tower in the Towne Center on North Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, www.gogreencampbell.org.Local artists present the
EcoSculpt Awards
, featuring sculptures made from recycled materials. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 22. Free. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown.Marvin’s Organic Gardens presents the
thinkGREEN Earth Day
. Environmental-themed music, face painting, food, activities and resources. Free. Noon-6 p.m. April 23. Marvin’s Organic Gardens, 2055 U.S. 42, South Lebanon, 513-932-3319.Recycling
Hamilton County Recycles
The Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services offers news and information on local recycling programs. If you have waste materials and you’re not sure where to take them, this should be your first stop. 513-946-7734, www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org .
Northern Kentucky Recycling Centers
• River Metals Recycling buys any type of metal. 1220 Licking Pike, Newport, 859-291-5509.
• Campbell County Solid Waste Department recycles a variety of hazardous materials including oil, antifreeze, paint, computer equipment as well as old appliances, abandoned cars and more. Also directs the Campbell County Litter Abatement and Clean Up programs. 859-547-1815, www.campbellcountyky.org/home/services/solid-waste.html .
Paper Recycling
• Recycling Express takes large quantities of paper and cardboard. 7430 Industrial Road, Florence. 513-641-5050.
• Recycling Group takes large quantities of cardboard. Offers a variety of collection options for businesses including pick-up services. 630 Shepherd Drive, Lincoln Heights, 513-769-9609.
Metal Recycling
• Buy Products pays by the pound for scrap metal. Offers indoor drive-through and container services (including roll-off) for a variety of industries. 200 W. North Bend Road, Carthage, 513-232-CASH.
• King Recycling pays by the pound for scrap metal. Indoor drive-through as well as container/roll-off services available. 5038 Beech St., Norwood, 513-731-7222.
Green Media and Community
Cincinnati Locavore
The Locavore blog helps you eat locally grown food year-round. Frequently updated, you’ll find posts on community-supported agriculture, foraged foods, family farms and a comprehensive list of links to local food outlets. They operate a Yahoo! group for dialogue with interested folks, too. cincinnatilocavore.blogspot.com .
Earthineer
A social website for sustainable living, offering blogs, news and discussion groups. www.earthineer.com .
Going Green Radio Podcast
Green Energy Ohio (listed under green buildings and energy) offers the lively Going Green podcast every two weeks. It’s a show about Ohioans who are working toward sustainable, low-impact lives. It’s funded in part by the Ohio EPA. Listen to the entire shows at www.greenenergyohio.org/goinggreen/page.cfm .
Green Building and Energy
Building Value
Remodelers donate used or leftover building materials to Building Value, which resells these materials to the public. Prices are often a third the cost of new. Plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, architectural materials and much more. 4040 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-475-6783.
CitiRama 2011
Ten years in the running, this year’s CitiRama will focus on expanding the urban community of Bond Hill. It’s the urban version of Homearama. Expect a poster contest to showcase the work of local artists followed by a kick-off in the month of June. Sept. 17-25 at The Villages at Daybreak at Langdon Farm and Rhode Island Ave. in Bond Hill.
Energy One
Sells high efficiency replacement windows. 8366 Princeton Glendale Road, West Chester, 513-874-0400, www.energyonewindows.com .
Green City Ecostruction
Activist Brian Garry’s green contracting company, practicing sustainable, fair trade building and repairs. Services include geothermal, solar, green rehab as well as green home-building. 513-221-5878, www.greencityecostruction.com .
Green Energy Ohio
GEO should be your first stop for information and assistance in getting off of the grid. Meetings, financial assistance and more on alternative energy, including solar, hydroelectric, biomass and wind. 513-293-3241, www.GreenEnergyOhio.org .
Greener Stock
Sells green building materials and architectural components for homes and businesses. Offers a range of services including architectural design, LEED/green consultation, salvaged materials sourcing and more. 3528 Columbia Pkwy., Columbia-Tusculum, 513-321-0567, www.greenerstock.com .
Hamilton County Planning: Committee on Green Building
Works toward balancing the needs of local developers with sustainable building practices. Educates and encourages developers and regulatory agencies to use LEED standards when building. Offers economic incentives not usually found in traditional development. 513-645-4550, www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/hcrpc/partner/land/greenBuilding.asp .
GreenSource Cincinnati
A resource center for green building, showcasing LEED-certified building improvements and practices at a historic 19th Century building. 19 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 866-846-4733, www.greensourcecincinnati.com .
The Painting People
Carpentry and furniture construction using recycled materials. No- and low-volatile organic compound painting. 513-262-2069, www.thepaintingpeoplecincinnati.com .
REstore
Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity’s building reuse center sells and accepts used building materials. 4910 Para Drive, Bond Hill, 513-721-GIVE.
Third Sun Solar
Sells and installs solar panels. Also links customers to financial support for going solar, while managing most of the process. 740-597-3111, www.third-sun.com .
U.S. Green Building Council Cincinnati Chapter
The GBC promotes building with LEED certification and connects builders and developers interested in sustainable practices. 513-403-0301, www.usgbc-cincinnati.org .
Sustainable Food
NOTE: The retail outlets listed here are just a handful of the local farms and vendors that offer products such as organic vegetables and humanely raised meat.
Alpine Valley Water Company
Sells and delivers water in returnable 3- and 5-gallon bottles. Offers a variety of home and office options including coffee and tea service. Donates a portion of its profits back to the community. 513-595-5419, www.alpineh2o.com .
Anderson Farmers Market
Offers vegetables, fruits, herbs, plants, baked goods, lotions, soaps, dog treats, jams, eggs, etc. Open Saturdays June-October. Anderson Center Station, 7832 Five Mile Road, Anderson Twp., 513-688-8420, www.andersonfarsmarket.org .
Cincinnati Farmers Market Directory
Features an online list with maps and details of two dozen local markets. www.cincinnatifarmersmarkets.org .
Clifton Natural Foods
Natural foods, herbal supplements, vitamins and much more. 169 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-961-6111.
Coffee Emporium
A sustainable coffeehouse offering fair trade coffee and using biodegradable cups and containers. CE also composts its food waste and purchases meats, pastries and sundries from local businesses. Bicycle deliveries available. 3316 Erie Ave., Hyde Park; 110 E. Central Pkwy., Downtown; Xavier University Campus, Evanston, www.coffee-emporium.com .
Earth-Shares at Grailville
This community-supported agriculture program offers season garden subscriptions as well as community gardens. Also purchase certified organic seasonal vegetables at its on-site stand, May-October. Grailville offers programs on the environment and sustainable living and houses an innovative wetland wastewater treatment system. Volunteer opportunities available. 932 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, 513-683-2340, www.grailville.org .
Findlay Market
This bustling inner-city marketplace offers deals on produce, meats, organic food and much more. Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-665-4839, www.findlaymarket.org .
Garden Grove Organics
Gardening store specializing in organic edible plants and hydroponics. Its goal is to provide high quality products and services and to offer reasonable prices. 29 E. Seventh St., Covington, 859-360-1843, www.gardengroveorganics.com .
Green Bean Delivery
Home delivery of organic produce and natural grocery items. Serves the entire Greater Cincinnati area. 513-761-BEAN, www.greenbeandelivery.com .
Green Dog Cafe
Purveyors of local, fresh, organic and sustainable meals including local pastured poultry, organic sustainable fish, antibiotic-free pork and much more. Also visit its wine shop for take-home or dine-in. 3543 Columbia Pkwy., Columbia-Tusculum, 513-321-8777, www.greendogcafe.net .
La Terza Coffee
Locally ground fair trade coffee. Purchase coffee online or try some at one of many local venues including Dojo Gelato at Findlay Market, Rohs St. Cafe, the BonBonerie and more. www.laterzacoffee.com .
Loving Hut
Vegan dining for a healthier body and planet. 6227 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-731-2233, www.lovinghut.us .
Martin Hill Farms
Markets produce at Northside, Madeira and Montgomery Farmers Markets, May-October. All food is produced without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Also operates a community supported agriculture (CSA) program. www.growmaster.com .
Marvin
’
s Organic Gardens
This local, USDA-certified organic garden offers a full-service nursery. 205 U.S. Route 42 South, Lebanon, 513-932-3319, www.marvinsorganicgardens.com .
Melt
One of the city’s greenest restaurants, maintaining composting, recycling and other low-impact restaurant practices. Sells fresh, organic and vegan fare. Catering and delivery options available. 4165 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-681-6358, www.meltcincy.com .
Northern Kentucky Farmers Market
Offers locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and more. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays May 7-Oct. 29 in Goebel Park at Covington’s Main Strasse Village. To learn more about the market and its members, please call: 859-292-2163.
Reality Tuesday
Fair trade, organic and shade-grown (using forest friendly permaculture instead of clear cutting) coffee served. Great food and goodie menu in a unique atmosphere. 1518 Dixie Hwy., Park Hills, 859-261-4939, www.realitytuescafe.com .
Relish Restaurant Group
Purveyors of fine, fresh, local food at some of the city’s favorite restaurants including JeanRo Bistro, Lavomatic and Local 127. www.relishrestaurantgroup.com.
Vegan Earth
Promotes plant-based foods, sharing concerns about our environment, compassionate treatment of animals and better health. Features monthly vegetarian potlucks and panel discussions on vegan living as a method for conservation. 513-929-2500, www.veganearthus.org .
Worm
’
s Way
Sells organic, hydroponic and other innovative gardening supplies. 1360 Donaldson Hwy., Erlanger, 859-525-9676, www.wormsway.com .
Green Spaces
Cincinnati Nature Center
Dedicated to green space preservation and education, the Center features 18 miles of hiking trails. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, 513-831-1711, www.cincynature.org .
Cincinnati Parks
Cincinnati Parks includes more than 5,000 acres and 100 scenic parks around the city. 513-352-4080, www.cincinnatiparks.com .
Hamilton County Parks
Offers a vibrant array of green spaces all over the city, including 21 parks and 16,000 acres. Boating, cycling, hiking, horseback riding lessons and much more. Winton Woods, Sharon Woods and Miami Whitewater all have lakes to which you can bring your own small watercraft or rent one for the day. A valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the parks ($3 daily, $10 annual). 513-521-7275, www.greatparks.org .
Sunrock Farm
This educational farm introduces children and adults to the joys of agriculture. Two-hour hands-on family tours for only $10/person. Children younger than one are free. Gibson Lane, Wilder, 859-781-5502.
Northern Kentucky Parks
• Devou Park boasts fantastic scenic views of downtown Cincinnati and features a golf course, the Behringer-Crawford Museum and a nature trail. Up Sleepy Hollow Road off Dixie Highway, Covington, 859-292-2151.
• Tower Park is a Fort Thomas gem with hiking and biking trails and 86 acres of sports and recreation areas. 950 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas.
• Big Bone Lick State Park offers camping, scenic, winding trails, a history museum and more. 3380 Beaver Road, Union, 859-384-3522.
Green Transit
AMP Electric Vehicles
Sells 100-percent electric vehicles including convertibles and an electric 2010 Chevy Equinox. 4540 Alpine Ave., Blue Ash, 513-360-4704.
Cincinnati Cycle Club
Since the 19th century, the CCC has promoted bicycle recreation, health and safety and helped riders develop friendships. It’s a great way to find out about local rides, races and tours or even find a used bike on the cheap. www.cincinnaticycleclub.org .
Metro Bus
Cincinnati’s mass transit network offers routes within a mile of most people’s homes and bike racks on all its buses to extend your riding range. 513-621-4455, www.sorta.com .
The Miami Trail
Also known as the Loveland Trail, it’s a 70-mile segment of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, which stretches from the Ohio River in Cincinnati all the way to the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland. The Loveland segment is closed to motorized traffic and composed of flat, paved-over train tracks. www.lovelandbiketrail.com .
MoBo Bicycle Co-op
Offers low-cost mechanical training, parts and community for bicycle enthusiasts. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6-9 p.m. and Sundays 2-4 p.m. at 141 Knowlton Ave., Northside, www.mobobicyclecoop.org .
Montgomery Cyclery
Sells a huge selection of bikes, including electrics. Various locations, www.montgomerycyclery.com .
Moto Verde
Offers a wide selection of scooters and accessories. 6010 Wooster Pike, Fairfax, 513-561-6686, www.motoverdeonline.com .
Queen City Bike
The online hub of local cyclist culture. www.queencitybike.com .
Queen City Bike Dine
A progressive dinner on two wheels. The next installment starts at noon on June 4. Register in advance. www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Queen-City-Bike-Dine/339682118918
Reser Bicycle Outfitters
Northern Kentucky’s shop for road and mountain bikes. 73 Monmouth St., Newport, 859-261-6187, www.reserbicycle.com .
Segway Store
Offers a variety of Segways and electric bicycles. Central Parkway and Vine Street, Over-the-Rhine, 513-225-1583.
TANK Bus
The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky provides transit South of the river including to CVG airport. Bike racks on all busses. www.tankbus.org .
Trek Bicycle Store of Cincinnati
Offers a wide range of Trek bikes. 7594 Voice of America Drive, West Chester; 9695 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, 513-755-3773, www.trekstorecincinnati.com .
Green Community and Lifestyle
Atomic Number 10
Vintage clothes, housewares and accessories. 1306 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-226-0252.
Backyard Camp
'
n
'
Gear
Rents camping equipment and provides setup as needed. 1429 Springfield Pike, Wyoming, 513-761-5555, www.backyardcampngear.com .
Bella on the Avenue
Offers second-hand clothes and accessories on consignment. 318 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, 859-431-2978.
Benson Cleaning Service
House and business cleaning using green products that are safe for kids and pets. 513-354-2338, www.bensoncleaning.com .
Buy Cincy
Promotes shopping at local small businesses. While not specifically green, the blog helps consumers shorten the chain between themselves and the goods they buy, which allows them to hold vendors responsible for their environmental practices. www.buycincy.com .
Chicken Lays an Egg
Sells vintage clothes, housewares and accessories. 1608 Chase Ave., Northside, 513-834-9268.
Cincinnati Earth Institute
This program of Imago (see elsewhere in this section) offers education courses on simple and sustainable lifestyles. 700 Enright Ave., Price Hill, 513-921-8455, www.cinciearth.org .
Civic Garden Center
This non-profit garden offers education, outreach and networking for greener lives.The CGC works to promote environmental stewardship and the greening of urban Cincinnati. It supports nearly 50 urban gardens around the city. 2715 Reading Road, Avondale, 513-221-0981, www.civicgardencenter.org .
Flying Pig Courier
A bicycle delivery service serving Central Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 513-378-7557, www.flyingpigcourier.com .
Good Natured Baby
This door-to-door pickup and delivery cloth diaper service serves Cincinnati and Dayton. 513-348-2727 or www.goodnaturedbaby.net .
The Great American Cleanup
Work with other environmentally minded locals to make Cincinnati more beautiful. April 16. www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org .
The Green Courier
Offers green delivery services using hybrid vehicles, low-impact office practices and more. 513-600-8480, www.greencouriercincy.com .
Green Drinks Cincinnati
GDC is all about informal networking and chill sessions for sustainability-minded locals. Meets monthly to sample local drinks and organic treats. Sometimes it’s over beer, other times it’s not. Check the GDC blog for details. 6-9 p.m. May 6 and the first Friday every month. Park Vine, 1202 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, greendrinkscincy.blogspot.com .
Hemptations
Offers a wide selection of hemp goods, new cosmetics, clothing and bags. 2034 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-871-HEMP, www.hemptations.com .
Imago for the Earth
This environmental organization works to educate locals and reshape the urban community of Upper Price Hill. The Enright Eco-Village (www.enrightridgeecovillage.org ) is part of Imago’s campus and offers affordable, environmentally friendly housing, a food co-op, community meals and more. Its 16-acre nature preserve is open daily. Free. 700 Enright Ave., Price Hill, 513-921-5124.
Nvision
Sells fine second hand clothing, art and furnishings. 4577 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-4577.
Pick Up America
This nationwide initiative counters America’s throwaway mentality with community trash pick-ups. Clean-ups are scheduled for Cincinnati’s West Side April 10-15, Northside April 16 and a fundraising party is scheduled for April 22 at Baba Budan’s in Clifton. A full list of events and projects is available at pickupamerica.wordpress.com .
Paddlefest
One of the nation’s largest on-water canoe and kayak festivals, Paddlefest celebrates our local waterways. Registration fees. June 24-26. www.ohioriverway.org/Paddlefest .
Paolo
This local, modern jewelry designer utilizes sustainable practices. 278 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-2171.
Park and Vine
Cincinnati’s green general store offers environmentally friendly clothes, paint, housewares, furniture and more. 1202 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-721-7275.
Price Hill Will
Advocates for urban renewal and sustainable communities in Price Hill. 3724 Saint Lawrence Ave., Price Hill, 513-251-3800, www.pricehillwill.org .
Potterhill Homes
Markets affordable, energy-efficient homes. 513-248-4428, www.potterhillhomes.com .
Puppy Wood
Dog boarding, daycare and grooming using only green products. 817 Hetz Drive, Montgomery, 513-489-2275.
RSVP Services
Offers alternative RSVP services. Guests reply via phone or online to weddings, parties and graduations to conserve paper and postage. 859-572-0060 or www.rsvpservices.com .
Southwest Ohio Greens PAC
Local branch of the Green Party. 1417 Bercliff Ave., Northside, 513-541-6978, www.swohgp.org .
Tava Energy
This online store offers a variety of environmentally conscious gifts, personal care items and housewares. 513-304-0234, www.tavaenergy.com .
University of Cincinnati
UC is one of the most sustainable campuses in the nation, earning a B from The College Sustainability Report Card. All new construction is LEED Silver certified and UC has improved recycling on campus, worked toward energy use reduction and has developed a bike-sharing program. A more complete reckoning of campus sustainability programs is listed at www.uc.edu/af/pdc/sustainability.html. UC hosts Green-Up Day 2011, where volunteers will work to improve Burnet Woods with mulching, invasive species removal and grounds maintenance. Lunch provided for volunteers. Free. 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Trailside Nature Center, Burnet Woods, Clifton Heights. 513-556-1559, www.uc.edu .
BIG WHEELS KEEP ON TURNIN'
I
f you’re looking for the 411 on the local bicyclist scene,Queen City Bike
has you covered. Covering news and political rumblings and grumblings on the state of wheels in the Queen City, QCB has become the go-to resource for all things pedaled. QCB also maintains an extensive calendar of area cycling events and organizes maintenance workshops, group rides and the mother of all bicycling events, Bike Month. (That’s in May, if you didn’t know). 513-675-2143, www.queencitybike.com .Environmental Preservation
Cincinnati Health Department
Works toward a healthier Cincinnati and offers assistance in identifying and removing toxins from homes and neighborhoods. 3101 Burnet Ave., Walnut Hills, 513-357-7300.
Environmental Community Organization
ECO’s mission is to hold industry accountable for community concerns about corporate pollution. 513-761-6140, www.envcomm.org .
Friends of the Great Miami
Works to restore and enhance the Great Miami River watershed. www.fogm.org .
Hamilton County Soil and Water
Manages the conservation of natural resources within Hamilton County. Holds public meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. and offers services such as soil fertility tests. 22 Triangle Park Drive, Sharonville, 513-772-7645, www.hcswcd.org .
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
Dedicated to cleaning up Cincinnati and making the city a more livable place through public-private partnerships. www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org .
Keystone Flora
Local, native plant nursery. Sells plants for habitat restoration, rain gardens and more. 513-961-2727 or www.keystoneflora.com .
Ohio Citizen Action
A network of citizens and organizations working with industries to protect families, the environment and the quality of life. 2330 Victory Pkwy., Walnut Hills, 513-221-2100.
Pick Up America
Coast-to-coast roadside litter pickup program that coordinates community trash cleanups. The 2011 tour features several stops in and around Cincinnati, including several events in April. www.pickupamerica.wordpress.com .
Sierra Club Miami Group
The Miami Valley chapter of the environmental awareness, preservation and recreation organization. 515 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, 513-861-4001, ohio.sierraclub.org/miami .
[Check out CityBeat's full 2011 Green Issue here.]
