March 31, 2026
"Transformation is a process, a journey, not a one-time decision." —David Kinnaman
Columbus Schools Transitioning to Clean Energy
Written by Lenn Black
Safe Green Schools Holds Roundtable
Safe Green Schools, in collaboration with Parents United for Public Schools and the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, hosted a Building Safe Green Schools Together Roundtable on March 25th at the Columbus Mennonite Church, to discuss the Columbus City Schools’ transition to cost saving green energy infrastructure.
The conversation featured State Senator Bill DeMora, School Board Vice President Sarah Ingles, School Board Member Jennifer Adair, Assistant Director of Sustainable Columbus Erin Beck, and parents & students who led the effort.
State Senator Bill DeMora.
Photo by Lenn Black
Columbus City Schools has passed the Safe Green Schools Policy and is preparing to launch its first solar energy project. Amid continuing state budget cuts and rising energy costs, this initiative saves money that can be redirected to classrooms while strengthening the district’s resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Columbus City School Board Vice President
Sarah Ingles. Photo by Lenn Black
Safe Green Schools
The event was hosted by Safe Green Schools, a group of Columbus parents, teachers, students, labor leaders, and policy experts teaming up to tackle a silent crisis harming student’s health, fossil fuels in schools.
Together with groups like the Columbus Parent Impact, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative and the Ohio Environmental Council, it is striving to see that every school is running on clean energy. Every kid deserves clean air, safe buildings, and schools that help them thrive. But rising energy costs, outdated buildings, and unhealthy indoor air make learning harder and strain our families.
Panel Moderator Amanda King of Safe
Green Schools. Photo by Lenn Black
Safe Green Schools is fighting for classrooms that stay warm in winter and cool in summer, clean, healthy air so kids can learn and play safely, and schools powered by safe, reliable, affordable energy.
The Safe Green Schools Policy
In a unanimous vote, the Columbus City Schools (CCS) Board of Education has officially passed the Safe Green Schools Policy. This is a significant milestone for students, families, and the future of public education in Columbus.
The policy requires the district to explore cost-saving, energy-efficient solutions every time a building is repaired or newly constructed. That includes transitioning to renewable energy and clean infrastructure. This ensures accountability and creates a framework for real, measurable progress, not just promises. As Ohio’s largest school district, Columbus is demonstrating what is possible and setting a precedent for other districts to follow.
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Planetary: Reconnect to Something Bigger
Simply Living will present the outstanding documentary film Planetary: Reconnect to Something Bigger on Saturday, April 11th at 1:45 pm, at the Columbus Public Library's Hilltop Branch, 511 South Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204. A discussion about the film and about planetary issues generally will follow the showing! There is no admission fee or suggested donation, but registration is requested so we know how many to expect. Please Register soon!
Plug In America Launches Survey
Written by Lenn Black
Take Plug In America’s 2026 Electric Vehicle Survey
Plug In America has now launched its 2026 Electric Vehicle Survey and has invited residents of the US to take a few minutes to share their experiences with or perceptions of electric vehicles. Anyone who lives in the US is welcome to take the survey, whether they drive an electric vehicle or not.
Plug In America will use the feedback to check the country’s pulse on topics such as charging, dealerships, purchase considerations, and barriers to adoption. Once the analysis is complete, it will be shared with the public. It takes about 20 minutes to complete the survey.
What is Plug In America?
Plug In America (PIA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that promotes the use of plug-in vehicles powered by domestic and renewable electricity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve the global environment, and reduce greenhouse gases & climate change.
Image from Plug in America
PIA advocates the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and other vehicles that use electricity as a substantial source of motive energy.
History of Plug In America
PIA was founded by a group of electric vehicle (EV) advocates that previously had formed Don't Crush, a coalition organized to stop automobile manufacturers from destroying electric vehicles at the end of their leases. The film Who Killed the Electric Car? documented the actions of Plug In America’s founders and brought increased attention to the subject. Plug In America officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2008.
In 2009, supporters of PIA emailed more than 50,000 letters to members of Congress, resulting in the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases being included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In 2011, PIA partnered with the Sierra Club and the Electric Vehicle Association to create the first National Plug-In Day, which included events promoting electric vehicles across the United States. The annual event has since grown to National Drive Electric Week, held annually each September.
Image from Electric Vehicle Association
After eight years of being primarily volunteer run, in 2015, PIA hired its first executive director, Joel Levin. Since that time, the organization has grown to include eleven additional staff members.
The organization’s mission is to drive change to accelerate the shift to plug-in vehicles powered by clean, affordable, domestic electricity to reduce our nation’s dependence on petroleum, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Plug in America Programs
In addition to National Drive Electric Week in September, the group has launched an annual Drive Electric Earth Day in April, which also incorporates Earth Day events.
PIA advocates for policies that promote electric vehicles at the federal & state levels, including extending the federal EV tax credit, expanding California’s zero-emission vehicles mandates to more states, increasing access to charging infrastructure, access to High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, and registration incentives.
The organization developed PlugStar, a program that improves the EV purchase experience. PIA provides training for automotive dealers on various aspects of EV ownership, including government incentives for EVs, utility rates & programs, and emerging best practices in EV sales, to better assist consumers considering an electric vehicle.
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Simply Living Accepting Applications for Board of Directors
Joining Simply Living’s Board of Directors is an opportunity to help shape a more sustainable, connected Central Ohio. As a board member, you’ll collaborate with a passionate community of trailblazers, support innovative programs, and help guide the organization’s long-term vision. If you believe in empowering people to live simply, sustainably, and with purpose, we’d be honored to have your leadership at the table. If you are interested in applying to be on the Board of Directors, send an email to Lenn Black.
Become a Member, Volunteer with Us, or Donate today to support Simply Living’s mission.
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