❄️January 27, 2026❄️
The most environmentally friendly product is the one you didn't buy. --Joshua Becker
Columbus Chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Guest Blog by Sheila Fox
Sheila Fox. Photo courtesy
of Sheila Fox.
In 2014, a group of concerned citizens in Delaware had just listened to Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. One of them raised her hand and in a frustrated voice asked what we could do. Leiserowitz responded, “Start a Citizens Climate Lobby chapter!” So they did.
Later that same year, the young group shared the idea at a climate event in Columbus, which is how the Columbus Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) got its start.
What Is Citizens’ Climate Lobby?
CCL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan grassroots advocacy group for climate change action. We exist to create political will for climate change solutions by enabling individuals to exercise their personal and political power. We are consistently respectful and work hard to be nonpartisan, admittedly a challenge in our current environment, but it has proven highly effective. By building on shared values rather than partisan divides, we work towards the adoption of fair, effective, and sustainable climate change solutions.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER for the Recycling Workshop with Matthew C. King
You can get your questions answered by participating in this Recycling Workshop with Matthew C. King (aka Matt the Recycling King) at 3 pm on this Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Urban Farm Church, 3901 Maize Road, Columbus. Registration is required. There are only a few spots left, so sign up soon! While there is no admission fee, donations are appreciated to offset the fee for the venue and to support Simply Living Programs. Register here
Spotlight on Green Columbus!
Written by Lenn Black on January 24, 2026
Earth Day Kickoff Event
Members of Simply Living were excited to participate in the Earth Day Columbus Kickoff Event hosted by Green Columbus on January 20th at Nocterra Brewing Company near downtown Columbus. It was a great opportunity to get reacquainted with old friends, meet new people, and share our message with members of the green community.
What is Green Columbus?
Green Columbus is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization based in Central Ohio that focuses on sustainability, community engagement, and environmental resilience. Its core activities and initiatives include tree planting & care, tree canopy expansion, community forums, and environmental action.
Expanding Tree Canopy with Strategic Planting
The tree planting program brings people together to grow a healthier, more resilient city by adding trees where they are needed most. This is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.
Green Columbus partners with local schools and community groups to plant native trees, improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and providing improved stormwater management.
With support from volunteers and the City of Columbus, Green Columbus has planted more than 650 native trees in community spaces across central Ohio including schools, parks, and along roadways in the communities that will benefit most from added tree cover.
The Green Columbus team manages every step of the process, from planning & site preparation to providing trees, tools, & on-site instruction to volunteers, all at no cost to participating groups. During each event, staff share proper planting techniques and offer guidance to ensure every tree is planted with care and set up to thrive for years to come.
Shelly Douglas (left) and Sarah Conley (right) of Green
Columbus. Photo by Lenn Black
Annual Tree Giveaway
Green Columbus manages community nurseries and distributes thousands of free native trees annually to central Ohio residents, empowering them to take part in shaping greener, healthier communities. The trees begin as small saplings grown and nurtured in the Green Columbus Linden Tree Nursery. By fall, they are ready to be planted in yards, parks, and shared spaces.
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Simply Living will be presenting at the Dublin Eco Summit on February 14th from 10 am till 2 pm at the Dublin Community Church. See details below.
Simply Living Board of Directors Announces New Officers
The Simply Living Board of Directors elected new officers at its regular monthly meeting on January 22, 2026. Lenn Black is the new President, Jenee Murphy is the new Vice President, Lynn Stan is the new Treasurer, and Vilvi Vannak is the new Secretary. These officers will hold two-year terms.
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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Visit us at www.simplyliving.org! Simply Living is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 31-1365264.
Thank You for reading our newsletter! We wish you all a fantastic week!
