CLIMATE SMART MISSOULA

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  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • People + Partners >
      • Smarty Pants Awards
    • Annual Report
    • In the News >
      • Missoula Current Column
      • Press Releases
    • Podcasts
    • Jobs and Opportunities
    • Blog
  • Resiliency
    • Overview >
      • Climate Ready Missoula Plan
    • Heat >
      • Heat + Health Risks
      • Staying Cool
      • Shade
    • Smoke + Wildfires >
      • Health Risks
      • Clean Indoor Air
      • Fire Ready
    • Urban Forestry
    • Health >
      • Mental Health
    • Water + Ecosystems
  • Mitigation
    • Overview >
      • Community Action Plan
    • 100 % Clean Electricity
    • Solar
    • Buildings 4 the Future >
      • Electrify
      • Workforce Coalition
      • The IRA & Federal policy
      • Energy Smart
    • Transportation + Smart Growth >
      • Land Use Planning
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Electric Bikes
      • Electric Buses
    • Financing
    • Water + Energy Nexus
    • Zero Waste
  • Get Involved
    • Calendar + Events >
      • Full Calendar
      • Electrify Homes Tour
      • Climate FEST
      • Climate Solutions Week
    • What Can I Do?
    • Connect with us >
      • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Act, Advocate, Invest
    • Footprint Fund
  • The Science
    • Overview
    • Climate Justice >
      • Justice and Indigenous Knowledge
    • Local Impacts
  • Donate
  • Contact Us

Missoula Current Column

We spearhead Climate Connections, a twice-monthly feature in the Missoula Current where we highlight efforts - our own and those of our partners - to accelerate the local climate solutions we need to build a resilient, equitable Missoula and beyond. And check out the archive of previous Sustainable Missoula columns (originally coordinated weekly with Home ReSource from 2018-2022) to get inspired about the past and present of sustainability in our community!

Climate Connections Column - 2025

  • June 27. Is your neighbor quietly diverting C02?
  • June 20. Bet on solar power
  • May 23. Budget bill is backwards, dangerous & dumb
  • May 9. The most powerful local climate solution? Upgrading your home
  • April 25. Our Power, Our Planet
  • April 4. Planting the seeds of the future
  • March 28: In 2025, let’s power forward, not roll back
  • March 7. Defend foundational environmental protections
  • Feb 21. Home Upgrade hub supports residents
  • Feb 8. Stepping up for clean air
  • January 31. The sun can shine in 2025
  • January 17. Protecting our Montana home together

Climate Connections Column - 2024

  • December 14. Smarty Pants winners inspire change
  • November 8.  Our resolve at Climate Smart Missoula
  • September 26. Join Climate Solutions Week
  • September 4. Navigating Missoula's EV Future
  • August 23. From the Classroom to the Community
  • August 9. What's plastic got to do with it?
  • August 2. Urban Forest provides value despite storm
  • July 19. Don't let the extreme heat bring you down
  • July 8. Be ready for wildfire smoke
  • June 28. It's heating up, so stay cool
  • June 14. Make it a summer of climate action
  • May 17. Filling the optimism void
  • May 2. Invest in a resilient community during Missoula gives
  • April 19. The path to a better water future
  • April 12. We need trees, and trees need us
  • March 29. NWE Energy Plan endangers climate, increases bills
  • March 18. Prioritizing Montana Schools in climate action
  • March 1. A spring shift - toward a brighter future
  • February 9. Running for Clean Air, Climate Solutions
  • January 26. Neighborways reduce car dependence
  • January 13: Clear the Air Challenge inspires

Climate Connections Column - 2023

  • December 29: Why 2024 is the year for local climate action
  • December 15: Smarty Pants Awards Winners Light the Way
  • November 17: Guide to Climate Friendly Holidays
  • September 7: Join us for Climate Solutions Week this September
  • August 25: Climate Change is global, resilience is local
  • August 13: How to Support Missoula Farmers
  • July 28: Lessons from a Montana Summer
  • July 14: Wildfire Smoke Ready Week: Time to prepare
  • June 29: Takeaways from the climate trial as young Montanans look forward
  • June 9: Our stories matter
  • May 26: Your renewable energy watchlist for the summer
  • May 12: Fighting like a mother
  • April 21: Help the climate - electrify everything
  • April 7: Findings of IPCC 6th assessment a call to action
  • March 24: Why celebration matters during the climate crisis
  • March 10: Voices needed to protect our climate at the legislature
  • February 25: Learning how to ask the right questions
  • February 10: Missoulians who are driving less when it matters most
  • January 27: Climate momentum is building in Montana
  • January 13: The year ahead for climate voices and action

Sustainable Missoula Columns (2018-2022)

2022
  • December 16: Smarty Pants Awards honor Missoulians working for climate solutions
  • September 3: Tools for Everyday Sustainability
  • August 19: John Engen, climate legislation, legacies and momentum
  • August 12: Thankful for the river​
  • July 8: Prepare for Wildfire Smoke before it arrives
  • July 1: Keeping the fairgrounds green as the fair approaches
  • June 24: A little less talk and a lot more action on climate
  • June 12: Solutions to complex challenges are within reach​
  • May 22: Organic lawn care 101
  • May 13: Changing the World through Storytelling
  • May 6: Bear (and human) mommas rock
  • May 1: Moving MCPS toward zero waste
  • April 22: Climate Action and the paradox and hope of Earth Day
  • April 15: Project Earth fuses music, science, ethics and action
  • April 8: Clark Fork Cleanup a global issue
  • April 1: Tactical urbanism in Missoula puts people at the heart of urban design
  • March 25: City, Home ReSource launch Pledge Zero recognition program
  • March 18: A guide to organic lawn care
  • March 4: Let's address global challenges and work to Electrify Missoula
  • February 21: Simple Mysteries of Composting Answered
  • February 4: Everyday Climate Conversations are Key to Systemic Change
  • January 28: Soup, Potato Boxes and Flu Shots to Go
  • January 14: Running up for (clean) Air - RUFA - is back
  • January 1: The Future is not yet written

Sustainable Missoula Archive
worth reading!

2021
2021
  • December 17: "Smarty Pants" awards honor Missoulians for climate action
  • December 10: Building a circular economy
  • December 3: Methane is the greenhouse gas to beat
  • November 26: Sustainability in Business: Ups and downs on the path toward zero waste
  • November 19: Enriching the city's circular economy
  • November 12: Living within our means for climate resiliency 
  • November 5: The Climate Courage Tour and what it said
  • October 29: Living climate change on our urban farms
  • October 15: Notes from a watershed group on the rise
  • October 8: Our electrifying fall - and energy future
  • October 1: Climate change and our children's health
  • September 24: Missoula's Climate & Clean Energy Expo is back
  • September 17: Don't toss it - fix it
  • September 13: The magic of creative reuse
  • September 7: Youth artists hope artwork inspires climate action
  • August 27: Think green at this year's River City Roots festival
  • August 20: Say goodbye to the words "Wild" and "Wilderness"
  • August 13: Time for Code Red on climate action in Montana
  • August 6: Sunday Streets celebrates active streets, community health
  • July 30: International fellowships inspire environmental literacy 
  • July 23: Meet Missoula's new environmental nonprofit
  • July 16: Stay safe during the smoky days of summer
  • July 9: The effects of climate change are upon us
  • June 25: Clark Fork watershed education does more than teach
  • June 18: River ambassadors ensure safe, clean river fun
  • June 11: Outdoor learning inspires lifelong stewardship
  • June 4: Smart growth is key to achieving our sustainable transit, climate goals
  • May 28: Our naturally brilliant soil does more than support ag
  • May 21: It's easier than ever to support local farms, local food
  • May 14: Mountain Line makes shift to spring, readies new services
  • May 6: Collaborating for the future
  • April 30: Nourishing a thriving future
  • April 23: Free Cycles recalibrates for post-pandemic transportation shift
  • April 16: Growing a food-secure community
  • April 9: Clark Fork has come far, but annual river cleanup still needed
  • April 2: If you plant it, they will come
  • March 26: The next generation of environmental problem solvers
  • March 19: Zero waste education in a virtual world
  • March 12: Preschool encourages sustainability from the start
  • March 5: Inspiring people and efforts that can scale
  • February 26: At Providence, WE ACT to care for climate
  • February 19: Reducing what pollutes Montana's rivers and lakes
  • February 12: Big Sky Doc celebrates (green) silver screen event
  • February 5: Discovering the river magic
  • January 29: What you should know about safer disinfecting
  • January 22: Building(s) for the future in Missoula
  • January 15: The year ahead, with change in the air
  • January 8: Committing to a new normal in sustainable transportation
  • January 4: Rekindling our commitment to a brighter future
2020
  • December 18: Reflecting on art through reclaimed materials
  • December 11: Finding the silver lining in a difficult year
  • December 4: Planning for a sustainable future
  • November 27: Buy Nothing Day
  • November 20: Food Sovereignty is on the Menu this Thanksgiving
  • November 12: Local climate action continues with new Carbon Offset Program
  • November 5: The soundscapes that surround us
  • October 30: Two voices urging a vote for climate proponents
  • October 23: Building a better community through recycling
  • October 16: Solar is key to a cleaner, brighter future
  • October 9: Vote for the Mountain Line mill levy
  • October 2: What being a parent has taught me about uncertain times
  • September 25: Getting dirty on public lands day
  • September 17: Tending our gardens, cultivating resilience
  • September 10: Continuing a tradition of creative reuse
  • September 3: Sustainability is human, too
  • August 28: Food waste, and what you can do about it
  • August 21: We're all on indigenous land
  • August 14: Come together to change the system
  • ​August 7: Address racism and inequality to build back better
  • July 31. Changes need to make way for people, bikes, and buses
  • July 24: Planting natural shade the greenest way to beat the heat
  • July 17: Summer challenges are heating up, so let's act
  • July 10: Joining the zero waste movement
  • June 29: Share, repair, and reuse towards a cleaner future
  • June 19: Zero waste efforts consider systemic racism of throw-away society
  • June 12: Post-COVID telework key to carbon-reduction goals
  • June 5: Nurturing the zero waste leaders of tomorrow
  • June 1: The road to sustainability in business
  • May 22: Climate Ready plan just the beginning of needed changes
  • May 15: Creative transportation for a more sustainable future
  • May 11: Compost - it's nature's solution for depleted soil, food waste
  • April 30: New possibility emerging from pandemic pause
  • April 17: For Earth Day, let's commit to a more vibrant future
  • April 10: First time gardener learns more than growing beans
  • April 3: Our collective crises
  • March 21: Thoughts on social distancing, advocating and assisting
  • March 13: Zero waste plays major part in fight against climate change
  • March 6: ‘Dumpster Diving’ our way to waste reduction
  • Feb 28: Looking to the past, planning for the future
  • Feb 21: Understanding 'Deep Time' can inform today's climate response
  • Feb 14: The Big Climate Change Event that could change minds
  • Feb 7: Big Sky Film Festival takes the Zero By Fifty Pledge
  • Jan 31: Running up for (clean) air and a livable climate 
  • Jan 24. Climate and the spirit of sustainability
  • Jan 17: From air to ecosystems, let's get climate ready
  • Jan 10: Going bold on climate action in the year ahead
  • Jan 3: Turn off the car and take the pledge for an idle-free city​
2019
  • Dec 27: UM 2020 lecture series spotlights community sustainability efforts.
  • Dec 20: Consider composting to help fight climate change.
  • Dec 13: Smarty pants awards honor Missoulians committed to climate action
  • Dec 6: Six ways to go green this holiday season
  • Nov 29: Address waste issues to build a sustainable future
  • Nov 22: Poverello Center links ending hunger with sustainability
  • Nov 15: We must channel climate activism into daily action for change
  • Nov 8: Some climate solutions come in a furry, four-legged package
  • Nov 1: Energy Corps Members help Missoula make lasting, climate-smart changes
  • Oct 25: Sustainable communities need empowered communicators
  • Oct 18: Children need writing to express hopes, fears for future
  • Oct 11: A truly just and thriving economy has room for everyone
  • Oct 4: Consider not what climate solutions are viable, but what are necessary
  • Sep 26:  Channel climate momentum at Saturday's Clean Energy Expo
  • Sept 20: Global Climate Strike is demand for sweeping change
  • Sept 13: A family grows up with the fun (and ‘serious sustainability’) of SponCon
  • Sept 6: Green building materials can reduce Missoula's carbon footprint
  • Aug 30: Young and old, let's all join Global Climate Strike
  • Aug 23: Roots Fest, Western Montana Fair go green
  • Aug 16: Trump's 'extinction plan' threatens Montana's wildness
  • Aug 9: Can trees really save the planet? It's complicated.
  • Aug 2: Beat the heat without compromising climate goals
  • July 26: UM recycled 35K pounds of computers last year, with bigger goals ahead
  • July 19: Montana's public lands are critical for climate progress
  • July 12: Montanans simply throw away too much trash
  • July 5: What can we do about plastic pollution?
  • June 28: Recycling is not the solution to plastic pollution
  • June 21: Sustainability is a culture that includes and responds, UM institute teaches
  • June 14: Repurposing textiles requires creativity, thrift, and ethics
  • June 7: PSC must give Montanans the chance to build a clean energy future
  • May 31: Build a rain barrel, save 1,300 gallons of water a year
  • May 24: Let's shift focus to moving people, not motor vehicles
  • May 17: Partnership brings energy upgrade to Senior Center
  • May 10: A Mother's Day wish for our future
  • May 3: You can help build climate resiliency in Missoula County
  • April 26: Education, encouragement key to reducing drive-alone trips
  • April 18: This Earth Day, consider simple, non-techno solutions for 'livability'
  • April 12: Reduce construction waste, save landfill space
  • April 5: Climate momentum in local government, and ripples of hope
  • March 29: Climate change, migration, and a resilient Missoula for all
  • March 15: High school students fight for the climate, and their lives
  • March 8: Changing the culture of waste, one fifth-grader at a time
  • March 1: Here comes the sun, and solar energy to Missoula's rooftops
  • February 22: Transportation planning a key piece of climate-change mitigation
  • February 15: Big Sky Documentary Film Festival on Missoula's path to zero waste
  • February 8: Zero-fare buses send ridership soaring, improve air quality for all
  • February 1: For 100% clean electricity, look within and beyond Missoula
  • January 25: How we get around has big implications for climate change
  • January 18: 2019 is the year of 'Zero Heroes'
  • January 11: We're aiming for 0-50-100 in 2019​
2018
December 28: Looking for hope? Meet Missoula's climate action heroes
  • December 21: How Missoula can give new life to old glass
  • December 13: Eco Club helps lead Sentinel High toward sustainability
  • December 7: Holiday MADE Fair helps shoppers be more intentional with gifts
  • November 30: UM students tackle Missoula's Zero Waste goal
  • November 22: With gratitude for our community's passion, hope, commitment
  • November 16: SAVE promotes youth involvement in climate action
  • November 9: University of Montana's FLAT teaches everyday sustainability
  • November 2: On Tuesday, vote your values
  • October 26: AERO Expo highlights sustainability Oct. 26 - 28
  • October 19: We're 'all in' for 100 percent clean electricity; don't miss Saturday's Clean Energy Expo
  • October 12: 'Field trip month' soothes the soul, instills value of stewardship
  • October 5: Protecting our children's indoor air in a hotter, smokier climate
  • September 28: We are defined by our protection of open spaces
  • September 21: Continued access to open, public lands requires vigilance, investment
  • September 14: Gardens help Missoula's Native American population get healthy
  • September 7: How SponCon became a treasured family tradition
  • August 31: Franklin School fifth-graders thrive in Zero Waste classroom
  • August 24: Manufactured home rehab team seeks to preserve affordable housing
  • August 17: River City Roots Festival needs you on the Green Team
  • August 10: Missoula families deserve cleaner cars
  • August 3: Summer Smart helps residents adapt to changing climate
  • July 27: Making the case for Zero Waste by 2050
  • July 20: Making transportation safe, inviting, memorable
  • July 13: Peacemakers lead others in tredding lightly on planet
  • July 6: Clark Fork is the Columbia's last defense against invasive mussels
  • June 29: Missoula schools, Home Resource partner for Zero Waste MCPS
  • June 22: Montana Energy Corps members do the hard work of sustainability
  • June 15: Inspired Montana moms commit to causes, activism, future
  • June 8: Solar is no longer an 'alternative' energy source
  • June 1: If hospitals can 'go green,' so can all organizations
  • May 25: Music venues step up efforts to protect river, recycle, compost
  • May 18: Agriculture can bring our food stories to the table, and Congress
  • May 11: An open letter to China from Home ReSource
  • May 4: UM Climate Change program connects next-gen leaders with community
  • April 27: Fifth-graders know a clean Earth equals a happy Earth
  • April 20: Celebrate Earth Day and the 3 legs of sustainability
  • April 13: County Courthouse LEEDs the way with energy savings 
  • April 6: Hitting the trail (and slopes) for climate action
  • March 30: Celebrate (and tend) our urban forest year-round
  • March 23: Spring's sunshine heralds ease of solar power
  • March 16: Schools, homeowners plant gardens for urban wildlife 
  • March 9: Faith communities rise to climate challenge
  • March 2: Amid change, UM maintains commitment to carbon neutrality
  • February 23: Our community can achieve Zero Waste by 2050
  • February 16: Transit key to city's balanced future
  • February 2: Make a difference; leave the car at home every now and then
  • January 26: Improving household energy efficiency a key climate solution
  • January 19: From Missoula to Chicago and back, #WeAreStillIn
  • January 12: Local nonprofits team up for new weekly column​

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