Missoula Current Column - CLIMATE SMART MISSOULA

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.

Climate Connections Column - 2026

Jul 24. We can all take action in smoke season
July 10. Summer is heating up - Stay Cool, Missoula
June 26. NW Energy's 20-year plan pushes rates higher
June 5. Are you prepared for wildfire smoke?
May 29. Sustainability starts with community
May 15. Zero waste month spurs action
May 1. Celebrating the not-so-humble bicycle
April 17. From outer space, back to earth and neighborhoods
April 5. Earth Month brings opportunities to recharge
Mar 27. The kids are alright
Mar. 13. Standing up for science
Feb 27. A rose by any other name...in this case, is still dangerous
Feb 13. Turning overwhelm into empowerment
Jan. 30. Runners turn steps into climate action
Jan. 23. Missoulians can show up for lower electricity bills
Jan. 16. Snow or shine, cleaner commutes can rise

Climate Connections Column - 2025

Dec 31. Year-End Reflections
Dec 15. Our 2025 Smarty Pants winners inspire change
Nov 14. Too Hot for Turf!
Nov 7. Using curiosity to Move beyond polarity
Oct 17. People power and collaboration for action
Sept 26. Try defying gravity by taking joyful action
Sept. 19. The light won’t be dimmed
Aug 29. Collaboration is key to address extreme heat, build resiliency
August 17. Bicycling is Freedom
July 26. Summer solidarity, sun and smoke
July 11. Time to get ready for wildfire smoke season
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

Sustainable Missoula Column archive (2018-2023)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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