Live Green Cincinnati

Where are the green collar jobs in Cincinnati?

Brianne Fahey — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:25:00 +0000

We recently received a question from a reader that raises a good point about green collar jobs in Cincinnati:

I would like to find out what companies in Cincinnati are currently installing solar and wind power generators in which I could apply for a possible career opportunity.
I have been running a home improvements company after leaving the telecommunications field. The technologies have changed just enough to make it nearly impossible to find an opportunity for myself back in that field of work. I am very enthused about the future of the solar industry and would like to know more about legitimate companies working with it now. Can you help me?

There are a few local companies currently installing solar and wind power systems:

Many local architecture and construction firms also work with solar installations.

Green Energy Ohio, The US Green Building Council, Hamilton County go Green Challenge, Cincinnati State’s Renewable Energy Training Certificate Program, and the Blue-Green Alliance are also good places to find leads in this industry.

There could be much more opportunity, as there are a lot of skilled workers locally who want to move to a growing industry. People in Cincinnati are looking for opportunities to work on alternative energies, or for companies with a green focus. Are you hiring? Let us know so that we can post your opening on the Live Green Cincinnati job board.

Inspiration: Greening our alleys - Porous Concrete

Suzanne — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:25:21 +0000

You may have seen our post on the University of Cincinnati’s permeable walkways a year or so ago, and you may have heard that downtown Cincinnati now has the first permeable parking lot. Both are designed in a similar way to allow storm runoff and rainwater to seep into the ground and travel through soil to eventually, over time, end up in underground aquifers and the Ohio River.

This natural process allows the ground to filter the water of any polluted runoff rather than the storm water running into the storm water runoff systems and out into the Ohio River untreated. Reducing storm water in the system will also help Cincinnati meet its need to keep from having to spend billions reconstructing the current sewer system.

Chicago’s Green Alleys

The New York Times reported last year that Chicago has begun a program called the “Green Alley Initiative” where they use permeable concrete and porous asphalt to repave alleys. In effect, doing the same thing as the parking lot and the UC walkway, but using a little known material that is easy for the city to implement quickly.

Other benefits of the new materials include reflecting sun rather than absorbing it which will help reduce the heat-island effect of the city.

Cincinnati can do this too

We have hundreds of alleys in Cincinnati where we could be taking advantage of this same material. As a matter of fact, there are still a few in downtown where you can see that this idea isn’t a new one. The first permeable alleys were of bricks in the 1800’s. In a way, they were trying to do the same thing, take water off the street and keep their buggies from bogging down in the mud.

You don’t necessarily need to use complex technology to help control storm water runoff, consider using porous pavement.

Read More

New York Times Article

Technical Information on Pervious Concrete

Green Business Wednesday: Marvin’s Organic Gardens

Brianne Fahey — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:23:52 +0000

Did you know that there was a Certified USDA Organic facility in the Greater Cincinnati area? In fact, Marvin’s Organic Gardens has been Certified USDA Organic since 2003. The certification guarantees the entire property follows strict, organic growing methods and never uses synthetics or chemicals.

Marvin’s Organic Gardens offers a vast selection of plants and garden products, as well as an organic farmer’s market.

Beyond landscaping and gardening products, Marvin’s Organic Gardens hosts lots of regular programs to teach you about the benefits of being a locavore and how to have a green, green thumb.

You can find out more by visiting the Marvin’s Organic Gardens online calendar of events and website.

Are you a local company with a green business specialty? Share it with us!

Holiday Shopping Bag Transport

Brianne Fahey — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:56:41 +0000

If you’ve started carrying reusable tote bags with you to the grocery store, you probably know the feeling of being weighed down with bags on your arms. Make it easy on yourself, try out this tote bag cart!

This rolling bag carrier is available at Park+Vine and will make a smashing Holiday gift for anyone (including yourself)!

Cincinnati Parks history and you

Brianne Fahey — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:08:13 +0000

Cincinnati Parks have been an integral part of local life for many, many years. The Parks have recently made huge environmental strides with solar and wind energy demonstrations, solar trash cans, rain gardens, and more - but they also have a rich history of making green available to all Cincinnatians.

Do you have a story about an experience in Cincinnati Parks? You can be a part of a documentary being made by CET about the history of Cincinnati Parks. Find the details and contact information online here.

Video pod: Findlay Market

Brianne Fahey — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:35:50 +0000

Fresh food is local at one of Cincinnati’s most interesting places: Findlay Market. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.

If you can’t see the video above, click here to watch.

Want to know what’s in season in Ohio all year? Visit Ohio’s fresh fruit and vegetable harvest calendar.

Check out our other Live Green Cincinnati video pods on You Tube.

One more week for FREE hazardous waste collection

Brianne Fahey — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:16:41 +0000

This is the perfect week to finish that garage and basement clean-out you promised yourself you’d do before the end of the year. The Hamilton County FREE hazardous waste collection program is ending Nov 22.

Click here to find a FREE drop off location.

What is Hazardous Waste (from the Hamilton County Website):

Many of the items you use everyday in home improvement projects, lawn and garden care, and automobile maintenance can be hazardous to your health and the environment if disposed of improperly. Typical hazardous products include pesticides, automotive products, home improvement products (varnish, stain, paint thinner, paint stripper, adhesives), and cleaning products (drain cleaner, pool chemicals, ammonia, bleach). The average home contains 60 to 100 pounds of hazardous chemicals.

To determine if a product is hazardous, check the label for key words like caution, warning, dangerous, and poison.

After the free collection ends, you will still want to make sure your hazardous waste doesn’t go into the landfill or the waterways. Visit the Hamilton County Solid Waste District website for more information about regular hazardous waste collection.

Green Business Wednesday: Park+Vine

Brianne Fahey — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:01:14 +0000

In the 2008 CityBeat Best Of issue, Park+Vine was named Best Buy-In at New Store, Best New Store, Best Green-Oriented Business, and Best Friend to the Environment. Park+Vine is more than just a green general store, it’s a place to meet people, learn things, find inspiration, and get connected. Just take a look at the P+V website and calendar.

Want an idea of what you might find at Park+Vine?

- clothes - shoes - cleaning supplies - bedding - locally made products - paint and decoration - toys - books - baby clothes and eco-diapers - water bottles - bags - food - compost bins - personal care items - cards - bike gear - stationery - housewares - local art -

Stop in to Park+Vine while you’re exploring all the shops in Over The Rhine!

Are you a local company with a green business specialty? Share it with us!

Motorcycle and Scooter parking downtown

Brianne Fahey — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:52:06 +0000

The City of Cincinnati recently added street parking areas specific to two-wheelers like motorcycles and scooters. These two-wheeler parking areas are available at:

Sycamore between 4th and 5th
Walnut between 5th and 6th
Broadway between 6th and New
8th and Vine
7th and Sycamore

This new two-wheeler parking opportunity is currently available FREE.

More MPG and free parking? It’s the perfect time to ride your scooter or motorcycle to come down and hang out at Fountain Square or the Main Library.

I Make Cincinnati Green: Education and PR Edition

Brianne Fahey — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:41:52 +0000

The latest installment of I Make Cincinnati Green features Chuck Lohre. Chuck is a LEED AP and PR/Media chair of the Cincinnati chapter of the US Green Building Council. Want to learn about or tour an environmentally conscious building project in Cincinnati? Chuck is heavily involved in educating and promoting green projects in Cincinnati.

Find out more about Chuck and other people who make Cincinnati Green here.