As you know, there are lots of really bad things going on these days, especially with attempts to increase and advance fossil fuel burning at the expense (the heating) of the our planet. At the national and state level it appears we will make little forward motion for at least the next two years. But, locally, it’s a completely different story. Turns out Missoula City and County both have a number of aggressive programs and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And they could use your help in getting things done. Here are three events happening this summer that need volunteers.
- HEAT STUDY
On Saturday, July 19, Missoula County, the City of Missoula, and Climate Smart are hosting acitizen science campaign to collect heat data this summer. This data will identify hot spots and help our community prepare for extreme heat. Volunteers will drive or navigate a predetermined route in the morning, afternoon, and evening, using a simple data collection device to gather heat information in various parts of the city and county. For more information or to fill out a volunteer interest form visit climatereadymissoula.org/staycoolmissoula.
Have a question? Reach out to Alli Kane, Climate Action Program Coordinator with Missoula County at akane@missoulacounty.us
- ZERO WASTE
The City of Missoula Zero Waste program is teaming up with Home Resources to coordinate volunteers at a number of events this summer. They have a list of events that have sign-ups open right now. Each event offers different times and shifts, but we do the same thing: help educate participants about the zero waste and help them sort recyclables into bins, keeping them as pure a waste stream as possible.
You can find the current events on this website: https://www.homeresource.org/green-team-events/
- ELECTRIFY MISSOULA
Electrify Missoula is a program from Missoula City and County and Climate Smart. Besides getting individuals to electrify their own homes , 350 Montana will be looking for volunteers this later this summer to promote this program throughout the community. Tasks may include dropping literature in neighborhoods or working a table at the Farmer’s Market. Email me (Dave Harmon) at ecollama@msn.com to get signed up to volunteer.
To learn more about Electrify Missoula and why it’s important for the climate, go to https://www.electrifymissoula.org/.
- CLIMATE SOLUTIONS WEEK
Finally, we hope to see you this fall at the Missoula Climate Solutions Week at the end of September. 350 Montana will be teaming with City and County folks to host a party to celebrate what’s being done in Missoula to reduce fossil fuels. Stay tuned for more.
Yep, things are bad almost everywhere for the climate. But HERE IN WESTERN MONTANA, we have a chance to do good in our own back yard. Please volunteer if you can! Thanks.
