Sustainability in December
Waste Free Holiday Tips and More!
Have you been thinking of electrifying your house or car, but haven’t gotten around to it yet? If you were planning on using Inflation Reduction Act tax credits to advance these projects, you may want to consider getting those projects done. While it won’t be entirely easy for the new Republican Congress and President to eliminate these programs and tax credits, Trump’s cabinet picks may well cut these programs in order to fund the continuation of Trump’s first term tax cuts. The EV tax credit is on especially unstable footing. You won’t usually hear this from me, but this could be the year to emulate those silly commercials, and roll up with a giant bow on your car. While you’re at it, you may also want to consider splurging on an e-bike. Many brands rely heavily on Chinese batteries and manufacturing, and anticipated tariffs on Chinese products could increase e-bike prices.
Here are some of the other sustainability-related activities going on in Oxford this month:
Saturday 12/1 2-4pm Wild Ones Miami Valley Native Plant Seed Exchange
Join Wild Ones Miami Valley for a native plant seed exchange at Oxford Lane Library. Earlier advertising suggested bringing seeds in small labeled packets, but if you haven't had a chance to prepare them, you can still bring them as is. You can also pick up seeds even if you have none to give. There will be baggies on hand so that folks can divide their own samples for the exchange. Wild Ones Members can also offer advice on storage, planting tips, and species preferences.
12/7 8am-12pm, AMV Field Trip to Brookville Reservoir
Ornithologist Dr. David Russell will once again lead us on a birding tour of the Brookville Reservoir area between Liberty and Brookville, Indiana, visiting good spots around Brookville Lake as well as Whitewater State Park, looking for migrating ducks, geese, gulls, sandhill cranes and other species. Meet at Dunlapsville Boat Ramp parking area at Brookville Reservoir. Please arrive at 8:00 am.
All are welcome on AMV field trips. Please join us even if you are not an experienced birder.
If you have questions, email AMV field trip coordinator at eric_hollins@hotmail.com
12/9 7:30-9pm AMV PROGRAM - Impacts on Wildlife in a Changing Climate with Steve Esbaugh
This program will focus on the San Gerardo Biological Station (elevation 4,000 feet) in Costa Rica and species composition changes over time. What birds can you expect to see in a mid-elevation (pre-montane) cloud forest? Have bird sightings changed in the last 30 years? What are the implications for the future? What can be done to make a positive difference?
Steve Eshbaugh is a lifelong naturalist and the owner of Roaming Naturalists.
12/14 7am-12pm, AMV Christmas Bird Count
Join AMV's Annual Christmas Bird Count—the largest citizen science project in the world. The data collected from this count, combined with other surveys, provide a picture of how bird populations have changed over the years. Local trends can provide strategies for protecting birds and their habitats.
Participants will be assigned areas to hike & count and may meet directly at their designated area. Volunteers who joined us in the past will be given preference to cover the same areas they had last year. Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of experience. New participants can join groups led by experts covering a portion of the count area. Anyone wishing to participate in the count should contact Larry Gersbach at 513-310-0195 or larrygers@aol.com
We are also asking those who do not wish to venture out that day to observe the bird activity around their home bird feeders and yards. This information can be forwarded to Larry Gersbach at larrygers@aol.com and would be greatly appreciated.
Please consider joining us for this important citizen science event. No matter if you are a beginner or an accomplished birder, an enjoyable walk outside with nature looking for birds will refresh the soul.
Join with participants for a potluck luncheon at noon after the morning count. It will be held at the Miami University Ecological Center located at 5806 Somerville Road in Oxford.
City of Oxford Waste-Free Holidays
The City of Oxford’s Waste-Free Initiative has a really nice blog post about celebrating a sustainable holiday. Check it out here. The broader list of resources for the City’s climate initiatives can be seen here.
Shop Circular this Holiday
This holiday season, skip the big-box stores and shop local at Uptown Threads, a charming thrift shop offering clothing for the whole family. From cozy winter sweaters to stylish jackets, you’ll find gently used items at affordable prices. Check out this nice Miami Student round-up of local thrift stores for other ways to support the circular economy.
Shopping small helps support the local economy while promoting sustainability. By choosing Uptown Threads, you're giving pre-loved clothing a second life and finding unique gifts for everyone on your list. This season, make your holiday shopping meaningful by supporting a local business that cares about the community. And don't forget to give Uptown Threads your vote in Oxford's Holiday Decorating Contest, scan the QR code in our window to vote! Happy, sustainable shopping!
Enjoy the 50th Hefner Lecture Recording!
The 50th Hefner Lecture with Joe Roman recording is available for viewing online! Watch on the Hefner Museum YouTube Channel here:
Scratch Extra Laundry Off Your To-Do List
Whew! That feels like a lot on the end-of-the-year to-do list. One thing you might be able to take OFF the list is extra laundry… Here’s an excerpt from a post from Thread Up Oxford on that topic:
Hidden Costs of Frequent Laundering
We’ve been conditioned to think of clean clothes as synonymous with being washed frequently. But washing less is actually better—not just from an environmental perspective, but for your wardrobe and wallet as well.
The washing and drying of laundry (especially in hot water) has a negative impact on the environment. Dryers in particular are energy-intensive and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional detergents and fabric softeners release harmful chemicals into the air and water, while the frequent washing of synthetic fabrics sheds microfibers into waterways. These chemicals and microfibers harm aquatic life and pollute local ecosystems.
Frequent washing also has a detrimental effect on your clothing. Washing and drying can weaken fabric fibers, cause fading, stretching, shrinking and/or tears. So the more you wash the quicker your clothes will wear out. Thus you’ll be replacing your wardrobe more frequently, putting a strain on your pocketbook. This process also drives some of the demand for “fast fashion”, which comes with its own environmental impacts.
How can you help the environment and extend the life of your wardrobe?
Try laundering in cold water only.
Air drying laundry indoor or outside can cut your laundry-related energy use by up to 67%!
Air out laundry, most clothing doesn’t need a full washing after just one wear. Try hanging items to air out and spot treat any stains instead.
Here's a link to the full article if you want to follow Thread Up Oxford’s communications!
Wishing you and yours a happy holiday! Submit items for the January Oxford Sustainability Newsletter to oxohsustain@gmail.com.