Climate Action Plan Newsletter

Hello everyone,

Now that summer feels like it is actually here, it’s a great time to celebrate this incredible spring of engagement and look at ways we can continue to SHIFT to help us all save money and time and impact our climate action goals. Read on for how local climate actions are making a difference in our community and internationally, and enjoy this incredible weather.

Cheers,

Lindsay

470 Community Members Pledge to SHIFT
After Open Streets and Bike to Work Day, the number of Fort Collins residents who have pledged to SHIFT their mail has grown to 470 people. 

Now, are you ready to SHIFT two other actions-- your ride and your cool? Biking to work regularly can save you money on gas and car maintenance, and it's also good for your health! Using a fan and setting your A/C two degrees higher can save up to 14% on cooling costs while still feeling comfortable and reducing electricity usage. 

Learn more about the SHIFT campaign here.
Give a SHIFT by making a SHIFT

SHIFT Participant Wins Bicycle
At last month's Open Streets Festival, community member Jude (pictured, at right) pledged to SHIFT his ride and was rewarded by winning a beautiful cruiser bicycle, donated by Recycled Cycles. The bike was delivered to Jude on what turned out to be his mom's birthday, and Jude excitedly presented the new bike to his mom (pictured, at left) as a birthday gift. 

Thanks to Jude, his mom, and everyone else who has taken the SHIFT pledge!
Take the pledge to #shiftfoco

Wildfire Smoke Preparedness

As summer gets into full swing, it's a good time to think about wildfire smoke preparedness. The best way to know your potential risks due to smoke from wildland fires is to be aware of what the air quality is in your area; local air quality can be affected by fires burning hundreds of miles away.  Check the Air Quality Index and pay attention to Air Quality Alerts in your area.

Visit the City's Wildland Fires Air Quality site to learn more about what you can do to minimize the impacts from smoke in your home and vehicle, and stay safe this summer! 
Check current air quality conditions in Fort Collins

Bike to Work Day 2019
Last month's Bike to Work Day was a huge success! The event saw over 7,500 participants, up by more than 1,800 compared to last year. There were 22,000 breakfast station visits -- up 5,000 from last year -- and for the first time women made up more than 50% of event participants. 

Together, Bike to Work Day participants offset approximately 36,450 vehicle miles traveled by choosing to bike to work for a day instead of driving! Thanks to everyone who came out, and we hope to see you at Winter Bike to Work Day, the second Wednesday in December!
Learn more about Bike to Work Day

Updated Recycling A - Z List

Does shredded paper go into the recycling bin? Can you recycle light bulbs? What about that old mattress?

Find answers the answers to these questions and more on the City of Fort Collins’ A-Z Recycling List! This newly updated tool includes information about where and how to dispose of hundreds of items.
View the Tool

Portuguese Collaborators Visit Fort Collins
Last month, City staff hosted a visit from government officials from the city of Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal. Fort Collins and Vila Nova de Famalicao are paired as partner cities through the International Urban Cooperation (IUC) program, an EU-funded initiative that unites cities from around the world to tackle shared sustainability challenges.

Last year, teams from Fort Collins traveled to Portugal to learn from our partners, and this time it was our chance to host. Our visitors experienced Bike to Work Day, toured City Natural Areas, met with regional transportation planners, and engaged with local business and technology incubation spaces.
Learn more about the IUC

CAP Community Advisory Committee Member Spotlight: Sheble McConnellogue

Sheble McConnellogue (pictured third from left) is Executive Director for Northern Colorado Clean Cities. She has been involved with environmental transportation planning since 1992, retired from CDOT, and is presently on the Board of Directors for Via Mobility for All.

Sheble has served on the CAP Advisory Committee since 2018 and appreciates the opportunity to provide a voice for smart, clean transportation to the committee. Sheble is a strong supporter of the City’s climate action goals and looks forward to continuing to play a role in sharing expertise about clean, smart transportation opportunities.

Leading by Example: Clean Buses
In April, the City was awarded nearly $1.5 million from the Colorado Department of Transportation through the Volkswagen Settlement Trust. This funding will go toward three small alternative fuel buses and the replacement of two diesel buses with Battery Electric Buses and two electric vehicle charger stations. 

In total across Colorado, the VW awards will replace 28 aging diesel-powered buses with one compressed natural gas (CNG) bus, three propane buses, and 24 battery-powered buses, plus charging equipment.
Learn more about what Transportation is doing to lead in clean energy

About the Climate Action Plan
The City is implementing its 2020 Climate Action Plan strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to achieve a 20 percent reduction from 2005 emissions by 2020, 80 percent by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2050.

Contact Us

Lindsay Ex 
Climate Program Manager 
lex@fcgov.com 
970.224.6143 

Carolyn Conant 
Climate Action Plan Assistant 
cconant@fcgov.com 
970.416.2473

Sustainability Services
222 Laporte
Fort Collins, CO 80521