Central Ohio Sustainable Communities (COSC) is a coalition of local community groups working together to influence and develop regional sustainability practices. Sustainable Worthington began meeting in November 2006, as a result of inspiration from the October, 2006 Simply Living conference on sustainability.

Six months after their first meeting, Sustainable Worthington held a “kick-off” to bring others interested in sustainable community groups together to meet each other, and to learn from Sustainable Worthington and Simply Living members about local sustainability efforts and organizations. Sustainable Clintonville, Sustainable Grandview and Sustainable Westerville developed out of that gathering. The groups keep in touch through a web group and attend each other's meetings and events. The University Area Enrichment Association, an older organization, has also joined the COSC Coalition, and is a valued source of experience, inspiration and wisdom. For more information about COSC contact .

Sustainable Clintonville meets monthly at Whetstone Library. Students from OSU's City and Regional Planning department are using public input to create a sustainability oriented action plan for Clintonville. The Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC) is convening meetings to promote optimal health for people in the area that is affordable and sustainable. CRC is being supported in this effort by the Columbus Medical Foundation, and the project is a joint collaboration with Sustainable Clintonville and Uptown Progressives, a Columbus group working to protect the democratic process and promote social justice. Columbus and the Clintonville Area Commission are organizing a Clintonville Neighborhood Plan in 2008. Attend public workshops or submit comments. Click Here for a schedule of upcoming Sustainable Clintonville meetings and activities.

Sustainable Grandview Heights seeking to engage and educate residents about environmental, economic and social sustainability within our community. Our mission is to encourage community involvement to promote healthy living now and for future generations. For a schedule of upcoming meetings Click Here.

Sustainable Westerville is a network of residents and businesses coming together for dialogue about the environmental and economic health of our community. We are committed to serving the community by educating citizens through guest speakers, study groups, town hall meetings and participating in community events. They meet at 7 pm on fourth Thursdays at the Otterbein College Library, on W. Main St. For more information contact .

Sustainable Worthington, the first group to be formed, is working to develop a more walkable, bikeable, bus-friendly community; encourage year-round access to locally grown food; support a greener community; build a more vibrant community and local economy, and work with other communities to develop regional sustainability practices. Sustainable Worthington supported a LEED building and renovation incentive program unanimously passed by Worthington City Council. They have developed educational programs and handouts, helped start Worthington's new Winter Farmers' Market, and are exploring development of a community garden at the United Methodist Children's Home. For more information and a schedule of meetings and activities Click Here.

Upcoming Sustainable Worthington events:

• Sat, March 1— “Gardening in Your Own Yard” Local expert gardeners Don Humphrey and Joanne Dole will offer expert advice, handouts, encouragement and pictures of local gardens 10 am-noon at the Griswold Center on the NW corner of SR 161 & High St.

• Every other Sat., March 8 & 22, April 12 & 26—Winter Farmers' Market Stock up on fresh, locally produced foods! The market, an offshoot of Worthington's popular summer farmer's market, offers a wide variety of seasonal winter fare, including meats, cheese, baked goods, jams and jellies, greens and root vegetables - all produced right here in Ohio. From 10 am-2 pm at the Griswold Center on the NW corner of SR 161 and High St.