The staff of the Ohio Sierra Club and the Sierra Club’s Building Environmental Communities Columbus staff partnered this summer to present two educational events about energy efficiency and renewable energy. Our Global Warming House Party, part of the Sierra Club’s new Lightbulbs to Leadership Campaign, was hosted at Global Gallery, a non-profit Fair Trade coffee shop in Clintonville. Nachy Kanfer, national Club staffperson working on coal issues out of the Columbus office, spoke about the work of the Club’s National Coal Campaign in Ohio. Ohio Chapter staff member Jen Miller presented on energy efficiency and the rulemaking proceedings for Ohio’s new energy bill, SB 221. The Executive Director of Global Gallery, Dr. Connie De Jong, reflected upon the environmental principles embodied in the Fair Trade movement. For more information and some hilarious videos, including Lawmakers in the Dark featuring Ohio’s Senator George Voinovich, Click Here.

Because they focus on arts traditions and agricultural products like coffee and cocoa that most often originate from developing countries, Global Gallery keeps these people in mind when monitoring energy use. “Global Gallery works aggressively to reduce its carbon footprint,” said Connie, “because the people of the developing world are suffering from the effects of global warming through reduction of water resources and severe weather events.”

“It's great to partner with a group like Global Gallery, who understands that stopping global warming and fighting new coal plants are two ways of making this world a better place for all its inhabitants,” said Nachy.

With nearly sixty in attendance, patrons sipped on Fair Trade beverages while learning how they could implement energy efficiency practices in their own homes. The evening also featured a special musical performance by Megan Palmer.

The Energy and Economy Forum, hosted in August, explored how Ohio can transform its economy by embracing energy efficiency and renewable energy. As a champion of energy efficiency programs, Janine Ostrander-Migden (the Ohio Consumers Counsel) demonstrated how energy efficiency benefits consumers by reducing costs. Janine has statistics which show that investments in efficiency are significantly more cost effective than building new coal-fired or nuclear power plants.

Lipster of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers demonstrated strong support for the new efficiency standards passed in SB 221. “Efficiency makes economic sense” said Steve. “Retrofitting Ohio’s buildings to be more efficient lowers energy bills while creating jobs for electricians, carpenters, HVAC workers, and many others within the building trades.”

Dr. Andrew Keeler from Ohio State explained global warming in scientific and economic terms, and Bill Sprately of Green Energy Ohio highlighted the progress of renewable energy efforts in Ohio. There were over sixty people in attendance at this lively gathering.

Postcards to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and to Governor Strickland were collected at both events. The staff of the Ohio Chapter and the National Field Office hope to continue educational partnerships and to expand such opportunities to other parts of the state.