Writing a newsletter is interesting as I am always learning something new. I was surprised to learn the Old Town Farm and Art Market is not the same as Kansas Grown! Farmer’s Market which is the 21st and Ridge Farmers Market and the Derby Farmers Market. Ooops. I have now included a link to Old Town Farm and Art Market weekly events list, too.

I am excited to share one of my most absolute favorite events - the Wichita Iris Show - happening at Botanica this Mother’s Day. (Check out the link below for more details on Botanica) Irises are my favorite flower and it is so enjoyable to see a room filled with the colorful blooms. If Irises are not your thing, check out the other garden clubs who will also be present at Botanica on Sunday, including Air Capital Daylily Society, Kansas Pond Society, Suburban Garden Club, Wichita Hosta Club, and Wichita Rose Society.

KAKE News Investigates revisited a story they did a year ago about happens to plastic bags after they are recycled. Lori Lawrence, an active contributor to 316 United conversations, was part of the investigation that KAKE did in collaboration with ABC where they glued AirTags into plastic bags and followed where the bags went. Three of the trackers ended up as plastic waste in Indonesia and Malaysia. For the full story watch “Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Exports,” now available on Hulu.

Sadly, the statement made by Mayor Lilly Wu made it clear that banning single use plastic bags is “not a priority for me. I am going to be prioritizing what the community has said they want us to focus on."

If you too are concerned about the amount of plastic discarded in the environment, it is extremely important you write local and state officials and let them know.

In the meantime, do your best to decrease your personal use of plastics. Take a reusable shopping bag to the grocery store, use a reusable container for your water, and take your own coffee cup.

Until next time, Randi

Update from Wichita Sustainability Integration Board

The Sustainability Integration Board, in collaboration with the Community Engagement Institute of Wichita State University, is developing a 25-year climate action plan. Following the usual procedure with the City of Wichita, the plan will be presented to each District Advisory Board to gather public input before being presented to the City Council.

As part of this initiative, Wichita has conducted a baseline report on greenhouse gas emissions using data from 2021. Initially, data collection was started by a now-departed city employee, but the results were not analyzed until recently, following the hiring of Ethan Krenshaw.

Celia Hack, a reporter for KMUW, summarized these developments in her recent article titled "City of Wichita Begins Tracking Greenhouse Gas Emissions as Part of Climate Action Plan," published on May 6, 2024. The following are important links from her article:

1. 2021 Inventory of Community and Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions. April 22, 2024

2. Pledges and progress: Steps toward greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the 100 largest cities across the United States. October 2020

3. ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability. The entity which provided the methodology to calculate greenhouse emissions

4. The ICLEI Climate Neutrality Network - this webpage encourages absolute net-zero emission level by 2050.

Once the SIB report is ready for review, 316 United may organize a gathering for interested individuals to discuss the plan before the public presentation. Stay tuned.

Wichita Transit Network Plan needs your feedback

The City of Wichita is currently in the public comment phase of their Wichita Transit Plan and values your feedback. The majority of Wichita residents may not directly rely on public transportation, however, it's crucial to recognize that everyone has a stake in its future development. Public transportation is essential for fostering more inclusive and sustainable communities. It plays an important role in enhancing accessibility, minimizing environmental impact, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for all residents. Please take the time to read the report here and take the survey here. Don’t delay. The survey closes the end of May.

For additional information, check out this article by the Wichita Beacon: “Wichita’s bus riders want better service, but money is short” by Trace Salzbrenner May 8, 2024.

Wichita Documenters - powered by the Wichita Journalism Collaborative

One of the most exciting developments in our city over the past year has been the creation of Wichita Documenters. This project is made possible through a gift from the Wichita Foundation and in partnership of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative members The Community Voice, The Journal, KMUW, The Wichita Beacon, Planeta Venus.

How people consume their news has changed and it is important to support journalism rather than sensationalism. You, too, can support civic engagement. Click on this link to learn more about Wichita Documenters. If you are unsure if this is for you or not, reach out to Deb Haslam at [email protected]. Definitely plan on coming to the launch party.

A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF LOCAL FOOD RESOURCES.

In collaboration with the Sedgwick County Health Department’s 2023 -2025 Community Health Improvement Plan Food Access Workgroup, the Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita has published a comprehensive list of local food resources. To have a resource added to this page, email the information to: [email protected].

Seeking Volunteers to help with community gardening

RECYCLE - REUSE - CONSERVE

WATER CONSERVATION REBATE INFORMATION

It's back! Our city council members voted yesterday to bring back water rebates. • Rebates will be credited to applicant’s Water Utility account.

Hurry. Only $75,000 is available and it will surely go fast! For any questions about the conservation rebate program Call 316.268.4470 or Email: [email protected] 

PRo Kansas Recycling

DID YOU KNOW…

PRo Kansas Recycling sells used moving boxes for $1 each. No need to buy expensive moving boxes from big box stores.

For more information about what PRo Kansas Recycling accepts, please refer to this document. PRo Kansas is open 3 times a week. Check the website for the hours it is open.