Simply Living's Regional & Local Links
Look here for links to the web sites of organizations and other resources in our own bioregions - central Ohio, the Ohio River Valley, the Great Lakes and Appalachia.
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Simply Living's Regional & Local LinksLook here for links to the web sites of organizations and other resources in our own bioregions - central Ohio, the Ohio River Valley, the Great Lakes and Appalachia. |
Appalachia: Science in the Public Interest
ASPI, a voice of reason and optimism in central Appalachia, performs research and develops demonstration projects to address the increasing environmental problems of the area and to promote simple living as a means of self-determination. Get in touch with ASPI's outstanding program here.
Appalachian Peace and Justice Network
The Appalachian Peace and Justice Network (APJN), established in 1984, is a non-profit organization that empowers and challenges groups and individuals to work for peace and social justice. APJN currently serves fourteen counties of Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia.
AppalFor: Appalachian Sustainable Forestry
Sustainable forestry intends to establish a strong land-ethic as the basis for forest management. Come learn about appropriate technology, interdependence, and ecology in Appalachian context here.
Blue Rock Station is a Sustainability Center in the heart of Appalachia - featuring an Earthship, straw bale structures, traditional homesteading techniques, heritage and organic gardening... and more. Learn about upcoming workshops and enjoy a virtual visit to Blue Rock Station.
The Buckeye Forest Council is a grassroots nonprofit organizations dedicated to the protection of Ohio's native forestlands and their inhabitants. Learn about the BFC's actions, advocacy and educational projects here. The BFC newsletter Martha's Journal is archived here, along with action alerts and miscellaneous articles relevant to the health of Ohio's forests.
Car Free Day, April 25, is a celebration of healthy travel. Explore and discover alternatives to driving, and the benefits of being car free - clearer air, cleaner water, less noise, and a boost to physical activity.
The Center for Bioregional Living
Offering a demonstration site, courses and consultations. Center for Bioregional Living programs empower people to create abundance, health and regional self-sufficiency through cooperating with nature. As we learn to grow food, support local businesses, enhance biodiversity and become responsible stewards of the Earth, we will create a thriving bioregional economy.
Central Ohio Clean Fuels Coalition
The Central Ohio Clean Fuels Coalition (COCFC) is a non-profit organization based at The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research. Its mission is to improve air quality, protect health, safeguard our global environment, increase national energy security, and strengthen Ohio’s economy by advancing cleaner, American fuels and energy efficient vehicles.
The Central Ohio Vegetarian Society
COVS is a Columbus-based nonprofit membership organization that promotes the growth and development of a vegan lifestyle. However, you don't have to be vegan to participate in events or become a member - just interested, open-minded, and hungry! Check for current events and other resources on the COVS web site.
Home of the Calumet Natural Foods Co-op, Simply Living Products and Simply Living, the CCM is a true neighborhood center. Meet, eat, get your groceries, or just hang out at the outdoor tables. All are welcome always.
Get behind the scenes and learn how to make the most of these Saturday morning events! Here you can not only find out in advance about special features and events planned each week, but you can meet the farmers, learn about the vendors, check out recipes from the Market's own cookbook, and you can sign up to get special announcements via email.
Columbus Area Public Libraries:
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Grandview Heights Public Library
Upper Arlington Public Library
Westerville Public Library
Worthington Public Library
We all support our public libraries, but do we realize just how much value they provide for us in every aspect of our lives? In Ohio, we are fortunate to also have the Ohio Public Library Information Network, a statewide library network with hundreds of resources to use at home, work, or the local library.
Columbus Audubon - Eco-Weekend Family and Adult Nature Retreat weekend. Come join nature lovers of all ages to explore and discover the best of Ohio's Hocking Hills at Camp Oty'Okwa - always the first weekend in May.
Central Ohio's progressive activist newspaper offers current and archived articles, action alerts, and a guide to local activist organizations and progressive businesses.
Located in Yellow Springs, Community Service, Inc. has been a champion for small sustainable communities and urban neighborhoods since its inception in 1940. Learn about small local communities and how to help them remain vibrant and healthy. Also take a look at Community Service's program web site, The Community Solution.
Simply Living is a member of Community Shares, a federation of local nonprofit organizations that supports social justice efforts in Columbus and central Ohio by providing access to workplace findraising campaigns.
Compassionate Communication-Central Ohio
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a life-changing way of interacting that facilitates the flow of communication needed to exchange information and resolve differences peacefully. The mission of Compassionate Communication-Central Ohio is to promote peace, eliminate violence and work through conflict by systematically using NVC in Central Ohio and beyond. We envision a community where we live in peace and compassion for all.
A ministry of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Akron, Crown Point is a place where the principles of eco-justice are taught every day. Explore the connections between science, faith and ecology through volunteer opportunities, workshops and seminars.
Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio
DSCO is the local chapter of the national organization, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a progressive activist organization made up of people who desire social, economic, and political justice and who work to achieve these ends. Look here for lots of links to information about crucial issues of the day, plus DSCO activities and events.
Drum Columbus is a place for hand drumming enthusiasts in the Columbus, Ohio area to find out about drum circles, classes, concerts and other events
A national directory of earth-friendly practices, Earth 911 lists recycling services, household hazardous waste collection, business resources, programs and events, and more, for your community. Just start by entering your Zip code to find your local services and information.
Owned by a Simply Living member, Ecohouse LLC is in the business of Home Energy Auditing and Home Performance Contracting. - Making homes more comfortable and energy efficient in Central Ohio. Ecohouse can improve the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of your home, and substantially reduce your utility expenses.
Fallen Acorn Bed and Breakfast Retreat
Located in Bellville, Ohio, near Mansfield, Mohican State Park, Malabar Farm, and several bike trails, The Fallen Acorn offers guests a place where joy is found in the simplicity that often gets overlooked in a busy world. The home is built out of recycled materials from old barns and other structures. Meals are prepared from scratch using only seasonal, natural foods, and cleaning products used are environmentally friendly.
Farmers Market Map of the United States
The USDA has compiled this national listing of farmer's markers, including locations, schedule, and contact infomration. Click on any state to find farmer's markets statewide. A wonderful source for vacationers and travelers, or get a list of markets right here in Ohio. Listings are alphabetical by city.
FreeGeek Columbus provides computers and training for limited-resource populations in Central Ohio through redistribution of used equipment and the use of free software. FreeGeek Columbus is committed to free software, responsible electronics recycling, and community engagement.
Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries
FACT is a local community watershed-based group, "committed to finding ways to preserve and protect Alum Creek as a natural area while providing citizen access for environmentally responsible recreation, educational opportunities and citizen enjoyment at many levels." FACT's area of focus is the portion of the watershed extending from the reservoir dam in Delaware County down to the Big Walnut confluence by Groveport/Obetz.
Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed
FLOW works to increase public awareness of the recreational, cultural, historic, and environmental resources of the Lower Olentangy Watershed in central Ohio, which includes the Olentangy River from Highbanks Metro Park to its confluence with the Scioto River, plus streams and ravines feeding into the Olentangy. Learn about the river, its resources, events and news, and ways you can be a good watershed neighbor.
The Office of the Environmental Steward was created as part of Mayor Michael B. Coleman's Get Green Columbus initiative. Funded in part with a grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, the Environmental Steward's Office is dedicated to making Columbus a green community by focusing on Green Businesses, Green Neighborhoods, and Leading by Example.
Greater Columbus Foodshed Project
Low-income rural and urban households, though living in separate worlds, face similar challenges -- and are linked by the food they eat. The Greater Columbus Foodshed Project works to create opportunities and forge common bonds, including linking farmers and Head Start families, creating community gardens, instituting projects at schools and colleges, and planning many other educational and practical ways to elevate local people and local foods.
The Greater Columbus Green Map provides an alternative to the traditional maps with which we are all familiar. The map presents the area through a green lens and reflects the incredible natural, cultural, and economic resources we have in central Ohio.
Green Energy Ohio is a not-for-profit organization which promotes environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. Current projects include investigating sites for wind development, working with municipal utilities on green power programs, providing training opportunities for those interested in a career in renewable energy, and promoting residential renewable energy systems for Ohioans.
Greener Footsteps is a consulting organization to help clients live sustainably. Its newsletter Sustainable Living Ohio answers questions submitted through the site concerning any aspect of sustainability and caters answers specifically to Central Ohio.
The Healthy Worthington Coalition exists to promote the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual health and well being of all who live, work, play and learn in the greater Worthington area.
The Highlands Nature Sanctuary exists to restore Eastern old-growth forest to Ohio, create a large wildlife preserve, and bring people closer to nature. Read about current projects, events, and opportunities to visit. the Sanctuary is lovated about 90 minutes southwest of Columbus.
Imago is a membership organization in Concinnati which works to create a new vision of human presence within the Earth community, drawing on Earth-centered traditions and a bioregional consciousness.
Innovative Farmers of Ohio is a non-profit educational organization that works to promote agriculture that preserves and strengthens the economic, social, and environmental well-being of Ohio’s farms, farm families, and rural communities, and protects and improves the health and productivity of Ohio’s lands and waterways. IFO is part of the Greater Columbus Foodshed Project.
John F. Robbins Solar Designer
John F. Robbins is an energy consultant and high-performance home designer in Morningview, Kentucky. He has a long relationship with Simply Living and has consulted with many members on home improvements and renovations. Learn about passive solar energy and other efficient home design techniques on John's web site.
Just This Farm is a family-owned and operated farm located west of Columbus, Ohio, on the rich soils of the Darby Creek watershed. Certified organic since the year 2000 by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, Just This Farm sells garlic, beef, turkeys, eggs, vegetables and flowers. Owner is a member of Simply Living.
Low-income rural and urban households, though living in separate worlds, face similar challenges -- and are linked by the food they eat. Local Matters works to create opportunities and forge common bonds, including linking farmers and Head Start families, creating community gardens, instituting projects at schools and colleges, and planning many other educational and practical ways to elevate local people and local foods. Local Matters is a charitable, educational and networking organization whose goal is to ensure that all members of our community have access to affordable, nutritious, fresh and local foods.
MAP, a Columbus-based organization, serves as a free furniture bank for individuals and families in need. It was incorporated in March 1998 as a centralized clearinghouse for new, high quality, and used furniture, appliances and household goods. MAP is always in need of usable furniture and furnishings, and will be happy to arrange a pick-up at your home.
Mercy For Animals is a Columbus-based non-profit animal advocacy organization that believes non-human animals are irreplaceable individuals who have morally significant interests and hence rights, including the right to live free of unnecessary suffering.
Natural-State Wines applauds those who restrict the use of chemicals in their vineyards and wineries and offers natural-state wines (including Ohio's largest selection of certified organic wines) to the consumers of Ohio.
If you want to catch the vision and help create the future of Columbus Community Television, this is the virtual neighborhood place to hang out and meet those who are taking action to restore public access TV to central Ohio.
Niches is a not-for-profit, educational organization located in the Appalachian foothills of Southeastern Ohio, with a mission to foster ecological awareness and personal well-being. Check out this beautiful web site and learn about Niches' programs, accomodations, and philosophy.
Check the OCA web site for daily news affecting Ohio's environment and consumers. Also find great summaries of current issues, and tools for activists.
Look here for basic information on the OEC's campaigns and educational projects. Get a list of Columbus-area recycling locations, locate information about key Ohio Senate and House committees, and gather tips for meeting with elected officials.
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
Recently overhauled, the OEFFA web site offers a statewide directory of organic growers, articles of interest to farmers and gardeners, and information about OEFFA and its activities.
Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
OVEC devotes its energy to improving and preserving its regional ecosystem of West Virginia, southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky through a newsletter and other publications, educational events, and cooperative projects.
Organic Gardening Club of Central Ohio
The Organic Gardening Club of Central Ohio focuses on education, guest speakers and socializing over issues of organic gardening. All are welcome!
Project CLEAR is a central Ohio initiative to improve air quality in our area. This web site includes general information and suggestions for helping reduce air pollution. Requires Javascript
Pudding House Publications, based in Central Ohio, publishes an eclectic, thoughtful variety of books, anthologies, broadsides, and chapbooks, and offers workshops and salons.
Raven Rocks is a community near Beallsville, Ohio, which was founded to save a beautiful area of ravines, streams, rock formations and woodlands from strip-mining and devastation. The Raven Rocks community has embarked on numerous wonderful projects including sustainable Christmas tree farming, alternative energy demonstrations, and environmental design and construction. There seems no limit to the energy and integrity of this community.
Rural Action works for the development of a sustainable culture and economy in Appalachian Ohio. Their good work focuses on regional stewardship and economic and community development.
Scioto Gardens has a small nursery in Delaware, Ohio, which emphasizes native plants. We promote the use of native plants to support wildlife and protect the local environment, and don't grow plants that are considered invasive.
Located near Columbus in Blacklick, Ohio, Shepherd's Corner is a small corner of creation seeking to recreate the land's wholeness by rediscovering the life-giving harmony between the people and the land. Shepherd's Corner is tended by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs.
Sierra Club - Central Ohio Group
The local Sierra Club group's web pages includes updates on local environmental issues, a calendar of events, outings, resources, and links to the national Sierra Club site. Visit, get involved, and stay in touch.
SOAR Energy: A Solar and Renewable Energy Buyer's Cooperative
The Simply Living board has endorsed offering a renewable energy source to Simply Living members through SOAR--A Solar and Renewable Energy Buyers Cooperative. Learn more about this Findlay-based, member-owned energy aggregator and its work to promote green power and help make energy more afforfdbale and clean.
The Stratford Ecological Center, located in Delaware OH, maintains a demonstration farm practicing sustainable techniques and offers a wide range of educational, affirming activities for children and adults. Enjoy a refuge from the everyday and connect with people who are creating healthier, more wholesome ways to grow food and honor the earth.
Sustainable Worthington promotes action VERY locally - in Worthington, Ohio. Please join us if you would like 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.
Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
SWACO's site has information for individuals, companies and communities on how to responsibly deal with, dispose of, and reduce waste.
Waldorf Education Columbus works to build the community and each individual, replace competition with association, and develop a higher imagination for what it means to be a Human Being in the fullest sense. Its school, the Briar Rose Children’s Center provides children (ages 3-6) with a firm foundation on which to build future learning.
The Waste Not Center is operated by the Central Ohio Sustainability Alliance. The Center receives donations from businesses of supplies that would otherwise be discarded and makes them available to teachers, artists and others for various types of projects. The Center accomplishes the dual objectives of enabling teachers to obtain materials for their work that would otherwise be unaffordable and reducing the burden on local solid waste disposal systems.
The mission of the Worthington-based Wellness Forum is to empower people to take control of their health by providing up-to-date information about how nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices impact health, longevity and quality of life.
The WellPoint: Resources for Living is a free quarterly publication supporting the Central Ohio Holistic Health Community. Articles and other resources are available on the web site.
Wholistic Planet is an eco-friendly home and personal care products store in Canal Winchester and an online store. Owned and operated by a Simply Living member, Wholistc Planet is a source for earth-friendly baby goods, home and garden products, gifts and more.
Zen Columbus is an independent community of Zen practitioners in central Ohio. This site includes a schedule of events, information and meditation resources.
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