March Updates

Learn about upcoming events, as well as about previous events you may have missed! Also, it's time to start thinking about growing your vegetables from seed. Learn more below!

Would You Consider Supporting Us?

Unlike most nonprofits, we don’t ask for money often. Sustainable Newton is a grass-roots, all-volunteer organization focused on action, community engagement, and enabling change that matters today and for future generations. But, especially during these pandemic-driven virtual times, it costs more to keep our programs vital, relevant, and successful.

Please take a look at what we’ve accomplished so far, and considering chipping in a small amount to help us carry forward with an even more impactful 2021.

Donate Now

Sustainable Business & Social Aspects of Drawdown

Please join Sustainable Newton as we chat with Georgia Tech's Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business Managing Director Michael Oxman and Sr. Industry Engagement Manager David Eady.

Professor Oxman will share a brief history of the center and its mission within the Georgia Tech Scheller School of Business.
Mr. Eady (who also serves currently as the Mayor of Oxford, GA) will discuss how the center works engages with local industry, governments, and non-profits to develop and execute sustainability initiatives.
Our Vice President Sara Vinson will highlight two recent projects Sustainable Newton sponsored for the City of Covington, working with students from the center's Sustainable Business Practicum.
Professor Oxman will also discuss his role working on the "Beyond Carbon" elements of Drawdown Georgia, looking at the social equity, public health, economic, and environmental implications of carbon-reduction solutions.

You can register for this event by clicking HERE.

Atlanta Science Festival

The Atlanta Science Festival returns March 13-27, 2021 with 80+ virtual, self-guided, and outdoor events for curious kids and adults. ASF celebrates the world-class learning and STEM career opportunities in metro Atlanta, reaching 60,000 people annually.

There are a number of great Environmental Science and Climate events this year, such as getting a tour of Live Thrive Atlanta's CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials), participating in an air quality scavenger hunt, learning about the importance of writing your legislator, becoming a junior ranger, learning about solar power and urban heat islands, listening to world-renowned scientist Dr. Temple Grandin, and more!

Tips from Ashley Best, Our Newton County
UGA Extension Service Agent

Have you ever thought about growing your own tomato, pepper or other vegetable plants from seed? Well, if so, now is the perfect time to get started growing your transplants for setting out later this year in the garden.

Growing your own transplants can be rewarding, but a bit tricky, if you don’t have all the ingredients you need for success. Follow these easy suggestions found on the Newton Agriculture and Natural Resources blog page to help make growing your garden transplants a successful and fun project!

Find the Newton ANR Blog at https://site.extension.uga.edu/newtonextanr/

Stay up to date on all programming from the Newton County Extension Office by following our Facebook page or sign up for email reminders on our blog page.

Events You May Have Missed

Diving into Drawdown Georgia with John Lanier

We kicked off 2021 with Ray C. Anderson Foundation Executive Director John A. Lanier, exploring Drawdown Georgia. Launched in October 2020, Drawdown Georgia is the first state-centered effort to crowdsolve for climate change, with 20 high-impact solutions tailored to Georgia’s unique natural, economic, and social resources. Check out the recording below:

A Conversation with PSC Tim Echols

Board President Maurice Carter appeared on Community Focus with Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols. Maurice's segment begins around 20:30. Check out the recording below:

"Conversations" Playlist

Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe says the most important thing we can do about Climate Change is to talk about it. In our "Conversations" series, Sustainable Newton board member Michael McQuaide asks Newton County friends and neighbors to reflect on how a connection to nature and lessons in sustainable living have shaped their lives. A number of new videos have been recently posted for you to check out HERE.

Blog Posts

Honesty Is the Best Policy - There has been a flurry of environmental executive orders and policy statements from President Biden that delighted environmentalists and climate activists -- while also drawing fire from Republicans seeking to use climate as a wedge issue.

All Eyes Are Upon Texas - Extreme weather and widespread power outages in Texas are headline news everywhere this week. Emotions are frayed and lives remain at risk. As with any crisis, priority one is restoring power and tending to those in need. Lessons learned can wait until safety is restored. But it's a sad reality we must also contend with disinformation about root causes and contributing factors to the energy portion of this crisis. Specifically, some clean energy naysayers see an opportunity to push a false narrative that these power outages were primarily caused by a wind power failure. This simply is not true.

Trees: Now More than Ever - Board member Mike McQuaide reflects on his love of trees to celebrate Arbor Day