Ways to celebrate Sustainability Month in Kent

Proclaiming October as Sustainability Month was one of the late Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala’s last official acts before he passed. The proclamation affirms the city’s commitment to implementing policies and practices designed to preserve and protect the community and underscores council’s April 2023 adoption of a Community Action Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Fiala passed Sept. 30, but post-dated the proclamation Oct. 1.

The Sustainability Commission reminds people that there are many ways to engage in sustainable activities:

• Use reusable containers
• Reduce single-use materials
• Try to repair items before replacing them
• Recycle items
• Creatively upcycle unwanted products into new objects
• Vote
• Volunteer at a local service agency or on a civic or community advisory board
• Encourage community leaders to provide affordable housing
• Assist with area social service needs
• Use public transportation, bike or walk 
• Carpool or combine trips to reduce driving 
• Enjoy the Cuyahoga River, use the area trails and/or visit Kent’s parks
• Buy local foods and goods
• Turn out the lights when leaving a room
• Adjust the thermostat
• Unplug devices to reduce energy use
• Invest in solar energy panels for homes and businesses
• When renovating or building, consider energy and water efficiency, as well as other sustainable design elements
• Shop and dine locally
• Offer livable wages or other flexible conditions of employment
• Offer educational community events, or work to support these efforts
• Organize local events that bring friends, neighbors or the larger community together or that help folks in need

And there are events in the area to commemorate the month, as well.

Lights Out! at Plum Creek Park will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Participants of all ages may view the night sky, enjoy a night hike in the park and play nocturnal animal bingo. Educational presentations will focus on the impacts of light pollution and on bats, migratory birds and other creatures of the night. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear suitable clothing for the weather and to bring a flashlight.

A second Sustainability Month activity is Clean Up Kent: Fall Edition, which Main Street Kent will host from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 25.

Participants will meet at Kent’s downtown gazebo to pick up supplies and donuts, then head out to spruce up the downtown area. Participants may identify specific areas in which they wish to focus their efforts.