Environmental Services promotes sustainability in Fort Collins - driving programs, policies and partnerships to support a healthy and resilient community. From waste reduction to air quality, climate action and beyond - thank you for reading and being involved. Stay informed, stay inspired, and let’s make a difference together!  

Earth. Air. Water. Fire. The elements are all around us! Summer is off to a hot and dry start, so it’s important to be aware of things like fire risk and poor air quality. In this newsletter, we have tips on how you can learn about and harness the elements to help stay cool and comfortable this summer.

• Air: Prepare your home for smoky skies
• Water: Floodwater Tips and Water Shortage Watch
• Earth: Electric Mower and tips
• Fire: Batteries at landfill

E-Bike Tips with Renee: Have you been seeing e-bikes around town this summer? Read on to learn about the benefits of shifting your ride!

June Events and Opportunities and additional summer opportunities

As we approach wildfire season, this is an important time to consider how smoke can affect the air quality inside your home by coming through cracks, ventilation systems, windows, and doors. Exposure to this smoke can lead to short- and long-term health effects. Here are some tips for staying safe:

Stay Informed 

• Check the air quality before going outside by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) using FC Gov Air Quality, AirNow, or your weather app.  

• Sign-up for NOCO Alerts for wildfires and other emergencies  

Protect Your Health 
If the AQI is >100 or you see smoke, stay indoors as much as possible and create a safe air space in your home:

• Choose a room that is comfortable for extended periods of time. Filter the air with a portable air cleaner (PAC) in the room or make your own filter with a box fan.
• Put your home’s air system on “recirculate” and keep windows and doors closed (including internal doors).
• Avoid activities that could worsen indoor air pollution: vacuuming, smoking, using gas/propane/wood stoves, spraying aerosol products, burning candles, etc.

If you must be outside, consider wearing an N-95 mask, limit your activity, and make sure to stay hydrated.

Flood protection starts before the storm. With Flood Awareness Week recently happening (May 24-30), now is a great time to learn more. A couple of tips:

• Standard insurance doesn’t cover floods—only flood insurance does.
• Fort Collins residents may qualify for up to 40% off flood insurance through the NFIP.
• Click here to learn more about local regulations and how to prepare for a flood.

Water Tip #2: Reduce Water Use to Protect Our Water Supply 

Fort Collins Utilities water customers are in a Water Shortage Watch. By voluntarily reducing your use, you can actively help lower the chance of mandatory restrictions if conditions get worse.

Make a Difference:

• Limit lawn watering to two days a week.
• Don’t water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Remember your trees, shrubs, and gardens. Watering these by drip or hose with a shutoff nozzle and timer is the most efficient way to keep these landscapes healthy to provide shade and other benefits.
• Take shorter showers and run only full loads of laundry and dishes.

A watch does not include rate increases or citations. Stay informed about current conditions and discover more ways to save here.

Fort Collins residents can get a $200 Ace Hardware voucher toward a new electric mower by trading in an old gas-powered mower.

Vouchers are available first come, first served starting June 13 at 9:00 a.m. at Ace of Fort Collins (1001 E. Harmony Rd., Suite B). Bring your old mower (gas drained) for recycling and proof of Fort Collins residency (photo ID or utility bill). Learn more here.

More EARTH tips: Fuel your vehicle or mow before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce emissions during peak pollution hours. Turn off your engine when stopped for more than 10 seconds at school pick-up, train crossings, and other stops.

Did you know that the Larimer County landfill has fires regularly due to batteries?

One thing you can do to help reduce this risk:  Keep batteries out of the landfill! Batteries can combust quickly, and a battery fire is hard to put out. To learn where to safely dispose of batteries, visit fortcollins.gov/a-z

Bike To Work Day is June 24th, so now is the perfect time to Shift Your Ride with sustainable transportation! We sat down with Renee Colton, Environmental Services Business Support, to learn about her experiences commuting via bike, and to hear some tips so we’re all ready to ride!

Q: What inspired you to join in on e-bike/active modes of commuting?

A: My husband and I have always loved riding bikes together, even before moving to Fort Collins. After we had a baby, we were always exhausted and short on time, so biking became a luxury and it was simpler to just drive where we needed to go. E-bikes eliminated enough barriers that we were able to leave the car behind much more often and integrate riding back into our daily lives.

Q: What motivates you to continue using your e-bike?

A: It’s fun to ride e-bikes, and they are cheaper to maintain and insure than a second household car. My kid constantly asks if we can take the bike instead of the car, and it's nice to lessen my environmental impact in an accessible way.

Q: What tips and tricks would you share with someone who is ready to start bike commuting?

A: Invest in layers for wind and rain. E-bikes go faster than regular bikes with less physical effort, so wind chills are higher and your body doesn't warm up as much. Also, respect other people on the bike trails and stick to the 15 MPH courtesy speed limit.

Want to join the fun this summer? Sign up for the Summer Moves Regional Challenge to win prizes when you swap out your car for biking, walking, rolling, or carpooling. And don’t forget about Bike to Work Day on June 24th!

Curious to learn more about e-bikes and other electric modes of transportation? Click here!

• June 18th (9:30am-11:30am)– Open House for Community Climate Leadership Fund: Learn about a new funding opportunity at Council Tree Library designed to support community projects focused on climate action and waste reduction. We are looking for projects up to $20,000 (although higher amounts will also be considered). Email ourclimatefuture@fortcollins.gov with questions or to receive program updates.
• June 19-20th – Juneteenth: Also called Freedom Day, is a day of liberation and joy. Join us at Foothills Mall - there are often air-quality related booths. Learn more.
• June 23rd (12:30-1:30pm)  – Non-Profits Driving Impact: Join Larimer County at Harmony Library for a conversation with local nonprofit leaders on how collaboration is driving real progress across our region. Learn more and sign-up here.
• June 24th – Summer Bike to Work Day: This event celebrates both year-round bike commuters and first timers!  Join thousands of riders for free breakfast and goodies throughout the morning. Learn more here.

• July 13th (4:30pm – 6:30pm) – another Open House for Community Climate Leadership Fund: Join us at the Museum of Discovery to learn more about this funding opportunity and brainstorm project ideas. See details we listed above for the June 18th event.
• All Summer –  Xeriscape Guided Tours: Join Nature in the City and Fort Collins Utilities bike or on foot to explore beautiful, low-water landscapes and learn how to make your outdoor space more sustainable. Sign-up here!
• All Summer – Free energy advising for FC Electric Utility customers: Did you know that heat pumps work similarly to an air conditioner and can be 2-3 times more efficient than traditional systems? If you’re interested, a free energy advising service can walk you through your options and incentives. Learn more here.

Stay up-to-date on our Fort Collins community's efforts in climate action, clean air, recycling and waste reduction. Get practical tips and updates that support a thriving and sustainable City!