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This article first appeared on Simply Living.

In honor of Plastic Free July, we thought we would highlight some helpful information for Central Ohioans who want to reduce their reliance on plastic. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your plastic-free lifestyle, this guide has you covered.

In this article, you’ll find:

Plastics are used in a wide variety of ways and found in countless products. While they can be helpful and convenient, plastics are also harmful to the environment, to our health, and especially to our oceans.

Standing up for Racial Justice and Democracy
Indivisible Central Ohio cares about racial justice, and we know you do too! Showing up to honor the memory and legacy of Congressman John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his passing is a way to show you care and are committed to racial justice as a part of the urgent struggle to protect our democracy amidst the attacks from the Trump regime. 

Lots of BO from the OBBBA

When President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA, into law on July 4th, he essentially eliminated renewable energy subsidies for residential solar by the end of this year.

Corporate and utility scale solar projects must now be placed in service by the end of 2027. If they begin construction within 12 months of the signing of the bill, they have four years to complete construction and still qualify for the energy incentives.

The question of the moment is, what qualifies as beginning construction?

Developers have relied on what are called safe harbor rules to determine when construction begins. Under these rules, they have two options.

The 5 percent cost method is where the developer must spend at least 5 percent of the cost of the project. Typically, they do this by buying inverters or solar panels and then often these are placed in a warehouse until the actual construction can begin.

Solar Noon Tuesday each week at noon eastern time (GMT-4, 12 noon eastern, 11:00 am central, 10 am mountain, 9 am pacific) is your chance to stay up-to-date with what is happening in the fast-changing world of solar PV.

Solar Noon Tuesday will meet again this week (on our once a month summer schedule), Tuesday July 15th at noon (eastern time) until around 12:45 pm.

Join instructor Jay Warmke on Zoom to ask questions about anything related to solar energy or solar installation.

This is your opportunity to ask questions of fellow PV installers/designers, or just listen to the discussion about topics touching this fast-growing industry.

Zoom Meeting ID: 910 6700 4366

Password: 625623

Join Zoom meeting

Monday, July 14, 5pm
Zoom
Killing women and their right to vote, Epstein Lives, Maga Fears, Doge, Sailing to Solartopia with Ron Leonard.

Signup link: https://grassrootsep.org/upcoming-zooms

Jeffrey Epstein Lives!!!
———————————
Why Is MAGA So Freaked?
———————————
How Many Texans
Did DOGE Cuts Kill?
———————————
Will 2026 Be Protected…
Or Bought Again?
———————————
Killing Women &
Their Right to Vote
———————————
Tariff Trade-Offs:
Brazil, Canada, China, India
———————————
Mayor Heide
Fights 4 Democracy
——————————–
Sailing to Solartopia
w Ron Leonard
———————————
World Cup & Olympics:
Are They Gone?
———————————
Has Trump Destroyed
American’s Eco-Future?

Wu Tang Clan played their last Columbus concert as a complete group Wednesday night, July 9. Wu’s Nationwide show was part of the Shaolin rappers tour with Run The Jewels. Wu promoted the show as the last tour Wu would tour together..

Wu/RTJ tour’s announcement induced a moment of perspective. Both Wu Tang, and Run The Jewels careers started from the 90’s New York City college radio show, Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito.

Part of the Wu’s legend was Stretch and Bobbie played Wu-Tang’s Protect Yr Neck in December 1992. Protect Yr Neck’s rode the same wave as Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Counterculture unleashed a raw uncompromising sound which was embraced by people who wanted something real. Wu Tang’s buzz negotiated a platinum classic group album Enter The 36 Chambers from Loud which launched solo projects for every Wu member released from major labels Warner, Geffen, Def Jam and Loud.

Wu Tang didn’t play the major label’s game. Wu Tang had leverage where the majors allowed Wu complete creative control.

Protect Your Neck inspired a new generation of Underground Rappers where creative control was an imperative.

Saturday, July 12, 6:30-11pm
Pat Marida's house, 1710 Doresetshire Rd. , Columbus
Facebook Event

This event is free and open to the public. Some refreshments will be provided; potluck dishes are welcome; BYOB; bring a lawn chair.

Our speaker Chikako will speak on “Project 2025 and Managing Socio-Political Stress: Community and Personal Empowerment.”

Data from the American Psychological Association to understand the impact of sociopolitical stress on mental and physical health will be presented. The data and ongoing study groups provide practical tools to build resilience and restore balance.

The following discussion will focus on the participants to (1.) identify their personal stress triggers, set boundaries with political information, and to (2.) engage in respectful dialogue during politically charged situations.

Watch video here

While Florida's GOP sells "Alligator Alcatraz" merch, real people are suffering.

Here's what we've heard in just the first week since it's been opened: The facility has flooded. Massive swarms of mosquitoes fill the air. Detainees report that there are maggots in their food, the lights are on 24/7, and they're being denied basic medical care, showers, and religious rights. Its remote location makes legal and family visits nearly impossible – isolating detainees even further from the outside world.

This sounds less like a government facility and more like something out of a dystopian horror story. Our government is sending a clear message that they don't care about human dignity – and they won't even allow government officials to conduct unannounced oversight into this potential human rights violation.

Dr. Bob Fitrakis and Dan-o Dougan choose special songs that have been meaningful in their lives.

Listen here

Listen live at 11pm Friday, July 11 and July 18 streaming at wgrn.org or on the radio at 91.9FM
and
Monday at 2pm streaming Julyy 14 and July 21 at wcrsfm.org or on the radio at 92.7 or 98.3FM