Peak Environment

Our city banned graywater at a time when water is our limiting factor, and this year it’s impossible to ignore. What is graywater? It is the gently used water from laundry, bathroom sinks, and showers that can be reused to nourish landscapes instead of being sent straight to the sewer. Host Ally Richardson and Joe Petsche explore what it means to live in step with nature’s boundaries and why Colorado Springs must adopt smarter, regenerative water strategies now. They also dive into how graywater can cut costs, ease infrastructure strain, and build a resilient future for our region. Join the movement for a water wise city by signing the petition! Visit peacheswater.com Mentioned In This Episode: Colorado passed graywater legislation in 2015, allowing jurisdictions to adopt or opt out. CDPHE Reg. 86 - Graywater Control Since January 1, 2026, Colorado Springs residents are banned from reusing their own laundry and shower water on their plants. Peacheswater.com is rallying support to reverse the ban and restore simple, safe graywater reuse. Add your name to the petition and urge City Council to bring graywater back. Colorado Springs Ordinance 25-99, prohibiting the use of graywater El Paso County Resolution No. 25-342 Resolution Prohibiting Graywater Use In Unincorporated El Paso County and Directing Further Analysis of a Possible Future Graywater Use Program Adoption of Chaffee County Graywater Listen to Peak Environment Episode #152 Biochar Graywater Research: Removal of anionic surfactant from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto biochars: characterisation, kinetics, and mechanism Greywater Treatment Using Activated Biochar Produced from Agricultural Waste Escherichia coli Removal in Biochar-Modified Biofilters: Effects of Biofilm Laundry To Landscape Classes DPHE has partnered with Red Rocks Community College to bring laundry to landscape classes to all Denver residents and individuals who work in the City and County of Denver. Lakewood, Colorado 10/19/2026 – 10/20/2026 Course Cost - $495 Fee *The full cost of this course is eligible for a rebate for individuals who live, work or attend higher education courses in Denver. Visit the Green Jobs Training Rebates webpage for more information. Registration Info here Veda "Water is the rebel element, it won't conform to the laws of physics or gravity and it can't be killed. Without it there is no life. It reincarnates for all to see and science tells us it came to Earth from outer space. Rebellious, nonconformist, eternal and alien.....just look at the power we are filled with." Veda Austin Dr Emoto Interested in learning more about permaculture? Visit pikespeakpermaculture.org to learn more about our programs, including… Permaculture In Action Summer Tour Series See several local landscapes which have been practicing permaculture design. This unique opportunity allows you to see various stages of implementation over many sites. Register Here 2027 Permaculture Design Course Take a deeper dive and come learn together with us as community. Register for Course Here This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at pikespeakpermaculture.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future Pikes Peak Permaculture 350 Colorado Springs GrowthBusters Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

Project Taurus is a proposed data center near Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Multiple community groups have filed appeals to the city’s administrative approval of the project. Where to from here? Ciara and Riss from 350 Colorado Springs discuss. In a time of alternative facts as well as the ability to buy credibility and manipulate human behavior, how do we go about fighting extractive, ecological monstrosities in our communities? These fights are proving to be Place-based and contextual, so Ciara and Riss begin with a part of the wider picture. Mentioned in the Episode: ● Raeden: https://raeden.com/ ● Residents appeal approval of data center in Colorado Springs: https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/24/data-center-colorado-springs-approval-appeal/ ● Bruno Latour: https://www.bruno-latour.fr/books_and_edited_volumes.html ● The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: https://shoshanazuboff.com/book/about/ ● Denver data center moratorium: https://www.denver7.com/follow-up/denver-city-council-unanimously-approves-one-year-moratorium-on-new-data-center-construction ● PuebloPlex: https://krdo.com/news/2026/03/31/weapons-facility-development-underway-in-southern-colorado/ ● Honor the Earth: https://www.honorearth.org/stopdatacolonialism Energy & Environment Committee Hearing dated 5/7/26 Colorado State House Reps we heard from, in order of appearance: ● Alex Valdez (Bill Sponsor of HB1030) ● Scott Slaugh ● Junie Joseph ● Dan Woog Action Items Email Daniel Sexton, the city planner at [email protected] Email city council at [email protected] Contact county commissioners: https://citizenconnect-portal.elpasoco.com/FrontPortal/Page/RenderPage?tabId=7&searchParameter=srTypeId=4 Sign open letter to Mayor Yemi: https://www.change.org/p/open-letter-to-colorado-springs-mayor-yemi-mobolade-about-data-center-proposal Attend City Council meetings every other Tues. and make public comment Find upcoming city council meeting dates here: https://coloradosprings.gov/node/154591: Attend Colorado Springs Utilities Board meetings and use your voice. Find upcoming CSU board meeting dates here: https://www.csu.org/about/leadership/utilities-board Attend Anti Data Center Action hours every other Thurs. at Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs - free parking with a PPLD library card. We’ll be in the Pine room at 5:45-6:45. July 2nd, 16th, 30th. Aug. 14th and 28th. Follow some of the Project Taurus organizers on social media: ● No Data Center COS: https://www.instagram.com/no_data_center_cos/ ● Zuri: https://www.instagram.com/zurihorowitz/ ● Landon @landonliveslife: https://www.instagram.com/landonliveslife/ ● Integrity Matters: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrityMattersCOS/ ● Colorado Springs DSA: https://www.instagram.com/cospringsdsa/ ● 350 Colorado Springs: https://www.instagram.com/350coloradosprings/ This episode of Peak Environment was contributed by 350 Colorado Springs, https://350colorado.org/colorado-springs/ a grassroots environmental group focused on addressing the climate crisis in the city we call home, moving away from fossil fuels and building resilience for future generations. Ciara Guerrero is a Team Coordinator for 350 Colorado Springs. After getting her foot in the door of big tech a decade ago and seeing behind the curtain, she was moved toward different path. She’s a student at Pikes Peak Permaculture https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/ and is a gardener and an environmental organizer in the Springs area. Riss Banuelos is a Youth Organizer for 350 Colorado Springs. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s in anthropology at Colorado College, has been part of Sunrise Movement, and has been lucky enough to attend two United Nations’ climate COPs where her commitment to climate grew stronger and more inspired. The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ https://350colorado.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

Need to know where to take items like metals and electronics? Look to Colorado Industrial Recycling and ITAD Electronics for your needs. These businesses help make our region more sustainable and resilient by recycling challenging items. Want your business to be more resilient? Check out the Colorado Green Business Network! They offer free information and assistance to help your business to reduce energy, water and waste, save money, and thrive. Host Mary Barber welcomes Bryan Valentine of ITAD Electronics Recyclers, Andy O’Riley of Colorado Industrial Recycling, and Konrad Schlarbaum of the Colorado Green Business Network for this May/June Sustainability in Progress discussion. LINKS: ITAD Electronics Recyclers: https://www.ierpro.com Colorado Industrial Recycling, Inc: https://www.coloradoindustrialrecycling.com Colorado Green Business Network: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/dehs/sustainability/cgbn Sustainability in Progress is a program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's 2030 Sustainability Plan (PPR2030) https://peakallianceco.org/rsp/ through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ 350 Colorado Springs https://350colorado.org/colorado-springs/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

Wildfire seasons are intensifying, but what if the very fuels driving these fires could become part of the solution? In this episode, firefighter and regenerative farmer Will Vogl, Douglas County Environmental Inspections Supervisor Jared Tanaka, and Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Becky Elder and Ally Richardson explore the growing role of biochar in building climate resilience. Douglas County’s new biochar facility is projected to be complete in 2026 and is poised to benefit not only its own community but neighboring counties as well. It offers a forward‑looking model for land management and wildfire mitigation along the Front Range, reminding us that wildfires do not stop at county lines. Mentioned in this episode: Douglas County Biochar Facility Open House Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T32CCRhMLyc&t=3146s Douglas County residents can dispose of “Green Yard Waste” at the County’s Slash/Mulch site at 5675 Delva Way in Sedalia. This is a NEW location for the 2026 season. https://www.douglasco.gov/public-works/green-yard-waste/ Black Forest Slash and Mulch Program for El Paso County residents: https://communityresources.elpasoco.com/environmental-division/black-forest-slash-mulch/ Vogl Homestead Regenerative Farm in El Paso County, Colorado: https://www.facebook.com/VoglHomesteadFarming/ Complete Solutions. Biochar Funding Company for feedstock handing equipment, chippers and grinders: https://csc-int.ca/ Wilson Biochar, LLC. Ring of Fire Kiln which can be assembled in field: https://wilsonbiochar.com/ Pueblo’s SUN SOIL WATER SUMMIT Keynote Speaker John Christenson of Native Lumber: https://pueblofoodproject.org/sunsoilwater/ Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Upcoming Events: May 3rd, Tending Points of Light in the “Long Dark” with Carolyn Baker. Sign-up here: https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/tending-points-of-light-in-the-long-dark-with-carolyn-baker/ MeadowGrass Festival May 22nd through May 24th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/17th-annual-meadowgrass-music-festival-tickets-1977435259091?aff=oddtdtcreator Earth School for 2026/2027. Currently enrolling for our homeschool enrichment program beginning this August, tuition FREE for ages 9-13. Find out more about this program here: https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/ppp-earth-school/ Help us fund a living classroom to be built this summer, where we will grow a more resilient community. Donations include access to our summer permaculture‑in‑action tours. https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/donations/ This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at pikespeakpermaculture.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ 350 Colorado Springs: https://350colorado.org/ GrowthBusters: https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.

Everything you ever wanted to know about our home watershed. Hear about water supply and conservation, creek restoration, the regional trail, and the upcoming Great American Cleanup. This is a Sustainability in Progress presentation from Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Host: Mary Barber Guests: Alli Schuch, Executive Director, Fountain Creek Watershed District Mary Wilson, Outreach Coordinator On the table in this episode: Water supply Water conservation Reducing nonfunctional turf, adding native plants to conserve water and support restoration and wildlife (especially pollinators) Stewardship of Fountain Creek Creek restoration Brewshed Alliance and Liquid Lectures Fountain Creek Watershed Great American Cleanup Creek Week in the Fall Hydration celebrations after cleanups Fountain Creek Regional Trail Scoop the Poop Both crew leader and group registration are open for the Great American Cleanup. Volunteers can register up to May 2, and even on site on May 2: https://www.fountain-crk.org/great-american-cleanup-f0de636 LINKS: The Future of Fountain Creek – Panel and Community Discussion – episode 135 of Peak Environment: https://studio809podcasts.com/future-of-fountain-creek-panel/ State of the Watershed Summit: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcq7pJhVKqDhXPwCeyRROogdUI6r6Bv_l&si=qdauhTlDenfyn9sr Purchase a rain barrel from the watershed district: https://www.fountain-crk.org/rain-barrel-sale Fountain Creek Watershed District: Website: https://www.fountain-crk.org/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fountaincreekwatersheddistrict Events Calendar: https://www.fountain-crk.org/event-calendar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fountaincreekwatershed Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FountainCreekWatershedDistrict/ This episode was recorded as a Sustainability in Progress (SIP) episode of the podcast. Sustainability in Progress is a program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's 2030 Sustainability Plan (PPR2030) https://peakallianceco.org/rsp/ through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.