COMOsustainability

The Office of Sustainability for the City of Columbia, Missouri works to educate young and old, on campus, and in the community.

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆🦎The Eastern Tiger Salamander is a large (7–13 inches), dark amphibian with yellow-olive blotches found statewide in Missouri. They are a species of conservation concern, living in underground burrows or under logs in woodlands and prairies. Active primarily at night, these shy, (documented in 56 Missouri counties) creatures breed in fishless ponds between February and April.

They have bold yellow or olive blotches on their backs, providing camouflage. Seeing one is always a treat, considering they spend most of their lives underground.

Photo: Mike Budd/USFWS

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

🔥 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗽! 🔥 Stay safe, stay cool, and look out for one another.

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬: Health, safety & well-being includes addressing impacts of climate change, such as heat stress, air quality and allergens, food security, vector-borne disease and mental health.

Columbia’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) lays out a vision and strategy to address risks posed by climate change and contribute to international efforts to draw down greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementing the CAAP requires motivating staff, finding funding for strategies, involving community members to make key changes and sustaining momentum. Columbia has already taken steps to improve community sustainability.

Learn more @ https://t.co/aNDrqXgQEy

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

Columbia Water & Light's Community Solar program makes renewable energy accessible to customers without the need to install a system.
https://t.co/wOqia1U8qN
573.441.5528
[email protected] See less

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

🌿 Save the dates for #CreekWeek2026! 🌿 Join us June 20–27 for a week of FREE community events celebrating and protecting our local waterways 💧

🧹 Litter Clean
🥾 Nature Hikes
🎬 FREE Movie Night
🎣 Fishing Night
🌱 Native Plants
💧 Water Festival & more!

Hosted by the Greater Bonne Femme Watershed Initiative & partners. https://t.co/PDV0LkMoMT

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

Pet waste is more than just a gross and unsightly mess — it’s an environmental pollutant and a human health hazard. When left on the ground, pet waste eventually breaks down and washes into the water supply, polluting our rivers, lakes, streams, creeks and other local waterways.

- Scoop it
- Bag it
- Trash it

https://t.co/i5ltISi1uo

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 💧 𝗪𝗘 ❤️ 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦! Our community is truly one-of-a-kind, and we’re proud to protect what makes it special. That’s why we’re committed to keeping Columbia healthy, safe, and resilient for generations to come.

These signs mark the entrance to Boone County’s watersheds and highlight the streams they nourish.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝘁 https://t.co/0b8JtgT46c

These signs are part of the Greater Bonne Femme Watershed Project, led by Boone County Stormwater Educator Michele Woolbright, with support from MS4 Permit partners—the Office of Sustainability and the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Explore your local watersheds using the Interactive Watershed Map for Boone County and Columbia, Missouri. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿, 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 - 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀.

Learn more at https://t.co/UWiM7Luurl

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆.
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 '𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱?

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

♻️ Recycling Drop-Off Event! ♻️

Join us Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m.–noon at the Grissum Building (1313 Lakeview St.).

Bring:
✅ Cardboard
✅ Newspaper & office paper
✅ #1 & #2 plastic containers
✅ Aluminum & metal food cans
✅ Glass bottles & jars
🟢 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆.

Please separate materials before arriving.

#CoMoRecycles #ColumbiaMO

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

♻️𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗘, 𝗥𝗘𝗨𝗦𝗘 & 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗬𝗖𝗟𝗘: We all want to do our part for the environment, but did you know that your sorting habits might actually be doing more harm than good? By throwing non-recyclable items into the recycling bin, you're creating more waste and costs for the recycling process. When in doubt, it's better to toss it in the trash than contaminate the recycling stream. Let's work together to make a positive impact! #RecycleResponsibly #ReduceWaste

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

Keep your home leak-free by repairing dripping faucets, toilet flappers, and showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts don't require a major investment.
Columbia Water & Light can help.

https://t.co/SqJV9YGNkg

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨:
🔹Only use fans if you are in the room! Fans do not cool down the air; they just make the air feel cooler to us!
🔸Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your thermostat to be warmer while you are away and cooler while you are home.
🔹Cover windows that receive direct sunlight during the day.
🔸Plant deciduous shade trees on your house's south and west sides.
🔹Try to use appliances that produce heat during the late evening and early morning.

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺.

Both renters and owners can request a visit from a Power Partners specialist to receive personalized advice on how they can keep their homes cleaner and cooler this summer.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 https://t.co/zPFUn4yKSx

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 #𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

🌳𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆!🌳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁
In 2016, Columbia’s Stormwater Utility, Columbia Parks and Recreation, and the Downtown CID teamed up to undertake the Really Big Tree Project.

The goal of this project was to create a multifunctional planting bed on the corner of 10th and Broadway, which would filter and control stormwater runoff and create a high soil volume planting bed that could support the growth of a large tree.

Watch the video: https://t.co/IQVIni9opZ

A simple yet powerful way to transform our towns and cities: Plant lots of trees!
Here’s why they’re so essential for urban life:
• Stores carbon dioxide for a healthier atmosphere
• Reduces city pollution and improves air quality
• Helps protect from flooding by absorbing rainwater
• Reduces city temperatures, keeping us cool in the heat
• Provides habitats for urban wildlife, boosting biodiversity
• Beautifies urban surroundings, making our cities more vibrant and welcoming

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.
#comoclimateaction

Pictured: Corner of 10th and Broadway / Downtown, Columbia, MO

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

🔥 Heat Pro Tip! 🔥 Just like some areas of Columbia face more heat challenges, some people are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Those at higher risk include:
🏠 People experiencing homelessness
👷 Outdoor workers
🏃 Athletes
🐶 Pets and service animals
❄️ People without access to air conditioning
⚠️ Anyone especially sensitive to heat’s health effects

During heat advisories, please check in on your loved ones and neighbors who may be in these groups. A quick daily check can make a big difference!

Stay safe, stay cool, and look out for one another.

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

During Earth Day 2026, we invited Columbia residents to take part in our Earth Month Pledge by committing to simple, meaningful actions that help create a healthier and more sustainable community.

We were encouraged by the strong response and inspired by the many thoughtful pledges shared by residents across Columbia. Common themes included reducing waste, recycling more consistently, conserving water and energy, supporting pollinators and native plants, using reusable products, and finding new ways to protect our local environment.

These pledges reflect the community’s shared commitment to making a positive impact — not only during Earth Month, but throughout the entire year. Even small changes, when made collectively, can lead to lasting environmental benefits for our city.

As we continue building a cleaner and more sustainable Columbia, we encourage everyone to think about their own environmental goals and ask themselves:

“What will you pledge in 2026?”

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

🔥 Extreme heat is dangerous! Make sure to take precautions this summer! Know the signs of heatstroke and call 911 in an emergency.

Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke can happen fast and be life-threatening. Stay safe by:
✅ Staying in A/C during peak heat
✅ Drinking plenty of water
✅ Wearing light, loose clothing
✅ Avoiding intense outdoor activity

During heat advisories, please check in on your loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk, especially those in vulnerable groups.

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

🌿 Save the dates for #CreekWeek2026! 🌿 Join us June 20–27 for a week of FREE community events celebrating and protecting our local waterways 💧

🧹 Litter Clean
🥾 Nature Hikes
🎬 FREE Movie Night
🎣 Fishing Night
🌱 Native Plants
💧 Water Festival & more!

Hosted by the Greater Bonne Femme Watershed Initiative & partners. https://t.co/PDV0LkMoMT

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆🐢The painted turtle is one of the most widespread and colorful turtles in North America, easily recognized for its colorful shell markings and striped face and neck. These turtles are found in ponds, lakes and slow-moving streams, often spotted basking in groups.

Photo: Courtney Celley/USFWS

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

💡 Need help lowering summer electric bills?

Since 2007, the City’s Window Air Conditioner Exchange Program has helped income-eligible families stay cool while saving money on energy costs.

The City of Columbia Utilities is partnering with the Voluntary Action Center and Boone Electric Cooperative to provide FREE replacement window air conditioners for qualified customers.

📍 Exchange Event
🗓 June 4
⏰ 9–10 a.m.
📌 Boone Electric Cooperative
1413 Rangeline St.

To confirm eligibility, City of Columbia Utilities customers should call the Voluntary Action Center at 📞 573.874.2273.

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

2 Trees: Free to good home!

We have two shellbark hickories left after the CoMo Canopy tree giveaway this spring! If you would like to adopt one of these trees, give us a call at [phone].

[COMOsustainability @COMOSustain]

CLIMATE ACTION THURSDAY: Warming temperatures, increasing drought, and other changes in precipitation may limit water resources and raise demand. Therefore, it is essential that we all use water as efficiently as possible.

Columbia residents use approximately 5 billion gallons of drinking water each year. Water Conservation Is Saving Water Together!

Implementing the CAAP requires motivating staff, finding funding for strategies, involving community members to make key changes and sustaining momentum. Columbia has already taken steps to improve community sustainability.

Learn more here: @ https://t.co/ez9bZ9oFgc

Think differently. Think sustainably. #comoclimateaction