Peak Environment

About Peak Environment

Environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Publisher

Dave Gardner

Category

health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Jun 2018

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

157 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   156: Open Source

   Open source may have begun in the world of software, but today it’s reshaping how we think about repair culture, circular economies, and living within nature’s boundaries. Ally Richardson and Frank Cordova explore how shared knowledge can reconnect us with ecological limits and empower communities to practice meaningful environmental stewardship. If you’re ready to rethink waste & repair, and help build a regenerative future, this conversation offers a clear path forward. Resources Mentioned: Guest Frank Cordova’s Website: osl8.life (https://osl8.life/) CreativeCommons.org (http://creativecommons.org/) Opensourceecology.org (http://opensourceecology.org/) Opensoure.com (http://opensoure.com/) Red Hat Enterprises (https://www.redhat.com/en)- Linux Distribution for Large Company Support BSD Unnex Wordpress for Website Building Open Source Browser – Firefox Linnux (https://www.linux.org/) Zorin (https://zorin.com/os/) Linux Mint (https://www.linuxmint.com/) Fedora Linux (https://fedoraproject.org/) Nobara Linux (https://nobaraproject.org/) Right To Repair Article (https://zerowastewashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Right-to-Repair-Factsheet-WA-Jan-26-2025.pdf) Davinci Resolve (https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve?pubDate=20250425) CDPHE Solid waste management data and reports found here (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/hm/swreports) Repair Café. Pikes Peak Library District 21C (https://ppld.librarymarket.com/event/repair-cafe-521297) Upcoming Events: Pikes Peak Permaculture will be making seedballs at these two family friendly kid’s events: 2026 Cool Science Carnival Day OCTOBER 3, 2026 Visit www.coolscience.org (http://www.coolscience.org/) for all the activities that day and beyond! 2026 Fall Fest at First & Main October 10th, 2026 from 11am to 3pm Visit firstandmaintowncenter.com/2026-fall-fun-fest/ (https://www.firstandmaintowncenter.com/2026-fall-fun-fest/) Permaculture Design Certification Course Pikes Peak Permaculture is now accepting registrations for our next permaculture design course! We will be starting in March 2027. Work trade and financial aid available. Have questions? See our website or reach out, we're happy to help you make an informed decision. Visit pikespeakpermaculture.org/permaculture-design-course/ (https://pikespeakpermaculture.org/permaculture-design-course/) 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 (http://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/) https://peakallianceco.org/ (https://peakallianceco.org/) Pikes Peak Permaculture (https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/) https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ (https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/) GrowthBusters (https://www.growthbusters.org/): https://www.growthbusters.org (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.

2. 

   23 Jul 2026

   155: Colorado Springs Bans Graywater

   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 (http://peacheswater.com/) Mentioned In This Episode: Colorado passed graywater legislation in 2015, allowing jurisdictions to adopt or opt out. CDPHE Reg. 86 - Graywater Control (https://cdphe.colorado.gov/water-quality/clean-water/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 (http://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 (https://coloradosprings.gov/city-clerk/page/official-city-documents), prohibiting the use of graywater El Paso County Resolution No. 25-342 (https://agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso/file/getfile/51604) 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 (https://cms2.revize.com/revize/chaffeecounty/Documents/Departments/Building%20Department/Adopted%20Codes%20&%20Design%20Criteria/2025-04%20BOH%20Graywater%20Control%20Regulations.pdf?t=202602261429140) Listen to Peak Environment (https://studio809podcasts.com/biochar/) Episode #152 Biochar (https://studio809podcasts.com/biochar/) Graywater Research: Removal of anionic surfactant from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto biochars: characterisation, kinetics, and mechanism (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09593330.2024.2304677) Greywater Treatment Using Activated Biochar Produced from Agricultural Waste (https://publications.waset.org/10010165/greywater-treatment-using-activated-biochar-produced-from-agricultural-waste) Escherichia coli Removal in Biochar-Modified Biofilters: Effects of Biofilm (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5132165/) 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 (https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Public-Health-Environment/Environmental-Quality/Graywater) Veda (https://www.vedaaustin.com/about-veda-austin) "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 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaru_Emoto) Interested in learning more about permaculture? Visit pikespeakpermaculture.org (http://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 (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0449ABAA22A0FF2-64656520-permaculture#/) 2027 Permaculture Design Course Take a deeper dive and come learn together with us as community. Register for Course Here (https://pci.jotform.com/form/261960251329154) 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 (http://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.

3. 

   29 Jun 2026

   154: The Rotten Roots of Project Taurus

   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/ (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/ (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 (https://www.bruno-latour.fr/books_and_edited_volumes.html) ● The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: https://shoshanazuboff.com/book/about/ (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 (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/ (https://krdo.com/news/2026/03/31/weapons-facility-development-underway-in-southern-colorado/) ● Honor the Earth: https://www.honorearth.org/stopdatacolonialism (about:blank) Energy & Environment Committee (https://www.leg.colorado.gov/committees/2026A/house/EnergyEnvironment) 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 daniel.sexton@coloradosprings.gov (mailto:aniel.sexton@coloradosprings.gov) Email city council at allcouncil@coloradosprings.gov (mailto:allcouncil@coloradosprings.gov) Contact county commissioners: https://citizenconnect-portal.elpasoco.com/FrontPortal/Page/RenderPage?tabId=7&searchParameter=srTypeId=4 (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 (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: (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 (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/ (https://www.instagram.com/no_data_center_cos/) ● Zuri: https://www.instagram.com/zurihorowitz/ (https://www.instagram.com/zurihorowitz/) ● Landon @landonliveslife: https://www.instagram.com/landonliveslife/ (https://www.instagram.com/landonliveslife/) ● Integrity Matters: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrityMattersCOS/ (https://www.facebook.com/IntegrityMattersCOS/) ● Colorado Springs DSA: https://www.instagram.com/cospringsdsa/ (https://www.instagram.com/cospringsdsa/) ● 350 Colorado Springs: https://www.instagram.com/350coloradosprings/ (https://www.instagram.com/350coloradosprings/) This episode of Peak Environment was contributed by 350 Colorado Springs, https://350colorado.org/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/) https://peakallianceco.org/ (https://peakallianceco.org/) Pikes Peak Permaculture (https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/) https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ (https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/) https://350colorado.org/ (https://350colorado.org/) GrowthBusters (https://www.growthbusters.org/) https://www.growthbusters.org (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.

Who has been a guest on Peak Environment

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• John Liosatos
• Jacob Matsen
• Jill Gaebler

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

1.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

58

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

77

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.