Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington residents will soon have an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and play a direct role in shaping the city’s greener future. This October, the City of Bloomington’s Economic and Sustainable Development Department is launching a communitywide initiative called the “Sustainability Spooktacular,” an event series designed to combine volunteer action, educational workshops, and neighborhood celebrations.
The goal is straightforward but ambitious: inspire everyday residents to embrace more climate-friendly choices while contributing to Bloomington’s broader mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through a mix of in-person events and an online engagement challenge, participants will have a chance to learn new skills, strengthen community ties, and win prizes—all while helping move the city closer to its climate action goals.
A Call to Action for Residents
“This challenge is about encouraging people to contribute to a brighter future for both the planet and our city,” said Jolie Perry, Sustainability Program Coordinator. “Our vision for a more sustainable Bloomington is made possible by all of us working together, which includes people making lifestyle changes, residents volunteering their time, or our valuable local organizations who lead the charge. For anyone wondering how they can be more involved in local sustainability efforts, the Sustainability Spooktacular is for you.”
The October series builds on the city’s Zero in Bloomington platform, an interactive online tool where residents can track their carbon footprint and log climate-friendly actions. Every action recorded on the platform during the month will count toward entries in a prize raffle, adding a bit of fun and motivation to the effort.
In-Person Events Across Bloomington
While online engagement is a big part of the challenge, the Sustainability Spooktacular also places a strong emphasis on face-to-face involvement. Residents are invited to take part in four scheduled volunteer events throughout October, each centered on environmental care and education.
The month kicks off on Friday, October 3, with the Weed Wrangle at the Rail Trail at Unity of Bloomington. Volunteers will spend the afternoon removing invasive plants, a task that not only helps restore native biodiversity but also improves the long-term health of local ecosystems.
A week later, on Saturday, October 11, residents can join the Fall Orchard Work & Learn Day at the Bloomington Community Orchard. This event combines hands-on gardening with a guided tour of the orchard, giving participants a chance to see how urban green spaces can thrive with proper care and community involvement.
For those who prefer the kitchen to the garden, the Using the Whole Plant Cooking Workshop will take place on Tuesday, October 14, at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Attendees will learn how to create meals from food parts that are often wasted, turning scraps into flavorful, resourceful recipes that cut down on unnecessary waste.
The final Saturday of the month will be especially active. On October 25, the city will host a Near West Side Tree Planting at Fairview United Methodist, where volunteers, guided by CanopyBloomington, will plant new tree saplings throughout the neighborhood. Immediately following the planting, residents can head over to Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park for a Block Party featuring local food trucks and live music from Busman’s Holiday. The block party will celebrate not only the day’s accomplishments but also the broader community spirit driving Bloomington’s sustainability efforts.
At each of these events, attendees will be eligible to win a gift basket as a thank-you for their contributions.
Online Participation Through Zero in Bloomington
For those who cannot attend in person—or for residents looking to maximize their impact—the Zero in Bloomington platform offers dozens of climate-friendly actions to choose from.
Running from October 1 through October 31, every action logged during the month will serve as an entry into a raffle for a final gift basket prize.
The online resource offers more than 100 actions, ranging from energy-saving tips to sustainable transportation habits, all with local recommendations. The platform also allows participants to share experiences in a community forum, providing both accountability and encouragement.
Launched in partnership with Community Climate Solutions, Zero in Bloomington is directly tied to the city’s 2021 Climate Action Plan. That plan sets clear targets: reducing emissions 25 percent below 2018 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions citywide by 2050.
Long-Term Commitment to Climate Goals
The Sustainability Spooktacular is not just a seasonal campaign—it is part of Bloomington’s ongoing efforts to make sustainability accessible and achievable for all residents. By integrating volunteer work, education, and digital tools, the city hopes to empower individuals to recognize their role in meeting collective climate goals.
The city emphasizes that simple, consistent actions from residents can add up to significant impact. Whether it is planting a tree, reducing food waste, or logging sustainable transportation choices online, every step contributes to the broader mission of environmental vitality.
Registration and How to Join
Residents interested in joining the Sustainability Spooktacular should create an account on the Zero in Bloomington website by October 1. Event registration is required, and space may be limited for some activities, so early sign-up is encouraged.
Bloomington’s leaders stress that the success of this initiative depends on community participation. By offering both online and in-person opportunities, the city aims to reach a wide range of residents and make sustainability efforts accessible to all, regardless of schedule or experience.
As Perry noted, the event is designed for anyone curious about how they can contribute: from those who are already deeply engaged in environmental work to residents just beginning to explore sustainable practices. The message is clear—everyone has a role to play, and October’s Sustainability Spooktacular is a chance to start.
