Welcome to our Monthly Newsletter!

Welcome to the sixteenth issue of our monthly newsletter! We are thrilled to be sharing what we are doing at the Athens-Clarke County Sustainability Department with you. Join us each month as we explore all things sustainability and how you can get involved!

In this newsletter you will find: Latest projects, free resources, and upcoming events!

Photo Credits: Christian Snead

Dudley Park

Over at Dudley Park, both species saw a more success. In total, 33 eggs were laid—19 of which belonged to Eastern Bluebirds, and the remaining 14 were laid by Northern House Wrens. A total of 15 Bluebirds grew up big and strong and left their nests, and 4 Northern House Wrens followed suit. That’s a success rate of over 70% for the Bluebirds!

On a recent Saturday morning, more than 10 Eastern Bluebirds were observed feeding on insects along the edge of the woods and perching on power lines in Dudley Park. It’s a safe assumption that several of them started their life in one of the nest boxes below them. Meanwhile, the bubbly song of Northern House Wrens was absent-they’ve likely begun their journey south for the winter. We wish them safe travels and look forward to welcoming them back next spring. The nest boxes will be clean, ready and waiting.

This Month's Topic:

Halloween Costumes

By: Riley James

Halloween is a time for creativity, chaos, and questionable amounts of candy. But behind the glitter and fake cobwebs lies a less festive truth: the holiday generates a staggering amount of waste, and costumes are a big part of the problem.

Americans spend over $3 billion on Halloween costumes every year. That’s billion with a “B.” According to Fast Company, most of those costumes are made from non-recyclable plastic-based materials like polyester, which means they’re destined for the landfill after just one wear. And let’s be honest: how many times are you really going to wear that inflatable T-Rex suit?

A 2019 report by the Fairyland Trust  found that 83% of costume materials are oil-based plastics. That’s the equivalent of 2,000 tons of plastic waste - just from Halloween costumes in the UK alone. Now imagine that in the USA where the population is 5 times that of the UK. Now imagine that on a global scale… Yikes.

So yeah, your costume might be cute, but the planet is quietly sobbing in the background.

The good news is that you don’t have to give up Halloween to be a little more eco-conscious. There are plenty of ways to keep things spooky and sustainable:

Thrift or Treat

Your local thrift store is a goldmine of costume potential. Think: vintage prom dresses, oversized blazers, weird hats. With a little imagination, you can turn secondhand finds into something truly iconic.

DIY or Die (Metaphorically)

Got some fabric scraps, cardboard, or old clothes lying around? Perfect. Channel your inner craft goblin and make your own costume. Bonus points for using natural materials or paper instead of plastic.

Swap ‘Til You Drop

Costume swaps are a great way to keep things fresh without buying new. Check local community boards, Facebook groups, or even organize one with your friends. One person’s old witch hat is another person’s treasure.

Rent the Look

If you’re going for something elaborate, consider renting a costume instead of buying. It’s cheaper, less wasteful, and you won’t have to store it in your closet for the next decade.

Look, no one’s saying you have to hand-stitch a biodegradable costume out of ethically-sourced moss (although, that would be really cool and we’d love to see it!). Small choices - like reusing, repurposing, or renting - can add up to a big difference. And honestly, the most memorable costumes are the ones that come with a little creativity and a good story.
So this Halloween, get creative. Get weird. And maybe, just maybe, make a costume that doesn’t haunt the planet.

Make Your Voice Heard!

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Election for District 2 & 3

Special Election: November 4, 2025
(If needed) Special Election Runoff: December 2, 2025

Register to Vote

Are you registered to vote? You can check your registration on Georgia's My Voter Page. If this will be your first time voting you will have to register to vote. You only have to register to vote once, however if you have moved, you may have to update your voter registration. To do so or to register to vote here!

Last Day to Register to Vote for the Special Election: Monday October 6, 2025

Advance Voting

Tuesday, October 14 - Friday, October 31

Advance voting for the GA Public Service Commission Election will take place Tuesday, October 14 through Friday, October 31 at three different locations:

All persons registered to vote in Athens-Clarke County may use any location for advance voting, but must vote in their own precinct on Election Day Voting. For Advance Voting, you will need to bring a valid photo ID or a voter identification card.

Don’t live in Athens? No problem! To find information on Advance Voting locations near you, you can search based on the county you live in.

Find Advance Voting information in every county, click here!

Absentee Voting

To request an absentee ballot for the Special Election, you’ll need to complete an Absentee Ballot Application. Your application must be received by October 24 to the registrar’s office of the county you are registered to vote in.

Click here for the Georgia Official Absentee Ballot Application!

Election Day voting

You will need a valid photo ID or a voter identification card to vote in person. Polling places are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Election Day. If you are in line by 7:00 pm, you are allowed to cast your ballot.

Find more information here!

Upcoming Events:

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Rivers Alive

Rivers Alive is back in Athens! We're rallying volunteers to help clean up our local waterways and make a visible difference - because trash belongs in the bin, not the river.

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CCSO Fall Festival

Fall fun is rolling into town! The Clarke County Sheriff's Office Fall Festival is serving up games, treats, and community vibes you won’t want to miss. More Details coming soon on their website.