The 3rd Annual Hands On Sustainability 2025 conference works with the theme of water. 2019 is a big water year for Northeast Ohio, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the last time the Cuyahoga River caught on fire, an event that sparked the EPA and much of the environmental movement as we know it.

Hands On Sustainability 2025 uses the appreciative inquiry process as our model for discussion, dialogue, and action. This conference is an opportunity for members of the county to come together to find solutions for sustainability issues facing us. It is a bridge for governemental agencies, business, non-profit, and concerned citizens to sit together at the table.

The Year of Water kick off at the Akron Zoo's Komodo Kingdom Cafe features a panel highlighting the issues to be worked through the AI process the following day, keynote speaker Bill Zawiski of the Ohio EPA, and time for networking. This is a free event.

The working day of the conference is Oct 18th at Trailhead Event Space at Cascade Lofts from 9-5pm. Topics include climate change, the value of water, algae and nutrient pollution, environmental education, a county sustainability office, and more. This section of the event does have a $35 ticket, and some scholarships are available.