Sustainability

'Fill-up' for Oregon-bound electric: under $1

Jeff is helping Oregon get ready for electric cars. Read about it in The Oregonian here.

Come back and let us know what you think.

Discuss: 'Fill-up' for Oregon-bound electric: under $1

» December 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Cell phone recycling in The Oregonian

This holiday season as you tear the wrapping from the hottest new cell phones and MP3 players, don't just toss the played-out gadgets in the junk drawer.
Multnomah County has an option that can help keep the electronics' toxic elements out of the landfill, clear some clutter from your home and earn the cash-strapped county a little change.

You can dump your old cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, chargers and Bluetooth headsets into one of the free recycling bins at 11 locations across the county. Drop boxes are at libraries and other county buildings.

Commissioner Jeff Cogen launched the program in October, but is pushing hard to get the word out to county residents as the gift-giving season approaches.

Read the rest here.

Discuss: Cell phone recycling in The Oregonian

» December 11, 2008 - 2 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Solar Power Progress!

Last week Commissioner Cogen toured the County's John B. Yeon Building in Gresham to view the solar installation there. It's a huge array of roof-mounted solar panels (the above photo doesn't do the scale of this project justice! pictured are Commissioner Cogen and Jeremy Barnett, SunEdison Program Manager). The Yeon building project should be completely operational by the end of next week. Kudos to all County staff people involved in the project, and to SunEdison's outstanding team.

Discuss: Solar Power Progress!

» November 29, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, News, Sustainability, Warren's Blog

Electric Fleets Heading to Oregon

At the same time the US Congress considers giving the big three automakers an SUV hangover cure, Nissan has chosen Oregon as one of a handful of sites to roll-out and mass-market zero-emission electric vehicles. From the Oregonian:

"Details -- such as numbers of cars and their costs -- were still being negotiated even as Kulongoski drove a prototype Nissan electric vehicle in Japan this week. The program is another green feather in the governor's cap as he prepares to visit a company Friday developing electric cars in China.

'Our goal is mass-marketing vehicles across the U.S. and globally' in 2012, said Nissan's Perry. 'We all believe that we'll be mass-marketing in Oregon much faster than that.' "

The roll-out is expected to begin with government and commercial fleets. What do you think Multnomah County, are you ready to go electric?

Update: Here's a little inspiration to get you jazzed about Electric.

Discuss: Electric Fleets Heading to Oregon

» November 20, 2008 - 2 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Sustainability

Solar Energy -- Green Bag Lunch

Tuesday, Multnomah County's Green Bag Lunch Series featured Mark Waller of Bridgeworks Capital. He gave a vibrant and informative presentation on the latest devlopments in solar energy. 20 county employees heard about solar technologies like thin film, concentrated solar, energy storage technology, and photovoltaics, and how those technologies will help bring about the clean energy future we need.

Read more and discuss: Solar Energy -- Green Bag Lunch

» November 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Front Page News, Sustainability, Warren's Blog

Green bag lunch and lecture series: Solar energy in the 21st century

Solar energy is met with both enthusiasm and skepticism as a solution to the 21st Century's energy needs. Is solar energy a viable alternative to traditional energy sources? Or is it simply a costly pipe dream? What is the real story behind this exciting technology?

» November 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts, Sustainability

Hollywood Library has cell phone recycling!

Ask and you shall receive! The Hollywood Library branch - one of the busiest - now has a cell phone recycling box. It's located in the lobby, opposite of the book return. Bring by your phones, chargers, headsets, MP3 players and IPODs to be recycled. The other library branches that have boxes are Gresham, Central, Hillsdale and Midland.

Discuss: Hollywood Library has cell phone recycling!

» November 10, 2008 - 2 comments - Karol's Blog, Libraries, Sustainability, Top Stories

Jeff in the news - urban agriculture

Jeff's County Digs program is still going strong in East Portland. Check out this story in the Portland Tribune.

Discuss: Jeff in the news - urban agriculture

» November 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, News, Sustainability

Josiah Hill Clinic Receives EPA Care Grant

A Multnomah County partner, the Josiah Hill III Clinic, is the recipient of a $210,950 Environmental Protection Agency CARE grant. Jeff was at the celebration in Peninsula Park last Friday to congratulate the Josiah Hill team.

From the announcment:

The primary purpose of the grant is to reduce health risks due to exposure to environmental pollutants, specifically chemicals found in and around homes, by utilizing a community-based collaborative approach. The projects Josiah Hill Clinic will conduct include:

- Community organizing and training along with healthy environment check-ups in partnership with Multnomah County Environment Health;

- Developing a local benefit analysis of green housing/maintenance and working with property owners and managers of multi-family housing to encourage the use of green, or less toxic products in partnership with Enterprise Community Partner; and

- Developing a local business inventory to identify access sources for green products and services that residents and property owners may utilize as they take actions to reduce chemicals and toxins.

Josiah Hill III Clinic’s project partners and supporters include: Enterprise Community Partners, Multnomah County Environmental Health, Portland State University, North/Northeast Business Association, Metro, and North/Northeast Portland neighborhood residents.

Congrats to the Josiah Hill team!

SolarWorld Grand Opening

Earlier this month, Commissioner Cogen attended the grand opening celebration of the new SolarWorld AG factory in Hillsboro. The plant is now up and running, producing thousands of photovoltaic solar cells everyday.

Read more and discuss: SolarWorld Grand Opening

» October 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Sustainability, Top Stories, Warren's Blog

Who Killed the Electric Car? Let's ask Jeff.

The Sustainability Film Series continues with a showing of "Who Killed the Electric Car" at The Bagdad Theater. Jeff will be hosting this event on Sunday, October 26th at 5:00pm. You'll learn about the resistance to this alternative form of transportation and you can chat up Jeff and his opinions on these cars. Watch the clip below:

Here's the movie's official website.

Discuss: Who Killed the Electric Car? Let's ask Jeff.

» October 21, 2008 - 2 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Cool website today: Wikia Green

There is a new Wiki website that focuses on issues of sustainability and green living. It's called Wikia Green. They are still building, but I'm sure in no time they will be a great resource of information. Check it out.

Discuss: Cool website today: Wikia Green

» September 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts, Sustainability

20 cents per bag in Seattle going to voters

Folks at the City of Portland have tossed around the idea of charging customers for their bags at stores. The reason of course being that these bags have a negative impact on the environment from manufacturing to eventual disposal. In Seattle, the Post-Intelligencer reports that opponents have gathered enough signatures to take it to the ballot:

More than enough valid signatures have been collected by a group that opposes a new fee on paper and plastic bags in Seattle to keep the ordinance from going into effect in January as planned.
Instead, city voters will decide the fate of the disposable bag fee during an election next year.

The City Council passed an ordinance July 28 requiring a 20-cent green fee on plastic or paper bags at grocery and drug stores, setting off a range of reactions from cheers to outcry. The council also banned plastic foam food and drink containers. That rule isn't affected by the referendum and will go into effect Jan. 1.

Are you in favor of a bag tax? Would it drive the market to the reusable grocery bags? My Safeway reusable bag already has a hole in the bottom and I imagine I'll have to replace more of those if I am using it for all my methods of shopping. Thoughts?

Discuss: 20 cents per bag in Seattle going to voters

» September 16, 2008 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Low-Car Diet Update - Week 3

A few things I've learned on the car-less trail:

1) I love walking at least five miles a day. I'm so much nicer.
2) Commuting to work without a car is easy, and I plan to keep commuting by bus/train. I might even give up my PARKING SPOT.
3) (This could be the car-withdrawal talking) I still love my car.

Read more and discuss: Low-Car Diet Update - Week 3

» August 8, 2008 - 1 comments - Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability, Top Stories

State PUC Action Allows Landmark County Solar Deal to Proceed

Today the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a decision which affirms the net metering provisions of Oregon’s utility regulations and clears the way for Multnomah County to proceed with its 1,000,000 kWh per year solar project on county rooftops. The PUC filing, (docket number DR40) brought jointly by Pacific Power and Honeywell, threatened to scuttle Multnomah County’s and many other Oregon solar projects under development. Today’s PUC ruling disposes of that filing completely.

(Read more and link to today's PUC ruling after the break)

Read more and discuss: State PUC Action Allows Landmark County Solar Deal to Proceed

» July 31, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Issues, News, Sustainability, Warren's Blog

Low Car Diet - Rain? Really?

So, things on the Low Car Diet have essentially gone according to plan. Karol and I are both really enjoying the bonus exercise we're getting from walking and riding the bus and Max are easy. But today, a few raindrops have reminded us what it might be like to do the low-car commute ... in 8 months of the year when its raining.

I, for one, have no clue where my umbrella is. Probably in the same place I left it that last day it rained in June. As my thoughts turn to actually using a Zip-Car to get around town, I have to admit that I was pretty bummed to learn that the closest Zip Car is oh, 1.6 miles from my house. Observe:

Zipcar - Find Cars - Results_1217355234207.jpeg

Read more and discuss: Low Car Diet - Rain? Really?

» July 29, 2008 - 2 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability

Low Car Diet - 1st weekend

Besides bragging incessantly about the bazillion miles I walked last week, it was a pretty low key weekend for me. My little family walked to the movie store, to the coffee shop, to the grocery store.

Karol, however, sampled a veritable smorgasbord of transportation options. She took the Max to a concert at the Zoo and reports that the riders were good-natured and friendly. She walked to her Yoga class (yes, she really is that dedicated) and car-pooled with friends to everyone's favorite Swedish superstore: IKEA. She says, "Walking everywhere makes me feel more fit, and feeling more fit makes me think I can eat more – and that’s not right!"

So true, so true. But hey, wouldn't it be great if you could eat out at a chain restaurant in Multnomah County that has 15 or more locations nationwide and have the calorie counts clearly posted next to the
price or on a clearly visible poster at the point of purchase? So you could treat yourself but know how many more miles you'll have to walk to burn it off? I think so. So does the Oregonian.

Discuss: Low Car Diet - 1st weekend

» July 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability

Low Car Diet - Days 3 and 4

In the immortal words of Karol Collymore, we're "still walking," five days into our Low-Car Diet. That said, at this early stage in the game, we're mostly avoiding complicated trips rather than making the effort to plan for them.

Even so, there are some things you can't avoid. Eating, for instance, is mostly a must. Same with picking up life-saving prescriptions and bringing home the bacon. In the course of doing these unavoidable tasks, we've discovered a few things that we didn't know before:

Read more and discuss: Low Car Diet - Days 3 and 4

» July 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability

Low Car Diet - Day 2

Yesterday (just to mix things up and keep it exciting for the four people who might be reading this), instead of taking the number 6 to the Max from the Multnomah Building on Hawthorne and Grand, I walked up 7th/Sandy to 11th and the Max.

The beauty of this walk for me was getting to stroll by the Franz Bakery blocks. As most of my friends and co-workers know, I'm tragically gluten intolerant, but that doesn't stop me from loving the smell of freshly baked bread.

You can smell Franz's gluten-y delicious-ness all the way from Burnside. Even better, on the corner of the northernmost Franz block you can peer in the window as steamy loaves of bread come out of the oven and plop onto the conveyor belt. I highly recommend standing and staring at them for a while.

Today's stats:
Miles Walked: 3.6
Bus rides: 1
Max rides:2
Gluten-y daydreams: several

Collymore's update(and I quote): "Still Walking."

Discuss: Low Car Diet - Day 2

» July 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability

Low Car Diet Challenge: 1 day down, 29 to go

by Marissa Madrigal

Yesterday morning Jeff gave the keynote speech at the 3rd annual ZipCar "Low Car Diet" kick-off in Pioneer Square. Among the 30 or so Portland participants: yours truly and Ms. Karol Collymore, communications expert extraordinaire.

Karol claims that the breezy distance between her place and work combined with her unencumbered "life status" will make her experience simple and un-blog worthy. I disagree and plan to keep you updated on her car-less trials and tribulations, too. She won't be able to resist Target's suburban lure for long. When she decides to cave - which she will - how will she get there? Public Transit? Walking? Zip Car? Oh, the mystery! The Intrigue! But I digress.

Some background on me and my commuting: I live in Central NE Portland about 1/3 of a mile from a bus line and about a mile from the blue and red line MAX. When I first moved to Portland 8 years ago, I lived really close-in; but I always drove anyway because gas was hovering around a buck a gallon. I started walking/busing more when I met my husband who walked everywhere, and even more when I sold my car on a whim.

Then we had a kid - an amazing, lovable kid - but suddenly we were driving everywhere. Then a few wine bars plopped into our neighborhood and we moved further out to find a cheaper, nicer place. The only problem? The available public transportation options = not hot.

Read more and discuss: Low Car Diet Challenge: 1 day down, 29 to go

» July 22, 2008 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Sustainability

New website promotes clean rivers and streams

From the Regional Coalition for Clean Rivers and Streams:

Do you clean up after your dog? Watch the chemicals in your garden? Take your car to an automated car wash that recycles wash water? All of these ideas and more will help keep rivers healthy. The Regional Coalition for Clean Rivers and Streams will launch a new website the week of July 7, 2008 that presents lots of information in a fun, interactive way about how we all can keep rivers healthy. CleanRiversandStreams.org provides detailed information about how to keep our daily activities from polluting local rivers and streams.

Read more and discuss: New website promotes clean rivers and streams

» July 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Sustainability film series: Kilowatt Ours on July 27th

Multnomah County presents:

“Kilowatt Ours”
A PLAN TO RE-ENERGIZE AMERICA
Sunday, July 27th @ 5:00 pm
McMenamins Bagdad Theater
SE Hawthorne & 37th Ave in Portland
Followed by a SMARTER ENERGY panel discussion
Questions? Click here.

Discuss: Sustainability film series: Kilowatt Ours on July 27th

» July 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Events, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts, Sustainability

I-5 Bridge: How do you feel?

The Columbia River Crossing - otherwise known as the I-5 bridge - is causing quite the uproar around Portland. Residents and groups focused on the environment are not in favor of the proposed models; they do not feel it meets all levels of sustainability, among other things. Others are worried about health impacts and some just worried that it's going to be ugly.

Why are we talking about it? Well, the southern end of any bridge would land in District two. That impacts constituents in various ways from health impacts (such as air quality and noise) to displacement. So what do you think - bridge or no bridge?

Discuss: I-5 Bridge: How do you feel?

» July 8, 2008 - 5 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

$4+ gas = Observable Behavior Changes

by Marissa Madrigal

I've been completely fascinated lately by the change sweeping our city as gas prices have shot into ridiculously un-affordable territory. I for one, no longer drive to work. It sure seems like traffic in general is lighter, even when seasonally adjusted. I've also noticed our perception of "personal space" is shrinking, as anyone who has crammed onto a crowded bus or max in the last few months can attest.

But because things have morphed so quickly, new problems are popping up. Take this story about the no vacancy sign out for bikes on the Max. Sure, it's never been a sure thing that your bike would fit on the Max, especially during rush hour - but kicking bikes (and their riders) off? It's kind of weird. Everything seems a little bit off. Not in a bad way necessarily, just off. Like we're living in Bizarro Portland in a galaxy far, far away.

What do all of you see happening out there? Are you, your friends and family making personal adjustments to cope? Send us your observations and thoughts about the changes you're seeing in Portland on this fine Friday afternoon.

Discuss: $4+ gas = Observable Behavior Changes

» June 27, 2008 - 1 comments - Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Marissa's Blog, Sustainability

Solar success in the news

Yesterday was a great day for sustainability in Multnomah County. We'll have the biggest solar installation in the Pacific Northwest and be an example of public and private collaboration helping to reduce our carbon footprint. Here's a link to the Willamette Week's story and the Oregonian's story.

Discuss: Solar success in the news

» June 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Press release on County solar power

Today the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will consider an agreement to install the largest solar power project in Oregon on three county buildings. The project will produce approximately 1,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, marking an important milestone for the Oregon solar energy industry.

Under the agreement, solar energy services provider SunEdison LLC of Maryland will build, own and operate the solar photovoltaic system, selling the power output to Multnomah County under a 20-year power purchase agreement. The county will pay SunEdison for all the power generated by the system at a rate just below what is currently paid to Portland General Electric (PGE). This rate will climb at a fixed annual escalator in line with historical utility price inflation of 2.83 percent.

Read more and discuss: Press release on County solar power

» June 26, 2008 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Sustainability, Warren's Blog

Solar power coming to Multnomah County in 2009

Today is the day that the Multnomah County Commissioners move forward with solar power on some of our rooftops. A board vote will happen later on this morning, sealing the deal.

Jeff has worked for months to get this project done and we are pretty excited that it's happening. Please visit our sustainability page to read about the work that's been done up until now. Also, check out Willamette Week and the Business Journal for stories about this great work.

Discuss: Solar power coming to Multnomah County in 2009

» June 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Special screening of two Portland documentaries

From the Oregon Environmental Council:

Attend a FREE First Thursday screening of two locally-produced documentaries about air pollution and health.... Filmmakers will be there to answer questions.

On July 3rd see a showing of Savannah Teller Brown's new documentary, "Living Diesel" and Sharon Genasci's documentary, "What's In Our Air?" at the Screening Room on NW 19th Street (925 NW 19th) with snacks and a no-host bar. This is an opportunity to learn about and discuss the problems we have with air pollution in our neighborhoods.

Living Diesel is a new 18-minute documentary about pollution in the air we breathe from the common diesel engine. Diesel is used in most commercial trucks, and in a variety of vehicles, including school busses and stationary diesel engines on heavy equipment. The EPA identified these engines as a source of serious chemical and particulate pollution. Living Diesel explores the effects of this pollution on human health and the resolutions being explored and implemented, with the help of new government policies and the good will of some private companies.

What's in our Air? is a half-hour program filmed in the Seattle, Portland and San Francisco areas. It looks at the health impacts of air pollution in residential neighborhoods and documents neighbors' activism to counter the effects of air pollution. It won a gold medal at the Houston International Film Festival.

A wine and beer bar will provide no-host refreshments and snacks. The program is presented by the Health & Environment Committee, a subcommittee of the Northwest District Association. For more information, contact Neighbors West Northwest at (503) 823-4288.

Discuss: Special screening of two Portland documentaries

» June 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Jeff's seals the deal on solar power

We talked about solar power on Multnomah County buildings oh so many months ago - ok, like a year ago. Well, we are another step closer to seeing those panels on the roofs of county buildings. Check out this blurb in this week's Willamette Week.

Discuss: Jeff's seals the deal on solar power

» June 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Sustainability, Top Stories

Jeff talking about urban growth boundries

Jeff is working with commissioners from Clackamas, Washington and Metro to designate urban and rural reserves for the next 40 to 50 years. It can be a confusing process, but this story on OPB makes it a bit more clear. Give a listen; it's about 5 minutes long.

Discuss: Jeff talking about urban growth boundries

» June 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Idling reduction for the summertime

From County Fleet:
It’s been a just year ago this month that the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 07-124, the Policy to Reduce Benzene Pollution. As the summer months begin to warm up the atmosphere, the air quality index is affected and the threat of global climate change continues to cause concern. This is a reminder that topping off your gas tank and idling longer than 20 seconds (not in traffic) is terrible for the environment and uses a lot of gas. After the jump, tips on idle reduction.

Read more and discuss: Idling reduction for the summertime

» June 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Plant Tweets, Reverse Boycotts and Carbon Hero

by Marissa Madrigal

I just got back from a fantastic lecture at the WebVisions '08 Conference by Alexis Madrigal, a WIRED Magazine reporter(who may or may not be my brother). The Topic: "Networking Things: How the Internet is Redefining Environmentalism". Before I could even congratulate myself on being the cool older sister who shows up to provide moral support, I realized that although he was talking about using technology in our homes to increase energy efficiency, the direction of web-based green tech is something government (as stewards of the tax dollar) can't afford to ignore.

Read more and discuss: Plant Tweets, Reverse Boycotts and Carbon Hero

» May 23, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Sustainability

Beyond the Label: Toxics in Personal Care Products

Tuesday, May 27th
12:15 - 1:15
Multnomah County Central Library, US Bank Room
801 SW 10th Ave., Portland

Come find out what toxics lurk in personal care products, and what the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and others are doing to transform this industry. Sprecial guests: Arielle Tozier, Oregon Center for Environmental Health and Diane Lund Rachel's Friends Breast Cancer Coalition

Bring a friend, neighbor, or coworker! This event is open to the public.

Discuss: Beyond the Label: Toxics in Personal Care Products

» May 21, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

May is Bike to work Month

This was passed on from Mike Lynch, fabulous county employee that gathers us all to participate in Bike to work Month:

May Is Bike To Work Month!

National Bike to Work Month has just begun.

Even if you only bike once, it will be a great help and an even better experience. Give it a shot – you could win one of the many prizes from the raffles, or just enjoy some of the benefits of biking:

Bicycling improves your health: national health statistics show that when you're more active, you decrease your risk for cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Biking is good for your budget: fewer car trips save you money. AAA estimates the cost of operating a new car is $4,900 to $10,000 per year.

Riding a bike makes you feel good: endorphins pump while you pedal. It helps you stay awake at work meetings, too!

You know you're doing something good for your body, your community and the planet when you drive less and bike more.

If you need any information about transit routes, safe biking routes, or anything else – let me know. Even if only part of your trip is on bike, it’s a start! So grab your bike [and helmet!] and enjoy biking to work this month.

Discuss: May is Bike to work Month

» May 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Is climate change a social issue?

Yesterday I was at a meeting where we were discussing how the County can bring a message of protecting Earth to residents. Portland is saturated with people and messages about climate change. We are number one in the country with recycling rates at 63 percent. The question becomes then, where can a county message fit in the sustainable atmosphere?

I argue that our responsibility is to fight for the underrepresented classes because they may lead the movement for positive change. Here is why. Food costs have gone up 5% this year and projected to go up to 10% next year. This is due to the cost of gas, issues around farming and food availability. Because of this, many residents are debating between food and gas. Toxin levels are very high in certain parts of the county where freeways divide and congestion reigns during rush hour. This issue disproportionately affects less than middle income populations. This leads to health care problems and health care is a problem in itself. These are issues related to climate change and how we start to remedy it.

While we focus on "top down" issues like banning plastic bags and hybrid cars, we are ignoring a large group of folks - let's say the 32% who are not recycling - who could and likely want to do better.

Now that protecting the environment has gone from boutique to bar room, it's become time to talk about things we can do in practical terms that is accessible to all. So, I'd like to suggest that climate change has become a social issue. What do you think? Is it our responsibility to protect our population from climate change?

Discuss: Is climate change a social issue?

» April 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm

The next St. Johns Farmers Market meeting is April 30th at 6:30pm. It will be at Out Daily Bread (excellent pancakes) on 8680 N Ivanhoe St. Join us!

Discuss: St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm

» April 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sustainability

Green products from mainstream companies

Lately as I've been walking around grocery stores, I've been noticing some of my usual products now have a "Green Works" label. I never preferred green cleaning products even though I knew it was safer. I like a seriously clean house and sometimes vinegar and water doesn't cut it. Recently though, I've been more willing to give it a try now that green products have gone down in price.

Check out Greenworks from Clorox. Maybe some of you who are like me will give these a try!

Discuss: Green products from mainstream companies

» April 22, 2008 - 1 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

What can you to help Earth?

It's Earth Day! many know it is a day to remind yourself what you can do to help clean up our planet. It could be changing your five most used light bulbs to CFL's, planting a tree, remembering to turn off your computer everyday or walking to the bus instead of driving.

Sustainability also doesn't have to cost anything. Recycling paper, plastic, glass and metal from your household is great. You can also turn your heat down a couple of degrees, wash your clothes with cold only, and hang out those clothes instead of using a dryer. Let us know what you are doing today to celebrate the Earth?

Discuss: What can you to help Earth?

» April 22, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

New recycling options

The City of Portland is going to start delivering the tall, blue recycling bins to your home. Yes, that means no more little yellow buckets for your paper, plastic and metal. Glass will still have to be separate. This new bucket will have more space and easier to move up and down the driveway or sidewalk. Our individual garbage haulers start delivery in May.

Discuss: New recycling options

» April 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

To supporters of 1000 Friends of Oregon

Supporters of 1000 Friends of Oregon:

Thank you for letting me know that you support protecting Oregon's agricultural lands. I welcome your postcards, emails and comments here on my website.

I’m honored to represent Multnomah County along with commissioners from Clackamas County, Washington County and Metro to designate urban and rural reserves in the tri-county area. We are working collaboratively with a goal of coming to a unanimous decision on what shapes our region over the next 50 years.

My colleagues and I are committed to coming to unanimous conclusion and have not taken any options off the table. That said, I personally and professionally remain committed to creating a sustainable future for Oregonians and that influences my contributions during this process.

Thank you again for talking time to share your thoughts with me. You can stay informed here at the Metro urban and rural reserves website.
You are also welcome to comment here on my website.

Sincerely,

Jeff Cogen

Discuss: To supporters of 1000 Friends of Oregon

» April 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Jeff's Blog, Sustainability

Great article on ways PDX can be greener

I got a great email response this morning from a constituent. I asked him if he wanted a hard copy of an electronic letter I sent him this morning. His response: "Electronic copies are GOOD. Plus paper is so 2007." Best email response of all time. Paper reduction is a good step on a personal level. Willamette Week has a great angle on what people do in other places to have greener cities. Check it out.

Discuss: Great article on ways PDX can be greener

» April 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Multnomah County Sustainability launches film series with “The End of Suburbia”

From the Sustainability office:
In honor of Earth Day on April 20, 2008, the Multnomah County Sustainability Film Series will present “The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream” at 5:00 p.m. at the McMenamins Bagdad Theater, at 3702 SE Hawthorne in Portland. The film is free and open to the public.

The film explores the outward migration of populations from cities to suburbs in the last 50 years in light of the diminishing supply of fossil fuels that enabled suburbs to grow. According to the film’s producers, “The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply.”

» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Volunteer for Earth Day

To Multnomah County employees from the Sustainability office:

We are looking for volunteers to help with the two Earth Day events below. We probably need more help with the April 19th staffing of our booth at the Overlook Park celebration, but help at both events is much appreciated.

Read more and discuss: Volunteer for Earth Day

» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts, Sustainability

New eco-store to open on Fremont

There is a new, not for profit store opening soon in Northeast. It’s operated by the non-profit organization Oregon Center for Environmental Health. They are going to carry some non-toxic alternative products, like glass baby bottles, steel water bottles, natural rubber duckies, and chemical-free sunscreen.

4819 NE Fremont St. Portland, Oregon 97213
For more info, see www.oregon-health.org.

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» April 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts, Sustainability

Multnomah and Clackamas Counties Join Forces to Fight Global Warming

Portland, OR- Clackamas and Multnomah Counties joined the Sierra Club today to announce an important their important, new plan to work regionally to fight global warming. Both counties passed resolutions to sign on to the Sierra Club’s Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration, a county-level initiative to combat global warming and create new jobs in the green economy. Clackamas and Multnomah Counties are the first counties in the state of Oregon to become Cool Counties, and today marked the first time nationally that two adjoining counties have signed on to the declaration in tandem. The counties planned their declarations for the same day to highlight the importance of regional coordination in creating climate action plans. Twenty-nine percent of Oregonians live in the two counties and their residents join over the 36 million Americans who live in the nation’s 28 other Cool Counties.

» April 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Earth Day celebrations

From the Sustainability office:
Earth Day Festival at Overlook Park - Multnomah County Booth & Fruit Tree Giveaway

Saturday, April 19, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Located at N Fremont St & Interstate
FREE!

Join the Multnomah County Green Team at our festival booth at the 2008 Earth Day celebration. We are partnering with Friends of Trees to give away free fruit trees to festival guests. This year's celebration focuses on the solutions to living as a sustainable region as energy resources become more scarce. For more info: www.cityrepair.org/earthday

· 150 sustainable businesses and organizations
· Kid's Village organized by students in North Portland
· 3 stages of live music and entertainment

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» April 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Clackamas and Multnomah Counties will Pledge to Cool Global Warming

Portland, OR- On Thursday, April 10th, Clackamas County Commissioner Lynn Peterson and Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen will sign a declaration announcing their county governments’ commitment to becoming “Cool Counties” by pledging to reduce global warming emissions 80% by 2050, to working locally, regionally and with state governments to address climate change, and to encourage the federal government to enact national green house gas reduction policies.

» April 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Sustainability staff highlighted in professional journal

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals has recognized one of Multnomah County's own employees, Molly Chidsey.

Check this out:
Molly Chidsey spends her days at Multnomah County looking for ways to cut waste and increase efficiency. Consider her a 21st century version of the 1950s efficiency experts – with an ecological twist. In her role as Pollution and Waste Development Specialist, Chidsey oversees three areas – toxics reductions, sustainable purchasing and waste prevention and recycling.

In the area of toxics reduction Chidsey is working with the county to eliminate toxics of concern by 2020, by looking for safer alternatives. In a collaborative effort with the City of Portland, she, along with many staff follow a list of 40 different action items that guide them in preventing and reducing use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and diesel exhaust from county vehicles.

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» April 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories

Bill Bradbury presents "An Inconvenient Truth" on April 10th

Next Thursday, April 10th, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury will visit the Multnomah County Commission to do his presentation of "An Inconvenient Truth." Bradbury has been doing these presentations around the state, focused on the impact on the Pacific Northwest. If you'd like to join us, come to 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 1st floor board room on April 10th. It starts at 10:30am.

This presentation coincides with Multnomah County's signing on to the "Cool Counties Pledge" from the Sierra Club. You are welcome and we hope to see you there!

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» April 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Check out "A Health Investment with a Billion Plus Payback"

Sustainable Development Commission member Chris Hagerbaumer wrote a great piece about diesel emissions at Blue Oregon today. The Commission is a joint body between the City of Portland and Multnomah County. Check it out!

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» March 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

Friday Fun Fact: All Oregon Counties pass EPA smog standards

File this story under, "I know I moved here for a reason."

Today the Associated Press published a list of counties that aren't meeting the Environmental Protection Agency standards for smog. All of Oregon's counties are in the clear! Some other states are in the clear as well, including my home state of New Mexico. Still, check out the list.

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» March 14, 2008 - 2 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

What's a bike box?

What is a bike box and why should we watch out for them? If we were curious, we knew you would be too. This from the City of Portland transportation department:

The bike box is an intersection safety design to prevent bicycle/car collisions, especially those between drivers turning right and bicyclists going straight. It is a green box on the road with a white bicycle symbol inside. It includes green bicycle lanes approaching and leading from the box. The main goal is to prevent collisions between motorists turning right and cyclists going straight. It's all about visibility and awareness. At a red light, cyclists are more visible to motorists by being in front of them. At a green light, the green bike lane through the intersection reminds motorists and cyclists to watch for each other.

For even more information, visit the City here.

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» March 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability

The life cycle of a cell phone

Do you ever wonder about the life cycle of your old cell phone? Okay, probably not, but Jeff Cogen does. As we get ready to debut our cell phone recycling program later this spring, I thought I'd share with you a cool website that talks about what happens to all those old phones. Its called "The Secret Life of Cell Phones."

Save up those old cell phones and bring them down to one of the County when the program starts this spring.

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» March 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News,