First Deconstruction Law in the Nation Passes in Portland
Antique glass doorknobs, wood framing from long-gone old growth forests, basket weave bathroom tiles, and inlaid hardwood floors are all beloved touches in old homes. Instead of stripping our forests and land for natural resources to decorate and build our new homes, we can harvest local reuse places like the ReBuilding Center, Restore and Salvage Works. They are already wonderful places to find hidden treasures, but they will soon be teaming with history!
It is time for the Master Recycler Spring Tour!
Wednesday March 23, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
lease RSVP. Space is limited to 20 people.
Each spring graduates tour cool places. This year we will visit two agencies who are serving the community while maximizing reuse.
Central City Concern.
First stop: Central City Concern (CCC) Recycling and Reuse Operations Center (ROC) in downtown Portland. The ROC is a hub for processing and redistributing clothing and other property abandoned in CCC housing throughout the agency. They will share the story of how creative individuals created a program that will give those they serve a hand up with sustainable, environmentally responsible practices.
Oregon Food Bank.
Second stop: The Oregon Food Bank, near the Portland Airport. This may look like a picture of a rather generic, boring old box. But in reality it is one of the many interesting stories about how Oregon Food Bank and local businesses are working together to end hunger and reduce the waste of food in Oregon. The Food Bank found that they would often get donated odds and ends that they couldn’t package and distribute. So Pacific Foods agreed to take these items and make soup with the ingredients. They donate the labor and packaging and send it back to the Food Bank, a unique soup every time.
The Food Bank’s Harvest Share program also recovers perishable food from local farmers and grocers and redistributes to families in need, farmers’ market style.
You’re invited: Washington County Master Recycler Quarterly Social and Meeting
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Station 5012617 SW Walnut St, Tigard
Monday February 29, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Join fellow Master Recyclers and Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling Program staff at the next quarterly social and meeting. The casual program includes a guest speaker, a fun get-to-know-you activity, recognition of recently certified Master Recyclers, and updates and announcements for the greater-good.
Speaker: Brian Stafki will share results of the 2015 pilot residential food waste prevention campaign — the “Eat Smart, Waste Less Challenge”
For more details and to RSVP please visit the event page.
Appreciations
Congratulations and Welcome to Class 61
Last night the Multnomah County winter class celebrated their graduation. After eight exciting weeks of course work, this group is chomping at the bit to get out and do some good great work in the community. Keep an eye out for these folks and help them get settled with their new badges!
Thank You to Our Two Newly Certified Master Recyclers
Lori Taylor (Class 51) started out her payback investigating options on recycling and composting in the cafeteria at Quatama Elementary School. She also staffed an information booth at the North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival and the Fix-it Fair. But she started really finding her niche in the Cornelius Cleanup, and the Community Recycling events. She collected tons of materials at these events over the last few years.
Steven Brook’s (Class 60) enthusiasm is contagious where ever he goes. He has done a lot since his graduation in October. He joined and lead discussions on recycling and waste prevention with Recycling Advocates, in his apartment building potluck and his book group, the Portland Minimalists (If that name gives you any hint to his dedication). He also approached his manager at his workplace, the Beaverton Library, about starting a Green Team. Steven also shared his ideas and passion for food waste prevention with the Portland CAN: Save Food table.
Volunteer Opportunities
February isn’t over yet! We have volunteer opportunities this weekend that need your help.
March is teaming with meaningful payback projects.
It isn’t too late (or too early!) to sign up for April’s Earth Month activities. This month tends to be busy, busy, busy as we celebrate the planet. People are planning ahead and would love for you to sign up today for events during April.
Conservation News
On the Road with AOR: Reuse "Oregonizations"
Wednesday, March 9th, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
This On the Road Tour will literally hit the road as we venture to multiple reuse "Oregonizations" throughout Portland: Free Geek, Scrap PDX, EcoTrust, Patagonia, and the Southeast Portland Tool Library.
COST: AOR Members: $55, Non-members: $75. Visit AOR online for more information and to register.
Problem Solved
BridgePort Brew Pub, 1313 NW Marshall St., Portland
Tuesday March 29, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
An event for workplace sustainability champions. This event brings together sustainability-minded individuals from organizations across Portland, with the goal of sharing challenges and advice on workplace sustainability efforts. Share your unique challenges and gather input from two different groups of peers. Participants gain valuable insights, creative solutions and unique perspective from businesses across many sizes and sectors. Read past articles about Biggest challenges, Success stories and Top tips.
Tickets are $10, on sale now. Seating is limited.
Job Opportunities
Hollywood Farmer's Market Token Program Administrator
Responsible for operating the debit/EBT machine at the market, selling tokens, providing customer service, and maintaining accurate records of token transactions. Closes March 21.
EcoDistricts Director of Business and Partner Development
Develop and execute the organization’s business development strategy and build the market for district and neighborhood- scale sustainable development. Closes March 11.
Free Geek Executive Director
Bring an entrepreneurial spirit and success as a resource developer, ensuring Free Geek expands its resource base and develops meaningful partnerships and alliances in the community. Closes March 14.
Youth Community Program Coordinator Audubon Society
Provide support to youth communities in an inclusive and culturally competent way to best build and maintain relationships with the Audubon Society of Portland. Closes March 9.
Community Warehouse Logistics Coordinator
Answer phone call into the Warehouse, schedule pick-ups and deliveries, and route trucks. This position is often the donor’s first point of contact with Community Warehouse. Open until filled.
Ecology in Class and Outdoors Executive Director
Inspire elementary school students to connect to our natural world by providing hands-on ecology enrichment programs. Open until filled.
For more information on these opportunities and many more, visit the Master Recycler members area Job Board.
Contributions to this month's newsletter include J Lauren Norris, Alicia Polacok and Wing Grabowski.