Local change.
A world of difference.
Our mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. To us, that means driving local change that makes a world of difference.
What's Happening!
Stay up to date on our upcoming events and program offerings.
Applications are OPEN for the 2024 Rethink Waste Community Innovation Fund
The Rethink Waste Project is accepting applications for the 2024 Community Innovation Fund (CIF)! This program provides up to $5,000 per awarded project to implement waste reduction, reuse, recycle, and compost projects throughout Deschutes County. The Rethink Waste Project will provide a total of $54,500 in awards and application, implementation, and evaluation support in 2024.
Depending on project budget requirements, 12 to 20 projects will be funded. Application materials are available in English and Spanish.
We're Turning 35 Years Old!
The Environmental Center is thrilled to call 2024 our 35th year as a local nonprofit. Help us celebrate by becoming a new monthly donor! Will you join our community of supporters today with a monthly donation amount of $5 or more?
Join the Deschutes Energy Future leadership team
Are you interested in making your community more sustainable, your energy bills more affordable, and your home more efficient? We need your help!
Apply for the leadership team today.
Our Programs
Putting our passion to work every day to protect our planet, her people, and the future our children will inherit. Join us!
Envisioning a community that makes responsible decisions about the consumption, use, and disposal of materials.
Decarbonizing our energy, transportation, and waste systems to tackle climate change head on.
Helping students understand the connection between humans and the environment, and to make decisions that reduce their impact.
Growing a network of garden educators and a “Garden For Every School” in Central Oregon.
Working together to strengthen policies and infrastructure that protect the environment and support economic success.
Hosting a number of events throughout the year to educate, engage, and empower Central Oregon residents and visitors.
Investing in a vision of Central Oregon as a region that is both ecologically sustainable and economically vibrant.
The Eco Central campaign is shaping the future of our community and planet through education, advocacy and collaboration — all from a new, planned permanent facility that will be a community hub for action.
The Hub
Since 1988, we’ve been your go-to resource, community convener, and friendly neighborhood sustainability hub
A curated selection to kickstart your journey on envirocenter.org!
Join the Green Workforce!
Find out about current job openings at The Environmental Center, or browse other environment and sustainability-related opportunities here in the region.
Host a meeting or event at TEC
Located in the heart of downtown Bend, The Environmental Center offers a wonderful meeting space for your next event. Each year, we host over 500 meetings from workshops and training events to private parties and clubs.
Make your next event green with reusable dishware
The Rethink Waste Project offers durable dishware kits in an effort to encourage the community to make the switch from disposables to reusables. Three (3) kits are available in sets of (25) place settings. A kit includes: cups, bowls, plates, spoons, forks, and knives.
Events
Check out these upcoming events happening right here in Central Oregon!
Featured Event
High Desert Hootenanny
Join Oregon Natural Desert Association board, staff and supporters in celebrating the many high desert conservation successes…