Jackie and Ani Pick Up 8,500 lbs of Trash

July 19, 2021

TEC staff participate in marine debris removal and recovery adventure in Alaska. How do you say “no” to a once-in-a lifetime expedition adventure to one of the frontlines of the global ocean plastics crisis – the Alaska coastline? You don’t. When an invitation came from the Ocean Plastic Recovery (OPR) Project to join the Island […]

Rethink Waste on the Radio!

June 17, 2021

We got to chat with Megan from 1077 about all things Rethink Waste. Would you like to have a listen? We covered topics from food waste to recycling to reusable bags. Here’s the one all about construction waste (4 minutes): Want to learn more about how to rethink construction waste? Check these 5 ways to […]

Let’s get these bills over the finish line!

May 27, 2021

It’s been a busy session with many important bills passing out of the legislature and heading to the Governor’s desk … but our work is not done yet. This year’s long legislative session runs until June 28th and we have a lot of important bills we want to see passed this year. Here are three […]

Microplastic Madness Local Panel Discussion

May 4, 2021

The Environmental Center and Bendfilm teamed up to bring you a panel discussion related to the film Microplastic Madness in honor of Earth Day 2021. The film Microplastic Madness is an optimistic take on the local and global plastic pollution crisis as told through a refreshing urban youth point of view with an inspiring take […]

Rethink Food Waste: Preparing Parts and Pieces

If you didn’t get a chance to join us for our virtual event on Monday, May 3, you’re in luck! We have a recording available for you to watch at any time. We hope you enjoy it! We trimmed out the Life of a Strawberry video (2 min) at minute 8:55 due to copyrights, but […]

Advocating to Modernize Oregon’s Recycling System and Reduce Plastic Pollution

April 19, 2021

Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582B): UPDATE 6/24/31: The bill has passed through both legislative chambers and will be signed into law by the governor! Overview Oregon has an outdated recycling system that leads to public confusion about what can and cannot be recycled, and consequently, high rates of contamination. The system also […]

Advocating for the Right to Repair

Right to Repair (HB 2698): Overview If you can’t repair your own things, do you really own them? In a time of planned obsolescence where stuff is made to be broken, this bill will empower repair rather than disposal by requiring manufacturers to provide us with the tools and manuals we need to fix our […]

Chasing Arrows Symbol: what does it mean?

People know it as the “universal recycling symbol”. But guess what? It does NOT mean “recyclable”. The ubiquitous chasing arrows symbol doesn’t mean that something is recyclable?? What? I know. Crazy, right? It was a brilliant deceptive campaign introduced by the petroleum industry. The truth: The number inside the chasing arrows symbol is something called […]

Free Yard Debris Drop off: Spring 2021 Fire Free Weeks!

April 12, 2021

During a wildfire, most homes are lost when falling embers smolder and ignite vulnerable areas around homes. Reduce the risk of losing your home to wildfire and take advantage of FREE yard debris disposal at local collection sites. Recycle your needles, leaves, branches and brush for FREE! Grass clippings, brush, plant prunings, pine needles, pine […]

Green Spotlight: Rugged Thread

March 29, 2021

Repair!! It’s the key to a circular economy, y’all. In this day and age with planned obsolescence being the norm for everything from our cell phones to our appliances to our CLOTHING, we want to use our money to buy quality items that have more durability and combine that with excellent repair options. Never heard […]