Our blog is your go-to resource.
The Environmental Center is your friendly neighborhood sustainability hub.
Our blog tells the stories of the people and organizations, the programs, tools and technologies, that make sustainability real every day. You’ll find the inspiration and resources you need to put sustainability into action in your life, at home or at work.
Be sure to check out our community calendar for upcoming events, and get to know our Partner Groups. Need a space for an event? Our door is open for learning, collaborating, and a whole lot more.
Recent Posts
The Hub
Why Bend needs a Home Energy Score
November 18, 2019
Here at The Environmental Center, we care about the environment, climate change, and affordable housing. And we think the Home Energy Score needs to be part of Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan. First of all, the low-down on what exactly we are talking about. A Home Energy Score (HES) program would require a home to […]
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Common misconceptions about the Home Energy Score
November 4, 2019
For more background on what the Home Energy Score is, visit our previous blog post What is the Home Energy Score and why is it in the CCAP? Why Home Energy Scores? The Oregon Department of Energy’s 2018 Biennial Energy Report took a deep dive into energy consumers in our state. Unfortunately, Oregon continues to see […]
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What is the Home Energy Score and why is it in the CCAP?
November 1, 2019
The Home Energy Score is a specific sub-action that is called out in Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). It states: Energy in Buildings Strategy 3: Implement benchmarking and disclosure programs for energy performance (page 24 in the CCAP) Sub-action: Implement a Home Energy Score program that requires every home to be scored on its […]
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Speak up for Bend’s Climate Action Plan
October 30, 2019
The Bend community needs to make itself clear to City Council: Adopt the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) and we’ll be a partner in getting to work and making the plan a reality. The Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) is the result of a collaborative effort by the Climate Action Steering Committee (CASC) along with […]
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Buying in Bulk: What’s the deal?
October 23, 2019
In considering whether or not to buy in bulk, there are many pros – and there are also some challenges. (For the purposes of this posting, bulk is when you can get any amount of something you want. Pre-packaged items do not count.) FIRST, HERE ARE SOME BENEFITS: Less packaging waste This is especially true […]
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Individual action is crucial… but is it enough?
October 16, 2019
A simple but powerful mission guides our work here at The Environmental Center: to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. As Peter Geiser, one of our founders, says, “It starts with personal change, then change in the place we live, then change in the world.” As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, I’ve been […]
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New Youth Educator: Geneva Mayall
October 10, 2019
This August, we added a new member to our Youth Education team. Meet Geneva Mayall. She was born and raised in Central Oregon and graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and Biology. Geneva has worked with kids in a variety of scopes including teaching science labs, leading a walking school bus […]
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We’re Hiring: Membership & Outreach Manager
October 3, 2019
Position available: Membership & Outreach Manager Desired start date: Approximately January 6, 2020 Location: 16 NW Kansas Ave. Bend, OR Please submit applications by: November 1, 2019 About Us: The Environmental Center (TEC) is a regional hub of environmental education, engagement, and action. With support from our communities, we work to advance a healthy, vibrant […]
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Green Spotlight: Jose Saldivar
October 1, 2019
Let us introduce you to Jose Saldivar, a Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Intern who’s making a big difference in our local schools! In December 2018, Jose joined our team to work directly with Jackie Wilson – our Education Director, who doubles as the Bend-La Pine Schools Sustainability Coordinator – on energy conservation projects across the […]
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Charge Ahead Expansion
September 27, 2019
Fall 2019 Oregon EV Rebate Program Updates The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission approved the expansion of the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, making it easier for people to purchase electric vehicles. Oregonians who bought or leased eligible electric vehicles between Jan. 1 and Aug. 2, 2018, will once again be allowed to apply for rebates […]
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