Our Rethink Waste Blog

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.

The Environmental Center is your friendly neighborhood sustainability hub.

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Welcome Naomi, RWP Coordinator

We’re excited to introduce you to Naomi Serio, our newest staff member! Naomi (she/her) joins us as…

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Stacks of green reusable plastic bowls on a wooden counter in front of a window

Bringing reuse to Bend!

The Problem Did you know that nearly 1 trillion disposable food service products are used each year…

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Solarize Deschutes, a Community-Driven Campaign Offers Discounted Solar to Deschutes County Residents

If you have been thinking about going solar, now is the time to get a bid while…

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A July Repair Café in Redmond

The July Repair Café at SCP Redmond Hotel was my first Repair Café as Rethink Waste Program…

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Reflections from FoodCorps Member Kat

Written by Kat Rains, our 2024 FoodCorps Service Member As the FoodCorps service member at TEC, I…

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Welcome Kyla, Our Green Jobs Intern!

Kyla is our newest intern through the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon Green Jobs Program. She will…

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a parade travels down a street in Bend Oregon. the leader of the parade holds a flagpole with an earth flag and a LGBTQ+ pride flag, as well as a banner reading "earth day fair and parade"

Join the Climate Movement Challenge!

Get outside and move in the name of climate action! That’s what The Environmental Center is challenging…

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Why We Renamed The Big Room at The Environmental Center

Racism is so universal in this country, so widespread, and deep-seated, that it is invisible because it…

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The Environmental Center Launches New, Free Home Energy Assessment Program

Bend, Ore.– As we head into another hot summer with a high likelihood of climate impacts such…

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May 2024 Repair Café in Photos

Another Repair Café in the books means another batch of belongings kept out of the landfill and…

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From Plastics to Produce: Eight New Community Projects Get Funding

Announcing the Winter 2024 Community Innovation Fund recipients! This year, The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project is…

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Bringing Food Waste Prevention Week to the Classroom

Written by Megan Schubel, temporary Youth Education Program Manager Hard to believe, but the average Oregon household…

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