What Can You Do?

The practices on this page are not just more sustainable, they will save you money. For more sustainability information explore the links below. This list includes a sample of useful websites; there are many others.

Building and construction

Whatever the size of your building or remodeling project, from painting a room to constructing a new house, you can choose materials that are healthier for you and your family to live with and are easier on the environment.

  • Green Development Resource Center - a collaborative effort between Metro, Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties and the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development to provide comprehensive green building resources for residents, businesses and contractors throughout the region
  • Cascadia Region Green Building Council - a non-profit organization that promotes the design, construction and operation of buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
  • The Rebuilding Center - purchase used building materials, donate materials or find out about deconstruction services.
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Portland or Canby - purchase or donate new or used building materials.

Farmers markets and food

  • Canby Farmers Market Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April - October, at the intersection of Hwy 99 and Sequoia Parkway
  • Clackamas Sunnyside Grange Farmers and Artists Market Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., April to October
  • Estacada Farmers Market Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May to October
  • Lake Oswego Farmers Market Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., mid May to mid October
  • Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., mid May to October
  • Oregon City Farmers Market Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May to October
  • West Linn Farmers Market Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., May to September
  • Fork it Over! - Metro's food donation program to reduce hunger and waste in the Portland area.
  • The Chefs Collaborative - a national network of chefs, restaurateurs and other culinary professionals who promote sustainable cuisine by teaching children, supporting local farmers, educating each other and inspiring their customers to choose clean, healthy foods.
  • Oregon Farmers Markets Association

Energy use

According to the Oregon Department of Energy, on average Oregonians spend 15% of their total energy use on their homes. The typical Oregon household spends about $165 a year just for showers and baths. Other typical expenses include:

  • Refrigerator: $90
  • Clothes washer: $60
  • Dishwasher: $47
  • Water heater heat loss: $75

You can make simple choices to reduce energy use.

Indoor air quality

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), scientific research shows that air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. For many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.

Landscaping

In your yard and garden you can make choices that will save money, protect environmental resources and help beautify and preserve your community.

Local economy

Supporting local businesses helps to keep our community and our economy strong and sustainable.

Chambers of Commerce in Clackamas County:

Smart shopping

Transportation

Your transportation choices have profound impacts on your life, on the environment, on public costs, and on the livability of our neighborhoods. Here are some tips and places to look for help making positive changes:

Biking

Bus, Max and Sreetcars

  • Trimet - information on routes and fares

Driving

  • Think about going car-free one or more days per week. Challenge yourself to something different--biking, walking, carpooling, or taking transit.
  • Ease up on the pedal. You could improve your mileage by anywhere from 10% to as much as 33% by accelerating slowly, coasting, and staying within the speed limit.
  • Link your trips. Keep a list of trips to make and plan them out to do as many at once as possible, or on the way to and from work.
  • Don't idle--all you'll get is zero miles per gallon. The best way to warm up your car on a cold morning is by driving at a moderate or slow speed, and accelerating gradually.
  • Slow down. Each five miles per hour over 60 mph has the same effect as paying 20 cents more per gallon of gas.
  • Size it right. Buy and drive the vehicle with greater fuel efficiency.

Waste reduction and recycling

Recycling is great, but reducing what you use and what you waste in the first place is an even better way to conserve resources and save money.