Artists selected to 'glean' creative answers to region's steady stream of trash
Five local artists were recently selected by a jury of arts and environmental professionals to participate in GLEAN, a program that will send them sorting through the region's trash in search of creative answers to the region's excessive waste generation.


As
you pull out the mower or start plotting for a new garden bed,
remember: garden chemicals can be harmful to humans, pets, wildlife and
waterways. A recent statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) points to what many studies have already told us: pesticides can
be harmful, and children should be protected from exposure. According to
the AAP, "Prenatal and early childhood exposure to pesticides is
associated with pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function and
behavioral problems."
Far from the maddening crowds on snow-covered peaks or sandy beaches, many stay-at-home spring breakers in the Portland metropolitan area are knee-deep in another untracked powder. Their plans to shred have nothing to do with executing rapid and repeated turns on short boards. Rather, they will spend time this week wading into cluttered homes, offices and garages to sort, separate and prepare to dispose of an astounding 280 tons more trash and recyclables than the weekly average.
It’s official. Spring is here. Early sunny days pull many out of winter hibernation to open the windows and dig into a little deep cleaning. Spring also marks the planning season for warm-weather projects, from home repair to gardening. As you clean and care for your home, make sure you protect your family, pets, waterways and wildlife from toxic products.
Three
prominent Portland event venues are putting sustainability in the hands
of their visitors with new compostable cups at all onsite concessions.
Last fall, Recycle at Work, a recycling program fueled by Metro an other local governances, to
recognize companies with a drive to reduce their waste output. CD Baby, a local online music store that participated in the program, won the bike raffle incentive to crack down on waste.