EcoMetro Portland

Use Clean Energy

EcoMetro Editors — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:47:00 GMT

Buy Green Power
Portland General Electric (greenpoweroregon.com) Purchase 100% of your energy for .012 kWh (usually $9 per month) with Green Source, or buy units of wind power with Clean Wind for $2.50 per unit (about 25% average usage).

Clark Public Utilities (clarkpublicutilities.com) For $1.50 each, buy
100 kWh units of Green Lights power.

Pacific Power (pacificpower.net) Purchase Blue Sky power for $1.95 per 100 kWh block, or pay $.0089 per kWh for all your power. Add an additional $2.50 per month to support native fish habitat.

NW Natural (nwnatural.com) The Smart Energy program supports environmental projects, particularly biogas, for a set $6 per month or just under $.10 per therm.

Home Solar Production and Water Heating
Solar Now Oregon (solarnoworegon.org) hosts solar workshops and answers general questions. The site will connect you to other organizations including Energy Trust (energytrust.org/solar/residential), the Oregon Department of Energy, and the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Look for the May Net Zero Home Tour from Solar Oregon (solaroregon.org).

Water heating and general use accounts for 1/4 of the average family bill, and systems are significantly cheaper to install than solar electric systems. The above resources will help you find rebates and incentives to cover as much as half your system cost. You could spend as little as $4,000 on a solar hot water system that alleviates 1/4 of your electricity bill, which pays off quickly.

Make Your Cleaners

EcoMetro Editors — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:18:00 GMT

Scrub the tub Mix baking soda with water for an abrasive scrubbing paste, or substitute castile soap such as Dr. Bronner’s in place of water for extra power. To disinfect the bathroom, spray with hydrogen peroxide and rinse with water.

Claim the drain Pour baking soda in the drain, add 1 cup white vinegar, and watch the volcano, just like in grade school. Flush with hot water and repeat if necessary.

All hands on the pans Mix white vinegar with enough salt to form a paste, and watch the grease slip away. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for scent and extra power.

Lovin’ the oven An overnight soak is the trick. Sprinkle the oven with baking soda and water, and let sit. Pour salt on major spillage. Scour the next day.

See grass through the glass Pour a drink for yourself and use the remaining club soda on windows. In place of paper towels use newspaper. Club soda also makes stainless steel shine.

The floor is a chore Most wood floors can’t take harsh soaps, but 3 tbsp of baking soda in 3 gal of warm water will do the trick. For linoleum, dissolve 2 tsp of dishwashing or castile soap in 3 gal of water, mop, and follow with 1 cup white vinegar in 3 gal cool water.

Chinook Book Events Through November 27

EcoMetro Portland Team — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:18:00 GMT

Eco Elegant Wedding Show
Learn how to plan a more green and ethical wedding. This event will showcase some of Portland's premier wedding vendors offering eco-friendly/sustainable products. Enjoy food and beverage tastings, a fashion show, presentations and more!
Sat, Nov 21, 11am-4pm
Center for Architecture, 403 NW 11th Ave

First Fix-It Fair
The City of Portland's 23rd annual Fix-It Fair season will kick off with a new addition: workshops in Spanish. Fix-It Fairs are free events where residents can learn simple and effective ways to save money at home this winter. All fairs offer free childcare and lunch.
Sat, Nov 21, 8:30am-2pm
Roosevelt High School, 6941 N Central St

Wild Arts Festival
The Wild Arts Festival celebrates nature in the work of regionally and nationally-known artists and writers. The festival will feature over 70 artists and 35 authors, a silent auction, entertainment, information about Portland Audubon's programs, Audubon's Educational Birds and a cafe will round out the festive atmosphere.
Sat-Sun, Nov 21-22
Montgomery Park Atrium and Ballroom, 2701 NW Vaughn

27th Annual Wine Country Thanksgiving
More than 160 wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley will open their doors for special tastings and holiday festivities. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see first-hand the valley‚Äôs small, family-owned wineries and meet the faces behind the wine.
Fri-Sat, Nov 27-28
Check website for participating wineries, locations and lodging.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Pioneer Square 2009
On the day after Thanksgiving, Portlanders will gather at the Square to celebrate the official start of the season by lighting the spectacular 75ft tree. Big, bright and beautiful, this event unites the community in an evening of merriment and sharing for the whole family.
Fri, Nov 27, 5:30pm
Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th St

Image credit: heybales/CreativeCommons

Chinook Book Events Through Nov 20

EcoMetro Portland Team — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:14:00 GMT

Rock 'N Roll Camp for Girls ROCK'TION
ROCK'TION 2009 promises to become the annual event that puts some ROCK into the fall season. Entertainment by Karoake from Hell, a live auction featuring guitars signed by Joan Jett and Heart, art signed by Pearl Jam and memorabilia from Sandi West of the Runaways.
Fri, Nov 13, 7pm-12am
Billy Frank, Jr. Conference Center, 721 NW Ninth Ave, 2nd Fl

Junk to Funk Recycled Fashion Show Contest
An annual event aimed to educate it's audiences about waste reduction, recycling issues and to inspire creative re-use. Showcasing wearable art and couture fashion based on the creative use of "trash" in an eclectic and often humorous production. Hosted by Mayor Sam Adams and Marjorie Skinner.
Sat, Nov 14, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm
Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St

Canta y no llores: A celebration of the Day of the Dead
Every fall, the dead are commemorated in a lively show of dance, music and theatre in Portland's longest-running Day of the Dead celebration. Canta y no llores (Sing and Don't Cry) reminds us all that the only thing to fear is fear itself. Check website for showtimes and tickets.
Through Nov 15
Miracle Theatre Group 425 SE 6th Ave

The Basics of Going Solar (Residential)
This free workshop covers the basics of why solar is a smart choice in Oregon. Tax credits and incentives can pay between 50-80% of system cost. Participants will learn about solar energy systems and will prepare to research and begin working with a contractor.
Wed, Nov 18, 7pm
Black Bird Wine Shop, 4323 NE Fremont

Al Gore, Our Choice
Our Choice is an inspiring lecture presented by former Vice President Al Gore. It is a call to action for those ready to fight for environmental and social solutions that really work. Tickets: $45-$65. All tickets include a complimentary copy of his book Our Choice. Order tickets online.
Wed, Nov 18, 7:30pm
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St

Portland Welcomes United Bicycle Institute

EcoMetro Portland Team — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:32:00 GMT

On October 24 the United Bicycle Institute’s (UBI) celebrated with an open house at their new Portland location. Originally hailing from Ashland, Oregon, UBI has now brought their expertise, diverse training and advanced facilities to the Rose City.

Under warm sunny skies, UBI celebrated its open house with a variety of activities, including a day-long frame building demonstration, mini tech clinics, tours of the facility and a meet-n-greet with UBI instructors. Food and beverages were provided and proceeds of UBI’s frame raffle and "garage sale" netted $2,100 for the Community Cycling Center and $500 for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance to use in bike safety education for kids.

UBI is an exciting addition to the Portland bike community. Their new campus can be found at 3961 N Williams Ave, right in the heart of a highly-traveled, north-south Portland bike route.

Chinook Book Green Gift Guide

EcoMetro Portland Team — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:22:00 GMT

The 2009 Chinook Book Green Gift Guide is here! Filled with exclusive holiday offers, the guide is a must for helping you shop locally, give experiences and save money.

Shopping for the culturally inclined? Find exclusive offers from local arts groups.

Looking for a fun yet practical gift? Find ideas from supper clubs to bike commuting and yoga.

The guide also contains information on reducing waste around the holidays, ideas for gift-wrapping, and resources for recycling all sorts of holiday items, from batteries to bows.

We wish you a joyous season and the chance to think differently about shopping and gift-giving.

Special thanks to the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Regional Arts & Culture Council and KINK-FM for their support of the Chinook Book Green Gift Guide.

All products and services appearing in Chinook Book and the Chinook Book Green Gift Guide meet our specific environmental and community criteria. Read more about our criteria. Let’s keep our footprint light, stretch our budget and have fun this holiday season!

Special thanks to the following groups for their support of the
Chinook Book Green Gift Guide:

Chinook Book Events Through Nov 12

EcoMetro Portland Team — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:20:00 GMT

SHIFT: A Green Salon, Sharing and Inspiring Sustainable Design
AIGA presents 10 five-minute presentations from designers, creatives, and innovators that are making communications more sustainable. Topics include creative print/web challenges, creating energy efficient sites, green office renovations, earth-friendly printing and more. Followed by short Q&A and networking. Please RSVP, $5 non-members.
Thu, Nov 5, 7-9pm
Pop Art Community Room, 718 SW Alder St

Farm to Table 10th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate Zenger Farm's ten years of educating youth, farmers and families in sustainable agriculture. Chef Joe McGarry of Bon Appetit will be serving five delicious, locally grown courses, paired with local beer and wine. Join the silent and live auction and go home with something great.
Fri, Nov 6, Silent Auction 6:30pm, Dinner at 7:30pm
OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave

Coffee Fair at the World Forestry Center
This special weekend is dedicated to that wonderful cup of joe and is sure to bring a smile to your face and a jump to your heart. More than 40 roasters, cafes, baristas, and retailers will help you smell, sample, touch and buy some of the finest coffee in the region.
Sat-Sun, Nov 7-8, 10am-5pm
World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Rd

Video Games Live at the Oregon Symphony
The excitement and energy of a rock concert mixed with the power and emotion of the Symphony combined with cutting-edge video screen visuals, state-of-the-art lighting and interactive segments create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for audiences of all ages‚ gamers and non-gamers alike.
Sat, Nov 7, 7:30pm, Sun, Nov 8, 3pm
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 037 SW Broadway

Portland Museum - Family Free Day
The third in an ongoing series of free family days will feature Chinese dance, music, and food, along with art-making activities inspired by the three cities featured in China Design Now. Visitors of all ages can build their own cities using recycled materials provided by the School and Community Reuse Action Project (SCRAP).
Sun, Nov 8, 12-5pm
Portland Art Museum, 1237 SW 10th Ave

New York Times Lecture: Nine Billion People, One Planet
Andrew Revkin, one of the world's leading environment reporters, has great ideas about how we can think fresh, change our mindset, and create a better tomorrow. Revkin will talk about the challenges of supporting a population that's expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, and how we can create a more resilient future.
Tue, Nov 10, 7:30pm
Portland State University - Smith Ballroom, 1825 SW Broadway

Portland Japanese Garden offers Free Admission Day on Veterans Day
Enjoy free admission on Veterans Day‚Äîgenerously sponsored by KOIN Local 6. In addition to sharing the lovely fall Garden with the community, the event will also benefit Janus Youth Programs through the collection of voluntary donations at the Admission Gate. Everyone welcome.
Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave
Wed, Nov 11, 10am-4pm

Casino Night at the Hollywood Theater
Join lady luck for a spirited night of gambling and carousing at one of Portland's most beloved, historic movie palaces. Vegas costume contests, unbelievable prizes, karaoke and a full no-host bar will be available, complete with absinthe from Portland's own Integrity Spirits. Reserve your tickets online.
Thu, Nov 12, 6pm
Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd

Image Credit: Zenger Farm hens by David Owen/Creative Commons

Urban Foraging: Harvesting Food From Your Neighborhood

Jennifer Morkunas, Celilo Group Media — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:43:00 GMT

Have you ever thought about what sort of food grows around your neighborhood? The bounty of edibles found right around the corner, from apples and nuts to rosemary and greens, is astounding. The urban landscape is filled with fresh, free food if you just know what to look for. Plants you might normally ignore, like dandelions or nettles, can be cooked into healthy, delicious meals.

Many people first experienced wild foods in their childhood—learning to mushroom hunt with their grandfather or picking apples from a neighbor’s tree. Looking for wild fruits, veggies, and nuts is a fun family activity that helps teach kids the value of local, fresh food. In addition to having kids help you forage for your own kitchen, you can volunteer to help harvest urban edibles for those in need (see resources below).

What first inspired me was the chestnuts that were a-falling in my neighborhood. Chestnuts are a versatile little nut; they are great in savory dishes as well as sweet ones, they can of course be roasted on an open fire as the song goes, but they can also baked, boiled and steamed, and best of all, there are tons of them right now. How about organic chestnuts roasted over a java log? For free!

Urban foraging has something to offer everyone, from a locavore who wants to keep their food sources close home, to a baker who picks roadside berries for a pie, to a concerned community member who volunteers to gather extra food for those in need. Many cities have organized local movements centered on foraging and gleaning, but you need not be a local foods activist to explore your neighborhood’s wild food offerings. Get involved at whatever level you’re comfortable using the tips below.

Here are some tips to keep your foraging respectful and safe:

Ask permission before picking from others’ gardens. Many people are happy to share their abundance. Don’t forget to look in public areas such as parks or open lots.
Correctly identify the plant you’re harvesting. Correct identification can keep you from getting sick. Go foraging with people that know what they’re looking for, or check out one of the many helpful books on the subject, The Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Samuel Thayer. For an online guide, see http://plants.usda.gov/
Be aware of your foraging surroundings for food safety. Food found in an urban setting could have levels of toxicity, such as motor oil, car wash runoff or paint that might contaminate the sources you pick from.
Take only as much as you need. Consider how much can you carry and decide before you pick so that what you take won’t go bad. Just say no to over-harvesting.
Never disturb the plant roots. Pick from the top of the plant, where there is new growth and where most plants regenerate.
Familiarize yourself with the laws related to foraging in your area. These laws are usually set with the intention of preventing over-harvesting and protecting endangered plant species.

Here are a few great resources to help you in your urban foraging journey:

Portland Fruit Tree Project: volunteer to harvest fruit to be shared with those in need
Urban Edibles: a community database of wild food sources
Neighborhood Fruit and Veggie Trader: find and share fruits and veggies in your neighborhood
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver: focuses on eating locally and discusses foraging
Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21st Century Forager by Langdon Cook

Meet Super Bike Commuter, Chris Bell

EcoMetro Portland Team — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:55:00 GMT

-Sally Bell, Advertising Manager

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance’s September Bike Commuter Challenge was an all-out success. Thousands of Oregonians made first-time commutes and some committed themselves to more consistent ridership, for the sake of healthy competition, the wonders of bike commuting and good old-fashioned fun. This year’s Brian Reynold’s distance award winner happens to also be my husband, Chris Bell.

Chris is the most modest super commuter you’ll ever meet and he logged well over 1800 miles in the month of September, making the trek from our home in SE Portland to Salem, every day and back.

The alarm goes off at 4:34am, and Chris sneaks out of bed in the dark so as to not wake his bride. He dons spandex and Showers Pass from top to bottom. We figure if he bikes 110 miles AND works an 8-hour day, the cost savings alone in a week of not driving justifies the outerwear splurge. He’s out the door by 4:50am and I’m still zonked for hours. What brings me shame is that Chris makes it to his desk at ODOT in Salem before I do in downtown Portland!

Bike commuting at this rate has proven to not only grow Chris’ quadricep size at an impressive rate but also grown his voracious calorie intake. Those that know Chris and his passion for food won’t be surprised to find out that he was making nightly batches of rice krispie treats (all organic, of course) not for his office mates, but for his personal hourly snack.

As any sane person would ask: Why?! When Chris sets his mind to something, he does it with unwavering determination. He wanted to see if he could do the commute every working day for a month. Well, he did it and when he greets me with a smile after a rainy and dark 55 miles home, he is always glad for the journey and thrilled to be home. His intense month of biking has made us seriously consider our transportation choices and going carless. This time of year it takes motivation to get in the seat. A little planning goes a long way and you can’t find a better cup of nature’s coffee than in the form of the brisk morning ride.

Incognito: SCRAP Fundraiser on October 29

EcoMetro Portland Team — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:13:00 GMT

Incognito is a SCRAP fundraiser and dinner award party that celebrates creativity, sustainability and mystery. Evening includes drinks and dinner, auctions, awards, trashion show and musical entertainment. Costumes welcome, and masks are a must; if you arrive without one, you may purchase a mask creation from SCRAP volunteers. Order your tickets today!
Oct 29, 5:30pm Cocktails and Silent Auction
7pm Awards, Dinner and Live Auction
8:30pm Transcendental Brass Band, Junk to Funk Trashion Show
The Nines, 525 SW Morrison

Portland EcoMetro Events through October 25

EcoMetro Portland Team — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:34:00 GMT

Sisters of the Road Hoedown and 30th Anniversary
Pull out your fancy boots and parade chaps and come hear the fabulous Old Time tunes of Uncle Earl and Casey Neil and the Norway Rats. Evening includes sit-down dinner and dessert, free wine and beer, dancing, children's activities, silent auction and more. Tickets are $85, call 503-222-5694 ext. 19 to purchase.
Fri, Oct 23, 6-10pm
Portland Art Museum's Kridel Grand Ballroom, 1219 SW Park Ave

350 - International Day of Climate Action
October 24th is the International Day of Climate Action and that number of 350 is the parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide that scientists and climate experts feel is a safe upper limit for our atmosphere and are currently at 385.92ppm. Actions will be happening all over Oregon, click above to find details or events in your area and for more information about climate change.

5th Annual Great American Distillers Festival
Craft distillers – from as close as right around the corner to as far away as Freeport, Maine—bring their best vodkas, rums, gins, whiskies, brandies and other spirits for two days of sampling, seminars and informal interaction. Tickets $10-$16, one-two day pass.
Sat-Sun, Oct 24-25
Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E Burnside

Ben Franklin: Unplugged at Portland Center Stage
Part “History Detectives” and part embarrassingly hilarious autobiography, this investigation of the man behind the famous spectacles will take you from the hallowed halls of academia to performer Josh Kornbluth’s comic interactions with his mother Bunny and Aunt Birdie, sharing along the way his discoveries about America’s history, family foibles, and the surprises beneath the surface of even our most familiar American tall tales.
Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave
Through Nov 22
Use your Chinook Book coupon and save!

Celilo Group Media is Recycle at Work Certified

EcoMetro Portland Team — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:19:00 GMT

There’s a fun new way to stay motivated about recycling, and spotlight your business’s recycling practices. Recycle at Work is a great site sponsored by Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The City of Portland’s goal is to progress toward a 75% recycling goal, and businesses are being asked to complete a Progress Report to let the city know about recycling practices at work. The Recycle at Work program offers some great advice on how to reach your company’s recycling goals, with everything from how to cut back on waste to green catering.

By implementing all of the City’s five recycling steps, Celilo Group Media is recognized as Recycle at Work Certified. We’ve been doing these recycling practices all along! For example, besides the easy stuff like recycling all paper, bottles and cans, we also take regular trips to Far West Fibers for the harder to recycle items, switched to rechargeable batteries, and reuse paper whenever possible.

Check out the five steps to a successful recycling program, and also read about the clever and dedicated ways that other businesses are helping to make Portland a leading green city.

Portland Fashion Week Goes Green

EcoMetro Portland Team — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:38:00 GMT

Portland Fashion Week draws national attention for going green! PFW used a sustainably harvested bamboo stage, eco-friendly soy-based paint, low-voltage LED lights, and corn-based biodegradable drink ware. Even the use of electric tape was prohibited because it can’t be recycled into to raw materials.

“This is the first and only sustainable production of a fashion week in the world -- not just the United States,” said Tito Chowdhury, the show’s executive producer. Pretty impressive!

To top it off, PFW rounded out the week’s events with Sustainable Sunday, a Green & Sustainable Designer Show and Program.

Portland Fashion Week supports Oregon Red Cross.

Image credit: Ed Kavishe_fashionwirepress.com/Jonano

Park(ing) Day 2009

EcoMetro Portland Team — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:59:00 GMT

This year, Park(ing) Day 2009 was held on Friday, Sept 18th. Founded in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco art and design collective, Park(ing) Day has blossomed into an annual, global, one-day event where local residents transform ordinary parking spaces into temporary parks and green spaces. Friends of Outdoor School, The Freshwater Trust, Friends of the Columbia Slough and The Intertwine created this space along SW 2nd Ave and Couch. Volunteers at the lush green space invited onlookers to engage in educational activities, including the study of tree rings, plants and salmon.

To learn more about PARK(ing) Day, click here.

EcoMetro Events October 9-16

EcoMetro Portland Team — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:32:00 GMT

2nd Annual Green Professionals Conference
This is an event for students and professionals; providing learning, networking, and employment opportunities within the sustainability industry. For detailed information on registration, exhibiting costs, venue and speaker information, visit the conference website.
Fri, Oct 9, 8am-5pm
Double Tree Hotel, 1000 NE Multnomah

Wordstock
Wordstock is an annual festival of books, writers, and storytelling in Portland. Wordstock features ten author stages, a book fair, a special children’s area and children’s literature stage, a series of workshops for writers and for K-12 teachers, a special broadcast of Live Wire! Schedule and tickets available online.
Sat-Sun, Oct 10-11, 10am-6pm
Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Bag N Baggage presents Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman
Arthur Miller’s most famous play, and one of the best plays in all of American theatre, Death of A Salesman is often described as the first great American tragedy. A poignant and all too relevant classic. Tickets must be purchased online.
Through Oct 11
Venetian Theatre, 253 E Main St, Hillsboro

Circus Artemis - All Women Family Friendly Circus
Portland's most powerful, most talented female circus artists have united under a common goal. Introducing Portland's new all-star, family-friendly, all-women circus: Circus Artemis! Circus Artemis will be featuring the absolute finest female circus acts Portland has to offer, not to mention live music, a raffle of ridiculously fun prizes and pre-show antics. $10 advance, $15 door, kids up to 10 pay their age.
Fri-Sat, Oct 16-17, 8pm
Sun, Oct 18, 7pm
A-WOL Warehouse Space, 920 NE Flanders

EcoChallenge – Through October 15, 2009

EcoMetro Portland Team — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:13:00 GMT

The Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) strives to inspire people to take more responsibility for the Earth. NWEI is hosting the EcoChallenge now through October 15th. Their goal is to raise awareness about the importance of taking action on behalf of the planet and to show the collective power of many people making one small change in their lifestyle.

Supporters and volunteers have chosen a variety of EcoChallenges to help lower their impact on the planet and live more sustainably. Some of these include: saving electricity, water conservation, alternative transportation, reducing waste, and sustainable eating. Ten local celebrities signed up for the EcoChallenge to show their support and help motivate the masses. To learn more and see a list of local celebrity participants, click here.

Sun, Wind & Gears – Oct 4, 2009

EcoMetro Portland Team — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:52:00 GMT

Green Empowerment, a Portland based non-profit committed to bringing water systems and renewable energy to rural communities across the globe, presents Sun, Wind & Gears: a 35-mile bike ride fundraising event this Sunday, Oct 4th.

The Sun, Wind & Gears ride brings renewable energy and local sustainability into focus. Riders have the opportunity to check out a wind turbine, visit PCC’s Rock Creek Campus, and cruise through parts of the 725-acre Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. Riders will also have the unique privilege of touring Solar World’s Hillsboro plant. An information fair with food, beverages, and entertainment will round up the day’s events.

Learn more and sign up here.

A Nutty New Hope for Soap: How to Save Money with Laundry Detergent Alternatives

Jennifer Morkunas, Celilo Group Media — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:29:00 GMT

When shopping for a laundry detergent, my primary concern is to choose a brand without a long list of chemicals or petroleum-based products. Despite my best intentions, my research occasionally leaves out additives or terms I'll come across that I’m not sure about, such as “optical brightener” or “surfactants.” Although these terms may sound "sciency", I have a feeling they're not the best for my skin or our water supply. Rather than expound on the various vagaries detergents list as containing (or claim they are free of) OR digress about how scary it is that companies are not required to disclose their chemical ingredients, I’ve decided to spotlight the little-known soapnut, also known as the soap pod.

You can order organic soapnuts online, as they are not common yet in the United States. Soapnuts have no chemical additives and make your clothes smell nice and clean! Although there are some good eco detergents out there, soapnuts are reusable for several washes, and are also much less expensive. They're also great if you have sensitive skin or allergies to other soaps- read on…

I first learned about these funny little hazelnut-like gems when I was living in Dublin, Ireland. I picked up a handy sack of them and reused it throughout my entire 5-month stay. Forget hauling heavy bottles of detergent while balancing a load of laundry. All you need are 4-6 soapnut shells in a little cotton bag (which is usually included for free). Add this in with your laundry and you're done! The skin of the soap pod contains 12-15% saponin, which, with its lathering and cleansing effect, is the active cleaning ingredient. Water and agitation work together to release the saponin from the soapnut shells, which cleans your laundry as well or better than chemical laundry detergents. I’ve heard that the pods themselves work better than soapnut powder, which may also be available.

So often with detergents, and also toothpastes and shampoos, people think that unless washing machine or mouth or hair becomes laden with bubbles, it’s not getting clean. The truth is that the amount of bubbles in any soap or detergent has nothing to do with its cleaning ability. All those bubbles are caused by cheap foaming agents, usually sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. Commercial laundry detergents and personal care products are full of that stuff and it’s added to make people think things are getting clean. Even if you already use Seventh Generation or Biokleen detergent instead of Tide, a 32-ounce bag of soapnuts yields 300 or more loads of laundry and saves you serious money. It ends up being less than 15 cents per load!

I suppose the only other environmental consideration is that the soapnuts grow on trees in warm, temperate, tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia. The tree grows in many places from Afghanistan in the west to China in the east and also Florida, the Caribbean, Nepal, India and Africa. It would be interesting to track the carbon footprint left by transporting them via ship versus air, since they do not grow natively in the Northwest that’s for sure. Apparently, soapnuts are only harvested once a year, and according to the director of www.soapods.com, work is scheduled to be done with the Fairtrade Foundation. One other positive aspect is that the soap pods can very readily be composted, so there is no energy disposal process for the product or the packaging.

Just add a drop of tea tree or lavender essential oil to the laundry load and you’re set. Now I’ll get off my soapbox, but below are a couple great sites. You can even make your own household cleaning solution and shampoo out of with instructions found here, along with a list of where to order online here.

Image: Flickr/muffet

A Better Fashion Cycle

EcoMetro Editors — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:28:00 GMT

Buy organic
Conventionally grown cotton is responsible for as much as 10% of pesticide use in the world and up to 25% of insecticide use annually, according to Grist. The chemicals can impact workers and leach into the groundwater. Because the United States produces more cotton than all countries except China, much of this is on our soil.

Next, ask about the processing method for cotton, wool, and other fabrics. Look for those that use natural dyes and avoid chlorine bleaching. Organic Consumers estimates that 1/3lb of chemicals are used in the production of a cotton T-shirt, so buying secondhand comes second to buying a product that avoids the conventional cycle.

Image: CreativeCommons/Cosmic Kitty

Buy and sell secondhand
Organic clothing can be (but is not always) more expensive than its counterpart. Buying your major cotton items like socks and basics in organic cottons still leaves a wardrobe to fill. Secondhand stores range from kids and babies to high end, giving you plenty of options to take in your own clothes and receive credit towards shopping, all without spending more (hopefully) or contributing to additional clothing production. Most stores buy with the immediate need in mind, so select items that are seasonally appropriate and turn them in clean and neatly ironed. Fixing small faults, like a button, can make the item more likely to be accepted.

Recycle or donate
As colder weather sets in and a shabby looking jacket appears from the closet, first look into donating to a store like Goodwill. If it’s too beat up or broken, call the company and ask about their recycling program. Many clothing companies, especially outdoor companies, have a system for recycling their high performance fabrics. At Patagonia, if something on the garment has failed such as a zipper, they’ll replace it with a new one for free.

Logos to look for: 1% For the Planet, Green America’s Business Seal of Approval

View our directory for:
Eco fashion
Used clothing

Chinook Book visits Portland's urban Zenger Farm, celebrating 10 years September 12th

EcoMetro Portland Team — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:13:00 GMT

The Portland Ecometro crew had the opportunity to visit Zenger Farm last week--it was so inspiring! An easy drive or longer bike ride, it's located in the city at Foster and 122nd Ave. You can visit, volunteer, or celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a public BBQ on September 12th (details below).

We toured the property, checking out the bountiful crops, energetic chickens and turkeys, fruit trees, grapes, bees, a Children's Garden, and taking in the countless other sights, smells and sounds. We learned about the numerous classes available at Zenger Farm and how it's deeply integrated into the community.

Every moment was filled with wonderment and respect for the hard work and thoughtful dedication of everyone involved. Our day wrapped up with a delicious family-style meal in the farm house. Here's looking forward to our next visit--thank you Zenger Farm!

Pictured (L-R) Jenn Adams, Market Director; Carrie Treadwell, Community Outreach Manager, Sally Bell, Ad Sales Manager

Celebrate Zenger Farm's 10th Anniversary!
DATE: September 12th* 5-10 pm
WHERE: Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster Rd
COST: Donations requested $10-30 sliding scale, free for kids under 12.
WHAT: Dinner and a movie at the Farm!

Chef Joe McGarry of Bon Appetit will be preparing a barbecue picnic dinner.

*Rain Date: September 19

For more info go to: www.zengerfarm.org

Using Electricity to Save it with eBilling

Scott Thomsen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Every now and then you run across a situation where instinct tells you to zig when you really ought to zag.

For saving electricity and keeping a few more dollars in your bank account, THIS SPACE is about to bend your mind around the idea of using electricity to save it.

This week’s ONE THING you can do to conserve energy is to try online billing for your utility bills and any other payments you need to make. The switch will increase your time on the computer, which would seem to increase your energy consumption, but this is a situation where one step back can lead to two or three steps forward.

Here’s why.

When you receive your bill and pay it online, you eliminate the need for your utility to print the bill and mail it to your home. There’s a whole lot of savings going on there, including the electricity to process wood pulp into paper, run the printing presses, stuff the envelopes and sort that mail.

That’s not even considering the trees that make that paper, or the gasoline to run the vehicles to deliver the raw materials and finished product at the various stages of the production and delivery cycle or the return trip with your payment.

Shifting to electronic delivery of the bill eliminates the physical production and distribution cycle. Less energy use means less impact on the environment, particularly in the area of greenhouse gas emissions tied to climate change.

For the customer, there’s the added convenience of being able to receive and pay a bill without tearing bill stubs, licking envelopes or remembering to drop the payment in the mail box. The customer also gets the immediate savings of 44 cents by avoiding the use of a stamp.

Another part of the savings is indirect for the customer.

When your utility can cut its billing costs, those savings translate into lower rates.

I’ve been steadily adding online billing to my different accounts recently and find myself struggling a bit when I have to pay one with a traditional check in the mail. I’ve grown accustomed to the convenience and my miserly side comes out when I have to attach the stamp to a paper bill.

So give electronic billing a try. If you hate it, you can always go back to the tactile sensations of getting a dead-tree version in the mailbox. If you like it, your bank account and your environment will thank you.

Back to School for Adults with Sustainable Living and Community Classes

EcoMetro Portland Team — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:50:00 GMT

While the kids sharpen pencils and prepare for the first day of class, why not sign up to learn a skill or hobby for yourself? We've picked out the upcoming classes most relevant to eco-minded Portlanders.

SUSTAINABILITY
NW Earth Institute
Guide yourself or a group through prepared discussion courses from the NW Earth Institute such as Sustainable Systems at Work, Global Warming, Choices for Sustainable Living, Menu for the Future, and more.
Cost: $20 for discussion guides

Urban Farm School
Located in Vancouver, the farm school teaches classes and offers consultation for your home produce garden.
Autumn classes: Basic Composting, Vermicomposting, Bokashi Composting, Putting the Garden to Bed, Canning and Preservation, Lawn to Food
September 11: Family Bat Night
Cost: $15 per person or $30 per family

Sustainable Living on a Budget
Workshops hosted in your home or community area include Fermented Foods and Condiment Making, Whole Grains and Meal Planning, Homemade Dairy Products, and Introductory Sustainable Living on a Budget.
Cost: Workshops $35 per person, cooking classes $50

Zenger Farm
Volunteer for free at Friday Work Parties and learn to tend crops at this urban farm located near SE 110th and Foster. Classes include preserving, worm composting, chickens, organic gardening, and home dairying.
Cost: $20-$40 ($40 worm bin class includes a take home bin)

ARTS
The 100th Monkey Studio
*Coupon Receive one hour of drop in studio time free with purchase of a second hour

Adult Memoir: Intro to the Writing Process
Spend one day learning the basics of recording memories for your personal memoir including dialogue, developing paragraphs, and expressing your thoughts on the people in your life.
August 29
Cost: $75

Painting in Layers
Use mixed media to create a painting of collage and found objects. A three part series, participants also get use of the studio after class.
August 22, September 5, September 19
Cost: $130 non members

Euphoria Dance Studio
Learn neo-tribal bellydance, Egyptian cabaret bellydance, women’s dance, Indian dance, and many other methods in ongoing monthly classes.
Cost: $14

Portland Music Company
*Coupon Save 15% on any musical accessory or save 10% on any new guitar
Learn the instrument you’ve always wanted to play with private lessons available in multiple locations around town. Piano, saxophone, guitar, and others.

DIY Lounge at Collage
$5 Fridays-A Recession Busting Art Escape
Maria Raleigh, owner of Collage, will host a class every Friday with supplies included for $5.
August 14: Airbrushing with COPIC Markers
August 21: Bamboo Tile Pendants 
August 28: Mini Accordion Books

HOME & GARDEN
Ecohaus
*Coupon Save $5 on each gallon of American Pride Paint, save $20 on each 2.5 liter can of OSMO Polyx-Oil, receive 20% off American Clay Earth Plaster

Yolo Colorhouse Advice
Yolo founders will be sharing their new color line and talking about Green Seal 2010 Certification, while also giving advice on picking colors.
August 22
Free

Wood Burning
Learn about RAIS woodstoves in a workshop covering sizes, air flow, fire lighting, and how to qualify for a $1500 tax credit for purchasing a woodstove.
August 22
Free, RSVP

Thyme Management Supper Club
*Coupon Save $25 on a Metro Meal or standard meal plan
More than a cooking class, you’ll prepare 10 entrees of family size with local ingredients for a menu selected in advance by chef Jody Peppler. Then you’ll take the prepared entrees and recipes home.
Cost: $195 for Metro Meals, $375 otherwise

OUTDOORS
Mazama Mountaineering Center
*Coupon Receive one free hike with Mazamas

First Aid Classes
Learn CPR or Mountaineering First Aid and receive certification.
October 12-15
Cost: First Aid Basics $35, Mountaineering First Aid $190 non members

Ski Mountaineering
Learn to ski backcountry safely. Sessions cover backcountry techniques, emergency shelters, avalanche awareness, and include outdoor sessions.
Applications accepted October 19, lectures January 12-17
Cost: $180 non members

Expedition Training
Experienced climbers will learn to organize an expedition including selecting a team, tips for travel in foreign countries, how to hire a mountain guide, accident management, and more for total trip planning.
Application deadline January 11, course begins January 26
Cost: $295 non members

Art Monday: Secret Worlds on the Streets

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Artist Helen Nodding creates tiny, hidden worlds among the loose bricks and sidewalk splits that are usually taken as signs of decay in our cities. With a change in scale, the nooks and crannies becomes destinations. See a world tucked beneath a floor and a wall crack turned countryside on her website Stories from Space.

The Subtle Art of the Roll Up

Travis A. Wittwer — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:35:00 GMT

This morning, I took a train to Seattle to teach at a conference. It is one of the joys in life. I bike to the train station, work on a crossword as the scenery passes by, and then bike around Seattle which, by the way, seems to be made entirely out of hills.

Today, I entertained myself with a new distraction, the subtle art of the roll up. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a “roll up” is when a cyclist folds, or in some way “rolls” up, his or her pant leg to avoid it getting caught in the chain. Roll means fold. It’s so clear. A thoughtfully folded pant leg is a style I don’t often sport because my bakfiets has a chain guard. However, today I took a commuter bike on my trip to Seattle, and with 3 hours to kill on the train, I mastered some pretty awesome roll ups. Check them out. Let me know what you think.

TRADITIONAL: Nothing fancy. Textbook functionality for keeping the pant leg out of the chain assembly. The style most often used.

TRADITIONAL PLUS: A bit of a deviation in the sense that this roll up would get some looks as you rode by due to the excess exposure of your calf.

TALL CUFF: Looks good on the ladies. Gentlemen, don’t do it. Seriously. Don’t. You have been warned.

PIRATE RAWWWL UP: Keep your peg-leg-covering pants out of your buccaneering bike chain. Can I get a “Yar!”?

MARTHA STEWART: Anything you can do, Martha Stewart can do better and with more style. Accept it.

ORIGAMI: Not often seen due to the skill one must master before attempting this roll up. Great to look at.

THE STRIPPER: All skin, all the time.

SOCK-IT-TO-THEM: Technically not a “roll up” but serves the same purpose. A nice alternative to the all-too-often-seen roll up.

I-SHOULD-HAVE: An attempt to solve an already destroyed pair of pants by doing a roll up too late in the game. Fourth-quarter foul.

DOUBLE WHAMMY: Hey, the chain is only on one side, but why let that decide your fashion sense. What would happen if the chain suddenly shifted sides and grabbed on to the other pant leg? Better to be safe and do them both up.

MINIMALIST (or would that be a roll down?): Just enough fold to classify it as a roll in the world of competitive roll ups. However, this roll up would not survive more than a leisurely jaunt to the grocery store for a bottle of Shiraz.

BONUS: This is not one from the trip. However, it is something I created a few years ago out of a pant leg so that this "cover" would keep tight my pant leg, like a roll up does, and the cover would act as a shield from any grease or road grit.

There are so many options out there for the roll up. I decided on the “traditional” for my ride through Seattle. The conference went well and biking through the city was wonderful. And for the train ride back to Portland, I will keep myself entertained one leg at a time.

Thank you to Tana for the leg modeling.

Art Monday: The Artist in the Trees

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:27:00 GMT

Image: D'Arcy Norman/Creative Commons

Treehugger has a new review up about a book/DVD set wittily named Treedom. It tells the story of Takashi Kobayashi, who tires of his secondhand clothing shop and sets out for more, becoming a famous treehouse builder after reading another book, Treehouses. He also credits the World Treehouse Builder Association Conference as a major influence. Looking to create an escape for yourself? The conference takes place in October in Washington and Oregon, but you can start your reading now.

Join Us at The Vancouver Local Vendors Fair

EcoMetro Portland Team — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:39:00 GMT

This Saturday, July 18th, Whole Foods Vancouver (815 SE 160th Ave) is hosting a local vendors fair from noon to 3pm. Chinook Book's Sustainable Business Accounts Manager Kyla Burnet will be there with food samples to give away and books to sell. Make a purchase of $100 or more at Whole Foods and you'll get a Chinook Book for free!

Image: Joe M500/Creative Commons

Cruising the Sundays Parkways

Travis A. Wittwer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:39:00 GMT

This Sunday, July 19th, Sunday Parkways will close roads in Northeast Portland from 9am to 4pm, featuring attractions ranging from a petting zoo to an orchestra. Full map here.

The last Sundays Parkways happened on Father’s Day, when Portland closed off 7.5 miles of roadway in North Portland. I would like to thank Portland for doing so specifically for me, Daddy-Travis. The route was great, joining together several neighborhoods with events and sights along the way. Families on bikes were most notably seen, however, Sunday Parkways drew a wide audience of cyclists, walkers, and runners.

As a family, we rode the loop that included Peninsula and Arbor Lodge parks. We pedaled past Peninsula, knowing that we would hit it on the way back so on we went. Throughout the route we rode over chalk drawings and statements of celebration for the day.

Volunteers stood by at many of the side streets to assist with questions and help people driving cars make it to their houses. Police stood at the intersections to main streets waving the Parkway users on through, smiling and saying “hi” to all the kids.

We stopped at Arbor Lodge Park for music and a drink. Our sons tried the unicycles without much luck. I would like to say that I mastered a unicycle, but I cannot. The park was filled with every bike imaginable, even the elusive “Bullitt” cargo bike about which I have only read. Yes, I touched it.

The kids jumped in the box and we were off to our next destination. Peninsula Park was our second stop, just before our house. Here we perused the vendors a bit more, stopping to check out Zip Car. Of course we did take a moment to breathe in the glory that is the Rose Garden of North Portland before heading home.

I was unable to attend last year’s Sunday Parkway so I reveled in the fact that the planets aligned to make it happen this year. I was told by a woman we met at the Peninsula Park stop that this year’s route was larger and there were more sideline attractions—food, vendors, music, and “people just watching”. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon on Fathers’ Day (my day), surrounded by bikes, enjoying the calm and simplicity, and being with family.

The day ended as perfectly as it started and we headed off to a friend’s house for a BBQ where the driveway was packed with bikes; it was a sight.

If you attended the Sunday Parkway, what was your impression? Could Portland do something like this in a business district like Downtown? On August 16th, SE Portland gets its turn.

Image: Screenshot from City of Portland, Office of Transportation

Keeping life moving on a bike.

Art Monday: Moss Art and Moss Graffiti

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:05:00 GMT

Looking for a way to decorate your patio wall or a patch of ground? With a little coaching and watering, grow moss into shapes such as a poem, an eco statement, or animals.

Full instructions are on Instructables.

Image credit: Flickr/aaron13251

Art Monday: Eco Roofs of the World

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:38:00 GMT

Eco roofs, and their more visible cousins vertical gardens, are inspiring pieces of architecture which are usually difficult to view, since getting on top of a building is often prohibited or just a hassle. The California Academy of Sciences roof, pictured above, makes it a little easier to take in the benefits and beauty of rooftop greenery. Here is an entire photo gallery devoted to eco roofs of the world, and here is a Flickr pool.

Image Credit: Arex/CreativeCommons

ecometro.com Scavenger Hunt Contest

EcoMetro Editors — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:42:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what your neighborhood is doing to reduce its environmental impact? How about using a scavenger hunt to find out? We were surprised to find a home with solar panels that we'd never noticed right around the corner, but couldn't uncover a single rain barrel. Think you can photograph everything on this list?

The winner with the most items found will receive a $50 gift card to REI. Three runners up will receive a 2010 Chinook Book hot off the presses in August, before they hit stores! The theme for the 2010 books is DIY, and we have new coupons and coupons from established businesses that we think you'll love to use.

Look for:

Solar panel (photovoltaic or hot water)
Eco roof
Community garden
Rain barrel
Clothes line
Compost bin
Home vegetable garden
Chicken coop

Extra fun:

The coolest bike
Public art that's lesser known
A photo from inside a form of mass transit
Greywater system

Once you have your pictures, share with others by adding them to our Sustainable City pool on Flickr for a chance to win. Our hope is that collecting the evidence in one place will inspire others to jump on board, and serve as photographic evidence of our progressive city.

Good luck! We found that a slow bike ride is the best way to explore. (And yes, photographing your own home is ok!)

Entries must be added to our Flickr pool by July 31st to be considered for the prize, though we hope you'll add green living photos to the pool year round.

The Fine Print:
You must submit your own photos, do not submit photos which you do not have permission to use. In the event of a tie, a winner will be randomly chosen. Contest is void where prohibited. Winners will be contacted by FlickrMail for their address.

WeGo Cargo at the Cirque du Cycling Bike Parade

Travis A. Wittwer — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:43:00 GMT

Cirque du Cycling, the Portland bike parade, came and went like…well…a parade. People lined up and down Mississippi Avenue to witness the spectacle of collected bike groups. Our family rode with a group of cargo/utility bike users. Aside from all being larger bikes, this group shares the belief that bikes are superb vehicles for moving large objects from place to place. James--seen in the photo below with his dog Louie who sits in a custom made box atop his Xtracycle--made our banner, which pretty much summed up our group’s thinking: WeGO Cargo!

Kael and Soren, our two eldest sons, tossed candy to the crowd, probably the highlight of their time, snatching a candy or two for every handful tossed. Our youngest rode behind his mom on a trail-a-bike, occasionally helping to pedal the way.

Jamie and Phillip of Metrofiets were performing bunny hops on their cargo bikes. That's a sight I have not seen before and it got me thinking…Hmmmm, there's possibility for a whole new pastime—Extreme Cargoing. Would a bike jump be too much for a cargo bike? Anyone?

A contingency of Xtracycle bikes were on hand. What I like about Xtracycle is that it extends the back of the bike to provide a cargo area, and the extension is not so much that it makes the bike handle weird. I see these as the station wagon of bikes (sorry for the car comparison).

Image used with permission from Metrofiets. Photo by Diana Rempe.

Clever Cycles, of Portland, loaned us their BIG cargo bike. Citing from the WorkCycles web site, the company that hand makes these bikes, "Please note that these trikes are really big and heavy . . . suitable for essentially flat terrain such as in Holland." A big hand to Scott Mizee, who piloted the trike to and from Clever Cycles with his four children aboard and plenty of room for a couple of bails of hay. I am sure his legs got a workout that day.

An unexpected showing of naked riders appeared at the end of the parade, probably getting a jump on the World Naked Bike Ride that was to occur that night. It certainly caught the attention of our sons and provided topics for the ride home after the parade. I feigned being out of breath for some of the topics. I mean how do you explain ... ? Nevermind.

Ar right, enjoying life by bike. Take one out today and ride. Photo credit: Diana Rempe.

More photos are on my Flickr.

Art Monday: Underwater Sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:41:00 GMT

On Art Mondays we bring you innovative, inspiring examples of artists working with and for the environment.

Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor creates cement figures from models--including students and a BBC presenter-- and then places them underwater as artificial reefs, where sea sponges and worms can collect on the hard surface and attract fish and other underwater residents searching for a stable home. Check out the images of the works changing over time, it's both eerie and beautiful how the sea overtakes the forms.

One more image after the jump. All images courtesy Jason deCaires Taylor.

These are from work located in the West Indies. Taylor also works above water, most interesting is UnStill Life II, a stone box cut with hundreds of holes and filled with compost and seeds.

Free City Green Building Ride This Friday for Pedalpalooza

Carissa Wodehouse — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:30:00 GMT

If you haven't participated in Pedalpalooza, a month of exploring Portland by bicycle, start by bringing your bike tomorrow for the City Green Building Ride hosted by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. I'm still reading through the draft Climate Action Plan from the City of Portland, and looking forward to this ride to shed some light on the details. See you there!

From Shift2Bikes:
CITY GREEN BUILDING RIDE
Ecotrust, 721 NW 9th Avenue (3rd floor deck)
3:00pm - 5:00pm

Waterfront tour of green buildings starting at Ecotrust and ending at South Waterfront. Visit a mix of new and existing certified green buildings while visualizing a carbon-neutral future through the lens of the City's proposed High Performance Green Building Policy and Climate Action Plan.

Vinh Mason, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, 503-823-3246

Exploring Mt Hood, Salmon River, and Welches Oregon

EcoMetro Portland Team — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:16:00 GMT

By Carrie Treadwell, Community Outreach Manager

For an easy weekend escape, spend a day in the splendor of old growth trees in the Mt Hood National Forest. Some of the largest and most magnificent trees in Oregon are located along the Salmon River in Welches. Take Hwy 26 east to Welches and turn right on Salmon River Rd. Follow Salmon River Rd into the Mt Hood National Forest. There are several areas to park, and many easy walking trails to explore along the river. Perfect for families and folks of all ages. Great for biking too!

Don’t forget your camera- the surrounding scenery is definitely worth capturing!

Image: Flickr/Creative Commons

EcoMetro Active: Freezing Veggies and Berries

EcoMetro Editors — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:02:00 GMT

Imagine stocking up on your favorite vegetables and berries at the farmers market, then opening the freezer months later and having them available to you again.

Vegetables need to be blanched in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to stop the growth of the plant. After boiling, immediately dunk them in ice water then spread individual pieces on a cookie tray and freeze.

Berries should be washed, dried thoroughly, and frozen on a tray. Transfer the pieces to a freezer bag. Whenever you have a hankering for the taste of summer, pour out a few pieces and cook with them as you would fresh produce.

Did you try this? Have another tip? Comment below!