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May 2011 Sustainability Action MonthMay 2011Sustainability Action Month For more information, check out www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan/sustainability or contact Alex Deley at 503-635-0286. The Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) is excited to present the third annual Sustainability Action Month - a series of events throughout the month of May to raise awareness about sustainability in Lake Oswego. When we refer to a “Sustainable Lake Oswego,” we mean a community that meets its needs today, without diminishing its ability to meet future needs. It allows us to achieve what is important today while leaving behind a lasting natural legacy for our children and grandchildren. A sustainable community has a strong local economy, a healthy environment, and a social network that supports and satisfies residents’ needs now and into the future. This year’s Sustainability Action Month has the special focus of improved home energy efficiency and renewable, clean energy use. We hope to help to inform Lake Oswego residents on how to make their homes more energy efficient and to integrate renewable energy. As a result, we will be presenting information and Home Energy IQ workshops detailing Clean Energy Works Oregon’s home energy efficiency retrofit program to help you learn how to make your home more efficient and pay back the costs over time on your utility bill. We will also be presenting a series of Solar Ready workshops so that you can learn the basics of renewable energy use. Lake Oswego has already made a good start towards greater sustainability because we are a community with strong social institutions and high environmental quality. However, Lake Oswego also reflects many of the unsustainable trends seen across the United States—we consume tremendous amount of non-renewable resources annually. One of the most urgent issues we face globally is the consumption of material goods and energy. We consume energy directly to fuel our cars and heat our homes as well as indirectly through the water we use and things we buy. This consumption is warming and polluting our planet and threatening the well-being of people everywhere. Lake Oswego is a part of this alarming trend. Although the problem is global, it is also local: it begins with neighborhoods and local lifestyles. Many of the most promising and effective solutions also come at the local level, from cities and towns. Lake Oswego has the resources and the ability to become a leader in sustainability. The City’s ongoing comprehensive plan update process (www.welovelakeoswego.com) also provides an important opportunity to consider sustainability. Sustainability is being integrated into the planning process to help build a more versatile and resilient Lake Oswego. In becoming more informed on sustainability issues throughout Lake Oswego, you can better help to inform the plan and work towards a Lake Oswego that protects the natural environment, is economically prosperous, and is socially engaged. Events are being held throughout the community during the month of May. Hang up the calendar – refer to it often – come to events. Join us in making this a great month. Toward a SuSTainable lake oSwego Solar Ready Workshops: Presented by Solar Oregon, learn the ins and outs of home energy efficiency and solar energy use and systems with our series of free workshops: two in May and two in June. In the May workshops, learn how to make your home more energy efficient and then evaluate options for incorporating solar energy. On Wednesday, May 4, learn about your home’s energy use and effective energy efficiency strategies and then identify opportunities for passive and active solar energy systems. Workshop hosted at City Hall (380 A Ave.), Council Chambers, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, May 14, learn about practical solar energy use in a model home, provided by local, Deep Green, filmmaker Matt Briggs. Workshop hosted at 305 G Ave., 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Workshops are free but registration is required at Solar Oregon’s website (http:// solaroregon.org/workshops-and-education/solar-ready-workshop-series-lake-oswego). Deep Green Open House: Attend the Deep Green Open House and learn about deep energy efficient home retrofits, 100% solar electric systems, rainwater reuse and home electric vehicle charging. 305 G Ave., 1 to 4 p.m. Irrigation Workshop: On May 21 or June 18, learn how to efficiently maintain your lawn and garden while conserving water and saving money. Contact Kevin McCaleb at 503-675-3747 to register. City Hall, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Heritage Trees Bike Ride: It’s with a lot of excitement that the City announces a returning event for Sustainability Action Month 2011: The Heritage Trees Bike Ride. Building on the popularity of last year’s Century Tree Bike Ride, the ride offers a great way to enjoy a Saturday morning as well as a chance to explore Lake Oswego’s bike infrastructure, our natural heritage and fantastic neighborhoods. The 12-mile loop will feature stops to admire and learn about some of Lake Oswego’s oldest living residents. Whether you love to bike, want to learn about Heritage Trees, or just look forward to getting outside, join us for this great event! Read more on next page. whaT noT To MiSS ThiS MonTh TipS for More SuSTainable living • Make your home more energy efficiency. Clean Energy Works Oregon, an on-bill financing mechanism for energy efficiency retrofits to single-family homes, was rolled out in April. Visit www.cleanenergyworksoregon.org/ to learn more. • For commercial businesses in Main Street districts, consider energy efficiency upgrades through Clackamas County Energy Efficiency on Main Street (EEMS). In Lake Oswego, there are two main street districts: Lake Grove and Downtown. The City, in partnership with Clackamas County EEMS and Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO), is offering rebates up to $1,500 for eligible energy efficiency upgrades. Services also include resource information and free energy walkthroughs conducted by ETO field engineers. To learn more, visit Clackamas County EEMS: www.co.clackamas.or.us/business/mainstreet/energy.jsp. • Drive Less, Save More! Visit www.drivelesssavemore.com to learn how you can save by trip chaining, using transit, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, biking, and more. • Get a free water audit from the City and make recommended updates. Contact Kevin McCaleb, Water Conservation Specialist, at 503-675-3747. • Ask for a free water conservation kit and use it! • Attend the City’s May 21 or June 18 water management classes offered by Kevin McCaleb (see HelloLO for more information). • Manage your stormwater on-site by disconnecting your downspouts if soils in your area allow for soil infiltration. • Put in a rain garden to capture and slow stormwater. • Choose non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products, non-chlorine bleach paper products, and low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints. • Avoid plastic products that contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride), Bisphenol-A, and phthalates (a plasticizer), which can be found in some types of shower curtains, toys, baby bottles, and water bottles. • Attend the May 21 Landscaping for Conservation workshop with Stephanie Wagner, Education Director of Friends of Tryon Creek State Park. For free registration, visit www.tryonfriends.org or call 503-636-4398. • Buy local, organic, sustainably raised foods or grow your own food. Look for natural gardening classes at Luscher Farms (through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation). • Call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000 for additional options for item reuse or recycling. Continued on next page. Proudly presented by the City of Lake Oswego Don't miss the fun! Heritage Trees Bike Ride - Saturday, May 14. For more information, check out www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan/sustainability or contact Alex Deley at 503-635-0286. CalendarEvents & Activities Wednesday, May 4Solar Ready Workshop #1 presented by Solar OregonLearn about your home’s energy use and effective energy efficiency strategies, and then identify opportunities for passive and active solar energy systems. Registration required at: www.solaroregon.org/events. City Hall (380 A Ave), Council Chambers, 6:30-8:00pm Thursday, May 5Tree Risk Management WorkshopLearn how to protect and manage trees on your property with ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor, Morgan E. Holen. Call (503) 635-0290 for free registration. West End Building (4101 Kruse Way), 7:00-8:00pm Friday, May 6Chamber of Commerce Networking EventBusiness networking event hosted by the City of Lake Oswego, Clackamas County and Allied Waste. Topic: Commercial Food Waste and Recycling. City Hall (380 A Ave), 7:30-9:30am ‘Secret Garden’ Zero-Waste Opening Night EventAttend opening night of the play ‘The Secret Garden’ based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This special opening night gala event is a zero-waste event. Tickets are $32. Lakewood Center (368 South State Street), 7:30-9:30pm Saturday, May 7Solar Oregon Goal Net Zero TourTour net-zero, renewable energy powered homes of different types throughout the Portland metro area. Register at: www.solaroregon.org/events. Tuesday, May 10Energy IQ WorkshopLearn about energy conservation, Clean Energy Works Oregon and other rebate programs for home energy retrofits. Registration required at: www.clackamas.us/sustainability. West End Building (4101 Kruse Way), 6:00-8:00pm. Repeats Saturday May 21. Friday, May 13Chamber of Commerce Networking EventBusiness networking event hosted by the Bike Gallery. Topic: Sustainability resources and alternative transportation options. Bike Gallery (200 B Ave), 7:30-9:30am Saturday, May 14 Heritage Tree Bike Ride Join a bicycle tour of Lake Oswego’s Heritage Trees. For more information and to register, please contact Laura Weigel at lweigel@ci.oswego.or.us. Meet at Lower Millennium Park, Meet at 9:30am, 10:00am sharp departure. Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market Stop by the Sustainability Advisory Board’s booth to learn about Clean Energy Works Oregon’s new home energy efficiency financing program. Millennium Plaza Park, 8:30am-1:30pm Solar Ready Workshop #2 presented by Solar Oregon Learn about practical energy efficiency and solar energy use at this workshop offered in a model home in First Addition. Registration required at: www.solaroregon.org/events. Briggs Family Home (305 G Ave), 10:00-11:30am Deep Green Open House Learn about deep energy efficient home retrofits, 100% solar electric systems, rainwater reuse and home electric vehicle charging at local filmmaker Matt Briggs’ near net-zero home in First Addition. Briggs Family Home (305 G Ave), 1:00-4:00pm Historic Home Tour Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by touring several of Lake Oswego’s historic homes. Pre-registration required ($20 for Oswego Heritage members/$30 for nonmembers). To register, go to: www.oswegoheritage.org. Begin tour at Oswego Heritage House (398 10th Street), 11:00am Tuesday, May 17 FORGE Business Education Seminar - Making Sustainability Fun While Making Money With Sustainability Featuring Renee Spears, President and founder of Rose City Mortgage. To register, go to: http://bit.ly/g7SrXp. Marylhurst University, 11:30am-1:00pm Mythical Debates in Climate Change - Author Daniel Gottlieb Author presentation with local writer and Sustainability Advisory Board member at the Lake Oswego Library. Lake Oswego Library (706 4th Street), 7:00-8:30pm Wednesday, May 18 Right Size Housing Learn about attainable housing and Lake Oswego’s changing demographics and housing needs. Adult Community Center (505 G Ave), 10:00-11:00am Friday, May 20 Chamber of Commerce Networking Event Business networking event hosted by Marylhurst University (17600 Pacific Highway), 7:30-9:30am Saturday, May 21 Irrigation Workshop Learn how to efficiently maintain your lawn and garden while conserving water and saving money. Pre-registration required ($10; includes light lunch and snacks). Contact Kevin McCaleb at kmccaleb@ci.oswego.or.us to register. City Hall (380 A Ave), 9:00am-2:00pm Energy IQ Workshop Learn about energy conservation, Clean Energy Works Oregon and other rebate programs for home energy retrofits. Registration required: www.clackamas.us/sustainability. West End Building (4101 Kruse Way), 9:00-11:00am. Repeats Tuesday May 10. Electric Bicycle Test Ride Learn about electric pedal bicycles and test ride one with Kalkhoff eBikes. West End Building (4101 Kruse Way), 11:00am-12pm Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market Stop by the Sustainability Advisory Board’s booth for resources and to learn about Clean Energy Works Oregon’s new home energy efficiency financing program. Millennium Plaza Park, 8:30am-1:30pm Landscaping for Conservation Learn how your garden can function more like the natural system surrounding us. Register at: www.tryonfriends.org or call 503-636- 4398. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 9:00am-12pm Sustainability Day at Tryon Creek Natural AreaLearn simple ways that you can reduce your impact on the environment at this family-friendly event. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 1:00-4:00pm Tuesday, May 24 Environmental Book Group Meeting Discuss the best environmental books every 4th Tuesday. This month, discussion will focus on local author Daniel Gottlieb’s book, ‘The Fires of Home’. Lake Oswego Library (706 4th Street), 7-8:30pm Wednesday May 25 Hallinan Elementary Garden Tour Come see Hallinan Elementary’s new garden where they are growing food for use in the school lunch program and are incorporating sustainable practices, such as rainwater catchment. Tour to be offered twice during the day. Hallinan Elementary (16800 Hawthorne Drive), 10:00 am & 2:00pm Comprehensive Plan Open House The Comprehensive Plan Citizen Advisory Committee is seeking your input on a preferred option on how the City could plan for future housing and jobs while maintaining the community’s quality of life. West End Building (4101 Kruse Way), 4:00-8:00pm Thursday, May 26 Girl Scout Sustainability Event Join Girl Scout Troop 713/Forest Hills in partnership with New Seasons Market in creating the largest salad in Lake Oswego - to be made entirely from local, sustainable food items. New Seasons Mountain Park Store (Boones Ferry Road & Monroe Pkwy), 4:00- 6:00pm Friday, May 27 Chamber of Commerce Networking Event Business networking event hosted by Bull Mountain Heating, AC & Insulation. Topic: Home energy efficiency retrofits with Clean Energy Works Oregon. Bull Mountain (6520 Rosewood St), 7:30- 9:30am What you need to know: • It’s Free! • 12-mile bike ride visiting the City’s Heritage Trees • Meet at Lower Millennium Park. • Coffee and snacks at 9:30am, 10am sharp departure. • Worried about flat tires and getting tired? The Bike Gallery will be providing on the road support and there will be a rest stop and a support van to help make the day run smoothly. • The ride is sponsored by Good Sport Promotion, Bike Gallery, and TREK bikes. To register, contact Laura Weigel at lweigel@ci.oswego.or.us or 503-675-3730. For more information, visit www.ci.oswego. or.us/plan/Sustainability/SAM/ SAMMonthPage.htm. heriTage TreeS bike ride - SaTurday, May 14 TipS for More SuSTainable living ... conTinued • Dispose of hazardous waste and electronic waste (e-waste) properly. Recycle your computers, monitors, and TVs free at Far West Fibers in Foothills and Goodwill on S. State Street. • Look at deconstruction when remodeling and use sustainable construction practices to reduce or eliminate construction debris. • Shop at locally-owned businesses and buy locally-made goods and services. Buying local keeps more of your money in the community. • Allied Waste Services and Clackamas County provide waste audits and waste reduction and recycling information to local businesses, schools, and organizations. Visit www.lakeoswego.disposal.com. • Attend events during May 2011, Lake Oswego’s Sustainability Action Month. Details: www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan/Sustainability/SAM/SAMMonthPage.htm. Visit www.ci.oswego.or.us/plan/sustainability/Links_and_Resources.htm, for more information and tips.