New Year’s Resolution: Keep It Green In 2020
Want to make some changes in 2020 that are better for you and Oregon? Here are a few ideas to help you get your year started off right.
- Take a look at the numbers: The first step to knowing where you stand is to measure and track resource use. Calculate your water footprint and carbon footprint to discover new ways to save.
- Change up your routine: Start off small with one new thing. Get to work or run an errand by bus, train, or bike. Make one meat-free meal a week or try a more environmentally friendly version of your normal household or personal care products.
- Out with the old: Is it time for a new furnace, fridge, stove or dishwasher? Upgrading to more energy efficient household appliances can save you money on your bills and reduce your impact by saving water and energy. Going electric can improve your indoor air quality along with climate emissions.
- Decarbonize your transportation: If 2020 looks like the year you say goodbye to your car, take time to consider whether you need a new car at all. Could you meet most of your transportation needs with transit and bike, with an occasional car rental for longer trips? Would an electric bike do the trick? If you can’t figure out an alternative that works for your life, choose the smallest and most fuel-efficient car that does. And remember you can get rebates when you buy an electric car!
- Commit to eating and drinking local when and where you can: Look for food and drinks from Oregon growers who practice sustainability. Labels like organic, Food Alliance Certified, or Salmon Safe are a good place to start. Oregon is home to some great leaders in sustainability, from restaurants to toxic-free products and new energy technology. You can reward them when you vow to buy local products.
- Think long term: What can you do today that will benefit the planet tomorrow? Consider planting a tree or native landscaping, getting rid of pavement—or leaving a legacy gift to OEC.
- No-cost changes with real impact: You can add many earth-saving habits to your life without it costing you a cent. Reuse, recycle or just don’t buy some items in the first place. Start composting, join a clothing swap group online or other group that freely passes on gently used clothes, don’t purchase single-use plastics if you can avoid it, give up toxic personal care products, choose reusable lunch and picnic packaging instead of throw-away. Think about how much you already have before you bring a new item home.
- Stay in the know: Taking action to save the environment starts with staying informed. Keep up with decisions made at the local, state and national level and commit to adding your voice to the discourse in support of more environmentally sound policy.
- Take action in 2020: Your personal experience and independent opinion can be a powerful change-maker. If you’ve never written a letter to the editor or visited your state lawmaker, make 2020 your year. Don’t worry, we can help you out with these tips.
- Expanding a new normal: If these tips are already part of your life, that’s great! Let your goal for 2020 be to get all your friends, neighbors and family on board with their own eco-friendly shifts. Use OEC’s work as a resource to spark conversations and share what you have found useful.
Top Green Resolutions for 2016
Need a green boost in 2016? Here are a few resolution ideas to spark action for the Oregon you love:
Try something new: The first step to adopting a new, green habit is to give it a try. Ride the bus, cook a meat-free meal, try a fragrance-free product or set a timer on your morning shower.
Give up something old: Today’s major appliances have much tighter energy efficient standards that can save you water, energy and money. Is it t
December 31, 2015, 5:44 pm
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Top Ten Achievements of 2020-2021
Oregon Environmental Council works year-round to protect Oregon’s water, air, land, and communities. This year was a special one. We made Oregon a better place through our participation in state-wide coalitions, tireless bird-dogging of rulemaking processes, deft strategy in the legislative session, and hosting welcoming educational programs. This work is is a reflection of our donors. Take a moment to revel with us in these outstanding
November 8, 2021, 10:01 pm
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Promise kept: Gov. Brown makes climate action happen in 2020
Oregon still buzzes with excitement and appreciation of executive order
Surrounded by young Oregonians, Gov. Kate Brown put in motion a comprehensive set of new climate programs through an executive
March 17, 2020, 3:55 pm
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Oregon’s Clean Fuels program gets a major boost in 2020
Gov. Kate Brown’s executive orders enhances successful carbon reduction policy
March 10, 2020, 11:30 am
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From tailpipes to lungs: the nasty impacts diesel has on human health—2020 update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2020
OEC releases a round-up of recent science about the health impacts of diesel exhaust
PORTLAND –– The science on the negative health impacts from burning diesel keeps mounting every year, and the number of diseases from exposure to this fossil fuel continue to grow and threaten Oregonians.
“We’re actually learning that diesel pollution is more dangerous and has increased health risks more than
February 4, 2020, 4:40 am
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Transportation takes center lane at OEC’s 2020 business forum
Oregon Environmental Council has always believed that the business sector plays an important role in building a healthier and more sustainable transportation system. This connection will be highlighted this month during OEC’s our Forum for Business and the Environment speaker series.
For 24 years, our forum events have focused on cutting edge issues and opportunities important to business, environmental and government leaders. OEC is proud to provide this o
January 3, 2020, 4:12 pm
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Oregon House of Representatives’ adoption of HB 2020 sends legislation to Senate
OEC applauds the continued progress to climate history
SALEM — Oregon’s House of R
June 18, 2019, 3:26 am
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Ways and Means members adopt HB 2020, moves forward historic climate action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2019
The Clean Energy Jobs bill now moves toward votes in House and Senate
June 13, 2019, 4:39 am
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#CEJisREADY for final passage: Response to HB 2020’s amendments
Oregon must seize the opportunity to be a national leader in responding to climate change
The Clean Energy Jobs bill is ready for a vote by the Joint Committee on
May 7, 2019, 5:17 pm
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Paul
January 7, 2020 (9:56 pm)
I struggle with what to do about old stuff that is not currently recyclable and definitely not biodegradable. If I toss in garbage it may be incinerated but more likely will be just added to the mass in a landfill. As is, it makes me look like a hoarder until you examine what it is, useless junk. Some of it needs to be treated like hazardous waste. I didn’t accumulate it by choice. Most of it came with something that was useful at one time but was an unnecessary add on, part of a bundle that was the only way to obtain the part that was useful at a reasonable cost. The only thing that keeps me from tossing in the garbage is extra fees for disposal. I can’t justify the expense unless I know it will be a plus.