Have a sustainable picnic!

Check out these low-waste ideas to start planning your company picnic, potluck or party!

• Create an event kit with all reusable dishware, silverware and napkins.
• Have a potluck and bring your favorite foods in durable dishware.
• Plan to have staff bring their own cups, utensils and plates.
• Have the picnic catered by a local restaurant and request food to be served in durable dishware.
• Will your event have canned beverages or other items that are recyclable? If so, borrow our free recycling equipment to set up onsite to collect clean bottles, cans, paper and certain types of plastic.  

Business composting success!

Nearly 400 businesses in Washington County are now collecting food scraps to comply with the business food scraps requirement. More businesses will be required to participate in the coming months. Contact us now to find out if your business is required to separate food scraps from garbage.

Get started with free bins, signage and staff training. Check out our webpage for more information and watch these Food Waste Stops With Me videos for tips on how to start a successful composting program at your business! 

Opportunities and events

• Check out the resources Westside Transportation Alliance offers for commuting options.
• Learn more about Washington County Small business resources and support through the Economic Development program.
• Get involved in a local chamber group.
• Learn about reuse and how to reuse everyday items at work and at home in new ways. For more reuse ideas, check out Resourceful PDX and a free community event hosted by SCRAP!
• Attend a Repair Fair!
• Saturday, August 17, 1-4 p.m. at the Sherwood Public Library

Featured Green Business Leaders

Here are our newest certified green businesses and a few examples of the sustainable actions that earned them the Green Business Leaders award:

Intel

• Donated over 14,243 pounds of electronic items from the Ronler Acres campus.
• Regularly host community technology drives with Free Geek.
• Solar panels on the covered parking generate electricity for the Ronler Acres campus.
• Supplier diversity contracting addresses social and environmental challenges and requires suppliers to report on labor practices, mineral and chemical impacts, and environmental footprint.

NW Natural

• The Sherwood facility is where recyclable materials from other NW Natural resource centers are collected and reused before buying new supplies and packing materials.
• A Sustainability & Equity Engagement Committee engages staff through lunch and learns focused on sustainability practices and challenges.
• Janitorial service uses third-party certified green cleaning products in employee areas.
• They use an EcoBiz certified landscaping company at their facilities.

Synopsys

• A local pick-up service is used for battery recycling.
• Donates computer monitors, whiteboards and chairs to Hillsboro School District and backpacks to Homeplate Youth Services.
• In-house cafeteria voluntarily participates in food scrap collection.
• Provides a commuter program for those employees who take public transportation to and from work.