Archive for the ‘Go Green’ Category
Free Book: Eco-Healthy Home Challenge
The Oregonian Environmental Council is offering free books that gives tips on how to keep your home safe from pollutants and allergens. Check-out the following website to learn more and order your own book:
Green Home Cleaning tips
What is in your cosmetics?
Check out:
1. Cosmetic Ingredients Database: www.cosmeticdatabase.com
2. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: www.safecosmetics.org
3. Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics: www.leapingbunny.org
DeQ Help in Portland, OR: written by Clean Air Partners Program
Clean Air Partners Program
DEQ/VIP’s Clear Air Partners Program (CAPS) is designed to help low-income residents who are having trouble passing their vehicle through the emission test. Vehicle owners with a household income less than or equal to established income levels, based on household size, may be eligible to participate in the CAPS Program.
Vehicle owners participating in the CAPS Program will be required to pay $50.00 towards the cost of repairs before the repairs can begin. The $21.00 fee for the Certificate of Compliance will be waived; however fees to DMV must still be paid at time of registration.
To qualify for the program, your vehicle must have failed the OBD II (1996 and newer vehicles) emissions test and meet the requirements listed below. Your vehicle must still have a current registration or a valid Temporary Trip Permit at the time your name comes up on the list and you are called to participate.
Vehicles must have failed the OBD II test with a Diagnostic Trouble Code(s). Your vehicle cannot be “Unready”; vehicles that are “Unready” must be brought back to a “Ready” status.
Income Requirements for the CAPS Program:
Household Size Maximum Net Monthly Income
1……………………………………………………. $1174
2……………………………………………………. $1579
3……………………………………………………. $1984
4……………………………………………………. $2389
5……………………………………………………. $2794
6……………………………………………………. $3200
7……………………………………………………. $3605
8……………………………………………………. $4010
Each additional person………………… +$406
To apply for the CAPS Program, submit the attached application and a Fail Form from the Clean Air Station by mail or in person to DEQ/CAPS Program 1240 SE 12th, Portland, OR 97214, or fax to (971) 673-1640 ATTN: Tempest Roberts. Submitting the application does not guarantee participation in the CAPS program; vehicles will undergo a series of evaluations as a part of the qualification process.
Once you are called to begin the qualification process, you will need to submit the following:
1. Proof of monthly income for all listed on vehicle registration (one of the following):
- Previous month pay stub or current W2 form.
- Current Food Stamp Approval letter or current DHS Verification of Assistance letter.
- Social security benefits statement or other disability statements.
- Current Tax forms.
- Oregon Health Plan.
- Or other income verification approved by the Vehicle Inspection Program.
2. Failed emissions test report.
3. Proof of total household members, which includes a list of names and one of the following:
- Verification of dependents, examples can be your current tax forms, copy of birth certificate, insurance cards (listing names), school records, reduced lunch applications, immunization records, doctor records, rental agreements, Oregon Health Plan card.
4. Proof of vehicle ownership:
- Validate DMV title transfer form.
- Oregon vehicle title in the applicants’ name.
5. Proof of current insurance for the vehicle.
- Valid insurance card.
- Document from your insurance company showing that insurance has been reinstated.
For more information, please call (971) 673-1654 or (877) 476-0583×250 (toll free).
Links For Green Family Living
5. Mothering Magazine: www.motheringmagazine.com
6. La Leche League International: www.llli.org
Recycling links for Vancouver, WA
1. Learn about recycling in vancouver: www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste
2. Water Resources Education Center: www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter
3. Sustainability of Vancouver: learn about the efforts that the city is making to be a more environmentally friendly city and how you can be involved and help. www.cityofvancouver.us/sustainability
4. The Urban Forestry Program of Vancouver, WA works to create a community that is working to preserve the trees and other vegetation to create a beautiful city and because of the environmental and economic benefits. www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/parks_trails/urban.forestry
Green Community Non-profits: Portland
1. CREAM: they take your old electronics and make low cost computers and other electronics available to the public for purchase. Check out:
2. ECOTRUST: This conservation organization promotes healthy communities as far north as Alaska all the way down to California. Check out: www.ecotrust.org
3. FRIENDS OF TREES: The mission of this non-profit is to get together throughout Vancouver and Portland to plant trees. Since 1989 this organization has planted more than 385,000 trees. Check out: www.friendsoftrees.org
4. FRIENDS OF TRYON CREEK STATE PARK: This organization encourages exploration and protection of Tryon Creek State Park. They offer classes, camps, lectures and music. Check out: www.tryonfriends.org
5. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE, PORTLAND/CLARK COUNTY: This store is completely run by volunteers in which they sell donated rebuilding materials. This restore is always available to take donations and volunteers. Check out: www.pdxrestore.org
6. NORTHWEST VEG: This organization educates the community on how to eat healthy plant-based choices. They offer potlucks, presentations, activities, etc. Check out:
7. THE REBUILDING CENTER: This exciting store accepts salvaged remodeling materials and sells them at very reasonable prices. Check out: www.rebuildingcenter.org
8. THE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY REUSE ACTION PROJECT (SCRAP): This organization promotes creative reuse and offers educational programs and affordable materials. Check out:
9. SOLAR OREGON: Learn about solar energy and learn about their education programs. Check out: www.solaroregon.org
10. THE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF NETWORK OF PORTLAND (SBNP): An alliance of locally owned businesses. Learn more: www.sbnportland.org
11. VOIS BUSINESS ALLIANCE: This company supports forward-thinking businesses and their leadership. Check out: www.voisalliance.org
Recycle: Portland
1. The Solid Waste and Recycling Program: You can learn how to reduce the amount of waste that you produce at: www.portlandonline.com/bps
2. Find a place to recycle, use this locator: www.oregonmetro.gov
3. Master Recycler Program: You can take an eight week curse all about the most up to date information regarding waste prevention and recycling: www.masterrecycler.org
4. Your business can compost, learn more how to do it: www.portlandonline.com/bps
5. Recycle at Work program can help you learn how to set-up a recycling program at work: www.portlandonline.com/bps
6. Find the recycler closest to your job site: www.oregonmetro.gov/toolkit Also, lean about the on-line commercial building materials exchange: www.BoneyardNW.com
7. If you are a builder and you would like to have a more environmentally friendly approach, contact the Green Building Hotline to get your questions answered: (503)823-5431 or check out their website: www.buildgreen411.com
Green Eating:Portland
Portland:
1. Learn about local farmer’s markets, how to support local growers and co-ops and join a Community Supported Agriculture farm. Check out: www.ecotrust.org/foodfarms
2. Learn about seasonal foods and how to make healthier food choices. www.slowfoodportland.com
3. Did you know that eating eat just one less day per week dramatically improves your carbon footprint? www.meatlessmonday.com
4. Learn how to compost, Check out Metro’s Composting Guide at: www.oregonmetro.gov
5. Did you know that planning your meals is a big way to cut down our landfills? Check out: www.wastedfood.com
