Sustainability

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." – Mahatma Gandhi

The City of Portland has a nationally recognized reputation for green building innovation and outreach.— U.S. Green Building Council

Portland Named Greenest City in US
Portland's commitment to creating a healthy, sustainable city runs so deep that the Portland Visitors Association makes fun of the issue in its marketing motto: "It's Not Easy Being Green." It's no wonder other cities look to it for leadership and inspiration.

PORTLAND GREEN FACTS
– Oregon introduced the first bottle bill in the United States in 1971.
– Portlanders recycled 54 percent of their waste in 2001, more than any other U.S. city. —Waste News
– Portland is home to the nation's largest urban wilderness — the 5,000-acre Forest Park.
– More than 5,000 Portlanders commute to work by bicycle. (2000 U.S. Census)
– Portland's Airport MAX light rail is the only train-to-plane option on the West Coast.

GREEN RESOURCES
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Energy Trust
Helping Oregonians save energy, increase the comfort of their homes and businesses, and move toward energy self-reliance.
Portland Office of Sustainable Development
Practical resources for a healthy, prosperous, sustainable community.
Redirect Guide
The region's healthy and sustainable lifestyle guide and business directory. Locate merchants and organizations that offer environmentally, socially, and health conscious goods and services in the Portland/Vancouver regional area.
Metro tips on Sustainable Living in Portland

GREEN BUILDING & REMODELING
The Rebuilding Center
ReBuilding Center is a project of Our United Villages, a non-profit community enhancement organization. Developed by dedicated volunteers, The ReBuilding Center is modeled after successful building material reuse centers throughout North America. Located in North Portland.
Habitat ReStore
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a recycled building materials re-sale center featuring recycle overstock materials, seconds, and used or discontinued or salvaged building materials. All proceeds go towards helping to build new Habitat homes in Oregon. Located in Southeast Portland.
Environmental Building Supplies
Your source for green building materials, including low-toxic, low-odor paints, finishes, sealers, carpets, and cork and linoleum flooring
Build it Green Tour
A self-guided tour in exploring the latest green building practices, products and technologies. Put on each September by the Office of Sustainable Development. Homes located througout Portland. A great place to find ideas in green practices and remodeling.