The Multnomah County Green Team is an all volunteer organization made up of Multnomah County employees interested in environmental and sustainable issues in our community. Since 2001, employee volunteers have collaborated with county organizations and other local groups to educate the public on ways to create a healthy environment, economy, and community. The Green Team gave its annual update to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
Despite difficult weather, the Hope Garden, which is located on the fifth floor eco-roof of the Multnomah Building, performed well this year. During the fall harvest, the 250 square foot garden produced 300 pounds of organic carrots, peppers, lettuce and kale, all of which were donated to Loaves and Fishes.
The Reuse-a-Shoe Project is held each year in mid-September for approximately one month. The Green Team collects old athletic shoes that might otherwise be sent to the landfill--this year, the team gathered between 600 and 800 pairs of shoes. The shoes are given to Nike Grind which uses shoe materials to construct basketball courts, gym flooring and other useful items for community members.
Green Bags, an educational series that primarily serves county employees but is also open to the public, hosts lunchtime speakers who have an environmentally sustainable message to share. Recently, Meredith Sorensen spoke about trash and waste practices around the world and on December 1, the Green Team hosted a Green Meeting Policy 101 brown bag, during which experts discussed ways to implement the county’s new Green Meeting and Event Policy.
The Green Team also worked with District 2 on the recent Take Back the Tap campaign that banned the use of county funds for bottled water. Green Team volunteers hosted showings of the film “Blue Gold: World Water Wars” at different county locations. Tap water vs. bottled water taste tests preceded each showing and a panel discussion with water experts from the Food and Water Watch followed the film.
The Sustainability Film Series, which screened “Blue Gold” at McMenamin’s Bagdad Theater, has shown six films in the last two years. Film topics have ranged from local food issues to the electric car, and each screening is followed by a discussion with a panel of experts on the topic. In January 2011, the Sustainability Film Series will show “Food Fight, “ a documentary about American agriculture policy.
Another program in which the Green Team participates is Adopt-a-Road. Approximately four times each year, six to 12 volunteers go to Marine Drive and clean up the road. Lately local high school students are becoming more involved in the Adopt-a-Road program in order to fulfill school requirements for volunteer work.
The Green Team also spreads its messages about sustainability and the environment through community events and educational outreach. This was the third year the team joined the City Repair Project on Earth Day, and the first year it had a display at Ecopalooza at Fern Hill Park in Northeast Portland. Green Team members are looking to participate in other environment-related events in the future, like the Muddy Boot Organic Festival.
To learn more about Green Team projects and find out about the Take Back the Tap water bottle fundraiser, visit the Green Team website.