Sustainability

The concept of sustainability means using, developing and protecting resources at a rate and in a manner that enables people to meet their current needs and also provides that future generations can meet their own needs. Sustainability requires simultaneously meeting environmental, economic and community needs. Implementing sustainable practices means improving our quality of life without depleting the resources future generations.

DEQ has a number of projects and programs that support sustainability. These include both internal efforts to reduce our agency's impacts as well as external efforts to encourage and promote effective efforts by businesses and communities. A few examples are listed below.

Sustainability Programs

• Greenhouse Gas Reporting
• Low Emission Vehicles Program
• Green Permits
• Graywater
• Oregon E-Cycles
  (Statewide program that provides free recycling of computer, monitors, and TVs)
• Ecological Business Program
  (A cooperative working group involving DEQ and Portland metro agencies)
• Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
  (A state agency that provides grants for protection and restoration of streams, wetlands, etc.)

Resources

• EPA Sustainability Resources
• Invasive Species Resources
• International Trade Administration
• Oregon Natural Step Network
• State of Oregon Climate Change website

Success Stories

• Non-profit Organization Inspires Community Recycling in Nehalem Bay
• Partners On Demand − A Toxics Use and Hazardous Waste Success Story PDF

 

 

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