Alternative Portland: Weird, Recycled, and Sustainable

No place in the country is more environmentally conscious than our city. Venture with our Local as they introduce you to local independent businesses that have been able to come up with great sustainable ideas, or just plain weird, often while recycling “stuff”. This experience likely will generate a great sense of appreciation for what we have, and for our resources; as well as educate people about alternative and more effective ways of living life. We will start at a unique coffee place called Coava Coffee before we pay a visit to Hippo Hardware, Schoolhouse Electric, and Bamboo Revolution to shop for unique items or get your creative juices going as you think of your next DIY project. Before our next stop, we will refuel at one of the many popular food carts, where you can buy on your own a lunch that fits your diet and then find a park in which to relax.

After lunch our final stop will be the Rebuilding Center. Founded by volunteers in 1998, it carries the region’s largest volume of used building and remodeling materials. It provides resources that make home repairs affordable to everyone, with the goal of promoting the reuse of salvaged and reclaimed materials.

We have coordinated a tour of the facilities that touches on sustainable building practices and social and environmental vitality of communities. We guarantee this tour will both inform and inspire you. If you wish afterwards you can shop for unique items or get your creative juices going as you think of your next home decor or remodeling project.