The resources listed below were initiated by volunteers who serve on the Sustainability Coalition’s action teams. New items will be added to this list, so check it often!
P – Actions you can take to support personal resilience
C – Actions you can take to support community resilience
Economic Vitality
Buy Local First (C) – This initiative, co-sponsored by the Coalition’s Economic Vitality Action Team, explains why it’s so important for us to support our local businesses, especially NOW! For a list of ways to support local businesses, go to the “Shop/Support Local Business” section of the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development website.
Education
At-home Sustainability Activities for Kids (P) – The Coalition’s Education Action Team is compiling a list of books and activities to support parents and kids while our schools are closed.
Energy
Solarize Corvallis (C) – This initiative is accelerating the transition to large-scale renewable energy in our community. In partnership with the Oregon Clean Power Cooperative, we have completed three projects in 2020: a 150 kW ground-mounted solar array at the Corvallis School District Office, a 100 kW solar system at the Old Mill Center for Children and Families, and a 110 kW solar system at the Benton County building at 4500 SW Research Way. Email us for details on investment and/or sponsorship opportunities,..
Food
Corvallis Backyard CSA (P, C) – This project was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop greater inclusion through community connections. Corvallis Backyard CSA (Community Supporting A-gap) uses garden produce as a vehicle to build mutually supportive relationships, neighbor to neighbor, between community members who come from diverse cultures and local gardeners who are sharing their home grown food.
Corvallis Garden Resource Guide (P) – This Food Action Team project includes resources to support home food-growing. Now is a perfect time to plan your garden and prepare the soil!
It’s On Us Corvallis (C) – This project was initiated in April 2020 by three members of our Food Action Team in direct response to COVID-19’s devastating effects on local businesses, employees, and community members. IOU Corvallis relies on community-sourced funds to provide business to restaurants, meals for folks who need a boost, and security to our friends and neighbors. To help, you can contribute through the Sustainability Coalition or GoFundMe.
Simply Seasonal Recipes (P, C) – What better way to support our local farmers and food producers than to buy and use their products! Try a new recipe that uses local ingredients. The Food Action Team has gathered dozens of recipes for delicious entrees and side dishes.
Health & Human Services
Do-It-Yourself Green Cleaning (P) – The Health & Human Services Action Team encourages everyone to use safe cleaning products, choosing simple (and inexpensive!) ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. They’ve compiled this list of their favorite DIY recipes for you to try.
Enjoy Nature from Your Home (P) – Our Health & Human Services Action Team reminds us that exposure to nature is linked with health. Enjoy the following activities from the safety of your home:
- Bird watch from a window. The Audubon Society has many tips, and this handy guide will help you identify which birds you’re looking at.
- Plan a pollinator garden, using one or more of these resources.
- www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildflowers/pollinators/gardening
- extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/pollinators/create-home-landscape-pollinators-butterflies-bees-hummingbirds
- extension.oregonstate.edu/news/12-plants-entice-pollinators-your-garden
- today.oregonstate.edu/news/25-plants-attracting-native-bees-garden
- Get to know the natural wonders of the Corvallis-Benton County area through Neighborhood Naturalist.
Natural Areas
Backyard Wildlife Habitat (P, C) – Did you know that Benton County is the first (and only!) certified Community Wildlife Habitat in Oregon? If your yard isn’t yet certified, this would be a good time to create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.
Celebrate Our Natural Areas (P, C) – The 13th Annual Natural Areas Celebration Week (May 1 – 8) was organized by the Coalition’s Natural Areas Action Team. The team’s Facebook page linked community members to live tours of natural areas, backyard habitat photo albums, virtual workshops and more!
Transportation
Corvallis Transit System (P, C) – Our fareless bus system makes getting around town easy. During the pandemic, however, riders are advised that there have been some closures and schedule changes (including for the Linn Benton Loop, Albany Transit System and Philomath Connection).
Biking in Corvallis (P, C) – While we all need to take social distancing seriously, it’s still okay to ride your bike. If yours hasn’t been used for a while, why not dust it off and go for a bike ride? Our Transportation Action Team encourages you to discover the joys of riding a bike – either in your own neighborhood or on one of our community’s many bike paths. Visit Corvallis has a comprehensive list of biking and hiking opportunities in Corvallis.
Waste Prevention
No Food Left Behind (P) – This project of the Waste Prevention Action Team offers great “Smart Strategy” downloads to help make small shifts in how we shop, store, and prepare food to prevent wasting valuable natural resources! Why let good food go to waste?
NFLB also has a new “Kitchen Confessions” blog, where staff share fresh facts, resources, tips, and their own lessons learned and anecdotes around issues of wasted food in the home.