The Environmental Center

The Environmental Center translates sustainability into practical, local action that creates a healthy future for people and the planet.

We use education and advocacy through the following programs to advance our vision of a sustainable Central Oregon:

• Zero Waste: We are redefining the concept of "waste" in our community and working towards greater efficiency in everything we do. We envision a community that reflects the natural world where nothing is wasted and everything is reused, composted or recycled, over and over.
• Youth Education: From classroom presentations to outdoor school days, we are delivering education programs on sustainability to the future generation of thinkers, teachers and leaders.
• Kansas Avenue Learning Garden: We are connecting local children to nature through the basis of life - food. We transformed a vacant city lot into a living classroom of sustainability by gardening in the heart of downtown Bend.
• Transportation: We are advocating for a robust transit system in Central Oregon. We envision a community where choosing to bus, bike or walk is safe and practical for all people.
• Sustainable Business: We are promoting local, conscious consumerism and sustainable business practices through monthly Green Drinks events, the annual Sustainability Awards, and The Green Spot sustainable living directory.

Our public facility located in downtown Bend serves as a "hub" for the environmental community.  Central Oregonians and visitors to this region have the opportunity to engage with a network of 40 environmental organizations - our Member Groups - working to educate, restore and protect our region.  The Environmental Center works to connect citizens with our Member Groups' efforts that help us create a sustainable Central Oregon.