During the 2008 SOLV Great Oregon Fall Beach Cleanup, 3,700 volunteers removed 40,000 pounds of trash from Oregon beaches. Since Oregon’s first Beach Cleanup in 1984, similar cleanups have spread to every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries around the word. The goal of the 2009 SOLV GREAT OREGON FALL BEACH CLEANUP is to remove litter and plastic that harm marine wildlife and negatively affect tourism.  

You’ll learn and network about all types of renewable energy at the SOLWEST RENEWABLE ENERGY FAIR, which includes workshops, exhibitors, food and fun activities for all ages and skill levels. Take home lots of useful information about energy efficiency, solar and wind energy, alternatively fueled vehicles and more. Featured speaker Jeff Mapes, an award-winning journalist for The Oregonian and the author of “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities,” will deliver a keynote speech at 12:30 p.m. July 25.  

In 2008, Multnomah County's Central Library became the first library in Oregon to feature an eco-roof. Constructed with living plants and simulating the processes that occur in nature, eco-roofs absorb rain water like a meadow in a natural setting. The Central Library eco-roof is not accessible to the public. Frequent backstage tours allow you to see the roof from windows overlooking the roof. The 20-minute tour begins at the first floor Welcome Desk. Registration required. 

At the 2009 BUILD IT GREEN! TOUR OF HOMES, learn about the latest green building ideas, whether you’re planning to build a new home or remodeling an older one. Past year’s tours have included information on intensive re-use of building materials, affordable housing and more.   

Each year, the GREEN SPROUTS ORGANIC BABY & FAMILY FESTIVAL celebrates eco-friendly, natural and healthy ways in which to raise a family. The festival includes live music and entertainment, family recreation and workshops (topics include pregnancy and childbirth, health and fitness, healthy home-making, clothing and style, education, childcare and children’s activities).  

Join other volunteers in cleaning, beautifying and greening up Washington and East Multnomah counties. With the INTEL-SOLV CLEAN AND GREEN PROJECT, you’ll plant trees, shrubs, flowers and bulbs, and remove trash, scrap metal and invasive, non-native plants.  

Talk with home improvement experts and take home lots of ideas for enhancing your house at the 27th ANNUAL LANE COUNTY HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW.  

During the COMPREHENSIVE COTTAGE CONSTRUCTION COURSE, you’ll help build a small cottage in the woods while learning a wide range of natural building techniques. You’ll use a variety of materials, including cob, straw bales and adobe. And you’ll get to tour several finished natural homes. There will be plenty of time for questions, discussions, lectures, slideshows, siestas—and fun.