Living green is a way of life here. “Everyday is Earth Day” for most Eugenians. We work to reduce what we send to landfills. We prefer to reuse rather than buying new. We look for ways to recycle before we toss what we have used. We trade, we barter and we donate what we no longer need. We think GREEN.

 

This is a community where green businesses flourish. Real estate offices that offer alternative properties are especially popular here. Green contractors maintain waiting lists of customers. Earth-friendly house cleaners are never idle. Our local recycling giant, BRING Recycling, has been able to fund and build its modern Planet Improvement Center.

 

Eugene City government also takes a lead role in requiring, and maintaining, energy and environmental design building standards. Recently constructed fire stations in the downtown area and in Santa Clara were built using local and renewable resources. These buildings are green models that utilize daylight, solar water heat, reflective roofing and efficient heating/cooling systems.

 

As might be expected, University of Oregon students take a lead role in green living practices. Less known is that the University has received prestigious design awards for its beautiful and green Lillis Business Complex.

 

The federal government also plays a role in maintaining environmentally sound building standards in Eugene. The American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment selected the Wayne L. Morse United States Courthouse for inclusion in its Top Ten Green Projects for 2007.

 

On this site you will find an ample selection of ways you can better enjoy living green. From lists of material-recycling locations, to sites that provide information on ways to avoid harmful chemicals in your home, business or garden, Planet Eugene offers suggestions for enhancing your life and the globe we inhabit.