Speak up in Washington County, Oregon

​Last updated June 2021

Channel your inner “Eco Warrior” and Speak Up for the environmental issues you care about.  It can be anything from avoiding single-use plastics to keeping chemicals out of our waterways. Maybe addressing climate change is your passion. Or maybe you're concerned about ALL of these issues. 
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Taking action is what gives us hope. Our choices matter.  Be a part of the solution by talking about the issues, educating yourself and others, and taking action.

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Learn. Connect. Discuss.
  • Learn from others. Find people and organizations that address your concerns. This could mean signing up for email newsletters, attending local group meetings, following related Facebook groups, listening to podcasts, reading web pages and online articles or attending local events or group meetings. 
  • Tell your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors about your concerns.  The more an issue is discussed the more people think about it. They might be willing to learn more. 
  • Find opportunities to address your concerns in your daily conversations. Whether it's while talking to restaurant waitstaff or while chatting with someone in line at the grocery store. You never know when you might teach them something new. Or you might meet someone who has influence or with connections who can help you in your cause. 
  • Acknowledge to yourself and others that change is hard. And it's not always as convenient as how we've grown used to. But many habits aren't that hard to break - or make. Examples: "It took me a while to remember to bring my bags when shopping. But over time it became just as habitual as bringing my wallet." "Wouldn't it be nice if these strawberries were sold in recyclable or compostable containers? I'm going to talk to the Produce Manager to see what can be done. But until they change, I can't justify buying these strawberries and that makes me sad." 
  • Acknowledge that you're still learning. Help people realize they don't need to feel bad about things they didn't know. Examples: "I didn't know that really small bottles don't recycle at home. I found out when I read the brochure from Washington County that came in the mail. It's because the machines at the sorting center can't handle containers smaller than 6 fluid ounces in size."  Or "I stopped using that product when I found out it contains chemicals that disrupt hormones. Now I check the ingredients on all my cleaning and personal care products and look them up on the Environmental Working Group database to see how safe they are."​
  • Suspend judgement! It makes people defensive and your points will not be heard.

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​Use Social Media
Social media is an amazing resource to get your voice heard. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.  But it can also be harmful and a way to promote false information. Here are some tips to help you spread your message.
  • Be respectful and non-judgmental.
  • When sharing an article, check to see if it is from a reputable source.
  • Add a personal comment when sharing an article to explain why you're sharing it. That makes the post more likely to get attention. It also educates even if the person doesn't have time to read the entire article.
  • Don't overwhelm your followers with constant posts.
  • Occasionally post some positive articles. It's draining to only see negative news. If people see there are potential solutions and some successes it re-energizes them.
  • Fact-check posts that seem outrageous or distorted. Use well-respected fact-checking sites like factcheck.org or others.
  • Support others in your social media circle by "liking" , commenting on, and sharing the posts that support your cause. This helps highlight the issue and shows support for controversial causes. For example, climate change is a dire threat to our world but is not discussed often enough. 
  • Don't be afraid to call out your social media friends when they spread false information. Send them the link to a fact-checking site on the topic, or a link to a reputable site with factual information. Correct them on their post so that others will know, but don't call it out rudely. There is a lot of 'fake news' and people are often relieved to know when something isn't true.  Examples: "Duane, that information is false, see this link from a fact checking site."  Or "Karen, please read this article that explains the real story behind that issue."  

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PictureFamily dinners are an opportunity to discuss important issues.
​Discuss Issues with People Who May Not Agree With You. 
  • Talk respectfully. No shaming or name calling. Everyone has a right to their own opinion.
  • Use facts to support your position.
  • Don't use blanket statements or generalizations about specific groups of people, especially in a derogatory way. People tune out and dig in their heels when they feel offended.
  • Be careful not to sound offensive.  Example:  "Open your eyes!" can sound like you're accusing them of being small-minded. An alternative way of saying it might be, "Have you noticed..?" or "Did you know ..?" 
  • Show your passion for your cause, but don't interrupt or yell. Stay calm and thoughtful.
  • Never talk down to people. Everyone is at a different level of knowledge.
  • Ask permission to ask them questions about why they have the opinions they do. You may be surprised to find you share beliefs that are just approached differently.
  • Paraphrase back to them what they said to you. This ensures you understand them correctly and lets them know you are listening to them. Don't add any interpretation to what they said.  Example: "I heard you say you like Trump's trade policies."  Do not include "..so you must be OK with his continuous lying."
  • Use "I" statements to explain your position. It invites discussion. Example:  "I am worried about the use of chemicals in agriculture and how they affect pollinators." is better than "Chemicals are killing all the pollinators."
  • Talk about some actions people can take that have clear benefits. Examples: "Did you know that you can reduce packaging waste by buying dried goods from the bulk bins in stores.? This also saves you lots of money."  "You can try to move all your newspaper and magazine subscriptions to online only. This not only helps save our forests, but it also saves you money and your home is less cluttered."
  • If someone doesn't seem to care about the cause, talk about why they SHOULD care. It could include cost savings, their children or grandchildren, their health and safety, disappearing resources, etc. Example: "Wind and solar have shown to provide lots of new jobs, and these new plants are usually cheaper than coal. Wind and solar are both resources that will be around forever, while coal, oil, and gas are running out."  
  • When you get stonewalled or the discussion gets too heated, take a break from it. "Oops, gotta go."  or "Well lets take a break and calm down."  Look for common ground and try again later, maybe even addressing another related topic. 

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​Walk the Talk
  • ​​Vote with your dollars. Make purchases that correlate with your values. Conversely, don't buy products or shop at businesses that don't. Businesses respond to demand.  Examples: Buy as many organic products as you can afford. Buy the toilet paper made from recycled paper or bamboo. Businesses are noticing the change in buying habits and some are offering more eco choices.  
  • Model greener living so your friends, relatives and neighbors observe it being done. It demonstrates that it's possible and helps "normalize" a greener way of life.  Examples: Go shopping at thrift and reuse stores and share the great deals you scored. Tell people how your appliance was fixed for free at the local Repair Fair. Shop in the bulk section of grocery stores and bring your own containers (if allowed). You'll be teaching others how easy it is just by observing you shop. Remove your lawn and put in native plants. Your neighbors will notice that you don't have to water or mow like they do. ​
  • Invest responsibly. Put your financial holdings in companies that match your values. Example: If you object to the fossil fuel industry's affect on climate change and your credit card is issued by a "big bank", switch to a credit union or small bank that invests locally. Big Banks support fossil fuel projects and expansion by providing loans to them. Share this option with friends and family.  ​​
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Happy guests at a Repair Fair with their newly fixed appliance.
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A bulk foods section at a Winco store.

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PictureTo go drink containers create a lot of non-recyclable garbage.
Don't like what a business is doing? Tell them. 
If you see a product overpackaged or you observe a business practice that could use some greening up, let them know.
  • Use email, Facebook Messenger, contact forms on their web page, phone calls or ask to speak to a manager in person. 
  • Take a photo to help explain what your concern is. A picture is worth 1000 words.
  • Call attention to what they are doing well then explain your concern.  Examples:  "I love all the organic options at your store and all the produce sold "loose" without packaging. But please don't sell organic onions in non-recyclable mesh bags. I only want to buy 2 each time and I am avoiding plastic packaging."  "I enjoy eating at your store and its great you have durable dishes. Can you please make napkins 'request only' items?  Receiving 2 napkins with every order is too many for me and I worry about our forests."  "I love hanging out at your coffee shop and the coffee is great. But I'd really like if you would promote using durable cups in your stores. I'm tired of seeing all the coffee cup garbage that is generated."   "I love your organization and want to stay up to date via email. But please stop sending me the magazines in the mail. I don't have time to read all the articles and it is a waste of paper."
  • Contact the retail outlet as well as the manufacturer.  Example: Contact Colgate to explain why you will no longer be buying their non-recyclable toothpaste packaging, but also contact your local grocery store to suggest alternative toothpastes that you would like to see instead.
  • If your concerns are ignored, try again later. Recruit and enlist like-minded people to also make contact to lobby for change.

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Take Legislative Action
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Educate yourself on city, county, state, and/or national issues of interest and Vote in every election.

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​Connect with Environmental Organizations. Get on their email lists, social media, and meeting announcements. They offer information on the causes they support and how you can help through email campaigns, volunteering, donations, and occasionally attending events at the capital in Salem.

Below are suggestions of strong organizations with local affiliates. 
  • Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) - Advocates for sound environmental laws and policies, rates elected officials according to their environmental votes and actions, and supports pro-environment candidates.
  • Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) - Since 1968, OEC has worked to protect Oregon's water, air, and land. It is a membership-based, nonpartisan nonprofit. In 2020 it is active in advancing gov. Kate Brown's Oregon Climate Action Plan (OCAP).
  • ​350PDX - Advocates to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy.
  • 350.org Washington County - The Washington County arm of the 350PDX organization.
  • Surfrider Foundation Portland - Works to protect and preserve the world's oceans, waves and beaches. It focuses on water quality, beach access, beach and surf spot preservation, and sustaining marine and coastal ecosystems.
  • Extinction Rebellion Portland - A global environmental movement with the aim to use nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse.
  • Sunrise Movement PDX - A movement of young people fighting to stop the climate crisis. 
  • Sierra Club Oregon Chapter - Works on protecting our state’s public lands and protecting the environment. 
  • Portland Audubon - Grassroots engagement to protect nature.
  • Oregon Wild - Dedicated to protecting Oregon's  wildlife, waters, and wild places.​
  • Oregon State Public Interest Information Group (OSPIRG) - An independent, state-based, citizen-funded organization that brings the voice of the public to the halls of power in Salem on behalf of consumers.
  • ​Environment Oregon - A political non-profit organization in the U.S. state of Oregon, that lobbies for legislation in regard to environmental policy on local, state and national levels.

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PictureClimate March at the state capital in Salem, Oregon Feb. 2020


​Step Up and Get Involved
  • Volunteer your time for eco events:  sustainability fairs such as PlanetCon, neighborhood cleanups, climate strikes, etc.   
  • Become a Master Recycler. Master Recyclers volunteer their time educating communities about recycling, waste reduction, composting plus organizing recovery events and more. Sign up for classes in your area.
  • Join a "Green Team" at your workplace or school (if available) and work on sustainable changes.
  • ​Organize an environmental action in your own neighborhood or city. For example, start a Green Team if there isn't one, or organize an event for Earth Day. Even picking up garbage on your walks around the neighborhood is a positive action for the environment.
  • Attend local city council meetings or state rallies in Salem to advocate for the policy changes that you care about.
  • Sign online petitions to support causes of interest. Call or email your legislators.
  • Run for an elected office where you feel you can make a positive change. 

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​Resources
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A climate strike in Hillsboro, Oregon 2019