Oregon Environmental News

Fossil fuels are a contentious subject in this country, with climate change supporters and deniers talking each other’s ears off about the pros vs the cons and whether or not the long term repercussions will be worth it, or even exist. No…

Northeast Oregon has, unfortunately, a water contamination problem, and they’ve had one for years. If you’re a natural Oregoneon, or a denizen of any other city with poorly-maintained water, that might just be old news. However, there…

Globalization is a hot topic around the world, and it’s particularly divisive in the USA. Hardcore patriots are staunchly for American-made products, not wanting to see that little “Made in China” print we find on everyday objects. Whether…

When people think of clean, affordable energy, the one that comes to most people’s minds is solar energy. It’s one of the most recognizable forms of renewable energy, and you’ve no doubt seen some. They’re becoming more abundant on roofs…

It's surprising what we get surprised by as society develops. Some would say we’re getting desensitized as time goes on, as things that once were taboo are now considered normal. Others would say that society has become too sensitive,…

By now, there is no doubt that you have heard about the earthquakes that have devastated Turkey and Syria in the last month. The earthquakes have caused monumental damage across the affected region, killing over 45,000 people and making…

BY KRISTINA LEFEVER... I love the “Engage Ashland” idea recently put forward by the city. Yes, Ashland (and other places) are so much improved when residents engage and do things. So, this column is a riff on that idea, offering several…

Inspired by the ghastly sight of dumpsters overflowing with plastic dinnerware after weddings, meetings, concerts and parties, two Ashland Master Recyclers have started a “dish library” where, for free, you can pick up full dinner place…

Like any responsible environmentalist I have been throwing my trash into separate bins for decades, assuming that the city-contracted waste hauler was sending mixed garbage to a local landfill, and plastics, glass, and paper to American…

By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 31, 2015 at 6:33 PM Two high-level officials from the Interior and Agriculture Departments got a tour Wednesday of Ashland’s watershed and a tutorial on the Ashland Forest Resiliency…