Solar Workshop for Beaverton Businesses

The City of Beaverton wants to help your business take advantage of the current round of generous Oregon Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC). The current incentives can dramatically reduce the costs of solar panel installations (up to 90% or more). This round of generous BETC funding will only be available for a limited time starting January 1,
2011. It is imperative to get the process started now to take advantage of this funding.
Come to a Basics of Going Solar for Business workshop Tuesday, December 7 at the Beaverton City Library from 5 PM to 6:45 PM. Knowledgeable presenters from Energy Trust of Oregon and Solar Oregon will teach you about available solar technologies and the tax credits and incentives available to your business. Vernier Software and Technology, a local business that has installed solar on their building, will also be available to share their experience of going solar. So come to this great workshop, get your questions answered and leave with the knowledge and tools to install solar at your business!
Contact Rebecca Fitzsimmons, Solar Beaverton Program Coordinator at (503) 526 2413.
Solar Beaverton Business Workshop

Sustainability Discussion Group - “Discovering a Sense of Place”

The Beaverton City Library has partnered with the Northwest Earth Institute and Partners of Sustainable Washington County to provide an opportunity for discussion about sustainability for Beaverton community members. The Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) is a national leader in the development of innovative programs that empower individuals and organizations to transform culture toward a sustainable and enriching future. Today, NWEI offers eight, self-guided discussion courses for small groups.
Currently, the Beaverton City Library is hosting a discussion group entitled "Discovering a Sense of Place". Members of the discussion group become informed on special topics prior to their meeting and then discuss the content of the information provided to gain a bioregional perspective while learning to protect the place in which we live. With increased interest, the Beaverton City Library hopes to host other discussion groups of varying topics related to sustainability. For more information regarding the program, contact the Beaverton City Library at (503) 644-2197.

A Broken CFL

Have you ever had a broken compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) and wondered how to properly dispose of it? You're not alone! Breaking a fluorescent light bulb is similar to breaking a thermometer, thermostat, or any other instrument containing elemental mercury. Once the light bulb has been broken, it is impossible to see the mercury. This is very dangerous; however, according to the DEQ, you can take the following steps to protect yourself:

1. Scoop up the glass and all other pieces of the broken light bulb wearing gloves to protect against cuts.
2. Put all pieces of the broken bulb in a rigid container such as an old paint can. Make sure to seal this container and remove it from your living area.
3. Air out the room where the light bulb was broken for 12-24 hours.
4. Take the container to a hazardous waste collection center that accepts elemental mercury. To find out where to take it, call us at (503) 526 2665. 

For more information please visit: http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/mercurycleanup.htm.