Stories of Vibrant Communities

Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns

The Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon created the Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns to better organize the faith community around environmental concerns.

Rebuilding Center

To reunite and meet the needs of the neighborhood, Shane Endicott started the non-profit Our United Villages, and the Rebuilding Center was its first success.

FREE GEEK

Oso Martin pursued a good idea and created a successful non-profit that refurbishes unwanted computers for free and recycles what isn't given away or sold.

Potawot Health Village

To meet health care needs in a more comprehensive fashion, United Indian Health Services integrated individual, community, and environmental health.

Celilo Group

Nik Blosser and Tom Koehler launched their ecomarketing business as a way to create positive environmental change. The popular Chinook Book is one of their products.

Gibbs' Organic Produce

Grant Gibbs has been farming organically since 1975 and keeps it simple by selling his produce, grass-fed chickens, hogs and beef only to local markets.

Wallowa Resources

Working with key agencies and private citizens, Wallowa Resources is making a difference in the long-term economic and ecological health of Wallowa County, Oregon.

The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance

 

Emma's Eco-Clean

A group of low income women in Northern California banded together to create a successful co-op cleaning business using environmentally friendly cleansers.

Cart'M Recycling

Frustrated by the lack of recycling resources in Manzanita, Oregon, Lane deMoll and Kathleen Ryan started a citizen-run dump, recycling center and community center.

A-1 Builders, Inc.

Rick Dubrow combines his environmentalist values with good business sense to build and remodel energy efficient homes in Bellingham, Washington.

Full Circle Farm

Andrew Stout and Wendy Munroe own and run a community supported agriculture farm, with the help of interns, to provide local produce to the Seattle, WA area.

Sequim Lavender Festival

Sequim, Washington residents joined together to reinvent and revitalize the area’s agricultural heritage and celebrate with an annual festival.

Othello Sandhill Crane Festival

Othello, WA residents celebrate the migrating Sandhill crane with an annual festival and field trips to Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.

Made in the Methow Co-op Store and Community Kitchen

Twisp, Washington residents opened a co-op and community kitchen to produce and sell local Methow Valley foods and goods as a way to boost their local economy.

Left Foot Organics

A non-profit founded by Ann Vandeman provides opportunity for developmentally disabled adults and connects them to their community through organic farming.

Willows Inn, Nettles Farm, Lummi Reefnetters

From pasta hand-made with organic Nettles Farm eggs to reefnetted salmon, Riley Starks and Judy Olsen bring quality local food to diners at Willows Inn.