  The South Sound Sustainability Expo has been a signature Tacoma event for over a decade, connecting thousands of residents and businesses to services, products, companies, and agencies that address sustainability needs in our community.
In 2020, attendees can expect more fun for all ages, with over 100 vendor booths, an interactive Kids Corner, and workshops led by community leaders on topics including plastic-free living and the best trees for your needs. Plus, the screen-printing studio features exciting designs for attendees to jazz up old shirts, bags and other cloth items.
Enjoy these activities and more at the 13th Annual South Sound Sustainability Expo on Saturday, March 14 from 10am to 3pm at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center (1500 Commerce St.). Attendance to the Expo is always free and open to the public.
For the latest Expo news and updates, check out southsoundsustainabilityexpo.org, follow facebook.com/TacomaSustainability, or call (253) 591-5172.
Mark your calendar for April 22, 2020 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. On the first Earth Day in 1969, 20 million Americans across the country rallied together to demonstrate their love and concern for the continued health of our planet.
Now, 50 years later, Earth Day has grown into an international day of civic engagement, mobilizing communities in over 190 countries. Join us as we celebrate the successes of past environmental action and commit to a future dedicated to environmental justice and stewardship.
Visit cityoftacoma.org/sustainability or call (253) 591-5172 for Earth Day 2020 events and information.
 The Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP), adopted by Tacoma City Council on December 3rd, 2019, represents a meaningful step toward achieving harmony between our natural and built environments.
Tacoma’s network of trees generates clean air and water, supports wildlife habitat, and moderates temperatures in our neighborhoods. Properly managing our urban forest can increase civic engagement, community pride, and the quality of life for all Tacomans.
Outlined in the UFMP are specific actions City government and community partners will take over the next ten years to benefit the health of our community for generations to come. Core themes include Resource Management, Equity and Accessibility, Canopy Health & Growth, Long-Term Funding, Climate Resiliency, Enhanced Ecosystem Services & Benefits, and Community Engagement & Stewardship.
To learn more about the plan for Tacoma’s trees, visit www.tacomatreeplan.org.
  The City of Tacoma is proud to be a member agency of EnviroStars, Washington’s regional green business program. EnviroStars is a one-stop shop for businesses looking to go green and gain recognition for their actions. Through EnviroStars, businesses can access personalized, one-on-one help, rebates, and incentives to help become more sustainable in their daily operations. Businesses take actions in core areas like energy conservation, pollution prevention, and waste reduction to become EnviroStars certified businesses.
EnviroStars certified businesses are part of Tacoma’s growing green economy. Strengthening our green economy means adding more healthy, environmentally friendly, and living wage jobs in our community—a priority of both Mayor Woodards and Tacoma’s City Council. To see what businesses are EnviroStars certified in Tacoma and learn more about participation, you can visit www.envirostars.org.
 The Sustainable Tacoma Commission (STC) is our citizen advisory body tasked with bringing accountability and vigilance to the implementation of Tacoma’s Environmental Action Plan. The Environmental Action Plan outlines the City’s sustainability goals and actions, including greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, for our community
In 2020, regular STC meetings will be held monthly on third Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. in Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market St.), Room 248. All meetings are open to the public. Residents of Tacoma can apply to join the 13-member Commission, which has regular term expirations. The Commission’s meeting schedule, agendas, and other materials can be found online.
Questions regarding the Commission can be directed to Patrick Babbitt at 253.591.5173 or pbabbitt@cityoftacoma.org.
 On January 1, 2020, a Recycle Reset took effect in Tacoma. The Reset included minor adjustments to the accepted curbside recycling list and a new recycling surcharge of $2.82 per month for all residential solid waste customers.
Recycling is an important part of every waste management strategy, but customers are often confused about exactly what’s recyclable and what’s not. We want to make sure Tacoma community members have the most up-to-date information available to make recycling in Tacoma easier. Our Recycle Coach “What Goes Where” searchable tool allows customers to access Tacoma-specific instructions for the proper disposal of thousands of items—from plastic cups to bowling balls.
Visit tacomarecycles.org to learn more about Tacoma’s Recycle Reset and to try Recycle Coach today, or call (253) 502-2100. |
