  These are challenging times for everyone in Tacoma, our nation, and across the globe. As we continue navigating the unusual circumstances we’re all facing, the City of Tacoma is working closely with local, state, and national health officials to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and is committed to providing the latest updates on COVID-19 to our residents.
The City continues to provide essential services, but necessary changes are in effect. Visit cityoftacoma.org/coronavirus for the latest updates on city facilities, services, and procedures, and to find financial, physical health, and mental health resources.
While working remotely, OEPS staff are still here to help Tacoma practice sustainability and support community resiliency. To contact OEPS, email sustainability@cityoftacoma.org or call (253) 591-5172.
Each year, the City releases a report detailing progress made on the high-priority actions outlined in the Environmental Action Plan (EAP). The EAP details actions that the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Utilities, and our community will take between 2016 and 2020 to meet the environmental goals outlined in the Tacoma 2025 Strategic Plan.
The 2019 EAP Progress Report will released on Earth Day, April 22, at cityoftacoma.org/eap. Progress was made in each of the six categories of sustainability: natural systems, air and local food, buildings and energy, transportation, materials management, and climate resiliency.
OEPS will host a virtual community resiliency conversation later this month to discuss the 2019 EAP Progress Report and receive community input on the City’s sustainability and resiliency initiatives. Stay tuned to cityoftacoma.org/sustainability or Tacoma Sustainability on Facebook for information and updates when available.
Learn more about the community conversation and view the full 2019 EAP Progress Report at cityoftacoma.org/eap.
 The South Sound is coming together for a virtual celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.
Throughout the month of April, OEPS and community partners invite you to complete easy and fun daily actions that will inspire a love of trees and affect climate change in your home and neighborhood. The first action? Hug a tree!
Share your photos and videos with us, and join the collective effort to celebrate Tacoma’s resiliency, affect climate change, and foster connections with trees. Follow Earth Day South Sound on Facebook and Instagram to join the digital celebration and spread tree love.
Visit earthdaysouthsound.org or call (253) 591-5172 for more information on Earth Day 2020.
  The EnviroChallengers have gone digital! Every weekday while school is out, the EnviroChallengers will be sharing an "EnviroChallenge of the Day" to support student learning. The challenges align with state standards, can be tailored for different ages, and, in typical EnviroChallenger fashion, will entail a lot of fun!
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April 8: Garbage Gardening Some foods are sustainable and can be regrown from scraps, then used in a meal. Grow your own celery using the bottom of a store-bought stalk!
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March 30: Wildlife Journal! Students practice data collection and discover new habitats as they observe the outside world and log any animals (both pets and wildlife!) they see or hear.
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March 27: Salmon in the Sound! Can you name the six most important fish in the Puget Sound Region? Join EnviroChallenger Gator to test your knowledge!
See all of the challenges at cityoftacoma.org/EnviroChallenger or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TacomaSustainability.
 The City of Tacoma has suspended enforcement of the Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance during the declared state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
The temporary suspension comes at the request of grocers throughout the area and is a measure to preserve public health during the declared state of emergency. Current disruptions of supply chains are being compounded by increased consumer demand for groceries and other goods, making it nearly impossible to obtain adequate quantities of paper bags or heavier plastic bags to meet consumer demand. In addition, the reuse of customer-owned bags may increase the possibility of transmitting the novel coronavirus, putting customers and grocery workers, who are a critical part of the food supply chain, at risk.
Reusable bags remain an important part of the City of Tacoma's waste reduction strategies, and this temporary suspension will sunset with the declared state of emergency. Visit cityoftacoma.org/shoppingbags for the latest updates. |
