The Dirt! Makes Going Green in Portland Easy

Do you ever wish you could get the dirt on all the environmental events and resources in your community? If you live in Portland, you're in luck; just head to TheDirt.org.

A fantastic resource for Portlanders who want to make their lives as sustainable as possible, The Dirt! Is published by Spreading Roots, Spring Forth (SRSF), an organization that aims "to strengthen connections between people and the environment."

The Dirt! features detailed information about sustainability events in Portland, as well as some news, community initiatives, and other information. The e-publication also offers information and a calendar of events for five Portland-area environmental organizations.

Spreading Roots, Spring Forth

SRSF is all about connecting people and the environment, and they do this by providing information to the public and affiliated organizations, and access to environmental activities.

Best Fit For: Anyone who wants to be in the know on the latest environmental activites.

Portland Permaculture Guild

Portland Permaculture Guild is an informal group that promotes permaculture in Portland through a series of monthly educational meetings, as well as workshops, classes and activities. Permaculture is a design philosophy centered on care for the Earth and people, and the concept of sharing your surplus - in other words, it's as much a way of living as it is a way of building. Some of the topics the group explores in its programming include permaculture gardening techniques, water catchment systems, greywater systems, environmentally-friendly building, and alternative energy.

Best Fit For: People looking for philosophical and holistic sustainable living advice.

Bright Neighbor

Bright Neighbour helps communities organize and connect online, thus increasing "livability, sustainability, and relocalization while simultaneously improving local economies." Tools include: a map of public spaces, recycling centers, recreation centers, etc., with the ability to add events at these spaces; a Craigslist-esque marketplace for giving, swapping, selling and buying things and skills; and a listing for requesting and offering rides to events.

Best Fit For: People who love online social networking tools.

Transition PDX

Transition PDX takes a more economic approach to environmental issues. The network of volunteers is focused on developing a Transition Initiative in Portland. Transition Initiatives are a program of Transition United States, an organization formed to support community-based solutions to peak oil, climate change, and the economic crisis.

Best Fit For: People interested in public policy and economics.

Portland Peak Oil

Portland Peak Oil is focused on four main issues surrounding a future in which oil is in short supply, including developing strategies for coping with an oil shortage, promoting awareness of peak oil, lobbying the government to develop a plan to avoid a crisis, and acting as a resource for the community. PPO hosts speakers, film screenings, discussion groups, workshops and other events on Wednesday evenings.

Best Fit For: Peak Oil enthusiasts who are very alarmed by the looming crisis.

With a little something for everyone and comprehensive events listings, The Dirt! is a fantastic resource for Portlanders. Now if only other communities would follow suit.

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