Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste program offers community grants

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- For a second year, The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project is seeking to provide $500 to $2,000 in grant awards to individuals, businesses or organizations in Deschutes County to help with materials, infrastructure, or time that contribute to waste reduction in the community.

A total of $7,000 will be granted. Eligible parties need to apply by Nov. 13.

While there are some project stipulations, such as measurable results and the ability to last beyond the funding period, TEC encourages anyone with a waste prevention idea to apply.

The first year’s winners include:

• Council on Aging of Central Oregon – to implement reusable bags for their Meals on Wheels community-based food delivery program for aging adults across Central Oregon
• Central Oregon Community College – to design and install signage across campus for consistent and accurate education that addresses recycling contamination and encourages increased diversion of recyclables from the landfill
• SCP (Soul, Community, Planet) Hotel in Redmond – to help implement an on-site composting program
• Taco Del Mar: Bend and Redmond – to replace single-use disposable foodware and utensils with reusables for eat-in diners
• Sunriver Owner’s Association – to replace Styrofoam single-use coffee cups with reusable coffee mugs in their establishment

See website for details: EnviroCenter.org/CommunityGrants2020. Contact Ani with questions: ani@envirocenter.org. Rethink Waste is an Environmental Center program that operates in partnership with the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste and local garbage service providers.