The Columbia Gorge Earth Center is nonprofit organization in Hood River, Oregon, that fosters sustainable living practices throughout the Columbia River Gorge. CGEC began in 1999, when local business owner Brian Carlstrom gathered interested folks to plan a celebration of the 30th anniversary of Earth Day. From 2000-2003, we coordinated provocative, informative and inspirational Earth Day events in Downtown Hood River. Over time, our work has expanded to include an ongoing film and lectures series, an annual “green” homes tour, a used building supply store, a local currency cooperative, farmers markets, and an online magazine.
Current projects
Gorge Outdoors: GO is the newest project of the Columbia Gorge Earth Center. GO is an online magazine of recreation, conservation and local culture. With sponsorship from the Earth Center, GO is able to apply for grants in keeping with its nonprofit editorial mission. Sign up at the website for weekly news and information from around the region at www.gorgeoutdoors.org.
Gorge Rebuilt-it Center: The GRC is a used building supply store. By accepting donations and reselling them to local residents, we promote reuse and help keep perfectly good product out of the landfill. Visit the website at www.rebuildit.org.
RiverHOURS, Gorge Local Currency Cooperative: The GLCC seeks to create and sustain a local currency system in order to build community, promote regional economic independence, support local business and trade, encourage entrepreneurship, honor diversity, and enhance the local minimum wage in the Mid-Columbia region. For more information, go to www.riverhours.org.
Ongoing events
Film and Lectures Series: This ongoing series catalyzes discussion about issues that are important to the people who live in our region. Visit our calendar for the film and lectures series schedule.
Green Drinks: This monthly networking and educational event brings together Gorge residents, business owners, government and nonprofits interested in sustainability issues. Learn more: http://www.greendrinks.org/
Annual Events
Enviro-House Tour: This annual fall event is a self-guided tour of “green” gorge homes and features solar power, strawbale construction, salvaged materials, super efficient design and building techniques, recycled and non-toxic products, smart communities, and sustainable landscaping. Check the calendar for details and email us if you’d like to volunteer.
Earth Day: This April event includes a two-wheeled scavenger hunt, informational booths, the Procession of the Species and live music in celebration of Mother Earth. Check the calendar for details and email us if you’d like to volunteer.
Past projects
Gorge Grown Food Network: GGFN serves as a central source to inform, empower, and connect local Columbia River Gorge farmers, food producers, farm workers, consumers, policy-makers, educators, health promoters, and food enthusiasts. GGFN began as a Earth Center project sparked by conversation at one of our film and lectures events. In 2009, the organization fledged to becomes its own nonprofit. GGFN holds weekly markets around the gorge. For more information, go to www.gorgegrown.com.
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