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Ecotrope

Fresh ideas on nature and community.

June 18, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

"Benefit Companies" Focused On Sustainability Now Legal In Oregon

Gov. John Kitzhaber has signed a bill that allows companies to register as "benefit companies" in Oregon – businesses that offer environmental and social benefits in addition to making profits.

The designation recognizes businesses that conserve natural resources and provide employees with better quality of life.

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Filed under: Environment, Sustainability, Benefit Corporations


June 17, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

Sorting Through Piles Of So-Called Recycling

Portlanders put a lot of things in their recycling bins that really don't belong there. Far West Fibers President Keith Ristau walks through his Portland recycling facility and explains which items are the trouble-makers.

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Filed under: Environment, Sustainability, Recycling


June 13, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

Forest Park Trail Inspires Local Beer Made With Native Plants

Along Forest Park's Wildwood Trail, four Portland brewers found inspiration for new and unusual beers that incorporate spruce tips, huckleberry, ginger root, salmonberry and vanilla leaf.

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Filed under: Environment, Sustainability, Foraging, Forest Park


June 13, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

Portland Arboretum To Host Tree-Hugging World Record Attempt

Believe it or not, Portland doesn't hold the world record for tree-hugging. At least not yet. Next month, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland tree service Treecology will attempt to gather more than 702 people to simultaneously hug trees. That's what it will take to beat the current record-holder, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

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June 12, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

OSU Study Explains How Even A Little Ocean Acidification Can Kill Baby Oysters

A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that acidic water adds stress during a time when baby oysters are already in a "death race" to build their first shell. Researchers concluded that water with elevated carbon dioxide levels can cause the oysters to lose that race – even if the water isn't fully corrosive.

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Filed under: Environment, Pacific Ocean, Ocean acidification


June 11, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

Video: Seattle Sprouts An Edible Urban Forest

The city of Seattle has donated 7 acres of land and granted more than $100,000 toward planting a "food forest" just 2.5 miles from downtown. The edible forest will function as an ecosystem while growing a wide array of fruits, vegetables, herbs and nuts.

With a local neighborhood at the helm, the Beacon Hill Food Forest is set to become the largest forageable space in the U.S.

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Filed under: Environment, Sustainability, Food forests


June 07, 2013

Salt, Flies, Pickled Tongues: A Perfect Great Salt Lake Swim

Open water swimmers in Utah perform weekly marathon swims in water five times saltier than the ocean. They endure blisters, wild currents, a variety of temperatures and water that tastes "like a battery." They treasure the beautiful view and the refuge from boat traffic. Continue reading →

Filed under: Health, Nation, Environment


June 07, 2013

When You Waste Food, You're Wasting Tons Of Water, Too

Some 45 trillion gallons of water are lost each year with all of the food that's thrown out around the world, according to a report from the World Resources Institute. This represents a staggering 24 percent of all water used for agriculture. Continue reading →

Filed under: Food, Environment, Science


June 07, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

How To Make Bony, Invasive Shad Fish Taste Delicious

American shad fish are an invasive species that spawn by the millions in the Columbia River. They're fairly small and really bony, but with the right preparation, they make for a cheap, tasty feast.

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Filed under: Environment, Fish & Wildlife, Foodie Friday


June 05, 2013 · By Cassandra Profita

UN Report: The World Is Wasting A Quarter Of Its Food

One out of every four calories produced by world agriculture is being lost or wasted, according to new report released by the United Nations Environment Programme.

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Filed under: Environment, Oregon



About Ecotrope

In the Pacific Northwest, the environment is personal - it's where we live, work and play. Oregon Public Broadcasting's Ecotrope will bring you news and insight on the region’s environmental issues. Site curator Cassandra Profita is an award-winning reporter with degrees in journalism and environmental studies.

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