Energy

In 2015, the City of Portland pledged to reduce its energy use by 2% each year. The most recent check-in found a 28% drop in energy use since fiscal year 2006/2007. Projects like converting street lights to LED technology have helped, while population spikes have hindered that goal. Here’s a breakdown of the city’s energy consumption:

Fleet fuel — 28%
City facilities — 27%
Wastewater management — 20%
Water distribution — 12%
Parks — 7%
Street lights — 5%
Streetcar — 1%

Carbon emissions

Portland is on track to meet its goal to bring carbon emissions 53% lower than they were in 2006 by 2030, thanks in part to regional policies + big investments in renewable energy. It also doesn’t hurt that over 6% of Portlanders commute by bike.

Ecosystems

Portland Parks and Recreation manages the city’s natural areas, which add up to over 8,000 acres and include Forest Park and habitats along the Willamette River. Currently, 53% of city-managed areas are listed in “good” or “healthy” condition.

Water

The City of Portland used 550 million gallons of water in 2006, but that has since dropped to about 300 million gallons a year thanks in part to water conservation efforts in parks + the Green Building Policy.

Waste

City leaders set a goal to recover 90% of waste from city operations by 2030 — and they’re on track to reaching it. This means composting food waste from places like fire stations, and recycling office electronics and construction materials.

Infrastructure

Portland uses “green” infrastructure to prevent stormwater from carrying dirt, oil, and other pollutants into waterways. Green streets, ecoroofs, trees, and other systems not only protect natural areas, they’re also easy on the eyes + help make Portland a “greener” city — literally.

Show off your city’s commitment to going green by sharing this story.

EVENTS

Today

The Unlikely Candidates | Wed., Jan. 12 | 9 p.m. | Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St. | $16 | Childhood pals Kyle Morris + Cole Male formed this indie rock band in Fort Worth.
Bars Over Bars Hip Hop Showcase | Wed., Jan. 12 | 7-11 p.m. | The Big Legrowlski, 812 NW Couch St. | $10 | Stop by and show support for up-and-coming hip hop artists.

Thursday

Taylor Tomlinson: Deal With It Tour | Thurs., Jan. 13 + Fri., Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. | Revolution Hall | $30+ | Get ready for a night of laughter with the co-host of “The Self-Helpless” podcast.
Lomelda | Thurs., Jan. 13 | 9 p.m. | Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave. | $15+ | The musician from Silsbee, TX takes listeners on a journey through her fifth studio album, “Hanna.”

Friday

Portland Build, Remodel & Landscape Show | Fri., Jan. 14-Sun., Jan. 16 | Times vary | Oregon Convention Center | $6, children are free | Homeowners can connect with artisans + attend home improvement seminars and demonstrations. 🔨

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE JANUARY EVENTS

Note: COVID-19 protocols are changing rapidly to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in Portland. Please make sure to check event listing pages + venue websites for the most up-to-date information.

NEWS NOTES

Weather

58º | Mostly cloudy | 7% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:48 a.m.
Set: 4:49 p.m.

Health

Health officials are urging people to donate blood. A doctor at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland said some major surgeries are being delayed “because blood is so scarce.” Those willing + able to donate blood can make appointments here. (KOIN)

Sports

Major League Soccer star Diego Valeri is leaving the Portland Timbers and returning to Argentinian club Lanus where he started his career. The midfielder joined the Timbers in 2013 + helped lead Portland to an MLS Cup victory in 2015. (KGW)
The OSAA state wrestling championships will take place at different high schools across Oregon this year. The tournaments have been held at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum since 2007, but the chairman of the Oregon Wrestling Association said complications related to COVID-19 led to this year’s revised format. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Community

A new village to help house people experiencing homelessness is being built in Northeast Portland’s Russell neighborhood. We Shine PDX said the village will serve 10-12 people with multiple 8 ft. by 8 ft. huts, showers, restrooms + a community garden. It’s expected to open in March. (KATU)

Talk

Anneke Bloomfield was 5 years old when Nazi Germany invaded her home country of the Netherlands. She’s now an outreach speaker for the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education + will share her story of survival at 6 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 13, at the Gladstone Senior Center. (Portland Tribune)

📸 u/PopeUnderTheMountain

Stories have a way of coming full-circle on Reddit. One early morning this week, a Reddit user posted a photo of the Portland skyline with Mt. Hood in the background, and in it, you can see a blip of light from a snow groomer near Timberline Lodge. Just hours later, another Reddit user posted a photo — this time showing the groomer’s view. The snowy scene includes a nearly-buried Palmer lift, which only runs during the warmer months for obvious reasons.

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THE WRAP

Editor's Pick: Need one more reason why Portland is a green city? I was excited to see the Charge Ahead Rebate has been doubled — which adds a hefty incentive to buy a new or used electric car. Saving green by going green is a win-win to me.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get a sweat going with these exercise ideas only for Portlanders.

Today's Edition by:

Cambrie

PDXtoday Team

Editorial: Cambrie, Benjamin, Trevor, Britt

Sales: Jennifer

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