Category: Community

Oregon is rather well known as a bastion of recycling. The first state in the country to instate a bottle bill, we are a community that prides itself on being good stewards of our land. This past week the City of Lake Oswego continued that heritage by passing a restriction for single-use plastic bags. In the next year plastic shopping bags will be fazed out at stores, restaurants, and even the farmer’s market.

About 10 years ago I read the book “Moby Duck”. It’s a non-fiction narrative about a shipping container that fell of a shipping freighter in the Pacific ocean. The container was filled with multi-colored, plastic ducks, the kind that kids play with in the bath tub. A rather unique cargo, these ducks have been washing up on beaches all of the world ever since. It provided an opportunity to study plastics in the ocean and how the plastic migrates. It’s shocking.

I’ve also heard it said that as much as recycling is wise, an even better direction to go is to not use the plastic in the first place. I see the city’s ban on plastic bags as a very wise move that will be a small step in the right direction.

Speaking of recycling, correct plastic recycling is super confusing. It’s bit of a pet peeve of mine that folks don’t know what is and isn’t recyclable. Those clam shell packages for spinach and lettuce? Not recyclable at the curb. To help us all better understand what is and isn’t recyclable at the curb, here is a link to the guidelines put out by Metro, our Metro-area authority on garbage and recycling. To view the information, click here.

Particularly at the holidays, the time of year when we are at the peak of consuming and recycling, it is a good idea to be mindful of using and purchasing items that are recyclable. Good for LO for taking the initiative to curtail the use of plastic. The bags are a step in the right direction. Now can we do something about drinking straws?

Here in Lake Oswego, there are so many opportunities to spread a little cheer to those in need in our area. The Holidays are a joyous time for many, but for some it a time of struggle. I recently discovered a quote from Audrey Hepburn. “You will discover that you have two hands. One is for helping yourself and the other is for helping others.”

The City, along with Clackamas County, is sponsoring the Pillowcase Project. Drop by City Hall and pick up a beautiful, hand-made pillowcase. Then fill it with basic-needs items and perhaps a gift or two. Then return it to City Hall by December 14th. The filled pillowcases will be distributed to the needy throughout Clackamas County, including here in Lake Oswego. The pillowcase concept is such a good one because long after the gifts and toiletries have been used and enjoyed, the pillowcase will continue to be used and to remind the recipient of good memories.

Oregon Food Pantries is doing a food drive. This project has a history of feeding nearly 250,000 Oregonians, including over 100,000 children. Non-perishable food can be dropped off a City hall, the Main Fire Station (300 B Ave) or the Library throughout November and December.

The Lake Oswego Fire Department is doing a Toy Drive. Bring new, unwrapped toys to the Main Fire Station (300 B Ave), or the Library (706 Fourth St) between now and December 14th. Toys will be distributed by the Tualatin Valley Elks Lodge to families throughout the local area.

Finally, coats, blankets, and gloves are being collected by the City to help those in need. Hope Sparrow Services will distribute the clothing throughout the winter. Children’s items are needed as well as for adults. They don’t have to be brand new. Lightly used and clean are welcome. Take your donation to the South entrance of City Hall any time in November, December, and January.

I think there’s a direct connection to our personal happiness and mental well being that is improved when we help others. Thank you for being involved. Happy Thanksgiving!
Dianne