Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County will host the Green Gala celebration on Thursday, Feb. 22, at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St. This free event is open to any business or individual interested in environmental sustainability.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m.

The event will feature a presentation by Waste Not Food Taxi, a nonprofit that redistributes unwanted commercial leftovers to people in need.

Five awards will be presented to businesses and community members for their leadership in sustainability. The categories are:

• … Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Business program will hold a free Morning Blend networking event 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at Columbia Bank’s Community Room, 101 E. Sixth St.

Morning Blend is an opportunity to network, discuss green business efforts at your workplace, and learn about solutions for reducing our impact on the environment.

The event will feature a presentation about ResourceFULL Use, an organization that builds connections between businesses so they can exchange and reuse materials.

“ResourceFULL Use is saving businesses money and preventing… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill two volunteer positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. One position will represent Clark County north of 179th Street. The other will represent small cities and applicants for that position must live or work in Battle Ground, La Center, Ridgefield, Camas, Washougal or Yacolt.

Commission members serve three-year terms. They make recommendations to the county on issues such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste reduction programs.

The commission meets at 6 p.m… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants to fill two volunteer positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. One position will represent the local business community and the other will represent the solid waste management industry.

Commission members serve three-year terms. They provide recommendations to the county on issues such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste reduction programs.

The commission meets at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November. The next meeting, however, has… Read More

Vancouver, WA – As influenza spreads, residents with flu-like illness are asked to contact their health care provider before visiting a hospital emergency department. Contacting your health care provider first will reduce hospital overcrowding, help prevent the spread of flu to others and ensure emergency departments are available to address other serious medical conditions.

“Most people who have the flu will be uncomfortable but do not need to go to an emergency department,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer and Public Health director.

People should avoid… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Green Neighbors program is seeking hosts for its 2018 Natural Garden Tour on Sunday, July 15. To participate, residents should practice environmentally friendly gardening techniques and be willing to offer public tours of their yards and gardens.

The annual event is a fun way residents can show off their gardens and the Earth-conscious methods they use to make them blossom. The event gives people a chance to learn gardening techniques, get inspiration for home landscaping, and exchange ideas with others.

“I’ve learned that creativity and… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – During the holidays, Americans generate about 1 million extra tons of garbage each week. The waste is often gift packaging, wrapping paper and leftover food.

Fortunately, you can reduce, reuse and recycle during the holiday season without cutting back on holiday cheer, according to Sally Fisher, Outreach Program coordinator.

Follow these tips if you dream of a green Christmas:

• Take inventory of things you no longer use and donate old toys and clothing to a thrift store before you buy more. Even if the clothes can no longer be worn, thrift… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Thousands of Clark County residents soon will want to dispose of Christmas trees.

Waste Connections, Inc. will pick up trees with yard debris collection or regular garbage service. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into sections no longer than 5 feet, regardless of whether they will be collected with yard debris or garbage.

Before trees are put out, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and other non-tree materials must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees must be put in the garbage; they cannot be recycled with yard debris.

To recycle trees… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The flu positivity rate in Clark County has risen to 21 percent, well above the 10 percent threshold Public Health uses to mark high flu activity, according to Public Health’s Influenza Surveillance Update for the week Dec. 3. The positivity rate is based on data from local laboratories that test for flu.  

“Flu season is ramping up but it’s not too late to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. “By getting vaccinated now, you’ll be more likely to celebrate the New Year in good health. It can take up to two weeks for the vaccine… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – With flu season likely to ramp up at any time, health officials are recommending flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Flu shots are the best method to prevent flu, hospitalization, missed days of school or work and complications such as pneumonia.

Flu can occur in any month, but primarily from October through May. This contagious respiratory disease kills more people in the U.S. than any other vaccine-preventable disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that since 2010, flu-related deaths have ranged from 12,000 to 56,000 and… Read More