Living Green Resource Page

The following are links to just a few of the many resources that exist to help homeowners, consumers and businesses live and operate their homes and businesses in a resource-efficient manner. Most municipalities have programs in place to help guide individuals and businesses.  Check your local city, county or state municipality online or ask your neighborhood council or chamber what’s happening in your community.

Homes – building and remodeling

The City of Seattle offers a free Green Remodeling Guide and information on building green.

The Master Builders Association of King-Snohomish County partners with King and Snohomish County to offer the Built Green program for resource-efficient new homes. The program is also available in certain other Washington counties.

Home energy audits are widely available.  A national guide to home energy audits is provided through the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Association of Idaho Cities offers a Green Building Toolkit for builders and developers.

Programs for consumers and businesses

Zipcar is a car-sharing membership company, with plans for individuals and businesses.

Puget Sound Energy has energy-reduction programs for individuals and businesses, including energy audits.

King County offers a wide range of services for individuals and businesses. The county’s EcoConsumer program focuses on balancing consuming and conserving, with ideas for making eco-friendly purchasing decisions.

Climate Solutions is a Northwest agency that focuses on practical solutions for global warming for businesses and individuals.

Many cities and regions have robust farmers’ markets, including neighborhood markets throughout Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.

Programs for businesses

The City of Seattle offers an ongoing speakers’ series, the Urban Sustainability Forum.

The City of Seattle’s Resource Venture program focuses on green business solutions, providing outreach, education and technical assistance.

EnviroStars is a Puget Sound-area program that incents businesses for reducing hazardous waste.

Seattle businesses can check out the resources available through the Seattle Climate Partnership, part of the Seattle Climate Action Plan.

The City of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development focuses on strategies and practical solutions for sustainable communities.

GreenBiz provides online resources on aligning environmental responsibility with business success.

ClimateBiz offers information and resources to help businesses reduce their climate impacts through their operations and supply chains.